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Objectives: Aging older adults experience psychological anxiety along with declines in physical function, which decreases the level of active aging and physical activity participation. The purpose of this study was to identify the moderating effect of self-efficacy on active aging to improve the occupational participation of community-dwelling older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among older adults in Gwangju and Jeollanamdo using the snowball sampling method. The final sample consisted of 280 adults. The survey included demographic data, the Outpatient Physical Therapy Improvement in Movement Assessment Log, the Anxiety about Aging Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Active Aging Scale, respectively. Using the Hayes PROCESS macro (Models 3.3), moderated effect analyses were performed. Results: A total of 307 participants (aged 65–92 years) and 280 data points were used in the final analysis after excluding 27 incomplete data points. The physical function of older adults has a positive effect on active aging, aging anxiety significantly predicts negative effects, and self-efficacy shows a moderating effect on the relationship between physical function, aging anxiety, and active aging. Conclusions: This study shows the moderating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between physical function, aging anxiety, and active aging in older people. These results suggest that a psychological support program to promote self-efficacy is an important resource as a community support system to prevent decline in occupational participation due to physical function decline and aging anxiety and to improve active aging in older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collective memories refer to a group's shared representation of the past, which are slow to change over time. In this study, representative samples of American and German Younger Adults (YAs) and Older Adults (OAs) rated the emotional valence of 12 national historic events. Critically, both age groups were also asked to take on the perspective of the other: OAs imagined how YAs feel, whereas YAs imagined how OAs feel about the same events today. The results replicated previous findings that OAs and YAs hold differing opinions on numerous events. Both age groups successfully recognised these different collective perceptions between generations to some extent. Yet, OAs were more accurate in the perspective-taking task, with YAs consistently underestimating the intensity of OAs' emotional valence. Self-reported perspective-taking strategies suggest that OAs relied more on stereotypes and considered education, while knowledge from specific people was universally used to rate the other age group's perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to engage in empirical research, utilizing a quasi-experimental method, to examine having books addressing aging presented in an intergenerational course to see whether this can effectively improve students' aging knowledge, attitudes, and intentions toward older adults. This study involved a seven-week picture book read-aloud course addressing the specific theme of aging presented by a senior volunteer teacher. A total of 52 5th grade students were recruited to participate in this study, which also involved the use of aging knowledge, attitudes, and intentions questionnaires. The results revealed that, while there were no statistically significant differences in the experimental group regarding attitudes or intentions, it did indicate that presenting age-friendly picture books can effectively promote children's aging knowledge. With the advent of a superannuated society, there is an urgent need to offer aging education, since correct aging knowledge may influence children's attitudes and behavioral intentions. CONTRIBUTION TO THE FIELD: This study incorporates picture books and intergenerational learning into its design, and the results show that combining age-friendly picture books with intergenerational learning brings about effective and significant improvements in aging knowledge. There are very few intergenerational learning activities like age-friendly read-aloud in Taiwan and this study points out implementing intergenerational aging education in elementary school curriculum is both feasible and necessary in Taiwan. The results of this study clearly show that teaching age-friendly picture books can significantly improve children's knowledge of aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an increasing need of gerontological education in social work to enhance the knowledge of aging and interests in senior care among students. This study is conducted based on an experiential-learning strategy with a combination of having an ethnographic interview with an older adult and writing a reflection paper afterward as an assignment embedded in a Gerontology course of the Bachelor of Social Work program in western Canada. Thematic analysis was applied to eight reflection papers in which a consent was obtained from 2020 to 2021 cohorts of social work students. Three key themes emerged: connection between learned knowledge and interview topics, resonation interview content with personal experiences, and a positive perception of aging and a positive attitude toward working with aging populations. The findings support the combination of ethnographic interview and reflection paper as a pedagogical approach in gerontological education not only for improving students' learning experience and knowledge but also for establishing a positive perception of aging and older adults. The study also reveals the necessity of more interaction between students and older adults to enhance a better understanding of aging-related issues and promote willingness to work with older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Older adults living with a disability (LWD) face both ageism and ableism, but there are few interventions to address this significant and growing social problem. Research Design and Methods Drawing on the Positive Education about Aging and Contact Experiences model, 3 online studies involved participants randomly assigned to watch 4 brief online videos providing education about aging and disability and exposure to positive contact between younger adults and older adults/older adults LWD (experimental condition) or videos about interior design (control condition). Studies 1 (community sample) and 2 (university sample) included an immediate posttest whereas Study 3 (2 university samples) additionally included a pretest and delayed posttest. Results Experimental condition (vs control) participants reported greater agreement with older adults LWD as contributors to society (immediate posttest in Studies 1 and 2; immediate and delayed posttest in Study 3), lesser (greater) endorsement of negative (positive) stereotypes of older adults and older adults LWD, lesser agreement with older adults LWD as burdensome, lesser intergenerational tension with older adults (immediate posttest in Study 2; immediate and delayed posttest in Study 3), and greater openness to careers working with older adults and older adults LWD (immediate and delayed posttest in Study 3). Discussion and Implications Brief online interventions that involve education about aging and disabilities as well as exposure to positive intergenerational contact can be an effective means of reducing ableism and ageism toward older adults and older adults LWD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Knowledge about ageing from the perspective of people with intellectual disability is extremely scarce, which means a lack of evidence-based interventions for healthy ageing adjusted to their needs. Aim: To investigate how people with intellectual disability experience ageing, prior to an educational intervention. Methods: Twenty-six persons with mild intellectual disability, age 42-74 (mean 61.3) were interviewed and the text was analyzed qualitatively. Results: The main findings are reflected in the themes Live for today – tomorrow you are old and Need of support to enable a meaningful ageing. The participants avoided thinking about ageing, which they associated with retirement, loneliness and social isolation, increased need for help in everyday life, worsening health and death. Meaningful ageing meant continuance of leisure activities and working as long as possible. Conclusions: Interventions to prepare people with mild intellectual disability for healthy ageing must take into account these people's loneliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Loneliness is a negative emotional state which is common in later life. The accumulative effects of loneliness have a significant impact on the physical and mental health of older adults. We aim to qualitatively explore the experiences of loneliness in later life and identify relevant behaviours and indicators which will inform novel methods of loneliness detection and intervention. Methods: We conducted 60 semi-structured interviews with people aged 65 and over between September 2022 and August 2023. Data were analysed using a reflective thematic approach with early theme development on NVIVO software. Results: Three themes were identified from the experiences of loneliness in older adults. 1) Unique responses to loneliness, including crying, increased eating or drinking and sleep difficulties, 2) Age-related losses, such as networks, roles, and abilities to engage in activities reducing over time and 3) Individual differences in overcoming loneliness, where strategies such as keeping busy and adopting a positive mindset were impacted by motivation and mood of older adults. Conclusion: Distinct signs and relevant factors to loneliness in later life have been identified which can be detected by future sensing technologies. Findings of this in-depth qualitative study highlight that loneliness is a subjective experience requiring a holistic and person-centred approach to detection and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The AgingPLUS program targets motivational barriers, including negative views of aging, as mechanisms to increase adult physical activity. A pilot study was conducted to test the efficacy of this new program against a generic successful aging program. Fifty-six participants were randomly assigned to the AgingPLUS group, and 60 participants were assigned to the active control group. Repeated-measures multivariate analyses of variance assessed changes in views of aging, physical activity, blood pressure, and hand-grip strength from pretest (Week 0) to delayed posttest (Week 8). The Condition × Occasion interactions were nonsignificant; however, significant main effects for condition and occasion were found. Follow-up tests showed that views of aging were more positive, and physical activity had significantly increased at Week 8 for all participants. In addition, in the treatment group, elevated blood pressure had significantly decreased and hand-grip strength had significantly increased at Week 8. Despite the nonsignificant multivariate findings, the main effect findings provided partial support for the efficacy of the AgingPLUS program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Guided by Andersen's behavioral model, the objectives of this study were to (a) examine the associations between individual factors and the intended utilization of home-based long-term care (LTC) services among older adults in China and (b) explore the influence of community support, if any, on these associations. Methods Using a multistage random sampling approach, we recruited 1,064 older adults in Chengdu, China. Hierarchical regression was employed to investigate the direct effects of individual predictors and community support on the intended use of home-based LTC services. The moderating effect of community support was examined using the Hayes Process. Results Two predisposing (i.e. being old and unmarried), 4 enabling (i.e. living alone, having fewer children, and receiving less family and peer support), and 6 need factors (i.e. having more chronic illnesses; decreased performance in instrumental activities of daily living; higher levels of depression, anxiety, loneliness; and a lower self-image of aging), and low community support were significantly associated with increased intended utilization of home-based LTC. In addition, community support moderated the effects of family support (B  = −0.20, p  < .001), peer support (B  = −0.20, p  < .001), self-image of aging (B  = −0.39, p  < .001), depression (B  = −0.34, p  < .001), and loneliness (B  = −0.48, p  <  .001) on the intended utilization of home-based LTC services. Discussion Policy-makers and practitioners should consider delivering tailored services for older adults and involve the community in the context of enhancing home-based LTC services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore Kinh Vietnamese adults' perception of older adults, and examine their anxiety about ageing and its associated factors. Purposive sampling method was used to recruit rural community members who aged from 18 to 59 by the time of the study and self-identified with Kinh ethnicity, the major ethnicity in Vietnam. A total of 322 eligible participants completed face-to-face, semi-structured interviews conducted by research assistants. The survey consisted of both close-ended questions and open-ended questions to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The qualitative results from open-ended questions show that 'older adults' were perceived and described with overwhelmingly negative characteristics regarding their appearance (wrinkles, gray hair), physical and cognitive health conditions (weak, frail, confused), capacity (incapable of working), and personality and behavioral characteristics (being difficult and irritable). The quantitative findings show that contact with older adults, correct understanding of qualified age of older adults, and worry about getting dementia and caring for someone with dementia in the future were significantly associated with anxiety about aging. Stereotype and prejudice about older adults, as well as anxiety about aging are critical issues among Vietnamese adults. These results have their implications for educational programs and media campaigns to address ageist stereotypes and aging anxiety in community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Prescriptive views of aging (PVoA) are normative age-based expectations about age-appropriate behavior for older adults, e.g. that they should stay fit/active (active aging norms) but also behave altruistically toward younger generations (altruistic disengagement norms). We aimed at examining age differences in endorsement of active aging and altruistic disengagement and investigated predictors of endorsement. Method: In the AGEISM Germany survey, a representative sample of N = 1,915 German participants was recruited, covering a wide age range (Mage=56.57 years, 16-96 years). Cross-sectional data was collected via computer-assisted telephone interviews. Results: Active aging was more strongly endorsed than altruistic disengagement. Endorsement of both PVoA was higher in older age groups – even more pronounced for altruistic disengagement. Endorsement of both norms was positively associated with positive age stereotypes. Furthermore, active aging was predicted by age centrality whereas altruistic disengagement was predicted by negative age stereotypes. Age was still a robust predictor of PVoA even after entering additional predictors. Conclusion: Although associated, prescriptive age norms (i.e. beliefs how older people should behave) and descriptive age norms (i.e. beliefs about how older adults and the aging process are like) represent partly independent belief systems, highlighting the importance to assess & further investigate predictors and consequences of PVoA, which become more prevalent with age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Perceived expectations for active aging (PEAA) reflect subjective exposure to social expectations about staying active and fit in old age, for example, by maintaining health and social engagement. We investigated whether motivational and personality factors were related to PEAA in the domains of physical health, mental health, and social engagement. Method: We used a nationally representative sample of German adults (SOEP-IS) covering the entire adult life span (N = 2,007, age range 16–94 years) to test our pre-registered hypotheses. Results: Multiple regression analyses indicated that motivation (i.e. life goals and health-related worries) was consistently associated with PEAA in the matching domains and mediated the effects of openness to experience on PEAA. No other personality trait was associated with PEAA. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that individuals preferentially notice the expectations for active aging whose content relates to their personal concerns and goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have found negative ageing narratives in the media during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, few have focused on compassionate ageism and how the news responded to the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated (a) media themes of negative and compassionate ageism and (b) their relationships with COVID-19 parameters and the public health response. The sample included 1,197 articles relevant to COVID-19 and older people in Hong Kong published between January and December 2020. We used thematic analysis to identify themes from the news articles and structural equation modelling to explore these themes' relationship with the number of older people infected, effective reproduction number, number of COVID-19 deaths and public health response parallel in time. Pandemic-related variables were lagged for a day – the time needed to be reflected in the news. Two negative ageism themes portrayed older people as vulnerable to COVID-19 but counterproductive in combating the pandemic. Two compassionate ageism themes depicted older people as a homogenous group of passive assistance recipients. The theme blaming older people was associated with the number of confirmed infections (β = 0.418, p = 0.002) but vulnerability of older people was not associated with pandemic-related variables. The theme helping older people was negatively associated with the percentage of older people in confirmed infections (β = −0.155, p = 0.019). The theme resources available was negatively associated with confirmed infections (β = −0.342, p < 0.001) but positively associated with the Containment and Health Index (β = 0.217, p = 0.005). Findings suggested that negative and compassionate ageism were translated into narratives about older people in the media as the pandemic evolved but did not address the actual risk they faced. Media professionals should be aware of the potential negative and compassionate ageism prompted by the news agenda and promote adequate health behaviours and responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Successful aging is a mainstay of the gerontological literature, but it is not without criticism, including the often-limited way that it is studied and measured as well as the exclusion of older adults' voices in its formulation and understanding. This study sought to address these issues through a qualitative investigation across multiple countries. Research Design and Methods This was a mixed-methods, cross-sectional, exploratory study using an online survey. Nations that received the survey included Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and the Unites States. Participants aged 65 and older were asked to describe what successful aging means to them in an open-ended survey item. Summative content analysis was utilized to examine the responses. Results Successful aging was defined by 1,994 participants, and 6 themes along with 20 subthemes were found. In contrast to conception that successful aging is solely or predominantly related to the absence of disease and decline, the most prominent theme in this study was "active, independent, and engaged" as the hallmark of success. Discussion and Implications Although health and health maintenance were present in other themes, these findings support a multidimensional definition of successful aging that promotes the perspectives of older people. Future research should seek to further investigate the ways in which person-in-environment factors influence definitions of successful aging, including culture, gender and gender identity, race and ethnicity, and socioeconomic background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Attitudes toward aging (ATA) are among the most important determinants of well-being in old age. However, little research has examined factors contributing to their formation in middle-aged individuals. This study aimed to investigate predictors of attitudes toward aging among Iranian middle-aged individuals in 2022. Method: This study recruited 330 people with a mean age of 56.5 ± 5.6 using multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected using a three-part questionnaire, including demographic factors, an attitude toward aging questionnaire (AAQ), and a multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS). The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS (v.22) statistical software to conduct t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and linear regression. Results: According to bivariate analysis, perceived social support (PSS), age, level of education, and perceived income adequacy (PIA) had a significant relation with the total ATA score (P < 0.05). According to regression analysis, family support (β = 0.288, P < 0.001), friend support (β = 0.188, P < 0.001), significant others support (β = 0.130, P = 0.04), age (β = 0.118, P = 0.002), and PIA (β = 0.290, P < 0.001) were the predictor factors of ATA and explained 41% of the variance. PSS and PIA were the predictors of all dimensions of ATA. Conclusion: The results highlight the role of potentially modifiable factors, such as PSS, PIA, and level of education, in shaping ATA. This requires interventions and policies that effectively promote social and financial support in middle-aged individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to provide an in-depth examination of culturally and linguistically diverse older adults' perceptions of and experiences with the Toronto Police Service to inform the development of a training curriculum for police officers working with older persons. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative descriptive study using virtual focus groups with 26 older adults from Toronto was conducted. Findings: Three main themes emerged: understanding intersectionality; the impact of police officer attitudes and biases; and the need for age-friendly policing. Although many older adults rely on police services to keep them safe, there is dissatisfaction with some aspects of how police interact with older adults, particularly from minority groups. Originality/value: Participants were older adults from culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse backgrounds who are not usually included in studies on improving police services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the World Health Organization Report on ageism and the spread of ageism during the COVID-19 pandemic, varied actions to combat ageism have taken place, worldwide. To examined what older people think about combating ageism, 731 Israelis, ages 60–85, responded to an online survey. Thematic analysis of their responses identified that the two main reasons for combating ageism rely on "moral-social justification" and "financial-employment justification." Respondents suggested various strategies to combat ageism including, "changes in law and adjudication," "inter-generational ties," "educational activities," and "campaigns." Respondents also identified "inner work" as the fifth and most important way to eliminate self-ageism. The results of this qualitative study contribute to the global campaign to combat ageism because of the emphasis on "inner work" of older people as a strategy in and of itself. Moreover, the study demonstrates the importance of including older adults in all stages of the global campaign to reduce and eliminate ageism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Historically, aging research has focused primarily on health deterioration and negative aspects associated with aging. This has limited the scope of our understanding of the experience of aging and the relationships between aging and well-being from an integrative biopsychosocial perspective. In the same vein, there is a lack of reliable and valid assessments of aging that capture the positive aspects that characterize and improve the subjective experience of this period of life, particularly one that focuses on psychosocial well-being, including meaningful experiences and activities, group memberships, and general abilities. This study presents the development and validation of the Positive Aging Scale (PAS), a novel self-report assessment. Research Design and Methods This was an online cross-sectional study conducted on 501 UK residents aged ≥60 years. A number of self-reported items and measures of positive aging, general health, well-being, and cognitive functioning were administered to the sample. We used exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and assessed the dimensionality, reliability, and concurrent criterion-related validity of the PAS. Results The results suggested that a unidimensional solution represents the data well, with the positive aging factor adequately loading on 8 items, and the solution showing factorial invariance between young-old and old participants (i.e. ≥75 years). Total PAS scores positively correlate with general health, well-being, and cognitive functioning. Discussion and Implications The PAS demonstrated strong psychometric properties and the findings highlight correlations between the PAS and key outcomes of positive aging, including general health. Implications for research and interventions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives This study examined the psychometric properties and measurement invariance of the 10-item Awareness of Age-Related Change Short Form (AARC-SF) questionnaire in a Chinese-speaking sample of older adults in Taiwan. Research Design and Methods Data from 292 participants (M age = 77.64 years) in the Healthy Aging Longitudinal Study in Taiwan cohort were used for Study 1, whereas data from young-old adult samples in Germany were used for Study 2. Results Study 1 showed that the AARC-SF had satisfactory reliability and validity for assessing adults' AARC in Taiwan. Analyses confirmed the 2-factor structure of AARC-gains and AARC-losses. Study 2 demonstrated strong measurement invariance across men and women, whereas direct comparisons of the item scores between young-old adults and old-old adults need to be made with caution. Noninvariance of loadings indicated that certain items were more closely linked to AARC-gains and AARC-losses in Taiwan than in Germany. Noninvariance of intercepts suggested potential biases in comparing item scores between Taiwanese and German older adults. Discussion and Implications The AARC-SF emerged as a reliable and valid instrument for capturing positive and negative subjective aging experiences among Taiwanese older adults. However, it is noteworthy that some items on the AARC-SF may solicit different responses from individuals of different ages and different countries of origin, requiring caution with age group and cross-cultural comparisons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age is a commonly used criterion in social work, whether for entry and exit or for decisions about the appropriate measures for clients. This study introduces the concept of age logics in social work and investigates the use of age in 'wet' eldercare facilities. Wet eldercare facilities are harm reduction arrangements open to people over the age of 50 with long-term substance misuse. No treatment is provided, and residents can continue to consume alcohol and other substances for the rest of their lives. At wet eldercare facilities, age is used to mark a shift in ambition: earlier efforts to treat are replaced by attempts to provide care and dignity. The article uses wet eldercare facilities as the example with which to (i) introduce age logics as an analytical tool for critical studies of age in social work; (ii) understand how age logics are used in harm reduction arrangements for older people; and (iii) propose a method to increase age awareness and identify and challenge problematic uses of age in social work. The empirical data consists of interviews with 31 residents, 11 caseworkers and 12 staff members at two Swedish wet eldercare facilities. The analysis identifies four types of age logics linking chronological age with its meanings: (a) the logic of changeability; (b) the logic of lifestyle; (c) the logic of function; and (d) the logic of administrative fit. Together they construct an ideal type of the 'older addict', which justified existing arrangements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep is an integral part of individuals' health and wellbeing. Despite evidence showing that social stressors are important contributors to older adults' sleep problems, how the accumulative stressful life events (SLEs) and ageing attitudes independently and jointly affect sleep quality among older adults in developing countries remains unclear. This study examined the effects of SLEs on subjectively rated sleep quality among older adults in China, and explored the potential mediating and moderating roles of positive and negative ageing attitudes on the above association. Using data from the 2014 China Longitudinal Ageing Social Survey, we had complete data for 7,780 older adults aged 60 and older. We employed logistic regression models and the Karlson–Holm–Breen decomposition method. Our findings indicated that SLEs significantly increased the risk of poor sleep quality, especially for those who had experienced two or more SLEs during the past year. Positive ageing attitudes were associated with lower odds of poor sleep quality, whereas negative ageing attitudes were related to higher odds of poor sleep quality. Moreover, the mediation analyses suggested that SLEs were associated with poor sleep quality via negative ageing attitudes. The moderating effects further documented that higher levels of positive ageing attitudes can significantly attenuate the deleterious impact of SLEs on sleep quality. The findings highlight the significance of SLEs for older adults' sleep quality and shed light on the importance of ageing attitudes to improve older adults' sleep in China as well as other low- and middle-income countries, where the social safety nets are still underdeveloped. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Societal changes have led to greater isolation and higher levels of loneliness particularly for older generations. Loneliness is a significant public health challenge leading to increased levels of poor mental health. Depression and anxiety are also increasing in prevalence amongst children and young people. Intergenerational activities are interventions designed to bring together older and younger generations with the purpose of allowing participants to utilise their experiences and skills, and to give participants a chance to experience the pleasure and excitement that occurs with the transmission of knowledge and skills from one generation to another. Intergenerational activities are therefore potential interventions that can address the growing problems associated with loneliness and lack of wellbeing. Objectives: This systematic review aims to examine the impact of intergenerational interventions on the wellbeing and mental health in children and adolescents, and potential harmful effects. It also aims to identify areas for future research as well as key messages for service commissioners. Search Methods: We searched an evidence and gap map published in 2022 (comprehensive searches conducted July 2021 and updated June 2023) to identify randomised controlled trials of intergenerational interventions that report mental health and wellbeing outcomes for children and young people. Selection Criteria: Randomised controlled trials of intergenerational interventions that involved unrelated younger and older people with at least one skipped generation between them and reported mental health or wellbeing outcomes for children and young people were included in this review. Data Collection and Analysis: We used standard methodological procedures expected by The Campbell Collaboration. We conducted data extraction and Cochrane risk of bias assessments in EPPI reviewer. Main Results: While we identified 500 evaluations of intergenerational interventions, where the impact on participating children and/or young people was evaluated this was most often limited to assessing their impact on attitudes to aging. We identified five studies evaluating five different types of intergenerational interventions which included one‐off sessions to ones that spanned a year measuring their impact on the mental health and wellbeing of children and/or young people. The purposes of the interventions differed, which included promoting social skills, preventing harmful behaviour and promoting learning. The ages of children also varied across the five studies, with one targeting younger children, two targeting younger teenagers and two targeting older teenagers. One study included socioeconomically disadvantaged children, and in the other studies the socioeconomic backgrounds of the children and young people were not described. The outcome measures used to evaluate the interventions varied with none of the studies measuring the same outcomes. One study showed improvements in wellbeing measures, and this was an intervention delivered to children in deprived neighbourhoods, where the intervention duration was for a year allowing the development of a greater depth of relationship between the younger and older participants. Four studies found no....... The included studies were at high risk of bias therefore raising uncertainty in the reliability of the findings. Underpinning theories that supported the development of the interventions and explained the mechanisms of effect were poorly described. Authors' Conclusions: The evidence for the effectiveness of intergenerational interventions on the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people is limited and inconclusive. Few evaluations have sought to measure how intergenerational interventions impact children and young people and where this impact is measured the focus is usually limited to attitudes to aging. The evidence that has been collected is too heterogenous to allow synthesis of the findings. The underpinning theories to support their development are poorly described with no follow‐up data to ascertain if benefits are maintained. Intergenerational interventions show promise but researchers have failed to measure how they impact on the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. This is a serious limitation of the evidence base that needs to be addressed in robust and rigorous evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Self-perceptions of aging are important predictors of physical and mental health, longevity, and quality of life. The Brief Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire (B-APQ) is the most promising scale of self-perceptions about aging and has been translated into many languages. This study aimed to develop a Japanese version of the B-APQ and examine its validity and reliability. Methods: A web-based survey of 1500 people aged 65 and older was conducted in Japan. Of the participants, 651 were men and 849 were women. The average age was 72.97 years. Results: No significant distributional biases were found for any items of the Japanese version of the B-APQ. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted using the same model as the previous studies. The results of CFA showed that the goodness of fit indices met the acceptability criteria. Two-tailed Pearson correlations showed significant relationships between each factor of the Japanese version of the B-APQ as well as the cognitive and physical functioning, depression, and well-being of older adults. Conclusions: The Japanese version of the B-APQ has high internal consistency and significant factorial and construct-related validity. The Japanese version of the B-APQ is expected to be used to measure the self-perceptions of aging for further study in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objectives Evidence suggests spouses influence each other's subjective views on aging. Aligned with the Theory of Dyadic Illness Management, we investigated for the first time similarities in felt age (how old people feel relative to their chronological age) between people with dementia and their spousal caregivers, and how each partner's felt age was related to psychological correlates in the other partner. Methods We used baseline (2014–2016) data from 1,001 people with dementia and their spousal caregivers who participated in the British Improving the experience of Dementia and Enhancing Active Life study. We ran linear regressions to analyze the extent to which the felt age of people with dementia and their caregivers were similar, and whether relationship quality was associated with the similarity. We utilized actor–partner interdependence models to analyze whether the felt age of people with dementia and their caregivers were associated with each other's well-being, satisfaction with life, and self-efficacy. Results The felt age of people with dementia was associated with the felt age of their caregivers (β = 0.10; p =.001). Caregivers and people with dementia reported a more similar felt age when caregivers rated the caregiving relationship more positively (β = 0.07; p =.04). Caregivers' felt age was associated with well-being (β = 0.07; p =.02) and satisfaction with life (β = 0.06; p =.04), but not with self-efficacy, in people with dementia. Discussion Felt age in caregivers and people with dementia may be interwoven, and important psychological variables in people with dementia are related to caregivers' felt age. Findings offer empirical evidence on dementia caregiving dynamics and how family relationships are related to views on aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Gerontologists have yet to explore the types of questions individuals have about later life. Analyzing questions offers a unique perspective on how individuals make sense of age-related issues. Specifically, questions require people to articulate specific inquiries or doubts, thus providing an unfiltered glimpse into the public's concerns and priorities vis-à-vis aging. We conduct a content analysis of questions posted on Quora that pertain to later life. Research Design and Methods We compiled 2,950 questions posted across four topics on Quora: "Aging," "Senior Citizens," "Elders" and "Older People." After applying our exclusion criteria, 658 questions were left for content analysis. These questions received more than 250 million views. Both deductive and inductive approaches guided the qualitative analysis. Results Five themes emerged from the analysis. The biggest theme (30%; N  = 195) dealt with 'Practical Concerns' (Theme 1). The next biggest theme (29%; N  = 191) was about "Health and Well-Being" (Theme 2). Theme 3 was about the 'Prolongation of Youth' (16%; N  = 110) and Theme 4 was about the 'Science of Aging' (15%; N  = 97). Theme 5 covered 'Existential Concerns' (10%; N  = 65). Discussion and Implications There is a need to address concerns that the public has about aging, particularly those involving practical issues and health. Growing old is unavoidable and with the population aging at a rapid pace, assuaging such concerns is of paramount importance. By doing so, individuals can approach the aging process with greater clarity and an elevated sense of empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate women between the ages of 50 and 70 who write and perform spoken word poetry, through which they wish to lead positive social change, by turning the culture of silence into open discourse. This period represents a new phase of life. These women are at an "in-between" phase of being no longer young but not yet old and are between life roles. This is a new age group that has not yet been studied. We argue that this stage of life requires a new term. The term chosen for this study is advant-age because it implies the advantages and opportunities that this period of life affords. Although this group of women is growing in relation to the general population, the ageism and sexism they experience are increasing, creating a gradual process of social exclusion and reduction in their agency. Spoken Word Poetry (SWP) is written on a page but performed live in front of an audience. It is a poetic piece that includes rhythm, rhyme, and sometimes humor, which help convey complex messages with finesse. The importance of the current research lies in revealing a new and unresearched social phenomenon that has been developing in Israel in recent years: Advant-aged women are discussing issues that society usually silences, using methods that traditionally have been associated with younger groups. Through SWP, advant-aged women are enabling the possibility of raising these issues for public discussion and creating an opportunity for social change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This study aimed to investigate perceptions of what it means to "age well" and to explore similarities and differences between a Western and non-Western culture (Britain and Java). Methods Qualitative interviews explored how Javanese and British older adults defined aging well, establishing the similarities and differences between cultures. Javanese (n  = 14) and British (n  = 15) adults aged 61–80 (mean age = 68) participated. The data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and organized with NVivo. Results Four themes were identified that captured what it means to age well across cultures: (a) good health is a springboard for aging well ; (b) holding a positive outlook is a decisive factor in aging well ; (c) "having enough" and "feeling safe" provide peace of mind ; and (d) spirituality and religiosity provide tranquility. Although both cultures mentioned similar factors, there were variations in the interpretations and emphasis within themes. For example, Javanese participants emphasized the importance of the social environment whereas British participants highlighted the physical environment. Discussion Differences between cultures are important for understanding how best to support people as they age. For example, in Java, aging well may be best supported by providing a vibrant social environment. For people in Britain, having a safe and secure physical environment may be more important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To inform a new European-based online master's programme in active aging and age-friendly society, a scoping review was performed to identify previously reported learning needs and learning outcomes on this topic. Four electronic databases (PubMed, EBSCO [Academic Search Complete], Scopus, and ASSIA) were systematically searched, along with gray literature. Dual, independent review of an initial 888 studies led to 33 included papers which underwent independent data extraction and reconciliation. Just 18.2% of studies employed a student survey or similar to determine learning needs, with the majority reporting educational intervention objectives, learning outcomes or curriculum content. Main study topics were intergenerational learning (36.4%), age-related design (27.3%), health (21.2%), attitudes toward aging (6.1%), and collaborative learning (6.1%). This review found limited literature on student learning needs in healthy and active aging. Future research should elucidate student- and other stakeholder-determined learning needs, with robust evaluation of post-education skills, attitudes, and practice change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Due to health and/or financial limitations, older migrants may become especially dependent on their neighborhoods, highlighting the importance of investigating their experiences. We explored older Moroccan adults' views on the relative importance of neighborhood resources for aging in place. Research Design and Methods Thirty Moroccans aged ≥65 years residing in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht were interviewed and asked to perform a ranking task developed with the combined quantitative and qualitative Q methodology. They ranked the relative importance of 38 statements representing the World Health Organization's 8 global age-friendly cities domains, with explanation of their reasoning. By-person factor analysis was performed to identify factors representing distinct viewpoints, which were interpreted with reference to the interviewees' comments. Results Four viewpoints were identified: "home sweet home"; "connected, well-informed, and engaged"; "suitable and affordable living"; and "a lively neighborhood." The perceived importance of neighborhood resources for aging in place differed among viewpoints. Discussion and Implications Older Moroccan adults prioritize different neighborhood resources for aging in place. Our findings suggest that their diverse needs can be satisfied by enabling family to live in close proximity, providing diverse, inclusive neighborhoods with affordable, suitable housing, understandable information, social/cultural activities, and care services for vulnerable groups. Future studies may build on our findings to explore older (migrant) adults' views on needs for aging in place in the Netherlands and other western countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Providing older patients with an opportunity to participate in individualised falls preventive education, has been shown to reduce hospital falls. However, few studies have explored older peoples' perspectives of hospital falls prevention education. This study aimed to explore older people and their caregivers' knowledge and awareness about hospital falls prevention, including their reflections on the education they received when hospitalised. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory study with focus groups and semistructured interviews was conducted. Participants were a purposively selected sample of community‐dwelling older people (65+ years) admitted to a hospital in the past 5 years and caregivers of older people. Data were thematically analysed using deductive and inductive approaches, and a capability–opportunity–motivation–behaviour model was applied to understand key determinants of implementing falls education for hospitalised older people. Results: Participants' [n = 46 (older people n = 37, age range 60–89 years), caregivers n = 9] feedback identified five themes: distress and disempowerment if the participant did have a hospital fall or nearly fell, anxiety and uncertainty about what behaviour was required while in hospital, insufficient and inconsistent falls prevention education, inadequate communication and underlying attitudes of ageism. Applying a behaviour change model suggested that older people and their caregivers did not develop falls prevention knowledge, awareness or motivation to engage in falls prevention behaviour. Older people were also provided with limited opportunities to engage in falls preventive behaviour while in hospital. Conclusion: Older people in our study received sporadic education about falls prevention during their hospital admissions which did not raise their awareness and knowledge about the risk of falls or their capability to engage in safe falls preventive behaviour. Conflicting messages may result in older people feeling confused and anxious about staying safe in hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the link between self-perceptions of aging (SPA) and healthy aging is well established, less is known about the association between social factors and SPA. The present study investigated whether higher social network diversity is associated with more positive and less negative SPA and whether this association is moderated by age. We examined cross-sectional data from the German Ageing Survey of 2008 (DEAS; N = 6205, 40–85 years, 49.5% female). Network diversity was assessed as the number of social roles in an individual's network (such as spouse, friend and colleague). Three domains of SPA were measured using the Aging-Related Cognitions Scale (AgeCog): ongoing development (positive SPA), social losses (negative SPA) and physical losses (negative SPA). We conducted multiple linear regression models and tested for a moderator effect of age using an interaction term of age and network diversity. Results showed that at higher ages older adults with higher network diversity reported more positive SPA related to ongoing development and more negative SPA related to social losses than those with less diverse networks, indicating that age has a moderating effect. We found no association between network diversity and negative SPA related to physical losses and no indication that age was relevant to this relationship. The present study adds to evidence on the role of social networks in SPA. Our findings suggest that in certain SPA domains and depending on age, network diversity is related to both more positive and more negative SPA, which emphasizes the importance of considering domain-specific SPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Older adults experiencing homelessness (OAEH) age quickly and die earlier than their housed counterparts. Illness-related decisions are best guided by patients' values, but healthcare and homelessness service providers need support in facilitating these discussions. The Serious Illness Conversation Guide (SICG) is a communication tool to guide discussions but has not yet been adapted for OAEH. Methods: We aimed to adapt the SICG for use with OAEH by nurses, social workers, and other homelessness service providers. We conducted semi-structured interviews with homelessness service providers and cognitive interviews with OAEH using the SICG. Service providers included nurses, social workers, or others working in homeless settings. OAEH were at least 50 years old and diagnosed with a serious illness. Interviews were conducted and audio recorded in shelters, transitional housing, a hospital, public spaces, and over Zoom. The research team reviewed transcripts, identifying common themes across transcripts and applying analytic notetaking. We summarized transcripts from each participant group, applying rapid qualitative analysis. For OAEH, data that referenced proposed adaptations or feedback about the SICG tool were grouped into two domains: "SICG interpretation" and "SICG feedback". For providers, we used domains from the Toolkit of Adaptation Approaches: "collaborative working", "team", "endorsement", "materials", "messages", and "delivery". Summaries were grouped into matrices to help visualize themes to inform adaptations. The adapted guide was then reviewed by expert palliative care clinicians for further refinement. Results: The final sample included 11 OAEH (45% Black, 61 ± 7 years old) and 10 providers (80% White, 8.9 ± years practice). Adaptation themes included changing words and phrases to (1) increase transparency about the purpose of the conversation, (2) promote OAEH autonomy and empowerment, (3) align with nurses' and social workers' scope of practice regarding facilitating diagnostic and prognostic awareness, and (4) be sensitive to the realities of fragmented healthcare. Responses also revealed training and implementation considerations. Conclusions: The adapted SICG is a promising clinical tool to aid in the delivery of serious illness conversations with OAEH. Future research should use this updated guide for implementation planning. Additional adaptations may be dependent on specific settings where the SICG will be delivered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This research explores how the representations and meanings of living with dementia are constructed by older adults. Methods Focus groups (N = 19) and in-depth interviews (N = 29) were conducted with older adults aged 65+ living in the Czech Republic, representing different levels of personal familiarity with care for an individual experiencing dementia. Results We identified 2 different discourses: (1) Tragedy discourse with two distinctive repertoires "dementia as a thief of personality" and "dementia as a thief of humanity." Within such discourse, dementia transcends mere medical terminology, serving as a symbolic representation of existential anxieties linked to aging and the perceived loss of control. (2) The discourse of Dementia as a specific way in which people approach the world was articulated mainly by caregivers, providing them with a coping mechanism and a means to reconstruct the agency of the person experiencing dementia. In older adults' representations, references to suffering among family members emerged as a primary association with dementia. Dementia was portrayed as "contagious" in its effect on the family members who were, in a sense, depicted as the primary sufferers of the disease. Discussion Dementia often serves as a symbolic tool for older adults to articulate concerns about advanced old age, extending beyond its clinical definition to convey deep-seated fears associated with aging. The experience of people surrounding those diagnosed with dementia and the permeability of the impacts of this disease between bodies represented crucial frameworks for conceptualizing dementia in the narratives of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The university's social commitment takes the form of educational activities that bring the academic and social worlds closer together. Furthermore, the university has the responsibility and commitment to identify the needs felt by society and address them. This research aimed to determine the impact of an experiential learning methodology for coping with ageist attitudes of university students. Method. The study involved 151 students and 51 older people. The design consisted of three study groups evaluated in the short term and after three years: 51 students participated in the experiential group in an experiential activity of collecting life stories from 51 older people; 50 students performed the same practice as the experimental group but simulated it among classmates. Of the 50 students in the control group, students did not perform any activity with older people. Results. Repeated measures analyses showed that group 1 significantly decreased stereotypes after participation in the experiential activity (p <.001) and after three years (p <.001). Group 2 maintains ageist attitudes both in the short and long term (p >.05). Group 3 significantly increases negative beliefs toward old age in the long term (p >.05). Post hoc analyses indicate significant benefit (p <.001) of experiential activity in group 1 vs. group 2 and control group. Conclusion. This educational approach is not only limited to the acquisition of practical knowledge about the aging process but also actively encourages conscious evaluation and reconsideration of preconceived perceptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate dementia knowledge, dementia stigma, and self-rated importance of dementia plan, and their associated factors among Vietnamese adults in rural Vietnam. A total of 325 participants completed the survey. The first section presented two vignettes and related open-ended questions. Participants described what terms local people in their community use, and what potential disease they thought the persons in the vignettes may have. Conventional content analysis was used to search for the key categories. The second section of the survey consisted of closed-ended questions from different measures. Two multivariate regression models were performed on dementia stigma and prioritizing dementia care plan. The study results show that participants held a moderate level of knowledge about dementia, yet they tended to use symptom- and stigma-connoted language to describe people with dementia. Their dementia stigma was reported at a middling level and was positively associated with age, number of older adults they have currently lived with, and anxiety about aging, and negatively associated with being married, knowing someone with dementia, and having greater Alzheimer's disease knowledge. Most participants prioritized a future dementia care plan. The odds of this intention increased among those who have known someone with dementia, worried about getting dementia and caring for someone with dementia in the future, and had a higher level of Alzheimer's disease knowledge. The study results highlight the importance of dementia knowledge and exposure to people with dementia in reducing dementia stigma and increasing the chance for dementia care planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subjective well-being presents a societal challenge for vulnerable older adults. This study aims to investigate the mediating role of place attachment in the relationship between attitudes toward aging and subjective well-being among community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan. Two waves of investigations were conducted to examine the interplay between attitudes toward aging, subjective well-being, and place attachment among older adults. In Wave I, 1190 participants were enrolled, revealing predominantly younger cohorts with substantial educational levels. The subsequent Wave II involved 483 participants, maintaining continuity in characteristics. Subjective well-being remained moderate across waves, with prevalent positive attitudes toward aging. Place attachment scores indicated moderate to high associations. After controlling for demographics, structural equation modeling (SEM) in both waves revealed significant positive associations: attitudes toward aging influenced well-being, attitudes toward aging were positively associated with place attachment, and place attachment was positively related to well-being. Mediation testing confirmed the mediating role of place attachment in the relationship between attitudes toward aging and well-being. These findings underscore the important role of place attachment. It is evident that improving attitudes toward aging is an effective intervention which can lead to a better sense of well-being by enhancing place attachment to empower civil society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives The concept of aging in place is acknowledged as the preference of older adults, yet without consideration of the intersections of diversity in later life, it is critiqued as unattainable, unrealistic, or even undesirable. This gave rise to the exploration of what is needed to age in the right place (AIRP). Building on existing research, we examined the meaning of AIRP to older adults (aged 55+ years) who have experienced homelessness. Research Design and Methods We conducted photovoice interviews with 11 residents of a temporary housing program in Metro Vancouver (Canada). Results Using thematic analysis, we organized meanings of AIRP according to (1) Where one lives—the physical and social environment, (2) Where one goes and what one does, and (3) How one feels in "the right place." Discussion and Implications Participants meanings' of AIRP are applied to Maslow's hierarchy of needs. That is, when basic needs of shelter are met, participants' considerations of "the right place to age" extend beyond affordable housing to include feeling safe and comfortable in one's home and neighborhood and having access to meaningful engagement and activities—both in vibrant urban districts and naturescapes—enabled by affordable transportation. Our examination of what AIRP means to this group of older adults broadens current conceptualizations. Given the increase in homelessness among older adults, it is imperative that policymakers and practitioners are cognizant of meanings of AIRP so diverse older adults can not only age in place, but can thrive in the right place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders must manage residual symptoms as they age, and they may experience premature or accelerated aging in comparison with those without their diagnosis. To explore their life course perspectives, we interviewed institutionalized adults aging with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in middle and older age. Research Design and Methods We used an exploratory descriptive design and qualitative methods. Participants answered semistructured, open-ended questions about perceptions of their mental illness along the life course. Results Participants (N = 30, age 45–83 years) were from an acute care psychiatric facility and a long-term care facility: 16 (53%) men, 14 (47%) women; 6 (20%) Hispanic, 10 (33%) African American, 14 (47%) non-Hispanic White. Participants' life course included traumas from violence, homelessness, and stigma; psychiatric symptoms such as worry and sadness; and age-related physiological symptoms including illness, loss of strength, falls, and incontinence, with falls and incontinence reported only in long-term care. Aging within institutionalization included lack of privacy and autonomy, and isolation (less socialization). Participants provided insights for potential improvements. Discussion and Implications Because these aging adults are experts on their own care, researchers should continue to seek their input to inform their healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health authorities worldwide address older adults as a risk group for more serious illness and health complications associated with COVID-19, while social gerontologists have warned that addressing older adults as a risk group of COVID-19 bears the risk of reinforcing ageism. This paper empirically explores to what extent older adults perceive themselves as part of a COVID-19 risk group and how these perceptions influence their everyday lives and experiences of age and ageing. This paper draws upon data from a mixed-methods study on older adults' risk perceptions during COVID-19 in Lower Austria, including a representative survey on 521 adults (60+ years) and data from 20 semi-structured interviews. Approximately two-thirds of the respondents consider themselves at risk of COVID-19 and name age, in addition to pre-existing illness, as a contributing factor in this risk perception. Older adults with health constraints, and especially older men, have a higher probability of perceiving risk due to COVID-19. Additionally, older adults report that they experience being 'suddenly seen as old' or 'being put into a box' during the pandemic, which influenced their experiences and images of ageing. Our study provides insights into how perceived COVID-19 risk affects the everyday lives of older adults. Age-based categorisations of risk contribute to a shift in images of age and ageing, drawing on insecurity and risk, rather than successful and active ageing, to conceptualise later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The widespread use of the Internet brings both opportunities and challenges for older adults. To understand its potential benefits and drawbacks, we focus on the association between Internet use and multiple indicators of subjective age (threshold age, felt age, and look age) and the underlying mechanisms. Methods A nationally representative sample of older adults aged 60 and over from 3 waves (collected in 2016, 2018, and 2020) of the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey was used in the analysis. A 3-step random-effect model and mediation analysis were used to examine the relationship between Internet use and subjective age and the mediating roles of volunteering and feeling valued by society. Structural equation modeling with a serial multiple mediation model was conducted for robustness checks. Results The participants generally considered 70 as the threshold for "old age." Although the mediation analysis did not show a significant indirect effect of Internet use on older adults' subjective age through volunteering, Internet use was linked with older adults' subjective age directly and indirectly through feeling valued by society. Compared to moderate Internet users, nonusers felt less valued by society and, therefore, had a younger threshold age and older subjective ages. Heavy Internet users showed a lower level of participation in volunteer activities. Discussion The results support previous theories about the mental and social health benefits of Internet use among older adults. However, Internet use intensity should receive more attention; excessive use may reduce the duration of older adults' offline social interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age-related social biases – ageism – are developed at an early age. Interventions to counter ageism have been identified but little is known about their mechanisms, particularly in children. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of which interventions in youths are most effective, under which circumstances, how, and with what outcomes. Using 46 keywords in 6 databases, a realist review identified 24 studies published between 2000 and 2022 targeting youths under 18. A content analysis of these studies led to the construction of a Context-Mechanisms-Outcomes explanatory model. Contextual facilitators triggering mechanisms for changing stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination were: 1) enhancing knowledge about aging and older adults by providing nuanced information, 2) improving the quality of intergenerational contacts, 3) increasing opportunities to apply previously acquired knowledge in intergenerational interactions, and 4) promoting reflective thinking about experiences with older adults. However, stereotypes and prejudices appeared to be resistant and changes difficult to generalize. Insufficiently advanced cognitive development in children or viewing healthy and socially engaged older adults as unrepresentative of their age group were obstacles that reduced intervention effectiveness. Future studies should explore how advancing age influences interventions as well as the characteristics of older adults involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aging of the global population highlights the importance of well-being among older adults. This study examines the effect of basic psychological needs satisfaction on well-being, in line with self-determination theory. The study investigates how this effect occurs through affective mediation and how it is influenced by perceptions of aging. Data were gathered from 818 older adults regarding their basic psychological needs satisfaction, positive and negative affect, well-being, and attitudes toward aging. Controlling for age and physical health, the results show that the satisfaction of psychological needs results in an increase in positive affect and a decrease in negative affect, ultimately shaping well-being. The variability among individuals becomes apparent through the crucial role of aging self-perceptions in moderating this effect. This study is significant because it reveals how affect mediates basic psychological needs satisfaction and well-being while emphasizing the relevance of aging self-perceptions. Practical implications include shaping gerontological education and effective engagement strategies with the elderly demographic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives The aim of this study was to adapt and validate the Ambivalent Ageism Scale (AAS) among paramedical students for use in the health care sector. Research Design and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among the following paramedical students: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and nursing students. A total of 6 items were added based on the literature and the scale was evaluated by students and professors with experience working with older adults. The following psychometric properties were evaluated: internal consistency, concurrent validity, structural validity (exploratory factor analysis), and reliability. Results A total of 265 students participated: 19.2% physiotherapy students, 27.5% occupational therapy students, 50.6% nursing students, and 2.6% other paramedical students. The concurrent validity study showed a significant correlation between AAShc (Ambivalent Ageism Scale in the health care sector) and UCLA-GAS-F (French version of the University of California, Los Angeles Geriatric Attitudes Scale) with r (265) = 0.491 (p <.001). The factor analyses produced an 18-item (α = 0.866) scale composed of 5 factors: Infantilization (5 items, α = 0.766), Control (2 items, α = 0.789), Overaccommodation (2 items, α = 0.829), Unwanted help (2 items, α = 0.656), and Hostile Ageism (7 items, α = 0.717). Finally, the generalizability analysis revealed a G-coefficient of 0.86, a Phi-coefficient of 0.83, and a standard error of measurement of 2.31%. Discussion and Implications The AAShc appears to be a valid and reliable scale to measure ageism among paramedical students. This scale can be a useful tool to reduce ageism toward older adults in the health care sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Self-perception of aging is an important psychosocial factor that can influence quality of life in older age. This review aimed to synthesize findings on the association between self-perception of aging and quality of life among older adults aged 60 and above. Research Design and Methods A systematic search was conducted in 4 electronic databases (Ovid Medline, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Web of Science). Studies conducted in English and including measures on the perception of aging and quality of life were included in this review. A total of 32 observational studies (21 cross-sectional, 8 longitudinal, 2 mixed-method, and 1 qualitative) met the inclusion criteria. Outcomes reported in the included studies were quality of life, physical health and functioning, psychological health, mental health, and general well-being. Results Overall, 20 quantitative studies indicated a strong association between positive perception of aging and increased quality of life. Similarly, 9 quantitative studies demonstrated that negative perception of aging is associated with lower quality of life. Results of the mixed-method and qualitative studies indicated that older adults with higher morale and good physical capability had more positive perceptions of health. Discussion and Implications These results suggest that promoting a positive perception of aging and a self-care attitude would help to enhance older adults' quality of life and should be incorporated into future health promotions and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives The aim of this study was to adapt and validate the Ambivalent Ageism Scale (AAS) among paramedical students for use in the health care sector. Research Design and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among the following paramedical students: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and nursing students. A total of 6 items were added based on the literature and the scale was evaluated by students and professors with experience working with older adults. The following psychometric properties were evaluated: internal consistency, concurrent validity, structural validity (exploratory factor analysis), and reliability. Results A total of 265 students participated: 19.2% physiotherapy students, 27.5% occupational therapy students, 50.6% nursing students, and 2.6% other paramedical students. The concurrent validity study showed a significant correlation between AAShc (Ambivalent Ageism Scale in the health care sector) and UCLA-GAS-F (French version of the University of California, Los Angeles Geriatric Attitudes Scale) with r (265) = 0.491 (p <.001). The factor analyses produced an 18-item (α = 0.866) scale composed of 5 factors: Infantilization (5 items, α = 0.766), Control (2 items, α = 0.789), Overaccommodation (2 items, α = 0.829), Unwanted help (2 items, α = 0.656), and Hostile Ageism (7 items, α = 0.717). Finally, the generalizability analysis revealed a G-coefficient of 0.86, a Phi-coefficient of 0.83, and a standard error of measurement of 2.31%. Discussion and Implications The AAShc appears to be a valid and reliable scale to measure ageism among paramedical students. This scale can be a useful tool to reduce ageism toward older adults in the health care sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ageism negatively impacts older adults' health, especially in longterm care facilities (LTCFs), where healthcare workers often hold unfavorable views of them. Understanding these perspectives is vital for combating ageism and improving LTCF quality. Yet, comprehensive studies on healthcare workers' attitudes toward ageism are lacking, hindering targeted interventions. Therefore, grasping their attitudes and behaviors is crucial for addressing ageism in LTCFs and enhancing care for older adults. Purpose: This study aimed to explore healthcare workers' expectations regarding aging and their perspective on ageism towards older adults in LTCFs. Methods: This study was randomly conducted in sixteen LTCFs across Indonesia's five largest islands using a cross-sectional study with a comparative descriptive design. Participants included 56 nurses and 173 non-licensed caregivers. Data on aging expectations and ageism perspectives during the COVID-19 pandemic were collected. An online and offline self-administered questionnaires (i.e., participant's characteristics, the expectations regarding aging survey, ageism perspective in time of the COVID-19 pandemic) were conducted. Differences between nurses and caregivers were analyzed using chi-square and independent t-tests. Results: Altogether, 56 nurses and 173 caregivers (with an average age of 39.9 years) participated in the study. Significant differences were observed between nurses and non-licensed caregivers in their expectations regarding physical health, mental health, and overall expectations regarding aging (p-value = <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, respectively). Non-licensed caregivers had higher mean scores for each item compared to nurses. Whereas, the perspective nurse and non-licensed caregivers were significantly different about older adults being more accessible to being infected with SARS-CoV-2, vulnerable population, prone to severity, easier to expose virus, low income, must isolated (p-value = 0.029, 0.007, 0.010, 0.033, <0.001, <0.001, respectively). The mean score of each item of nurses was higher than non-licensed caregivers. Conclusion: The expectation regarding aging of caregivers was higher than nurses. In line, the nurses' scores have a lower attitude toward ageism during time COVID- 19 pandemic. Exposure to ageism behavior and ageing conditions needs to be done for healthcare workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the coming of a rapidly aging society, individuals born in the baby boom era after World War II are now facing the challenges of aging. From late middle age to successful aging, what are the perceptions and responses of these quasi-seniors? With this in mind, referring to Phelan's successful aging scale, the researchers developed the 4P Strategies (Physical, Psychological, Prospect, and Place and Relationships) tailored for quasi-seniors. Based on grounded theory, the results of 12 sessions of focused interviews (involving a total of 93 interviewees between the ages of 55 and 75; 41 males and 52 females; 48 not retired and 45 retired) were matched with the 4P Strategies. The results were the following: (1) regarding the Physical factor, the interviewees were shocked by their physical decline, and they had begun to devise strategies for health preservation and exercise; (2) regarding the Psychological factor, in order to mentally adapt, the interviewees agreed that moderate stress relief was absolutely necessary; (3) regarding the Prospect factor: the interviewees felt that one should make financial plans early, contemplate the value of life, and more actively learn and realize one's dreams; and (4) regarding the Place and Relationships factor, the interviewees aimed to rebuild their close relationships with their spouses, family members, and old friends and had polarized views regarding where to live in their old age. On the whole, the most discussed issue among the interviewees was where to live in their old age. Many had their own views and plans and did not stick to traditional views; however, they took the opinions of their significant others into account. During the interviews, interviewees wished to understand the responses of their peers to serve as a reference for their own decisions, and they realized that successful aging also required learning. This study aimed to encourage quasi-seniors about to enter their old age and help them to learn how to positively respond to aging as well as work towards a happy life with successful aging. This study could fill in gaps in research involving individuals in this age group and provide a reference for relevant policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives There is evidence to suggest that leisure engagement may influence self-perceptions of aging, but disentangling potential bidirectionality in this relationship is challenging. A better understanding of the directionality of this association is essential for designing more effective interventions to promote healthy aging. We, therefore, tested concurrent effects and lagged effects in both directions for a univariate measure of leisure engagement as well as specific domains of community, cognitive, creative, and physical activities. Methods A total of 17,753 adults aged 50 or above living in the United States from the Health and Retirement Study were included in the analysis. They provided 32,703 observations over 3 waves between 2008/2010 and 2016/2018. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with both concurrent and lagged associations between self-perceptions of aging and leisure engagement, controlling for confounders including age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic position, and health conditions. Results We found consistent evidence for leisure engagement as a predictor of self-perceptions of aging. There was also evidence for a reciprocal relationship where leisure engagement was predicted by older adults' self-perceptions of aging. Similar results were observed for specific domains of leisure engagement. Discussion Our findings provide empirical support for the potential benefits of leisure engagement on positive self-perceptions of aging, regardless of the type of activities. Our study also highlights the importance to consider the directionality in researching leisure engagement and self-perceptions of aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging research tends to define rural as any area that is not urban without considering the diversity that exists within rural environments. Using government guidelines defining frontier and rural counties, the purpose was to identify similarities and differences in the aging experience reported by community-dwelling rural and frontier older adults. Individual interviews were completed in Wyoming with 142 older adults from frontier (n = 72) and rural counties (n=70). Summative content analysis was used to evaluate responses within the framework of social influences and nested environmental interactions of a socio-ecological model. Rural older adults reported needing more medical services and care, while frontier adults indicated an absence for many of these services. Similar response patterns were indicated with regard to grocery stores and general shopping. Current interview statements provide foundational information for future policies that recognize frontier aging in place that does not equate to aging in rural specific areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]