scholarly journals COVID-19 Public Health Restrictions and Older Adults’ Well-being in Uganda: Psychological Impacts and Coping Mechanisms

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Clarissa Giebel ◽  
Bwire Ivan ◽  
Isaac Ddumba
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Psychological Impacts ◽  
And Coping

scholarly journals Lessons in Resilience: Initial Coping Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather R Fuller ◽  
Andrea Huseth-Zosel
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Proactive Coping ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Design And Methods ◽  
Psychological Coping

Abstract Background and Objectives In addition to increased physical health risks, older adults may also experience risks to their mental health and social well-being due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Yet, older adults may be uniquely able to cope given their life experiences and coping mechanisms. This study explores older adults’ coping experiences and strategies during the initial weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research Design and Methods A Midwestern sample of 76 older adults aged 70–97 years completed a phone interview about their experiences with social distancing due to COVID-19. Interviews were conducted during the early weeks of regional social distancing (March 28–April 20, 2020). Participants rated their level of perceived coping and responded to open-ended questions about their daily life and coping. Results Mean perceived coping level (on a scale from 1 to 10) was 7.9, with 87% of participants rating their coping positively. Primary themes that emerged included (a) staying busy, (b) seeking social support, and (c) having a positive mindset. These emotion-focused coping strategies appeared adaptive in the early weeks of the pandemic for most older adults. Discussion and Implications Contrary to predominant messaging about the vulnerability of older adults, these findings highlight the resilient nature of older adults in terms of their psychological coping and adaptability during COVID-19. Future research should build upon these findings to better understand and promote late-life coping during crises. Practitioners should seek to support older adults’ engagement in such proactive coping, and social policies should be developed to acknowledge the variable needs of older adults.

scholarly journals COVID-19 as a Stressor: Pandemic Expectations, Perceived Stress, and Negative Affect in Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda R Whitehead
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Stress And Coping ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
And Coping

Abstract Objectives The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic is appraised as a stressor influences perceived stress (PS) and psychological well-being during the event. Here, the association of older adults’ expectations concerning the pandemic’s duration and impact with PS and negative affect (NA) is investigated. Based on the stress and coping framework, PS is expected to mediate the association between COVID-19 expectations and NA. Methods Seven hundred fourteen residents of the United States and aged 60 and older completed an anonymous online survey in late March 2020 reporting PS, NA, and expectations regarding the pandemic. Results Regression analyses controlling for demographic factors revealed that more dire pandemic expectations significantly predicted PS and NA directly, and the effects on NA were significantly mediated by PS. Discussion Findings provide evidence that expectations about a pandemic influence the extent to which older adults experience stress and NA in the midst of a pandemic event. Implications for mental health are discussed.

scholarly journals Stressors and coping mechanisms of older adults teaching in higher education institutions in Manila

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 36-58
Author(s):  
Elmer G. De Jose
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Life Stress ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Correlation Method ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
And Coping

This study explored the stressors and coping mechanisms of older adults, 60 years old and over, who teach in three state higher education institutions in Manila, Philippines. Descriptive correlation method of research was employed. One hundred eighty-eight were randomly selected from the roster of 356 target participants. The Older Adults Life Stress Inventory was used to identify the severity of stressors as experienced by the respondent senior professionals for the past 3 years along the areas of physical, health, social, family, occupational and financial domains. The Coping Strategy Inventory Short Form 32 was used to determine typical coping strategies that involve problem-solving, cognitive restructuring, express emotions and social contact. Tests of correlation, however, revealed that all the six stressors areas have a significant positive correlation with problem avoidance, wishful thinking, self-criticism and social withdrawal (p < 0.01). Multiple regression analyses disclosed that older adult men have a greater preponderance to experience stressors than older adult women   Keywords: Older adult professionals, stressors, coping mechanisms, physical-related stressors, health-related stressors, social-related stressors, family-related stressors, occupational stressors, financial stressors.

Religiosity and Adaptation in the Oldest-Old

1992 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradley C. Courtenay ◽  
Leonard W. Poon ◽  
Peter Martin ◽  
Gloria M. Clayton ◽  
Mary Ann Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Religious Coping ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The Relationship

Previous research has yielded mixed results with respect to the relationship between religiosity and adaptation in older adults. Most studies show that religiosity is stable over the life span, but that religiosity may or may not be related to such factors as physical and mental health, life satisfaction, and coping. This study adds to earlier investigations by including centenarians among the sample. The preliminary results of this research project support earlier findings that religiosity does not change significantly as one ages, although there is a trend in the results that suggests otherwise. The results also indicate a significant relationship between religiosity and physical health but no significant relationship between religiosity and mental health and life satisfaction. Religiosity and coping are strongly related, and there is the suggestion that religious coping mechanisms might be more important in the oldest-old.

scholarly journals The COVID-19 Pandemic and Psychosocial Outcomes across Age through the Stress and Coping Framework

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jillian Minahan ◽  
Francesca Falzarano ◽  
Neshat Yazdani ◽  
Karen L Siedlecki
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Coping Style ◽  
Psychosocial Outcomes ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Stress And Coping ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background and Objectives The emergence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the measures implemented to curb its spread may have deleterious effects on mental health. Older adults may be at increased risk for adverse psychosocial outcomes since opportunities to remain socially connected have diminished. Research is needed to better understand the impact of pandemic-related stress on mental health. The purpose of this study is three-fold: 1) to examine the influences of COVID-19 pandemic-related stress on depression, anxiety, and loneliness, 2) to assess the mediating role of coping style and social support, and 3) to investigate whether these relationships vary across age. Research Design and Methods Participants (N = 1,318) aged 18-92 years completed an online survey assessing pandemic-related stress, mental health, social support, coping, and their experiences with social distancing, during the initial implementation of social distancing measures in the United States. Results Social support and coping style were found to relate to psychosocial outcomes. Avoidant coping was the strongest mediator of the relationship between pandemic-related stress and psychosocial outcomes, particularly depression. Avoidant coping more strongly mediated the relationship between stress and depression in younger adults compared to older adults. Discussion and Implications Results were consistent with the stress and coping framework and recent work highlighting older adults’ resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings highlight the associations between positive coping behaviors and psychosocial well-being and indicate that older adults may use unique adaptive mechanisms to preserve well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Sleep and Mental Health Among Older Adults in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Rodrigues ◽  
K Nicholson ◽  
P Wilk ◽  
G Guaiana ◽  
S Stranges ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Sleep Duration ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Initiatives ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Background Global studies have demonstrated consistent associations between sleep problems and mental health and well-being in older adults, however Canadian data are lacking. We investigated associations between sleep quantity and quality with both mental illness symptoms and well-being among older adults in Canada. Methods We used cross-sectional baseline data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, a national survey of 30,097 community-dwelling adults aged 45 years and older. Self-reported sleep measures included average past-week sleep duration (short [&lt;6h], normal [6-8h], long [&gt;8h]), and sleep quality (satisfied or dissatisfied vs neutral). Mental illness outcomes included depressive symptoms and psychological distress. Mental well-being outcomes included self-rated mental health and satisfaction with life. We used modified Poisson regression models with adjustment for sociodemographic, behavioural, and clinical factors, and stratification by sex and age to explore effect modification. Results In the unadjusted analysis, short and long sleep duration and sleep dissatisfaction were associated with higher mental illness symptoms and lower well-being across all outcomes. Sleep satisfaction was associated with a lower likelihood of mental illness symptoms and better well-being. Short sleep duration was associated with the largest effects on mental health outcomes. Self-rated mental health and depressive symptoms had the largest associations with sleep measures. Effects were larger in males and the 45 to 54 year age group. Conclusions Preliminary evidence suggests sleep duration and quality are associated with symptoms of depression, psychological distress, and poor mental well-being among older adults. We are unable to determine whether sleep problems are a cause or consequence of poor mental health. Nonetheless, sleep may be an important target for public health initiatives to improve mental health and well-being among older adults. Key messages Our findings contribute further evidence that sleep difficulties are associated with adverse health outcomes including higher mental illness symptoms and lower well-being among older adults. Sleep disturbances are an unmet public health problem, and may be an important target for public health initiatives to improve mental health and well-being among older adults.

scholarly journals Creating an Age-Friendly Public Health System

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne De Biasi ◽  
Megan Wolfe ◽  
Jane Carmody ◽  
Terry Fulmer ◽  
John Auerbach
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health System ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Public Health System ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Public Health Practice ◽  
State Level ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Departments

Abstract Background and Objectives The public health system in America—at all levels—has relatively few specialized initiatives that prioritize the health and well-being of older adults. And when public health does address the needs of older adults, it is often as an afterthought. In consultation with leaders in public health, health care, and aging, an innovative Framework for an Age-Friendly Public Health System (Framework) was developed outlining roles that public health could fulfill, in collaboration with aging services, to address the challenges and opportunities of an aging society. Research Design and Methods With leadership from Trust for America’s Health and The John A. Hartford Foundation, the Florida Departments of Health and Elder Affairs are piloting the implementation of this Framework within Florida’s county health departments and at the state level. The county health departments are expanding data collection efforts to identify older adult needs, creating new alliances with aging sector partners, coordinating with other agencies and community organizations to implement evidence-based programs and policies that address priority needs, and aligning efforts with the age-friendly communities and age-friendly health systems movements. Results, and Discussion and Implications The county health departments in Florida participating in the pilot are leveraging the Framework to expand public health practice, programs, and policies that address health services and health behaviors, social, and economic factors and environmental conditions that allow older adults to age in place and live healthier and more productive lives. The model being piloted in Florida can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each community and their older adult population.

Displaced Older Adults’ Reactions to and Coping With the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina

2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (10) ◽  
pp. 1346-1370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshinori Kamo ◽  
Tammy L. Henderson ◽  
Karen A. Roberto
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hurricane Katrina ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Community Factors ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The Relationship

Guided by an ecological perspective, the authors examined event, individual, structural/cultural, and family/community factors that shaped the psychological well-being of older adults displaced from New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina. The authors first established the negative effects of displacement on psychological well-being by comparing displaced older adults with permanent Baton Rouge residents. Displaced older persons’ psychological well-being was positively related to their age and physical health. Older displaced women coped with displacement better than men. Avoidant coping was negatively related to the older adults’ well-being, whereas spiritual coping showed no effect. The functioning of older persons’ family was positively related to their psychological well-being, whereas dependence on people outside immediate family showed a negative relationship. Income, education, and race were largely unrelated to psychological well-being. Findings provide implications for future studies regarding the relationship between disaster and psychological well-being and provide practitioners with suggestions for work with older adults displaced by disasters.

scholarly journals Start at the Center: Age-Friendly Public Health Systems and Healthy Brain Initiative Frameworks

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 720-720
Author(s):  
Megan Wolfe ◽  
Molly French ◽  
John Shean
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Departments ◽  
Local Public Health ◽  
The Public ◽  
Community Connections ◽  
State And Local

Abstract SIGNIFICANCE. Older adults can contribute wisdom, skills, and time to communities. The public health sector has unique capabilities for creating conditions that promote health, foster community connections, and quality of life. METHODS. Two frameworks provide public health (PH) with core strategies to improve outcomes for all older adults. The Framework for Creating an Age-Friendly Public Health System (AFPHS) supports the PH role, as demonstrated by 37 of Florida’s 67 county health departments that are piloting the AFPHS Framework. The Healthy Brain Initiative’s (HBI) State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia is a framework for action used by PH to promote cognitive health, improve care for cognitive impairment, and increase caregiving supports. Both frameworks call for utilizing regional data and cross-sector partnerships. IMPLICATIONS. PH can contribute to community-wide initiatives to promote well-being and community connections for older adults. Cross-sector partnerships can start by using available tools and planning guides.

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