Journal of Applied Gerontology 

About: Journal of Applied Gerontology is an academic journal published by SAGE Publishing. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Medicine & Health care. It has an ISSN identifier of 0733-4648. Over the lifetime, 2209 publications have been published receiving 38365 citations. The journal is also known as: J.A.G. & Applied gerontology.

Ageism: A Threat to “Aging Well” in the 21st Century:

Abstract: At the beginning of the 21st century, the new mantra—“successful” and “resourceful” aging—is used interchangeably and intoned often unreflectively by a society eager to find ways to reduce aged-related losses. Yet despite numerous empirical studies and public health promotion strategies directed at ways of aging well, negative images of aging have an enduring vitality. This article examine sageism in a range of political, social, and cultural manifestos that have a productive role in encoding tacit assumptions and stereotypes about older people’s lives. Particular attention is given to the pervasive use of the concept of “dependency,” a stereotypic and productive ageist mechanism that continues to infiltrate what are arguably more inclusive strategies directed toward a global model of aging well. The authors explore some potential strategies to combat stereotypes and warn that aging well initiatives based on individualism and “self-responsibility” risk reproducing existing power relations that continue to...

Technology Studies to Meet the Needs of People With Dementia and Their Caregivers: A Literature Review

Abstract: The aim of this article is to present the findings of a review of studies that focused on technology supporting people with dementia and their caregivers. A literature search was carried out in eight scientific literature databases covering literature published between January 1992 and February 2007. A total of 46 studies providing original data and one review were included in this review. Analyses covered the aims of the studies, the technology used, study design, methods, outcome variables, and results. Most studies were carried out in residential care and focused on the needs of formal caregivers. Only a few studies involved people with dementia actively using the technology. The studies are difficult to compare because of the large variety of aims, technologies, design, and outcome measurements. There is a need for more research in this area, in particular, with people who have a mild stage dementia living in the community.

The Life Space Questionnaire: A Measure of the Extent of Mobility of Older Adults:

Abstract: Mobility in older adults is typically discussed in terms of component maneuvers including analy sis of gait and postural instability; activities that depend on mobility such as bathing, dressing, or shopping; or adverse events during mobility such as falls or motor vehicle crashes. None of these approaches reflects a key aspect of mobility-the extent of movement within a person's environment, or life space in the gerontological literature. Here we describe this concept as it applies to mobility and present a questionnaire instrument designed to measure life space in community-dwelling older adults. Results indicate that the Life Space Questionnaire (LSQ) is reliable and has construct and criterion validity in a sample of olderadults. The LSQ can be used to establish the spatial extent of an older person's mobility and may ultimately be useful as an outcome measure in studies evaluating interventions designed to enhance mobility and inde pendence in community-dwelling older populations.

Surfing the Net in Later Life: A Review of the Literature and Pilot Study of Computer Use and Quality of Life

Abstract: The Internet offers new opportunities for communication that can help older adults avoid social isolation. Although elders may need more time and assistance in learning computer systems, many are embracing this new technology. There is growing potential not only for recreation and communication through the Internet but also the delivery of services. This study examines the feasibility of providing Internet and electronic mail access to older adults in a retirement community and the extent to which this improves psychosocial well-being. In contrast to members of a comparison group, a trend toward decreased loneliness was observed among participants. In addition, the number of computer-related problems decreased and use of the applications increased throughout the study. These preliminary results support the feasibility of implementing computer-based interventions with the potential of improving psychosocial well-being among older adults.

Stress, Social Support, and Burnout Among Long-Term Care Nursing Staff.

Abstract: Long-term care nursing staff are subject to considerable occupational stress and report high levels of burnout, yet little is known about how stress and social support are associated with burnout in this population. The present study utilized the job demands-resources model of burnout to examine relations between job demands (occupational and personal stress), job resources (sources and functions of social support), and burnout in a sample of nursing staff at a long-term care facility (N = 250). Hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed that job demands (greater occupational stress) were associated with more emotional exhaustion, more depersonalization, and less personal accomplishment. Job resources (support from supervisors and friends or family members, reassurance of worth, opportunity for nurturing) were associated with less emotional exhaustion and higher levels of personal accomplishment. Interventions to reduce burnout that include a focus on stress and social support outside of work may be particularly beneficial for long-term care staff.