1
|
Siltanen S, Keskinen KE, Lahti AM, Rantanen T, von Bonsdorff M. Active Aging in Senior Housing Residents and Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Comparative Study in Finland. J Aging Health 2024; 36:299-307. [PMID: 37376762 DOI: 10.1177/08982643231186627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Leading an active life in old age underpins positive life experience. This study aimed to compare the levels of active aging in senior housing residents and community-dwelling older people. METHODS We combined data from the BoAktiv senior house survey (N = 336, 69% women, mean age 83 years) and AGNES cohort study among community-dwelling older adults (N = 1021, 57% women, mean age 79 years). Active aging was assessed with the University of Jyvaskyla Active Aging scale. Data were analyzed with general linear models, and the analyses were stratified by sex. RESULTS Men in senior houses demonstrated lower active aging scores in general than community-dwelling men. Women in senior houses showed greater will to be active, but poorer ability and possibilities for activity than community-dwelling women. DISCUSSION Despite the social and supporting environment, senior housing residents' possibilities for leading an active life seem to be compromised, potentially leading to an unmet activity need.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sini Siltanen
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Gerontology Research Center and Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Kirsi E Keskinen
- Gerontology Research Center and Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Anna-Maria Lahti
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Gerontology Research Center and Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Taina Rantanen
- Gerontology Research Center and Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Mikaela von Bonsdorff
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Gerontology Research Center and Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abstract
Background: In different parts of the world new models of senior housing have rapidly appeared, which indicates that existing housing and care models are not fulfilling the hopes and needs of current and new generations of older people. Material and Methods: This qualitative study focuses on one type of communal senior housing complex located in a mid-sized town in Central Finland. The complex was designed to have accessible low-maintenance apartments and common spaces, and to be near easily accessible green spaces, amenities, services, and public transport. The complex has a part-time community coordinator. The minimum age limit is set at 55 years. The data consists of 36 qualitative interviews with residents (21 women, 15 men) aged 66–93, conducted between November 2018 and February 2019. The semi-structured interviews were recorded and transcribed. The data analysis focused on how different aspects of the manmade, natural, and social environment were portrayed in residents' descriptions of day-to-day life. Theoretical framework adopted for the study draws from the ideas of environmental and geographic gerontology. The data was analyzed using positioning analysis which is one form of discourse analysis. Results: The senior housing in this study fulfilled its promise of providing accessible a physical and social environment which encourages and enables residents to be physically active and independent, yet which also provides social activities and feeling safe. In this respect, the senior housing complex offered an environment which supports well-being and healthy aging. However, the residents' interpretations of what the senior housing complex represented varied. For some of the residents it was first and foremost a social place, which provided opportunities for social contacts and social activities. For some of the residents the most important were maintenance-free apartments and outdoor areas. The question remains as to how social practices, in the form of government policies and market systems can support the development of different kinds of senior housing which are affordable and accessible for all.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Outi Hannele Jolanki
- Gerontology Research Center, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fischer A, Benka VA, Briggs JR, Maki J, Morris KN, Myers KA, Rhodes L, Weedon GR, Levy JK. Hybrid model intermediate between a laboratory and field study: A humane paradigm shift in feline research. J Feline Med Surg 2018; 20:803-810. [PMID: 30021502 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x18791872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Non-surgical contraceptives are under development to provide accessible, affordable and humane alternatives for the management of free-roaming cat populations. The objective of this project was to develop a research approach for promising non-surgical contraceptives using outbred cats in a simulated free-roaming setting, meeting high standards for both animal welfare and scientific rigor. METHODS A facility, specially constructed with indoor and outdoor living areas, was approved and regulated as both an animal shelter and a United States Department of Agriculture research facility. Thirty female and five male cats, healthy but at high risk of euthanasia, were recruited from animal shelters and private homes. Guided by a detailed protocol, cats were housed in this facility for up to 18 months after acclimatization. Cats were administered the study product or a placebo, and then entered into a breeding trial. Cats were adopted at the end of the study. A range of methods was used to provide enrichment and balance a natural environment with the need for detailed daily monitoring. RESULTS Primary study results related to contraceptive safety and efficacy are published separately. Achieving a research model that is an intermediate step between a laboratory and an uncontained free-roaming cat colony was complex. Significant learnings shared in this current publication span: the selection of cats; acclimatization to a simulated colony environment; cat behavioral training during the study and in preparation for adoption; disease management; contract staff and volunteer support; and cat behavior throughout a breeding study. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This model inspires continued movement away from the paradigm of breeding cats for research and instead sources existing cats at risk for euthanasia. The housing and management of the cats elevates research animals' quality of life and provides positive post-study outcomes. While not appropriate for every feline research scenario, this hybrid model (between a laboratory and field study) proved to be a practical, humane and reliable scenario for research requiring a simulated real-world environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Fischer
- 1 Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA.,2 Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs (ACC&D), Portland, OR, USA
| | - Valerie Aw Benka
- 2 Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs (ACC&D), Portland, OR, USA
| | - Joyce R Briggs
- 2 Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs (ACC&D), Portland, OR, USA
| | - Joanne Maki
- 2 Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs (ACC&D), Portland, OR, USA.,3 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Kevin N Morris
- 2 Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs (ACC&D), Portland, OR, USA.,4 Institute for Human-Animal Connection, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Kayla A Myers
- 1 Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Linda Rhodes
- 2 Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs (ACC&D), Portland, OR, USA
| | - George Robert Weedon
- 2 Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs (ACC&D), Portland, OR, USA.,5 College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Julie K Levy
- 2 Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs (ACC&D), Portland, OR, USA.,6 Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|