Research & Review: Journal of Geriatric Nursing and Health Sciences

Loneliness among Elderly People and the COVID-19 Pandemic

2023-12-14T09:00:34+00:00

Elderly people with neurocognitive disturbances may be more prone to diverse comorbidities and higher mortality rates, mainly under pandemic secondary effects. This issue has been currently focused on about the COVID-19 pandemic. Well-controlled studies, and even single case reports, have enhanced the general interest of readers about the causes and consequences of loneliness among the elderly. The objective of the present paper is to briefly comment on some new literature data, apropos of the results of a novel research about loneliness published in this Journal.

Sociological Theories of Ageing and Their Influence on the Quality of Life of the Elderly

2023-12-27T11:24:47+00:00

Longevity of the elderly has increased in recent years and subsequently, it has raised concern for improving the quality of life of the ageing population. Better quality of life is dependent on various factors like diet intake, dietary habits, daily regimen, social relationships, socioeconomic status, positive environment, education level, physical activity, etc. All the factors are important in their own regard but this paper finds out how social environment is a determining factor in enhancing or deteriorating the quality of life of the older generation. The purpose of this review paper is to understand the sociological matrix of the ageing population in the light of various sociological theories of ageing as well as to understand how they impact their quality of life. Four major sociological theories of ageing- activity theory, disengagement theory, subcultural theory and continuity theory have been evaluated in this paper. This paper thus throws light on the changes that take place in the functioning and daily living activities of the old age population as they transition from young to old and also deliberates upon the role of the theories of ageing in their smooth transition and facing adjustment challenges. Relevant research papers such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science have been evaluated to assess the relationship between the social matrix and the quality of life of the ageing population. Some important factors like social relationships, friendship and freedom from social responsibilities have been identified which affect their quality of life. It can be concluded from these theories that there exists a positive and direct relationship between the sociological well-being of an individual and his quality of life. A constructive social environment is significantly related to a positive quality of life, enhanced health and worthy nutritional well-being.

Effectiveness of Music Therapy on Sleep Quality among Senior Citizens at Selected Old Age Homes in Gwalior District

2024-04-15T10:34:02+00:00

Background: It was a pre-experimental study conducted among 60 senior citizens at selected old age homes Gwalior district. It was to assess the effectiveness of music therapy on sleep quality. The method used to collect samples was purposive sampling. Baseline data was collected using a pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire followed by a skilled-based teaching program. The major assumption was that music therapy can enhance the level of sleep quality among senior citizens. Materials and Methods: An evaluative research approach with a one-group pre-test and post-test design was used in this study. 60 samples selected using the purposive sampling technique were enrolled in this study. Based on J W Kenny's open system, the conceptual framework of the study was developed. Demographic Performa and Groningen sleep quality scale were the tools used in data collection. The Questionnaire was validated by various experts for appropriateness, adequacy, relevance and comprehensiveness. Results: Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for Data analysis. The results stated that the mean post-test score of sleep quality of 19.33 ±3.78 was significantly higher than the mean pre-test score of 8.41±3.4 (p<0.05). It was proved that there is a significant increase in the mean post-test score by analysis of paired t value (22.038*) significant at p<0.05. Lifestyle diseases with level of sleep quality observed significant association at 0.05 levels. Conclusion: Assessing the pre-test and post-test levels of sleep quality after the intervention, it was clear that music therapy was significantly effective in improving sleep quality among senior citizens.

Nurses’ Attitude and Responsibilities Toward Elderly Care at a Tertiary Level Hospital in Bangladesh

2024-04-19T06:49:06+00:00

Background: Due to Bangladesh's rapidly ageing population, elderly care has become a priority issue. Nurses are key in providing quality care, but there's a knowledge gap about their attitudes and responsibilities. This study aimed to understand how nurses perceive their role in elderly care. Objective: The study assessed nurses' attitudes and responsibilities toward elderly care at a tertiary-level hospital in Bangladesh. Methods: A descriptive correlational study was conducted among senior staff nurses at Dhaka Medical College Hospital from July 2022 to June 2023. A sample size of 112 was selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire consisting of three parts: (1) Socio-demographic and Professional Characteristics Questionnaire; (2) Attitude towards Elderly Care Questionnaire; and (3) Professional Responsibility towards Elderly Care Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS software. Results: The majority of nurses (67.9%) had a positive attitude and 59.8% showed high professional responsibilities. Male nurses demonstrated higher professional responsibility than female nurses (p = .007). Nurses' attitudes and responsibilities towards elder care were influenced by their professional educational degree, marital status, working area, and working shift. A significant relationship was found between attitudes and responsibilities (r = 0.210, p = .026). Conclusion: Most nurses showed a positive attitude and high professional responsibility toward elderly care. However, a significant number of nurses had a neutral attitude and showed low to moderate professional responsibilities. This suggests a need for ongoing education and training for nurses on the importance of quality elderly care. The study also helps nursing managers to better select nurses for effective elderly care. Future studies should examine factors influencing nurses' attitudes and responsibilities, the effectiveness of education and training programs, and the perspectives of elderly patients and their families.

An Experimental Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Mindfulness Therapy in Reducing Stress Among Elderly People Residing in Selected Old Age Homes in The Thiruvananthapuram District

2024-04-18T09:04:33+00:00

Mindfulness is conscious, non-judgemental awareness of the present moment. Mindfulness therapy helps to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain etc. The present study aims to assess the effectiveness of mindfulness therapy in reducing stress among elderly people residing in selected old age homes in the Thiruvananthapuram district. The objective of the study is to assess the level of stress before Mindfulness therapy of elderly people which reside in old age homes. The effectiveness of mindfulness therapy in reducing stress among elderly people the association between pre-test levels of stress with their selected demographic variables such as age, gender-, frequency of visitors, number of children, time residing in old age home; source of income. The research design is a one-group pre-test post-test quasi-experimental design. The study is conducted among 50 elderly people in selected old age homes in the Thiruvananthapuram district. The data was collected by using the Modified Perceived Stress Scale. Frequency Percentage distribution, mean, standard deviation, paired t-test and chi-square were used for data analysis. The result of the study revealed that 54% of elderly people had moderate stress, and 46% of elderly people had severe stress. After mindfulness therapy 12% of elderly people had mild stress, and 88% of elderly people had moderate and no one had severe stress. Selected demographic variables include age, gender, frequency of visitors, number of children and duration of residing in old age homes. The association was assessed by means using chi-square Analysis showed that there is an association between the stress of elderly people and age (χ2=11.36), and frequency of visitors (χ2=6.97). The table values are significant at p< 0.05, and there is no association between the stress of elderly people and the demographic variables such as gender (χ2=0.252), number of children (χ2= 1.8), source of income (χ2 = 1.66), time residing in old age home (χ2=0.27). The table values are insignificant at p<0.05. The above findings show that elderly people who reside in old homes have moderate to severe stress so it becomes important to give Mindfulness Therapy to elderly people residing in old homes to reduce stress.