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The correlations of resilience of the geriatric population in Botswana: A cross sectional study
36-37Views:211According to Botswana's Current statistics for 2021, people aged 60 and above would make up 8.9% of the population. As people age, they face a plethora of challenges; mental, legal, social, health, economic, environmental, and political, in addition to ageism and marginalization. Therefore, they need resilience to deal with these challenges that emanate from the aging process, the development of care needs, and the depletion of resources. However, in Africa, there is anecdotal evidence that some older people cannot cope with their lives, let alone carer responsibilities caused by HIV related death and other risk factors. For older people to flourish, they need resilience to achieve, endure, develop and sustain their health and well-being in the face of adversity. The degree of success and impact on their resilience is undocumented. The research will therefore determine the correlates with resilience and establish ways to curb the risk factors.
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Exploring the subjective experience of old age according to the social arrangements of the place of residence
68-89Views:288The transformation of the situation of older people in the 21st century can be attributed to social ageing and the changing of family structures, which are associated with changes in the living conditions of older people. The aim of this research is to investigate how aging is experienced in relation to protective factors and housing conditions. The research has a cross-sectional design, with a sample of participants aged 60+ years according to the WHO definition (N=98). Measures include self-structured and standard questionnaires to assess self-esteem, satisfaction with life, social support, and resilience. Results show that peer support varies based on living arrangements, with higher support reported by those living in social institutions or family, but no difference in old age experiences. Using cluster analysis, the sample can be divided into four groups based on housing conditions. Differences are observed in peer support, resilience and self-esteem, suggesting a more negative situation for those living in a single person household and a more positive situation for those living in a social institution. However, no differences can be identified in life satisfaction which is relevant to the experience of old age, possibly due to different background factors: resilience is the main factor behind the life satisfaction of women living in a family, while social support dominates in those living in a social institution. To understand the satisfaction of men living in a family and of women living in a single person household, it would be necessary to include additional influencing factors. Given these results, it can be seen that even in programs aimed at improving the quality of life of older people, it may be important to consider the place of residence, as it can influence life satisfaction through different factors.
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Resilience Amid Crisis: The Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults in Jordan - Challenges, Interventions, and Policy Innovations
34-35Views:19The COVID-19 pandemic was not only a global health crisis but also a profound social and humanitarian challenge. Older adults, particularly those living with chronic illnesses and limited access to healthcare, were the most severely affected. -
Effectiveness of Self Compassion-Based Interventions on Elderly People: A Literature Review
Views:258This review article is designed to evaluate the impact of self-compassion-based interventions on the physical, psychological, and social health of older adults. Recent studies support that high self-compassion enhances life satisfaction in older adults, strengthens resilience against physical and emotional challenges, and fosters a more positive adaptation to age-related changes. The evidence the impact of self-compassion-based interventions on the health of older adults shows that these approaches help elderly individuals better manage stress, control negative emotions, and reduce symptoms of depression, ultimately fostering greater resilience and life satisfaction. Integrating self-compassion with cognitive-behavioral or motor-based activities amplifies these effects, contributing to improved forgiveness, acceptance, and emotional adjustment. Furthermore, such interventions address important dimensions of mental health, including feelings of loneliness and the ability to form positive relationships, which are especially relevant for older individuals facing health challenges or living in residential care. Collectively, these findings underscore the value of self-compassion-focused programs in supporting successful aging and holistic mental health in later life. Given these findings, integrating self-compassion and mindfulness-based approaches into mental health programs for the elderly can offer valuable benefits.
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Hungarian and European Conscious Ageing Network: Cooperation between Municipalities, Municipality Associations, NGOs and business to promote Active and Conscious Ageing in Hungary and Europe
72-74Views:14As the European population is ageing, local communities are increasingly confronted with complex, interconnected challenges. Demographic change intersects with economic uncertainty, social fragmentation, health inequalities, labour market restructuring and the broader polycrisis affecting Europe. -
Social service delivery for senior citizens in rural Philippines and secrets to longevity of Apo Whang-od
2-14Views:1399Access to social services such as healthcare, transportation, and financial support can be limited, leaving many elderly individuals vulnerable to poverty and social exclusion. This paper examined the recent elderly demographics, status of social service delivery, the roles of traditional and cultural practices, and specific challenges faced by older persons in rural areas, using the case of Apo Whang-od and her community, Buscalan that is in the municipality of Tinglayan, Province of Kalinga, Philippines. Using a mixed methods approach, this paper revealed that almost 11% of Tinglayan’s population is elderly, mostly indigenous people with a relatively low literacy rate, and low-income earners who are engaged mostly in subsistence farming and small-scale traditional craft making. Also, there are substantial government programs and services offered by existing laws; however, access to these is challenged by limited access to education and healthcare services, with long travel distances and a lack of transportation being major barriers. Financial difficulties were also observed, with no or few having access to social security benefits and reasonable amounts of pensions. The challenges can also be attributed to an unfavorable geographical location, conflicts with neighboring tribes, limited local government funds, lack of knowledge, and inadequate social service centers within the locality. Tinglayan’s cultural values were also found to play a pivotal role in supplementing the scarce social services by fostering a supportive atmosphere for the elderly. Analysing Apo-Whag-od's longevity, it was revealed that she lived a longer life because she ate organic and locally sourced food, slept well, laughed a lot, engaged in regular physical activity, nurtured her spiritual well-being, built strong relationships with her family and community, and kept a positive outlook. In conclusion, social demographics shows that elderlies in rural areas are disadvantaged, which calls for more efficient and effective access, delivery, and availability of social services. Moreover, policymakers are enjoined to accelerate social infrastructures, expand social protection programs, and support intergenerational solidarity and resilience and cultural preservation. Lastly, Apo Whang-od’s legacy lives on. Her popularity not only gained revitalization of the Kalinga tattoo culture, but it also inspired people to follow her steps to longer and happier way of life.
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Hungarian Gerontology 15 (Conference Issue) 2023 Full Issue
Views:54Message from the Guest Editor Special Issue
It is with immense gratitude and reflection that I write this brief editorial as the guest editor for the Online International Gerontology Conference proceedings. The conference has concluded, leaving us with a wealth of knowledge, insightful discussions, and a renewed commitment to the field of gerontology.
I extend my sincere appreciation to Dr. Habil Marianna Móré, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, and Dr. Agnes Bene for the gracious invitation to contribute to this distinguished event. As we reflect on the proceedings, we find ourselves standing at the intersection of a profound demographic shift and a global commitment to addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with an ageing population. In the conference, the exploration of gerontology, which has proven to be more critical than ever, was guided by three overarching themes: "Ageing," "Well-being," and "Innovation." These themes direct our exploration of the complexities of ageing, strategies for promoting well-being in older adults, and the transformative power of innovation.
The challenges we discussed were substantial, but the potential for progress was equally significant. Together, we navigated the complexities of ageing, delving into strategies for promoting well-being in older adults and embracing the transformative power of innovation. The multifaceted journey of ageing, rich in wisdom and resilience, was a focal point of our discussions, inspiring research and influencing policy decisions.
The concept of well-being took centre stage, emphasizing not just longevity but a life filled with dignity, contentment, and meaning. Our exploration of various facets of well-being showcased the latest research and best practices, reaffirming our commitment to creating communities where older adults can live with dignity and flourish. The third theme, "Driving Innovation," highlighted the necessity for creative thinking and novel strategies in the ever-evolving field of gerontology. The conference provided a platform to learn about and discuss the latest innovations, positioning gerontologists at the forefront of this innovation-driven journey.
As a guest editor, I am privileged to witness the impact of our collective efforts. The proceedings encapsulate the depth of our discussions, the diversity of perspectives, and the commitment of gerontologists, researchers, caregivers, and policymakers to driving positive change. The conference has not only enriched our understanding of gerontology but has also fortified our shared vision for a brighter future for older adults worldwide.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each contributor for their valuable insights and dedication. The proceedings stand as a testament to the tireless work and collaborative spirit that defines the gerontological community. May this compilation serve as a lasting resource, inspiring further research, policy development, and innovations in the pursuit of enhancing the lives of older adults. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and contributions.
Dr. Christian Borg Xuereb PhD.
Guest-Editor of the Special Issue
Department of Gerontology and Dementia Studies
Faculty for Social Wellbeing
University of Malta, Malta
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Are We Listening to Elders? Intergenerational Wisdom as a Protective Factor Against Bullying in Diverse Academic Spaces
26-29Views:17Bullying remains one of the most persistent challenges in educational and academic environments, exerting a wide-ranging impact on students’ psychological well-being, physical health, and academic achievement. -
COVID -19 pandemic, surveys on elderly about vaccination. National and European perspectives
14-17Views:422A summary of Symposium titled COVID-19 pandemic, surveys on elderly about vaccination reserved in this abstract.
The severe cases of COVID-19 in Europe. A comparative analysis using SHARE data base
The paper focuses on the severe cases of COVID-19 in Europe and the predictors of these cases. The author used the secondary analysis of a large data base (SHARE) of persons aged 50 or more from the EU countries and the Switzerland. The data have been collected in the summer of 2020. In the first part the focus is on the theoretical starting point of the analysis. In the second part the main outputs are presented.
How to convince the undecided - communication with the elderly and attitudes towards vaccination COVID-19 in Poland
The pandemic has had its toll on the socio-economic life of most people. Governments and international organizations face new challenges in a situation of uncertainty. Social campaigns are designed to encourage as many people as possible to join the vaccination plan. Achieving population resilience requires a significant commitment of organizational, financial and communication resources.
Older people constitute a priority group in the vaccination system in Poland. However, despite the measures taken, there remains a significant share of seniors who remain reluctant to vaccination. The government is taking further pro-turnout measures targeted at the elderly. The shortcomings of the existing strategies should be eliminated for the benefit of society.
The aim is to summarize the research conducted in the field of the needs and possibilities of communication with the elderly, attitudes towards vaccinations and sources of influence on making purchasing decisions of seniors.
Vaccination attitudes – international project in Central and Eastern Europe
The beginnings of the project date back to 2020. The uncertainty that became commonplace in the times of the pandemic indicated new areas of previously unknown dependencies. Stress, uncertainty, attitudes towards the threat, protective behaviour, and soon also attitudes towards vaccination seemed the most important at that time. Examining the existing dependencies would allow a better understanding of the phenomenon of social responses to the pandemic and would support governmental and non-governmental, national and international actions that would be an important tool in the fight against the negative consequences of a spreading COVID-19.
Scientists from Central and Eastern European countries representing different disciplines (sociology, economics, communication, statistics, psychology and psychiatry) joined forces in a common international project investigating the relationship between attitudes towards vaccines and the level of perceived mental health, uncertainty, socio-demographic variables and the level of religiosity. Core aims of the project were to analyse the model of predictors concerning demographic, psychological, and social factors influencing the intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 and to provide the information to prepare and implement more effective and efficient health messaging strategies and campaigns targeting groups reluctant to COVID-19 vaccination in Eastern and Central European countries.
The project involved the development of a common research tool - a questionnaire, parallel research in four countries of Central and Eastern Europe (Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Hungary), more than 2000 respondents (unvaccined adults) and joint development of the results of the analysis, using the potential of all involved partners.
The project is still developed to next stages of investigation. Results will be published in high quality journals in years 2022 and 2023.Partners involved represent: University of Gdańsk (Poland), University of Oradea (Romania), University of Ljubljana (Slovenia), University of Debrecen (Hungary).
More information: k.balandynowicz@ug.edu.pl.
Survey on unvaccinated Hungarian elderly people during the COVID-19 pandemic
During the pandemic, we performed a comparative study of the Hungarian unvaccinated people, focusing on psychological and demographic aspects in our questionnaire. The survey data collection lasted from 27 August to 13 October 2021. Participants were over 18 years of age who have not yet received any vaccination against the COVID-19 virus.
The method used is an on-line questionnaire survey.
The survey is not for political but for scientific purposes, and we hope that its results will contribute to a more professional management of the COVID-19 epidemic. The survey of Hungarian team was conducted in collaboration with Polish, Slovenian and Romanian university researchers.
The test dimensions are as follows:
Well-being at the time of pandemic (happiness, health.)
Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS21)
Vaccination Attitudes Examination Scale (VAX)
Sources of information about vaccination
Religiosity level
Demographics (metrics)
The presentation focuses on the most important aspects of the first analysis of the Hungarian results. The study involved 478 people: 113 men, 363 women, and 2 people identified as “other”. It is worth highlighting from the first processing of the data that a large number of unvaccinated people do not believe that they are at risk of getting the COVID-19 virus. In our sample 42% of the unvaccinated are very sure that the vaccine will not work, and 30.6% are afraid that they will become infected because of the vaccine. They do not usually feel safe after vaccinations, they are afraid of the undiscovered consequences, and they trust more in their natural immunity. 61.8% definitely do not want a vaccine for themselves, nor in the future. 67.3% want to wait to see how vaccines work in other people. During processing, we could identify the ones with a definite anti-vaccination attitude. They were also analyzed on the basis of their political affiliation, religiosity, and place of residence. Regarding the DASS-21 depression subscale, the young age group scored significantly higher than the elderly. According to the DASS-21 stress subscale, the value belonging to young people is significantly higher than that of older people. On the Vaccination Attitudes Examination (VAX) Scale’s concerns about financial profiteering subscale, seniors scored significantly higher. Interpreting our results in the context of parallel international studies is also part of our objectives. Our results provide an opportunity to serve important aspects for the communication strategies with unvaccinated elderly. -
Growing Old and Being Gay or Lesbian in Malta: Anticipating Care in a Heteronormative Society
Views:193Malta presents a unique paradox for sexual minority elders: it boasts some of the world’s most progressive LGBTIQ+ legislation, yet retains a deeply rooted, religiously conservative social fabric. This article explores how this paradox shapes the ageing experiences and anticipated care needs of older gay men and lesbian women. Drawing on critical gerontology and utilising the Biographic-Narrative Interpretive Method (BNIM), to collect the data, using Thematic Analysis this study examins the life histories of participants aged 58 to 72. Findings reveal a pervasive fear of ‘re-closeting’ upon entry into long-term care, driven by a lifetime of navigating heteronormativity. A distinct gendered divergence emerged: while male participants largely embraced a gay identity, female participants frequently rejected the ‘lesbian’ label, adopting strategies of protective silence. The study challenges normative models of ‘successful ageing,’ highlighting instead the resilience found in ‘families of choice.’ The article concludes that despite legal equality, the lack of culturally competent care creates a precarious future for Maltese sexual minorities, necessitating urgent policy interventions and affirmative staff training to support ageing in place.
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New Perspective in Elderly Care
Views:120The aging of European societies requires new perspectives on old adults care that move beyond traditional medical approaches. This paper examines multidimensional frameworks supporting the well-being of older adults, based on comparative demographic data from Poland, Hungary, and the European Union. The analysis highlights both similarities and differences in life expectancy, health, and living conditions among people aged 65 and over. Empirical studies demonstrate that physical, psychological, social, and environmental dimensions of well-being are strongly interrelated. Psychological resources such as optimism, resilience, and positive beliefs about aging have measurable biological and behavioral effects. Equally vital are social participation and age-friendly environments that promote autonomy and dignity.
The paper as a conceptual paper argues for a holistic, interdisciplinary, and participatory model of care in late adulthood that integrates medical, psychological, and social perspectives. Such an approach offers a sustainable path toward healthy, meaningful, and dignified aging in contemporary European societies.