Rupal Parekh

IntroductionTransportation barriers can affect travel needs and quality of life.MethodsThis survey examined transportation, routine activities, and unmet travel needs among older Vietnamese immigrants, focusing on gender differences.ResultsWomen were more likely to ride with others, less likely to drive, had fewer types of routine activities, and went out for activities less than men. Over 1/4 of the sample had at least one unmet travel need in the previous month (the most common was for visiting family and friends).DiscussionInterventions to enhance mobility should address age- and gender-based transportation differences and assess for unmet travel needs.

Although aging and migration are major global demographic trends, little attention has been given to the health and well-being of immigrants who migrate later-in-life. Drawing on the social convoy perspective, we examine the social impact of late-life migration and explore patterns of human service provision among late-life immigrants in a midwestern U.S. region. Using qualitative data (N = 71)—in-depth interviews and focus group discussions— from diverse key informants, including late-life immigrants and local human service providers, our study attempts to expand the knowledge base on late-life migration and garner community-generated solutions for the well-being of this unique population.

Using a social capital and social cohesion lens, we reposition the concept of civic engagement among older adults to examine pathways for building age-friendly communities. We analyzed data drawn from a Community-Based Participatory Research study in the Southern U.S. that explored lived experiences of older adults, age 55 and above, who participated in individual interviews (n = 15) and six focus group discussions (n = 45) to examine their perceptions of social identity, social connectedness, and civic engagement geared toward an age-friendly city. Findings indicated that several older adults had access to social networks and socially invested resources, thereby having opportunities for civic engagement and building age-friendly neighborhoods. However, social, cultural, linguistic, and structural barriers were more evident among certain diverse ethnic populations. Marginalized low-income minorities and immigrants, such as Hispanic participants, felt the lack of social cohesion among the larger society limited their ability to give back, thus decreasing their civic engagement activities. In contrast, Caucasian and African-American older adults were able to contribute to the political process through more civic participation activities. We provide implications for examining the role of social capital and social engagement to bolster civic engagement among older adults in building age-friendly communities.

The purpose of this study was to examine older adults' experiences and perspectives regarding transportation mobility. Using a community-based participatory research approach, residents of Arlington, Texas, age 55 and older, participated in individual interviews (N = 15) or one of six focus groups (N = 45) as part of an overall study about ageing well in a large ethnically diverse city in the United States of America. Thematic analysis was conducted using inductive and deductive qualitative methods and social equity as a sensitising concept. Findings indicate that older adults who are transportation-disadvantaged experience limited access to health care, goods and services and are isolated from familiar lifestyle habits and social networks. Access to affordable, adequate transportation is compromised through social and political forces, which marginalise historically disadvantaged populations. Implications for cross-disciplinary practice and future research on sustainable transportation and policy development are discussed within a social justice and social equity framework.

Adults who lack decisional capacity and known family or friends to serve as their health care agent are an increasing concern. This article examines the transferability of Texas and Florida legislation, which stipulates the persons eligible to serve as health care decision makers for unbefriended, incapacitated adults in the absence of an advance directive. Texas §313.004 allows for a clergyperson to serve in this role, whereas Florida Ann. §765.401 allows for a social worker with the requisite licensure or training. The authors provide a critical comparative value-committed analysis of the factors that influence state legislation that addresses the needs of unbefriended adults.

Although the role of religion and spirituality in the lives of older adults is well documented, more research is needed to better understand the role of churches within the context of “age-friendly” cities. Qualitative data were collected (N = 60) from six ethnically diverse focus groups and individual interviews of homebound older adults. Study participants emphasized the importance of churches as a source of social connectivity, volunteering, and as a provider of health-related education and informal services. Findings underscore the importance of churches in age-friendly cities and address a critical gap in the literature.

For a growing number of older adults, a day outing to a local casino has become one of the more enjoyable and accessible opportunities for socialization and entertainment. Unfortunately, for some older adults this growing pastime increases their risk for developing a gambling problem or, worse yet, a gambling addiction. The consequences of problematic gambling behaviors for individuals living on a fixed income require greater attention by social work researchers, practitioners, and providers of senior services. The development and implementation of a Gambling Education Workshop for older adults attending senior centers in a large metropolitan area, along with qualitative interviews with a sample of workshop participants, are reported in this article. Among the findings from this project are the needs for greater awareness of the risk factors associated with problematic gambling, as well as greater awareness among older adults about the consequences associated with gambling.