Current Search: Older Adults (x)
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- Title
- Development of filial obligation in young adults: An examination of crisis and lifespan theory.
- Creator
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Bassett, Rachel, Paulson, Daniel, Wharton, Tracy, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Formal care institutions are unable to meet care demands. As a result, informal caregivers (friends, family, neighbors) are called upon to fulfill this need. Adult children make up the majority of these informal caregivers. Adult children vary with respect to whether or not they provide care, and the amount of care provided. Filial obligation and attachment are positive predictors of these care behaviors. A better understanding of how these factors emerge and invoke caregiving behaviors is...
Show moreFormal care institutions are unable to meet care demands. As a result, informal caregivers (friends, family, neighbors) are called upon to fulfill this need. Adult children make up the majority of these informal caregivers. Adult children vary with respect to whether or not they provide care, and the amount of care provided. Filial obligation and attachment are positive predictors of these care behaviors. A better understanding of how these factors emerge and invoke caregiving behaviors is crucial. The primary hypothesis of this study was that anxiety attachment dimension score would positively relate to baseline filial obligation, and that avoid attachment dimension scores would negatively relate to filial obligation at baseline. The second hypothesis was that participants randomized to the experimental group (filial challenge task, requiring administration of a living will to their parents) would experience greater change in filial obligation pre- to post-0task than would those randomized to the control group (autobiographical questionnaire). The third hypothesis was that anxious and avoid attachment dimension scores would moderate the (filial obligation) response to the filial challenge task (living will), whereby those with higher anxious attachment dimension scores would experience greater increases in filial obligation and those with higher avoid attachment dimension scores will experience greater decreases in filial obligation. Overall, hypotheses were not supported, though post-hoc analyses suggest an empirical basis for future research. Empirical and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed. Future work may examine complementary experimental paradigms for studying the development of filial responsibility.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007593, ucf:52552
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007593
- Title
- FALL RISK ASSESSMENT IN COMMUNITY- DWELLING OLDER ADULTS: AN EXPLANATORY SEQUENTIAL MIXED METHODS STUDY.
- Creator
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Dool, MaryAnn, Thiamwong, Ladda, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Abstract Aims: 1) To determine fall risk assessment using subjective and objective measures; 2) To understand older adults' perception on fall risk assessment. Methodology: An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used and consisted of two phases. Phase 1, the quantitative data was collected from nineteen older adults at an independent living facility in Orlando, Florida. Phase 2, the qualitative data was collected from three participants of Phase 1. After obtaining Institutional...
Show moreAbstract Aims: 1) To determine fall risk assessment using subjective and objective measures; 2) To understand older adults' perception on fall risk assessment. Methodology: An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used and consisted of two phases. Phase 1, the quantitative data was collected from nineteen older adults at an independent living facility in Orlando, Florida. Phase 2, the qualitative data was collected from three participants of Phase 1. After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval, the study was conducted at Lutheran Towers an independent living facility located in the downtown area of Orlando, Florida. Three measurement tools were used: demographic data sheet, an objective tool: BTrackS Balance Test (BBT), and Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Results: In phase 1, 37% of participants had a high risk for falls assessed by the objective measure (BBT), and about 11% had high concern of fall risk assessed by the subjective measure (Short FES-I). Approximately 32% had congruent results between subjective and objective measures and 68 % presented incongruent results between subjective and objective measures. In phase 2, three themes were generated from the qualitative data :1) Perception and experience on fall risk assessment; 2) Perception of the subjective measure (Short FES-I) and 3) Perception of the objective measure (BBT). Conclusion: Those who have incongruent perceptions of their fall risk and physical abilities are most at risk. Performing fall risk assessment using both subjective and objective measures is critical for developing fall prevention plans, to identify those most at risk.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000571, ucf:45616
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000571
- Title
- DOES MENTAL STATUS MODERATE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY HISTORY AND LIFE SATISFACTION?.
- Creator
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Payne, Charlotte A, Bedwell, Jeffrey, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) history has been linked to damaged cognition and poorer quality of life. While this link has been established, there is not much known about this relationship in older adult populations experiencing normal cognitive decline. In the current study, mental status was predicted to moderate the relationship between TBI history and life satisfaction among older adults. Additionally, details of the injury - years since injury and time spent unconscious - were expected to...
Show moreTraumatic brain injury (TBI) history has been linked to damaged cognition and poorer quality of life. While this link has been established, there is not much known about this relationship in older adult populations experiencing normal cognitive decline. In the current study, mental status was predicted to moderate the relationship between TBI history and life satisfaction among older adults. Additionally, details of the injury - years since injury and time spent unconscious - were expected to play a role in this relationship. Per analyses, there was no relationship found between TBI history, mental status, and life satisfaction. Moreover, there was no link found between time since injury, time spent unconscious, mental status and life satisfaction. While insignificant, these results yield important findings. The results lend support to more positive long-term outcomes for those with a history of TBI than initially expected, especially if the TBI was mild and resulted in no loss of consciousness or a loss of consciousness less than 5 hours.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000475, ucf:45896
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000475
- Title
- THE NEXUS BETWEEN COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY AND PREJUDICIAL ATTITUDES IN YOUNGER AND OLDER ADULTS.
- Creator
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Germosen, Yerika, Negy, Charles, Lighthall, Nichole, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The mutability of prejudicial attitudes can be elucidated by taking into account the declines in cognition that tend to emerge as we age. This study aimed to assess whether there is a relationship between prejudice towards different ethnic groups and cognitive flexibility throughout adulthood. Ninety-five older adults and 118 younger adults were asked to complete an electronic survey encompassing measures of cognitive flexibility, social desirability, personality, optimism, empathy, ethnic...
Show moreThe mutability of prejudicial attitudes can be elucidated by taking into account the declines in cognition that tend to emerge as we age. This study aimed to assess whether there is a relationship between prejudice towards different ethnic groups and cognitive flexibility throughout adulthood. Ninety-five older adults and 118 younger adults were asked to complete an electronic survey encompassing measures of cognitive flexibility, social desirability, personality, optimism, empathy, ethnic attachment and prejudice. It was hypothesized that older adults would report lower levels of cognitive flexibility and higher levels of ethnic attachment in comparison to younger adults, which would in turn make the inverse relationship between cognitive flexibility and prejudice stronger in older participants. The results did not support the hypotheses predicting that there would be cohort differences in cognitive flexibility and ethnic attachment. As expected, there was a negative correlation between prejudice and cognitive flexibility, but it was only significant in younger adults before controlling for the influence of social desirability. Additionally, regression models predicting prejudice based on cognitive flexibility and ethnic attachment were significant before and after controlling for social desirability, but only in younger adults. Exploratory analyses indicate that the strength of the correlations between all study variables were generally lower in older adults. The findings presented here raise an argument for evaluating how the interplay between prejudice and cognitive flexibility may change in the later stages of life.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000497, ucf:45671
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000497
- Title
- OLDER ADULTS AND ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKING: RELATING ISSUES OF ATTITUDES, EXPERTISE, AND USE.
- Creator
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Hernandez, Elise, Smither, Janan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The social transition to older adulthood can be challenging for elderly individuals and their families when isolation poses a threat to well-being. Technology is currently providing younger generations with an opportunity to stay in contact with social partners through the use of online social networking tools; it is unclear whether older adults are also taking advantage of this communication method. This study explored how older adults are experiencing online social networking. Specifically,...
Show moreThe social transition to older adulthood can be challenging for elderly individuals and their families when isolation poses a threat to well-being. Technology is currently providing younger generations with an opportunity to stay in contact with social partners through the use of online social networking tools; it is unclear whether older adults are also taking advantage of this communication method. This study explored how older adults are experiencing online social networking. Specifically, this research addressed how older adults' attitudes towards online social networking are related to their expertise in using computers and the internet for this purpose. A survey methodological approach was employed whereby older adults aged 65 and over were recruited from senior centers across the Central Florida area to fill out a series of questionnaires. The Computer Aversion, Attitudes, and Familiarity Index (CAAFI) was used to measure attitudes and expertise with computers. The Internet Technical Literacy and Social Awareness Scale was used to measure interest and expertise with the internet. The relationship between older adults' use of online social networking and their attitudes and expertise was also investigated. Finally, social connectedness, (measured using the Social Connectedness Scale) and subjective well-being (measured using the Satisfaction with Life Scale) were measured to explore whether older adults receive a psychosocial benefit from using online social networking. Findings showed expertise and attitudes scores were strongly correlated, and these scores were also predictive of online social networking use. The results of this study may help social service providers for elderly individuals begin to understand the many factors associated with using new forms of technology.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFH0004078, ucf:44786
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004078
- Title
- A Senior Water Aerobics Class as a Subculture.
- Creator
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Halbert, Sarah, Grauerholz, Elizabeth, Anthony, Amanda, Sikorska, Elzbieta, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Although previous research has focused on subcultures among deviant groups, very little research has been conducted on older adults' subcultures or subcultures within exercise settings. Given the lack of research on older and non-deviant groups, the current research study was designed to reveal how a senior water aerobics exercise class is indeed a subculture and provide a rich description of this understudied and unappreciated subculture. Data collection took place at a water aerobics...
Show moreAlthough previous research has focused on subcultures among deviant groups, very little research has been conducted on older adults' subcultures or subcultures within exercise settings. Given the lack of research on older and non-deviant groups, the current research study was designed to reveal how a senior water aerobics exercise class is indeed a subculture and provide a rich description of this understudied and unappreciated subculture. Data collection took place at a water aerobics exercise class at a health club in Central Florida. In the first phase of data collection, ethnographic observations were utilized to identify the social processes in the pool setting. In the second phase of data collection, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 seniors to provide a rich description of a water aerobics subculture. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, the results revealed that the water aerobics class resembles a subculture with distinctive norms, social roles and rituals. Based on these findings, this study concludes that groups such as water aerobics classes may influence seniors' self-esteem, wellbeing and transition into late adulthood.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005179, ucf:50668
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005179
- Title
- PSYCHOSOCIAL STATUS AND HEALTH OUTCOMES IN OLDER ADULTS LIVING WITH HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS.
- Creator
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Fernandez, Amanda, D'Amato-Kubiet, Leslee, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Purpose: To recognize and raise awareness about the psychosocial status and health outcomes in older adults living with HIV. Method: A literature search was conducted from the disciplines of nursing and medicine using the CINAHL, PubMed, and Medline databases. Inclusion criteria: articles exploring older adults who are HIV positive and factors related to depression, suicide and available healthcare resources. Exclusion criteria: articles including individuals under the age of 50 infected with...
Show morePurpose: To recognize and raise awareness about the psychosocial status and health outcomes in older adults living with HIV. Method: A literature search was conducted from the disciplines of nursing and medicine using the CINAHL, PubMed, and Medline databases. Inclusion criteria: articles exploring older adults who are HIV positive and factors related to depression, suicide and available healthcare resources. Exclusion criteria: articles including individuals under the age of 50 infected with HIV/AIDS and articles focused entirely on physiologic principles of HIV/AIDS. Results: In older adults living with HIV/AIDS, the literature review disclosed a comprehensive gap between identifying this age group as 'at risk', lack of communication between health care providers and older adults concerning sexual activity and/or status, and recurring psychosocial components related to lack of resources and standards of care among older adults living with HIV/AIDS. An unbalanced amount of research has focused on the care and prevention of HIV/AIDS among young adult populations, while a limited amount of research is geared toward detection, prevention and interventions for HIV/AIDS in older adults. Findings suggest that HIV/AIDS is a syndrome of bias based on age and/or gender by health care providers. Solutions to this epidemic must begin with an all inclusive plan that investigates the prevention, identification and intervention across the lifespan. Discussion: As the country ages and the population of older adults increase, nurses will encounter an increasing number of older adults living with HIV/AIDS. In order to competently provide quality care to older adults with a positive HIV/AIDS status, further research is needed to bridge the gap of literature connecting psychosocial aspects of care and accompanying health outcomes.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004253, ucf:44932
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004253
- Title
- Family Care Giver Knowledge, Patient Illness Characteristics, and Unplanned Hospital Admissions in Older Adults with Cancer.
- Creator
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Geddie, Patricia, Loerzel, Victoria, Sole, Mary Lou, Gammonley, Denise, Norris, Anne, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Unplanned hospital admissions (UHA) in older adult populations are a recurring problem in older adults with cancer. Older adults comprise approximately 60% of cancer diagnoses and receive the majority of cancer treatment. However, little is known about why older adults under treatment for cancer experience a high number of unplanned hospital admissions. A review of the literature provided few study findings and a gap in the current knowledge was identified regarding the factors associated...
Show moreUnplanned hospital admissions (UHA) in older adult populations are a recurring problem in older adults with cancer. Older adults comprise approximately 60% of cancer diagnoses and receive the majority of cancer treatment. However, little is known about why older adults under treatment for cancer experience a high number of unplanned hospital admissions. A review of the literature provided few study findings and a gap in the current knowledge was identified regarding the factors associated with unplanned hospital admissions in older adults under treatment for cancer. A conceptual framework based on the literature and this researcher's clinical experienced guided this study. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors related to unplanned hospital admissions and determine if one or more factors are predictive of unplanned hospital admissions of older adults with cancer. A convenience sample of 129 dyads of older adults with cancer and their family caregivers were approached and enrolled in the adult oncology outpatient infusion centers and inpatient units within a community cancer center in central Florida. Patient demographic and clinical data were obtained through a retrospective medical record review. Family caregiver demographic and side effect knowledge data was collected prospectively during interviews with family caregivers using a newly developed tool, Nurse Assessment of Family Caregiver Knowledge and Action Tool (NAFCKAT). The NAFCKAT contains 11 items to determine baseline knowledge about side effects and plan for managing side effects. A fever subsection consists of 4 knowledge and 2 action questions and a dehydration subsection consists of 2 knowledge and 2 action questions. Preliminary research was conducted to determine reliability and validity of the NAFCKAT. Excellent inter-reliability was found for the tool and preliminary support for validity was determined for the fever subscale. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate data collected from patient medical records and NAFCKAT scores. Study findings revealed that unplanned hospital admissions were more likely to occur when older adults had the presence of impaired function prior to treatment initiation and/or experienced side effects of infection /fever and vomiting/diarrhea during treatment. The presence of impaired function and family caregiver support (knowledge and availability) did not moderate the relationship between side effects and unplanned hospital admissions. Findings suggest that the presence of impaired function and side effects of infection and fever, and vomiting and diarrhea, predict unplanned hospital admissions in older adults during the active cancer treatment phase. Nurses should advocate for and conduct targeted assessments to identify the presence of functional impairments prior to cancer treatment initiation. In addition, nurses should actively monitor for the presence of cancer treatment-related side effects during the treatment phase of the cancer trajectory. Information gained from these assessments will assist nurses to provide practical and tailored strategies to support older adults and their family caregivers during cancer treatment and reduce the risk for unplanned hospital admissions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005618, ucf:50214
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005618
- Title
- A STUDY OF WHY OLDER PEOPLE 65+ DO OR DO NOT EXERCISE.
- Creator
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Williams, Nancy McCoin, Rohter, Frank, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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ABSTRACTThis qualitative study uses interviews to examine factors explaining why 20 elderly individuals from a variety of occupations and still living in the community independently did or did not exercise. Within the limits of this qualitative study, the reasons elderly participants gave for avoiding exercise included fear of injury, joint pain, poor health, complications from various degenerative diseases, and a lack of enjoyment of exercise. The reasons for exercising included necessity...
Show moreABSTRACTThis qualitative study uses interviews to examine factors explaining why 20 elderly individuals from a variety of occupations and still living in the community independently did or did not exercise. Within the limits of this qualitative study, the reasons elderly participants gave for avoiding exercise included fear of injury, joint pain, poor health, complications from various degenerative diseases, and a lack of enjoyment of exercise. The reasons for exercising included necessity due to post-heart attack motivation, work-site exercise program or equipment availability, opportunity to habituate work-related tasks, spouse support, history of exercise experience, ability to exercise without injury, enjoyment of family outings, and an appreciation of the enjoyment of exercise.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000015, ucf:46097
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000015
- Title
- MOTORCYCLE CONSPICUITY: THE EFFECTS OF AGE AND VEHICULAR DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS.
- Creator
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Torrez, Lorenzo, Smither, Janan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Research has shown that riding a motorcycle can potentially be much more dangerous than operating a conventional vehicle. There are factors inherent in driving or riding a small two wheeled vehicle, such as a motorcycle, moped or even bicycle that can potentially decrease their ability to be seen or noticed by other drivers. This disadvantage is reflected in the disproportionate over-representation of injuries and/or fatalities incurred by this particular driving group. This creates a...
Show moreResearch has shown that riding a motorcycle can potentially be much more dangerous than operating a conventional vehicle. There are factors inherent in driving or riding a small two wheeled vehicle, such as a motorcycle, moped or even bicycle that can potentially decrease their ability to be seen or noticed by other drivers. This disadvantage is reflected in the disproportionate over-representation of injuries and/or fatalities incurred by this particular driving group. This creates a significant problem which deserves dedicated evaluation as to causative factors and/or influential variables. The following research was conducted with intentions to investigate the topic of motorcycle conspicuity so as to further explain the variables which positively contribute to a motorcycle being seen and to supplement the body of knowledge that currently exists on this topic. This study specifically evaluated the influence of sex, age, motorcycle lighting conditions, and vehicular daytime running lights upon one's ability to effectively detect a motorcycle within a "high fidelity" simulated environment. This research additionally sought to examine the feasibility and validity of using a novel fixed base "high fidelity" simulator for the evaluation of motorcycle conspicuity. The results from this research clearly indicate a link between vehicular DRLs and the effective detection of motorcycles and also support previous research as to the effectiveness of motorcycle DRLs. Additionally, these results suggest that as one ages, certain degradations in vision, cognition, and physiology occur which decrease one's performance in detecting and responding to a motorcycle. These findings additionally provide support for the use of a "high definition" fixed base simulator as a valid technology for the evaluation of motorcycle conspicuity.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002016, ucf:47614
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002016
- Title
- FEAR OF FALLING ASSESSMENT AND INTERVENTIONS IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS: A MIXED METHODS CASE STUDY.
- Creator
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Cappleman, Amanda S., Thiamwong, Ladda, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Background: Fear of falling has significant adverse physical and psychological effects for the community-dwelling older adult. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults and explore participant perceptions of fear of falling assessments and interventions. Methods: A mixed methods case study was utilized to gain an in-depth understanding of older adults' perceptions. It consisted of quantitative data collection by objective measures...
Show moreBackground: Fear of falling has significant adverse physical and psychological effects for the community-dwelling older adult. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults and explore participant perceptions of fear of falling assessments and interventions. Methods: A mixed methods case study was utilized to gain an in-depth understanding of older adults' perceptions. It consisted of quantitative data collection by objective measures and qualitative data collection by four individual in-depth interviews. A sample of four community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older and living in Orlando, Florida, completed the study in their home environment. To combine quantitative and qualitative data for each participant, a case-specific analysis was used, resulting in narratives with a storytelling approach aiming to explore each participant independently. This was followed by a cross-case analysis to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the participants in relation to one another. Results: Four themes emerged: 1) Feedback from an objective measure is valuable; 2) Family experiences with fear of falling drive personal interventions; 3) Fundamental assessments for fear of falling are missing, and 4) Fluctuating definitions of "fear" contribute to difficulty in assessments and interventions. Conclusion: Clear perceptual themes developed to provide a comprehensive understanding of community-dwelling older adults' perceptions of fear of falling assessments and interventions. Future research is needed to determine how to best combine feedback-oriented assessments with established interventions, such as exercise. Standardization of a subjective measure for fear of falling to use in combination with objective measures is also needed. Keywords: assessment, intervention, fear of falling, older adults, community-dwelling, mixed methods
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000567, ucf:45683
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000567
- Title
- The Influences of Mindfulness and Neuromotor Exercise Mode on Balance in Healthy Older Adults.
- Creator
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Hicks, Maxine, Chase, Susan, Forlaw, Loretta, Bushy, Angeline, Mundale, Jennifer, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This study investigated the roles of mindfulness and balance to optimize strategies for fall prevention in healthy older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of mindfulness with respect to balance in healthy older adults who are experienced in meditative versus non-meditative modes of neuromotor exercise. This was a comparative descriptive study that used a convenience sample of N=86 older adults (20 male; mean age = 69.33 (&)#177; 7.24; range: 60 (-) 93 years)....
Show moreThis study investigated the roles of mindfulness and balance to optimize strategies for fall prevention in healthy older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of mindfulness with respect to balance in healthy older adults who are experienced in meditative versus non-meditative modes of neuromotor exercise. This was a comparative descriptive study that used a convenience sample of N=86 older adults (20 male; mean age = 69.33 (&)#177; 7.24; range: 60 (-) 93 years). The sample included experienced participants of meditative (e.g., yoga, Tai chi) and non-meditative (e.g., partnered dance) neuromotor exercise recruited from community yoga, Tai chi, and dance studios, respectively. The variables of mindfulness, age, and sex were examined as predictors of the outcome variable of balance. Dispositional mindfulness was measured with the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, and postural balance was assessed using the One-legged Stance Test, a measure of the number of seconds a participant can stand on one with eyes closed. Multiple regression analyses were used to answer the research questions. The results did not reveal either mode of neuromotor exercise to predict balance better; neither age nor sex was a moderator of mindfulness, and mindfulness did not act as a mediator between age, sex, and balance. What the findings did reveal were higher levels of balance and mindfulness amongst study participants compared to normative community-dwelling populations from the published literature. Next, balance was found to decrease with increasing age and was greater in males than females. Most remarkably, dancers were found to have significantly higher levels of mindfulness than Tai chi and yoga participants, which suggests that formal meditation may not be an essential component of neuromotor exercise for the cultivation of mindfulness. The results have important implications for theory, research, practice, and policy.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006883, ucf:51724
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006883
- Title
- The Longitudinal Relationship between Moderate Alcohol Use and Cognitive Aging among Older Adults.
- Creator
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Herring, Danielle, Paulson, Daniel, Renk, Kimberly, Lighthall, Nichole, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Cognitive aging appears inconsistent across cognitive domains, indicating that domains may not all decline at the same rate across individuals. Individual trajectories of cognitive aging can vary widely and are affected by numerous lifestyle and health factors. Alcohol use among older adults is known to confer both health risks, typically related to excessive use, and protective effects, often associated with moderate consumption. Moderate alcohol use has been linked with better cognitive...
Show moreCognitive aging appears inconsistent across cognitive domains, indicating that domains may not all decline at the same rate across individuals. Individual trajectories of cognitive aging can vary widely and are affected by numerous lifestyle and health factors. Alcohol use among older adults is known to confer both health risks, typically related to excessive use, and protective effects, often associated with moderate consumption. Moderate alcohol use has been linked with better cognitive functioning as well as a decrease in cardiovascular mortality and systemic inflammation, as compared to heavy or abstinent users. Given that extant research has identified C-reactive protein (CRP) as a mediator between the relationship of moderate alcohol use and cardiovascular disease mortality, this study examined the potential mediating role of CRP between moderate alcohol use and cognitive performance in later life. Therefore, the primary goals of this thesis were to: (1) examine the relationship between moderate alcohol use and cognitive aging over time in a demographically representative, longitudinal survey of Americans over the age of 65, and (2) examine a potential biological mechanisms by which this putative relationship functions. The sample utilized for this study consisted of the ADAMS sample of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a longitudinal, cohort-style study on health, retirement, and aging conducted by the University of Michigan and supported by the National Institute of Aging. In order to assess the effect of moderate alcohol use as related to the rate of change in cognitive performance over time, a series of slope-intercept models were run. Logistic regressions and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to examine predictors of dementia risk and time-to-diagnosis. Results indicated that moderate alcohol use was significantly associated with better baseline functioning across cognitive measures (p ?.05), but had no significant effect on rate of change over time. Next, structural equation models were employed to examine the effect of alcohol use on cognitive performance as mediated by CRP within each domain. Ultimately, results from this study did not support the hypothesized models. Following this, a logistic regression and survival analysis were conducted in order to assess the effect of moderate alcohol use on dementia diagnosis. Results of these analyses indicated that moderate users of alcohol develop dementia at lower rates, and later in life, than do abstinent older adults. Lastly, a structural equation model was run to evaluate the effect of alcohol use on dementia diagnosis as mediated by CRP. Primary findings did not support the hypothesized model. Overall, findings from this study suggest that moderate alcohol use is associated with better cognitive functioning among community-dwelling older adults, and these relative benefits appear to persist throughout later life. Moderate alcohol use may also be related to a slower rate and onset of dementia development. Future research should investigate alternate biological mechanisms relating moderate alcohol use and cognitive functioning in later life.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006460, ucf:51432
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006460
- Title
- Emergency Room Utilization Disparities among Older Adults Treated by Rural Health Clinics.
- Creator
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Bagwell, Matt, Wan, Thomas, Zhang, Ning, Ortiz, Judith, Hofler, Richard, Bushy, Angeline, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Examining the persistence of disparities over time is an important obligation in terms of rectifying, maintaining, and improving community health and social well-being for all. This study analyzed the individual factors of (a) race/ ethnicity and (b) dual eligibility, as a proxy measure of socioeconomic status, as well as the environmental factor of (c) place of residence, and the organizational factor of (d) Rural Health Clinic (RHC) type on emergency room (ER) utilization of older adult...
Show moreExamining the persistence of disparities over time is an important obligation in terms of rectifying, maintaining, and improving community health and social well-being for all. This study analyzed the individual factors of (a) race/ ethnicity and (b) dual eligibility, as a proxy measure of socioeconomic status, as well as the environmental factor of (c) place of residence, and the organizational factor of (d) Rural Health Clinic (RHC) type on emergency room (ER) utilization of older adult Medicare patients treated by RHCs within the Department of Health and Human Services' (DHHS) Region 4. A prospective, multi-level, longitudinal design was employed to analyze potential health disparities or gaps that may exist among RHC Medicare beneficiary patients (+65) using longitudinal, mixed multilevel modeling in SPSS. The years of investigation were 2010 through 2012. R4 has continually lagged behind other Regions in the Nation in having higher Health Disparities and ER Utilization rates related to Race, Poverty, and Rural Isolation. A key question is: Do these disparities persist? This study's findings support that dual eligible RHC patients utilized ER services at higher rates than non-dual eligible, Medicare only RHC patients at: 77%, 80%, and 66%, in 2010, 2011, and 2012, respectively; and above the White reference group, Black RHC Medicare patients utilized ER services at higher rates of: 18%, 20%, and 34%, in 2010, 2011, and 2012, respectively. These findings support that dual Medicare and Medicaid eligibility, as a proxy measure of socioeconomic status, and race continue to influence higher rates of ER utilization in Region 4. In terms of health and utilization disparities, strikingly and persistently, as recent as 2012, Black, dual eligible RHC Medicare beneficiary patients age 65 and over are twice as likely to utilize ER services for health care than their more advantaged counterparts. Health care leaders and policymakers are seeking evidence-based performance measures as tools for detecting gaps in health care and using those subsequent findings as leverage to implement policy change for the purpose of increasing health care delivery performance system-wide while lowering health disparities across various patient populations. Toward that goal, communicating and disseminating the findings of this study contributes to the body of knowledge and enables policy leaders to better make decisions based on empirical evidence in order to strengthen the health care delivery system for older adults in diverse rural contexts. From a health and public affairs policy perspective, crafting in tandem targeted, top-down, population health and bottom-up, community interventions to curb poor health outcomes and high health care utilization would be in the public interest at-large within this region of the Southeastern United States.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006259, ucf:51051
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006259
- Title
- Alcohol Consumption, Frailty, and the Mediating Role of C-Reactive Protein in Older Adults.
- Creator
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Shah, Mona, Paulson, Daniel, Cassisi, Jeffrey, Sims, Valerie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Frailty is a well-established indicator of late-life decline and is accompanied by higher rates of comorbidity and disability. Meanwhile, an estimated 41% of adults over the age of 65 report consuming alcohol (-) an identified health risk and protective factor depending on dosage. Given that the demographic group of older Americans is projected to double by the year 2050, identification of frailty risk and protective factors is imperative. The goals of this thesis are to: (1) identify how...
Show moreFrailty is a well-established indicator of late-life decline and is accompanied by higher rates of comorbidity and disability. Meanwhile, an estimated 41% of adults over the age of 65 report consuming alcohol (-) an identified health risk and protective factor depending on dosage. Given that the demographic group of older Americans is projected to double by the year 2050, identification of frailty risk and protective factors is imperative. The goals of this thesis are to: (1) identify how varying levels of alcohol consumption relate to frailty, and (2) elucidate a possible mechanism that accounts for the relationship between alcohol consumption and frailty. A sample of stroke-free participants over the age of 65 was identified from the Health and Retirement Study. Study 1 utilized stepwise logistic regression models to identify predictors of prevalent frailty at baseline (2000), and of incident frailty 4, 8, and 12 years later. For both males and females, significant predictors of frailty at all years included age, depressive symptomatology, and medical burden score. In addition, BMI was a significant predictor of frailty for females at all years. With respect to alcohol use, results revealed that drinking 1-7 drinks per week had a protective effect for females at baseline (OR=0.50) and 12 years later (OR=0.75); however, no such protective effects were found for males. Given that extant research has identified CRP as a mediator between the relationship of moderate alcohol use and cardiovascular health benefits, Study 2 used a cross-sectional sample from the 2008 wave to examine the potential mediating role of CRP between moderate alcohol use and reduced frailty risk. Results from structural equation modeling support the hypothesized model that moderate alcohol is associated with less frailty, and that this relationship is partially mediated by CRP levels. Overall findings suggest that moderate alcohol use confers health benefits for females by reducing frailty risk and that CRP is one mechanism by which alcohol use may confer protective effects for frailty. These results provide a starting place in an effort to better understand the protective effects of moderate alcohol use and can assist in improving prevention and treatment efforts for older adults by preventing or prolonging the onset of age-related diseases. Future research should further examine the relationship between alcohol use and frailty and determine if CRP mediates the relationship between moderate alcohol use and other beneficial health outcomes.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0006000, ucf:51027
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006000
- Title
- Physiological Muscle Qualitative Changes in Response to Resistance Training in Older Adults.
- Creator
-
Scanlon, Tyler, Fragala, Maren, Hoffman, Jay, Stout, Jeffrey, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Muscle function is determined by structure and morphology at the architectural level. In response to resistance training, older adults have demonstrated that the neuromuscular system has a substantial adaptability, which may compensate for muscle size and quality and lead to improved functional capacities and higher quality of life. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of six weeks of progressive resistance exercise on muscle morphology and architecture in healthy...
Show moreMuscle function is determined by structure and morphology at the architectural level. In response to resistance training, older adults have demonstrated that the neuromuscular system has a substantial adaptability, which may compensate for muscle size and quality and lead to improved functional capacities and higher quality of life. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of six weeks of progressive resistance exercise on muscle morphology and architecture in healthy older adults. METHODS: Twenty- five healthy men and women were randomly assigned to either six weeks of progressive resistance training (RT) (n=13; age = 71.08 (&)#177; 6.75, BMI = 28.5 (&)#177; 5.22) or to serve as a control (CON) (n = 12; age = 70.17 (&)#177; 5.58, BMI = 27.52 (&)#177; 5.6). Fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), and lean thigh mass (LTM) were evaluated using dual x-ray absorptiometry. Lower body strength was estimated by predicting maximal knee extensor strength (1RM). Muscle quality (MQ) was evaluated as strength per unit mass (kg/kg). Cross-sectional area (CSA), muscle thickness (MT), fascicle length (Lf), pennation angle (cos?), and echo intensity (EI) of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) were collected using B-mode ultrasound and extended field of view (FOV) ultrasound. EI was quantified using grayscale analysis software. Strength per unit of echo intensity (REI) was determined by dividing 1RM by EI of the thigh. Physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) was calculated as the ratio of (CSA x cos?) / (EI x Lf). A 2x2 (group [exercise vs. control] x time [pre vs. post]) repeated measures ANOVA was used to identify group differences and group x time interactions and stepwise regression was performed to assess variables related to strength. RESULTS: 1RM increased by 31.9% (p ? 0.01) in the RT group and was significantly correlated to PCSA of the thigh (r = .579; p = .003) at baseline. MQ increased 31.4% (p ? 0.01) in the RT group consistent with an REI increase of 33.3% (p ? 0.01). There were no significant changes in LTM in either group. VL CSA increased 7.4%, (p ? 0.05) and demonstrated a significant interaction (p ? 0.05) in the RT group. There were no significant changes in the CON group for 1RM, MQ, REI or VL CSA. PCSA demonstrated a significant (p ? 0.05) group x time interaction but did not significantly change in either group. EI did not significantly change in the RT or CON groups. CONCLUSION: Calculated PCSA of the thigh assessed by ultrasound was related to the force producing capacity of muscle and demonstrated a significant interaction following resistance training. Short term resistance exercise training was effective in increasing 1RM, muscle quality as relative strength, muscle quality as relative echo intensity, and muscle morphology, but not EI. In addition, ultrasonography appears to be a safe, feasible, informative and sensitive clinical technique to aid in our understanding of muscle strength, function, and quality.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004748, ucf:49782
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004748
- Title
- Early and Intermediate Hospital-to-Home Transition Outcomes of Older Adults Diagnosed with Diabetes.
- Creator
-
Lamanna, Jacqueline, Bushy, Angeline, Norris, Anne, Wink, Diane, Gammonley, Denise, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Over 5 million older adults with diabetes are hospitalized each year. Though typically not the index condition that leads to hospitalization, diabetes control often decompensates during the course of an admission and necessitates changes in home self-management plans. The specific transitional care needs of older adults with diabetes have been largely unstudied. Transition theory provided the guiding framework for this research and proposes that each transition is a complex process created by...
Show moreOver 5 million older adults with diabetes are hospitalized each year. Though typically not the index condition that leads to hospitalization, diabetes control often decompensates during the course of an admission and necessitates changes in home self-management plans. The specific transitional care needs of older adults with diabetes have been largely unstudied. Transition theory provided the guiding framework for this research and proposes that each transition is a complex process created by the continuous interaction of personal, community, and societal-level conditions that facilitate or inhibit the health of a transition. Hospitalization has been described as a series of three successive, interrelated transitions. The aims of this study were to determine whether personal and community transition conditions impacted the early and intermediate post-discharge outcomes in a sample of older adults with diabetes. A simultaneous quantitative/qualitative mixed method design was used to identify factors that impacted the home recovery transition experiences in a sample of 96 older adults with a mean age of 75 years. A supplementary content analysis of free-response data gathered during administration of the Post-Discharge Coping Difficulty Scale (PDCDS) clarified difficulties encountered by elders and caregivers during in the first 30 days following discharge. Four overarching themes emerged: (")the daily stuff is difficult("); (")engineering care at home is difficult("); (")life is stressful(") and (")difficulty managing complex health problems(").Difficulties managing a complex medication regimen, regulating blood glucose, and managing a non-diabetes chronic health problem such as hypertension and chronic lung disease were subthemes that emerged during qualitative data analyses. These subthemes were transposed into discrete nominal level variables and served as additional indicators of post-discharge coping difficulty in the descriptive correlational core component of the research project.Participants in this study who experienced an event of recidivism had lower pre-discharge assessments of readiness on the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS) (t = 2.274,df = 48, p =.028). Higher PDCDS scores were observed in patients who experienced an event of recidivism within 30 days of discharge (t = -3.363, df=24.7, p = .003) and also in respondents who described difficulties with managing medications, controlling diabetes, and managing a chronic illness. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors that may predict recidivism risk. No condition-specific predictor variables were identified. A statistically significant three-variable model (X2 = 26.737, df = 3, p (<) .001) revealed that PDCDS scores at 7 days (Wald X2 =3.671, df = 1, p =.050), PDCDS scores at 30 days (Wald X2 = 6.723, df = 1, p =.010), and difficulty managing a chronic health condition (Wald X2 = 8.200, df = 1, p =.004) were predictive of an event of recidivism within 30 days of discharge. Difficulty managing a chronic health problem other than diabetes was particularly predictive of recidivism. The nurse's skill in delivering discharge education was a factor in limiting early post-discharge difficulties. Elders with residual information needs on the day of discharge as measured by scores the Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale (QDTS) reported a lower readiness for discharge (r = -.314, p = .003) and experienced greater difficulties with early post-discharge coping (r =. 288, p = .023). Greater satisfaction with the post-discharge transition was noted in participants with higher QDTS scores (r = .444, p (<).001). Outcomes of the hospital-to-home transition experience were impacted by a variety of personal, hospital, and community factors. Findings of this study suggest that there is a need to better understand the sequential nature of the home recovery transition and the fluid needs of older adults during this high-risk phase of care. The environments in which older adults receive post-discharge care are complex and need to be thoroughly considered when planning the post-discharge transition. Metrics of institutional performance of transitional care practices need to extend beyond events to recidivism and include evaluations of post-discharge coping and transition satisfaction. The nurse as the primary provider of discharge education has the potential to significantly promote positive transition outcomes for older adults and their family care providers.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004875, ucf:49652
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004875
- Title
- Potential Relationship Between Vascular Depression and Autobiographical Memory Specificity in an Older Adult Population According to the CaR-FA-X Model.
- Creator
-
Herrera Legon, Manuel, Paulson, Daniel, Rapport, Mark, Sims, Valerie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Vascular depression is a type of depression that has its onset later in life, and it has been associated with cardiovascular or metabolic diseases. Depression can be costly and associated with other health problems, which is why it becomes imperative to uncover the multiple mechanisms of action for depression symptomatology. A proposed mechanism of action for the emergence of depressive symptomatology is poor autobiographical memory specificity according to the CaR-FA-X model. However, it...
Show moreVascular depression is a type of depression that has its onset later in life, and it has been associated with cardiovascular or metabolic diseases. Depression can be costly and associated with other health problems, which is why it becomes imperative to uncover the multiple mechanisms of action for depression symptomatology. A proposed mechanism of action for the emergence of depressive symptomatology is poor autobiographical memory specificity according to the CaR-FA-X model. However, it remains unclear whether this mechanism contributes somehow to the vascular depression specific type. The purpose of this research was to determine the potential relationship between the mechanisms proposed by the CaR-FA-X model and the presence of vascular depression, which has not been addressed by previous literature or research. Forty three older adults over the age of seventy from the Orlando area completed multiple measures including the Geriatric Depression Scale, Autobiographical Memory Test, and physiological measures. Results showed no support for a relationship between CaR-FA-X model elements and vascular depression; however, support was found for the relationship between cerebrovascular burden and depression as proposed by the vascular depression theory with rumination serving as a moderator. To our knowledge, this is the first time a study finds the moderating effect of rumination in the development of vascular depression. Further studies will need to address other potential mechanisms that increase risk for this specific type of depression as well as investigate the reasons under which, if any, autobiographical memory specificity might be related to vascular depression by using other measures that might be more sensitive to a non-clinical population.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007014, ucf:52041
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007014
- Title
- Rumination and executive dysfunction: Risk factors for vascular depression.
- Creator
-
Brush, David, Paulson, Daniel, Rapport, Mark, Bohil, Corey, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Introduction: The widely-supported vascular depression hypothesis is underspecified with respect to cognitive mechanisms by which high cerebrovascular burden (CVB) and neuropathology relate to depressive symptoms. Integration of the vascular depression hypothesis with the CaR-FA-X model, a framework of affect regulation mechanisms, suggest that Rumination (R) and executive dysfunction (X) may increase due to altered recruitment of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex resulting from high CVB and...
Show moreIntroduction: The widely-supported vascular depression hypothesis is underspecified with respect to cognitive mechanisms by which high cerebrovascular burden (CVB) and neuropathology relate to depressive symptoms. Integration of the vascular depression hypothesis with the CaR-FA-X model, a framework of affect regulation mechanisms, suggest that Rumination (R) and executive dysfunction (X) may increase due to altered recruitment of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex resulting from high CVB and underlying neuropathology. This process would contribute to depressive symptomatology among older adults with high CVB. The progression of examined hypotheses included mediation models examining mechanistic relationships between predictors (CVB, DLPFC activation), cognitive correlates (rumination, executive functioning), and affective outcomes (depressive symptoms). Method: A sample of 52 community-dwelling, stroke-free, individuals over the age of 70, without history of severe mental illness, dementia, or severe cognitive impairment, completed the Ruminative Responses Scale, provided self-reported cerebrovascular burden data (cardiac disease, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol), and completed executive function tasks (Stroop, Flanker) while their hemodynamic response was measured using fNIRS. The Geriatric Depression Scale was used to assess depressive symptomatology. Prefrontal cortical recruitment was assessed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).Results: A progression of conventional and bootstrapped regression-based models broadly supported relationships between CVB and depressive symptoms, but not between DLPFC activation and depressive symptoms. No mechanistic relationships were found, with respect to analyses testing prospective cognitive mediators.Conclusions: Primary findings from this study indicate that cerebrovascular burden predicts depressive symptomatology among older adults and is related to a reduction in inhibitory control ability. Further, these findings inform CVB measurement and mental health implications of contrasting approaches to CVB measurement. A primary contribution of this thesis is that results appear to support utilization of fNIRS, a low-cost and accessible neuroimaging paradigm, for the study of lateralized cognition among older adults.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0006981, ucf:51648
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006981
- Title
- The unheard voices of nontraditional students in Higher Education: Learning to become a student.
- Creator
-
Julio Maturana, Marcelo, Cintron Delgado, Rosa, Boote, David, Owens, J. Thomas, Guzman-Valenzuela, Carolina, Rivera, Fernando, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study explores the lived experiences of older students who work and have family responsibilities while attending an undergraduate program full-time. Research indicates that this segment of the student population is the only one that is growing today and is projected to grow in the future; this also is the largest the group of students thatdoes not finish their studies in spite of the many services aimed at supporting students' academic success.This study critically investigated the...
Show moreThis study explores the lived experiences of older students who work and have family responsibilities while attending an undergraduate program full-time. Research indicates that this segment of the student population is the only one that is growing today and is projected to grow in the future; this also is the largest the group of students thatdoes not finish their studies in spite of the many services aimed at supporting students' academic success.This study critically investigated the category of the nontraditional student and reviewed the literature about students' college experiences, including the limitations of its theoretical assumptions to describe and explain the nature of the college journey of olderstudents with substantive life experiences. From the notion that learning is lifelong and holistic (Jarvis, 2006), this study combined a student-centered approach with a hermeneutic phenomenological methodology to respond to the following research questions: What is the lifeworld of undergraduate nontraditional students with significantlife experience as they encounter college life? What resources sustain the college experience of undergraduate nontraditional students of and allow navigating the space of college life? What are the changes undergraduate nontraditional students live, the meaning they construct while encountering, and navigating college life?Themes that resulted from the analysis included the participants' experiences as essentially different from that of traditional students. These nontraditional college students bring skills and knowledge that they deploy on behalf of their specific academic goals. The pace of their lives is fundamentally different from the traditional universitystudent's sense of time; they are self-sufficient, making decisions and navigate obstacles.Their new identity as students is re-negotiated with the identities they live outside of campus and they establish ad hoc relationships with members of the universitycommunity.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007201, ucf:52255
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007201