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    The psychological impact of resource gains and losses in an ageing population from the perspective of conservation of resources theory : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology at at Massey University, Palmerston North
    (Massey University, 2015) Hooks, Rachel Anna
    The aim of the current study was to examine a series of hypotheses and questions derived from Hobfoll’s (1988) conservation of resources theory (COR) using existing longitudinal data from 1,119 55-70 year-old participants of the Health, Work and Retirement Study parent study (Alpass, 2009). The years from mid-life through retirement into older adulthood are signified by change and adjustment. COR theory predicts these years are also a time of significant stress as personal and material resources are depleted. This main hypothesis of this study predicted that losses in valued resources over time would result in loss of psychological wellbeing over the same period. Additionally, other central COR principles were examined such as the potential role of resource gain in alleviating the impact of other resource losses, and the potential for resource losses or gains to spiral. Hobfoll’s suggestion that losses and gains increase respective vulnerabilities and opportunities for further losses and gains were also explored, as was his idea that resources correlate or travel together as a “caravan”. Analyses: Chi-square and logistic regression were used as the general strategy for testing all hypothesized main and interaction effects as well as for exploring research questions. Resources examined for the potential impact of changing levels on psychological wellbeing were economic standard of living, physical health, and social support. Results: Losses in economic standard of living were associated with clinically significant loss in psychological wellbeing, with large losses associated with increased odds of loss in psychological wellbeing at a rate over four times that of participants who did not experience such loss. Gains in economic standard of living were also associated with gains in psychological wellbeing, but to a lesser degree. Similarly, loss of social support over the same period was associated with loss of psychological wellbeing. However gains were not associated with gains in psychological wellbeing. Anomalously, no association was found for losses or gains of physical health on psychological wellbeing. In support of COR, there was evidence that losses impacted psychological wellbeing to a greater degree than sustained low levels of resource ownership, indicating resource loss may have greater impact than sustained “poverty”. Gains in physical health were also found to alleviate the impact of loss of other resources as predicted by COR. No support was found for predominance of loss or gain spirals. Resource ownership levels were far more likely to oscillate than to spiral up or down. Correlations of resources with each other were moderate, providing some evidence of Hobfoll’s resources traveling together. Significance: Results suggested provisional support for the central principles of COR theory linking loss and gain of valued resources to psychological wellbeing. Economic standard of living emerged as a critical and valued resource linked to the relative psychological impact of losses and gains of this resource. This research highlighted limitations in COR theory, in particular an absence of consideration of the differential values resources may have, and the different roles resources might play in maintaining psychological wellbeing. Questions were also raised about the refutability of COR theory. Implications for future research, theory and for the psychological wellbeing of older adults are discussed.
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    Minor stressors and uplifts, affect intensity, and optimism as influences on health of the elderly : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in psychology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1989) Laird, Richard John
    An investigation was undertaken to examine the influence of minor stressors, uplifts, affect intensity, and dispositional optimism on the health of the elderly. The function of affect intensity and dispositional optimism as possible moderators of the relationships between minor stressors and uplifts to objective and subjective health was examined. In addition, the relationships between stressors and uplifts to somatic symptoms and subjective health were explored for causal effects. A sample of 114 elderly individuals, drawn from Fielding and Palmerston North, completed two questionnaires which included measures of hassles, uplifts, dispositional optimism, affect intensity, subjective health, somatic symptoms, functional limitation, and chronic ill-health. Uplifts were unexpectedly found to be related to subjective health. Neither dispositional optimism nor affect intensity were found to moderate the stressor-health or uplift-health relationships. Stressors were not found to cause ill-health. Our findings add further weight to the view that subjective health is a useful and valuable measure of health in the elderly. The tenuous nature of the moderating effects of dispositional characteristics on the stressor-health and uplift-health relationships are discussed. Reasons for stressors not being causative of ill-health in this sample are considered. Finally, our study provides evidence for constancy and stability in the lives of elderly people.
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    An investigation into the learning of a group of elderly New Zealanders : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1998) Nalder, Donald
    It would appear that no basic research into educational gerontology has been conducted in New Zealand although a few facts about the elderly and their learning can be found in studies about continuing education. This study is an attempt to redress the position. Sixty-nine people over sixty years of age, mainly from a bowling club, completed a questionnaire relating to their learning and their backgrounds. They provide a picture of physically active and socially involved late adulthood. Retired people appear to differ mainly from those still working in having experienced more of life and in no longer having to cope with the pressures of work. Consequently, once adjustment to retirement has been made, they have the opportunity to pursue interests that were either unavailable during, or formed a minor part of, their working lives. These people not only remain aware of current happenings but use a range of learning methods to advance knowledge of their interests – formal courses being but one. It seems highly improbable that age, gender, income level, or educational background can be used to predict the forms that retirees, such as these, will use for learning.
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    Ageing well at different standards of living : experiences of older people : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2015) Moynahan, Zoë
    Current approaches to ageing are concerned with promoting positive ageing, and messages around how best to age are prominent in contemporary society. However, there has been debate regarding whether these models foster a positive experience in later life or serve to discriminate and disempower those older people who are unable to meet the standards of positive ageing. One criticism is that promoting positive ageing ignores the many inequalities within society that impact on older people’s ability to age in these socially acceptable ways. In addition, these models may fail to capture what is important to older people themselves, instead emphasising characteristics which are more concerned with the economic implications of an ageing population. The present study addressed these criticisms by examining what older people themselves value as important in order to age well, within the material conditions they are situated. Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, transcripts from eight participants over the age of 79 were analysed. The participants in this study valued continuity, having a sense of security, being able to engage in reciprocal relationships, and being able to live within their means. While some of these aspects of later life were valued by all the participants in similar ways, others were clearly impacted by the participant’s standards of living. This finding highlights the need to take into account inequalities in society when focusing on older peoples experiences of later life.
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    Screening for nutrition risk and dysphagia among older adults newly admitted to age related residential care facilities in the Waitemata DHB region : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2014) Watkin, Rebecca Stephanie
    Background: New Zealand has an ageing population, reflected by an older average population age and reduced mortality. Good nutrition is essential for successful ageing. Many factors are known to influence nutrition risk, and a high prevalence has been observed overseas in people living in age related residential care (ARRC) facilities. In New Zealand, there is limited data on both the prevalence of nutrition risk in ARRC facilities and the health factors that contribute to risk. The changing demographics of the population means that a greater understanding in this area will be important to develop strategies which support the maintenance of good nutrition status for longer, thus potentially reducing health burden. This study aims to determine nutrition risk and the risk of dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) in older adults recently admitted to an ARRC facility in the Waitemata District Health Board (DHB) region. Methods: Fifty-six individuals aged ≥65 years (or ≥55 years for Māori and Pacific) who were admitted for the first time to an ARRC facility within the Waitemata DHB region were invited to participate in the study. Potential contributors to nutrition risk were explored using a questionnaire that asked about nutritional and non-nutritional risk factors. The Mini Nutritional Assessment®-SF (MNA®-SF) was used to determine level of nutrition risk. Risk of dysphagia was identified using the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10). The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was carried out at the end of the interview and was used as a measure of cognitive function. Results: A total of 53 participants with a mean age of 88 years were included. Overall, 91% of the participants were either malnourished (47%) or at risk of malnutrition (43%). Normal nutritional status was only prevalent in 9% of participants. Fifty-seven percent of participants were widowed, of which, 52% were malnourished. When malnourished participants were compared to those with normal nutritional status, malnourished participants were more likely to be underweight, in hospital level care, have a recent severe decrease in food intake, recent weight loss of greater than 3kg, have poorer mobility, experienced psychological stress or acute disease and have severe dementia or depression. Malnourished participants were more likely to report weight loss of greater than 3 kg than those at risk of malnutrition (56% vs. 13% respectively, p = 0.03; Fisher’s exact test). Those who were malnourished had poorer mobility (χ2 = 8.592 p = 0.003) and were more likely to be at risk of dysphagia (χ2 = 6.273 p = 0.01) compared to those at risk of malnutrition. Participants in hospital level of care were also more likely to be at risk of dysphagia compared to those in rest home level of care (χ2 = 4.627 p = 0.03). ii Conclusions: These findings suggest there may be a high prevalence of nutrition risk among older adults newly admitted to ARRC facilities within New Zealand and that existing poor nutrition may have contributed to the need to move into ARRC. The predisposing factors that affect nutrition status warrant further investigation so initiatives can be undertaken to avoid a change in living situation. The results highlight the need for nutrition screening and early intervention by a dietitian.
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    The impact of diet and lifestyle on bone health in the elderly : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nutritional Science at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2001) Stanley, Caroline Morva
    Osteoporosis is a multi-factorial disorder in which nutrition and lifestyle play an important role. There were two main reasons for doing this study. The purpose of the first part of the study was to determine the prevalence of nutritional and lifestyle factors related to bone health in a group of senior citizens from the Manawatu who were over the age of 70 years. This was followed by an intervention trial in which the purpose was to assess the impact of a single serve of a high-calcium milk on bone resorption using two ingestion strategies. Calcium, magnesium and zinc intakes were below currently recommended levels in many of the study participants. Some of the participants and particularly those in rest homes received very little sunlight exposure and low dietary vitamin D. Participants spent an average of around 3.5 hours/day in physical activity. Weight-bearing activities such as walking, gardening and certain sports were common in this group. Institutionalised women were most compromised by nutrition and lifestyle. Dietary supplementation may therefore benefit many in this group. Of the 52 participants in the diet and lifestyle study, a group of 28 women and 14 men volunteered to take part in an intervention trial, which was approved by the Massey University Human Ethics Committee. The mean calcium intake of trial participants was only 70% of the current US recommended adequate intake (AI). Each person consumed a supplementary serve of 250mls of high calcium milk (640mg Ca), every evening for two weeks. Half consumed a whole dose one hour before bedtime (single serve group), whilst the rest consumed the milk in three divided doses of 80mls every hour before bedtime (divided dose group). Free deoxypyridinoline (Dpd), a biochemical marker of bone resorption, was measured in urine that was collected overnight on two consecutive days before and after two weeks of milk intervention. In the single serve group Dpd was 4.15 ± 1.99 at the start and 3.94 ± 2.15 mmol/mmol creatinine after two weeks (NS). In the divided dose group Dpd was 4.25 ± 2.21 at the start and 4.79 ± 2.27 mmol/mmol creatinine after two weeks (NS). In conclusion, a supplementary serve of milk in this group of elderly people did not produce significant changes in urinary Dpd, whether the milk was consumed as the whole amount or in divided doses.
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    Real-time fusion of wireless sensor network data for wellness determination of the elderly in a smart home : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science and Engineering at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2014) Suryadevara, Nagender Kumar
    In this research, I have explored a methodology for the development of efficient electronic real time data processing system to recognize the behaviour of an elderly person. The ability to determine the wellness of an elderly person living alone in their own home using a robust, flexible and data driven artificially intelligent system has been investigated. A framework integrating temporal and spatial contextual information for determining the wellness of an elderly person has been modelled. A novel behaviour detection process based on the observed sensor data in performing essential daily activities has been designed and developed. The model can update the behaviour knowledge base and simultaneously execute the tasks to explore the intricacies of the generated behaviour pattern. An initial decline or change in regular daily activities can suggest changes to the health and functional abilities of the elderly person. The developed system is used to forecast the behaviour and quantitative wellness of the elderly by monitoring the daily usages of household appliances using smart sensors. Wellness determination models are tested at various elderly houses, and the experimental results related to the identification of daily activities and wellness determinations are encouraging. The wellness models are updated based on the time series analysis formulations. The integrated smart sensing system is capable of detecting human emotion and behaviour recognition based on the daily functional abilities simultaneously. The electronic data processing system can incorporate the Internet of Things framework for sensing different devices, understand and act according to the requirement of smart home environment.
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    Posttraumatic-stress during later life : a cross-sectional and longitudinal investigation : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2009) Passmore, Teesha
    Older people may not only fall victim to traumatic events, but will inevitably encounter a host of late-life stressors that threaten psychological and physical well-being. In addition to current distressing occurrences, many older people will have past unresolved traumatic memories that have the capacity to generate trauma-related symptoms and impinge on present-day functioning. Much of the existing literature and research on late-life traumatisation concerns the impact of prior war- or Holocaust-experiences. Empirical investigations into the traumatizing effects of lifetime trauma exposure and late-life stressors within community-based samples of older people are scarce. The present study explored the manifestation of trauma-related symptoms in a sample of New Zealand's older (60+ years) citizens. The goal was to discover the extent that lifetime trauma, recent trauma and recent stressors impact on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma-related perceptions and physical health during later life. Additionally, a new theoretical framework of traumatisation, Trauma-Schema Theory, was introduced and given some preliminary testing. Trauma-Schema Theory maintains that trauma-schemata, cognitive-emotional frameworks that guide information processing, are responsible for traumatic-stress by eliciting beliefs and perceptions that confirm an overwhelming sense of threat, vulnerability and powerlessness. This theory provides viable explanations for occurrences specific to later life, including delayed PTSD reactions in older people, and the triggering of PTSD symptoms in response to late-life stressors. The present study used a cross-sectional/longitudinal design with two data collection points, each one year apart. Questionnaires measuring PTSD, anxiety, depression, dissociation, self-rated physical health, control beliefs, posttraumatic vulnerability perceptions, trauma history and past-year stressors were mailed out to 2000 older adults who had responded to community based advertising. Of these 1489 adults returned questionnaire one (Q1). One year later consenting participants were sent questionnaire two (Q2), which was similar, but contained a measure of past-year trauma exposure in place of lifetime trauma exposure. Altogether, 1050 respondents returned Q2. Mean ages for Time 1 and Time 2 were 72.1 years and 71.7 years, respectively. Each sample consisted of around one-third males and two-third females and most were of New Zealand European descent. Lifetime trauma exposure and past-year stressors were reported at high rates among the samples. Nearly half of the longitudinal sample also reported at least one past-year traumatic event. Of the psychological measures, PTSD was most strongly associated with lifetime trauma, lifetime abuse, multiple lifetime trauma, past-year abuse and past-year multiple trauma. Depression was most strongly associated with past-year trauma. Due to the limited scope of the study, PTSD was the only symptom type further assessed in relation to the other variables. A series of hierarchical multiple regressions were performed and a number of mediational models were tested. Cross-sectional data analyses showed that both lifetime trauma and lifetime abuse predicted PTSD symptoms. Distress from late-life stressors mediated the trauma-PTSD associations. Longitudinal data analyses indicated that late-life stressors establish the pathway from recent trauma to PTSD escalation over one year. Posttraumatic vulnerability perceptions and control beliefs mediated a large proportion of all associations between event variables (i.e., lifetime trauma, lifetime abuse, recent trauma, recent stressors) and PTSD, providing preliminary verification of Trauma-Schema Theory. Additional analyses also indicated that PTSD, not trauma per se, is responsible for late-life physical health decline. Limitations of the study and practical implications of the findings are reported. An emphasis on the importance of future research is portrayed, and ideas for future empirical work on traumatic-stress in New Zealand's older population are provided. Finally, practical implications of the findings are reported with the hope that older traumatised adults will, one day, receive the appropriate clinical care necessary to enhance the quality of their lives.
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    'This is my ideal life' : the importance of place for how Māori elders understand a good life : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2012) Butcher, Elizabeth Anah
    Attachment to place is considered to be an important component of ageing and can be intertwined with an older persons identity. For this reason place cannot be separated from understandings of a good life. This study examined the ways that elder Maori living on the East Cape construct a good life and how place may influence this understanding. Data analysis involved eight interviews with older Maori and a research visit to the East Cape. The thesis used a mixed methods approach to qualitative analysis combining Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis with Foucauldian Discourse Analysis. Principles of Kaupapa Maori research were also integrated throughout the research process. Four superordinate themes of ageing well, social connectedness, economic wellbeing, and autonomy and control were identified as contributing to the experience of a good life. The four superordinate themes represent different components that must be negotiated in order to balance these demands. The analysis also identified a number of discourses including positive ageing discourse, anti-consumption discourse, family discourse and neo-liberal discourse. These discourses were drawn on to balance competing expectations regarding a good life and present the participants identities in a morally virtuous manner. This analysis demonstrates how a good life depends upon finding a balance between the competing demands of living within the wider society, attachment to place, and Maori identity in later life.
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    The pursuit of happiness : an exploration of older adults' intentional happiness-enhancing activities and their association with wellbeing and health : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2012) Henricksen, Annette Marie
    Research on the wellbeing of older adults is becoming increasingly important in order to inform social policy and planning relating to the growing aging population. Happiness has been identified as an important social policy objective and wellbeing indicator and research indicates that intentional happiness-enhancing activities provide a promising avenue for enhancing wellbeing. However, limited research has been conducted on the intentional activities people choose to engage in to enhance their happiness, particularly in regard to older adults. Another limitation of the intentional activities research to date is the predominant focus on happiness as the criterion variable. Health is another important factor to consider, especially given the physical declines that occur with age. Research support for the influence of intentional activities on happiness, and for the positive influence of happiness on health, indicate promise for improving wellbeing and health outcomes for older adults. However, given the limited research to date, further work is required. A programme comprising four studies was designed to address these research limitations. Study One explored the intentional happiness-enhancing activities of older adults with a thematic analysis of interviews with 23 adults (aged 56–76 years). The results of this study informed the second study, which involved the development of a measure of older adults’ happiness-enhancing activities and initial empirical testing of this measure using survey responses from a population sample of 2313 older adults (55-73 year olds). The third study used the same data to examine relationships between happiness-enhancing activities, happiness, and health outcomes, and to test a hypothesised intentional activity to happiness to health pathway. The final study extended the previous research by employing a longitudinal investigation with a population sample of 1730 older adults to further clarify the nature of relationships between intentional activities, wellbeing, and health outcomes. The results of this research indicate that older adults’ intentional activities are positively related to happiness, life satisfaction, and life meaning, and that these are in turn predictive of better physical and mental health. These findings point to potential benefits of promoting older adults’ intentional activities, particularly self-concordant and socially-oriented activities, for enhancing wellbeing and health.