Journal of Applied Gerontology

This study compares social functioning between one Black (n = 560) and one White (n = 1350) urban, community-based sample of older persons in Los Angeles. A 3-item social function scale that assessed visiting with family and friends, participating in community activities, and taking care of other people was administered; the instrument also assessed basic activities of daily living (BADL) and intermediate activities of daily living (IADL). In multivariate analysis, social function was substantially higher for Blacks than for Whites, although BADL and IADL scores were somewhat lower for Blacks. BADLs, IADLs, being male, and being married were positively associated with social function among Blacks; IADLs, owning a home, and history of falls were negatively associated with social function among Whites. The high social function of Blacks, despite more physical limitations, suggests that even physically impaired Black older persons in the South Central Los Angeles community may remain actively involved in the family and community.

This study examines contextual factors related to adult decisions to move or age in place at retirement. Using a broad range of individual community and family factors, the study addresses two primary objectives: (a) comparing those inclined to move or stay at retirement and (b) whether such decisions are more salient as individuals move closer to an actual date of retirement. Salience refers to the change in thinking about relocation, from remote thoughts to concrete decisions. The sample included adults (N = 1,285) between 40 and 65 years of age. Logistic regression of two age groups in the sample, 40- to 50-year-olds and 51- to 60-year-olds, indicated both common and differential patterns of planning based on the emerging salience of retirement. Results provide an understanding of factors associated with migration decision making and the evolving salience of thinking about migration. In addition, these findings may facilitate informed community planning.

Periodic renewal of driver licenses is an integral part of the driver licensing procedures for most states. Renewal of driver licenses is usually required every 4 years, and many states conduct vision tests before granting renewal. A few states require additional testing, whereas several states have no vision testing or any other examinations at renewal. Still fewer have additional requirements for older drivers. The increasing percentage of older drivers and the visual changes due to aging or disease are also additional concerns. Thus, it was considered important to systematically review current practices regarding license renewal and retesting and identify potential changes in these procedures. For older drivers, a more frequent renewal period is proposed, accompanied by a vision screening and a medical questionnaire to determine physical and mental status of older drivers.

Foodservices contribute to the health status, quality of life, and autonomy of long-term care (LTC) residents, yet malnutrition is prevalent. To improve nutritional status, LTC facilities should determine which aspects of foodservices are important to residents and which provoke the most dissatisfaction. Because staff control foodservices, it is equally important to examine their beliefs. Data were collected from nine LTC facilities in Quebec. Means and t tests of differences between residents' (n = 69) and staff 's (n = 52) mean importance and satisfaction rankings of 29 foodservice items are presented. Although residents rated foodservice choice and autonomy items lower in importance, these items were generally less satisfied. Staff consistently overrated both importance and satisfaction among residents. Specific recommendations for foodservice quality improvements are discussed in relation to residents' quality of life, autonomy, and nutritional status.

This study examined the effect that a wall mural painted over an exit door had on decreasing door-testing behaviors of residents with dementia. Twelve residents who tested the doors regularly were observed over a 12-week period. The frequency of four types of door-testing behaviors before and after the wall mural installation was explored. A significant decrease in overall door-testing behavior and a significant decrease in two of four distinct behavior types occurred. The findings support the idea that by disguising the door with a wall mural, door-testing behaviors are reduced. Wall murals can be an effective way of cueing residents away from a situation that may evoke agitation and a situation of potential harm and litigation.

This study examines the effect of activity aide—to-resident ratios on outcomes of special-care-unit residents over a 1-year period following admission. Existing studies focusing on the effects of staff ratios on resident outcomes tend not to separate activity aides from other types of staff, if they study them at all. However, research on best care practices in special care units for persons with dementia has established the importance of activities for optimal resident outcomes. Employing multiple regression analyses, this study finds evidence that increased activity aide— to-resident ratios have positive effects on three resident outcomes—expressive language skills, social skills, and cognitive function—when controlling for resident characteristics, facility characteristics, and environmental design. It is concluded that because activity aide—to-resident ratios tend to be very low yet appear to have a significant positive effect on resident outcomes, a modest increase in activity aide—to-resident ratios would be beneficial for residents with dementia in special care units.

Normative, individual, and contextual characteristics were examined as predictors of adult children's (N = 206) expectations of being primarily responsible for the care of an ill parent if called upon in the future. Although most did affirm that adult children should provide care for aging parents, this general social norm did not predict their expectations of primary involvement in the care of their own aging parents. Among these adult children not currently experiencing parental need, a large network of sisters decreased the likelihood of expected primary involvement in parent care. In addition, greater self-reported health as well as a specific family norm of parent care increased the likelihood that a given adult child expected to acquire primary responsibility for parent care in the future. Findings demonstrate that adult children possess distinct expectations for their level of involvement in parent care prior to parental need for aid.

This study analyzes the short- (3 months) and long-term (1 year) cost implications of adult day care, a community-based program that has gained attention for its positive impact on dementia caregivers. A variety of costs (e.g., adult day services, formal service use, informal sources of care, employment changes) were estimated for caregivers (n = 367 at 3 months; n = 201 at 1 year). Results found that the daily costs to reduce caregivers' role overload and depression decreased with adult day service utilization over a 1-year period. The findings emphasize that adult day programs are most effective for dementia caregivers who use these services consistently and for longer periods of time. Moreover, practitioners must develop methods to encourage early utilization of adult day services during the caregiving career to increase the range of benefits.

Geographic information systems (GIS) can assist researchers and practitioners engaged in community-specific analyses that focus on older populations and their resource environments. Although some gerontologists may be using GIS for data visualization (i.e., to present data in map form), GIS spatial analytical functions appear to be underused in studies of older populations. This article examines the capacity and potential of GIS in gerontological research and practice by (a) briefly defining GIS; (b) describing the utility of some basic GIS visualization and spatial analytical methods using an illustrative, community-based gerontological study; and (c) discussing challenges and opportunities in the application of this information technology.

This study, based on interviews with 1,215 assisted living and nursing home residents and family members in Oregon, compares assisted living residents and their family proxies with their nursing home counterparts regarding preferences for long-term care settings and circumstances and decisions surrounding their move. Analyses showed some differences between reported preferences of assisted living and nursing home groups, with the former placing more emphasis on control over private space and the latter on rehabilitation. There were also many similarities, however, especially in the views of residents themselves rather than those of their family proxies. For example, high value given by both groups to help with care from staff, decisions on how much care, and private rooms indicate policy planners and providers should take into account such preferences and develop a hybrid of positively valued features in both assisted living and nursing homes.