Loneliness and aging in China–a public health problem in need of solutions

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (11) ◽  
pp. 1771-1772 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shulin Chen ◽  
Yeates Conwell ◽  
Helen Fung Kum Chiu
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Her Family ◽  
The Individual

Loneliness is a common, distressing feeling that results when one perceives his/her social relationships and supports as inadequate. Social connectedness refers to the relationships between the individual and his or her family, friends, community, and other supports. Neither loneliness nor social connectedness has received enough research attention, in particular with regard to older adults’ physical and mental health.

scholarly journals The same old story: Workplace violence towards healthcare providers during COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 006-009
Author(s):  
Ali Kemal Erenler ◽  
Seval Komut ◽  
Ahmet Baydin
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Workplace Violence ◽  
Zero Tolerance ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Intention To Leave ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Zero Tolerance Policy

Workplace violence (WPV) is a growing public health problem worldwide affecting physical and mental health of healthcare providers. It has many deterious consequences such as anxiety, burnout and intention to leave the job. With the pandemic, it is assumed that the incidence of workplace violence tends to increase. Particularly, misinformation about the nature of the disease create prejudice against staff working in healthcare facilities. There are several measures to be taken for prevention of physical and mental health of healthcare providers. A “zero-tolerance policy against violence” should be implemented. Doctors and nurses should be encouraged to report incidents. Social support should be provided for the personnel. In this review, our aim was to clarify if there is an increase in the incidence of WPV against healthcare providers in the pandemic process. We also aimed to make recommendations about measures that must be taken to prevent healthcare providers from detrimental effects of WPV.

scholarly journals Physical Inactivity in Older Adult Couples: A Dyadic Analysis Using Continuous In-Home Monitoring

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 412-412
Author(s):  
Chao-Yi Wu ◽  
Lyndsey Miller ◽  
Rachel Wall ◽  
Zachary Beattie ◽  
Jeffrey Kaye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Home Monitoring ◽  
Health Determinants ◽  
Dyadic Analysis ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Aging Research

Abstract Many older adults remain inactive despite the known positive health implications of physical activity (e.g. improved mood, reduced mortality risk). Physical inactivity is a known interdependent phenomenon in couples, but the majority of research identifies determinants of physical inactivity at the individual level. We estimated the average amount of physical inactivity for older adult couples and, using dyadic analysis, identified physical and mental health determinants thereof. Forty-eight heterosexual older adult couples (mean age=70.6, SD=6.63) from the Veterans Integrated Service Network 20 cohort of the Collaborative Aging Research using Technology (CART) initiative were included in this study. Both dyad members wore actigraph devices for a month. The average number per day of inactive periods (defined as no movement or sleep activity for ≥ 30 minutes) was estimated. Multilevel modeling revealed that, within couples, there was no difference between partners in the average number of inactive periods, but on average across couples, males had more inactive periods per day (13.4, SD=4.43) than females (12.3, SD=4.87). For males, older age was the only variable associated with more inactive periods (β=0.13, p=.013). For females, more depressive symptoms in men were associated with fewer inactive periods (β=-0.37, p=.002), and more dependence in completing their own IADLs predicted more inactive periods (β=2.80, p<.001). All models were adjusted for covariates. Viewing couples’ activity as a unit, rather than as separate individuals, provides a novel approach to identifying pathways to reduce inactivity in older adults, especially when focusing on mental health issues and decreased independence within the couple.

The ‘loneliness pandemic’: implications for gerontological nursing

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 652-655
Author(s):  
Carlos Laranjeira
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Gerontological Nursing

The COVID-19 pandemic compelled states to limit free movement, in order to protect at-risk and more vulnerable groups, particularly older adults. Due to old age or debilitating chronic diseases, this group is also more vulnerable to loneliness (perceived discrepancy between actual and desired social relationships) and social isolation (feeling that one does not belong to society). This forced isolation has negative consequences for the health of older people, particularly their mental health. This is an especially challenging time for gerontological nursing, but it is also an opportunity for professionals to combat age stereotypes reinforced with COVID-19, to urge the measurement of loneliness and social isolation, and to rethink how to further adjust interventions in times of crisis, such as considering technology-mediated interventions in these uncertain times.

scholarly journals The Sense of Smell and Aging: What We Have Learned From Population Studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 810-811
Author(s):  
Jayant Pinto
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Population Studies ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Sensory Function ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Sense Of Smell ◽  
Health Aging

Abstract Decline of the sense of smell with age causes a marked impact on older adults, markedly reducing quality of life. Olfactory dysfunction impairs nutrition, decreases the ability to experience pleasure, and results in depression, among other burdens. Large-scale population studies have identified impaired olfaction as a key heath indicator that predicts the development of decreased physical and mental health, reduced physical activity, weight loss, mild cognitive impairment and dementia, and mortality itself. These data have been generated via analyses of data from several aging cohorts, including the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP); the Beaver Dam cohort; the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities project; the Rush Memory and Aging Project; the Health, Aging, and Body Composition project; the Washington Heights/Inwood Columbia Aging Project; among others. In this presentation, we will review the close connection between olfaction, health, aging, including discussion of insights from these studies. We will also discuss emerging data from NSHAP on the effects of sensory function on cognition, mental health, and social interaction, which demonstrate that sensory function plays a vital role in the lives of older adults. Part of a symposium sponsored by Sensory Health Interest Group.

scholarly journals Cognition, Health, and Social Support of Formerly Homeless Older Adults in Permanent Supportive Housing

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita M Souza ◽  
Jenny Hsin-Chin Tsai ◽  
Kenneth C Pike ◽  
Francesca Martin ◽  
Susan M McCurry
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Global Mental Health ◽  
Case Managers ◽  
Supportive Housing ◽  
Homeless Population ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Permanent Supportive Housing ◽  
Formerly Homeless

Abstract Background and Objectives Formerly homeless older adults residing in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) represent an invisible subsector of two distinct, yet related populations: the homeless population and the elderly population. Little research is focused on the complex health concerns facing this aging population within the homelessness response system. Of particular concern is the identification and support of individuals with cognitive impairment and co-occurring chronic conditions. We collaborated with a leading housing services provider to develop a systematic screening system for case managers to capture the cognitive, physical, and psychosocial health of older adults served within homeless housing programs. Research Design and Methods PSH residents aged ≥50 years in four sites screened as being without cognitive impairment on the Mini-Cog were enrolled. A brief demographic survey and selected PROMIS measures were used to characterize participants’ demographics, cognition, global physical and mental health, physical functioning, self-efficacy for social interactions, and instrumental support. PSH case managers were trained to recruit participants and collect data. PROMIS scales were scored using the Health Measures Scoring Service. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and one sample t-tests were performed. Results Fifty-three residents (mean age = 60.8 years, range 50–76 years) participated. The majority self-identified as male and were military veterans; 60% reported having a history of two or more episodes of homelessness. All PROMIS scores were significantly (p < .05) lower than reference U.S. population means, with global mental health and cognition having the lowest scores. Discussion and Implications Self-reported cognitive functioning and global mental health were residents’ greatest concerns. Strengthening housing case manager capacity to assess residents’ cognitive and health status could increase support for older adults in PSH. It is feasible to train PSH staff to conduct structured interviews to identify resident cognitive and health needs to help support this “invisible” population to successfully age in place.

scholarly journals Research on Stress Among the Engineering College Students in Coimbatore, India

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (6S) ◽  
pp. 73-75
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Sample Survey ◽  
Late Adolescents ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Significant Public Health

The students are generally affected by stress especially in professional courses like medical, engineering are affected by higher stress, this leads to psychological problems such as high amount of depression, nervousness, cardiac problems etc.,. Mental health among the students indicates growing concern along with opportunity, because of the large number of people who could be reached during an important period of life. College premises, by their scholarly nature, are also well positioned to develop, evaluate, and disseminate best practices. In short, colleges offer a unique opportunity to address one of the most significant public health problems among late adolescents and young adults. Busy schedules crammed with curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular activities can affect the student’s physical and mental health, especially on delayed eating and improper and less sleeping. These stressors can compound over time, leading to even greater levels of stress. College premises, by their scholarly nature, are also well positioned to develop, evaluate, and disseminate best practices. In short, colleges offer a unique opportunity to address one of the most significant public health problems among late adolescents and young adults. This study aims to analyse the stress among the engineering students from sample survey. A quantitative method was used in gathering and analysing the data by distributing questionnaires to the students. The results obtained were analysed for different factors that cause stress among students

scholarly journals Loneliness in early psychosis: A qualitative study exploring the views of mental health practitioners in early intervention services

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theodora Stefanidou ◽  
Jingyi Wang ◽  
Nicola Morant ◽  
Brynmor Lloyd-Evans ◽  
Sonia Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Early Intervention ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Early Psychosis ◽  
Mental Health Practitioners ◽  
First Episode ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Early Intervention Services ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
Intervention Services

Abstract Background: Loneliness is an important public health problem with established adverse effects on physical and mental health. Although, people with psychosis often experience high levels of loneliness, relatively little is known about the relationship between loneliness and early psychosis. Potential interventions to address loneliness might be easier to implement early in the illness when social networks and social skills may be more intact than at a later stage. We investigated the views of mental health practitioners about the context and causes of loneliness in people with early psychosis, and about potential interventions.Methods: Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with mental health practitioners (n=20). Participants were purposively recruited from four early intervention services for first-episode psychosis in the UK. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was conducted.Results: Participants believed that the majority of service users with early psychosis experience feelings of loneliness. They often saw socially isolated and disconnected clients and believed them to be lonely, but rarely discussed loneliness explicitly in clinical interactions. A combination of symptoms, stigma and negative sense of self were believed to underpin loneliness. Participants could not identify any specific current interventions delivered by their services for tackling loneliness, but thought some routinely provided interventions, including social groups and psychological treatments, could be helpful. They favoured making a wider range of loneliness interventions available and believed that community agencies beyond mental health services should be involved to make these effective and feasible to deliver. They suggested social participation interventions without an explicit mental health focus as potentially promising and valued a co-produced approach to intervention development. Conclusions: This study suggests that loneliness is not routinely discussed in early intervention services, and a targeted strategy for tackling it is lacking. Co-produced, individualised community approaches, and interventions that target symptoms, stigma and negative self-schemas might be beneficial in alleviating loneliness for people with early psychosis. Empirical research is needed to develop and test such interventions.

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