Relationship quality and functional limitations among older adults with cardiovascular disease in the United States of America

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (8) ◽  
pp. 1694-1717 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan-Liang Yu ◽  
Zhenmei Zhang
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
United States Of America ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
The United States ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Disablement Process

AbstractSubstantial research shows that cardiovascular disease is a major cause of disability in the United States of America (USA) and worldwide. Despite the well-documented significance of intimate partnerships for cardiovascular health and disease management, how relationship quality contributes to the functional health of older adults diagnosed with cardiovascular disease is much less understood than mental health and mortality risk. Informed by the disablement process model and the lifecourse perspective, this study examines the association between relationship quality and functional limitations among partnered older adults aged 50 years and older diagnosed with cardiovascular disease in the USA. Data are from the Health and Retirement Study, 2006–2012 (N = 1,355). Multi-level linear regression analyses show that baseline negative relationship quality is significantly associated with increased functional limitations over the two- and four-year follow-ups. Additionally, the link between negative relationship quality and functional limitations is stronger among older adults with lower household income over a two-year span, compared to their higher-income counterparts, suggesting that these older adults are doubly disadvantaged by higher relationship strains and limited economic resources. Our findings demonstrate the significance of relationship quality for the functional health of older adults with cardiovascular disease and shed light on the importance of marriage/partnerships as an important social context for a critical stage in the disablement process (i.e. functional limitations).

scholarly journals Ageing-friendly communities and social inclusion in the United States of America

2012 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
ANDREW E. SCHARLACH ◽  
AMANDA J. LEHNING
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
United States Of America ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Basic Needs ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Infrastructure ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
The Social

ABSTRACTSynthesising the social capital and ageing-friendly communities literature, this paper describes how efforts to make communities more ageing-friendly can promote social inclusion among older adults. Making existing communities more ageing-friendly involves physical and social infrastructure changes that enable older adults to pursue lifelong activities, meet their basic needs, maintain significant relationships, participate in the community in personally and socially meaningful ways, and develop new interests and sources of fulfilment. Such efforts can enhance bonding, bridging and linking capital, and thereby promote social inclusion. The authors discuss the link between ageing-friendly communities and social inclusion, and provide examples of programmes with potential to change existing communities into ones that promote the social inclusion of older adults.

Characterising older adults’ engagement in age-friendly community initiatives: perspectives from core group leaders in the Northeast United States of America

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Emily A. Greenfield ◽  
Laurent Reyes
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
United States Of America ◽  
The United States ◽  
Community Change ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Initiatives ◽  
Core Group ◽  
The Core ◽  
Group Members

Abstract Researchers and programme champions alike have identified older adults as key contributors to age-friendly community change efforts. There has been very little scholarship, however, to characterise the nature of older adults’ engagement in age-friendly community initiatives (AFCIs). To help address this gap, we drew on five waves of data from semi-structured interviews with core group members of eight AFCIs in a Northeast region of the United States of America. Interviews were conducted as part of a multi-year, community-engaged study on the development of philanthropically supported AFCIs. We iteratively coded segments of the interviews in which core group members described the involvement of older adults, as well as their efforts to engage older adults in the initiatives. This analysis resulted in an inductive-analytic typology with five qualitatively distinct categories, including older adults as: (a) consumers (receiving information, goods and services through the AFCI), (b) informants (sharing perspectives on ageing in the community with the core group), (c) task assistants (assisting with project-oriented tasks under the direction of the core group), (d) champions (contributing ideas and implementing action on their own initiative), and (e) core group members (holding primary responsibility for driving the work of the AFCI forward). We discuss implications of the typology for research on AFCI implementation and evaluation, as well as opportunities for AFCIs to enhance the engagement of older adults from historically marginalised groups.

Perceptions of inter- and intra-generational communication in the United States of America and the People's Republic of China: Implications for Self-Esteem and Life Satisfaction

1999 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 120-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly A. Noels ◽  
Howard Giles ◽  
Deborah Cai ◽  
Lisa Turay
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
United States Of America ◽  
The United States ◽  
People’S Republic Of China ◽  
People's Republic Of China ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Chinese Sample ◽  
Republic Of China

ABSTRACTThe present investigation examined older people's views on communication with younger and older adults to determine if older people's perceptions parallel research findings that suggest that young adults view intra-generational communication more positively than inter-generational communication. Additionally, drawing upon the Communication Predicament of Aging model (Ryan, Giles, Bartolucci, & Henwood, 1986), it considers how these perceptions relate to psychological health. In a first study, older and younger adults from the United States of America responded to a questionnaire survey about their experiences of talking to older and younger adults. The results of analyses of variance suggested that younger adults have less positive perceptions of inter-generational communication than older adults. Regression analyses examined the link between communication climate and psychological health indices, and suggested that psychological health is related to inter-generational and intra-generational communication variables for older participants. In a second study, variations in older adults' intra- and intergroup perceptions were compared across the United States and the People's Republic of China. Unlike their American peers, intergenerational communication was not a significant correlate of adjustment in the Chinese sample, although intragenerational variables were again implicated.

scholarly journals Multicultural voices: attitudes of older adults in the United States of America about elder mistreatment

2012 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 877-903 ◽  
Author(s):  
SUSAN M. ENGUIDANOS ◽  
MARGUERITE DELIEMA ◽  
IRIS AGUILAR ◽  
JORGE LAMBRINOS ◽  
KATHLEEN H. WILBER
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
United States Of America ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
The United States ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Elder Mistreatment ◽  
Care Givers ◽  
Racial Ethnic

ABSTRACTDespite international growth in policies to increase the identification and response to elder abuse and neglect, there remain considerable barriers to treating the problem. Some of these barriers may be attributed to how older adults from different racial/ethnic backgrounds define, experience and seek to remedy elder mistreatment. Using focus group discussions based on case vignettes, this paper examines how older adults from different racial and ethnic backgrounds in the United States of America perceive elder mistreatment. Five focus groups were conducted with African Americans, English-speaking Latinos, Spanish-speaking Latinos, non-Latino Whites and African American care-givers for older adults. While similar definitions and meanings of elder abuse were expressed across the different racial/ethnic groups, Latino participants introduced additional themes of machismo, respect, love and early intervention to stop abuse, suggesting that perceptions/beliefs about elder mistreatment are determined by culture and degree of acculturation in addition to race/ethnicity. Most differences in attitudes occurred within groups, demonstrating that perceptions vary by individual as well as by culture. In identifying scenarios that constitute elder mistreatment, some participants felt that certain cases of abuse are actually the persistence of intimate partner violence into old age. Participants also indicated that victims may prefer to tolerate mistreatment in exchange for other perceived benefits (e.g. companionship, security); and out of fear that they could be placed in an institution if mistreatment is reported. Findings suggest the need for person-centred intervention and prevention models that integrate the cultural background, care needs and individual preferences of older adults.

Perceived neighbourhood safety and volunteerism among older adults

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Erin G. Grinshteyn ◽  
Judith A. Sugar
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
United States Of America ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
The United States ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Perceptions Of Safety ◽  
Fair Poor ◽  
Retirement Study

Abstract Previous research shows the benefits of volunteerism to individuals and communities. The purpose of this study was to determine whether lower perceived neighbourhood safety is associated with reduced volunteerism and whether this association differs by sex. Data from the 2008 Health and Retirement Study in the United States of America were used (N = 13,009 adults 60 years and older). Multivariate logistic regression models were estimated to assess the association between perceived neighbourhood safety and volunteerism while controlling for potential confounders. Perceived neighbourhood safety was associated with volunteering. The odds of volunteering were higher for those rating their perceived neighbourhood safety as excellent compared with those rating their perceived neighbourhood safety as fair/poor. Those rating their perceived neighbourhood safety as very good also had greater odds of volunteering than those rating their perceived neighbourhood safety as fair/poor. Results differed somewhat by gender. Men who perceived their neighbourhood safety as excellent had increased odds of volunteering. The association of neighbourhood safety with volunteerism was significant for women rating their perceived neighbourhood safety as excellent or very good. Among men, being married was associated with increased odds of volunteering; being completely or partly retired was associated with increased odds of volunteering among women. Initiatives aimed at improving older adults’ perceptions of safety would help improve volunteerism, which is beneficial to both older adults and communities.

scholarly journals Public Libraries Could Better Serve Older Adults by Having More Programming Specifically Directed Toward Them

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann Glusker
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
United States Of America ◽  
Adult Literacy ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Capital City ◽  
The Impact

A Review of: Bennett-Kapusniak, R. (2013). Older Adults and the Public Library: The Impact of the Boomer Generation. Public Library Quarterly, 32(3), 204-222. doi: 10.1080/01616846.2013.818814 Abstract Objective – To determine whether programming at public libraries in the United States is aimed at older adults, and whether the programs help older adults maintain their health and well-being. Design – Web site evaluation. Setting – Public libraries in the United States of America. Subjects – The main library of each public library system located in the capital city of each of the 50 states in the United States of America. Methods – A scan of each of the web sites of the selected public library branches was performed by the author, to determine the number of programs specifically directed towards older adults. Main Results – The scan of sites indicated that there was very little programming specifically aimed at older adults and their needs. Mainly, offerings for older adults took the form of mixing in with adults of all ages. Computer technology class offerings were particularly lacking. The majority of libraries had programs to teach how to access library resources and electronic media (although not necessarily aimed at older adults), programs for those who are less mobile, as well as some adaptive technology for those with sensory disabilities. In addition, the majority of libraries had adult literacy programs, and active collaboration with community organizations. Conclusions – Public libraries can do more to develop programs specifically for older adults. They should take into account the wide diversity of older adults’ information and other needs. In particular, they should consider offering programs that focus on technological skills, and also should offer assistive technology for older patrons. There also needs to be more research on the needs of older adults, from the perspective of the patrons themselves and that of library staff.

scholarly journals Cross-national insights into the relationship between wealth and wellbeing: a comparison between Australia, the United States of America and South Korea

2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
SARANG KIM ◽  
KERRY A. SARGENT-COX ◽  
DAVINA J. FRENCH ◽  
HAL KENDIG ◽  
KAARIN J. ANSTEY
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
United States Of America ◽  
The United States ◽  
National Study ◽  
Additional Contribution ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Cross National

ABSTRACTThe positive relationship between wealth and wellbeing has received considerable attention over the last three decades. However, little is known about how the significance of wealth for the health and wellbeing of older adults may vary across societies. Furthermore, researchers tend to focus mainly on income rather than other aspects of financial resources even though older adults often rely on fixed income, particularly after retirement. Using data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey (N=1,431), the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) in the United States of America (USA; N=4,687), and the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA; N=5,447), this exploratory cross-national study examined the relationship between wealth satisfaction and objective wealth and wellbeing (measured as self-rated health and life satisfaction) among older Australians, Americans and Koreans (50+ years). Regression analyses showed that wealth satisfaction was associated with wellbeing over and above monetary wealth in all three countries. The relationship between monetary wealth and self-rated health was larger for the US than Australian and Korean samples, while the additional contribution of wealth satisfaction to life satisfaction was larger for the Korean than the Australian and US samples. These findings are discussed in terms of the cultural and economic differences between these countries, particularly as they affect older persons.

Examining the association between perceived neighbourhood safety and health services utilization: A cross-sectional study among older adults in the United States of America

2021 ◽  
pp. 135581962199748
Author(s):  
Erin G Grinshteyn
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Services ◽  
United States Of America ◽  
Health Services Utilization ◽  
The United States ◽  
Home Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Services Utilization ◽  
Safety And Health

Objective To assess the association between perceived neighbourhood safety and health services use among older adults. Methods The Health and Retirement Study was used to assess the association of perceived neighbourhood safety with inpatient hospital utilization, contact with a physician, home health use, and any health services utilization in the United States of America (n = 10,844). Logistic regression models were used, while controlling for a large number of potential confounders. Results The odds of any contact with a physician were greater among those who perceived their neighbourhood safety to be excellent (odds ratio (OR): 1.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20, 2.72) or very good (OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.32) compared with those who perceived their neighbourhood safety as fair or poor, controlling for all model covariates. The odds of any health services utilization were greater among those who perceived their neighbourhood safety to be excellent (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.26, 3.00) or very good (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.50) compared with those who perceived their neighbourhood safety as fair or poor controlling for all other model covariates. The odds of inpatient care were higher among those who perceived their neighbourhood to be excellent compared with those who compared their neighbourhood to be fair/poor (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.48). Results were not statistically significant for home health utilization. Conclusions These analyses show a relationship between perceived neighbourhood safety and contact with a physician and any health services utilization among older adults and a weaker relationship between perceived neighbourhood safety and inpatient services. Future research should continue to examine this relationship between perceived neighbourhood safety and health services utilization among older adults.

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