Immigration and loneliness in later life

2013 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
ZHENG WU ◽  
MARGARET PENNING
Keyword(s):  
Oldest Old ◽  
General Social Survey ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Immigrant Status ◽  
Length Of Residence ◽  
Elderly Age ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACTAlthough the loneliness of both older adults and immigrants is frequently asserted, knowledge regarding the implications of immigration for loneliness in later life is limited. In particular, little attention has been directed to the impact of factors that might differentiate individuals within the immigrant population. Using data from the 2007 General Social Survey (GSS-21) conducted by Statistics Canada, this study examined the effects of immigrant status as well as immigrant generation, length of residence in Canada and race/ethnicity on loneliness among adults aged 60 and over (N=10,553). Regression analyses (ordinary least squares) estimating both the general and age-specific effects of immigrant experience on loneliness, indicated that immigrants report higher levels of loneliness than native-born Canadians, that race/ethnicity influenced loneliness particularly among immigrants and that generational status as well as length of residence also had an impact, but one that differed across age groups. Immigration-related variables appeared less consequential for loneliness in the oldest-old (aged 80+) than in younger elderly age groups. These findings attest to the significance of immigrant status for an understanding of loneliness in later life but suggest a need to acknowledge the diversity of immigrant experiences associated with lifecourse and other factors.

scholarly journals SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN MEXICO: IMPLICATIONS OF GENDER AND PHYSICAL HEALTH

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S215-S215
Author(s):  
Maria Monserud
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Studies in developed countries indicate that social activities can make a difference in mental health in later life. Yet, research on potential benefits of social activities for older adults in developing countries, including Mexico, has been scarce. This study uses the two most recent waves (2012, 2015) of the Mexican Health and Aging Study to investigate the impact of social activities on depressive symptoms among older men (n = 4, 749) and women (n = 6,527), aged 50+, in Mexico. The results of Ordinary Least Squares regressions indicate that it is important to differentiate among specific social activities in later life. Particularly, not only group-based but also solitary social activities were predictive of better mental health. Moreover, the findings demonstrate several gender differences and similarities. Participation in clubs, communication with relatives and friends, physical exercise, and watching television were beneficial for mental health among men, whereas volunteering, playing games, and making crafts were associated with fewer depressive symptoms among women. At the same time, reading as well as doing household chores were related to better mental health among older Mexicans, regardless of gender. Furthermore, this study shows that self-reported health, functional limitations, chronic conditions, and frequent pain might shape the implications of social activities for depressive symptoms among older adults in Mexico. The insights from this study can be helpful for intervention programs that are being developed to promote benefits of group-based and solitary social activities for mental health among older men and women with different levels of physical health.

scholarly journals Breast Cancer Among the Oldest Old: Tumor Characteristics, Treatment Choices, and Survival

2010 ◽  
Vol 28 (12) ◽  
pp. 2038-2045 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mara A. Schonberg ◽  
Edward R. Marcantonio ◽  
Donglin Li ◽  
Rebecca A. Silliman ◽  
Long Ngo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Breast Conserving Surgery ◽  
Stage I ◽  
Tumor Characteristics ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Younger Women ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Few data are available on breast cancer characteristics, treatment, and survival for women age 80 years or older. Patients and Methods We used the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare data set from 1992 to 2003 to examine tumor characteristics, treatments (mastectomy, breast-conserving surgery [BCS] with radiation therapy or alone, or no surgery), and outcomes of women age 80 years or older (80 to 84, 85 to 89, ≥ 90 years) with stage I/II breast cancer compared with younger women (age 67 to 79 years). We used Cox proportional hazard models to examine the impact of age on breast cancer–related and other causes of death. Analyses were performed within stage, adjusted for tumor and sociodemographic characteristics, treatments received, and comorbidities. Results In total, 49,616 women age 67 years or older with stage I/II disease were included. Tumor characteristics (grade, hormone receptivity) were similar across age groups. Treatment with BCS alone increased with age, especially after age 80. The risk of dying from breast cancer increased with age, significantly after age 80. For stage I disease, the adjusted hazard ratio of dying from breast cancer for women age ≥ 90 years compared with women age 67 to 69 years was 2.6 (range, 2.0 to 3.4). Types of treatments received were significantly associated with age and comorbidity, with age as the stronger predictor (26% of women age ≥ 80 years without comorbidity received BCS alone or no surgery compared with 6% of women age 67 to 79 years). Conclusion Women age ≥ 80 years have breast cancer characteristics similar to those of younger women yet receive less aggressive treatment and experience higher mortality from early-stage breast cancer. Future studies should focus on identifying tumor and patient characteristics to help target treatments to the oldest women most likely to benefit.

scholarly journals Social Factors and Healthy Aging: Findings from the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study (LHAS)

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie E. Cherry ◽  
Jennifer Silva Brown ◽  
Sangkyu Kim ◽  
S. Michal Jazwinski
Keyword(s):  
Successful Aging ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Old Adults ◽  
Objective Health ◽  
Aging Study

Social behaviors are associated with health outcomes in later life. The authors examined relationships among social and physical activities and health in a lifespan sample of adults (N = 771) drawn from the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study (LHAS). Four age groups were compared: younger (21–44 years), middle-aged (45–64 years), older (65–84 years), and oldest-old adults (85–101 years). Linear regression analyses indicated that physical activity, hours spent outside of the house, and social support were significantly associated with selfreported health, after controlling for sociodemographic factors. Number of clubs was significantly associated with objective health status, after controlling for sociodemographic factors. These data indicate that social and physical activities remain important determinants of self-perceived health into very late adulthood. Implications of these data for current views on successful aging are discussed.

Attitudes to ageing and quality of life in young and old older adults: an international cross-sectional analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Long ◽  
Kenneth Laidlaw ◽  
Angus Lorimer ◽  
Nuno Ferreira
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Physical Health Problems ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Although quality of life and attitudes to ageing have been explored in the context of mental and physical health problems in older adults, the interplay between these variables has received little attention. The purpose of this study is to explore how attitudes to ageing relate to and predict quality of life in an international sample of older people those of age 57 to 79 (youngest-old) and those over 80 years old (oldest-old). Design/methodology/approach A large international sample (n = 4,616) of participants recruited from 20 different countries completed a set of measures assessing several demographic variables, attitudes to ageing, older adult specific quality of life, general quality of life and depression. Findings Correlational and regression analysis showed that more positive attitudes to ageing were associated with and predicted better quality of life in older adults beyond demographic and depression variables. Those in the oldest-old group had significantly more negative attitudes to ageing and a poorer quality of life. However, positive attitudes to ageing remained a significant predictor of better quality of life in both the youngest-old and oldest-old age groups. Originality/value Attitudes to ageing play an important part in quality of life in older adults; however, the impact of these attitudes might be different according to age group. These results suggest that attitudes to ageing could be a possible clinical target in interventions aiming at improving quality of life in older adults.

Relative Survival of Older Patients with Indolent Lymphoma–Analysis From the SEER Database

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 5214-5214
Author(s):  
Mamatha Prabhakar ◽  
Bindu Kanapuru ◽  
Ahmedin Jemal ◽  
Charles Hesdorffer ◽  
William Ershler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Patients ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Indolent Lymphoma ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Indolent Lymphomas ◽  
Hodgkin's Lymphomas ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Abstract 5214 Background: Indolent lymphomas account for 35–40% of Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). The treatment choices, and as a result, the overall outcome of these indolent lymphomas seem to be changing with the introduction of chemoimmunotherapy. However, the impact of these new treatment approaches on the survival in older patients has not been specifically studied. Methods: We used data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database to determine survival for older patients diagnosed with indolent lymphomas. We compared trends in survival between 1977–86, 1987–96 and 1997–2006 in men and women, for three age groups 65–74, 75–84 and 85+ years. Survival rates were calculated up to 9 years post-diagnosis. Results: Between 1977 and 2006, survival rates increased for both men and women in all three age groups. The greatest improvement in survival was seen at 5 years. Between 1977–86 and 1997–2006, 5-year survival rates increased in men/women by 21%/22%, 23%/29% and 16%/24% in the 65–74, 75–84 and 85+ age groups respectively. Survival gains increased with each decade in all age groups for both sexes with the most marked improvements between 1987–1996 & 1997–2006. Women in the first two groups consistently demonstrated a better survival than men. The oldest old men (85+) had the lowest survival rate with the majority of the deaths occurring in the first year of diagnosis. Conclusions: Survival for older patients has increased considerably in the interval between 1977–2006 with the largest improvement seen in the 75–84 year old age group. Larger increases in the survival rates between 1987–1996 and 1997–2006 might be accounted for by the benefits of immunotherapy with the introduction of rituximab in 1998. The increased early deaths noted in men 85+, could be related to treatment toxicity. While earlier treatment is being advocated for patients diagnosed with indolent lymphoma, the data we present imply that more careful consideration should be given to the selection of patients above the age of 85 for such treatment. Male-female differences in survival are interesting and further study would seem important to elucidate the causes. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Falls, Cognitive Function, and Balance Profiles of Singapore Community-Dwelling Elderly Individuals: Key Risk Factors

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 256-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mei Teng Woo ◽  
Keith Davids ◽  
Jarmo Liukkonen ◽  
Jia Yi Chow ◽  
Timo Jaakkola
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Risk Of Falling ◽  
Elderly Age ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Increased Risk

Objective: This study compared occurrence of falls, cognitive function, and balance profiles across participants in elderly age categories, investigating associations between the 3 aspects in a sample of Singapore’s elderly population. Method: Community-dwelling elderly individuals (N = 385) were randomly recruited and grouped into “young-old (65-74 years),” “medium-old (75-84 years),” and “oldest-old (above 85 years)” groups. The Fallproof Health and Activity questionnaire, adapted Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) tests were used to survey information related to falls, cognition, and balance profiles. Results: Findings revealed significant differences in MMSE and BBS scores across the age groups. Participants with mild cognitive impairment (odds ratio [OR] = 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08-3.25) and BBS score ≤40 (OR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.14-0.46) were at the highest risk of falling. Conclusion: Community-dwelling elderly individuals with subtle cognitive impairment and BBS scores ≤40 displayed an increased risk of falling.

scholarly journals Moderating Effect of Psychological Resilience on Functional Impairment in Relation to Subsequent Depression

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 484-484
Author(s):  
Shinae Choi ◽  
Eun Ha Namkung
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Functional Impairment ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Psychological Resilience ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The growing prevalence of functional impairment is a serious concern due to its relation to decreased quality of life in later life. Guided by the social convoy model and the stress process model, the present study investigated whether psychological resilience, particularly optimism and mastery moderated an association between functional impairment and subsequent depressive symptoms in later life. This study used data derived from two population-based national studies in the United States: 2012 and 2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (N = 5,035) and 2004 and 2013 waves of the Midlife in the United States (N = 2,476). Ordinary least squares regression was used to estimate the impact of optimism and mastery, respectively, on the associations between functional impairment (baseline measure at wave(t-1), changes over the study period from wave(t-1) to wave(t)) on subsequent changes in depressive symptoms. Across both studies, we found that having and developing functional impairment are related to increased number of depressive symptoms. Optimism independently predicted decreased depressive symptoms over the study periods and buffered the negative effects of functional impairment on depressive symptoms across the two studies. Specifically, the mitigating effects of optimism on depressive symptoms were greater for those with more numbers of functional limitations. The findings suggest that psychological resilience plays a key role in decreasing depressive symptoms, especially for midlife and older adults with functional impairment. The results also demonstrate the importance of examining both optimism and mastery when investigating psychological resilience and emotional well-being in older adults.

scholarly journals Is it possible to prevent dementia?

2002 ◽  
Vol 24 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 22-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola T Lautenschlager
Keyword(s):  
Functional Disability ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Present Knowledge ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Prevention Trials

It is a robust trend that the World's population is growing older. The proportion of elderly compared to other age groups and especially the number of oldest old, above age 85 years, is steadily increasing. One of the most common disorders in later life is dementia, the major cause of functional disability and the need for long-term care. This has prompted intensive research towards identifying risk factors associated with dementia. For current therapeutic intervention of incipient dementia and future prevention trials it is important to identify subjects at high risk of developing dementia. This article reviews clinical and biological findings of the quest to identify pre-dementia in subjects with mild cognitive impairment. It gives an overview of the present knowledge in this area and discusses strategies that may be useful in delaying the onset of dementia.

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