scholarly journals Living alone, social networks in neighbourhoods, and daily fruit and vegetable consumption among middle-aged and older adults in the USA

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (18) ◽  
pp. 3315-3323
Author(s):  
Yeon Jin Choi ◽  
Jennifer A Ailshire ◽  
Eileen M Crimmins
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable

AbstractObjective:A social network is a valuable resource in later life. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate whether social networks within homes and neighbourhoods are associated with older adults’ daily fruit and vegetable consumption.Design:Cross-sectional secondary data analysis.Setting:USA.Participants:A nationally representative sample of 6865 community-dwelling older adults over age 53 in the Health and Retirement Study – Health Care and Nutrition Survey.Results:Older adults who lived alone with no children or friends nearby had the lowest fruit and vegetable consumption. However, the daily fruit and vegetable consumption of respondents who lived alone and had children or friends nearby or those who lived with someone and had no children or friends nearby was not statistically different from those who lived with someone and had children or friends nearby. This suggests that having a social network either at home or in the neighbourhood complements the absence of living with someone or having children or friends nearby and attenuates the negative association between limited social networks and daily fruit and vegetable consumption. A greater decrease in the number of fruits and vegetables consumed was observed among men when they lived alone with no children or friends nearby.Conclusions:Special attention should be given to older adults with limited social networks, especially older adults living alone with no children or friends nearby. Provision of help with grocery shopping and meal preparation as well as social support networks and more opportunities that can improve social engagement appear to be necessary.

scholarly journals LIVING ALONE, HAVING CHILDREN AND FRIENDS NEARBY, AND DAILY FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S639-S639
Author(s):  
Yeon Jin Choi ◽  
Jennifer A Ailshire ◽  
Eileen Crimmins
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Nutrition Assistance

Abstract Fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with lower risk of chronic diseases and mortality. Despite the numerous health benefits, fruit and vegetable consumption of most older adults are below the daily recommendation. This paper aimed to investigate whether living alone and having children and friends nearby are associated with older adults’ daily fruit and vegetable consumption using a nationally representative sample of older Americans. Daily fruit and vegetable consumption was measured using (1) daily serving and (2) daily recommendation (2 or more servings for fruits; 3 or more servings for vegetables). Poisson and logistic regression models were estimated using the HRS Health Care and Nutrition Study. The sample included 6,915 community-dwelling older adults. Older adults who were living alone had lower fruit and vegetable consumption and less likely to meet daily recommendation for vegetables, compared to those who were living with someone. Having friends nearby was positively associated with the outcomes, while having children nearby was associated with meeting daily recommendation for vegetables only among older adults living alone. Based on the findings, older adults who are living alone and do not have children and friends nearby may be at the risk of poor nutrition due to low levels of social support. Provision of help with grocery shopping (e.g., transportation, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and meal preparation (e.g., home-delivered meals) as well as more social opportunities that can improve social support network and encourage healthy eating (e.g., congregate meals) may increase daily fruit and vegetable consumption of older adults.

scholarly journals THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL NETWORK ON RESILIENCE OF COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS LIVING ALONE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S907-S908
Author(s):  
Sangmi Park ◽  
Tae Hui Kim ◽  
Soyeon Choi ◽  
Kyuwon Lee ◽  
Jisoo Jung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Older People ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Health Care Service ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Public Health Care ◽  
Emotional Status

Abstract Resilience is one of the components for successful aging and is related to wellbeing in late life. Studies have shown that older people living alone have low resilience. However, most of these studies were mainly conducted on unhealthy participants. The aim of this study is to examine the factors that contribute to resilience of healthy older adults living alone. Older people living alone who are not subject to public health care service provided to the economically or physically challenged or depressed people were recruited. Data collected from 295 participants were used to conduct hierarchical multiple regression analyses, controlling demographic characteristics, level of cognitive and physical functions, and emotional status. A self-reported questionnaire, UCLA Loneliness Scale, Lubben Social Network Scale(LSNS), and Multidimensional Individual and Interpersonal Resilience Measure(MIIRM) were used to measure study variables. A hierarchical model accounted for 48.8% of the variance in resilience. In model 1(demographics), the religion(β=.178, p<.001) and the perceived economic status(β=-.176, p<.001) variables were significantly related to resilience. The subjective health(β=-.109, p=.038) in model 2(level of function) and the loneliness(β=-.379, p<.001) in model 3(emotional status) had a significant effect on resilience. In model 4, the size(β=-.115, p=.029) and the frequency(β=.160, p=.003) of social networks significantly predicted resilience. The results showed that protecting older adults’ social networks could lead to promote their health and wellbeing. What can be inferred from this finding is that even though the members are small, the social network they often have contact with is important for the resilience of older adults living alone.

scholarly journals Social Network Types and Health Among Older Singaporeans

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 407-407
Author(s):  
Rahul Malhotra ◽  
Pildoo Sung ◽  
Angelique W M Chan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Transition Analysis ◽  
Self Rated Health

Abstract Little is known about the heterogeneity and dynamics in older adults’ social networks and their bidirectional relationship with health in Asian societies. We investigate (1) social network types, (2) how network types predict health, and (3) whether health influences network types over time among older Singaporeans. We use data from Transitions in Health, Employment, Social engagement and Inter-Generational transfers in Singapore Study (THE SIGNS Study), a national longitudinal survey, collected in 2016-2017 (wave 1) and 2019 (wave 2). Latent class analysis is applied to identify distinct social network types and how they affect self-rated health after two years. Latent transition analysis is then employed to examine the pattern of change in network types between waves, and the relationship between baseline self-rated health and transition in network types. We identify six social network types: diverse, diverse but less socially engaged, immediate family, extended family, living alone yet diverse, and restricted (proportion at baseline: 7.2 %, 38.2 %, 14.1 %, 27.1 %, 7.0 %, and 6.4 %, respectively). Older adults in the ‘living alone yet diverse’ network type are less likely to report poor self-rated health after two years than those in the restricted and extended family network types. Additionally, we find that good health is related to more diversified network types—‘diverse’ and ‘diverse but less socially engaged’—at baseline, and network types are relatively stable over two years. These findings contribute to the literature by capturing complexities in the reciprocal relationship between social network types and health in later life.

scholarly journals EXPANDING SOCIAL TIES AS A GOAL IN LATER LIFE: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL NETWORK CHARACTERISTICS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S175-S175
Author(s):  
Danielle Oleskiewicz ◽  
Karen Rook
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Provision ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Network Composition

Abstract Older adults often winnow their social ties to focus on emotionally rewarding ties (Charles & Carstensen, 2010). Some older adults, however, have small social networks that preclude much winnowing or aversive social ties from which disengagement is difficult. These individuals might be motivated to expand, rather than contract, their social ties. The current study sought to extend knowledge regarding potential links between social network characteristics and older adults’ interest, effort, and success in creating new social ties. We expected that small social networks and negative social ties might motivate interest and effort directed toward forming new social ties but that positive social ties might foster success in efforts to form new ties. In-person interviews were conducted with participants (N = 351, Mean age = 74.16) in a larger study of older adults’ social networks and well-being. The interviews assessed participants’ social networks, as well as their interest, effort, and success in making new social ties. Participants’ social network composition, rather than size, was associated with greater motivation to establish new social ties. Negative social ties were associated with greater interest and effort directed toward forming new social ties. Positive social ties were related to greater success (due, in part, to their support provision) and, unexpectedly, were also related to greater interest and effort directed toward forming new ties. Older adults sometimes seek to expand, rather than contract, their social ties, and characteristics of their social networks appear to play a role in fueling and influencing the success of such efforts.

scholarly journals Effect of increased fruit and vegetable consumption on physical function and muscle strength in older adults

AGE ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 2409-2422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte E. Neville ◽  
Ian S. Young ◽  
Sarah E. C. M. Gilchrist ◽  
Michelle C. McKinley ◽  
Andrew Gibson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable

scholarly journals Fruit and vegetable consumption and its recommended intake associated with sociodemographic factors: Thailand National Health Examination Survey III

2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 2192-2198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Warapone Satheannoppakao ◽  
Wichai Aekplakorn ◽  
Mandhana Pradipasen
Keyword(s):  
National Health ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Health Examination ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Health Examination Survey

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the fruit and vegetable consumption in Thailand, the percentage of Thais meeting recommended intakes and the association with sociodemographic factors.DesignCross-sectional survey with a stratified, three-stage, cluster probability sampling design.SettingCommunity-dwelling men and women participating in the Thailand National Health Examination Survey III.SubjectsA total of 39 290 individuals aged ≥15 years were interviewed using a questionnaire to obtain information on sociodemographic characteristics and fruit and vegetable consumption. Daily fruit and vegetable consumption was estimated through the use of a short semi-qualitative FFQ.ResultsOverall, participants had average frequencies of fruit and vegetable consumption equal to 4·56 and 5·97 d/week, respectively. Average daily number of servings of fruit, vegetables and fruit plus vegetables were 1·46, 1·78 and 3·24, respectively. Intake amounts of fruit, vegetables and fruit plus vegetables varied by marital status and region, and were lower among males (except for vegetable intake), those of older age, those with low educational attainment, those with low monthly household income and those living in a rural area. Only 1/3, 1/4 and 1/4 of the population consumed the recommended ≥2, ≥3 and ≥5 servings/d for fruit, vegetables and fruit plus vegetables. Sociodemographic factors related to meeting the recommended intake of ≥5 servings/d for fruit plus vegetables included being female (OR = 1·13) and household income ≥50 000 Baht/month (OR = 1·66).ConclusionsThe amounts of fruit and vegetables consumed by Thai participants were far below the level of current recommendations. Public education and campaigns on adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables should be targeted more towards low socio-economic groups.

scholarly journals Risk of falls and fear of falling in older adults residing in public housing in Ontario, Canada: findings from a multisite observational study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Pirrie ◽  
Guneet Saini ◽  
Ricardo Angeles ◽  
Francine Marzanek ◽  
Jenna Parascandalo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Public Housing ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
The Past ◽  
Risk Factors For Falls

Abstract Background Falls in older adults is a widely researched topic. However, older adults residing in public housing are a vulnerable population that may have unique risk factors for falls. This study aims to describe the prevalence and risk factors for falls, fear of falling, and seeking medical attending for falls in this population. Methods Sociodemographic and health-related data was collected as part of a community-based health assessment program with older adults in public housing. Three pre-screening questions identified individuals at potential risk for falls; individuals who screened positive performed the objective Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Logistic regression was used to evaluate risk factors for four outcome variables: falls in the past year, seeking medical attention for falls, fear of falling, and objectively measured fall risk via TUG test. Results A total of 595 participants were evaluated, of which the majority were female (81.3%), white (86.7%), did not have a high school diploma (50.0%), and reported problems in mobility (56.2%). The prevalence of falls in the past year was 34.5%, seeking medical attention for falls was 20.2% and fear of falling was 38.8%. The TUG test was completed by 257 participants. Notably, males had significantly reduced odds of seeking medical attention for a fall (OR = 0.50, 95%CI 0.25–0.98) and having a fear of falling (OR = 0.42, 95%CI 0.24–0.76); daily fruit and vegetable consumption was associated with decreased odds of having a fall in the past year (OR = 0.55, 95%CI 0.37–0.83), and alcohol consumption was associated with increased odds of fear of falling (OR = 1.72, 95%CI 1.03–2.88). Conclusion Older adults residing in public housing have unique risk factors associated with social determinants of health, such as low fruit and vegetable consumption, which may increase their risk for falls. The findings of this study can be used to inform falls interventions for this population and identify areas for further research.

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