Observational Research, Research Paper Example

The individuals in this study was a suitable elderly community sample of 20 residents located at Sunshine Village in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. The elderly subjects were suitable for this research project if they were (men or women) age 62 or older, lived at Sunshine Village as a permanent resident for over a year and did not show any signs confusion or dementia. Each elderly resident volunteered to answer a short questionnaire/survey that included a combination of open and closed ended questions. A sample of the questionnaire/survey will be provided at the end of the essay. The interviews were conducted with neutrality, free of prejudice, and the subjects were not influenced in their answers. Interviewer acquired verbal consent from the elderly subjects before partaking in the interviewing process. This study design is to aid in examining the family/community support systems and well-being of the elderly subjects in order to provide feedback for the following hypothesis: How does family/community support systems effect the elderly ages 62 and over compared to having no family/community support?

Data Collection

Information about the elderly’s family/community support systems was obtained through a survey interview, conducted between the dates of March 26^th and April 1^st 2014. The location of the interviews were given at the subject’s residency. The interviews lasted between 20 to 30 minutes. Due to the nature of this project the interviewer did not elaborate in the interview on the following: psychological violence (sexual or physical), or financial maltreatment.

Approach

Elderly subjects’ family/community support was evaluated using five foundations of support: community agencies, churches, relatives, friends, and neighbors. Elderly subjects were asked intensely, (“not at all or slightly,” “moderately,” “or “very much or extremely”) if they could rely on each individual source for support (e.g. help with chores, food preparation, physician visits, shopping, paying bills), psychological support (e.g. someone to share enjoyments and troubles with, someone who is caring of their feelings, someone to talk with about difficulties), educational support (e.g. educated on community services, educated on caregiving alternatives).  Elderly subjects were additionally asked how about their leisure activities (e.g. sewing, gardening, reading, social activities, religious activities, exercise, or other hobbies) and how many times a week or month they got to experience these activities. There was an optional part on the questionnaire about particular issues that contained closed-ended (“yes or no”) questions (e.g. trouble sleeping, feeling depressed, withdrawing from family/community, feeling afraid or alone). Elderly subjects reported how often they had contact with family/community by responding “not at all or little,” “moderate amount,” “very much or extreme amount.”

Descriptive Profile

Of the 20 individuals included in this analysis, nearly three-fourth (60 percent) were widowed, almost one-fourth (20 percent) were divorced, and the remainder of the individuals were never married (10 percent) or married (10 percent).  All individuals lived alone except for the (10 percent) that were married. Over one-half of the individuals were not employed (55 percent) in either a paying position or volunteer position, (30 percent) were retired, (10percent) was working part-time, and (5 percent) volunteered for the local community. Individuals were predominantly women (80 percent).

Findings

Elderly subjects reported that of the five foundations of support they could rely “moderately” on family for help with chores, shopping, and paying bills. Food preparation was “very much” provided by local non-profit agencies and churches, as well as, providing pantry necessities. Elderly subjects could rely “very much” on community agency (TACK-Transportation Authority of Central Kentucky) to provide transportation needs for physician visits or self.  It was reported that when having someone to share enjoyments and trouble with they could rely “moderately” on family and neighbors, as well as, talking about any difficulties they might be experiencing. Elderly subjects relied “moderately” on family for educational support on community services and optional caregiving alternatives. The most frequent of leisure activities reported were social activities within the neighborhood. The second most frequent activity reported was going to church. The optional part of the questionnaire was answered by all 20 individuals. Let it be noted that (25 percent) reported having trouble sleeping, (35 percent) reported feeling depressed, (30 percent) reported feeling withdrawn from family/community, and (55 percent) reported feeling afraid or alone. Elderly subjects reported having “moderate amount” of contact with family/community.

Discussion

The observations highlighted from the results of the study are mostly in tandem with statistics from government funded research.

The emotions that elderly people feel are mainly attributed and triggered to the kind of environment they dwell in and the state of the emotional support that they receive. 55% of those interviewed admitted to feeling afraid or alone and 30% of the interviewees admitted to feeling withdrawn from family/community. These emotions are quite valid as government statistics show that most of the elderly in society are abused or mistreated. This is mainly due to a huge portion of family/community failing to provide the basic necessities that the elderly require. According to government statistics, 90% of the perpetrators are family members. This ill treatment from family and the community causes the elderly to avoid family and the community for fear of mistreatment, leaving them feeling afraid, alone and withdrawn from the people they feel should be closest to them during their twilight years.

35% of the individuals interviewed admitted to feeling depressed. This is mainly due to the fact that the elderly are largely neglected by both the family and the community. Depression is almost always triggered by disappointment, when what one’s expectations are not met. Elderly individuals spend most of their twilight years around family and friends. This time is usually spent around the younger generation, educating and advising them. However, family and community pay little attention to these individuals as they appear outdated in thought. This leaves the elderly feeling depressed and alone.

It is rather evident that family neglects the elderly within the community. This is depicted by the fact that in most of the tasks that the elderly require assistance, family can only offer moderate help. Furthermore, the fun activities the elderly appeared to enjoy are the communal activities as opposed to activities that involved family.

Summary

This observational research study of 20 elderly subjects attempted to better comprehend the relationships between the elderly with and without support systems. As the population is aging, many are faced with the outlook of trying changes in their lives. Elderly are faced with being alone, the need for extra support with certain services, or simply want more transportation and social support. However, it may be challenging for elders to find the support they need in their communities.