| Room B Monday Online Presentation Session 1

Aging and Gerontology Session Chair: Yiqi Wangliu

09:00-09:25

67342 | Mobility-related Indicators of Ageing in Late Adulthood: A Neural Network Analysis

Mohsen Shafizadeh, Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom

Andrew Barnes, Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom

Stuart Bonner, Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom

Shahab Parvinpour, The University of Kharazmy, Iran

Jonathan Fraser, Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom

Mobility and gait performance have been characterised as indicators of functional declines in older adults and are associated with increased frailty and risk of falls. In addition, an active lifestyle has positive effects on healthy ageing. The aim of this study was to examine the roles of mobility-related parameters and physical activity as predictors of the ageing process in late adulthood through a neural network analysis method. Fifty-five active and sedentary older adults (71.96±5.67 yrs) formed the sample and were divided into two age groups (65-74yrs and 75-85yrs). All participants completed a Timed Up and Go test (TUG) as well as a 2min self-paced straight-line walking task. Gait-related variables were 10m walking speed, cadence (step/min), interlimb coordination, swing time asymmetry and variability in stride and doublesupport times. A multilayer perceptron neural network analysis method was used to estimate the importance of mobility-related parameters associated with ageing. The model produced good accuracy (Error=1.52, correct prediction=81.8%) and sensitivity (0.75) to predict age groups. The most important mobility-related parameters were walking cadence (100%), stride time variability (94%), physical activity (67%), TUG (55%) and double-support time variability (50%). In conclusion, these findings suggest that in late adulthood, the mobility-related indicators of ageing are multidimensional and the changes in gait timing, gait variability, functional performance and lifestyle should be emphasised in intervention design for healthy ageing.

09:25-09:50

69114 | Elderly Family Carers Perceptions of Managing Challenging Behaviour of Their Adult Children With Intellectual Disability at Home

Alice N. L. Kwong, Caritas Institute of Higher Education, Hong Kong

Lisa P.L. Low, Caritas Institute of Higher Education, Hong Kong

Angela H.Y. Cheng, Caritas Institute of Higher Education, Hong Kong

Phyllis K.S Wong, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Mimi M.H. Tiu, St. Teresa’s Hospital, Hong Kong

Karen W.S. Wan, Caritas Institute of Higher Education, Hong Kong

Background: Challenging behaviour in the family with intellectual disability (ID) does not appear to be new, yet there is no concrete evidence to suggest what will work and can help the family. It can be sensitive and distressing to talk about, and hesitancy in revealing feelings about their own adult family member with ID, especially for elderly family carers.

Aims: (1) To describe attitudes of aging parents towards the CB presented by their adult family children with ID; and (2) to explore how adults with ID and CB have influenced family relationships and the lives of elderly family carers.

Methods: A qualitative interview study was conducted and used purposive sampling to recruit nine elderly family carers of adults with ID and CB living at home. Thematic analysis was used.

Results: Adults with ID had some influences on the harmony, balance and connections in the family, and occasional clashes were described. Most participants perceived aggressive behaviour as CB, followed by destructive, harassing, and/or self-harming behaviour. Depending on the severity of the CB, participants reported worries, distress and/or annoyance. While there was a good relationship with person with ID, participants were bounded by parenting responsibilities, and revealed mixed views of ‘self-blaming’, feelings of having ‘no choice’, and whether to accept or not accept the CB.

Conclusion: Continuous care to tackle CB of their children has placed heavy toils on elderly parents. Concerns about who will take onus for providing care has highlighted the need for early future care planning and community support.

09:50-10:15

67374 | Stressors and Coping Strategies Associated with Successful Aging among Older Adults Providing Grandchild Care

Yiqi Wangliu, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Hu Yue, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Helene H Fung, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Yuehei Wong, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Yuying Tong, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Successful aging was conceptualized in the ecology system theory. The present study employed qualitative semi-structured interviews to understand the grandchild caregivers’ experiences of subjective successful aging, impacted stressors to hamper them from a successful life and relevant coping strategies embraced in individual, interpersonal relationship and social systems. Components of subjective successful aging included valuing physical health, family success and social participation. Stressors and coping strategies were coded as a function of timing (present vs. future) and the subjective certainty. The most frequently mentioned stressors were physical restraints and the appearance of different values with adult children In addition to the mostly used reactive coping strategies, older adults also often employed preventive strategies to cope with the potential physical restraints, or anticipatory strategies to cope with the stressors in interpersonal relationship system. Moreover, the lack of financial security and medical care from the community system also played a role. As such, older adults proactively saved money to prepare for their older age. Relevant findings are discussed in relation to policies and institutional measures.