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Book part
Publication date: 8 November 2019

Tingzhen (Jane) Chen and Philip L. Pearce

Consistent exposure to sunshine with high ultraviolet values has significant negative effects on human skin. Key risks include melanoma and the rapid onset of signs of ageing. For…

Abstract

Consistent exposure to sunshine with high ultraviolet values has significant negative effects on human skin. Key risks include melanoma and the rapid onset of signs of ageing. For Chinese, these are viewed as undesirable, because their genetic legacy predisposes them to greater numbers of skin blemishes and because darker shades are culturally and socially viewed as less attractive. Properties in sunshine locations may need to modify aspects of their infrastructure and service delivery to meet the needs of the globally influential Chinese market. Shaded spaces, new activities, scheduling of experiences in the early morning, evening and at night, are all a part of the required innovations in experience design.

Article
Publication date: 28 June 2018

Margaret Hardy, Florin Oprescu, Prue Millear and Mathew Summers

The purpose of this paper is to determine how baby boomers define healthy ageing and quality of life, and if late life university study could have a beneficial impact for future…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine how baby boomers define healthy ageing and quality of life, and if late life university study could have a beneficial impact for future health-promoting initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data were collected from Australian baby boomers. Data were inductively categorised to identify and report emergent themes.

Findings

The majority of respondents believed healthy ageing meant being mentally and physically active, with later life university study contributing to mental health, which improves their quality of life.

Social implications

Later life university study can have positive health outcomes for baby boomers and may contribute to the quality of their life.

Originality/value

This study suggests that baby boomers are quite clear about how they define healthy ageing and quality of life: maintaining good health and retaining their independence. Some baby boomers stated that intellectual stimulation was critical for their overall health and wellbeing. Baby boomers identified as belonging to this group engagement in an educational (i.e. university) programme could be considered as a health-promoting intervention.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2003

Sohail Inayatullah

Ageing is a fundamental issue for the future of the planet. An ageing society challenges basic assumptions of modern culture and political economy. This paper explores alternative…

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Abstract

Ageing is a fundamental issue for the future of the planet. An ageing society challenges basic assumptions of modern culture and political economy. This paper explores alternative futures of ageing in Queensland, understanding that certain assumptions about Queensland’s future are given. It is also focused on probable futures, and not on every possible future. Based on this map of the future‐developed through causal layered analysis and scenario planning – policy recommendations are developed for the Queensland Government.

Details

Foresight, vol. 5 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6689

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2003

Phillip Daffara

In this article I deconstruct the polar cultural myths about ageing and how these two influencing memes generate two contrasting scenarios for the future of the city. One meme can…

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Abstract

In this article I deconstruct the polar cultural myths about ageing and how these two influencing memes generate two contrasting scenarios for the future of the city. One meme can be seen as a weight resisting the preferred future whilst the other provides the attractive pull towards the preferred image. Both are interlinked by the reality of an ageing global population – a demographic driver that is shaping the city of tomorrow. This preferred image however is not inevitable; I argue that memetic change of Western society’s episteme of ageing is fundamental to achieving the City of all ages.

Details

Foresight, vol. 5 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6689

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 November 2023

Sharyn Rundle-Thiele, Taylor Jade Willmott, Nadine McKillop, Pamela Saleme Ruiz and Anna Kitunen

Recognising current, significant rates of youth sexual violence and abuse (YSVA) and the need for more comprehensive prevention approaches to combat this social issue, new…

Abstract

Purpose

Recognising current, significant rates of youth sexual violence and abuse (YSVA) and the need for more comprehensive prevention approaches to combat this social issue, new approaches are required to ensure that agency is given to the people who are most affected and who know their lives the best. This paper aims to report a youth-led (Young Voices United [YVU] Committee) participatory design approach aimed at delivering the highest level of engagement to understand what people agree is needed to reduce YSVA in their own communities.

Design/methodology/approach

The seven-step co-design (Trischler et al., 2019) process was implemented following ethical clearance. Over five months, 13 group co-design sessions involving 102 young people aged 12–25 years, 17 parents/caregivers (including young mums) and 9 teacher/guidance officers were conducted. Purposive sampling was undertaken to ensure that young people who had previously experienced YSVA or were most at risk of experiencing YSVA were overrepresented. Convenience sampling was used to gain wider community involvement in co-design. Four sessions were facilitated by YVU members, who were aged between 12 and 25 years, and more than 66 people helped the design team. Inductive thematic analysis identified emergent themes across completed co-design sessions.

Findings

New ideas and solutions to prevent YSVA can be identified by young people who have previously experienced violence, carers, other young people and community members. A core finding in this study is the need for positive relationship role models and an enhanced understanding of consent. Education and training, a community promotional campaign, sector involvement, capacity-building and consideration of the unique needs of different target audiences were key ideas emerging from youth-led co-design. The YVU Committee provided recommendations for resource prioritisation.

Social implications

This youth-led co-design process empowered the community. Project stakeholders have since formed partnerships won funding and used that funding to co-design and trial a new programme aiming to provide a safe haven for young people at risk of YSVA. The pilot programme delivers a safe and supportive environment for young people delivered at a time when it is needed most. Other geographical areas are now seeking to replicate the programme. The co-design processes and tools detailed in this study can be adapted to the design of programmes for those already engaged with the youth justice system and should be considered as part of a public health approach to effectively prevent and respond to YSVA and other youth crimes.

Originality/value

This paper advances understanding, providing a practical approach that ensures youth views are given weight [audience and influence described in Lundy’s (2007) participatory framework]. This paper explains how the YVU Committee, established at the commencement of the project, oversaw the community co-design effort, which followed Trischler et al.’s (2019) seven-step co-design process. Ideas were generated, and consensus views were consolidated, delivering the highest level of engagement according to Willmott et al.’s (2022) methodology, agent of change, training and engagement taxonomy. The participatory design method led to high levels of community engagement, and the success of the project is attributed to the establishment of the YVU Committee and stakeholder support.

Details

Safer Communities, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-8043

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 November 2016

Colin Russo

The purpose of this paper is to map the outcomes of four influential South East Queensland city visioning and foresight initiatives conducted by the cities of Maroochy, Logan…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to map the outcomes of four influential South East Queensland city visioning and foresight initiatives conducted by the cities of Maroochy, Logan, Gold Coast and Brisbane.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies causal layered analysis to map the outcomes of four city visioning and foresight initiatives.

Findings

It is averred in this paper that cities need to map their experiences of past futures initiatives for what worked and what has resulted today, and for recommendations of futures actions and innovations.

Originality/value

This paper deepens the discussion about the critical features of the four initiatives by focusing on their outcomes and alternatives they could produce to influence the futures of their cities.

Details

foresight, vol. 18 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6689

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 November 2013

David Rowlands

The purpose of this paper is to offer a personal insight from a retired care professional into attitudes to the ageing process and being old. It shows how moving to another…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a personal insight from a retired care professional into attitudes to the ageing process and being old. It shows how moving to another country in later life can improve quality of life.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is an invited opinion piece and comment based on the author's experiences in dealing with their own ageing. It is an autobiographical account which challenges conventional views about the expected ways to meet the challenges of ageing.

Findings

Retirement need not lead to a “static” view of one's life. Meeting the challenge of moving to another country in later life can lead to new and renewed friendships, improvements in memory in learning a new language and developing enhanced awareness of other cultures. Moving house and home can be a stimulating adventure even when one is older.

Originality/value

Personal insights from experienced care professionals can demonstrate ways of responding to the challenge of ageing that are constructive and positive. It could encourage others to take up and confront their own forms of “adventure” as they grow older.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 July 2018

Jonathan Mason, Kate Crowson, Mary Katsikitis and Michael Moodie

The purpose of this paper is to summarise the initial experiences of Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It highlights some of the main challenges being faced…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarise the initial experiences of Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It highlights some of the main challenges being faced by participants, service providers and government, and demonstrates how research can contribute to the ongoing implementation and success of the scheme.

Design/methodology/approach

The historical basis for the need for a new approach to disability funding in Australia is explored. The opportunities that exist and the difficulties that are being encountered by those entering and working within the new scheme are discussed.

Findings

Several problems were identified including difficult transitions between existing support frameworks to new “NDIS plans”, and the risk of market failure. Both the problems and their solutions are discussed and it is hoped that collaboration between the Commonwealth Government, service users, their families, service providers and universities can lead to a number of lasting improvements.

Practical implications

The new funding framework provides exciting opportunities for increasing the funding of people with intellectual and physical disabilities in Australia. Developments in technology, service provision in rural and remote areas and the opportunity to meet aspirational life goals exist alongside a number of challenges, including the need to ensure that those with multiple and complex disabilities retain existing levels of support.

Originality/value

The implementation of the NDIS is still underway, and opportunities exist to implement changes to the scheme where required. Research findings have an important role to play in the national debate regarding how best to improve quality of life for people with a disability in Australia.

Details

Tizard Learning Disability Review, vol. 23 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-5474

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2006

C.Y. Yiu, S.M. Lo and Daniel C.W. Ho

Tile finishes are very commonly used in external walls of buildings. However, the ageing process of the tile system is very seldom studied, which makes maintenance scheduling on…

Abstract

Purpose

Tile finishes are very commonly used in external walls of buildings. However, the ageing process of the tile system is very seldom studied, which makes maintenance scheduling on external wall finishes impossible. The paper aims to contend that weathering exposure is one of the main accelerators of delamination. This paper seeks to test empirically the effects of orientation and shading on the probability of wall tile delamination.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses the weathering effects, including orientation and shading, on thepercentage of deliminated areas of the external wall tiles by regression in a large estate in Hong Kong. Wall tile delamination data are collected from ten blocks of a high‐rise housing estate in Hong Kong, multiple linear regression is used to analyse the effects of orientation and shading on the probability of failure of the wall tiling systems.

Findings

The results of this paper indicate the effects of orientation and shading on the proportion of delamination of the external wall tile finishes.

Research limitations/implications

The results agree with our contention that shaded areas are found to have lower rate of delamination, while north‐west and exposed façades are found with serious delamination. The results have great implications on maintenance scheduling for external wall tile finishes. Exposed areas receiving intensive thermal and moisture cycles are found to have significantly higher probability of failure. The study is limited by the small number of samples.

Practical implications

The results provide a set of data on the probability of failure of external wall tiling systems, for further ageing and durability analyses of external wall tiling systems. The findings are also of importance to designers and property managers for choosing external wall finishes and shading devices; and for maintaining external wall tile finishes.

Originality/value

This paper is the first study on the probability of failure and weathering impacts on external wall tiling systems. It is also the first attempt to achieve the objectives by means of empirical evidence.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 24 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2018

Suchada Vichitvanichphong, Amir Talaei-Khoei, Don Kerr and Amir Hossein Ghapanchi

One may categorize assistive technologies for aged care into two types, namely, supportive (helping the elderly with their everyday activities) and empowering (obtaining physical…

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Abstract

Purpose

One may categorize assistive technologies for aged care into two types, namely, supportive (helping the elderly with their everyday activities) and empowering (obtaining physical or educational training to help seniors to maintain their capabilities). This paper looks at the impact of this perspective in the adoption of technologies that are used to aid already declined functions in comparison with technologies that are used to empower an elderly person’s capabilities. The purpose of this paper is to extract the factors that influence adoption of assistive technologies among seniors and the theories used in this context.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted on relevant peer reviewed papers. A preliminary exploratory search was conducted to identify keywords and online databases for the search. A total of 104 papers published since 2000 were analyzed after title, abstract and full text filtering.

Findings

The study summarizes and categorizes the factors impacting the adoption of assistive technologies among seniors. The paper analyses the theoretical support utilized by literature and maps the empirical evidence for supportive and empowering technologies.

Research limitations/implications

This research like any other literature review is limited to the search keys. However, the keys have brought to this work from a preliminary search.

Practical implications

The work informs nursing professionals on the process to adopt technologies among seniors. The paper also helps technology developers to design technological products that are easier to adopt for older adults.

Originality/value

It was found that existing adoption theories are able to handle supportive technology adoption mainly because of the direct link between usage and improved functionalities. However due to the indirect effect of empowering technologies, elderlies lag in benefit realization for empowering technologies. This opens avenues of research and requires future work and utilization of new theoretical approaches in this area. The paper indicates propositions, claims and suggested questions for future research in both supportive and empowering technologies.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. 31 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

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