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Biomedical subjects

R C Atchley

Publications and source records attributed to R C Atchley.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Long-range antecedents of functional capability in later life.

A number of demographic, social, psychological, lifestyle, and health characteristics have been advanced as precursors of functional limitation among those who survive to old age. This study uses data from a 16-year longitudinal study to examine long-range antecedents of the respondents' level of physical functional capability in 1991. The model predicting functional capability from longitudinal data is more complex and more effective for women than for men. Older age, lower self-rated health, lower functional capability, and lower physical activity level in 1975 predict 35% of the variation in functional capability among women in 1991. Only older age and lower self-rated health are predictive for men and account for just 11% of the variation. These findings suggest a need for gender-specific models of antecedents of physical functional limitations in later life.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1990

Ohio community mental health center directors' perceptions of programming for older adults: an exploratory study.

This study of Ohio CMHC directors' perceptions examines three systems dimensions: how mental health services are provided to elders, levels of service needs and whether they are met, and barriers to service delivery. Two distinct types of centers are compared--those that do and do not have specialized geriatric components. Specialized programming efforts appear to be making a difference in bridging the gap between levels of service delivery and need.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

A continuity theory of normal aging.

Continuity Theory holds that, in making adaptive choices, middle-aged and older adults attempt to preserve and maintain existing internal and external structures; and they prefer to accomplish this objective by using strategies tied to their past experiences of themselves and their social world. Change is linked to the person's perceived past, producing continuity in inner psychological characteristics as well as in social behavior and in social circumstances. Continuity is thus a grand adaptive strategy that is promoted by both individual preference and social approval.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1976

Selected social and psychological differences between men and women in later life.

Older men and women (3630) were examined for sex differences in selected social and psychological characteristics. Compared to older men, older women were found to be as work-oriented and more likely to take a long time adjusting to retirement. Older women were more likely to report "negative" psychological symptoms, while older men were more likely to see changes in social participation. Implications of the findings for current theories are discussed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1975

Adjustment to loss of job at retirement.

This paper presents an approach to adjustment to the loss of job at retirement which attempts to integrate earlier approaches by focusing on the impact of retirement on the individual's hierarchy of personal goals. If the job is high in that hierarchy and yet unachieved, then the individual can be expected to seek another job or job substitute. If this is unsuccessful, then the hierarchy of personal goals must be reorganized. If the individual is broadly engaged, the hierarchy can be consolidated. If he or she is narrowly engaged, then alternate roles must be sought. If the search is successful, a new hierarchy emerges. If not, the individual must withdraw. If the job is not high in the hierarchy to begin with, then no serious change in personal goals accompanies retirement.

Aged↗