ILC-BR (2015), Active Ageing : A Policy Framework in Response to the Longevity Revolution, 1st edition, International Longevity Centre Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Objectives Human aging is a multidirectional, multidimensional, and multicausal process that reflects biological, psychological, and sociocultural influences, which act in distinct combinations throughout the life-span. Proactivity towards avoiding the usual aging process is needed. This study analyses the long-term effects of participation in Community-Based Programs on psychological well-being. Method A sample of 150 community-dwelling participants enrolled in Community-Based Programs, aged 55 to 84 years and living in three Portuguese localities were matched by age (55–64, 65–74, 75–84 years), gender, and locality with a comparison group of non-participants. We administered a multidimensional gerontological protocol which included socio-demographic information, measures of health/disease, functional ability, social network, cognitive performance and psychological well-being. Hierarchical regression models were used to test the effects of Community-Based Programs on psychological well-being adjusting for remaining variables. Results Overall, psychological well-being is positively associated with household income and satisfaction with health. Nevertheless, in participants, psychological well-being builds predominantly upon social network and is not associated with a moderate inability or cognitive deficits, contrasting with psychological well-being in non-participants. After adjusting for background variables, psychological well-being was positively associated with health satisfaction and social network and negatively related to moderate inability. Further, a significant interaction of participation in Community-Based Programs with age, points out higher levels of psychological well-being in participants contrasting with a downward trend in non-participants. After stratification by age, psychological well-being increases with time attending Community-Based Programs in the oldest (75–84 years) contrasting with the remainder. Conclusions Participation in Community-Based Programs may improve the negative effects of the aging process on psychological well-being. This positive effect as age increases may be linked to a reinforcement of social network, valued more by participants in Community-Based Programs. Furthermore, the programs may act as a healing/maintenance strategy in persons with moderate inability and/or cognitive deficits.

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“…[13][14][15]. Lastly, participation in CBP reflects facets of the active aging policy framework promoted by the WHO [5,42].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Engagement with life and psychological well-being in late adulthood: Findings from community-based programs in Portugal

et al. 2023

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“…In fact, though an age-related digital divide may still exist, older adults are increasingly crossing it and becoming users of a range of technologies [ 47 ]. However, technology training and digital infrastructures are necessary if the full potential of technology is to be achieved in a time that is shaped by an unprecedented “longevity revolution”, which recognizes lifelong learning as a crucial active aging pillar [ 48 ]. Overcoming difficulties in using/learning how to use technology by the older generations may strongly depend on the available help of third parties (i.e., family, friends, or professionals) or whether there will be opportunities for lifelong learning.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perceptions on Extending the Use of Technology after the COVID-19 Pandemic Resolves: A Qualitative Study with Older Adults

Diehl

Tavares

Abreu

et al. 2022

IJERPH

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The COVID-19 pandemic of the last two years has affected the lives of many individuals, especially the most vulnerable and at-risk population groups, e.g., older adults. While social distancing and isolation are shown to be effective at decreasing the transmission of the virus, these actions have also increased loneliness and social isolation. To combat social distancing from family and friends, older adults have turned to technology for help. In the health sector, these individuals also had a variety of options that strengthened eHealth care services. This study analyzed the technologies used during the COVID-19 pandemic by a group of older people, as well as explored their expectations of use after the pandemic period. Qualitative and ethnographic interviews were conducted with 10 Portuguese older adults, and data were collected over a period of seven months between 2020 and 2021. The research demonstrated that the use of current and new technologies in the post-pandemic future is likely to be related to overcoming: (i) insecurity regarding privacy issues; (ii) difficulties in using technologies due to the level of use of digital technology; and (iii) the human distancing and impersonal consequences of using these technologies.

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“…Participation refers to the optimization of opportunities related to the social environment, such as participation in social and charitable affairs and education. Security refers to activities designed to ensure the protection, dignity and attention to the physical, social and financial needs of older people (Bárrios, 2015 ; Del Barrio et al, 2018 ). From the perspective of older people, active ageing is a set of personal components, such as maintaining health, life satisfaction, establishing family and friendly relationships and adapting to changes related to ageing and self‐care (Bárrios, 2015 ).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Active ageing and self‐care in COVID‐19

et al. 2022

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ILC-BR (2015), Active Ageing : A Policy Framework in Response to the Longevity Revolution, 1st edition, International Longevity Centre Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Cited by 7 publications

References 9 publications

Engagement with life and psychological well-being in late adulthood: Findings from community-based programs in Portugal

Engagement with life and psychological well-being in late adulthood: Findings from community-based programs in Portugal

Perceptions on Extending the Use of Technology after the COVID-19 Pandemic Resolves: A Qualitative Study with Older Adults

Active ageing and self‐care in COVID‐19

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