Resource loss and mental health during COVID ‐19: Psychosocial protective factors among U.S. older adults and those with chronic disease

Abstract This study characterizes the mental health of Asian American older adults (aged 60+) who identify as sexual minorities (SM or lesbian, gay, bisexual) and compare to their non-Asian American and non-SM counterparts. Data were from the Research Program on Genes, Environment and Health (Aged 60+; N=185,478), a representative sample of healthcare members from Northern California. It includes SM (N=447) and heterosexual/non-SM (N=15,772) older adults who identify as Asian American (Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, and South Asian) and non-Asian American SM (N=3,890). Rates of dementia, anxiety, and PTSD were similar for both SM and non-SM Asian Americans. However, older lesbian and gay Asian Americans were more likely to have a depression diagnosis (30% vs. 18%, p=0.002) compared to non-SM. Overall, mental health outcomes were lower for Asian American SM compared to non-Asian American SM. We discuss need for understanding protective factors for mental health and implications for future interventions.

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DETERMINANTS OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG LGBT OLDER ADULT CAREGIVERS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.1248 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S345-S345

Author(s):

Charles Emlet ◽

Charles Emelt ◽

Hyunzee Jung ◽

Hyun-Jun Kim ◽

David La Fazia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Protective Factors ◽

Risk And Protective Factors ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Older Adult Caregivers ◽

And Gender

Abstract Caregivers experience chronic stress that can negatively affect their health, resulting in lower quality of life. This study aims to understand the physical and mental health of caregivers by examining modifiable risk and protective factors. Life experiences of LGBT older adults are considered. In the longitudinal study, Aging with Pride: National Health Aging, Sexuality and Gender Study, approximately one third (31%, n=754) of LGBT older adults (50+ years) provide care: 38% to partner/spouse, 29% friends, 20% other relatives, and 8% ex-partner/ex-spouse. Linear regression models examined the effects of risk and protective factors at T0 on health outcomes at T2. Mastery, physical activity, and nutrition predicted better physical functioning, lower mental distress, and higher health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Social participation and support, community engagement, and lower identity stigma predicted better mental health. Microaggression predicted lower physical HRQOL. Interventions enhancing protective factors may promote physical and mental health of LGBT caregivers.

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The longitudinal relationship between mental health disorders and chronic disease for older adults: a population-based study

International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry ◽

10.1002/gps.4561 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 32 (9) ◽

pp. 1017-1026 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Chun-Min Chen ◽

I-Chen Lee ◽

Yung-Yu Su ◽

Judy Mullan ◽

Herng-Chia Chiu

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Chronic Disease ◽

Mental Health Disorders ◽

Population Based ◽

Population Based Study ◽

Health Disorders

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Suicide Attempters, Suicide Ideators, and Non-Ideators

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000554 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (4) ◽

pp. 294-297 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Tobias Teismann ◽

Laura Paashaus ◽

Paula Siegmann ◽

Peter Nyhuis ◽

Marcus Wolter ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Protective Factors ◽

Suicide Ideation ◽

Suicide Attempts ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Positive Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Reasons For Living ◽

Suicide Attempters

Abstract. Background: Suicide ideation is a prerequisite for suicide attempts. However, the majority of ideators will never act on their thoughts. It is therefore crucial to understand factors that differentiate those who consider suicide from those who make suicide attempts. Aim: Our aim was to investigate the role of protective factors in differentiating non-ideators, suicide ideators, and suicide attempters. Method: Inpatients without suicide ideation ( n = 32) were compared with inpatients with current suicide ideation ( n = 37) and with inpatients with current suicide ideation and a lifetime history of suicide attempts ( n = 26) regarding positive mental health, self-esteem, trust in higher guidance, social support, and reasons for living. Results: Non-ideators reported more positive mental health, social support, reasons for living, and self-esteem than suicide ideators and suicide attempters did. No group differences were found regarding trust in higher guidance. Suicide ideators and suicide attempters did not differ regarding any of the study variables. Limitations: Results stem from a cross-sectional study of suicide attempts; thus, neither directionality nor generalizability to fatal suicide attempts can be determined. Conclusion: Various protective factors are best characterized to distinguish ideators from nonsuicidal inpatients. However, the same variables seem to offer no information about the difference between ideators and attempters.

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