The aim of this study is to explore cognitive complaint by investigating the influence of memory controlled processes (recollection) and metacognitive beliefs. Several methodological precautions were taken in order to control neuropsychological and psychopathological criteria, like anxiety, depression or objective memory trouble. The “habit paradigm” (Hay & Jacoby, 1999) was used to create a “memory slips” task, and to estimate the contributions of recollection and habit to performance. Besides, participants were asked to complete questionnaires in order to assess cognitive complaint (CDS) and metacognitive beliefs (MCQ). Results showed that neither cognitive complaint nor metacognitive beliefs differed significantly between young and older persons. However, statistical analysis did show cognitive dissociations in function of cognitive complaint. Finally, depressive affects, memory controlled processes and metacognitive beliefs about the controllability of thoughts appeared as good predictors of memory complaint. In spite of our study limitations, we discuss our results in terms of clinical implications.

Hip fractures, fragility fractures, indicate an increased risk for further fragility fractures. Although the way to define osteoporosis, requiring antiresorptive therapy, is not clear, all patients who have had hip fractures should be prescribed calcium and vitamin D at a minimum. In a retrospective chart review, we have explored the effectiveness of incorporating a standing recommendation (but not a standing order) for calcium and vitamin D treatment in a hip fracture care pathway, comparing units where the pathway had been implemented with those where it had not yet been started. The pathway resulted in significantly more initiation of calcium and vitamin D compared to patients not on the pathway (72% vs. 13.5%, p < 0.01). However, a follow-up study after four years showed a marked decline in the frequency of the initiation of calcium and vitamin D, suggesting the need for ongoing encouragement for the intervention to continue to be successful.

This study was carried out to explore the fit between health and functional characteristics of Day Program participants and the types of program activities they were offered in Day Programs. The subjects were 132 participants from 5 Day Programs in Montreal. Four different participant profile groups were identified using cluster analysis. A classification of program activities was created by a panel of experts. Participation in these activities was studied for each profile group, and compared to recommended activities for such client groups outlined through examination of the literature and consultation with our panel of experts. Results showed only partial correspondence between program activities and participants’ needs. This correspondence seemed higher for individuals with physical health problems or mobility impairments and weaker for those presenting depressive symptoms or cognitive impairments. These results suggest a need to review activity program components and determine ways to match better these with client needs to optimise the benefits of Day Program participation.

To document the use of health services for psychological distress symptoms, we collected data from a cross-section of adults aged 65 years and over. Nearly 13 per cent met DSM-IV criteria for mood or anxiety disorders. In addition, 42.4 per cent of those having at least one DSM-IV diagnosis reported having used health services. Results show a direct association between the presence of a probable DSM-IV diagnosis and health service use. However, our results show no significant association between gender and health service use, and do not support the hypothesis that minimal social support increases the probability of older adults using health services for psychological distress. The analysis suggests unmarried elders are more likely than married elders to use health services. Furthermore, this study shows that older adults having a high level of daily hassles reported using health services for psychological distress than those reporting a low stress level. We conclude that a large proportion of elderly mental health needs in Quebec are potentially not being met.

Because the concept of retirement is prominent in both popular thinking and academic studies, it would be helpful if the notion were analytically sound, could be measured with precision, and would make possible comparisons of patterns of retirement over time and among different populations. This paper reviews and assesses the many concepts and measures that have been proposed, summarizing them in groupings that reflect non-participation or reduced participation in the labour force, receipt of pension income, end-of-career employment, self-assessed retirement, or combinations of those characteristics. It concludes that there is no agreed measure and that no one measure dominates. Instead, new proposed measures continue to take account of additional refinements as new data sets become available, thereby further restricting possible comparisons. The confusing array of definitions reflects the practical problem that underlies the concept of retirement: It is an essentially negative notion, a notion of what people are not doing – namely, that they are not working. A more positive approach would be to focus, instead, on what people are doing, including especially their involvement in non-market activities that are socially productive, even if those activities do not contribute to national income as conventionally measured.

This survey assessed the extent of and satisfaction with collaboration between physicians and nurse practitioners (NPs) working in Ontario long-term care homes. Questionnaires, which included the Measure of Current Collaboration and Provider Satisfaction with Current Collaboration instruments, were mailed to NPs and physicians with whom the NP most frequently worked. The 14 matched-pairs of NPs and physicians reported similar levels of collaboration; however, physicians were significantly more satisfied with collaboration than were NPs (z = -2.67, p = 0.008). The majority of physicians (85%) and NPs (86%) indicated that collaboration was occurring, and 96 per cent of physicians and 79 per cent of NPs were satisfied with their collaboration. About one third of physicians reported that the NP had a negative effect on their income, but their satisfaction with collaboration did not differ from those who reported a positive effect. Overall, these physicians and NPs collaborate in delivering care and are satisfied with their collaboration.