The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences
-
J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci · Mar 2017
ReviewExpanding the Circle of Knowledge: Reconceptualizing Successful Aging Among North American Older Indigenous Peoples.
Indigenous older peoples' voices and experiences remain largely absent in the dominant models and critical scholarship on aging and late life. This article examines the relevance of the model of successful aging for Indigenous peoples in North America. ⋯ Our review suggests that Indigenous peoples' voices and experiences are beginning to be included in academic literature on successful aging. However, we suggest that understandings of successful aging be broadened based on our summative findings and a process of community involvement. Such processes can lead to the development of models that are more inclusive to a wide range of older people, including Indigenous older peoples.
-
J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci · Jun 2007
Review Meta AnalysisThe impact of speed of processing training on cognitive and everyday functions.
We combined data from six studies, all using the same speed of processing training program, to examine the mechanisms of training gain and the impact of training on cognitive and everyday abilities of older adults. Results indicated that training produces immediate improvements across all subtests of the Useful Field of View test, particularly for older adults with initial speed of processing deficits. Age and education had little to no impact on training gain. Participants maintained benefits of training for at least 2 years, which translated to improvements in everyday abilities, including efficient performance of instrumental activities of daily living and safer driving performance.
-
J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci · Mar 2004
Review Comparative StudyDo impaired older persons with health care needs occupy U.S. assisted living facilities? An analysis of six national studies.
The assisted living facility (ALF) is the fastest-growing noninstitutional long-term care alternative for frail older persons in the United States. This analysis assesses the extent to which older persons with physical and cognitive disabilities and health care needs occupy ALFs in the United States. ⋯ ALFs are currently serving older residents who require less nursing care and who are less functionally and cognitively impaired than those found in nursing homes. The more restrictive admitting and discharge criteria of a substantial share of ALFs guarantee their less frail occupant profile. This is, however, an extraordinarily diverse shelter and care alternative, and very frail older persons with serious chronic health problems can be found in ALFs. Average duration of stays may be as long as 3 years. Researchers must conduct more carefully executed studies with replicable methodologies that produce unbiased and generalized findings.