Toward a productive ageing paradigm for geriatric practice

Abstract

An alternative frame of reference for geriatric practice is presented centering on the concept of productive ageing. This perspective underscores two distinct but compatible conceptualizations of the ageing experience: l) an external, utilitarian view that emphasizes concrete societal contributions made by older adults to others whether they be individuals, families, groups, organizations, or communities; and 2) an internal, affective view which emphasizes the older person subscribing to personal philosophies positively impacting one's own well-being and quality of life. Both emphasize engagement by older adults in the economic, social, and physical environment as well as the importance of elders having direction, structure, purpose in life, engaged in activity, and accomplishing tasks. Assets, resources, capacities, and skills of older adults are underscored rather than problems, deficiencies, and needs. A productive ageing paradigm is seen to transcend the physical or functional status of the older person and have direct implications for health and human service personnel assuming an expanded set of professional functions in both traditional and nontraditional community service settings.There is value in stepping back, if only temporarily, from the daily professional tasks of working with the physically and mentally frail older person, addressing the problems and losses of ageing, and treating ageing-related disease and incapacity. Health and human service professionals can benefit from becoming familiar with the changing demographics of old age, including impressive improvements being registered in terms of financial, physical, and social well-being in later life. An Alternative Frame of ReferenceThere is a broader flame of reference to be considered for geriatric practice. It focuses on a new and expanded set of professional functions that prac-

Evaluation of a workplace engagement project for people with younger onset dementia

“…Kaye et al . () propose a productive ageing paradigm, suggesting that the maintenance of productive behaviours and the prevention of nonproductive behaviours should be promoted because as a society, we have much to gain from greater participation of older people. This productive ageing paradigm fits well with Waddell and Burton () suggestion that work is therapeutic, improves quality of life and well‐being, and promotes full participation in society.…”

Productive engagement in older adults: A concept analysis

“…Therefore, developing internal character through taking part in meaningful productive activities is inextricably related to spiritual growth of older people. Kaye et al(2003) stated that productive engagement should include inner-directed behavior, which emphasizes personal or humanistic philosophy that provides concrete societal contributions made to others. In addition, spiritual growth and development of productive living, such as providing advice and passing on knowledge, experience, skills, and wisdom to others, as well as being of merit in themselves, are considered as productive ageing activities (Neovakul, 1993).…”

“…The definition and model presented here can be used by nurses and other health professionals to develop intervention programs to promote productive roles among older adults. Efforts must be made to include empowerment-oriented practices that promote personal efficacy to create productive activities in older adults through training in activism (Kaye et al, 2003). Nurses may design the activities that are appropriate to health conditions, socioeconomic status, and interests of older people.…”

“…Specifically, interventions promoting spiritual growth should be implemented. Nurses should help older people to develop a sense of connectedness in whatever they believe in, to create happiness in life and power of living (Register & Herman, 2010) and to enhance inner-directed behaviors that are personally meaningful and satisfying to the older persons (Kaye et al, 2003). Furthermore, tool development may be needed to quantify this concept and to assess the level of productive engagement in older adults.…”

“…Recently, productive contributions of older adults have become a focus of research in gerontology (Morrow-Howell, 2010) because it is one of the important indicators for successful ageing (Hinterlong, 2008). Kaye et al (2003) conceptualized that productive ageing includes two distinct but compatible dimensions: (i) an external dimension -a utilitarian view that focuses on tangible contributions made by older adults to others and society at large; and (ii) an internal dimension -an affective view that highlights personal or inner-directed views and contributes to positively impact one's own well-being. It has been well documented that engagement in meaningful and productive roles may be a crucial factor associated with greater health and well-being in later life so as to age successfully (Rowe & Kahn, 1997;Morrow-Howell et al, 2005;Hinterlong, 2008).…”