Charles Furlotte
St. Thomas University (Canada), School of Social Work, Faculty Member
- McMaster University, School of Social Work, Graduate Studentadd
- Research Methodology, Social Work, Social Policy, Health Policy, HIV/AIDS, Memory (Cognitive Psychology), and 32 moreSocial Determinants of Health, Mindfulness, Philosophy of Time, Aging, Housing, Reflective Practice, Health Services Research, Social Work Education, Drugs and drug culture, Knowledge Transfer, Phenomenology of Temporality, Mental Health Service Access, Hepatitis C, Critical Theory, Critical Discourse Analysis, Postmodernism, Michel Foucault, Pierre Bourdieu, Virginia Woolf, Julia Kristeva, Mediation, Paulo Freire, Institutional Ethnography (Research Methodology), Mindfulness in Effective Teaching and Learning, Socioemotional Development, Iris Marion Young, Patricia Hill Collins, Choice Theory and Reality Therapy, Structural Social Work, Aging with HIV/AIDS, David Harvey, and Psychotherapy and Counselingedit
- Thesis Project: Growing Older with HIV: Perspectives on Aging and Time of Gay Men Living in Ontarioedit
Since the narrative turn in the social sciences from the 1980s onward, there has been an increasing interest in the concept of narrative identity. The concept of narrative identity, however, is open to multiple interpretations. Here, we... more
Since the narrative turn in the social sciences from the 1980s onward, there has been an increasing interest in the concept of narrative identity. The concept of narrative identity, however, is open to multiple interpretations. Here, we take a narrative hermeneutic approach and apply one particular model of narrative identity—to three case studies, exploring how each of these was shaped by the storyworlds of the participants. The case studies have been selected as examples of different forms of identity: received, bricolage, and guided. Following this exploration, we reflect on the potential of this approach in other areas of identity work and the implications for narrative understanding in the promotion of social justice.
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This article may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, re-distribution, re-selling, loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is... more
This article may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, re-distribution, re-selling, loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae and drug doses should be independently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this material. Australian Social Work
Despite the growing population of older adults living with HIV/AIDS, few studies have examined this population in terms of timing of HIV diagnosis. This study explores resilience and protective factors among HIV-positive older adults, 17... more
Despite the growing population of older adults living with HIV/AIDS, few studies have examined this population in terms of timing of HIV diagnosis. This study explores resilience and protective factors among HIV-positive older adults, 17 of whom were diagnosed prior to the development of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and 13 of whom were diagnosed after the development HAART. We explored the concepts of resilience and protective factors in 30 older adults living with HIV in Ontario, Canada. A qualitative approach was used to conduct in-depth interviews and Grounded Theory techniques were used to analyze the interview transcripts. Having lived with HIV for nearly 30 years, the pre-HAART group had developed more personal strategies for enhancing resilience, including self-care behaviors. They were more regimented and dedicated to their daily health, and were more engaged in their medical care as opposed to the post-HAART group who viewed self-care as staying adherent an...
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RÉSUMÉ Cette étude décrit les expériences des personnes âgées vivant avec le VIH à Ottawa en santé mentale. Onze participants âgés de 52-67 complété des entrevues personnelles approfondies. Problèmes de santé mentale sont omniprésentes... more
RÉSUMÉ Cette étude décrit les expériences des personnes âgées vivant avec le VIH à Ottawa en santé mentale. Onze participants âgés de 52-67 complété des entrevues personnelles approfondies. Problèmes de santé mentale sont omniprésentes dans la vie de ces personnes âgées. Nous avons identifié trois thèmes centraux communs aux histoires des participants: l’incertitude, la stigmatisation et la résilience. Pour certains de ces participants, l’incertitude impact sur la santé mentale centrée sur la survie inattendue; interprétation de l’un des symptômes; et l’incertitude médicale. Les expériences de stigmatisation des participants comprenaient la discrimination dans les interactions de soins de santé; désinformation; sentir stigmatisés en raison de certains aspects de leur apparence physique; stigmatisation aggravée; et la stigmatisation prévu. Les participants ont signalé l’utilisation de plusieurs stratégies d’adaptation, qui nous encadrent les approches à titre individuel à la résilien...
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The National Institutes of Health human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Aging Working Group identified spirituality as a research emphasis. This qualitative study examines the importance of religion and spirituality among 30 HIV-positive... more
The National Institutes of Health human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Aging Working Group identified spirituality as a research emphasis. This qualitative study examines the importance of religion and spirituality among 30 HIV-positive older adults. Using modified grounded theory, adults 50+ were recruited in Ontario, Canada, through AIDS service organizations, clinics, and community agencies. Descriptions of religion and spirituality encapsulated the idea of a journey, which had two components: the long-term HIV survivor profile combined with the experience of aging itself. A final category of HIV as a spiritual journey was finalized through consensus and included the properties of (1) being rejected by as well as rejection of formalized religion, (2) differentiating spirituality from religion, (3) having a connection, (4) feeling grateful, and (5) mindfulness and learning new skills. Interventions fostering resilience and strengths in HIV-positive older adults using spiritualit...
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RÉSUMÉLe VIH/SIDA et le vieillissement constitue un thème émergent important et pertinent pour la gérontologie. Les expériences des personnes âgées vivant avec le VIH relatives au logement sont encore très peu connues. Le présent article... more
RÉSUMÉLe VIH/SIDA et le vieillissement constitue un thème émergent important et pertinent pour la gérontologie. Les expériences des personnes âgées vivant avec le VIH relatives au logement sont encore très peu connues. Le présent article explore cette problématique en examinant les données issues d’entrevues portant sur les expériences relatives au logement de 11 adultes âgés (de 52 à 67 ans) vivant avec le VIH/SIDA à Ottawa (Ontario). Les histoires des participants ont révélé des préoccupations relatives aux trois thèmes principaux: l’acceptation dans les maisons de retraite ou dans les centres d’hébergements de soin de longue durée, le manque d’accès aux logements subventionnés et l’itinérance. Les participants rapportaient ressentir un manque de reconnaissance et de la confusion concernant leurs perspectives d’habitation. Ces résultats suggèrent qu’un changement se produit peutêtre dans les besoins de logement de personnes qui vieillissent avec le VIH. Cette population émergente ...
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Background: Availability of highly active anti-retroviral treatment has given hope to people living with HIV (PLWHA) in Australia, and the expectation of living longer with HIV. For these PLWHA there is now an experience of growing older... more
Background: Availability of highly active anti-retroviral treatment has given hope to people living with HIV (PLWHA) in Australia, and the expectation of living longer with HIV. For these PLWHA there is now an experience of growing older and living with a chronic condition. These ...
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RÉSUMÉ Cette étude qualitative décrit les attentes, les préoccupations et les besoins en matière de services de soins de longue durée et de soins à domicile de 12 couples de lesbiennes et de gais plus âgés qui habitent au Canada. Nos... more
RÉSUMÉ Cette étude qualitative décrit les attentes, les préoccupations et les besoins en matière de services de soins de longue durée et de soins à domicile de 12 couples de lesbiennes et de gais plus âgés qui habitent au Canada. Nos résultats reflètent quatre grands thèmes: la discrimination, l’identité, les dépenses d’énergie, et les soins nuancés. Discrimination a été caractérisée par des préoccupations concernant une discrimination déguisée; perte d’amortisseurs sociaux lorsque l’on vieillit; diminution de la capacité de plaider pour soi-même et l’autre conjoint. Les questions d’identité ont inclus le risque prévu sur la divulgation de son identité sexuelle; l’importance centrale d’être identifié comme un partenaire dans une relation couplée; et l’importance d’avoir accès à des groupes de référence constitués d’autres aînés gais. Nous concluons que les partenaires sont accablés par le travail émotionnel de dépenser de l’énergie à cacher une partie de leur identité, l’évaluation ...
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Mots clés : vieillissement , soins à domicile , vieillissement gai et lesbien , soins à longue durée , couples ainés , recherche qualitative RÉSUMÉ Cette étude qualitative décrit les attentes, les préoccupations et les besoins en matière... more
Mots clés : vieillissement , soins à domicile , vieillissement gai et lesbien , soins à longue durée , couples ainés , recherche qualitative RÉSUMÉ Cette étude qualitative décrit les attentes, les préoccupations et les besoins en matière de services de soins de longue durée et de soins à domicile de 12 couples de lesbiennes et de gais plus âgés qui habitent au Canada. Nos résultats refl ètent quatre grands thèmes: la discrimination, l'identité, les dépenses d'énergie, et les soins nuancés. Discrimination a été caractérisée par des préoccupations concernant une discrimination déguisée; perte d'amortisseurs sociaux lorsque l'on vieillit; diminution de la capacité de plaider pour soi-même et l'autre conjoint. Les questions d'identité ont inclus le risque prévu sur la divulgation de son identité sexuelle; l'importance centrale d'être identifi é comme un partenaire dans une relation couplée; et l'importance d'avoir accès à des groupes de référence constitués d'autres aînés gais. Nous concluons que les partenaires sont accablés par le travail émotionnel de dépenser de l'énergie à cacher une partie de leur identité, l'évaluation de leurs environnements de discrimination et d'apaiser autres. Les participants suggèrent que les soins nuancéssont nécessaires, ce qui implique sentir à l'aise avec les fournisseurs de soins de santé; ayant fournisseurs sentir à l'aise avec eux; et une dualité de nécessité entre vouloir être considéré comme le même, tout en même temps également reconnu comme unique. Ces thèmes informent ententes de services de soins et de soins à domicile à long terme pour les couples lesbiens et gais plus âgés. ABSTRACT This qualitative study describes expectations, concerns, and needs regarding long-term care (LTC) homes and home care services of 12 older lesbian and gay couples living in Canada. Our fi ndings refl ect four major themes: discrimination, identity, expenditure of energy, and nuanced care. Discrimination involved concerns about covert discrimination; loss of social buffers as one ages; and diminished ability to advocate for oneself and one's partner. Identity involved anticipated risk over disclosing one's sexual identity; the importance of being identifi ed within a coupled relationship; and the importance of access to reference groups of other gay seniors. We conclude that partners were burdened by the emotional effort expended to hide parts of their identity, assess their environments for discrimination, and to placate others. Nuanced care involved a mutual level of comfort experienced by participants and their health care providers. These themes inform understandings of LTC homes and home care services for lesbian and gay older couples.
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RÉSUMÉ Cette étude décrit les expériences des personnes âgées vivant avec le VIH à Ottawa en santé mentale. Onze participants âgés de 52-67 complété des entrevues personnelles approfondies. Problèmes de santé mentale sont omniprésentes... more
RÉSUMÉ Cette étude décrit les expériences des personnes âgées vivant avec le VIH à Ottawa en santé mentale. Onze participants âgés de 52-67 complété des entrevues personnelles approfondies. Problèmes de santé mentale sont omniprésentes dans la vie de ces personnes âgées. Nous avons identifié trois thèmes centraux communs aux histoires des participants: l'incertitude, la stigmatisation et la résilience. Pour certains de ces participants, l'incertitude impact sur la santé mentale centrée sur la survie inattendue; interprétation de l'un des symptômes; et l'incertitude médicale. Les expériences de stigmatisation des participants comprenaient la discrimination dans les interactions de soins de santé; désinformation; sentir stigmatisés en raison de certains aspects de leur apparence physique; stigmatisation aggravée; et la stigmatisation prévu. Les participants ont signalé l'utilisation de plusieurs stratégies d'adaptation, qui nous encadrent les approches à titre individuel à la résilience. Ces stratégies comprennent la réduction de l'espace VIH prend dans sa vie; faire des changements de style de vie pour accueillir sa maladie; et coopérant avec le soutien social. Ces résultats informent la compréhension des services pour les personnes vieillissantes avec le VIH qui peuvent éprouver des problèmes de santé mentale. ABSTRACT This study describes the mental health experiences of older adults living with HIV in Ottawa. Eleven participants aged 52 to 67 completed in-depth personal interviews. Mental health concerns pervaded the lives of these older adults. We identified three central themes common to the participants' stories: uncertainty, stigma, and resilience. For some of these participants, uncertainty impacting mental health centred on unexpected survival; interpretation of one's symptoms; and medical uncertainty. Participants' experiences of stigma included discrimination in health care interactions; misinformation; feeling stigmatized due to aspects of their physical appearance; compounded stigma; and anticipated stigma. Participants reported using several coping strategies, which we frame as individual approaches to resilience. These strategies include reducing the space that HIV takes up in one's life; making lifestyle changes to accommodate one's illness; and engaging with social support. These findings inform understandings of services for people aging with HIV who may experience mental health concerns. La correspondance et les demandes de tire-à-part doivent être adressées à: / Correspondence and requests for offprints should be sent to: Mots clés : le vieillissement, la santé mentale, la résilience, la recherche sur le VIH/qualitative
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Scan conducted at the request of the National Coordinating Committee on HIV and Aging – March 2015 This report outlines the results of a national survey of programs and services which address the needs of older people living with HIV... more
Scan conducted at the request of the National Coordinating Committee on HIV and Aging – March 2015
This report outlines the results of a national survey of programs
and services which address the needs of older people living with HIV (PLWHIV) in Canada.
Finding out what programs and services are currently offered by community-based HIV organizations (CBHO), historically called AIDS service organizations (ASOs), HIV clinics and
community health centres represents a meaningful first step toward empowering front–line and community–based health and social service organizations to better meet the needs of
older PLWHIV.
This report outlines the results of a national survey of programs
and services which address the needs of older people living with HIV (PLWHIV) in Canada.
Finding out what programs and services are currently offered by community-based HIV organizations (CBHO), historically called AIDS service organizations (ASOs), HIV clinics and
community health centres represents a meaningful first step toward empowering front–line and community–based health and social service organizations to better meet the needs of
older PLWHIV.
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This paper offers some preliminary thoughts linking temporality to experiences of HIV in the West, and how these might differ from experiences elsewhere. How do older people living with HIV describe their time perspectives, what social... more
This paper offers some preliminary thoughts linking temporality to experiences of HIV in the West, and how these might differ from experiences elsewhere. How do older people living with HIV describe their time perspectives, what social factors influence the construction of time, and how might this be affected by the global character of HIV and AIDS (the acquired immune deficiency syndrome)? Older people living with HIV interviewed eastern Ontario describe their time perspectives as socially constructed by themselves, as well as those around them: their health care providers, people with whom they share close personal relationships and peers. These perspectives are also influenced by one’s location in the larger global system.
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RÉSUME Le VIH/SIDA et le vieillissement constitue un thème émergent important et pertinent pour la gérontologie. Les expériences des personnes âgées vivant avec le VIH relatives au logement sont encore très peu connues. Le présent... more
RÉSUME
Le VIH/SIDA et le vieillissement constitue un thème émergent important et pertinent pour la gérontologie. Les expériences des personnes âgées vivant avec le VIH relatives au logement sont encore très peu connues. Le présent article explore cette problématique en examinant les données issues d’entrevues portant sur les expériences relatives au logement de 11 adultes âgés (de 52 à 67 ans) vivant avec le VIH/SIDA à Ottawa (Ontario). Les histoires des participants ont révélé des préoccupations relatives aux trois thèmes principaux: l’acceptation dans les maisons de retraite ou dans les centres d’hébergements de soin de longue durée, le manque d’accès aux logements subventionnés et l’itinérance. Les participants rapportaient ressentir un manque de reconnaissance et de la confusion concernant leurs perspectives d’habitation. Ces résultats suggèrent qu’un changement se produit peutêtre dans les besoins de logement de personnes qui vieillissent avec le VIH. Cette population émergente apporte des défis aux idées dominantes sur le vieillissement. Nous concluons qu’une attention accrue est nécessaire au niveau de la recherche, des politiques et de la pratique pour aborder le problème du logement chez ce groupe d’âge de personnes vivant avec le VIH.
ABSTRACT
HIV/AIDS and aging is an important emerging topic with relevance to gerontology. Currently, little is known about the housing experiences of older adults within the context of HIV/AIDS. This article explores the issue and examines interview data concerning the housing experiences of 11 older adults (52 to 67 years old) living with HIV/AIDS in Ottawa, Ontario. Participants’ stories revealed concerns relating to three major themes: acceptance into retirement homes and long-term care communities, barriers to accessing subsidized housing services, and homelessness. Participants reported feeling that they lacked recognition and experienced confusion about their future housing prospects. These data suggest that a shift may be occurring in the housing needs of people aging with HIV/AIDS. This emerging population presents challenges to mainstream ideas of aging. We conclude that increased attention is needed in research, policy, and practice to address housing issues among this age group of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Le VIH/SIDA et le vieillissement constitue un thème émergent important et pertinent pour la gérontologie. Les expériences des personnes âgées vivant avec le VIH relatives au logement sont encore très peu connues. Le présent article explore cette problématique en examinant les données issues d’entrevues portant sur les expériences relatives au logement de 11 adultes âgés (de 52 à 67 ans) vivant avec le VIH/SIDA à Ottawa (Ontario). Les histoires des participants ont révélé des préoccupations relatives aux trois thèmes principaux: l’acceptation dans les maisons de retraite ou dans les centres d’hébergements de soin de longue durée, le manque d’accès aux logements subventionnés et l’itinérance. Les participants rapportaient ressentir un manque de reconnaissance et de la confusion concernant leurs perspectives d’habitation. Ces résultats suggèrent qu’un changement se produit peutêtre dans les besoins de logement de personnes qui vieillissent avec le VIH. Cette population émergente apporte des défis aux idées dominantes sur le vieillissement. Nous concluons qu’une attention accrue est nécessaire au niveau de la recherche, des politiques et de la pratique pour aborder le problème du logement chez ce groupe d’âge de personnes vivant avec le VIH.
ABSTRACT
HIV/AIDS and aging is an important emerging topic with relevance to gerontology. Currently, little is known about the housing experiences of older adults within the context of HIV/AIDS. This article explores the issue and examines interview data concerning the housing experiences of 11 older adults (52 to 67 years old) living with HIV/AIDS in Ottawa, Ontario. Participants’ stories revealed concerns relating to three major themes: acceptance into retirement homes and long-term care communities, barriers to accessing subsidized housing services, and homelessness. Participants reported feeling that they lacked recognition and experienced confusion about their future housing prospects. These data suggest that a shift may be occurring in the housing needs of people aging with HIV/AIDS. This emerging population presents challenges to mainstream ideas of aging. We conclude that increased attention is needed in research, policy, and practice to address housing issues among this age group of people living with HIV/AIDS.
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This study investigates health and social service experiences of eleven older people living with HIV/AIDS (oPHAs) in the National Capital Region. Participants, recruited through an AIDS Service Organization, completed demographic and... more
This study investigates health and social service experiences of eleven older people living with HIV/AIDS (oPHAs) in the National Capital Region. Participants, recruited through an AIDS Service Organization, completed demographic and service use questionnaires, scales measuring barriers to care and depressive symptoms, and were interviewed regarding their service experiences. Participants reported using both HIV-specific and mainstream services, and reported lacking long term care, housing and mental health services. Stories revealed some participants feel lack of recognition, uniqueness, and confusion in their services. oPHAs also reported several discriminatory service experiences, and spoke of professional, institutional, and PHA power. Finally, experiences were framed as barriers or facilitators to service use. Overall, participants' stories included phenomena articulated in previous literature. Social workers in this niche field may wish to do interdisciplinary work with other professionals, as well as act transdisciplinarily with PHA community members.
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En tant que praticiens, souvent nous avons négligé de se renseigner sur la question de qui constitue la population des aînés aujourd’hui. Les perceptions de ce que l’on se définit comme personnes âgées affectent notre point de vue... more
En tant que praticiens, souvent nous avons négligé de se renseigner sur la question de qui constitue la population des aînés aujourd’hui. Les perceptions de ce que l’on se définit comme personnes âgées affectent notre point de vue professionnel et renforcent les stéréotypes du vieillissement, ce qui mène à la discrimination, l’exclusion et la marginalisation de certains groupes qui font partie de la communauté des personnes âgées. Un de ces sous-groupes est celui des personnes âgées, victimes du VIH/Sida de l’Ontario.
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This article describes a two-phased research project that piloted a modified mindfulnessbased stress reduction (MBSR) intervention developed specifically for a severely economically disadvantaged population. The terms severely... more
This article describes a two-phased research project that piloted a modified mindfulnessbased stress reduction (MBSR) intervention developed specifically for a severely economically disadvantaged population. The terms severely economically disadvantaged (SED) and ‘‘severely marginalised’’ were used to describe the participants who experience socioeconomic disadvantage and social isolation as well as significant medical, psychological, physical, and learning challenges. Phase one of the project consisted of community focus groups to determine what types of mindfulness-based interventions would most benefit this population. Based on this feedback, the first author developed a modified MBSR intervention he called radical mindfulness training (or RMT). Phase two was a pilot study of RMT with 11 SED participants who accessed services at a local community health centre; eight participants completed the program, and seven of the participants completed Self Compassion and Satisfaction with Life scales and qualitative
interviews. Results revealed an overall mean increase in self compassion and satisfaction with life after completing the program. Qualitative findings provided further evidence of
the nature of the participants’ perceived effectiveness of this program. The authors conclude that the findings from his limited exploratory study substantiate the need forfurther study of the RMT program.
interviews. Results revealed an overall mean increase in self compassion and satisfaction with life after completing the program. Qualitative findings provided further evidence of
the nature of the participants’ perceived effectiveness of this program. The authors conclude that the findings from his limited exploratory study substantiate the need forfurther study of the RMT program.
Abstract: The authors offer a preliminary exploration of the theory underlying the ways in which mindfulness might be incorporated into social justice approaches to social work (such as structural, critical, and anti-oppressive social... more
Abstract: The authors offer a preliminary exploration of the theory underlying the ways in which mindfulness might be incorporated into social justice approaches to social work (such as structural, critical, and anti-oppressive social work) as a method to link the personal and political in direct practice. Mindfulness may provide a window for observing and investigating events in our everyday lives that can inform, while also being structured by, larger social relations and structures. Mindfulness and social justice approaches to social work theory, in particular critical social science theory, converge around the ideas of social relations, dialectics, consciousness, and self-reflection or reflexivity. There are tensions, however, and further development is needed of a social work practice that incorporates knowledge from both mindfulness and social justice approaches.
Abrégé: Les auteurs font une première exploration de la théorie sous-tendant les moyens possibles d'intégrer la pleine conscience du moment présent aux approches de justice sociale en travail social (comme le travail social structurel, critique et anti-oppressif) comme méthode de conjugaison du personnel et du politique dans l'exercice direct de la profession. La pleine conscience du moment présent peut servir de fenêtre d'observation et d'investigation d'événements du quotidien susceptibles de nous éclairer tout en étant construite par de plus vastes relations et structures sociales. La pleine conscience du moment présent et les approches de justice sociale à la théorie du service social, en particulier la théorie critique des sciences sociales, gravitent autour des notions de relations sociales, de dialectique, de prise de conscience et d'autoréflexion ou réflexivité. Il y a toutefois des tensions et il faut continuer à travailler au développement d'un service social intégrant la connaissance issue tant de la pleine conscience du moment présent que des approches de justice sociale.
Abrégé: Les auteurs font une première exploration de la théorie sous-tendant les moyens possibles d'intégrer la pleine conscience du moment présent aux approches de justice sociale en travail social (comme le travail social structurel, critique et anti-oppressif) comme méthode de conjugaison du personnel et du politique dans l'exercice direct de la profession. La pleine conscience du moment présent peut servir de fenêtre d'observation et d'investigation d'événements du quotidien susceptibles de nous éclairer tout en étant construite par de plus vastes relations et structures sociales. La pleine conscience du moment présent et les approches de justice sociale à la théorie du service social, en particulier la théorie critique des sciences sociales, gravitent autour des notions de relations sociales, de dialectique, de prise de conscience et d'autoréflexion ou réflexivité. Il y a toutefois des tensions et il faut continuer à travailler au développement d'un service social intégrant la connaissance issue tant de la pleine conscience du moment présent que des approches de justice sociale.
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The present study examined the effects of age-related differences in collaborative story recall. Forty younger and forty older adult female participants, working in same-sex dyads, were presented with a story that consisted of positive,... more
The present study examined the effects of age-related differences in collaborative story recall. Forty younger and forty older adult female participants, working in same-sex dyads, were presented with a story that consisted of positive, negative and neutral propositions and were later asked to recall it. It was hypothesized that younger adults would outperform older adults on overall recall, older adults would recall more emotional propositions than younger adults, and older adults’ recall would consist of a higher proportion of positively valenced material than younger adults. Results indicated younger adults recalled slightly more propositions overall, and older adults’ recall was made up of a slightly larger proportion of emotional propositions than was younger adult dyads. In addition, older adults recalled slightly more negatively valenced propositions than did younger dyads. Thus, findings are only partially consistent with Socioemotional Selectivity Theory: Although an emotional bias was present for older adults, results did not support the age-related positivity effect.
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Background: As Canadians age and require enhanced care, those aging with HIV are seeking support and information about programs and services for older people living with HIV (PLHIV). This community-guided environmental scan provides a... more
Background: As Canadians age and require enhanced care, those aging with HIV are seeking support and information about programs and services for older people living with HIV (PLHIV). This community-guided environmental scan provides a national snapshot of what key health and community organizations are doing to address the issue of HIV and aging.
Methods: A national team of service providers, community advocates and researchers guided the development of a bilingual online survey. In 2013 contacts at AIDS Service Organizations, HIV clinics and community health centres were recruited electronically to answer questions about the impact and prioritization of HIV and aging within their organizations and communities and available referrals. Participants described strengths and challenges of relevant programming. Descriptive data were summarized and open-ended responses were thematically coded through team consensus.
Results: 92 surveys were analyzed. Over two-thirds of settings with mandates to serve PLHIV prioritize aging. Programming has changed over time to emphasize aging with HIV and complex comorbidities, referrals to health, psychosocial and practical supports, and community collaborations including the aging sector. Organizations from the HIV sector are at different stages of information gathering, program planning and implementation. While the majority of organizations do not currently offer specialized programming on aging with HIV, 25 unique program examples were identified. These include integrated health and practical care, initiatives that address needs of long term survivors, cognitive issues, housing and long-term care, and educational forums and training for clients and staff. Peer involvement was common. Environments that did not offer specialized programming cited reasons including the recent nature of the issue, coverage by existing programming and/or better-suited organizations and scarce resources.
Implications: Increased need, available funding and champion-initiated advocacy largely drive development and adaptation of programs and services for older PLHIV in Canada. Promising program examples enhance our understanding of services.
Methods: A national team of service providers, community advocates and researchers guided the development of a bilingual online survey. In 2013 contacts at AIDS Service Organizations, HIV clinics and community health centres were recruited electronically to answer questions about the impact and prioritization of HIV and aging within their organizations and communities and available referrals. Participants described strengths and challenges of relevant programming. Descriptive data were summarized and open-ended responses were thematically coded through team consensus.
Results: 92 surveys were analyzed. Over two-thirds of settings with mandates to serve PLHIV prioritize aging. Programming has changed over time to emphasize aging with HIV and complex comorbidities, referrals to health, psychosocial and practical supports, and community collaborations including the aging sector. Organizations from the HIV sector are at different stages of information gathering, program planning and implementation. While the majority of organizations do not currently offer specialized programming on aging with HIV, 25 unique program examples were identified. These include integrated health and practical care, initiatives that address needs of long term survivors, cognitive issues, housing and long-term care, and educational forums and training for clients and staff. Peer involvement was common. Environments that did not offer specialized programming cited reasons including the recent nature of the issue, coverage by existing programming and/or better-suited organizations and scarce resources.
Implications: Increased need, available funding and champion-initiated advocacy largely drive development and adaptation of programs and services for older PLHIV in Canada. Promising program examples enhance our understanding of services.
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People living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) are living longer thanks to effective antiretroviral therapies, and people over age 50 comprise a growing proportion of PHAs in Canada. This population represents a significant shift in the age... more
People living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) are living longer thanks to effective antiretroviral therapies, and people over age 50 comprise a growing proportion of PHAs in Canada. This population represents a significant shift in the age demographics of HIV/AIDS. This paper aims to assist understanding of how critical gerontology can be useful to address this issue. The majority of substantive and conceptual work in this field view aging with HIV through biomedical discourses, although there has been a recent increase in work in HIV and social gerontology. Drawing on critical gerontology literature, this paper identifies links between current concerns in contemporary gerontology to chronic illness, disability, and to HIV/AIDS. The intersection of HIV and aging represents complex relationships influenced by episodic disability and co-morbidities, individual behaviours, as well as social and structural factors, like the social determinants of health. HIV and aging challenges service providers and researchers to conceptualize and respond to the AIDS epidemic in new ways. Critical approaches to aging with complex chronic illness will generate knowledge to assist in developing improved services older PHAs may require. Particular attention needs to be paid to lived experiences, sexualities, gender, race, and colonialism. Implications for integrating critical gerontology into community-based HIV research, including dissemination to policymakers and caregivers, are discussed.
Research Interests:
A significant proportion of people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) in Canada are 50 years of age and older, and this number is growing. Accelerated aging with HIV is a poorly understood phenomenon. Nationally there are considerable gaps in... more
A significant proportion of people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) in Canada are 50 years of age and older, and this number is growing. Accelerated aging with HIV is a poorly understood phenomenon. Nationally there are considerable gaps in research, prevention, and care planning to address anticipated need. The intersection of HIV, chronic illness and aging represent complex, synergistic relationships influenced by: aging processes, HIV-infection, co-infections, chronic conditions and co-morbidities, individual behaviours, and social determinants of health. This project explores current policy, practices and community-level approaches to describe how HIV fits within the current national challenge of responding to needs of a rapidly aging population. We describe current policy directions and draw upon recent research, grey literature, and data from collaborative forums and workshops in which the authors participated. Recent policy and program developments reflect the Canadian health care sector’s focus on chronic conditions, emphasize interdisciplinary responses and strengths, and make visible tensions around viewing HIV as a complex chronic illness. PHAs substantively experience isolation, stress, depression, and other mental health challenges which may negatively impact adherence to treatment, decrease ability to manage one’s own health, and discourage HIV-testing and disclosure. At a practical level, PHAs experience limited access to appropriate housing and community care. This work provides a basis from which to pursue further opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration involving international partners to improve our knowledge of factors impacting the lives of older PHAs with the goal of scaling up health and social policy for this growing population.
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Plain Language Summary: What impact does a perceived sense of time left in life have on the psychosocial well-being of older adults living with HIV/AIDS? This project explores issues and importance of time in the context of aging through... more
Plain Language Summary: What impact does a perceived sense of time left in life have on the psychosocial well-being of older adults living with HIV/AIDS? This project explores issues and importance of time in the context of aging through interviews with eleven people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) in Ottawa, Ontario. Participants discussed their views on their remaining time left in life, and how HIV-related stigma can shape personal relationships that are important to well-being.
Background: Shared historical experiences of impending death in the early days of the North American AIDS epidemic have been largely overlooked thanks to the success of antiretroviral therapies. PHAs today may have experienced altered or ambiguous future time perspectives (FTPs) across their adult lifespan. Socioemotional selectivity theory (Carstensen, 2009) is a mainstream aging perspective which posits that as FTPs are altered due to salient endings our motivations and emotional preferences change, influencing preferences in personal relationships. It remains unclear how altered FTPs impact outlooks and social relationships of older PHAs, whether stigma blocks socioemotional goals, and what implications this may have for psychosocial well-being.
Methods: This is an exploratory analysis of data from a social work study of health and social service experiences of older PHAs in Ottawa, ON. Eleven participants (age range 52-67 years) were recruited through a case manager at a local AIDS service organization, in 2007. Participants completed semi-structured in depth personal interviews. The researcher conducted a thematic analysis of themes related to aging, time perspectives and social relationships.
Results: Participants reported limited, expanded, and ambiguous life expectancies. Participants discussed the centrality of close personal relationships to their psychosocial well-being. Some participants reported blocked personal relationship goals, and some participants attributed this this to HIV-related stigma. Community was reported to be a good source of support; however participation in community activities was reported to be influenced by social preferences also grounded in stigma.
Conclusion: Participants offered compelling evidence to further support the idea of socioemotional selectivity. Socioemotional goals could change based on whether FTPs are expanded or limited, depending on a how a person's HIV-disease progresses with age. Lifespan perspectives have potential for informing local models used to address grief and loss in the context of aging with HIV. Conceptual implications include the utility of using critical social science theory to interpret positivist research findings. Practice implications include the need to scale up psychosocial services for older PHAs. More research on the perceptions and impact of time may provide insight into better understanding aging and HIV.
Background: Shared historical experiences of impending death in the early days of the North American AIDS epidemic have been largely overlooked thanks to the success of antiretroviral therapies. PHAs today may have experienced altered or ambiguous future time perspectives (FTPs) across their adult lifespan. Socioemotional selectivity theory (Carstensen, 2009) is a mainstream aging perspective which posits that as FTPs are altered due to salient endings our motivations and emotional preferences change, influencing preferences in personal relationships. It remains unclear how altered FTPs impact outlooks and social relationships of older PHAs, whether stigma blocks socioemotional goals, and what implications this may have for psychosocial well-being.
Methods: This is an exploratory analysis of data from a social work study of health and social service experiences of older PHAs in Ottawa, ON. Eleven participants (age range 52-67 years) were recruited through a case manager at a local AIDS service organization, in 2007. Participants completed semi-structured in depth personal interviews. The researcher conducted a thematic analysis of themes related to aging, time perspectives and social relationships.
Results: Participants reported limited, expanded, and ambiguous life expectancies. Participants discussed the centrality of close personal relationships to their psychosocial well-being. Some participants reported blocked personal relationship goals, and some participants attributed this this to HIV-related stigma. Community was reported to be a good source of support; however participation in community activities was reported to be influenced by social preferences also grounded in stigma.
Conclusion: Participants offered compelling evidence to further support the idea of socioemotional selectivity. Socioemotional goals could change based on whether FTPs are expanded or limited, depending on a how a person's HIV-disease progresses with age. Lifespan perspectives have potential for informing local models used to address grief and loss in the context of aging with HIV. Conceptual implications include the utility of using critical social science theory to interpret positivist research findings. Practice implications include the need to scale up psychosocial services for older PHAs. More research on the perceptions and impact of time may provide insight into better understanding aging and HIV.
Research Interests:
There is currently a considerable paucity of research on aging and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). People over age 50 now comprise a significant proportion of people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) in Canada. This proportion is... more
There is currently a considerable paucity of research on aging and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). People over age 50 now comprise a significant proportion of people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) in Canada. This proportion is expected to grow because people with HIV are living longer thanks to effective antiretroviral therapies. This has led many PHAs to wonder about aging, and prompts service providers to ask “how far behind the curve are we?” in addressing needs of older PHAs. Recent work of the World Health Organization, a U.S. Special Senate Committee hearing, and Canada’s new HIV and Aging National Committee converge to provide compelling evidence that aging with HIV is a priority issue.
The primary objective of this paper is to provide background and current information on HIV and aging in Canada. In the last five years considerable progress has been made in identifying aging as a priority in HIV research. This movement also recently permeated the boundaries of aging research. Recent scholarship and policy developments in these fields will be highlighted, with an emphasis on community-driven and interdisciplinary responses to expressed need.
To highlight voices of older PHAs themselves, selected findings will be presented from a recent qualitative research project addressing health and social services experiences of community-dwelling people located in Ottawa, Ontario. Eleven older PHAs, recruited through a local AIDS Service Organization, were interviewed as a part of a larger graduate thesis project. Transcribed interview data were analysed thematically. Findings included expressed concerns about access to long term care, subsidized housing, and mental health services. Participants also spoke of feeling lack of recognition, uniqueness, and confusion regarding aging with HIV, and these were characterized as barriers to accessing appropriate services. Findings were disseminated back to community through interactive workshops, presentations at academic conferences and publications. This exploratory project provided a basis from which to pursue further opportunities for research with older PHAs in Ontario.
This paper emphasizes what works and what is lacking in terms of programming and policy for this growing but marginalized segment of older adults. Tensions around viewing HIV as a complex chronic illness, reconciling HIV with healthy aging and integrating this topic into mainstream gerontology are discussed. Pragmatic interdisciplinary approaches to improve our knowledge of factors impacting the lives of older PHAs are necessary to scale up health and social services for this niche population.
The primary objective of this paper is to provide background and current information on HIV and aging in Canada. In the last five years considerable progress has been made in identifying aging as a priority in HIV research. This movement also recently permeated the boundaries of aging research. Recent scholarship and policy developments in these fields will be highlighted, with an emphasis on community-driven and interdisciplinary responses to expressed need.
To highlight voices of older PHAs themselves, selected findings will be presented from a recent qualitative research project addressing health and social services experiences of community-dwelling people located in Ottawa, Ontario. Eleven older PHAs, recruited through a local AIDS Service Organization, were interviewed as a part of a larger graduate thesis project. Transcribed interview data were analysed thematically. Findings included expressed concerns about access to long term care, subsidized housing, and mental health services. Participants also spoke of feeling lack of recognition, uniqueness, and confusion regarding aging with HIV, and these were characterized as barriers to accessing appropriate services. Findings were disseminated back to community through interactive workshops, presentations at academic conferences and publications. This exploratory project provided a basis from which to pursue further opportunities for research with older PHAs in Ontario.
This paper emphasizes what works and what is lacking in terms of programming and policy for this growing but marginalized segment of older adults. Tensions around viewing HIV as a complex chronic illness, reconciling HIV with healthy aging and integrating this topic into mainstream gerontology are discussed. Pragmatic interdisciplinary approaches to improve our knowledge of factors impacting the lives of older PHAs are necessary to scale up health and social services for this niche population.
In Canada, there are approximately 13,000 people living with HIV and hepatitis C (HCV), many are also co-infected with hepatitis B (HBV). Despite improvements in the response to HIV and co-infection, a paucity of information about... more
In Canada, there are approximately 13,000 people living with HIV and hepatitis C (HCV), many are also co-infected with hepatitis B (HBV). Despite improvements in the response to HIV and co-infection, a paucity of information about co-infection remains. By 2015, one-half of people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) will be aged 50 and over. We know that long-term survivors experience accelerated aging and require specialists familiar with physical conditions normally associated with people in their 70's and 80's. Co-infection with HIV and HCV/HBV includes complex co-morbidities and episodic disability which will become more common and apparent in the aging population. This community-based research paper ties current findings on HIV and aging into the broader landscape of co-infection. Current research in this topic area includes: long term impact of antiretroviral medication adherence, co-morbidities, liver, kidney, and cardiovascular issues, neurocognitive impairment, frailty, addictions and mental health issues. Long-term survivors with accelerated aging also face issues around multiple loss and spirituality that occur later in life for most. While gerontologists understand these issues, they may not be accustomed to working with people in their 50's when their average patient age is much older. We identify future directions for sociobehavioural research, and critical gaps in services, research and policy. We describe our attempts to include aging in the national discourse on co-infection, with particular emphasis paid to the social determinants of health, sensitivity to gender and diversity and the development of a research agenda for HIV co-infection and aging in the field of gerontology.
This reflexive case study explores the extent to which classroom learning about structural social work is applied in healthcare practice. Tensions and barriers are experienced in how to effectively link structural social work to... more
This reflexive case study explores the extent to which classroom learning about structural social work is applied in healthcare practice. Tensions and barriers are experienced in how to effectively link structural social work to healthcare. Ten MSW students participated in an informal class exercise. Responses were analyzed for themes and presented back to the class. Students reported various views on the application of structural social work, and indicated several barriers related to neoliberal structures and time-compression. Students suggested possibilities for resistance in provision of healthcare services. Implications for social work in the changing health care sector are discussed.
Aging and HIV/AIDS is an emerging issue in Canada. Older adults have been living with HIV for years and new infections among this group are on the rise, but mental health issues of this group remains largely ignored. This study provides... more
Aging and HIV/AIDS is an emerging issue in Canada. Older adults have been living with HIV for years and new infections among this group are on the rise, but mental health issues of this group remains largely ignored. This study provides an exploratory qualitative description of the mental health experiences of eleven older people living with HIV/AIDS in Ottawa, Ontario. Participants, aged 50 and over and recruited through a local AIDS Service Organization were interviewed as part of a larger study on health and social services. Participants completed a services use questionnaire, a depression scale, and a semi-structured interview. Participants reported experiences with mental health diagnoses, and described their own recovery, psychological resilience, social support and personal growth. Participants reported sorely lacking adequate community mental health services and cited clinician inexperience with and lack of knowledge of HIV/AIDS as barriers to adequate care. The authors argue that participants framed their mental health problems as responses to oppression related to the compounded stigma of aging with HIV. Increased attention needs to be paid to the mental health of older adults living with HIV/AIDS. Mental health services must be scaled up for this emerging population, requiring local and national changes in policy and practice.
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This study investigates health and social service experiences of eleven older people living with HIV/AIDS (oPHAs) in the National Capital Region. Participants, recruited through an AIDS Service Organization, completed demographic and... more
This study investigates health and social service experiences of eleven older people living with HIV/AIDS (oPHAs) in the National Capital Region. Participants, recruited through an AIDS Service Organization, completed demographic and service use questionnaires, scales measuring barriers to care and depressive symptoms, and were interviewed regarding their service experiences. Participants reported using both HIV-specific and mainstream services, and reported lacking long term care, housing and mental health services. Stories revealed some participants feel lack of recognition, uniqueness, and confusion in their services. oPHAs also reported several discriminatory service experiences, and spoke of professional, institutional, and PHA power. Finally, experiences were framed as barriers or facilitators to service use. Overall, participants’ stories included phenomena articulated in previous literature. Social workers in this niche field may wish to do interdisciplinary work with other professionals, as well as act transdisciplinarily with PHA community members.
Seeking to describe the programs and services currently in place for clients facing age-related issues, an online national survey identified promising practices and barriers to addressing aging with HIV.
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Hick & Furlotte’s (2010) exploratory study of radical mindfulness training (RMT) has cultivated inspired thinking in the area of how to blend mindfulness with social justice approaches to social work. For this invited talk, I facilitate... more
Hick & Furlotte’s (2010) exploratory study of radical mindfulness training (RMT) has cultivated inspired thinking in the area of how to blend mindfulness with social justice approaches to social work. For this invited talk, I facilitate experiential learning in mindfulness, and discuss the role of the indigenous knowledge, and concepts like the body and emotions in the construction of mindfulness. I attempt to situate mindfulness within contemporary feminist scholarship, and link mindfulness to social change and community work. Tensions of research and practice are examined, and future directions are explored.
Research Interests:
Life expectancies of people living with HIV in Ontario have improved, and many older PHAs are now wondering about aging and HIV. This presentation describes recent developments in knowledge about aging and HIV, and highlights original... more
Life expectancies of people living with HIV in Ontario have improved, and many older PHAs are now wondering about aging and HIV. This presentation describes recent developments in knowledge about aging and HIV, and highlights original research which features rich voices of older women and men living with HIV in Ottawa. The presenter will provide an update on the current movement in Ontario to better respond to HIV and aging through improved HIV prevention and care, and will identify local community resources presently available, and open the floor to discussion.
Life expectancies of people living with HIV-infection in Ontario continue to improve, and thus social workers will increasingly encounter older clients living with HIV/AIDS. This presentation provides a brief overview of HIV and recent... more
Life expectancies of people living with HIV-infection in Ontario continue to improve, and thus social workers will increasingly encounter older clients living with HIV/AIDS. This presentation provides a brief overview of HIV and recent developments in knowledge about the intersection of HIV and aging, and introduces concrete clinical case examples for social workers. The presenter grounds this learning session in original research, which features rich voices of women and men living with HIV in Ottawa. An update on the current movement in Ontario to better understand and serve this largely ignored group of seniors will be provided. The presenter will outline the need for improved initiatives in HIV prevention and care among older adults, identify local community services presently available, and describe some implications for social work.
Come hear anonymous stories about the service experiences of long term survivors in the Ottawa region. Charles will be updating us on the outcomes of his latest research. Place: The Living Room, AIDS Committee of Ottawa Date:... more
Come hear anonymous stories about the service experiences of long term survivors in the Ottawa region. Charles will be updating us on the outcomes of his latest research.
Place: The Living Room, AIDS Committee of Ottawa
Date: Wednesday, March 25th, 2009
Time: 4:30-6:00pm
Refreshments will be provided. Everyone welcome.
Place: The Living Room, AIDS Committee of Ottawa
Date: Wednesday, March 25th, 2009
Time: 4:30-6:00pm
Refreshments will be provided. Everyone welcome.
Place: The Living Room, AIDS Committee of Ottawa (251 Bank St., Suite 700) Date: Wednesday, March 21st, 2007 Time: 4:30-6:00pm Topics include: Older Adults & HIV/AIDS by the numbers, prevention, specific health/social concerns for... more
Place: The Living Room, AIDS Committee of Ottawa (251 Bank St., Suite 700)
Date: Wednesday, March 21st, 2007
Time: 4:30-6:00pm
Topics include: Older Adults & HIV/AIDS by the numbers, prevention, specific health/social concerns for this quickly growing group of PHAs. Refreshments will be provided.
For more information, please contact Charles Furlotte at (613) 563-0851
Date: Wednesday, March 21st, 2007
Time: 4:30-6:00pm
Topics include: Older Adults & HIV/AIDS by the numbers, prevention, specific health/social concerns for this quickly growing group of PHAs. Refreshments will be provided.
For more information, please contact Charles Furlotte at (613) 563-0851