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Article
Publication date: 24 July 2023

Fizzah Ghafoor and Mahwesh Arooj Naz

This study aimed to explore the expectations and challenges of institutionalized and noninstitutionalized elderly persons.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the expectations and challenges of institutionalized and noninstitutionalized elderly persons.

Design/methodology/approach

A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit the participants. The sample of the study consisted of eight (N = 8) elderly persons. Four were institutionalized, and four were noninstitutionalized. The age range of the participants was between 60 and 80 years. A semi-structured interview guide was prepared to explore expectations and challenges of institutionalized and noninstitutionalized elderly persons. The interviews were audio-recorded and later on transcribed verbatim for a detailed in-depth analysis. The interviews were analyzed by using an interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Findings

Emergent and subordinate themes were emerged. Superordinate themes emerged after analysis were expectations from self, expectations from immediate family, expectations for betterment in life, expectations from society, challenges related to physical self, psychological challenges, difficulties due to immediate family, problems at a societal level, satisfactory behavior of children, supportive family, satisfaction from society, positive values in old age, striving for betterment in life and health-promoting behaviors. These themes were interpreted in the context of given subordinate themes and verbatim of the participants.

Research limitations/implications

This study will help implement proper strategies for the betterment of institutionalized and noninstitutionalized persons. The study results can also aid in a better understanding of the challenges faced by the elderly population and also provide them with better facilities to fulfill their expectations.

Practical implications

Recognizing the unique and individualized expectations and challenges of the elderly persons can help in providing them person centered care. Better strategies can be introduced to increase their interactions, for better housing facility, health care, food facilities and transportation.

Social implications

Old age is a challenging phase for individuals if they face difficulties and challenges. This stage is currently unaddressed by society. So, there is a strong need to bring them to the surface so that we can provide them with opportunities to achieve well-being. It can help in better understanding of challenges faced by the elderly population as well as expectations of the elderly population. This better understanding can give the idea about the different ways that elderly persons use to overcome and face these challenges in their life. A comparative study of expectations and challenges among institutionalized and noninstitutionalized elderly populations will give information about the differences among them, helping to understand them better

Originality/value

The topic of expectations and challenges faced by institutionalized and noninstitutionalized elderly in Pakistan holds significant originality value. Although discussions on aging and elderly care are not uncommon, exploring the specific context of Pakistan adds a unique perspective to the subject. By delving into the cultural context, policy implications and comparative analysis, researchers can contribute to the existing knowledge and pave the way for targeted interventions that enhance the well-being of the elderly population.

Details

Working with Older People, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-3666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2024

Amir Wani, Showkat Ganaie and Aneesa Shafi

In the current scenario, with rapid socioeconomic transformation occurring in all aspects of society, the adversities experienced by older adults have come to the forefront. The…

Abstract

Purpose

In the current scenario, with rapid socioeconomic transformation occurring in all aspects of society, the adversities experienced by older adults have come to the forefront. The lived experiences within joint families are making it harder for the elderly to adjust to the changed familial setup. In such a situation, they undergo many problems which are most often overlooked and considered not worthy of serious attention. Loneliness and isolation are the most crucial and serious issues experienced by the elderly within the nuclear family. After spending a significantly larger part of their lives within large families, with caring people, interdependent, adjusting to the changing familial setup has become hard and strenuous. Moreover, lack of emotional support is yet another major concern of the elderly. As they grow older, care and emotional support become necessary to maintain an effective and active life in old age. However, such emotional support and care that the joint family offered is missing in the changing familial setup. Now, in light of these issues, this paper aims to explore the multidimensional concerns of the elderly (60 years and above) who, on account of familial transitioning from joint to nuclear in Kashmir, are experiencing isolation and other, hard to adjust, life changes. The paper is based on 20 oral narratives conducted, over time, with elderly people undergoing life changes due to family transition from joint to nuclear. The finding of the study revealed that the elderly experience a greater degree of change in their lifestyle due to the family transition from joint to nuclear.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative study that describes the multidimensional concerns of the older adults. The study was conducted in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir using in-depth face-to-face interviews with 20 respondents aged 60 years and above who have witnessed a transition in family from joint to nuclear and have undergone many problems during this transition. Apart from this, two interviews with the sons of older persons were also included in the study to know the status of age in the current situation. After the data was collected from the first 10 respondents, the study witnessed a data saturation, as the same set of results were obtained. Meanwhile, 3 more respondents were included in the study to make sure that no data was left behind; however, again same results were witnessed. This led the investigator to halt the data collection process. Thereafter, the data was then analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis technique, which involved familiarizing oneself with the data, looking for themes, validating and refining themes, identifying and labeling themes and finally creating the report.

Findings

The traditional joint family is undergoing rapid transformation in the current scenario. With a trend toward the nuclearization of families, which resulted in the diminishing status of the elderly, the vulnerabilities of the elderly have come to the forefront (Kumar et al., 2014). The transition of the family from joint to nuclear can be difficult for the elderly as it involves the elderly having to adjust and adapt to a new social milieu, which can be quite complex as it involves major changes in their lifestyle and daily routine. The elderly may also experience difficulty with increased social isolation and reduced family interaction. Such problems may seem insignificant and trivial to the younger ones, but stepping into the shoes of the elderly would help us understand the intensity and vulnerability of such problems. This cultural shift is quickly making changes, in part due to the rise of individualism in modern societies and the existence of a consumerist perspective among the younger generations. Such situations lead to greater alienation and isolation among the elderly from society in general and the members of the family in particular.

Originality/value

The is an empirical study conducted to know the status of older adults in nuclear families.

Details

Working with Older People, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-3666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 August 2023

Naqeeb Hussain Shah, Samiullah Paracha, Mohammed Shafiq and Faisal Mehmood

Aging is a complex and multifactorial process. This study aims to is focus on mattering in older people. Mattering is the feeling of being important to others in ways that give…

Abstract

Purpose

Aging is a complex and multifactorial process. This study aims to is focus on mattering in older people. Mattering is the feeling of being important to others in ways that give individuals the sense that they are valued and other people care about them. However, for many, aging brings about the loss of self-esteem, and they feel useless, deprived and unwanted. The authors have adopted the partial least square structural equation modeling technique and Self-Esteem Scale of Rosenberg for evaluating the level of self-esteem in senior citizens of Pakistan. The results reveal a strong association between the predictor and the criterion variables, supporting the view that the communal integration construct is the strongest determinant in old age. Based on the results, the authors can argue that socioeconomic status, social relationships and daily activities and have a direct association with the elderly people’s self-esteem.

Design/methodology/approach

The Self-Esteem Questionnaire by Rosenberg (Rosenberg, 1965) and the Quality of Life Questionnaire by Bowling (Bowling, Banister, Sutton Evans and Windsor (2002) are two tested tools that were used to collect the sample data from various neighborhoods of Peshawar. The sample consisted of respondents who were 60 years of age or older. The current study only included men who were 60 years of age or older because men make up a higher number of retirees in the district (84%) than do women. A total of 312 male volunteers, representing a various cadre of job, were recruited at random. The research population’s data were gathered through convenience sampling. Only volunteers who appeared to be healthy in both body and mind were chosen as participants. When older people were unable to complete questionnaires, researchers helped them read the questions and then helped them write down their answers. Out of the 500 survey forms that were sent, 312 were properly completed and used for the analysis.

Findings

The results of this study suggest that the happiness and well-being of retired seniors are not only influenced by their general activities, health and socioeconomic status but also more strongly by their psycho-social integration, such as their close and intimate relationships with friends, family and relatives. The findings, therefore, urge the incorporation of social integration aspects in mental health treatment programs and public health policies to support the psycho-social well-being of the elderly. Social relationship variables might become a common aspect of practice through medical, psychiatric and psychological screening and examination.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the fact that research participants were selected from just one city – Peshawar – the results cannot be generalized. As a result, findings are less likely to apply to older persons who reside in other provinces due to sample selection. Future research will be conducted all around the nation, though, and it could produce more precise and broadly applicable findings. Only male respondents applied to the second limitation. Only male participants were sought due to socioeconomic differences, social and cultural obstacles and the small number of female retirees. Therefore, it limits the spectrum of the study.

Social implications

An individual’s self-esteem is made up of intrapersonal and interpersonal elements. Regarding policy intervention, the present effort will be a crucial step in helping the elderly understand the value of maintaining social networks and will encourage them to maintain close relationships with family and friends to safeguard their well-being in later life. On the other side, this research will help academics, politicians and thinkers better comprehend aging, perspectives of conduct and psychological and emotional viewpoints. One of the most important aspects of life that affects how old people feel about themselves is the support from social networks. Therefore, through raising awareness and fostering a favorable environment for the welfare and self-worth of senior individuals, politicians and society are expected to care for enriching the lives of the elderly. By highlighting the importance of communal support from a multidimensional aspect of a person, this study offers a wider perspective on self-esteem. With this in mind, the authors advise academics to adopt a fresh perspective on interpersonal mechanisms that ultimately aim to improve self-esteem and social support. Social support is a key factor in fostering or inhibiting self-esteem in the elderly and is a strong predictor of mental health. A society must take action to boost older people’s communal integration to improve their quality of life.

Originality/value

This study makes the case for a broader perspective on self-respect or esteem by suggesting that self-esteem may be seen in a broader context rather than in terms of limited characteristics. The authors offer an integrated model of self-esteem that conceptualizes it as an interpersonal phenomenon influenced by multiple vital aspects using various metrics of old age. Self-esteem was envisioned as the result of a number of factors, including social position, activities and interpersonal interaction “relationships with relatives, family, and friends.” The authors’ conceptual framework’s goal is to comprehend the different ways that senior citizens’ lives affect their sense of self-worth.

Details

Working with Older People, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-3666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 July 2024

Fahruddin Kurdi, Maharani Sekar Putri and Tantut Susanto

This paper aims to examine the relationship between self-care management and quality of life in elderly hypertensives at the Jember Nursing Home.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between self-care management and quality of life in elderly hypertensives at the Jember Nursing Home.

Design/methodology/approach

Thirty-five respondents were collected for a cross-sectional study with consecutive sampling. This study used the Hypertension Self-Management Behavior Questionnaire and Quality of Life-Elderly, as well as a questionnaire about individual characteristics. Kendall's Tau-b Test was used to analyze the data obtained from this study.

Findings

The majority of the elderly in the Jember Nursing Home reported having moderate self-care management (46.9%) and moderate quality of life (57.1%). This study found a significant positive correlation between self-care management and quality of life (p-value = 0.001), which was weak and significant (r = 0.282).

Research limitations/implications

This research has limitations on the number of respondents used in this study, because this research was only conducted in one place (one site center). Include the respondent's features more in the past history, and only a few are related to the physical health domain. So that further research can be conducted on more respondents, with a wider coverage of locations and adding some of the characteristics of respondents related to the domain of physical and psychological health.

Practical implications

The role of gerontology in overcoming loneliness in the elderly is to increase health service activities, both primary and secondary, such as monitoring blood pressure, providing consultations and routine examinations for the elderly related to hypertension and being able to control the dietary intake of hypertensive foods in the elderly.

Originality/value

Elderly in nursing homes experience hypertension due to poor self-care management problems, which will have an impact on worsening quality of life conditions.

Details

Working with Older People, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-3666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 April 2024

M A Shariful Amin, Vess L. Johnson, Victor Prybutok and Chang E. Koh

The purpose of this research is to propose and empirically validate a theoretical framework to investigate the willingness of the elderly to disclose personal health information…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to propose and empirically validate a theoretical framework to investigate the willingness of the elderly to disclose personal health information (PHI) to improve the operational efficiency of AI-integrated caregiver robots.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon Privacy Calculus Theory (PCT) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), 274 usable responses were collected through an online survey.

Findings

Empirical results reveal that trust, privacy concerns, and social isolation have a direct impact on the willingness to disclose PHI. Perceived ease of use (PEOU), perceived usefulness (PU), social isolation, and recognized benefits significantly influence user trust. Conversely, elderly individuals with pronounced privacy concerns are less inclined to disclose PHI when using AI-enabled caregiver robots.

Practical implications

Given the pressing need for AI-enabled caregiver robots due to the aging population and a decrease in professional human caregivers, understanding factors that influence the elderly's disclosure of PHI can guide design considerations and policymaking.

Originality/value

Considering the increased demand for accurate and comprehensive elder services, this is the first time that information disclosure and AI-enabled caregiver robot technologies have been combined in the field of healthcare management. This study bridges the gap between the necessity for technological improvement in caregiver robots and the importance of transparent operational information by disclosing the elderly's willingness to share PHI.

Case study
Publication date: 10 September 2024

Joyee Chatterjee and Sandeep Sawant

After completion of this case study, students will be able to understand about characteristics of urban poor in the city of Mumbai which will aid in understanding about other…

Abstract

Learning outcomes

After completion of this case study, students will be able to understand about characteristics of urban poor in the city of Mumbai which will aid in understanding about other emerging markets as well, to apply Health Belief Model to help students analyse behaviour change model, to apply social marketing strategies to popularize a social marketing cause, to learn about non-traditional intermediaries and apply to promote a social marketing cause, to apply Ansoff matrix and evaluate various strategies for growth and to analyse various challenges faced by social entrepreneurs and enable learners to arrive at solutions (applicable for social entrepreneurs and marketing executives).

Case overview/synopsis

This case study looked at a Mumbai-based organization, Medow Brite Enterprises, which sold sanitary napkins under the brand FeelOn to women particularly from urban poor background. The protagonist Mrs Ameeta Neel Ramesh was at the helm of the organization and was stuck with a dilemma – whether to enter rural markets or focus on selling incinerators and aid in disposing used sanitary napkins which was adding to the volume of non-biodegradable waste in the city. In 2019, Neel Ramesh made her first investment in Medow Brite. The organization had seen turbulent times during COVID-19 outbreak. However, Neel Ramesh with her astute strategy, helped the company get back on its feet. Medow Brite instead of manufacturing started procuring quality sanitary napkins from specific vendors. In contrast to many other sanitary napkins available in the market, FeelOn had cotton sanitary napkin variant without presence of plastic in the pads. Neel Ramesh had taken a different route for sale of her sanitary napkin, she conducted awareness sessions with the help of non-governmental organizations in various locations of Mumbai as well as Maharashtra. Post these sessions she sold her sanitary napkins among the attendees of the awareness sessions.

Complexity academic level

The case study can be included in marketing management course, consumer behaviour as well as social marketing courses in both undergraduate level and postgraduate level. In addition, the case study is also suitable for social entrepreneurs and marketing executives to discuss about non-traditional sales and marketing approaches, identifying unique segments and understanding behaviour change theories.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.

Details

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, vol. 14 no. 3
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2045-0621

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 July 2023

Eunice Yarce-Pinzón, Yenny Vicky Paredes-Arturo, Andrea Florez-Madroñero, Daniel Camilo Aguirre-Acevedo and Diego Mauricio Diaz-Velásquez

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with functionality, a clinical criterion that could predict frailty in the elderly people in a rural context.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with functionality, a clinical criterion that could predict frailty in the elderly people in a rural context.

Design/methodology/approach

This project is a cross-sectional descriptive analysis of 342 adults of age >60 years who are residents of Putumayo province in Colombia. Information regarding demographic characteristics, medical history, health perception and current illness was collected. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) protocol was used to perform cognitive evaluation; the Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale was used to establish depressive symptoms; and the Hamilton Rating Scale was used to assess anxiety level. Questionnaire was used to evaluate performance on instrumental activities of daily living that lead to functional independence [daily life questionnaire (DLQ)]. The medical outcomes study scale was used to assess social parameters.

Findings

A moderate and negative correlation was found between the DLQ score and age (r = −0.49; 95% CI: −0.57 to −0.47), whereas a positive correlation was found with education (r = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.07–0.27). Older adults with economic independence achieved a higher score in functional performance than those with economic dependence (standardized mean difference = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.33–0.77). This study observed a moderate correlation a moderate correlation between the MMSE cognitive performance (r = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.48−0.63) and the depressive symptomatology of Yesavage Scale (r = −0.36, 95% CI: −0.44 to −0.26). Finally, the structural model determined that age (r = −0.37), economic dependence (r = −0.383) and cognitive state (r = 0.309) determine the functional component.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides empirical support about older adults living in rural contexts, around the functionality variable from a multidimensional approach, highlighting the sociodemographic and cognitive variables. Consequently, the policy of social support in older adults must be oriented toward the development of a range of divergent intervention strategies.

Originality/value

The study deals with the assessment of functionality in the elderly people from an interdisciplinary approach in the rural setting which presents a greater risk of physical and socioeconomic vulnerability. Therefore, the community, the health professionals and the government entities should help implement active aging programs for this population.

Details

Working with Older People, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-3666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 August 2024

Daniel Hunt and Dara Mojtahedi

This study aims to examine own-race bias (ORB) in prospective person memory (PPM) and explore whether the effects of ORB were moderated by two factors that are salient to…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine own-race bias (ORB) in prospective person memory (PPM) and explore whether the effects of ORB were moderated by two factors that are salient to real-world missing person appeals (MPAs): the number of appeals an individual encounters and the frequency in which these appeals are encountered.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed experimental design was used whereby 269 Caucasian participants studied MPAs (4 or 8 appeals) for various frequencies (once or three times), which featured both white and non-white missing individuals. Participants then completed a PPM sorting task that required them to identify missing individuals as a secondary objective.

Findings

ORB was not observed for prospective person memory performance, although participants did demonstrate a greater conservative bias for appeals involving different ethnicities. The main effect of number and frequency of appeals on PPM was significant, however, these variables did not moderate ORB.

Research limitations/implications

The current study has limitations that should be taken into consideration. There was an underrepresentation of non-white ethnicities within the sample which limits the ability to determine if ORB effects vary across ethnicities. Additionally, experimental simulations of missing person identifications still lack ecological validity and thus future innovative methods are required to study missing person identifications more realistically.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates that PPM performance may not be influenced by ORB effects overall as found within previous generic memory tasks, although the influence of the number and frequency of appeals presented continues to demonstrate the need to improve MPAs to maximise public facial recognition and identification of missing persons.

Details

Journal of Criminal Psychology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2009-3829

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 August 2024

Xiaoqing Li and David Sarpong

Resource mobilization has come to dominate contemporary discourse on the making and survival of social enterprises (SEs). Emphasizing the socially constructed nature of…

Abstract

Purpose

Resource mobilization has come to dominate contemporary discourse on the making and survival of social enterprises (SEs). Emphasizing the socially constructed nature of idiosyncratic firm resource environments, this study integrates bricolage and social exchange theory to explore the means at hand and the kinds of practices SEs in China employ to mobilize resources to address persistent social problems.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a qualitative multiple case design, the research contribution is developed in the context of four SEs based in two cities in China selected through a two-stage process. The main data for the inquiry come from 21 face-to-face, semi-structured interviews conducted with key informants in 2018 and 2019. The authors supplemented this with secondary data about each SE curated from social media platforms and publicly available documentary sources, including press statements, reports and popular press video interviews.

Findings

The research findings suggest that SEs in China tend to follow a two-step resource mobilization process: fraternize and exchange. Leveraging the means at hand – “social practice know-how” and the practice of “proactiveness,” SEs strategically engage with actors in their environment (fraternize) to understand and explore the possible sources of the resources they require. Nevertheless, fraternization alone is not sufficient; SEs must demonstrate exchange values (social, economic, functional and regulatory) to convince resource owners to either directly release resources (funds, the right of use of empty spaces, technologies, time and efforts) or offer them indirect support (certification, government procurement). The process of fraternizing within the contingencies of organizing, intertwined with social exchange practices, constitutes the success of resource mobilization. The combination and reconfiguration of the expanded repertoire of mobilized resources provide opportunities for the SEs to make do and, in return, help them maintain their status as valued SEs in China.

Originality/value

This study extends the understanding of bricolage through a social exchange lens to unpack the process through which SEs in China mobilize appropriate resources for their businesses. Emphasizing the importance of the social dimension of bricolage in resource mobilization, a two-step model, comprising fraternization exhibited in the form of social practice know-how and proactiveness and social exchange, is presented as an essential mechanism in SEs’ resource mobilization in China.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 June 2024

Abhinaya Sridhar and Harsha Kuriakose

This study aims to gain an understanding of how caring for an ageing population affects caregivers’ psychological well-being, quality of life and ability to tolerate distress…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to gain an understanding of how caring for an ageing population affects caregivers’ psychological well-being, quality of life and ability to tolerate distress. This study provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by family caregivers and underscores the critical need for comprehensive support systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A correlational method and cross-sectional research design was used for the study. For this, a sample of 200 caregivers in the age range of 25–60 years who were taking care of the geriatric population above the age of 70 years for a minimum of one year were chosen. Four questionnaires − Burden Scale for Family Caregivers, Psychological Well-Being Scale, World Health Organization’s Quality of Life Scale-BRIEF version and Distress Tolerance Scale were chosen. Correlation and multivariate regression were calculated using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) 21 and Jamovi 3.4.1.

Findings

This study found that there is a negative correlation of caregiver burden with psychological well-being, quality of life and distress tolerance. The sub-domains of self-acceptance, psychological health and tolerance levels were most impacted for the caregivers. Through multivariate regression, it was found that the caregiver burden significantly predicted psychological well-being and quality of life.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on the English-speaking caregivers which may overlook the diverse linguistic and cultural variations within the broader caregiver community in India and the data collection exclusively targeted family caregivers providing support to geriatric population without chronic illnesses. This restriction could potentially limit the generalizability of the findings to the broader caregiving context.

Practical implications

The implications of this research are that for caregivers, this study underscores the importance of tailored support programmes that address the negative impact of caregiver burden on psychological well-being and quality of life. Health-care professionals can use the findings to incorporate mental health assessments and interventions within caregiving contexts, recognizing the interconnected nature of these variables. Policymakers can use the findings to inform policies related to caregiver support and health-care resource allocation.

Originality/value

In India, the social norm is that children are expected to take care of their parents when they become old. Taking care of elderly parents can be challenging, even emotionally. As a result, this study will focus on how caregivers’ psychological well-being, quality of life and ability to tolerate distress are affected. Consequently, promoting the creation of community support groups and workplace mental health programmes which could give caregivers a forum to voice their concerns.

Details

Working with Older People, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-3666

Keywords

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