Browsing by Author "Toohey, Ann"

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    Experiences With Social Participation in Group Physical Activity Programs for Older Adults
    (Human Kinetics, Inc., 2021-06-24) Zimmer, Chantelle; McDonough, Meghan H.; Hewson, Jennifer; Toohey, Ann; Din, Cari; Crocker, Peter R.E.; Bennett, Erica V.
    Little is known about how social participation can be facilitated among older adults in group physical activity and its psychosocial benefits that contribute to successful aging. This study aimed to understand older adults’ experiences with social participation in group physical activity programs. Using interpretive description methodology, 16 observations, eight focus groups, and two interviews with participants unable to attend focus groups were conducted with adults 55 years and older attending programs across four recreation facilities. Group programs were found to influence social participation through (a) a meaningful context for connecting and (b) instructors’ expectations of social interaction. Social participation in these programs addressed psychosocial needs by (c) increasing social contact and interaction, (d) fostering social relationships and belonging, and (e) promoting regular engagement. Training for instructors should include balancing the physical aspects of program delivery with the social, while also considering older adults’ diverse needs and preferences for social interaction.
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    Instructor Social Support in the Group Physical Activity Context: Older Participants’ Perspectives
    (Human Kinetics, 2023-03-22) Morrison, Lindsay; McDonough, Meghan H.; Zimmer, Chantelle; Din, Cari; Hewson, Jennifer; Toohey, Ann; Crocker, Peter R. E.; Bennett, Erica V.
    Instructors in organized physical activity classes can be a source of social support through their relationships with participants, influence on participants’ interactions with each other, and design of activities. Grounded in interpretive description, the objective of this study was to examine older adults’ experiences of and their perspectives on group physical activity instructors’ supportive behaviors. Observations of 16 group physical activity classes (N = 295) and focus groups or interviews with N = 38 class participants aged ≥ 55 (n = 29 women) were conducted at four municipal recreation facilities in a Canadian city. Five themes shed light on how instructors provided social support: (a) supporting autonomous engagement, (b) developing caring connections, (c) fostering trust through expert instruction, (d) managing conflict directly and effectively, and (e) creating a climate where people want to go. Instructor training should consider older adults’ social support needs and help instructors embody behaviors that support continued physical activity participation, thereby contributing to healthy aging.
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    Nurses Experiences, Long-Term Care, and Covid-19
    (2024-10-17) Gruszecki, Holly; McGhan, Gwen; Venturato, Lorraine; McAffrey, Graham; Toohey, Ann; McGhan, Gwen; Venturato, Lorraine
    This master’s thesis explores the experiences of registered and licensed practical nurses working in long-term care both during, and in the immediate aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic in Alberta, Canada. Using Van Manen’s Phenomenology as a guiding research methodology, semi structured interviews were conducted with registered and licensed practical nurses working in long-term care to explore the experiences of the participants. There were four common themes identified from the data: (1) fear and uncertainty, (2) workload, (3) burnout, and (4) resilience and adaptability. These themes have been explored in comparison to the literature with the intention to provide recommendations for future pandemics and the retention of a robust, healthy, and experienced workforce. As the healthcare landscape in Alberta approaches another period of change and flux with the introduction of a system wide restructure, these findings may relate to on-going change within the sector and the turbulence that nurses experience following change. In the wake of the pandemic, the experiences of nurses who battled through it can inform policy makers to implement policies that leverage the strengths of the long-term care nursing workforce.
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    Social supports and barriers for older adults not currently participating in group physical activity
    (Human Kinetics, 2023-08-14) Morrison, Lindsay; McDonough, Meghan H; Hewson, Jennifer; Toohey, Ann; Din, Cari; Kenny, Sarah J; Crocker, Peter
    Group physical activity can provide physical and social benefits; however, social barriers or a lack of social support may affect participation. This study examined social support needs and barriers among older adults who were not participating in group physical activities. Using interpretive description, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 38 older adults (M = 5 70.9 years; 81.6% women). Themes were grouped into two categories. Category one, expectations and initial impressions, consisted of: (1) groups cannot meet everyone's expectations or interests; (2) groups are intimidating to join; and (3) the need for inclusive programming. Category two, social processes within group physical activity, consisted of: (1) modelling physical activity behaviours; (2) sharing information and suggestions about physical activity opportunities; and (3) encouragement and genuine interest. Outreach to this population should aim to address these barriers and utilize these supportive behaviours to reduce feelings of intimidation and promote participation among older adults.
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    Treating Anxiety in Older Adults Living in Long-Term Care
    (2021-08-10) Atchison, Kayla; Goodarzi, Zahra; Toohey, Ann; Ismail, Zahinoor
    Background: We do not know which treatments for anxiety symptoms and disorders are most effective for residents of long-term care (LTC). There is a need to identify evidence-based treatment strategies for anxiety symptoms and disorders, specific to long-term care residents, to reduce additional suffering and improve care for this complex and vulnerable population. Objectives: The research objectives were first to identify which therapies for anxiety symptoms and disorders are efficacious in older adults living in LTC and second to understand what the common barriers and facilitators may be to the detection, diagnosis, and management of anxiety symptoms and disorders in LTC. Methods: First, a systematic review and meta-analysis was completed to identify and evaluate existing treatments for anxiety symptoms and disorders used in the LTC setting. Second, interviews with care providers were completed to explore the perceived barriers and facilitators to detecting, diagnosing, and treating anxiety symptoms and disorders in residents of LTC. Framework analysis methods were used to code the interview data, label each code as a barrier or facilitator, and classify each code within the Theoretical Domains Framework.Results: Various low-risk, readily implemented non-pharmacological treatments, such as therapeutic touch and music therapy, with evidence of benefit for anxiety symptoms in residents of LTC were identified. There was limited evidence supporting the use of pharmacological treatment options for anxiety symptoms and disorders in LTC. Perceived barriers to anxiety symptom and disorder detection, diagnosis, and/or treatment included a lack of available treatments, limited access to mental health professionals, and resident comorbidities. Facilitators such as teamwork, family involvement, and specialized training were also identified.Conclusions: The present research is critical to advancing knowledge on how to best treat anxiety symptoms and disorders in LTC. Treatment options for anxiety symptoms in residents of LTC exist but there is a need to better recognize anxiety symptoms and disorders in residents, provide tailored non-pharmacological treatments to residents, and create an environment within LTC that supports anxiety management.