Date of Award
5-2017
Document Type
Thesis
Primary Advisor
Matthew J. Garver
Secondary Advisor
Joe Bell
Committee Reader
Charles D. Pruett
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between intergenerational connections amongst older adults and younger generations and multiple dimensions of well-being. Cognitive (Mini Mental State Exam), physical [Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors Survey (CHAMPS)], functional [Senior Fitness Test, Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Lawton Instrumental ADL (IADL) Scale], and affective [Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)] components of well-being were assessed among the target audience of older adults living in independent living communities. A total of 21 subjects sought enrollment in the study. Three subjects were not eligible for the research. Four other subjects did not have a complete data set to analyze. Consequently, the data were underpowered. There were no significant, positive correlations found for social interactions and bicep curl task (p = .206), sit-stand task (p = .073) or GDS (p = .183). Findings did show, however, a significant, positive correlation when comparing Katz Index of ADL and the bicep curl task (p = .045, r = .412) as well as the sit-stand task (p = .043, r = 0.415). In addition, the results of the sit-stand task correlated in a positive manner with the amount of walking as reported on CHAMPS (p = .024, r = .472). Lastly, there was a significant, positive correlation between the number of participants who felt they were impacted by younger generations and the number who felt they impacted younger generations (p < .001, r = .765). Despite being underpowered statistically, the present results do show the positive relationship between physical activity and the perceived value of social interactions for this demographic. Authors encourage more research in this area.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Carpenter, Lakin J., "Intergenerational Connections and Multidimensional Well-Being in Older Adults in Retirement Communities" (2017). Honors College. 27.
https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/honors/27