- Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Research Interests: Health Promotion, Public Opinion, Political Science, Australia, Aging, and 15 moreQualitative Research, Medicine, Human Sexuality, Humans, Aged Care, Female, Male, Aged, Middle Aged, Age Factors, Homes for the Aged, cultural characteristics, Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, Interviews as topic, and Medical and Health Sciences
Background Home care service providers are increasingly supporting clients living with dementia. Targeted and comprehensive dementia-specific training for home care staff is necessary to meet this need. This study evaluates a training... more
Background Home care service providers are increasingly supporting clients living with dementia. Targeted and comprehensive dementia-specific training for home care staff is necessary to meet this need. This study evaluates a training programme delivered to care staff (paid personal carers) of clients living with dementia at home. Methods This study is a pragmatic stepped-wedge cluster-randomised controlled trial (SW-CRT). Home care workers (HCWs) from seven home care service providers are grouped into 18 geographical clusters. Clusters are randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. The intervention group receives 7 h of a dementia education and upskilling programme (Promoting Independence Through quality dementia Care at Home [PITCH]) after baseline measures. The control group receives PITCH training 6 months after baseline measures. This approach will ensure that all participants are offered the program. Home care clients living with dementia are also invited to particip...
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Research Interests: Psychology and Interview
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Undertaking co-design with the end users of services has rapidly evolved as the best-practice approach to program design, development and implementation. Increased interest in using participatory co-design in dementia care has drawn... more
Undertaking co-design with the end users of services has rapidly evolved as the best-practice approach to program design, development and implementation. Increased interest in using participatory co-design in dementia care has drawn attention to the need for evidence-informed methods for facilitating the meaningful involvement of people with dementia and their family carers in co-design activities. The aim of this paper is to describe the co-design framework used in the co-design of a dementia specialist training program for home care workers. The Promoting Independence Through quality dementia Care at Home program is a successful example of co-design methodology used across multiple project stages and with various stakeholder groups, including people living with dementia, family carers, home care workers, managers and researchers. Co-design methods were tailored to each stage, purpose, and stakeholder group, and to facilitate the involvement of people living with dementia. Findings...
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Background Our objective was to explore what people receiving and providing care consider to be ‘good’ in-home care for people living with dementia. Methods We conducted 36 in-depth interviews and two focus groups with key stakeholders in... more
Background Our objective was to explore what people receiving and providing care consider to be ‘good’ in-home care for people living with dementia. Methods We conducted 36 in-depth interviews and two focus groups with key stakeholders in Australia in the first quarter of 2018. Participants included those receiving care (4 people living with dementia, 15 family carers) or providing care (9 case managers, 5 service managers, 10 home care workers). Qualitative thematic analysis was guided by Braun and Clarke’s six-step approach. Results Consensus was reached across all groups on five themes considered as important for good in-home dementia care: 1) Home care workers’ understanding of dementia and its impact; 2) Home care workers’ demonstrating person-centred care and empathy in their care relationship with their client; 3) Good relationships and communication between care worker, person with dementia and family carers; 4) Home care workers’ knowing positive practical strategies for ch...
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This article examines relationships between experiences of ageism and four specific mental health outcomes among older Australian adults, including whether these relationships vary depending on age, gender, and sexual orientation. A... more
This article examines relationships between experiences of ageism and four specific mental health outcomes among older Australian adults, including whether these relationships vary depending on age, gender, and sexual orientation. A survey was conducted nationwide involving 2137 participants aged 60 years and older. Mental health variables included depressive symptoms, anxious symptoms, general stress, and positive mental health or flourishing. Recent experiences of ageism were found to be strongly related to poorer mental health on all four mental health variables. However, experiences of ageism appeared to have a greater effect on the mental health of those who were younger in age (specifically depression), of men more so than women (specifically depression), and of those who identified as heterosexual as opposed to other sexual orientations (specifically general stress). These findings suggest that experiences of ageism may be an important factor in the health and well-being of o...
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That many older individuals continue to engage in various forms of sexual expression well into later life is now well established in the literature. To date, however, only a small body of qualitative research has examined older men's... more
That many older individuals continue to engage in various forms of sexual expression well into later life is now well established in the literature. To date, however, only a small body of qualitative research has examined older men's experiences and understandings of sex in later life. Likewise, the ways in which older men's discussions on sex may be used as an avenue for "doing" masculinity remain underexplored. Older men are particularly interesting in this regard, as they inhabit an increasingly subordinated position in relation to hegemonic masculine ideals because of their age. To what extent might this limit or, alternatively, open up the possibilities for sexual expression and subjectivity in later life? Drawing on a subset of findings from Sex, Age, and Me: A National Study with Australian Women and Men Aged 60 and Older, data from qualitative interviews with 27 Australian men were explored in this article. The first Australian study of its kind, we argue t...
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Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are rising among older Australians. We conducted a large survey of older people's knowledge of STIs and safer sexual practices. A total of 2,137 Australians aged 60 years and older... more
Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are rising among older Australians. We conducted a large survey of older people's knowledge of STIs and safer sexual practices. A total of 2,137 Australians aged 60 years and older completed the survey, which included 15 questions assessing knowledge of STIs and safer sexual practices. We examined both levels of knowledge and factors associated with an overall knowledge score. In total, 1,652 respondents reported having sex in the past five years and answered all knowledge questions. This group had good general knowledge but poorer knowledge in areas such as the protection offered by condoms and potential transmission modes for specific STIs. Women had better knowledge than men. Men in their 60s, men with higher education levels, and men who thought they were at risk of STIs reported better knowledge than other men. Knowledge was also better among men and women who had been tested for STIs or reported 'other' sources of kno...
Research Interests: Aging, Risk Taking, Medicine, Applied Economics, Humans, and 14 moreFemale, Male, Sexual Behavior, Aged, Middle Aged, Public Administration and Policy, Public health systems and services research, Health surveys, Condoms, Cross Sectional Studies, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Safe Sex, HIV infections, and Population surveillance
Structural ageing of populations has been accompanied by a move towards a greater understanding of the long-term health care and housing needs of older adults. Unfortunately, however, their status and value to society remains in question.... more
Structural ageing of populations has been accompanied by a move towards a greater understanding of the long-term health care and housing needs of older adults. Unfortunately, however, their status and value to society remains in question. In Western cultures, at least, old age is typically viewed in a negative light (Birren & Schaie, 2006, p. 389), and ageing is seen as a process of ‘inevitable decline and deterioration’ (Friedan, 1993, p. 9), or as a time of ‘decline, retreat, and withdrawal’ (Dychtwald, 2005, p. 17). Ageism refers to negative generalisations and perceptions about older adults and is a fact of life for many older people (Age Concern, 2006; Gething et al., 2003). As a group, older adults have become used to being typecast as frail, confused and a ‘burden’ on society (de Vaus et al., 2003, p. 19; Hoyer, 1997, p. 39) thereby leading to research that further problematises the lives of older people and focuses on ways of ‘dealing’ with the burden of a growing ageing population.
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Background: Rates of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are increasing among older adults in many countries. Little is known about the testing and treatment histories of these populations. Correlates of testing in the past 5 years... more
Background: Rates of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are increasing among older adults in many countries. Little is known about the testing and treatment histories of these populations. Correlates of testing in the past 5 years among older adults who may be at risk of a STI were examined. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 2137 Australians aged 60+ years that involved questions on STIs and STI testing was conducted in 2015. To help inform potential education campaigns, analyses focused on those who may have been at risk of a STI (n = 805, 38%). Results: Less than one in three reported a STI test in the past 5 years (n = 241, 30%) while 6% (n = 51) reported a STI diagnosis. Those diagnosed typically received treatment from a family doctor or general practitioner. Among men, lower testing rates were associated with older age, identifying as heterosexual, lower educational attainment, not using online dating and reporting one partner in the past 5 years. For women, lower rat...
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Attitudes to aging have been investigated in non-carer populations and found to have important relationships with physical and mental health. However, these have not been explored in an older carer sample, although it is becoming... more
Attitudes to aging have been investigated in non-carer populations and found to have important relationships with physical and mental health. However, these have not been explored in an older carer sample, although it is becoming increasingly important to clarify variables which are linked with positive carer outcomes. This is one of the first studies to report on older carers, their attitudes to aging, and the relationship with carer-related factors. A cross-sectional study of 202 carers with a mean age of 70.8 years was conducted in Victoria, Australia, using carer demographic data, carer factors such as depression (using the Geriatric Depression Scale), burden (using the Zarit Burden Inventory, ZBI), physical health, personality, and attitudes to aging (using the Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire, AAQ). Spearman rank correlation and hierarchical regression analyses were used. This study showed that carers had overall positive attitudes to aging inspite of their caring role. It als...
Research Interests: Personality, Depression, Aging, Medicine, Humans, and 14 moreFemale, Male, Caregivers, Victoria, Psychogeriatrics, Aged, Middle Aged, Cambridge University, Cross Sectional Studies, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Surveys and Questionnaires, Personality Inventory, Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, and Medical and Health Sciences
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This research explores the initiation and progression of new late-life romantic relationships among older Australians (60 years plus). Our research found that older adult romantic relationships were meaningful, important and sexually... more
This research explores the initiation and progression of new late-life romantic relationships among older Australians (60 years plus). Our research found that older adult romantic relationships were meaningful, important and sexually intimate. However, few led to cohabitation or marriage, with these older adults preferring to date or to maintain separate households (living-apart-together, LAT). In line with Giddens’ ideal of ‘pure’ relationships, our research indicates that older adults are looking for egalitarian relationships based on emotional and sexual equality, albeit not necessarily based on cohabitation or monogamy.
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Background The residents of Victoria (Australia’s second most populous state), were subject to a hard lockdown for several months as they experienced a second wave of COVID-19. Victorians could only leave their homes for essential... more
Background The residents of Victoria (Australia’s second most populous state), were subject to a hard lockdown for several months as they experienced a second wave of COVID-19. Victorians could only leave their homes for essential activities, were required to wear facemasks, remain within 5km of their homes and were subject to a nightly curfew. Elsewhere in Australia, COVID numbers remained low with no lockdown in place. We examined the impact of the lockdown on the sexual behaviour of Victorians compared with elsewhere in Australia. Methods Our online survey was open for 2.5 weeks during the lockdown (August 13th to 31st). Participants aged 18+ were recruited via social media and asked to report on their current sexual practices. Logistic regression was used to calculate the difference in the proportion of practices between Victorians and non-Victorians. Results 976 people completed the survey: 71% identified as female, 75% were aged 18–29 years, 61% resided in Victoria. Compared w...
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Abstract This preface to the special edition provides an introduction highlighting the notion of a 'greying world'and reflects on the unique juxtaposition of ageing and technology. It then introduces the special guest... more
Abstract This preface to the special edition provides an introduction highlighting the notion of a 'greying world'and reflects on the unique juxtaposition of ageing and technology. It then introduces the special guest editorial and provides a synopsis of each of the four featured ...
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The current paper is based on a study of 45 Australian older adults (aged 60 – 92 years) and their offline and online romantic relationships. It discusses the four different interview methods that were used to collect the data: (i)... more
The current paper is based on a study of 45 Australian older adults (aged 60 – 92 years) and their offline and online romantic relationships. It discusses the four different interview methods that were used to collect the data: (i) face-to-face, (ii) telephone, (iii) instant messaging and (iv) email. It is argued that with increasing numbers of older adults making use of the Internet, online interviewing provides researchers in ageing a further means of access to segments of this population. Online interviewing has many benefits, not least of which are that it is both cost effective and efficient. Furthermore, if the nature of the research topic is of a potentially sensitive nature, as in the project reported here (love, sex and intimacy), the use of online interviewing can help alleviate potentially embarrassing and confrontational moments which can occur for both researcher and participants with more traditional face-to-face and telephone interviewing methods. Introduction Late-li...
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Using online dating sites to find romantic partners has rapidly become the norm and there are many studies illustrating this trend. Qualitative research regarding older adults in this context is scarce, however, as is research regarding... more
Using online dating sites to find romantic partners has rapidly become the norm and there are many studies illustrating this trend. Qualitative research regarding older adults in this context is scarce, however, as is research regarding older adult romantic relationships that begin face to face (F2F). This paper reports the findings of 45 semi-structured interviews with two groups of older adults (60 years plus): those who were currently in or recently involved in a romantic relationship that began (1) online or (2) F2F. The findings suggest that older adult online relationships develop more quickly than those that begin F2F and that they are of shorter duration and are less likely to become ongoing. In terms of sexual intimacy, however, all relationships (in both groups) became sexual and most did so in a short time. It is argued that the mode of relationship initiation may have an impact on relationship development and longevity but that this may not necessarily be a negative outc...
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This editorial discusses the journal’s shift from AJETS to iJETS and reflects on the history of the journal over the past seven years and twelve issues. It charts the reasons for the decision to remain free and online, as well as the... more
This editorial discusses the journal’s shift from AJETS to iJETS and reflects on the history of the journal over the past seven years and twelve issues. It charts the reasons for the decision to remain free and online, as well as the resolve to maintain its interdisciplinary nature. The push to internationalisation is also discussed, as well as a new focus for the future – that of special themed editions.
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Australia is experiencing a “structural ageing” of its population; by 2044 approximately 25% of adults will be aged 65 years and over, leading to a corresponding increase in need for aged health and community care provisions. Older adults... more
Australia is experiencing a “structural ageing” of its population; by 2044 approximately 25% of adults will be aged 65 years and over, leading to a corresponding increase in need for aged health and community care provisions. Older adults have been shown to be more vulnerable to social isolation than the rest of the populace. Socially isolated older adults have more ill health and less well being than those who are socially connected. Social connection appears to provide a protective effect against ill health and mortality in the aged. It is likely that those who are socially connected will, therefore, have less need to access health and community care services than those who are socially isolated. Based on a qualitative study of older adults within a local Melbourne municipality, I argue that increasing social connectedness amongst the elderly could have important beneficial impacts, not only on health, but also on government budgetary requirements and service allocations and, at a...
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Abstract Purpose Australia introduced ‘lockdown’ measures to control COVID-19 on 22 March 2020 which continued for a period of two months. We aimed to investigate the impact this had on sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Materials and... more
Abstract Purpose Australia introduced ‘lockdown’ measures to control COVID-19 on 22 March 2020 which continued for a period of two months. We aimed to investigate the impact this had on sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Materials and Methods Australians aged 18+ were eligible to participate in an online survey from 23 April to 11 May 2020. We report on the experiences of 518 female participants aged <50 years. Pregnancy intentions and contraceptive use were analysed using descriptive statistics. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to investigate difficulty accessing SRH products and services. Qualitative data were analysed using conventional content analysis. Results Most participants were aged 18–24 years, and indicated they were trying to avoid pregnancy. The oral contraceptive pill was the most common single method used however nearly 20% reported they were not using contraception. Women who were employed had less trouble accessing contraception during lockdown. Participants reported delaying childbearing or deciding to remain childfree due to COVID-19. Conclusion COVID-19 lockdown impacted the SRH of Australian women. Findings highlight the importance of continued access to SRH services and products during global emergencies.
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ABSTRACTIntroductionAustralia recorded its first case of COVID-19 in late January 2020. On 22nd March 2020, amid increasing daily case numbers, the Australian Government implemented lockdown restrictions to help ‘flatten the curve’. Our... more
ABSTRACTIntroductionAustralia recorded its first case of COVID-19 in late January 2020. On 22nd March 2020, amid increasing daily case numbers, the Australian Government implemented lockdown restrictions to help ‘flatten the curve’. Our study aimed to understand the impact of lockdown restrictions on sexual and reproductive health. Here we focus on sexual practices.MethodsAn online survey was open from the 23rd April 2020 to the 11th May 2020. Participants were recruited online via social media and other networks and were asked to report on their sexual practices in 2019 and during lockdown. Logistic regression was used to calculate the difference (including 95% confidence intervals) in the proportion of sex practices between time periods.ResultsOf the 1187 who commenced the survey, 965 (81.3%) completed it. Overall 70% were female and 66.3% were aged 18 to 29 years. Most (53.5%) reported less sex during lockdown than in 2019. Compared with 2019, participants were more likely to rep...
Background This study examined trends in chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis diagnosis, and chlamydia testing and positivity, among older women in Australia between 2000 and 2018. Methods: Using national notifiable disease data and... more
Background This study examined trends in chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis diagnosis, and chlamydia testing and positivity, among older women in Australia between 2000 and 2018. Methods: Using national notifiable disease data and Medicare data, diagnosis rates were calculated for each sexually transmissible infection (STI), as well as testing and positivity rates for chlamydia. Data were compared between two older groups (55–64 and 65–74 years) and two younger groups (15–24 and 25–34 years). Poisson regression examined trends for 2000–18 and 2014–18 separately. Results: Rates for all STIs increased across all age groups and were highest in the two youngest age groups. From 2014 to 2018, chlamydia rates increased the most among those aged 55–64 years [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.06; 95%CI: 1.02–1.10] and declined in those aged 15–24 years (IRR = 0.99; 95%CI: 0.99–0.99). Gonorrhoea rates increased the most among those aged 65–74 years (IRR = 1.47; 95%CI: 1.23–1.77) and least in th...
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ABSTRACT Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have risen among older people in Australia and other countries. To guide future initiatives, we examined sources of information that older people use or are willing to use for knowledge... more
ABSTRACT Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have risen among older people in Australia and other countries. To guide future initiatives, we examined sources of information that older people use or are willing to use for knowledge about safer sex and STIs, including whether there are any gender differences. A total of 2137 Australian adults aged 60+ years completed a nationwide survey. Analyses focused on participants who were at risk of an STI (n = 686; 220 women and 466 men). Overall, information-seeking on STIs in the last year was low (18% men; 15% women). When sought, common sources included general media outlets (e.g., magazines, TV), healthcare providers (HCPs), and the Internet. HCPs were the most relied upon source among both women and men. Brochures, websites, and HCPs were rated highest as future sources; however, women indicated they were more willing than men to have information provided by brochures and websites. STI information-seeking was generally low, but there was willingness among both men and women to use a range of sources for gaining future information.
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Abstract This qualitative study explored the barriers and facilitators to sexual communication between older adults and friends. Fifty-three women and men aged 58 and older were interviewed about their intimate relationships and sexual... more
Abstract This qualitative study explored the barriers and facilitators to sexual communication between older adults and friends. Fifty-three women and men aged 58 and older were interviewed about their intimate relationships and sexual behaviours and attitudes. Findings indicated that talking about sex with friends played an important role in providing support and sharing information. The privacy of the topic meant that trust and confidentiality had to be in place before sexual conversations occurred, and that discretion was required for those married or in a relationship due to potential breaches of privacy. Stereotypes associated with older age made talking about sex ‘risky’ as participants were vulnerable to scrutiny. Growing-up during a time when sex was taboo influenced willingness and comfort in talking about sex today. Among those who did talk with friends, women tended to talk to women and men to men. These findings are significant in the context of an increasing global population of older adults and silence around sex and ageing. By exploring sexual communication outside of the healthcare context, where previous research has focused, the findings indicate novel ways to support the sexual health and well-being of older adults.
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• Reviewed the LGBTI ageing policy context in Australia and found there have been significant developments over the past 10 years. • Reviewed the LGBTI ageing research funding provided by key funding bodies in Australia and found that... more
• Reviewed the LGBTI ageing policy context in Australia and found there have been significant developments over the past 10 years. • Reviewed the LGBTI ageing research funding provided by key funding bodies in Australia and found that relatively little funding has been provided by the Australian Government’s Department of Health (DOH), the Australian Research Council (ARC), the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) over recent years. • Conducted a scoping review of LGBTI ageing research that has been published in Australia and overseas and considered other relevant literature reviews. That identified some areas where further research is needed. • Conducted a survey of LGBTI ageing researchers in Australia and identified some priority future research areas.
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Introduction: Australia introduced lockdown measures to control COVID-19 on 22 March 2020. For two months, Australians were asked to remain at home and only leave for essential activities. We investigate the impact this had on sexual and... more
Introduction: Australia introduced lockdown measures to control COVID-19 on 22 March 2020. For two months, Australians were asked to remain at home and only leave for essential activities. We investigate the impact this had on sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Methods: Australians aged 18+ were eligible to participate in an online survey from 23 April-11 May 2020. Questions included contraceptive use, pregnancy intentions and access to SRH services. We report on the experiences of 518 female participants aged <50 years. Pregnancy intentions and contraceptive use were analysed using descriptive statistics. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to investigate difficulty accessing SRH products and services. Qualitative data were analysed using descriptive thematic analysis. Results: Most participants (55.4%, 287/518) were aged 18-24 years. Most (76.1%, 379/498) indicated they were trying to avoid pregnancy. The oral contraceptive pill was the most common singl...
Ageist perceptions continue to constrain the choices available to older adults in terms of their sexual expression.
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This article provides an overview of current sexual behaviour research in later life by describing associated factors, including the physical and psychological benefits.
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Research Interests: Psychology and Medicine
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This issue presents contributions of members of The Australian Sociological Association (TASA) Ageing and Sociology thematic group, formed in 2015 to provide a supportive network for sociologists working in, or researching, the field of... more
This issue presents contributions of members of The Australian Sociological Association (TASA) Ageing and Sociology thematic group, formed in 2015 to provide a supportive network for sociologists working in, or researching, the field of ageing. A key aim of the Ageing and Sociology thematic group is to foster collaborative endeavours and disseminate sociological theory and knowledge, which – particularly in Australian contexts – tends to become subsumed into gerontological research. Aberdeen and Bye (2013) stress the historical biomedical and economic focus of ageing research and research funding in Australia, and argue that this hampers sociologists’ capacity to critically engage with ageing issues on a global level. It also drives the relative neglect of sociological theoretical perspectives within ageing research (Marshall and Bengston, 2011) including within the field of social gerontology. In turn, as Asquith (2009: 266) laments: ‘the field [of ageing] has been largely vacated by sociologists’. Not only has research on ageing been commonly treated as of marginal interest to sociology, the discipline has also made few attempts to understand the central importance of age for social structure or personal agency. The authors contributing to this special edition throw out a challenge to sociologists and other social scientists to critically engage with ageing discourses and the range of policies generated in response. In doing so they also draw attention to how the experience of ageing is constructed within social, historical, economic and political contexts (Marshall and
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Despite sociological attempts to critically address an age-based digital divide, older adults (65+) continue to be portrayed in the academic literature and public discourse as a homogeneous group characterised by technophobia, digital... more
Despite sociological attempts to critically address an age-based digital divide, older adults (65+) continue to be portrayed in the academic literature and public discourse as a homogeneous group characterised by technophobia, digital illiteracy, and technology non-use. Additionally, the role of socioeconomic factors and personal contexts in later life are often overlooked in studies on technology adoption and use. For example, older adults who are identified as least likely to use technology (frail, care-dependent, low socioeconomic/educational backgrounds) are typically described as a uniform cluster. Yet, research on digital technology use with this group remains scant – so what can we learn from studying technology adoption among them? This article discusses long-term deployment of new communication technologies with such a group of older adults, shedding light on the dynamics of technology adoption and contexts of use/non-use. It is based on a case study approach and a cross-cu...
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Experiences of ageism are associated with poorer health outcomes. Sexual activity and interest are areas in life where the impact of ageism may also be evident as popular culture often depicts the older body as asexual, undesirable or... more
Experiences of ageism are associated with poorer health outcomes. Sexual activity and interest are areas in life where the impact of ageism may also be evident as popular culture often depicts the older body as asexual, undesirable or sexually impotent. We explore the possible links between experiences of ageism and sexual activity/interest in later life using data from a study of Australians aged 60+. We explored characteristics of those who were more likely to have experienced ageism (measured using the Ageism Survey) and the relationships between experiences of ageism and measures of sexual interest/activity in later life (N = 1,817). Experiences of ageism were greater among those without a partner, unemployed participants, those with lower incomes and poorer self-rated health. Adjusting for these differences, experiences of ageism were more likely to be reported by those who had not had sex in the past two years and were not sure about their hopes/plans for sex in the future. Th...
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To record Victorian retirement village residents' experiences of dispute management and satisfaction levels related to dispute resolution processes. Survey distributed to 6500 retirement village residents. Surveys returned from 1876... more
To record Victorian retirement village residents' experiences of dispute management and satisfaction levels related to dispute resolution processes. Survey distributed to 6500 retirement village residents. Surveys returned from 1876 residents (29% return rate). Most residents rated life in retirement villages as positive (mean 7.9/10), with an association between life satisfaction and management's ability to resolve disputes (r = 0.44, P < 0.01). Almost 70% of respondents reported issues of concern to management were resolved satisfactorily; 38% were not resolved to residents' satisfaction. One-fifth reported contacting regional managers or higher personnel regarding issues affecting them, with two-thirds of these respondents reporting a negative outcome. Over 30% did not know if their village had dispute resolution processes in place. Despite finding retirement village life positive, residents of retirement villages found disputes and dispute resolution processes uns...
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Older informal caregivers aged 65+ years account for 34% of all carers in the USA (Family Caregivers Alliance, 2016), 22% in England and Wales (Carers UK, 2015), and 24% in Australia (Deloitte Access Economics, 2015). For many older... more
Older informal caregivers aged 65+ years account for 34% of all carers in the USA (Family Caregivers Alliance, 2016), 22% in England and Wales (Carers UK, 2015), and 24% in Australia (Deloitte Access Economics, 2015). For many older carers, this means looking after their spouse or intimate partner who in many cases has dementia (Donnellanet al., 2015). As the incidence of dementia increases, the need to understand the impact of caring on these intimate relationships becomes more vital, so the experiences of spousal caregivers can be anticipated, validated, and supported. It is also important to understand the gender differences in these care relationships, so that education and services can be tailored to meet the different needs of men and women caregivers. Sexual activity in later life is associated with both mental and physical health (Ganong and Larson, 2011; Anderson, 2013), and is therefore, important to maintain, perhaps even in the context of caring for someone with dementia.
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Healthcare providers (HCPs) can play an important role in supporting the sexual health of older adults; however, we know little about the experiences of older people in talking to HCPs about sex. This article examines older adults'... more
Healthcare providers (HCPs) can play an important role in supporting the sexual health of older adults; however, we know little about the experiences of older people in talking to HCPs about sex. This article examines older adults' experiences and perceptions of talking to HCPs about sex. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 men and 23 women aged 60 and older recruited from a national, online survey of older Australians. Data were analysed using a thematic approach. Most participants did not discuss sex with their HCP, and their HCP did not raise it. For those who did discuss sex with a HCP, negative and stigmatising responses were common. Positive responses could facilitate access to sexual health care. Older people benefit when HCPs are proactive and ask about sexual health. Education in how to talk about sex with older people would also be beneficial for HCPs.
Research Interests: Communication, Perception, Australia, Aging, Qualitative Research, and 14 moreSexual Health, Medicine, Humans, Female, Male, Sexual Behavior, Aged, Middle Aged, Age Factors, Health Personnel, professional patient relations, Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, Interviews as topic, and Medical and Health Sciences
To examine older Australian's perspectives on how their sexual lives can best be supported and/or improved. Fifty-three, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Australian men (n = 30) and women (n = 23) aged 60 and over.... more
To examine older Australian's perspectives on how their sexual lives can best be supported and/or improved. Fifty-three, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Australian men (n = 30) and women (n = 23) aged 60 and over. Participants identified a range of key issues and areas where their sexual lives could be further supported or improved upon, including normalising the occurrence of sex and sexual desire in later life; increasing and improving on the quality of, cultural representations of older adults; introducing policy, educational and practice-based changes in age care facilities to support the consensual sexual expression of residents; and ensuring that sexual health campaigns and education are inclusive of older people. Our findings present clear implications for further developing sexuality education and public health campaigns, training and education of health-care professionals, and generating social and cultural change pertaining to the acceptability of the di...
Research Interests: Health Promotion, Public Opinion, Australia, Aging, Quality of life, and 14 moreQualitative Research, Sexual Health, Humans, Female, Male, Sexual Behavior, Aged, Middle Aged, Age Factors, Homes for the Aged, cultural characteristics, Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, Interviews as topic, and Medical and Health Sciences
Older people are often excluded from large studies of sexual health, as it is assumed that they are not having sex or are reluctant to talk about sensitive topics and are therefore difficult to recruit. We outline the sampling and... more
Older people are often excluded from large studies of sexual health, as it is assumed that they are not having sex or are reluctant to talk about sensitive topics and are therefore difficult to recruit. We outline the sampling and recruitment strategies from a recent study on sexual health and relationships among older people. Sex, Age and Me was a nationwide Australian study that examined sexual health, relationship patterns, safer-sex practices and STI knowledge of Australians aged 60 years and over. The study used a mixed-methods approach to establish baseline levels of knowledge and to develop deeper insights into older adult's understandings and practices relating to sexual health. Data collection took place in 2015, with 2137 participants completing a quantitative survey and 53 participating in one-on-one semi-structured interviews. As the feasibility of this type of study has been largely untested until now, we provide detailed information on the study's recruitment s...
Research Interests: Sociology, Cultural Studies, Australia, Sexual Health, Medicine, and 13 moreHumans, Female, Male, Sexual Behavior, Aged, Middle Aged, Public health systems and services research, Age Factors, Sexual Partners, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Surveys and Questionnaires, Patient selection, and Interviews as topic
Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are increasing in older cohorts in Western countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, suggesting a need to examine the safer sex knowledge and practices of older... more
Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are increasing in older cohorts in Western countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, suggesting a need to examine the safer sex knowledge and practices of older people. This article presents findings from 53 qualitative interviews from the study Sex, Age, and Me: A National Study of Sex and Relationships Among Australians Aged 60+. Participants were recruited through an online national survey. We consider how participants understood "safer sex," the importance of safer sex to them, the safer sex practices they used (and the contexts in which they used them), and the barriers to using safer sex. Older adults had diverse understandings, knowledge, and use of safer sex practices, although participants tended to focus most strongly on condom use. Having safer sex was strongly mediated by relationship context, trust, perceived risk of contracting an STI, concern for personal health, and stigma. Common...
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While videoconferencing, telementoring, and peer support have been shown to enhance services in some instances, there has been no research investigating the use of these technologies in supporting professionals managing clients with... more
While videoconferencing, telementoring, and peer support have been shown to enhance services in some instances, there has been no research investigating the use of these technologies in supporting professionals managing clients with dementia. The objective of this research was to evaluate expansion of an old age psychiatry consultation service and pilot test a model to improve medical supervision and clinical governance for staff within regional and remote areas using remote information technology. The design was a mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) evaluation using before, mid-point and post-implementation semi-structured interviews and questionnaires to examine orientation, acceptance, and impact underpinned by theoretical approaches to evaluation. Education evaluations used a Likert style response template. Participants were 18 dementia service staff, including staff from linked services and old age psychiatrists. Qualitative interviews addressed the pilot implementatio...
Research Interests: Program Evaluation, Dementia, Qualitative Research, Telemedicine, Medicine, and 13 moreHumans, Videoconferencing, Female, Male, Caregivers, Psychogeriatrics, Rural Health Services, Surveys and Questionnaires, Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, Rural Population, Quality of health care, Medical and Health Sciences, and Referral and consultation
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Depression is an adverse outcome frequently seen in carers. With the increasing ageing population and reliance on informal carers, this study aims to identify factors associated with depression in carers in the older age group, using... more
Depression is an adverse outcome frequently seen in carers. With the increasing ageing population and reliance on informal carers, this study aims to identify factors associated with depression in carers in the older age group, using factors that have not been previously investigated. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 202 older carers using the Geriatric Depression scale, demographics, personality traits, attitudes to ageing and other carer characteristics. Increased hours spent caring and higher levels of neuroticism were all factors associated with depression. The care-recipient diagnosis, other personality traits, attitudes to ageing, leisure-physical activity (PA) and domestic-PA were not significantly associated with depression. These findings have important implications for interventions to target at-risk carers. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Sons, Ltd.
Research Interests: Psychology, Cognitive Science, Personality, Humans, Neurotic Disorders, and 15 moreFemale, Male, Regression Analysis, Depressive Disorder, Caregivers, Health Status, Clinical Sciences, Geriatric Psychiatry, Aged, Middle Aged, Geriatric Assessment, Risk Factors, Cross Sectional Studies, Leisure Activities, and Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
The adverse mental health effects of caring have been studied, frequently in carers of people with dementia. Less is known about the mental health of carers of people with other conditions. This study compared depression and burden in... more
The adverse mental health effects of caring have been studied, frequently in carers of people with dementia. Less is known about the mental health of carers of people with other conditions. This study compared depression and burden in older carers looking after people with a variety of conditions. Over 200 older carers interested in participating in the Improving Mood through Physical Activity in Carers and Care-recipient Trial were included in this cross-sectional study, using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Zarit Burden Inventory (ZBI). Overall there were 43% of carers who were depressed and a quarter of them reported moderate-to-severe burden. Carers of people with physical conditions had the highest levels of depression and burden. Patient diagnosis, hours spent caring, and burden were associated with depression, while hours spent caring and carer depression were associated with burden. These factors contributed approximately 25-30% of the variance of depression and burden, respectively. The diagnosis of the patient was a factor associated with depression, and older carers of people with physical conditions were at the highest risk. It is important for clinicians to assess the mental health of all carers, regardless of the patient diagnosis.
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... Eye on Psi Chi (The National Honor Society in Psychology), 7(1), 14-21. Donn, JE and Sherman, RC (2002) Attitudes and Practices Regarding the Formation of Romantic Relationships on the Internet. ... Madden, M. and Lenhart, A. (2006)... more
... Eye on Psi Chi (The National Honor Society in Psychology), 7(1), 14-21. Donn, JE and Sherman, RC (2002) Attitudes and Practices Regarding the Formation of Romantic Relationships on the Internet. ... Madden, M. and Lenhart, A. (2006) Online Dating. ...