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1 – 10 of 315
Article
Publication date: 31 January 2023

Satish Kr Gupta and Anirban Mukherjee

This qualitative research examines the varied reasons for relocation to old age homes (OAHs) in contemporary India. The purpose of this study investigates the acceptance of…

Abstract

Purpose

This qualitative research examines the varied reasons for relocation to old age homes (OAHs) in contemporary India. The purpose of this study investigates the acceptance of institutional living in Lucknow (a Tier II city of India) and whether migration to OAHs is a voluntary decision. This study also examines the lifeworld of the older adult in these OAHs in an attempt to find out whether OAHs are conducive to positive ageing. Derivatively, the authors study their engagement/time use pattern and social networking patterns in the OAHs. Finally, the research seeks to learn whether OAHs are slowly substituting older adult care given within the family by offering the best of the facilities and services.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative research was conducted in two private OAHs in Lucknow, India. The findings of the study are based on 28 qualitative interviews conducted with the inmates, administrative staff and caretakers. The interviews were unstructured and open-ended and were supported by observations. The observation was not only made of the social setting but also the reaction of the participants. The idea was to develop an emic view of the subject by exploring valid narratives. Pseudonyms were used to report the finding so as to maintain the confidentiality of the research subjects.

Findings

This research moves beyond the traditional wisdom that people move to OAH because of the push factors within the family. OAHs in India have evolved over the years and high-end OAHs are equipped with modern amenities to cater to the upper class in their twilight years. Residents were found to lead active lives in OAHs and their common habitus and bonding capital helped them to face the vagaries of old age more confidently. Their active life and membership in various civic organizations challenge the contention of the role theory that the aged are more prone to lose rather than gain roles.

Originality/value

The originality of the research lies in the fact that the authors are extending the arguments made by the role theory of social ageing. The theory proposes that aged people are more likely to lose out roles rather than gain new ones. This study finds that the elderly tend to live a very active life in OAHs and engaged various civic organizations. Although they may lose/voluntarily give up the roles like the head of the household, spouse, etc., they acquire new roles in the context of OAHs.

Article
Publication date: 10 April 2024

Joyce Shaffer and Freda Gonot-Schoupinsky

The purpose of this paper is to meet Dr Joyce Shaffer, PhD, ABPP, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Washington.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to meet Dr Joyce Shaffer, PhD, ABPP, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Washington.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study is presented in two sections: a positive autoethnography written by Joyce Shaffer, followed by her answers to ten questions.

Findings

In this positive autoethnography, Shaffer shares her life story and reveals numerous mental health and positive aging recommendations and insights for us to reflect on.

Research limitations/implications

This is a personal narrative, albeit from someone who has been a clinical psychologist and active in the field of aging for many decades.

Practical implications

A pragmatic approach to aging is recommended. According to Shaffer, “those of us who can recognize the beat of the historical drummer can harvest the best of it and learn from the rest of it.”

Social implications

Positive aging has strong social implications. Shaffer considers that it is not only about maximizing our own physical, mental, emotional and social health but also about maximizing that of others, to make our world a better place for everyone.

Originality/value

Positive aging can be experienced despite adversity. As Shaffer says, “Adversity used for growth and healed by love is the answer.”

Details

Mental Health and Social Inclusion, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-8308

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 May 2024

Patricia Yocie Hierofani and Micheline van Riemsdijk

As populations are ageing and the global average life expectancy is rising, the provision of care for older people is an increasingly salient issue. This paper aims to focus on…

Abstract

Purpose

As populations are ageing and the global average life expectancy is rising, the provision of care for older people is an increasingly salient issue. This paper aims to focus on family-provided care for older immigrants, examining how older immigrants and care providers experience and construct family caregiving.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on interviews with care recipients, family care providers, municipal staff and representatives for migrant organisations in Sweden, this study presents a typology of family caregiving for older immigrants.

Findings

The authors found three caregiving types, namely, solely family-provided care and a combination of family care and public care (predominantly one or the other). The decision to select family-provided or publicly-funded care depends on personal and institutional factors.

Originality/value

The paper makes three empirical contributions to the literature on care provision for older immigrants. Firstly, this study provides insights into the structural and personal factors that shape care-giving arrangements for older immigrants. Secondly, this study examines the perspectives of care recipients and care providers on family-provided care. Care expectations differ between both groups and sometimes result in intergenerational disagreement. Thirdly, in terms of institutional support, this study finds that the Swedish state’s notion of individual needs does not match the needs of immigrant elderly and their caregivers. The paper places the care types in a broader discussion about eldercare provision in the Swedish welfare state, which has experienced a decline in publicly funded care services and an increase in family caregiving in the past 30 years. In addition, it addresses questions of dignified ageing from a minority perspective.

Details

International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-9894

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 April 2024

Bernadeta Goštautaitė and Miglė Šerelytė

As aging populations lead to longer working lives and increasing automation threatens job security, maintaining lifelong employability is becoming a fundamental challenge for many…

Abstract

Purpose

As aging populations lead to longer working lives and increasing automation threatens job security, maintaining lifelong employability is becoming a fundamental challenge for many individuals. The purpose of this study is to examine how lifelong employability can be maintained.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the theoretical perspectives of both movement capital and selection, optimization and compensation (SOC) theories, we used large-scale survey data (N = 2,256) from three European countries to investigate strategies for preserving employability among aging workers. Specifically, we explored the perceived risk of automation, lifelong learner characteristics and self-efficacy for occupational mobility as boundary conditions that may shape the negative relationship between age and employability.

Findings

We found a negative relationship between age and employability, which was more pronounced when the perceived risk of automation was higher. Furthermore, lifelong learner characteristics and self-efficacy for occupational mobility mitigated the negative relationship, so that age was not related to employability if people possessed lifelong learner characteristics and were ready for a career change.

Originality/value

Our study implies the importance of investing in enhancing lifelong learner characteristics and self-efficacy for occupational mobility for older employees.

Details

Baltic Journal of Management, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5265

Keywords

Abstract

Details

The Positive Psychology of Laughter and Humour
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-835-5

Article
Publication date: 12 February 2024

Amitabh Anand, Liji James, Aparna Varma and Manoranjan Dhal

Ageism has deleteriously influenced individuals and society for nearly half a century. Despite receiving increased attention, it remains under-researched regarding how it might be…

Abstract

Purpose

Ageism has deleteriously influenced individuals and society for nearly half a century. Despite receiving increased attention, it remains under-researched regarding how it might be reduced in the workplace. Even though its prevalence and allure, review studies on workplace ageism (WA) are also scarce, and thus a review is warranted.

Design/methodology/approach

To fill the preceding void, this study will systematically review the existing literature on WA using data from the past four decades.

Findings

This study identified the various antecedents and the intervention mechanism through which WA may be reduced. Additionally, through reviews, the authors advance the research by offering promising avenues for future research.

Originality/value

This review contributes to human resources managers and will inspire future scholars to delve deeper into combating age discrimination, stereotypes and bias toward employees in workplaces.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 May 2024

Konstantin Galkin and Irina Grigorieva

This paper aims to study the inequalities faced by older people through the analysis of semistructured interviews with older residents of Saint Petersburg and the villages in the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the inequalities faced by older people through the analysis of semistructured interviews with older residents of Saint Petersburg and the villages in the Republic of Karelia in Russia.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors begin the research by studying the nature of the perception of inequalities in older people’s lives, as well as examining the concept of inequality in the context of modern reality affected by the pandemic and postpandemic repercussions. Furthermore, the authors analyze empirical cases and, using thematic analysis, examine the specifics and the nature of the emerging inequalities, as well as the ways in which older people overcome them. In the modern world, individual rather than class competition is increasingly manifested, which stipulates the specific character of research associated with the necessity to study personal competition and interactions in the context of everyday life. The empirical basis of the study was 30 semistructured interviews conducted in 2022 in St. Petersburg and rural areas of the Republic of Karelia. The study of the everyday features of the manifestation of inequalities and ageism was carried out using modern sociological approaches.

Findings

It is concluded that older people find ways to adapt to social changes in pandemic and postpandemic times through strategies such as emotional reflection on the past, hobbies, reviewing old resources and searching for new ones, changing ways of communication and solving problems. The desire to take care of one’s own well-being is becoming an important focus of attention for the older in their daily routine.

Originality/value

These strategies create positive opportunities for adaptation and contribute to reducing the fears and anxiety of the elderly regarding the possible return to similar situations like the COVID-19 pandemic and related inequalities.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2023

Simon Stephens

This paper highlights the need for studies that explore the experiences of entrepreneurs based in a family business setting who are considering retirement.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper highlights the need for studies that explore the experiences of entrepreneurs based in a family business setting who are considering retirement.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a concise review of the literature.

Findings

Retirement planning and subsequent succession management is a significant event in a family business and is an issue that requires research that captures and interprets the perspectives of the different stakeholders.

Originality/value

This paper synthesizes existing research on retirement in an entrepreneurial context, with an emphasis on family business and proposes three key areas of research.

Details

Journal of Family Business Management, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-6238

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 September 2023

Weiliang Zhang, Sifeng Liu, Junliang Du, Liangyan Tao and Wenjie Dong

The purpose of this study is to advance a novel evaluation index system and evaluation approach for ability of older adults in China.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to advance a novel evaluation index system and evaluation approach for ability of older adults in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This study constructed a comprehensive older adult ability evaluation index system with 4 primary indicators and 17 secondary indicators. Grey clustering analysis and entropy weight method are combined into a robust evaluation model for the ability of older adults.

Findings

The result demonstrates that the proposed grey clustering model is readily available to calculate the disability level of elderly individuals. The constructed index system more comprehensively considers all aspects of the disability of the elderly.

Originality/value

This study provides a quantitative method and a more reasonable index system for the determination of the disability level of the elderly.

Details

Journal of Modelling in Management, vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5664

Keywords

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

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