1. |
- Holst, Göran, et al.
(author)
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Nurses’ narrations and reflections about caring for patients with severe dementia as revealed in systematic clinical supervision sessions.
- 1999
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In: Journal of Aging Studies. - 0890-4065. ; 1:13, s. 89-107
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study explored nurses' narrations about and reflections on caring for patients with severe dementia and their interpretation of the meaning for patients as revealed in clinical supervision sessions. The encounters between patient and nurse could confirm or threaten the patient's identity as a person or the nurse's identity as a person and a professional. Nurses searched for the meaning of these caring encounters, for both the patients and themselves, based on their knowledge of each patient's earlier life and/or sensitivity to the patient's reactions in the current situation. They pieced together these fragments of knowledge into a meaningful whole and then acted upon this interpretation, thus restorying patients' lives. Acting in this way involves risks but also benefits. Reflective discussion about various possible interpretations balanced against the current situation seems essential so as not to override the integrity of both patients and nurses.
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2. |
- Jönson, Håkan, et al.
(author)
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A new age of old age? : gerotranscendence and the re-enchantment of aging
- 2001
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In: Journal of Aging Studies. - 0890-4065. ; 15:4, s. 317-331
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Gerotranscendence theory is reviewed regarding its content, development, diffusion, impact, empirical results, and ontology. Gerotranscendence theory describes a ''natural'' alteration of consciousness in old age leading to ''wisdom'' and a qualitative break with a mid-life rational and materialist world-view. According to the theory, gerotranscendence is obstructed by a lack of alternative values and roles in old age in Western societies. Theoretically and in clinical practice, gerotranscendence theory has been linked to psychoanalysis. It is concluded that gerotranscendence theory is empirically weak, has parallels in the New Age movement as well as in romantic Orientalism, and can be understood as an attempt to re-enchant aging.
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3. |
- Akram, Owasim, 1983-
(author)
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Othering and agency erosion of older adults living in extreme poverty in Bangladesh
- 2024
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In: Journal of Aging Studies. - : Elsevier. - 0890-4065 .- 1879-193X. ; 70
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Offering fresh perspectives on the lived experience of ageing in extreme poverty, this article delves into unpacking the relationally driven processes of social, institutional, and self-othering that contribute to agency erosion in older adults. Positing that the context of extreme poverty in which a person ages is micropolitically shaped, where society, institutions, and ageing self interact in a complex way, it is argued that ageing in extreme poverty, inter alia, means ageing in subaltern conditions. A critical consequence of this process is the subjugation of older adults, leading to a life marked by the state of 'social death'. Additional research is needed to unpack such nuances to better understand ageing processes in extreme poor societies. This necessitates an approach informed by postcolonial perspectives that take into account the dynamics of othering and agency erosion. It concludes by asserting that to reverse extreme poverty among older adults as well as to reverse their subaltern conditions requires a political project that empowers the older adults in society, restores agency and strengthens their 'relational security'.
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4. |
- Banerjee, Albert, et al.
(author)
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Facilitated reflection meetings as a relational approach to problem-solving within long-term care facilities
- 2021
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In: Journal of Aging Studies. - : Elsevier BV. - 0890-4065 .- 1879-193X. ; 59
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Care workers have valuable knowledge to contribute to the improvement of their work environments. Yet incorporating their perspectives into organizational decision-making within long-term care facilities (LTCFs) has been an ongoing challenge. In this article we investigate a promising practice that brought workers and management together in weekly and bimonthly facilitated reflection meetings to identify and resolve problems. Drawing on observations as well as individual and group interviews, we sought to understand whether and how this intervention worked from the perspective of participants. Our study found that one of the main achievements was creating a safe space for workers to speak honestly. They felt heard and treated with respect. In this context, they were willing to surface concerns, failures, and problems for collective deliberation and action. The inclusion of a range of occupational groups ensured that the solutions developed were sensitive to context, including organizational and occupational realities. While the outcomes of the process were impressive, this paper highlights the relational work that created trust, respect, and a spirit of collaboration. We suggest that such facilitated reflection processes may serve as an important strategy to improve the organization of work in LTCFs, one that is particularly well-suited to the dynamic and relational nature of care.
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6. |
- Berge, Isak, et al.
(author)
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A real eye-opener: Nursing home staff experiences of co-designing nursing home services together with residents
- 2022
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In: Journal of Aging Studies. - : Elsevier BV. - 0890-4065 .- 1879-193X. ; 62
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Research and healthcare services struggle to fulfil the desires and needs of nursing home residents, and there is a call for person-centredness in both research and healthcare practice. Involvement of people outside academia in research has been advocated in an effort to increase the relevance and impact of research findings for the public. However, little is known on how to involve nursing home residents in research, and the purpose of this study was, therefore, to learn from professional experiences of working with this group. More specifically, the aim of the study was to explore nursing home staff experiences of co-designing nursing home services with the residents. Method: Focus group methodology was used. A total of 17 nursing home staff members (15 women and two men) from two nursing homes participated in four focus groups. Both homogeneity and heterogeneity were strived for during recruitment. Results: The analysis is summarised in one theme and five sub-themes, describing the co-design process as an eye-opener for staff in terms of realising their own, as well as the residents', hidden abilities, and the importance of combining personal and professional knowledge of the residents in daily care and services. Conclusion: The major finding is the contribution of knowledge on how co-designing processes in nursing homes could change the dynamics of the relationships between the people involved, and that this, in turn, could realise the resources and knowledge within each person. What researchers in ageing and health can learn from the present findings is the importance of developing genuine and person-centred relationships with both nursing home residents and staff.
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7. |
- Borglin, Gunilla, et al.
(author)
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The experience of quality of life among older people
- 2005
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In: Journal of Aging Studies. - : Elsevier BV. - 0890-4065 .- 1879-193X. ; 19:2, s. 201-220
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Although quality of life has been in the focus of attention for over a decade there are few studies available investigating, how the old and the oldest old experience their quality of life or what quality of life actually means for them? To illuminate this, eleven in-depth interviews were conducted with six women and five men (80+) living in their home. An interpretative hermeneutic phenomenological analysis revealed that quality of life in old age meant a preserved self and meaning in existence. Maintained self-image meant that the older people experienced a coherent life with an intact meaning. How quality of life was valued depended on the meaning the old people attached to the areas of importance as well as how they were evaluated. Additionally, areas not generally included when measuring quality of life became discernible. The meaning of home, how life was viewed, thoughts about death and dying, and telling ones story proved to be areas of importance for their perception of quality of life. Thus, indicating that older people's view of quality of life is more complex than some of today's most commonly used quality of life instruments capture and that quality of life assessment tools needs to measure beyond pure health indices. For nursing care the use of life review in everyday care, and an open way towards existential topics as well as a family oriented care along with preventive work helping people to remain in their own homes may enhance their experience of quality of life.
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8. |
- Bratun, Urša, et al.
(author)
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Experiences and motives of retirement-aged workers during the first wave of COVID-19 in Slovenia : “This was the first time in 40 years that I really saw spring”
- 2021
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In: Journal of Aging Studies. - : Elsevier BV. - 0890-4065 .- 1879-193X. ; 58
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Choosing to continue working after retirement eligibility can attract both negative and positive sentiments from the general public. Studies examining the motivations of older workers have so far been conducted in times of relative social and economic stability. However, little is known about what it means for older workers to work during a lockdown or pandemic situation. The present longitudinal study aimed to explore experiences of retirement-aged workers in Slovenia in relation to their motives for prolonged work activity amid the COVID-19 pandemic, using the theory of gerotranscendence as a theoretical framework. Nine workers were interviewed before and after the start of the pandemic. The qualitative analysis was based on 18 interviews and observations, juxtaposing two analytical methods in order to illustrate common themes across the data as well as tensions in specific situations within a narrative context. Four main themes are presented: Unchanged plans, Motive developments, Psychological preparation for retirement and Views of society. In addition, a narrative analysis is presented with a focus on self-transcending elements in some of the participants' narratives. The findings suggest that during a pandemic, older workers' individual experiences might be constructed more positively compared to other groups, especially if they develop agentic identity and pursue meaningful activities. We discuss an innovative approach to gerotranscendence, complementing this theory with concepts from occupational science to develop a clearer distinction from the now dated disengagement theory and examine the life trajectories of older workers in novel situations such as a pandemic.
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10. |
- Eman, Josefin, 1983-
(author)
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The role of sports in making sense of the process of growing old
- 2012
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In: Journal of Aging Studies. - : Elsevier BV. - 0890-4065 .- 1879-193X. ; 26:4, s. 467-475
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Drawing on interviews with 22 athletically active old men and women, the study explores whether and how the practice of sports can affect old adults' processes of sense-making about old age and the process of growing old in ways that challenge dominant constructions about old age. Thereto, the study will explore the possible impact of gender in this process. The results show that men and women who continue to practice competitive sports into old age make sense of the process of growing old by focusing primarily on their physical abilities, at least in the context of sports. This focus on capability age allows them partly, although not completely, to challenge the usual thinking about old age and the process of growing old.
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