The interaction effect of gender and residential environment, individual resources, and needs satisfaction on quality of life among older adults in the UK

Objectives: To examine the difference in gender and its impact on selected quality of life (QoL) domains of Social Production Function Theory among older adults in England. Methods: Based on an annual national adult social care service user survey conducted in the UK in 2016. QoL was assessed by a single-item construct and independent variables were home design, access to information and local area, self-rated health, perceived pain/discomfort, perceived anxiety/depression, activities of daily living, use and satisfaction of formal and informal care, and demographic variables. Results: 28,955 respondents aged 65+ were interviewed. Multinomial logistic regression analysis found four interaction effects for predicting a very good/good QoL: (1) Female receiving non-co-residing informal care (OR=1.501, p<.01), (2) Female feeling safe (OR=1.499, p<.01), (3) Female feeling satisfied with social contact with people (OR=1.465, p<.05), and (4) Female being helped in the use of time (OR=1.370, p<.05). Conclusion: Findings suggest gender differences in QoL as men and women are heterogenous with different health and disease patterns, health-/help-seeking behaviours, roles and responsibilities, and levels of resilience, needs, risks, and access and control resources. Practitioners should adopt a gender-specific assessment and personalised interventions to promote gender equality, empowerment, and long-term sustainable development for an ageing society.Peer reviewe

Understanding the Risks of Financial Scams as Part of Elder Abuse Prevention

Financial scams have been described as the crime of the twenty-first century, representing a global challenge for agencies involved in the protection of older people at risk of financial abuse. Financial abuse is the second most common form of adult abuse, but traditionally research has focused on abuse that occurs within relationships of trust within families. Less is known about financial scams perpetrated by individuals or organisations unknown to the individual, and which specifically target older people. In part, this is because financial scams are often underreported, as victims can be reluctant to disclose their experience, posing challenges to those who have a safeguarding role. This paper discusses factors emerging from the literature that act as triggers for scam involvement. These include loneliness, emotional vulnerability linked to life events, cognitive impairment and mental capacity. The findings of a small exploratory qualitative study with older people and their carers (n = 12) who have experienced financial scams will be discussed in relation to the literature. These provide unique insights into the experience of being scammed and the impact on individual health and well-being. Key themes will be discussed in relation to social work practice and integrated working across health and social care