Supporting healthy ageing

This research aims to answer the question: What educational role do exercise instructors for older adults play, and how might this affect the inclusivity/exclusivity of the social exercise environment? To address this question, a constructivist grounded theory methodology is employed to explain the educational methods used by exercise instructors, as well as an institutional ethnography methodology to uncover the power relations embedded within five major curricula used to train and certify older adult exercise instructors in Canada and the United States. Methods include a scoping review, textual analyses of instructor training curricula, observations, and interviews. Findings from a preliminary scoping review revealed that fitness instructors: are key to fostering social cohesion, serve as cultural intermediaries between fitness culture and exercisers, should possess leadership and interpersonal skills, should possess both exercise and gerontological competence, and are educators. Educational skills are thus recognized as an important skill that exercise instructors should possess, but scant empirical attention has been paid to this topic. Given that exercise instructors are a social determinant of exercise adherence and enjoyment¹, it is crucial to understand how instructors’ educative role contributes to exercise outcomes, in order to capitalize on the educative methods that foster more socially cohesive and inclusive exercise environments for older adults.

¹ Carron, A. V., & Spink, K. S. (1993). Team building in an exercise setting. The Sport Psychologist, 7, 8-18.

The use and development of exergames has become widespread in gerontological research particularly in the context of Active and Assisted Living (AAL). In discourses around ‘active ageing’ and ‘ageing in place’, exergames are discussed as supporting older adults to remain physically and mentally fit which in turn allows them to better age in place. This empirical contribution critically examines how ideas of staying active are performed by older adults during a 10-month test and evaluation phase of the EnterTrain exergaming system, a gaming system developed within ‘EnterTrain’ - an ongoing AAL research project.

Altogether 40 participants aged 65 and older test the games which are installed in their homes. Empirical material used for the analysis consist of qualitative in-depth interviews with test users during the trial phase as well as participant observations. Observations during the initial installations of the gaming system contribute to a better understanding of how the participants understand and perform ideas of staying active and in good shape.

The theoretical basis of this contribution is the self-determined theory by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan (2000). According to the self-determined theory, exercising is related to different kinds of motivations following different values. Motivation types are differentiated in autonomous, with a spectrum from intrinsic to extrinsic motivation, and controlled motivation, consisting of external and introjected regulation (Deci and Ryan 2008). Additionally, in order to better capture the interplay of symbolizations and physical performances analytically, Schroeter’s concept of the “Doing Age” (2012) is considered.

Older people represent a growing section of the population within the United Kingdom and globally¹.  Oral and dental diseases impact on health and wellbeing. The most common are largely preventable through appropriate self-care and behaviours, supported by regular dental attendance. The main aim of this research was to explore how older people may be supported in maintaining their oral health through regular self-care as they become older. The secondary aim was to provide dental students with this knowledge and offer appropriate recommendations to healthcare services, product manufacturers and those involved in dental education.

The research workshops took place in a Health and Leisure Centre in South London with 8 dental students from years 2 – 4 conducting small group discussions with participants. Older adult participants were recruited through a variety of local organisations.  There were 17 participants (3 male and 14 female) aged between 63 and 94 years and 41% were white. Discussions revolved around the main oral health issues they face and identifying advice that would be helpful.  Students analysed the responses and categorised them into five main areas of concern including costs and organisation of NHS dentistry, fluoride, dental anxiety, changes in oral health and taking up good habits. The students devised responses in the form of illustrated leaflets (the participants’ choice) which were then discussed at a further workshop.  In the light of their feedback, leaflets were modified. The implications of this research relating to policy, practice and dental education will be discussed. 

The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the experiences of extended longevity as perceived by centenarians. Centenarians (people over one hundred years of age) are the fastest growing group of the ageing population in developed countries. Ten centenarians aged between 100 and 106 years, living in the Lower North Island of New Zealand, participated in the study. Biographical narrative interpretive method of inquiry guided data collection through face-to-face interviews, and thematic analysis was subsequently undertaken. Four themes were identified: 1) ‘becoming a centenarian: “Just another day”’; 2) ‘growing up in a privileged environment’ that revealed four sub-themes: ‘having freedom and choice’; ‘being loved and nurtured’; ‘living healthy lifestyles’; and having ‘good education prospects’; 3) ‘unique opportunities in adult life’ and; 4) ‘positive ageing and celebration of longevity’. The centenarians spoke nonchalantly about their experience of turning a hundred and positive personalities were prominent features of the participants, who all expressed a sense of acceptance and satisfaction with life and contentment with living in the present, a feature throughout their lives that was ongoing at an intergenerational level. This study has provided further insights into the existing literature on longevity and through the narratives of the centenarians has demonstrated the value of Erikson’s psychosocial stages of development and Tornstam’s theory of gerotranscendence.

Whiteley Village is a retirement community. It is unique in the UK in providing cottages for independent living, a care home, and extra care apartments for elderly from lower socio-economic groups. Such individuals would normally be expected to have a lower life expectancy, yet analysis of 100 years of resident data indicates that resident longevity is comparable to higher socio-economic groups (especially for women). We therefore present Whiteley Village as an excellent case study for elderly living that is not based on high personal income. Learning from Whiteley Village could form part of a UK-wide reduction in mortality inequalities experienced in lower socio-economic groups.

For over a century, Whiteley Village has been providing housing, care and support for the elderly of limited means. It houses 500 residents, spanning a 40-year age range, located in 225 acres of Surrey woodland, and is managed by the charity, The Whiteley Homes Trust. There are several inter-related reasons for the increased resident longevity, including: community connections, support and involvement; security and safety; and sense of purpose. These factors help to reduce the negative impacts of deprivation and isolation.