Falls in the home and in community environments are the leading cause of injuries and long-term disabilities for the aging population. The purpose of this study was to examine outcomes of a partnership among an academic institution, government agency, community organizations, and emergency management services to implement a falls prevention training program using an Age-Friendly Health Systems approach. In this prospective study, partners identified gaps in services and targeted and non-targeted delivery areas for implementation of an evidence-based falls prevention intervention addressing the 4Ms of Age-Friendly Health Systems—Mobility, Medications, Mentation, and What Matters. Descriptive statistics were calculated for program implementation and participant demographic variables, and paired t-test analysis compared scores for self-assessed general health and falls efficacy prior to and after program participation. Twenty-seven falls prevention classes were implemented, with over half (52%) in targeted areas. A total of 354 adults aged 50 and older participated, with N = 188 participants (53%) completing the program by attending at least five of eight sessions. Of completers, 35% resided in targeted areas. The results showed a statistically significant improvement in falls efficacy by program completers in targeted and non-targeted areas. However, there was no statistically significant difference in self-rated health. Overall, the findings of this study indicate that collaboration to deliver falls prevention training can be effective in reaching at-risk older adults. By mobilizing collaborative partnerships, limited resources can be allocated towards identifying at-risk older adults and improving community-based falls prevention education.
Healthy diet and weight control are important for elders and senior centers (SCs). The authors consider effects of SCs on attendee nutrition and health and efforts to improve diets and weight. Data derive from surveys in 2006 (N = 798) and 2007 (N = 742) at 21 multipurpose SCs in Tarrant County, Texas, supplemented with data from 2012 (N = 1,402). Measures included attendee agreement that SC meals improved nutrition, improved health, attempts to improve diets, and success in controlling weight. Cumulative and binary logistic regression methods were employed. SC attendance and social engagement explained agreement that SC meals improved nutrition and health but were not shown to predict changes in diet or weight control. Findings suggest success of SC programs, as well as physician recommendations, in influencing attendee nutritional behavior and perceptions of nutrition and health effects. Practice recommendations include SC collaborations with local health providers to promote attendee nutritional health.
In order to increase the number of students entering the geriatric workforce, an understanding of factors influencing career preference and what may prevent students from pursuing geriatric careers is necessary. Using a convergent parallel mixed methods approach, the aim of this study was to provide insight for geriatric educators regarding the collective perceptions of aging and older persons held by 864 students from eight healthcare professions. Quantitative questions assessed students’ attitudes (Geriatric Attitudes Scale). Student responses to four open-ended questions were assessed using conventional content analysis. Results included rich narrative examples of healthcare professions students’ perceptions and understanding of the aging process, as well as myths and misconceptions of aging and older persons that can be used to inform geriatric curricula across multiple health professions training and education programs. Geriatric education is a critical avenue to correct misperceptions, quell ageism and address the current shortage in the geriatrician workforce.
The National Association for Geriatric Education (NAGE) is a non-profit organization representing geriatric and gerontology programs, including Health Services and Resource Administration funded Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Programs (GWEPs), and Geriatric Academic Career Awardees (GACAs). NAGE responded to the renewed call to address systemic racism and racial inequities by forming a Diversity and Racial Equity Workgroup. The Workgroup explored ways to disseminate educational resources, support members to address racial inequities among older adults, promote increased diversity of the geriatrics/gerontology workforce, and support public policy initiatives that address racism and health disparities. Initial outputs include creating a Diversity and Racial Equity resource page, identifying liaisons to the Workgroup from each NAGE Committee to ensure impact across the organization, and organizing collaborations across GWEPs and GACAs to share successful initiatives. Future plans include education and advocacy with members and collaborating organizations to address systemic racism and racial health inequities impacting older adults.
Of the 254 counties in Texas, 69% are rural, and three out of every four counties are designated as whole or partial Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Areas. Rural counties in Texas have a higher proportion of older adults compared to metropolitan counties, and rural older adults with Alzheimer’s Disease and their caregivers face unique challenges of limited access to healthcare and lower earnings, resulting in more health-related problems. As part of a HRSA Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program, an academic medical center, two Area Agencies on Aging in North Texas, and an Alzheimer’s Association Chapter partnered to expand access to evidence-based programs into surrounding rural counties for older adults and caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s Disease. An interdisciplinary workgroup developed focus group questionnaires for older adults, caregivers, and health care providers in rural areas to identify perceived needs, barriers to accessing services, and strategic partnerships. The North Central Texas Council of Governments conducted 11 focus groups in late 2018 and early 2019. Of these, seven consisted of family members caring for persons with memory loss. Four consisted of professionals who treat persons with memory loss. Transcription and thematic analysis identified key themes of training needs (both providers’ and laypersons’), resource needs, providers’ best practices, barriers to quality care, and other support needs. Practice implications of the findings include cross-sector partners and integrating telehealth platforms for program delivery. Collaboration between academic and community partners can expand access to evidence-based programs for rural and other underserved communities and address areas of need.
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