Culture and activity in aging

The cumulative effects of illness and disability in older age can lead to individuals being less able to make positive decisions about involvement in activities for pleasure and socialization. This lowered self-efficacy can in turn lead to erosion of confidence and ultimately to social exclusion. Older tenants in sheltered housing schemes are at particular risk of isolation and exclusion as the move to age-specific housing is usually triggered by a sudden or gradual decline in ability and/or personal circumstances. In conjunction with this, assumptions that social networks naturally occur in communal retirement communities and that people will individually or collectively arrange activities can lead to peoples' aspirations for meaningful activities in later life being overlooked. This problem is further compounded as housing staff find their time is taken up building maintenance and ensuring that tenants receive basic housing and environmental services. This chapter reports on the findings from a needs analysis that aimed to identify the activities that older tenants in a sheltered housing scheme had enjoyed during their lifetime, were no longer able to do but wanted to resume, and any new interests they were interested in pursuing. This is followed by a description of a one-year activity and culture program developed out of this needs analysis, underpinned by previous work conducted in Sweden

Social connectedness in older people: who is responsible?

YesMedical Research Counci

Self-management programme for people with dementia and their spouses demonstrates some benefits, but the model has limitations

Ye

An investigation into the activity of occupational therapists working with the elderly mentally ill

The thesis sought to investigate the purpose, nature and efficacy of occupational therapy in health service settings. It was based upon the premise that what occupational therapists do in practice is little understood and poorly researched. Therefore, as well as determining the nature of activity, this research also aimed to understand how the activity of occupational therapists might be influenced. The investigation focused upon the work of occupational therapists with older people with mental health problems, an area of high volume and demand. Through an examination of the literature on professionalism in health and social care and that concerned with older people with mental health problems, a model of occupational therapy was proposed, underpinned by the research hypothesis. The subsequent research design consisted of four empirical studies; each testing different aspects of the model of occupational therapy activity. As well as measuring the clinical activity of occupational therapists, views of that activity were obtained from the occupational therapists themselves, service users, and representatives from other disciplines also working with older people with mental health problems. The results of each study were analysed separately in the first instance. The totality of results were then employed to address the overall research aims, and to draw conclusions about the validity of the model of occupational therapy activity. This demanded further analysis of the findings using a critical theory approach to professional behaviour. In light of this, a revised model of occupational therapy activity is presented. This research enabled the activity of occupational therapists to be fully described for the first time, highlighting both positive aspects and shortfalls. It is has provided evidence of how professionalism in health is driving the activity of occupational therapists. The final chapter presents recommendations for development of a better foundation for occupational therapy activity

‘Future Bathroom’, What to make? Or How to Make? Challenges in meeting sustainable needs.

This paper is a case study that describes a design research programme, ‘the future bathroom’, undertaken by the authors which illuminates both challenges and solutions for inclusive and sustainable design. A co-design research methodology was adopted and engaged older users and community lay researchers to help overcome the barriers of developing a comprehensive understanding of the issues related to highly personal, private and intimate activities. We adopt the term co-design to describe an approach to design that encourages both user involvement and interdisciplinary design. Our challenge has been to provide an environment where an exchange of ideas between stakeholders could take place and to foster what Manzini (1) has referred to as a ‘creative community’. From the project emerged both insight and understanding of age related disability and bathroom use and potential design solutions to support these needs. Adopting an inclusive approach to design research we have developed flexible, durable and sustainable solutions that meet the diverse and changing needs of bathroom usage The paper discusses how sustainability in the context of inclusive design might need to consider more ‘what we should make’ rather than ‘how we should make’

Future bathroom: A study of user-centred design principles affecting usability, safety and satisfaction in bathrooms for people living with disabilities

Research and development work relating to assistive technology 2010-11 (Department of Health) Presented to Parliament pursuant to Section 22 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 197

Lifestyle matters randomized controlled trial of a preventive health intervention for older people: Qualitative sub study with participants and intervention facilitators

© 2020 Mountain et al. Objective: This qualitative study embedded within a randomized controlled trial was conducted to explore the acceptability, experiences of, and short-term impact of a preventive health intervention (Lifestyle Matters) from the perspectives of those who took part, and to uncover any evidence for the theorised mechanisms of action (improved participation and self efficacy) underpinning the intervention. It was also conducted to help explain the quantitative trial results. Methods: A purposive sample of 13 trial participants who had been randomized to receive the Lifestyle Matters intervention (approximately 10%) were individually qualitatively interviewed immediately following their involvement. All four intervention facilitators were also individually interviewed. Results: Evidence of the hypothesized behavioural changes could be identified within the interview data, demonstrating the potential of this intervention. However, lack of adherence to the overall intervention eroded receipt of benefit. This finding complements the quantitative trial results which found that the study had failed to recruit those who considered themselves to be at risk of age-related decline. Conclusion: This form of preventive health intervention requires proactive identification of those who recognise the need to make lifestyle changes. This is difficult if reactive health and social care systems are the main referral routes. The methodological approaches taken towards the study of complex interventions requires reconsideration if potential benefits are to be accurately assessed. Clinical Trial Registration: ISRCTN67209155

Adopt a care home: an intergenerational initiative bringing children into care homes

YesDementia friendly communities, in which people living with dementia actively participate and those around them are educated about dementia, may improve the wellbeing of those living with dementia and reduce the associated stigma. The Adopt a Care Home scheme aims to contribute towards this by teaching schoolchildren about dementia and linking them with people living with dementia in a local care home. Forty-one children, ten people living with dementia and eight school / care home staff participated in a mixed methods (questionnaires, observations, interviews and focus groups) evaluation to assess the scheme’s feasibility and impact. Data were analysed statistically and thematically. The scheme was successfully implemented, increased children’s dementia awareness and appeared enjoyable for most participants. Findings, therefore, demonstrate the scheme’s potential to contribute towards dementia friendly communities by increasing children’s knowledge and understanding of dementia and engaging people living with dementia in an enjoyable activity, increasing their social inclusion.University of Sheffield's Faculty of Medicine Dentistry & Health Innovation Fund

Activity and Culture: The Contribution to Health and Well-being in Later Life

A nurse-led multi-agency team worked with older people to develop a model of activity and culture, and evaluate its impact to health and well-being. Underpinned by a needs analysis, the project sought to identify the range of activities that older people used to engage in, currently undertake and what they aspire to engage with both inside their home and in the community. Initial findings revealed that lack of confidence, restricted opportunities and physical barriers such as transport, limited tenants' involvement with physical, social and cultural activities that could improve their health and wellbeing. The project has therefore aimed to develop a more diverse and accessible programme of activities that better reflects individual and collective needs. Following early positive evaluations, the project team are now considering how the centre could be accessed by, and benefit, a wider group of community dwelling older people and would hope to collaborate with other groups to explore how this model can be developed for use with a wider range of older people