The Silver Song Club Project: singing to promote the health of older people.

 Source: British Journal of Community Nursing

Year of publication: 2010

Follow this link  for the abstract

Follow this link for the full text

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell:  This article describes a  research project  aimed to gain participants’ views of taking part in Silver Song Clubs – community-based singing groups for older people. Seventeen individuals were interviewed and a number of benefits were identified. These included: enjoyment; better mental health and wellbeing; increased social interaction; improvements in physical health; cognitive stimulation and learning; and improved memory and recall. It is suggested that such benefits sit well within a model of health relevant to older people themselves.

Length of publication:  5 pages

Some important notes:  Original article may be available with an NHS Athens username; contact your local NHS library service for details.  Follow this link to find your local NHS Library http://www.hlisd.org

Acknowledgement: CINAHL

Mental wellbeing of older people: Making an economic case

Source: Australian e-Journal for the Advancement of Mental Health, vol 8 (2),  pp.1 – 5

For abstract link here

Year of publication: April 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This article makes an economic case for diverting resources now to the health and wellbeing of older people so that illness may be prevented, in order to save money later. Five parts are described:
a. Cost-effectiveness
b. Costs
c. Outcomes
d. Equity
e. Design

Length of publication: 5 pages

Some important notes:  Original article may be available with an NHS Athens username; contact your local NHS library service for details.  Follow this link to find your local NHS Library http://www.hlisd.org

Acknowledgement: PsycINFO

NHS Direct Launches online Mental Health Advice

Source: NHS Direct

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Website

In a nutshell: NHS Direct have launched an online mental health symptom checker to find out how people can deal with common mental health conditions.

Length of publication: Web page

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Acknowledgement: NHS Direct

Explaining about mental health and well-being

Source: Working with Older People, March 2009, 13 (1) pages 11-4

For fulltext link here

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: The Mental Health and Well-being in Later Life Programme established by NHS Health
Scotland to promote and fund projects with elderly people. Case studies described include
a Glasgow project to obtain views of marginalised older people and another to determine
views of residents and staff in care homes in Lothian.

Length of publication: 5 pages

Some important notes: This article is available with an NHS Athens username and password.  Please contact your local NHS Library for help with this.  Follow this link to find your local NHS Library. 

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Acknowledgement: British Nursing Index

Promoting health in early-stage dementia: evaluation of a 12-week course

Source: Journal of Gerontological Nursing; 35(3) pages 39-49

For fulltext link here 

Date of publication: 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This project tested a 12-week health promotion course for older adults with earlystage dementia.

Length of publication: 11 pages

Some important notes: Original article may be available with an NHS Athens username; contact your local NHS library service for details

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Acknowledgement: CASH Mental Health

Games console gives older people mobility boost

Source: I&DeA http://www.idea.gov.uk

Follow this link for abstract

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Press release

In a nutshell: Portmouth City Council pilot which shows that Wiis could improve the lives of older people in day centres with mobility problems.

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Acknowledgement: Improvement and Development Agency

Social networking is good for you‚ says Age Concern

Source: Age Concern, http://www.ageconcern.org.uk

Link here to view selected item

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Press Release

In a nutshell: Recent claims about the potential risks of social networking have ignored evidence that getting online has positive benefits for older people‚ says Age Concern.

“Our research shows that over two thirds of ‘silver surfers’ say using the Internet has improved their lives.  Whether it’s using Facebook to stay in contact with friends‚ Skype for international calls to family abroad or using blogs to just have their say‚ social networking empowers previously isolated older people to stay connected and engaged” says Leonie Vlachos‚ Manager of Digital Inclusion.

Age Concern regularly runs IT events throughout the UK to encourage older people to get online and learn basic computer skills. Two thirds of new IT users aged 55 plus agree the Internet had a positive impact on their lives.

Taking it step by step

Source: Mental Health Today, 2008, pages 28-9

Link here to view selected item

Year of publication: 2008

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell:  Training in the promotion of mental wellbeing among elderly people for health and social care staff developed by City and Guilds and Age Concern. Differences between the learning materials and a more traditional course, the emphasis on a person-centred approach and the use of new technology are discussed

Length of publication: 1 page

Some important notes: You will need an NHS Athens user name and password to access this article. If you cannot access the full text please contact your local NHS library.

Further dissemination: If you think anyone would benefit from receiving this posting or from subscribing to this blog please email them the link to this blog and suggest they sign up to the blogs email newsletter to stay up-to-date with new content.

Acknowledgement: BNI