Dissertation
Leisure activities that impact the wellness of community-dwelling older Black adults
Doctor of Health Science (D.H.Sc.), Drexel University
18 Mar 2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001983
Abstract
Older Black adults tend to have poorer health outcomes when compared to their non-Black peers. Poor health outcomes for aging Black populations are due to cognitive dysfunction, health conditions, behavioral health, social risks, and demographic factors (Barnes et al., 2012; Barber et al., 2016; Barnes and Bennett, 2014; Burke et al., 2018; Mace and Mansbach, 2020; Rosenberg et al., 2020; Wright et al., 2019; Yaffe et al., 2013). This pilot study explored the impact of game playing and social participation on depressive symptoms in older adults. The population for this study were community dwelling Black adults 65 years and older. Participants provided verbal consent and engaged in weekly communication via telephonic and virtual platforms to safeguard them from COVID-19 exposure. The study occurred during a 12-week period. The Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-15) was the assessment tool used at the beginning, midpoint, and end of study. The GDS-15 was administered in place of other cognitive assessments since older adults can demonstrate symptoms related to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and depression simultaneously (Panza et al., 2010). Kang et al., (2014) suggest that pseudodementia encompasses cognitive deficits that accompany depression in older adults. Utilizing the GDS-15 allows researchers to observe depression-related concerns, which can provide critical insight into older adult wellness. Several themes were identified upon conclusion of the study. First, the impact of COVID-19 should be explored to determine COVID-19's true impact on older adults. Half of the older adults involved in this study acknowledged long-term voluntary isolation due to COVID-19. Second, participants who identified regular participation in religious activities and acknowledged strong connections with family and friends reported higher levels of satisfaction on the GDS-15 amid health challenges. Third, there may be a need for older adults to receive greater support and comprehensive intervention services following surgical procedures. Two participants expressed emotional declines and feelings of isolation following hip and spinal procedures, which are typically associated with aging. In a one-tail P value test results yielded statistical significance of .043 which demonstrated a decrease in depressive symptoms between the first and last assessment using the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS-15).
Metrics
27 File views/ downloads
37 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Leisure activities that impact the wellness of community-dwelling older Black adults
- Creators
- Tameka Jackson-Leung - Drexel University, Drexel University (1970-)
- Contributors
- Kristine A. Mulhorn (Advisor) - Drexel University, Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Health Science (D.H.Sc.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 99 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University; Health Sciences
- Other Identifier
- 991021872800304721