Working with Older People

Kurdi, Fahruddin; Hilmi, Idfiana

doi: 10.1108/wwop-07-2024-0053pmid: N/A

The inability of the elderly to adapt affects their capacity to accept changes in themselves, which can trigger depression. Depression in the elderly can be addressed through spirituality, which functions as a coping mechanism. This study aims to analyze the relationship between spirituality and depression in the elderly at nursing home in Jember.Design/methodology/approachUsing cross-sectional correlation analysis. The sample comprised 73 respondents selected through total sampling according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The instruments used in this study were the daily spiritual experience scale (DSES) and the geriatric depression scale (GDS) questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and used Pearson product moment for checking the correlation.FindingsRevealing that the majority of the elderly at nursing home in Jember had a high level of spirituality (63%) and a mild level of depression (68.5%). Based on the Pearson product-moment correlation test, the p-value was 0.029 and the r-value was −0.256, indicating there is correlation between spirituality and depression in the elderly at nursing home in Jember with negative correlation that is higher level spirituality in the elderly, the lower possibility of elderly experiencing depression.Originality/valueIt can be concluded that spirituality plays an important role in addressing depression in the elderly. Spiritual beliefs function as a coping mechanism to manage depression, and good spiritual well-being minimizes the symptoms of depression in the elderly.

Davies, Katie Charlotte

doi: 10.1108/wwop-07-2025-0037pmid: N/A

There is limited research on real-world effectiveness and scalability of physical activity programmes in long-term care (LTC) settings. This study aims to evaluate a 12-week physical functioning programme designed for residents in LTC in a region of England with a high proportion of older adults in care.Design/methodology/approachThe RE-AIM framework was used to assess the programme’s impact at individual, organisational and system levels.FindingsAdherence to the programme was associated with statistically significant improvements in participants’ mobility (as measured by time to rise from a chair and walk) and wellbeing. The findings suggest that regular physical activity can enhance physical functioning and wellbeing among LTC residents.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the growing evidence base on the benefits of physical activity in later life and highlights the importance of evaluating interventions in real-world settings, particularly for older adults in LTC.

John, Geemol; Wani, Mohammad Amin

doi: 10.1108/wwop-05-2025-0027pmid: N/A

This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of influential contributors, research trends and emerging themes pertaining to the concept of midlife crisis over the past two decades. It also seeks to explore how scholarship on this topic has evolved, highlighting the key patterns and future research directions in the field of adult development and psychological well-being.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a bibliometric analysis with data from 124 articles retrieved from the Scopus database covering the period 2000–2023. The study explored a Biblioshiny package in R software to perform country collaboration mapping, citation and co-citation analysis thematic analysis and keyword co-occurrence mapping. This approach enabled the identification of major authors, journals, institutions and countries, contributing to the midlife crisis research.FindingsThe analysis revealed the most influential authors, journals in this field, studies and patters of international collaboration. Emerging themes centred on psychological aspects and well-being during middle age. The findings also depicted how scholarly networks have developed, highlighting significant co-cited authors and evolving conceptual focuses in the literature.Originality/valueThis study represents one of the unique comprehensive bibliometric reviews on midlife crisis. By systematically mapping the intellectual structure, and the emerging trends in this field, it provides valuable insights into its development, identifies research gaps and offers directions for future investigations into life transitions and adulthood development.

Adawi, Manal Yousef; Salama, Nisreen; Abu Khader, Imad

doi: 10.1108/wwop-02-2025-0005pmid: N/A

This study aims to assess the knowledge, practices and attitudes of enteral nutrition (EN) among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses in southern Palestine.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 161 ICU nurses working in southern hospitals in Palestine. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the nurse’s demographic information, knowledge of EN guidelines, practices in administering EN and attitudes toward EN. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA test and chi-square test using SPSS software package.FindingsThe study revealed that the mean knowledge score among ICU nurses regarding the subject matter was inadequate, with an average score of 10.3 out of 20. Specifically, only 29.2% of the nurses demonstrated a good level of knowledge, whereas only 1.9% exhibited an excellent level. Nurses have a positive attitude, and their practices were somewhat consistent with the guidelines. However, the attitudinal aspects revealed a generally positive disposition toward EN. There were no significant differences between the means of nurses’ knowledge levels from private and governmental hospitals.Research limitations/implicationsThe current research is limited to the hospitals located two northern cities only; Bethlehem and Hebron. It does not include other hospitals located in the southern cities in the West Bank. Also, the tool of collecting data of the current research was only the questionnaire. It would have been better to use the observation as a tool side by side to the questionnaire used so that provide better understanding of ICU’s nurses’ practices toward EN. Finally, no local literature reviews could be accessed except Hamdan’s study (2022), so that no comprehensive comparison with wider scope of local studies was made.Originality/valueThis study highlights both strengths and areas requiring attention in the knowledge, practices and attitudes of ICU nurses regarding EN in southern hospitals in Palestine. The findings underscore the importance of continued education and training for nurses to ensure consistent and evidence-based care for critically ill patients receiving EN. Addressing these gaps in knowledge and practice can improve patient outcomes and the quality of care provided in the ICU setting.

R, Naveen Kumar; C, Neerupa; V, Sengani; P, Mekala

doi: 10.1108/wwop-11-2025-0054pmid: N/A

This study explores how spirituality, coping strategies and resilience contribute to the psychological well-being of Indian older adults amid rapid social and demographic transitions. It aims to understand how these psychosocial resources help elders adapt to changing family structures and urban lifestyles.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative, cross-sectional design was adopted with data collected from older adults across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka using validated scales for spirituality, coping, resilience and well-being.FindingsResults reveal that spirituality, gratitude practices, meditation and community participation play a vital role in maintaining emotional balance and purpose. Social connections within temples, senior clubs and neighborhood groups strengthen resilience and provide a sense of belonging.Originality/valueThis study offers fresh insights into how Indian elders transform solitude into reflection and dependence into gratitude, emphasizing the enduring role of cultural and spiritual values in sustaining dignity and well-being in later life.

La Serna, Sarela; Rivas, Ivonn; Ñaña-Cordova, Alvaro M.; Olazo, Kamyla M.; Falvy-Bockos, Ian; Parodi, Jose F.; Runzer-Colmenares, Fernando M.

doi: 10.1108/wwop-10-2025-0048pmid: N/A

Falls are a major geriatric syndrome with multifactorial origins, including sensory deficits such as hearing impairment. However, evidence from older adults living in high Andean communities remains scarce. This study aims to analyze the association between hearing impairment and falls in this population.Design/methodology/approachAn observational, analytical, retrospective study was conducted using data from the Andes Frail Project (2012–2020). The sample included 452 adults aged ≥60 years from 12 Peruvian Andean communities located ≥1500 m above sea level. Falls were assessed by self-report within the past year, while hearing impairment was measured through the question: “Do you have hearing problems that limit your daily life?”. Covariables included sociodemographic characteristics, functional status, comorbidities, hospitalizations and polypharmacy. Associations were analyzed using Poisson regression with robust variance to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).FindingsThe mean age was 72.9 years (SD = 6.9), and 63.0% were women. Hearing impairment was reported by 60.6% of participants, and 37.8% experienced falls. In bivariate analysis, falls were significantly associated with age, marital status, comorbidities, functional dependence, polypharmacy, hospitalizations, balance disorders, altitude and type of community. In multivariate analysis, hearing impairment remained significantly associated with falls (adjusted PR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.06–1.29). Additional risk factors included being divorced, having one or more comorbidities, functional dependence and hospitalization history.Originality/valueThis study shows that hearing impairment was independently associated with a higher prevalence of falls among older adults in high Andean communities. These findings highlight the importance of routine sensory evaluations and integrated, person-centered care strategies, such as those proposed by the Integrated Care for Older People framework, to reduce fall-related adverse outcomes in underserved rural populations.

Jamalludin, Jamalludin; Setiadi, Setiadi; Pitoyo, Agus Joko

doi: 10.1108/wwop-08-2025-0040pmid: N/A

This study aims to examine the determinants of postretirement employment and job search duration among retirees in urban and rural Indonesia.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses secondary data from the August 2023 Indonesian Labor Force Survey, we analyzed 856 retirees aged 53 and over who had exited formal employment within the past year.FindingsRural retirees are more likely to remain employed and experience shorter job search durations than their urban counterparts. Those living in rural areas, younger age groups, lower educational levels, male gender and previous work in agriculture showed a higher likelihood of working postretirement. Retirees in regions with higher human development index also exhibited greater labor force participation.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, the cross-sectional data do not support the longitudinal analysis. Second, the sample included only retirees from the previous year. Third, uneven sample distribution across provinces prevented us from applying multilevel binary logistic modeling. Future studies should apply mixed-methods to explore the complexity of postretirement work decisions.Originality/valueThis study highlights rural–urban disparities in postretirement work, offering rare evidence from middle income countries, non-western context.

Jayasuriya, Thanushi Dewmini; Karunathilaka, Ganga Sajeewani; Gunathilaka, Wijendra

doi: 10.1108/wwop-12-2025-0056pmid: N/A

This study aims to systematically examine how digital health technologies support end-of-life (EOL) care for older adults, focusing on the essential requirements, benefits, challenges and emerging technological opportunities that shape equitable and person-centered care.Design/methodology/approachFollowing PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted using studies published from 2010 onward across PubMed, ScienceDirect and MEDLINE. Twenty-eight studies met the eligibility criteria. Data extraction and thematic synthesis were performed to identify four overarching domains: key implementation requirements, benefits of digital health interventions, challenges and gaps in current EOL practice and advancements in AI, VR and robotics. The review analyzed diverse study designs, including randomized trials, qualitative studies, feasibility studies and systematic reviews, to capture a holistic understanding of digital health use in EOL contexts.FindingsThis study identified several requirements such as technological infrastructure, digital literacy, privacy protections and integration with existing care models. Key benefits include enhanced communication and symptom monitoring, increased access to care and reinforced caregiver and bereavement support. Challenges are digital divide issues, financial constraints and limited long-term evidence. Some emerging technology such as AI predictive analytics, VR-based therapies and social robotics, though still needs substantial evidence, to advance comfort, personalization and relief for caregivers.Originality/valueThis study offers a multidisciplinary and wide-ranging synthesis of digital health technologies within EOL care. It pushes the boundaries of knowledge and incorporates the cultural, emotional and accessibility alongside technological elements. It identifies clear gaps and sets the groundwork for future digital health research focused on specific regions and population aging near EOL to be longitudinal and scalable.

Paredes-Arturo, Yenny Vicky; Martínez Patiño, Andres Felipe; Florez-Madroñero, Andrea; Jaramillo Paredes, Jareth Nicolas

doi: 10.1108/wwop-12-2025-0058pmid: N/A

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors among a group of indigenous older adults.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study was conducted with participants aged 54 years and older. The instruments used included the Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale, the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey and the Family APGAR Scale. Latent class analysis was employed to identify subgroups according to depressive symptom patterns.FindingsThe mean scores were as follows: MMSE (24), Yesavage Scale (4.7), APGAR (22.4) and Lawton and Brody’s Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (6.5). The analysis identified a two-class model as the best fit (Bayesian information criterion (BIC) = 4771.22; entropy = 0.83). Class 1, representing 72% of the sample, corresponded to a low-risk profile. Class 2, representing 29% of the sample, reflected a high-risk profile for depressive symptoms. Among the covariates, family functioning (APGAR) was a protective factor against belonging to the high-risk group (odds ratio [OR], 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80–0.96; p = 0.007).Research limitations/implicationsThe research presents a series of limitations such as: the cross-sectional study design does not allow the evaluation of any cause-effect mechanisms; the sample of the population may not be representative; the assessment of some scales was carried out through self-report. The above could result in biases due to the low or no level of schooling in the majority of older indigenous adults.Originality/valueIt is worth highlighting as a strength of this study the exploration and association of depressive symptom profiles with multidimensional variables.