Stress, strength, and respect: Viewing direct care staff experiences through a trauma-informed lens.

Trauma-informed approaches may promote the well-being of CNAs and disrupt organizational practices that perpetuate inequities. There is a dearth of literature addressing evidence-based, trauma-informed training for direct care staff, yet CMS now requires trauma-informed care in nursing homes. Five focus groups exploring trauma and resilience-related concepts were conducted using an expressive-collaborative model with 18 CNAs at four nursing homes.

Over-the-counter medication use in residents of senior living communities: A survey study.

Background: Self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) products is common among older adults. Although OTC self-medication is a convenient way to manage some health issues, older persons may be at higher risk of experiencing medication-related problems. This study examines the prevalence, practices, and preferences associated with OTC medication use in older adult residents of senior living communities.

A qualitative study to understand over-the-counter medication use and decision-making among residents of senior-living communities.

Introduction: OTC medications are generally considered safe and convenient to use without requiring a prescription. However, the safety of an OTC medication and the final health outcome depends in part upon consumers' perceptions, beliefs, and their decision-making about OTC medication use. This study uses a qualitative approach to explore the knowledge, beliefs, and practices associated with OTC medication use and decision-making in adults aged 65 years and older.

"How Old Do You Feel?" The Difficulties and Ethics of Operationalizing Subjective Age.

This article provides an integrative presentation regarding ageism within the professional culture of gerontological research by examining the operationalization of subjective age, a construct most commonly assessed by asking an individual to report how "old" they feel. According to the life span perspective [Baltes, P. B.

A Theory of Relational Ageism: A Discourse Analysis of the 2015 White House Conference on Aging.

Purpose: The widespread use of ageist language is generally accepted as commonplace and routine in most cultures and settings. In order to disrupt ageism, we must examine the use of ageist language and sentiments among those on the front line of providing advocacy, services, and policy for older adults; the professional culture of the aging services network. The recorded video segments from the sixth White House Conference on Aging (WHCOA) provided a unique opportunity to examine discourse used by professionals and appointed representatives in the field of aging within a professional sociocultural context.

The Thin-Youth Ideal: Should We Talk About Aging Anxiety in Relation to Body Image?

College students' attitudes about the pervasive thin ideal have been well-studied, but the relationship between the thin ideal and youth ideal in young adults forming life-long health attitudes is understudied. This cross-sectional study examined body image, aging anxiety, ageism, and gender in a sample of 485 undergraduate students. Results from this study demonstrate associations among components of objectified body consciousness (surveillance, shame, and control), body image avoidance, aging anxiety (fear of older people, psychological concerns, physical appearance, and fear of losses), ageism, and gender.

Lessons Learned From a Program Evaluation of a Statewide Continuing Education Program for Staff Members Working in Assisted Living and Adult Day Care Centers in Virginia.

The number of older adults residing in assisted living facilities (ALF) and utilizing adult day care services is expanding with the increasing population of older adults. Currently, there are no standardized requirements for continuing education for assisted living and adult day care service staff at a national level. Given that 62% of states within the United States require continuing education for ALF staff and/or administrators, a more formalized system is needed that provides evidence-based gerontological training to enhance the quality of care and services provided to older adults.

The Language of Ageism: Why We Need to Use Words Carefully.

Purpose: Language carries and conveys meaning which feeds assumptions and judgments that can lead to the development of stereotypes and discrimination. As a result, this study closely examined the specific language that is used to communicate attitudes and perceptions of aging and older adults.

Design And Methods: We conducted a qualitative study of a twitter assignment for 236 students participating in a senior mentoring program.

Catch a Glimpse of Me: The development of staff videos to promote person-centered care.

Catch a Glimpse of Me is an ongoing project that uses video to help staff deliver more person-centered care for people with dementia living in long-term care. Focus groups consisting of residents, family and staff members were conducted to develop a template for the development of the videos. The five themes they identified as being important to include are: family; interests and hobbies; memories and moments; life space and getting personal.

Promoting the development of professional identity of gerontologists: an academic/experiential learning model.

Graduate education in gerontology has an essential role in providing the foundational knowledge required to work with a diverse aging population. It can also play an essential role in promoting best-practice approaches for the development of professional identity as a gerontologist. The primary goal of this study was to determine what factors predict the professional identity and career path of gerontologists.