https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/38586 2026-04-11T11:13:53Z 2026-04-11T11:13:53Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/40392 2020-06-02T11:29:06Z 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: An exploration of body image and psychological wellbeing in older Maltese men Abstract: Given global population ageing and the fact that Malta is experiencing a significant increase in the proportion of older adults in its population, research into ageing issues has become a national priority. Although empirical evidence illustrates the correlation between body-image, self-esteem and quality of life, the relationship among older adult men has been highly neglected. The aim for this study was to explore the relationship of body image and psychological wellbeing through the lived experience of older Maltese men. By exploring the participants’ individual experience it was possible to delve into a deeper understanding of how older adults perceive their own ageing body and how such changes influence one’s physical and psychological quality of life. A qualitative research design was used and a total of 12 participants aged between (64-87) participated in audio-recorded semi-structured interviews. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to interpret the data. Several influential factors were highlighted within this study and were grouped into six superordinate themes: psychological well-being in late adulthood, physical wellness in later life, appearance investment in old age, the influence of personal attributes on psychological well-being, active involvement within society and social influence at older ages. The results suggested that older adult men participate in diverse practices in order to maintain their appearance and image. Moreover, for these older men, it was evident that age and appearance do not influence an individual’s ability to participate in social and personal activities. Although physical constraints were demonstrated to be highly influential on ones quality of life, ageing changes and other related issues were suggested to postulate positive emotional wellness, self-confidence and positive portrayal of self-esteem. In addition, societal influences, such as family roles, media and peer comparison were suggested to play a vital role in maintaining one’s appearance and image. Thus, these findings support the idea that body image is a complex phenomenon, influenced by diverse factors, such as individualistic perceptions and social pressures, which in turn influence an individual’s physical and psychological well-being. Description: M.GER.

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/40387 2020-06-02T09:28:58Z 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Burnout relations with job crafting and job meaningfulness of formal caregivers in Lithuanian long-term care homes Abstract: The ageing global population poses a huge challenge for national health systems. One of the main concerns is the growing need for geriatric healthcare professionals. However, caregiver for older people as a profession is not popular with entrants on the job market, largely due to particular working conditions which demand from professionals great psychological and emotional proficiency as well as specific physical skills. Consequently, Lithuania is experiencing a drain of healthcare professionals because of large rates of emigration, at the same time as the proportion of older residents is growing and this leads to the unmet demand for qualified care professionals for older people in long-term care services. The current study followed the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) theory as a theoretical base to analyse the burnout concept. The JD-R theory looks at the interaction between job demands and resources in order to predict occupational well-being (Bakker et al., 2014). Also, job crafting (measured by Bakker et al., (2014) subscale) and a sense of meaningfulness employees derive from their work, (measured by the Work as Meaning Inventory (Steger et al., 2012)) were included to research as supportive behavioural and individual factors. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine which actors can be linked to work burnout among formal caregivers in older people long-term institution: in particular, whether job crating behaviors and presence of a sense of meaningfulness at work are related to burnout. Questionnaires were collected among 151 Lithuanian nurses and nurse aids working in long-term care institution for older people. Statistical quantitative analyses were performed with standard SPSS hypotheses. The general findings of the study suggested that there is a correlation between burnout and type of contract, employees who work full-time are more likely to experience burnout. Also, it was found that job resources feedback and opportunities for development predicted work engagement, which is opposite to burnout. Description: M.GER.

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/40386 2020-06-02T09:25:05Z 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Pathways of obtaining assistive technology and their impact on older persons Abstract: Malta has a growing ageing population with the older person living longer and leading a healthier life. With increasing age, the risk of developing a disability increases. One way of compensating for the disability is by using an assistive technology. The aim of the study was to investigate the lived experience of older persons who use assistive technology. The objectives were to understand the lived experience of the decision-making process of older persons when seeking assistive technology; to explore the older person’s lived experiences of the pathways used in obtaining the assistive technology; and to explore the lived experience of the obtained assistive technology by the older person. A qualitative methodology was used, with data collected by means of face-toface interviews. Since it was a phenomenological study, interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to interpret and understand the significance given by participants to the experiences under study. There were seventy-eight persons, older than 65, who had applied for the Assistive Apparatus Fund, however only 4 persons were willing to participate and fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Two main themes emerged: the relation of participants with health care professionals, and the decision-making process of choosing and using AT. Results showed that medical help seeking was delayed in participants and that they often first sought help from friends or relatives. Participants experienced paternalistic health care professionals which they felt reduced their ability to participate in decisions. Challenging the classic decision-making model was received with mixed results. Participants preferred to carry out tasks themselves which is why they opted for AT. Professional advice about AT was provided as a result of seeking medical advice. All participants expressed the financial difficulties associated with buying an AT and their relief with the subsidy provided. The consequences of having a lack of opportunity to try out AT was experienced by participants as having difficulty to use the AT and having or receiving unexpected emotions when using the AT. Participants described the benefits of using the AT, but most felt that the AT needed improvement to fully satisfy their need. Description: M.GER.

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/40383 2020-06-02T11:29:27Z 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Towards age-friendly cities and communites : a case study of the Sliema locality Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate age-friendly measures and barriers which determine age-friendliness in Sliema. The purpose of the thesis was to assess the degree of age-friendliness in Sliema through a baseline assessment and evaluation of grid services that are available to older Sliema residents. Since the researcher opted to select cases to represent a selected geographical region, and thus within an ecological boundary, a case study research approach was used to achieve the aims and objectives of the study,. The objectives were achieved through a quantitative approach whereby through the formulation of a questionnaire, so that the researcher studied the perception of residents in Sliema (Malta) as regards the localities’ age-friendliness across the 8 domains among 181 participants. Mean scores for all 8 age-friendly domains were determined. ‘Social participation’ had the highest mean score and ‘Respect and Social Inclusion’ had the least mean score. The overall mean score for all 8 domains was of 2.11 The results provided a source of baseline data to identify key areas of concern. The research examined the relationship between the independent variables being ‘perceived quality of life’, ‘perceived physical health’, ‘perceived mental health’, ‘age’, ‘gender’ and ‘level of education’, to the dependent variable ‘age-friendliness’. There was a positive correlation between 5 out of the 6 variables. Recommendations on how to improve age-friendliness in Sliema have been put forward. The way to move forward is the formulation of an action plan where all the concerned stakeholders combine their resources and move towards a more age-friendly Sliema. Description: M.GER.

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z