Gerontology & Geriatric Research

NEW AGE AUDIT APPROACH TO ASSESS OLDER ADULTS LIVING ENVIRONMENTS FOR POSITIVE HEALTH OUTCOMES

5^th International Conference on Geriatric Medicine & Gerontological Nursing

November 14-15, 2016 | Atlanta, USA

Lisa A. Hollis-Sawyer

Northeastern Illinois University, USA

Keynote: J Gerontol Geriat Res

Abstract:

Increasingly, aging adults (e.g., Baby Boomers) will be wanting to �??age in place�?� in their homes and workplaces. This is a reflection of the current and projected aging trends on a global basis (e.g., World Health Organization, 2015). A comprehensive content meta-analysis of existing �??age friendly�?� guidelines (videos, checklists, workshops, books, research articles) and assessment approaches (published tools) was conducted by two independent evaluators trained in assessment in order to develop both a much-needed �??holistic�?� theoretical model of factors to consider when evaluating homes, workplaces, and larger communities and an associated assessment tool. Factors associated with the cultural, physical, psychological, social, and �??logistical�?� design of an aging friendly environment for an older adult will be presented based on comprehensive review of books, published research, and published assessment tools designed for specific living environments. Results will discuss the implications and applications of both the comprehensive model and evaluation tool.

Biography :

Lisa A. Hollis-Sawyer received her doctorate in Industrial Gerontology from The University of Akron and conducted post-doctoral aging-related training at Boston University. Her research interests range from improving older adults positive aging health outcomes (physical, mental) through the creation of more support and sustainable living environments to specific areas of aging adaptation and adjustment (e.g., later-life education, eldercare, and aging workforce issues). She has coauthored three textbooks and authored/co-authored 39 scholarly articles. Presently, she is an Associate Professor in the Psychology department and Coordinator of the Gerontology program at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, IL (USA).

Email: l-hollissawyer@neiu.edu