Cultural stereotypes in care contexts.

INTRODUCTION: The main goal of the present study was to examine the stereotype content model (SCM) assumption for universality and to test whether the mediating role of cultural views about older adult caregivers is maintained in other health care contexts. METHODS: One hundred and sixty professionals and volunteers who worked with older adults in day care centers (DCCs) and senior citizen centers (SCCs) and 1,151 participants from a representative sample of the Spanish population were examined using the SCM questionnaire; older adult and personnel functioning were assessed through an observation procedure with two subscales of the Evaluation Scale from the Sistema de Evaluación de Residencias de Ancianos. RESULTS: The results showed that the context does not seem to influence the cultural views about older adults held by caregivers. All results support the cultural stereotype pattern in which members of the older adult group are viewed with high warmth (HW) and low competence (LC) as posited by the SCM model. With respect to the mediation of cultural stereotypes on caregivers/older adult functioning, this has not been supported in this study. Neither cultural views of warmth (predicted by the SCM) nor views of competence (from our previous studies) influence either caregiver functional behaviors or older adult functioning. CONCLUSION: Two post hoc hypotheses can be inferred: 1) there is more variability in competence and warmth in DCCs and SCCs and 2) although we did not find significant differences in the pattern of competence and warmth in perceived cultural stereotypes about older adults, more healthy environments could reduce the influence of cognitive views on behavior.

Assessing aging stereotypes: Personal stereotypes, self-stereotypes and self-perception of aging / Evaluando estereotipos del envejecimiento: estereotipos personales, auto-estereotipos y auto-percepción del envejecimiento

Background: There is a broad semantic network of aging stereotypes; where different concepts and their measurement are confused: personal stereotypes, self-stereotypes and self-perception of aging. Method: First, we analyze the translated version of the Image of Aging Scale (IAS) measurement model through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, with two representative sub-samples of the Spanish population aged over eighteen (N = 1,105) and in a sample of gerontologists and geriatricians (N = 325). Second, in an effort to disentangle the theoretical relationships between personal stereotypes, self-stereotypes and self-perception of aging, both the IAS (with different instructions) and Lawton’s 5-item scale were administered to a representative sample of Spanish people over 50. Results: Our results indicate that the Spanish version of the IAS has a similar psychometric structure to that proposed by the authors. Furthermore, the factorial structure (equal form and metric invariance) is replicated in both samples, but latent means and factor correlations were higher in the professional group. Conclusions: We discuss Levy’s theoretical assumptions about personal-stereotypes and the self-stereotype measured with IAS and their relationship to self-perception of ageing (AU)

Antecedentes: existe una amplia red semántica sobre los estereotipos del envejecimiento; donde se confunden diferentes términos como: los estereotipos personales, auto-estereotipos y la auto-percepción del envejecimiento; así como la manera en que se evalúan. Método: con el objetivo de clarificar esta red semántica, se analiza la versión traducida del modelo de medición Image of Aging Scale (IAS) a través del análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio, en dos sub-muestras representativas de la población española mayor de 18 (N = 1.105) y en una muestra de gerontólogos y geriatras (N = 325). También se administran el IAS (con diferentes instrucciones) y la escala de 5 ítems de Lawton a una muestra representativa de españoles mayores de 50 años. Resultados: nuestros resultados indican que la versión española de la IAS tiene una estructura psicométrica similar a la propuesta por los autores. La estructura factorial se replica en ambas muestras, las medias latentes y las correlaciones de los factores fueron mayores en el grupo profesional. Conclusiones: se discuten los supuestos teóricos de Levy sobre los estereotipos personales y el auto-estereotipo medidos con el IAS y su relación con la auto-percepción del envejecimiento (AU)

Assessing aging stereotypes: Personal stereotypes, self-stereotypes and self-perception of aging.

BACKGROUND: There is a broad semantic network of aging stereotypes; where different concepts and their measurement are confused: personal stereotypes, self-stereotypes and self-perception of aging. METHOD: First, we analyze the translated version of the Image of Aging Scale (IAS) measurement model through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, with two representative sub-samples of the Spanish population aged over eighteen (N = 1,105) and in a sample of gerontologists and geriatricians (N = 325). Second, in an effort to disentangle the theoretical relationships between personal stereotypes, self-stereotypes and self-perception of aging, both the IAS (with different instructions) and Lawton’s 5-item scale were administered to a representative sample of Spanish people over 50. RESULTS: Our results indicate that the Spanish version of the IAS has a similar psychometric structure to that proposed by the authors. Furthermore, the factorial structure (equal form and metric invariance) is replicated in both samples, but latent means and factor correlations were higher in the professional group. CONCLUSIONS: We discuss Levy’s theoretical assumptions about personal-stereotypes and the self-stereotype measured with IAS and their relationship to self-perception of ageing.

Is older adult care mediated by caregivers' cultural stereotypes? The role of competence and warmth attribution.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine, from the stereotype content model (SCM) perspective, the role of the competence and warmth stereotypes of older adults held by professional caregivers. METHODS: A quasi-experimental design, ex post facto with observational analyses, was used in this study. The cultural view on competence and warmth was assessed in 100 caregivers working in a set of six residential geriatric care units (three of them organized following a person-centered care approach and the other three providing standard geriatric care). In order to assess caregivers' cultural stereotypical views, the SCM questionnaire was administered. To evaluate the role of caregivers' cultural stereotypes in their professional performance as well as in older adult functioning, two observational scales from the Sistema de Evaluación de Residencias de Ancianos (assessment system for older adults residences)-RS (staff functioning and residents' functioning) were applied. RESULTS: Caregivers' cultural views of older adults (compared to young people) are characterized by low competence and high warmth, replicating the data obtained elsewhere from the SCM. Most importantly, the person-centered units predict better staff performance and better resident functioning than standard units. Moreover, cultural stereotyping of older adult competence moderates the effects of staff performance on resident functioning, in line with the findings of previous research. CONCLUSION: Our results underline the influence of caregivers' cultural stereotypes on the type of care, as well as on their professional behaviors and on older adult functioning. Caregivers' cultural stereotypes could be considered as a central issue in older adult care since they mediate the triangle of care: caregivers/older adults/type of care; therefore, much more attention should be paid to this psychosocial care component.

Active aging promotion: results from the vital aging program.

Active aging is one of the terms in the semantic network of aging well, together with others such as successful, productive, competent aging. All allude to the new paradigm in gerontology, whereby aging is considered from a positive perspective. Most authors in the field agree active aging is a multidimensional concept, embracing health, physical and cognitive fitness, positive affect and control, social relationships and engagement. This paper describes Vital Aging, an individual active aging promotion program implemented through three modalities: Life, Multimedia, and e-Learning. The program was developed on the basis of extensive evidence about individual determinants of active aging. The different versions of Vital Aging are described, and four evaluation studies (both formative and summative) are reported. Formative evaluation reflected participants' satisfaction and expected changes; summative evaluations yielded some quite encouraging results using quasi-experimental designs: those who took part in the programs increased their physical exercise, significantly improved their diet, reported better memory, had better emotional balance, and enjoyed more cultural, intellectual, affective, and social activities than they did before the course, thus increasing their social relationships. These results are discussed in the context of the common literature within the field and, also, taking into account the limitations of the evaluations accomplished.

Cognitive plasticity in normal and pathological aging.

The main goal of the present study is to examine to what extent age and cognitive impairment contribute to learning performance (cognitive plasticity, cognitive modifiability, or learning potential). To address this question, participants coming from four studies (Longitudinal Study of Active Aging, age range, 55-75 years, N = 458; Longitudinal Study in the very old [90+], age range, 90-102, N = 188, and Cognitive Plasticity within the Course of Cognitive Impairment, 97 "Normal", 57 mild cognitive impairment [MCI], and 98 Alzheimer's disease [AD] patients) were examined through a measure of verbal learning (developed from Rey). The results show that all age, MCI, and AD groups learned across the five learning trials of that test, but significant differences were found due to age, pathology, and education. The effects of pathology (MCI and AD) can be expressed in a metric of "years of normal decline by age"; specifically, being MCI means suffering an impairment in performance that is equivalent to the decline of a normal individual during 15 years, whereas the impact of AD is equivalent to 22.7 years. Likewise, the improvement associated with about 5 years of education is equivalent to about 1 year less of normal aging. Also, the two pathological groups significantly differed from "normal" groups in the delayed trial of the test. The most dramatic difference is that between the "normal" group and the AD patients, which shows relatively poorer performance for the AD group in the delayed trial than in the first learning trial. The potential role of this unique effect for quick detection purposes of AD is assessed (in the 75-89 years age range, sensitivity and specificity equal 0.813 and 0.917, respectively).

Actividades cognitivas y funcionamiento cognitivo en personas muy mayores / Cognitive activities and cognitive functioning in the elderly

Introducción. El objetivo de esta investigación ha sido analizar si la actividad es un factor protector del declive intelectual y, concretamente, examinar si la actividad intelectual, respecto de otro tipo de actividades, es un predictor del mantenimiento del funcionamiento cognitivo en un grupo de personas mayores de 90 años, independientes en las actividades básicas de la vida diaria y que tienen preservada su capacidad cognitiva. Material y métodos. Esta muestra fue seleccionada para el estudio biopsicosocial sobre personas independientes de 90 años y más. Se trata de un estudio longitudinal en el que participaron 188 personas, 67 varones y 121 mujeres. Se tomaron medidas del funcionamiento cognitivo y del nivel de actividad y se volvieron a repetir pasados entre 6 y 14 meses; se realizaron análisis inferenciales en la línea base y en el seguimiento. Resultados. En la línea base encontramos una fuerte asociación entre el nivel de actividad y el funcionamiento cognitivo. Y más aún, la realización de actividades intelectuales en la línea base predice un mejor funcionamiento cognitivo en el seguimiento. La realización de actividades intelectuales y el mantenimiento del funcionamiento cognitivo son dos entidades que, en ausencia de deterioro cognitivo, se dan asociadas en ancianos muy mayores. Conclusiones. Estos resultados tienen implicaciones importantes para la comunidad científica a la hora de encontrar índices predictivos y estrategias preventivas, pero también para el individuo al encontrar factores de cambio personal sobre los que poder actuar paliando problemas asociados a la edad(AU)

Introduction. The aim of this study was to analyse whether the activity is a protective factor of intellectual decline, and specifically to examine whether intellectual activity versus other activities, is a better predictor for the maintenance of cognitive functioning in a group of people over 90 years, independent in basic daily living activities and having preserved cognitive capacity. Material and methods. This sample was selected from a bio-psycho-social longitudinal study of independent persons 90 and over. This is a longitudinal study involving 188 people, 67 males and 121 females. Measurements were taken of cognitive functioning and level of activity and repeated between 6 and 14 months; inferential analysis was performed at baseline and follow-up. Results. At base-line, there is a strong association between the level of activity and performance. Also, and most important, intellectual activities at baseline predict cognitive functioning at follow-up. According to our results, intellectual activities and the maintenance of cognitive functioning are associated with the absence of cognitive impairment in the very elderly. Conclusions. This has important implications for the scientific community in finding a predictive index and strategies, but also for the individual to identify factors of change on which to act to reduce problems associated with aging(AU)

[Cognitive activities and cognitive functioning in the elderly]. / Actividades cognitivas y funcionamiento cognitivo en personas muy mayores.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyse whether the activity is a protective factor of intellectual decline, and specifically to examine whether intellectual activity versus other activities, is a better predictor for the maintenance of cognitive functioning in a group of people over 90 years, independent in basic daily living activities and having preserved cognitive capacity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This sample was selected from a bio-psycho-social longitudinal study of independent persons 90 and over. This is a longitudinal study involving 188 people, 67 males and 121 females. Measurements were taken of cognitive functioning and level of activity and repeated between 6 and 14 months; inferential analysis was performed at baseline and follow-up. RESULTS: At base-line, there is a strong association between the level of activity and performance. Also, and most important, intellectual activities at baseline predict cognitive functioning at follow-up. According to our results, intellectual activities and the maintenance of cognitive functioning are associated with the absence of cognitive impairment in the very elderly. CONCLUSIONS: This has important implications for the scientific community in finding a predictive index and strategies, but also for the individual to identify factors of change on which to act to reduce problems associated with aging.

Mortality and refusal in the longitudinal 90+ project.

Attrition is one of the most important threats for longitudinal studies on aging mainly due to refusal and mortality. This study deals with those individuals who were assessed in the base line of 90+ project but died, dropped out or were examined in the follow-up. Participants of the 90+ project baseline consist of a sample of 188 older than 90 years, independent individuals (mean age = 92.9; 67 men and 121 women) living in the community (n = 76) or in residences (n = 112). They were assessed through the European Survey on Aging Protocol (ESAP) by collecting anthropometric, health and life styles, bio-behavioral, psychological and social data. After 6-14 months from the baseline, 55% individuals were re-assessed, 11% died and 34% dropped out for several reasons. Comparisons between the individuals deceased, interviewed and those who dropped out yielded significant differences mainly due to contextual variables. The mortality rate of participants living in residences is three times greater than those of participants living in the community. Trying to determine the differences between these three groups due to bio-psycho-social variables, we found that regular physical activity, mental status, leisure activities, fitness, perceived control and openness assessed at the baseline differentiate our three groups. Finally, 90% of those individuals who died were identified at the baseline as "non successful agers", while more than a half of those who participated and a third of the non-participants were identified as "successful agers". It can be concluded that among those independent but very old people, mortality is less important than willing to participate and contextual, behavioral and psychological factors are relevant for distinguishing mortality, survival and participation.