Benefits of volunteerism for middle-aged and older adults: comparisons between types of volunteering activities

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Alfred H. K. Lam ◽  
Dannii Y. Yeung ◽  
Edwin K. H. Chung
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Hand Grip ◽  
Middle Aged Adults ◽  
Main Effects

Abstract Volunteering is a popular activity among middle-aged and older adults as means to contribute to the society and to maintain personal health and wellbeing. While the benefits of volunteering have been well-documented in the current literature, it does not tend to distinguish between various types of volunteering activities. This cross-sectional study aims to compare the effects of instrumental (e.g. food preparation, fundraising) and cognitively demanding volunteering activities (e.g. befriending, mentoring) in a sample of 487 middle-aged and older Hong Kong Chinese adults. Participation in instrumental and cognitively demanding volunteering, life satisfaction, depressive symptoms, cognitive functioning and hand-grip strength were measured. The results of two-way between-subject robust analyses of variance demonstrated significant main effects of volunteering type and their interaction effect with age on life satisfaction and depressive symptoms. Comparisons among four volunteering groups (no volunteering, instrumental volunteering, cognitively demanding volunteering and both types) revealed that individuals engaging in instrumental volunteering exhibited lower life satisfaction and more depressive symptoms compared to those who engaged in cognitively demanding volunteering and those who did not volunteer at all. This detrimental pattern of instrumental volunteering was only seen in middle-aged adults, but not in older adults. Findings of this study revealed distinctive effects of two volunteering types, and provide valuable directions for designing future volunteering programmes.

Sitting-Time and Exercise Predict Depressive Symptoms Among Taiwanese Middle-Aged Adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 279-287
Author(s):  
Shu-Hung Chang ◽  
Yi-Ya Chang
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Regular Exercise ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physical Examinations ◽  
Middle Aged Adults

BACKGROUND: Exercise and sitting-time may influence depressive symptoms. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between sitting-time, exercise, and depressive symptoms among middle-aged adults. DESIGN: Data from community-based physical examinations between 2013 and 2014 in northern Taiwan were used for this cross-sectional study. We collected demographic data and data on exercise behaviours, sitting-time, and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 655 participants completed this survey. Of these, 21.2% had depressive symptoms, 33.7% had regular exercise habits, and 24.1% reported a daily average sitting-time of more than 6 hours. Subjects who had regular exercise with lower sitting-time (odds ratio [OR] = 0.49), subjects who had regular exercise with higher sitting-time (OR = 0.55), and subjects who did not have regular exercise with lower sitting-time (OR = 0.34) had less prevalence of depressive symptoms compared to subjects without regular exercise and with higher sitting-time. CONCLUSIONS: Middle-aged adults must exercise regularly and reduce sitting-time to prevent depressive symptoms.

scholarly journals Psychosocial and physical factors associated with depression in older adults living in studio apartments: A cross-sectional study of a multi-ethnic Asian population

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 243-251
Author(s):  
Grace Sum ◽  
Yun Ru Tan ◽  
Song-Iee Hong ◽  
Gerald Choon-Huat Koh
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Exercise Behaviour

Background: There is a rapidly ageing population globally, leading to a rise in subsidised public housing in many countries for older adults. According to the World Health Organisation, depression is the most prevalent mental disorder in older adults. There is a gap in literature on the factors associated with depression in those residing in studio apartments for older adults, characterised by small living spaces and isolated community settings. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the associations between socio-demographic variables, social support, self-perceived health and mental status, life satisfaction, exercise, physical functioning, chronic conditions, and the use of eldercare services, with depressive symptoms. Methods: We utilised a cross-sectional study of older adults aged ⩾55 years residing in Singapore’s studio apartments. Multivariable logistic regression was applied. Results: Widowhood was associated with depressive symptoms, compared to being married or having a domestic partner (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01 to 2.86). Odds of depressive symptoms were associated with difficulty bathing and showering (AOR = 3.74, 95% CI = 1.06 to 13.21). Depressive symptoms were associated with cataract (AOR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.01 to 2.77) and urinary tract disorder (AOR = 4.70, 95% CI = 1.21 to 18.26). There were dose-response relationships between higher odds of depressive symptoms and poorer social support, self-perceived mental health, life satisfaction, and exercise behaviour ( p for trend < 0.001). Conclusion: Factors including widowhood, physical functioning difficulty, chronic conditions, low social support, low self-perceived mental health, poor life satisfaction, and lack of exercise behaviour, were associated with depressive symptoms in older adults residing in studio apartments. More attention is needed to care for the psychosocial and physical needs of older adults in studio apartments.

scholarly journals Benefits of Volunteering for Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Comparison Between Types of Volunteering Activities

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 405-406
Author(s):  
Edwin K H Chung ◽  
Alfred H K Lam ◽  
Dannii Yeung ◽  
Ka Hung Edwin Chung
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Hand Grip Strength ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Hand Grip ◽  
Effect Of Age

Abstract More middle-aged and older adults are often encouraged to volunteer (Gray et al., 2012). However, the effects of various volunteering activities on physical, psychological and cognitive health remain unknown. This study thereby aims to investigate such effects and the moderating effect of age in such associations. Data of 501 middle-aged and older Hong Kong Chinese adults (Mage = 53.06, SD = 4.55; and Mage = 70.46, SD = 7.34, respectively; range = 45 – 96) from a survey on Adult Development and Aging were analysed. Engagements in instrumental (e.g., food preparation, fundraising) and cognitively demanding volunteering (e.g., counselling, mentoring), hand-grip strength, life satisfaction, depressive symptoms, and cognitive functioning were measured. Factorial ANOVA revealed significant main effects of age group and volunteering type (F = 29.71, and F = 3.96, respectively, ps &lt; .001), and an interaction effect of age and volunteering type (F =1.80, p = .03) on health outcomes. Comparisons among the four volunteering types (no volunteering, instrumental volunteering, cognitively demanding volunteering, and both types) revealed that individuals engaging in cognitively demanding volunteering had better hand-grip strength, life satisfaction, and cognitive functioning, and lower depressive symptoms than those who engaged in instrumental volunteering (all ps &lt; .05). The health outcomes of instrumental volunteering were even worse than those who did not volunteer at all. These patterns were more prevalent in the middle-aged adults than in the older adults. Findings of this study indicated the beneficial effects of cognitively demanding volunteering, providing valuable directions for future programs on volunteering.

scholarly journals Age-Related Differences of Rumination on the Loneliness-Depression Relationship: Evidence from a Population-Representative Cohort

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Horace Tong ◽  
Wai Kai Hou ◽  
Li Liang ◽  
Tsz Wai Li ◽  
Huinan Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Significant Risk Factor ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Affective Symptoms ◽  
Middle Aged Adults

Abstract Background and Objective This study examined the association of loneliness with depressive symptoms across various age groups. Loneliness is a significant risk factor for precipitating depressive symptoms. Rumination, a mechanism that underpins depression, can become intense when a person feels lonely. In addition, age is a major factor associated with changes in mental and physical health. Thus, the importance of rumination and age in moderating the loneliness–depression link were investigated. Research Design and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong (February 27 to March 17, 2020). A population-representative sample of 2,018 people (1,126 females; 15–92 years of age) was recruited and interviewed via telephone through random digit dialling. This sample included 394 younger adults (18–30 years), 1,106 middle-aged adults (31–64 years), and 472 older adults (65 years or above). Respondents reported depressive symptoms, subjective loneliness, state rumination, and sociodemographic factors. Results Loneliness and rumination were positively associated with depressive symptoms, and they significantly interacted in predicting cognitive-affective symptoms. Further analysis of age showed that the interaction was only significant only in middle-aged adults and older adults. Both rumination and age interacted with loneliness respectively in predicting cognitive-affective symptoms. Discussion and Implications These findings indicate that the strength of the association between loneliness and the cognitive-affective symptoms of depression depends on rumination levels and age. An intervention to regulate rumination offers a feasible direction for health care and social care aimed at improving older adults’ mental health.

scholarly journals Factors associated with sarcopenia screened by finger-circle test among middle-aged and older adults: a population-based multisite cross-sectional survey in Japan

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daiki Watanabe ◽  
Tsukasa Yoshida ◽  
Takashi Nakagata ◽  
Naomi Sawada ◽  
Yosuke Yamada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Mail Surveys ◽  
Osaka Prefecture ◽  
Middle Aged Adults

AbstractBackgroundPrevious epidemiological studies have demonstrated the prevalence and relationship of various factors associated with sarcopenia in older adults; however, few have examined the status of sarcopenia in middle-aged adults. In this study, we aimed to, 1) evaluate the validity of the finger-circle test, which is potentially a useful screening tool for sarcopenia, and 2) determine the prevalence and factors associated with sarcopenia in middle-aged and older adults.MethodsWe conducted face-to-face surveys of 525 adults, who were aged 40–91 years and resided in Settsu City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan to evaluate the validity of finger-circle test. The finger-circle test evaluated calf circumference by referring to an illustration printed on the survey form. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC) was plotted to evaluate the validity of the finger-circle test for screening sarcopenia and compared to that evaluated by skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) measured using bioimpedance. We also conducted multisite population-based cross-sectional anonymous mail surveys of 9337 adults, who were aged 40–97 years and resided in Settsu and Hannan Cities, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling by sex and age in the elementary school zones of their respective cities. We performed multiple logistic regression analysis to explore associations between characteristics and prevalence of sarcopenia.ResultsSarcopenia, defined by SMI, was moderately predicted by a finger-circle test response showing that the subject’s calf was smaller than their finger-circle (AUROC: 0.729, < 65 years; 0.653, ≥65 years); such subjects were considered to have sarcopenia. In mail surveys, prevalence of sarcopenia screened by finger-circle test was higher in older subjects (approximately 16%) than in middle-aged subjects (approximately 8–9%). In a multiple regression model, the factors associated with sarcopenia were age, body mass index, smoking status, self-reported health, and number of meals in all the participants.ConclusionsSarcopenia, screened by the finger-circle test, was present not only among older adults but also among middle-aged adults. These results may provide useful indications for developing public health programs, not only for the prevention, but especially for the management of sarcopenia.Trial registrationUMIN000036880, registered prospectively May 29, 2019, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000042027

scholarly journals Attitude toward Aging Mediates the Relationship between Personality and Mental Health in Older Adults

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 594
Author(s):  
Teshome Sirak Bedaso ◽  
Buxin Han
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Potential Mediator ◽  
The Relationship

This study aimed to examine attitude toward aging as a potential mediator of the relationship between personality factors and mental health in terms of depression and life satisfaction among older adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 438 Ethiopian elderly individuals aged 60 to 69. The results of the regression-based path analysis showed that after adjusting for demographic data, the relationship between agreeableness and depression in older adults was partially mediated by attitude toward aging. Likewise, attitude toward physical change due to aging and psychological growth subscales jointly mediated the correlation between neuroticism and depression. However, a significant direct path between neuroticism and depression persisted. On the contrary, openness had no significant direct association with depression apart from an indirect through psychosocial loss. The link between life satisfaction and agreeableness as well as openness to experience were partially mediated by psychosocial loss. Therefore, a person’s attitude toward aging and personality characteristics should be taken into consideration while designing interventions for managing mental health issues among older adults.

scholarly journals Watching sports and depressive symptoms among older adults: a cross-sectional study from the JAGES 2019 survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Taishi Tsuji ◽  
Satoru Kanamori ◽  
Ryota Watanabe ◽  
Meiko Yokoyama ◽  
Yasuhiro Miyaguni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Geriatric Depression Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Prevalence Ratio ◽  
Average Frequency ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

AbstractThe current study investigated the relationship between the frequency of watching sports and depressive symptoms among older adults. This study used cross-sectional data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study, a nationwide mail survey of 21,317 older adults. Depressive symptoms were defined as a Geriatric Depression Scale score of ≥ 5. Participants were queried regarding the average frequency at which they watched sports on-site and via TV/Internet over the past year. Among the 21,317 participants, 4559 (21.4%) had depressive symptoms, while 4808 (22.6%) and 16,576 (77.8%) watched sports on-site and via TV/Internet at least once a year, respectively. Older adults who watched sports on-site a few times/year (prevalence ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.65–0.74) or 1–3 times/month (0.66, 0.53–0.82) were less likely to have depressive symptoms compared to non-spectators after adjusting for frequency of playing sports, exercise activities, and other potential confounders. Meanwhile, a dose–response relationship was confirmed for watching via TV/Internet (prevalence ratio of 0.86, 0.79, and 0.71 for a few times/year, 1–3 times/month, and ≥ 1 time/week, respectively). This study suggested that watching sports on-site or via TV/Internet, regardless of whether they regularly engage in sports, may reduce the risk of depressive symptoms among older adults.

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