Evolving Practice
Between Change and Continuity: Exploring the Realities of Aging with an Early-Onset Neurological Disability View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Mia Lapointe, Ronen Ore, Pascale Simard, Ann-Frédérique Giguère, Valérie Poulin, Manh Hung Nguyen, Samuel Turcotte, Angéline Labbé, Megan Veilleux
Improved healthcare and social conditions have extended the lifespan of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury (SCI), or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Understanding the realities of aging with an early-onset neurological disability is crucial for developing inclusive approaches to healthy aging, with social participation being a key modifiable health determinant. This qualitative descriptive study, part of a larger participatory research project, explores the lived experiences of individuals aging with an early-onset neurological disability and their perspectives on social participation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 participants aged 50 and older, living with MS, SCI, or TBI (n=8 per condition) in Quebec, Canada. Analyses were based on a mixed approach where the deductive portion relied on the Human Development Model – Disability Production Process. Aging with an early-onset neurological disability necessitates ongoing adaptations in various domains. Participants expressed the importance of adapting to evolving social networks, (re)discovering meaningful ways to contribute to society, and managing symptoms. Over time, participants described their identity as becoming more consolidated. While they did not define themselves solely by their disability, this aspect was integrated into their sense of self. For many, their condition even became a source of pride, contributing to a complex but cohesive identity. Social participation is influence by numerous factors such as involvement opportunities. Yet barriers such as stigma, limited access to information persist. By deepening our understanding of the lived realities of these individuals, this project will contribute to promoting a more inclusive vision of active and healthy aging.
Living Alone among Older Persons in Uganda: Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Determinants
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Grace Nanteza, Isaac Ddumba
There is paucity of data and limited research about the prevalence and determinants of living alone among older persons in Africa in general and Uganda in particular. Therefore, this study aimed at investigatingthe prevalence and social-demographic determinants ofliving alone among older persons in Uganda. A secondary analysis of the 2010 Uganda National Household Survey data was done. Frequency distributions were used to estimate the prevalence of older persons living alone. Complementary log-log regression modelswere used to estimate the relationship between living alone and socio-demographic factors among older persons in Uganda. Nearly one out of ten (9%) older persons lived alone in Uganda. Living alone was higher among older persons who were: in advanced ages (70-79 years), men, resided in central region, divorced, separated, or widowed, in better wealth status, receiving remittances and were disabled. Due to the vulnerability associated with living alone, there is a need to formulate policies and design program that foster formal community care centers and strengthen social support systems for older persons in Uganda.
Multidomain Lifestyle Intervention for Persons with Mild to Moderate Dementia View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Noor Zakiah Zainudin
Singapore is experiencing a rapidly aging population with a 10% prevalence of dementia among older adults above the age of 60 years. The number of elderly citizens aged 65 and above in Singapore, is expected to double from 440,000 in 2015, to 900,000 by 2030. Multi – domain lifestyle interventions have been adopted by many countries such as Japan, Korea, Canada, Australia and Singapore that target specific risk factors in their quest to prevent the worsening of cognitive decline, onset of dementia, and delaying the worsening of dementia among older adults with mild – moderate dementia. The multi-domain lifestyle intervention was adopted by various countries based on the effectiveness in ameliorating cognitive decline in older adults who are at an increased risk of developing dementia found from the first large randomized controlled trial (RCT) Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER). The aim of the project is to explore the usefulness of a multi-domain approach that involves physical, cognitive and social aspects in improving the quality of life and overall wellness of seniors with dementia through Observed Emotion Rating Scale (OERS) and Engagement of a Person with Dementia Scale (EPWDS).
