Cumulative trivia: a holistic conceptualization of the minor problems of ageing

Abstract

Introducing the cumulative trivia concept The aim of this article is to introduce a concept postulated by Hockey in a personal communication to staff at the Queen's Nursing Institute, Scotland, called cumulative trivia (Hockey, 1999, cited in Balaam et al., 2001). The cumulative trivia hypothesis holds that some older people may experience a continual accumulation of small, individually minor events or difficulties that degrade their resilience until they 'cannot cope with another thing' (Hockey, 1999, cited in Balaam et al., 2001). Older people experience a number of small problems in

Food security and food practices in later life: a new model of vulnerability

“…Consideration of the concept of cumulative trivia (Newall et al , 2006) added to the understanding of vulnerability as experienced by participants. Cumulative trivia are defined as a ‘continual accumulation of small, individually minor events or difficulties that degrade their resilience until they cannot cope with another thing’ (Newall et al , 2006: 331). The crucial aspect of these trivia is that if they were considered individually they would not lead to a crisis (Newall et al ., 2006).…”

“…Cumulative trivia are defined as a ‘continual accumulation of small, individually minor events or difficulties that degrade their resilience until they cannot cope with another thing’ (Newall et al , 2006: 331). The crucial aspect of these trivia is that if they were considered individually they would not lead to a crisis (Newall et al ., 2006). The magnitude of effect of a growing number of seemingly small threats moved households towards vulnerability.…”

Should a hip fracture in a frail older person be a trigger for assessment of palliative care needs?

“…Death in the year after surgery may be due to acute cardiovascular, respiratory or neurological events, but a typical pattern of decline in the final months or years has not been described. Even trivial physical events in the frail older person can cause major decompensation 7. A hip fracture is a major physical insult which can foreshorten the frailty trajectory where gradual physical or cognitive dwindling may last for many years 8…”

New challenges and innovations in community health nursing

“…In this issue we are pleased to be able to publish the keynote papers and some of the research symposium papers from the most recent conference hosted by ICCHNR in partnership with the Japan Academy of Community Health Nursing (JACHN) held in Tokyo in autumn 2005. In addition in this issue we have a paper inspired by the first President of ICCHNR (Newall et al, 2006) and a paper from Malawi (Norr et al, 2006) demonstrating the lessons that can be learnt through international exchange in community nursing.…”

“…This special issue of Primary Health Care Research and Development ends with a 'special' paper, which we are privileged to be able to publish (Newall et al, 2006). The paper presents and discusses a new concept that of 'cumulative trivia', first identified by Dr Lisbeth Hockey, past President of ICCHNR and a pioneer of research in community nursing in the UK and internationally.…”