Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader or to display this data on your own website or blog.

Studying Disability Trends in Aging Populations
This article reviews the current literature on disability trends in aging populations and proposes a framework for studying disability trends built upon existing models of disablement. In addition to considering disablement and its associated factors, our framework also includes factors at population level and the interplays among personal resources and health behaviors, intervention programs, technological advances, and the consequences of disability trends in the context of life course and socio-ecological perspective. The framework is abbreviated FE-BRIT-SE to denote individual-level (F)ixed attributes, including geneti...
Source: Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology - November 13, 2014 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Contextual Influences on Ethnic Identity Formation: A Case Study of Second-Generation Korean Americans Baby Boomers in Midlife
Abstract This paper details a study on ethnic identity in midlife, illuminating identity formation as a complex life course phenomenon. The study addresses the importance of ethnic identity in understanding the experiences of racial and ethnic Baby Boomers as both recipients of care and as caregivers to their aging parents (first generation immigrants). Using a case study of second-generation Korean American Baby Boomers, the primary aims of this study are: (a) to explore how the relationship between age and race/ethnicity influences identity formation, and (b) how contexts influence ethnic identity forma...
Source: Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology - November 5, 2014 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

The Prevalence and Predictors of Severe Depression Among the Elderly in Malaysia
Abstract The population of Malaysia is relatively young, due to this there is a dearth in research conducted among the elderly especially relating to depression. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and the predictors of severe depression among the elderly in Malaysia. A sample of 2005 older adults randomly selected from the Penang State government’s list of elderly receiving aid participated in the study. The Geriatric Depression Scale was used to screen for depression. Socio-demographic, social support, disease, functional and other factors were looked at as possible predictor variable...
Source: Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology - October 28, 2014 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Socioeconomic Determinants of Health Inequalities Among the Older Population in India: A Decomposition Analysis
This study quantified and decomposed health inequalities among the older population in India and analyzes how health status varies for populations between 60 to 69 years and 70 years and above. Data from the 60th round of the National Sample Survey (NSS) was used for the analyses. Socioeconomic inequalities in health status were measured by using Concentration Index (CI) and further decomposed to find critical determinants and their relative contributions to total health inequality. Overall, CI estimates were negative for the older population as a whole (CI = −0.1156), as well as for two disaggregated groups, 60 to...
Source: Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology - October 28, 2014 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

The Relationship Between Falls and Psychological Well-Being in a Brazilian Community Sample
Abstract In Brazil and in the United States, one in three older adults fall each year. Falling can lead to devastating outcomes for older adults, their families and health care systems. Research has identified many risk factors for falls, including physical and environmental hazards. However, less research has addressed the relationship between psychological well-being and falls, when the focus has usually been fear of falling and depression. Using a secondary dataset we tested the relationship between psychological well-being and falls in community dwelling older adults from the state of Rio Grande do Su...
Source: Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology - October 28, 2014 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Support for Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing Policies among Racially and Ethnically Diverse, low-Income Seniors in South Florida
This study demonstrates that elders living in low-income MUH properties overwhelmingly supported the implementation of smoke-free policies. (Source: Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology)
Source: Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology - October 28, 2014 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Biologically Childless Women 60+ Often Live in Extended Family Households in Latin America
(Source: Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology)
Source: Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology - October 17, 2014 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Quality of Life as Perceived by Older Persons with Chronic Illness in Rural and Urban Shandong, China
Abstract This qualitative study aimed to understand the meaning of quality of life to older persons with chronic illness in China, and to compare the perceptions of those living in rural and urban areas. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 older Chinese, half residing in urban and half in rural areas in Shandong province. Through an inductive coding and categorization process, the study identified two shared domains of quality of life: basic necessities and family wellness. Two additional domains, physical health and mood and spirit, were endorsed predominantly by urban residents. Entertainm...
Source: Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology - October 17, 2014 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Development of a Japanese Version of the Selection, Optimization, and Compensation Questionnaire
This study also indicated the possibility of using the Rasch model to refine the SOC questionnaire in other cultural settings. (Source: Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology)
Source: Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology - October 12, 2014 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

“We Prefer Greeting Rather Than Eating:” Life in an Elder Care Center in Ethiopia
Abstract In Ethiopia where family care is a centuries-long tradition, living in an elder care institution invariably brings social devaluation. Accordingly, this study explored the psychosocial needs of older adults in a residential elder care center in Ethiopia from the perspective of both staff and residents. Three focus group discussions of 24 residents and interviews with 5 staff persons revealed that elders were living a subsistence lifestyle, eating the same meal every day, mostly cutoff from the surrounding community, and lacking basic amenities. Despite the absence of basic amenities, residents ye...
Source: Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology - October 8, 2014 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Cultural and Gender Differences in Coping Strategies Between Caucasian American and Korean American Older People
This study examined whether gender and ethnic differences influence the coping strategies chosen by older adults when they encounter daily life stressors. Data were collected from 444 community-dwelling people over the age of 65, including 238 Caucasian Americans and 206 Korean Americans. Results showed significant differences between the two groups. Korean Americans had higher scores on problem and emotion-focused coping strategies as well as avoidant coping strategies than Caucasian Americans. Caucasian older women employed more active coping, planning, and positive reframing skills; relied more on religion; and sought e...
Source: Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology - September 27, 2014 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Aging, Health, and Identity in Ecuador’s Indigenous Communities
Abstract Middle-income countries like Ecuador are in the process of demographic and epidemiological transitions, and their populations are aging. The challenges associated with providing services to growing numbers of citizens who experience the inevitable deterioration associated with aging are mirrored by the manner in which aging is perceived in a culturally heterogeneous society. This paper presents the results of qualitative research conducted among older men and women in indigenous communities in the Ecuadorian highlands in order to investigate the perceptions regarding the ability of family and com...
Source: Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology - September 26, 2014 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Meaning of Death: an Exploration of Perception of Elderly in a Bangladeshi Village
Abstract The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of meaning of death among the elderly in a Bangladeshi community, and to understand how the meaning of death affects one’s overall well-being. Understandings of death were explored through the explanations respondents provided on the journey of the soul during lifetime and the afterlife, concepts of body-soul duality, and perceived “good” and “bad” deaths. The relationship to well-being was expressed in terms of longevity, anxiety/acceptance of death, and preferred circumstances for death. Seven in-depth interviews and o...
Source: Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology - September 1, 2014 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Knowledge and Attitudes About Parkinson’s Disease Among a Diverse Group of Older Adults
Abstract Underserved minorities are vulnerable to diagnostic delays and under-treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to understand knowledge and attitudes about PD among a racially/ethnically diverse group of community members. In the qualitative arm, ten homogeneous focus groups of 6 to 8 White, African-American and Chinese American older adults at senior centers in Philadelphia were conducted. Next, for the quantitative arm, a questionnaire of knowledge and attitudes about PD was administered among a larger group of senior center members. Themes were ident...
Source: Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology - September 1, 2014 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Nativity Status and Sources of Care Assistance Among Elderly Mexican-Origin Adults
Abstract Much like other racial/ethnic groups, Latinos are facing challenges to provide needed care to aging adults. Older Latinos underutilize nursing homes and home health care services and primarily rely on their families for assistance. While this general trend has been established, little attention has been paid to nativity differentials in patterns of caregiving for this segment of the aging population. The analyses are based on the latest wave (Wave 7) of the Hispanic Established Population for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly or H-EPESE (2010/2011) a sample of older Mexican-origin adults and...
Source: Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology - September 1, 2014 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research