Facing Fear Through Making Connections as We Age

Older residents often experience disruption in family relationships and social networks due to isolation once they move into public housing communities. While the need for social contact continues, the opportunity may diminish. Older African-American women living in one housing community attempted to cope with their personal safety fears through social isolation (Bowland, 2015). Women in the study (N = 25) were survivors of one or more forms of interpersonal trauma, including childhood abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence. In contrast, a few women in the same sample spontaneously formed social networks within the community. This qualitative investigation will examine how the women adapted to an isolating and unsafe environment by developing social connections. As a social determinant of health, developing healthy social networks inside a housing community can reduce fear and improve well-being and quality of life for low-income older residents who are aging-in-place.

MOVING BEYOND INDIVIDUAL COPING TO DEVELOPING SYSTEMS-LEVEL INTERVENTIONS FOR COMMUNITY-DWELLING ADULTS

According to AARP, the number of Americans aged 65 and older will grow to 90.5 million, which is double the count in 2010. Along with the growth of the aging population, we can also anticipate more diverse older adult communities due to increased immigration and evolving, complex family constellations. Two major concerns for aging adults is managing increasing geriatric conditions that affect mobility/function and chronic morbidities, while also trying to afford quality housing, the environmental context within which older adults spend most of their time. Urban planners and human service providers must remain abreast of the housing-health needs of this aging population and prepare aging-friendly communities that foster resident resilience and address “environmental, economic, and social factors that influence the health and wellbeing of older people” (AARP, 2017). In this symposium, panelists one present findings from a qualitative study to explore collective trauma and resilience narratives among residents in Flint, Michigan. Panelists two share findings from a community-based participatory study that explores the intricate network of relationships among residents as a core indicator of livability in senior housing. Panelists three share strategies for strengthening networks to reducing resident isolation and loneliness. Lastly, the fourth set of panelists discuss policy implications and trauma-informed approaches needed for residents with a history of interpersonal trauma.

A PRACTICE FRAMEWORK FOR CONSIDERATION OF GENDER IN ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING

Gender role stereotypes, social norms and social policies negatively influence health and well-being for marginalized groups. These inequalities are embedded in the fabric of our society and are often unquestioned and hidden. Practitioners frequently use an ethical lens that does not consider the influence of gender on life course decision-making. We developed the Practice Framework for Older Persons (PFOP) to assess past and current realities that take gendered experiences into consideration. By contextualizing means and opportunities, a more complete picture can be drawn about a person’s unique gender experiences. Subsequently, we can better understand their decision-making processes, wants, needs, and desires. This type of assessment may be particularly beneficial for women and transgender persons given ethical demands for practice paradigms which consider gender fluidity and development of a sense of personal agency.

DEVELOPING TRAUMA-INFORMED APPROACHES IN PUBLIC HOUSING COMMUNITIES FOR OLDER PERSONS

In a study using a grounded theory approach with trauma survivors living in a mixed-age public housing community in Louisville, KY, twenty-five older women (50+) identified their main concern as housing safety. The study underlined the importance of community-level effects on health and well-being. Additionally, almost all participants identified that they had multiple experiences of interpersonal trauma across the life course. There may be increased negative health effects for older women living in public housing based on a history of interpersonal trauma. First, we will examine how women living in the community coped with their safety concerns. Second, we will explore policy implications of older trauma survivors living in communities that may exacerbate their trauma histories due to an ongoing lack of safety. Finally, we will consider how implementing trauma-informed approaches in public housing can potentially lead to improved health and well-being for those living with complex trauma.

Assessing the Psychoeducational Approach to Transcendence and Health Program: An Intervention to Foster Self-Transcendence and Well-Being in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

The late-life developmental process of self-transcendence shapes elders' perspectives on self, others, the nature of this world, and of a dimension beyond the here and now. This qualitative pilot study evaluated the Psychoeducational Approach to Transcendence and Health (PATH) Program, a psychoeducational intervention to promote self-transcendence and well-being in community-dwelling women at a senior center. The intervention involved eight weekly group sessions using group processes, mindfulness practices, creative experiences, and independent at-home practice. The findings supported the underlying theory-based structure and content of the intervention and indicated the intervention may empower elders to attend to self-care, develop acceptance, and learn new skills associated with health and well-being, thus merits further study. Based on insights gained from facilitators' and participants' experiences and perceptions, the intervention will be revised and strengthened.

Promoting self-transcendence and well-being in community-dwelling older adults: A pilot study of a psychoeducational intervention

Self-transcendence changes how older adults perceive themselves, their relationships with others, the material world, and the metaphysical or spiritual dimension. It is associated with multiple indicators of well-being. The purpose of this pilot study (N = 20) was to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention to increase self-transcendence and well-being in older adults. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. All variables trended in the directions hypothesized. Self-transcendence increased in the intervention group and decreased in the control group but not significantly. The group × time interaction for life satisfaction was significant (z = 2.89, p = .004). This feasibility study supports further investigation to assess the effectiveness of the intervention in a larger sample.

Evaluation of a spiritually focused intervention with older trauma survivors

This study evaluated the effectiveness of an 11-session, spiritually focused group intervention with older women survivors (age 55 years and older) of interpersonal trauma (child abuse, sexual assault, or domestic violence) in reducing trauma-related depressive symptoms, posttraumatic stress, and anxiety. Forty-three community-dwelling women survivors of interpersonal trauma were randomized into treatment (n = 21) or control (n = 22) groups. Participants in group psychotherapy discussed spiritual struggles related to abuse and developed spiritual coping resources. The treatment group had significantly lower depressive symptoms, anxiety, and physical symptoms at posttest compared with the control group. In a separate analysis, posttraumatic stress symptoms also dropped significantly in the treatment group. Gains were maintained at three-month follow-up. This study provides strong initial support for the effectiveness of spiritually focused group intervention for older survivors of interpersonal trauma from a Christian background.

Process theology's relevance for older survivors of domestic violence

Pastoral work with survivors of domestic violence may reveal theological struggles. Understandings of scripture that reinforce a sense of powerlessness and alienation from God may contribute to an impaired relationship and limit resources for healing. One framework for re-imaging a relationship with God is process theology. This framework was applied to a case study for one survivor. The application resulted in a line of inquiry that may assist survivors in their healing process.

Structural relationships between social activities and longitudinal trajectories of depression among older adults

PURPOSE

This study examines the structural relationships between social activities and trajectories of late-life depression.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Latent class analysis was used with a nationally representative sample of older adults (N = 5,294) from the Longitudinal Study on Aging II to classify patterns of social activities. A latent growth curve model captured longitudinal changes in depression and tested the impact of social activities while controlling for residential relocation, health status, insurance, and sociodemographics.

RESULTS

We found 3 different patterns of participation across 8 social activities. Specific activities of volunteering and exercise, self-perception of social activity level as "enough," and a higher participation level pattern were associated with lower initial status and longitudinal changes in depression.

IMPLICATIONS

Assessing involvement in multiple social activities is important when using social activities to prevent and treat depression. Future work with improved measures can further clarify how specific activities may reduce risk for depression.

Signs of resilience in sexually abused adolescent girls in the foster care system

In a sample of 99 sexually abused adolescent girls in the foster care system (64% in congregate living situations and 36% in family/foster care homes), nearly half were psychologically functioning well despite having experienced moderate-to-severe emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. It was hypothesized that these girls with resilient trajectories would differ from the currently symptomatic girls on several protective factors: education, future orientation, family support, peer influence, and religion. The results revealed that the girls with resilient trajectories were significantly more certain of their educational plans and optimistic about their future and had more positive peer influences.