scholarly journals Mobility-Related Behavioral Flexibility and Routines

GeroPsych ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Susanne Penger ◽  
Kerstin Conrad
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Behavioral Flexibility ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Travel Diaries ◽  
Independent Life ◽  
Mobility Impaired

Abstract. Few empirical studies have explored psychological attitudes toward out-of-home mobility in old age. We aimed to validate an instrument to assess mobility-related behavioral flexibility and routines in the context of everyday mobility and successful aging. Data were gathered from face-to-face interviews and travel diaries of 211 community-dwelling older adults (aged 65–92) in Germany. Analysis revealed sufficient reliability and confirmed the factorial and convergent validity of the instrument. Mobility-related behavioral flexibility predicted the number of daily trips, particularly by mobility-impaired participants, and was strongly linked to autonomy and to psychological well-being. However, a preference for routines predicted neither out-of-home mobility nor further outcomes. The results demonstrate the importance of mobility-related flexibility in maintaining an active and independent life in old age.

scholarly journals Meaning of Life and Well-Being: Preliminary Results of the Successful Aging Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 112-112
Author(s):  
Zvi Gellis ◽  
Kim McClive-Reed ◽  
Bonnie Kenaley ◽  
Eunhae Kim
Keyword(s):  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Presence Of Meaning ◽  
Aging Study ◽  
Proxy Measure ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Meaning in life for older persons has become a focal research point, with findings that a greater sense of meaning is associated with better outcomes on a range of health and well-being factors. Our study examined relationships between scores on several personality scales, including the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (Steger et al., 2009) and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, a proxy measure of mood/depression. Community-dwelling members (N=535) of Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes aged 50 and up (mean age 71.4, SD = 6.93) at 3 U.S. sites completed surveys. Higher wellness levels were significantly correlated with increased resilience, optimism, life satisfaction, and presence of meaning in life, while lower levels were associated with greater searching for meaning in life. A multivariate linear regression model (F = 55.597, df = 4, p = .000, R = .566, R2 = .320) showed that wellness scores increased with higher scores in optimism (ß = .348, p =.000), resilience (ß = .183, p = .000), and presence of meaning in life (ß = .106, p = .019). However, searching for meaning in life significantly predicted decreases in wellness scores (ß = -.084, p=.019). These results support those of previous studies, suggesting that for older persons, an ongoing search for meaning in life is linked to negative outcomes than a perception of existing meaning in life. A variety of available interventions aimed at increasing meaning and purpose in life (Guerrero-Torelles et al., 2017) may contribute to better health and well-being in older adults.

scholarly journals Development of a Comprehensive Chinese Successful Aging Scale: Incorporating the Viewpoints of Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 215-216
Author(s):  
Edwin K H Chung ◽  
Dannii Yeung
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Initial Item ◽  
Civic Awareness ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Inspiring by Martinson and Berridge’s (2015) systematic review, the current definition of successful aging (SA) fails to acknowledge the laypeople’s conceptualization of SA. Adopting a mixed-method approach, two studies were conducted with the aim of soliciting older adults’ perceptions of SA and to develop a multidimensional instrument for assessing SA. Study 1 was a qualitative study and 27 community-dwelling older adults (Mage=68.07 years, SD=7.10, range=60–83; 56.3% females) were interviewed. Interview transcripts were analyzed, and seven themes were emerged. An initial item pool for the Successful Aging Scale (SAS) was then established based on these themes as well as those in the SA literature, such as acceptance and independence. Study 2 was a survey study which was conducted among 414 community-dwelling older adults (Mage=64.50 years, SD=4.01, range=60–82; 55.3% females) to identify optimal items for constitution of the SAS. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 12-factor solution, accounting for 62% of the variance. The 12 factors are adequate health, perceived constraints, flexible attitudes toward life, acceptance of age-related change, life embracement, active engagement, harmonious family, supportive friendship, civic awareness, social contribution, living independently, and adaptive coping strategies. The 12 factors exhibit similar strength of associations with most of the well-being measures, but certain factors show stronger correlation with depressive symptoms and social relationship, suggesting the uniqueness of each factor. Overall, the SAS demonstrates promising psychometric properties. These findings disclose that the older adults’ perceptions of SA could cover broader dimensions than those in Rowe and Kahn’s model (1997).

Women’s Survival in Old Age: The Impact of Life Course Experience in the Development of Material and Non-Material Resources for Well-being in Old Age

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Isobel Marjorie Alexandra Munro
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Life Course ◽  
Oral History ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Home Ownership ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Economic Effects ◽  
Material Resources ◽  
The Impact

<p>This thesis is about women’s acquisition and management of material and non-material resources for old age. It provides the historical context for a small group of women aged from seventy-two to ninety-two and examines the ways in which they acquired the resources enabling well-being in old age. The main resources explored are income and assets, housing, health, social connectivity and resilience. The data have been drawn from an oral history project which recorded the life histories of twenty-three community-dwelling New Zealand women of European ethnicity. The interviews were recorded between 2011 and 2013 and are archived at the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington.  Oral history provided in-depth interviews that produced rich data for analysis allowing the women’s voices to be heard. A life-course approach highlighted the gender-based cultural expectations and social structures of that informed the women’s life trajectories in a period of rapid social change covering the post-war economic expansion and the resurgence of the women’s movement.  The study is interdisciplinary in nature; theories and concepts of ageing, including that of successful ageing, are reviewed from a critical gerontology perspective. It is constructed using a feminist lens and analysed according to grounded theory with flexible coding. The emergent themes relate to the importance of home ownership and the insecurity of renting, the desire to ‘age in place’, the belief in ‘making do’ and the need to have income in addition to New Zealand Superannuation, which covers only the basic needs for old women. The economic effects of divorce or separation which in some cases disadvantage women in old age are reviewed and the long-term values of education in obtaining a good income to facilitate home ownership and financial security. The role of resilience in the face of adversity is shown in the narrators’ ability to employ their agency in the resolution of difficult situations and to initiate and accept social support.</p>

Psychosocial Development and Subjective Well-Being in an Age Cross-Section of Adults

1986 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie A. Tesch
Keyword(s):  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Adult Development ◽  
Psychosocial Development ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Individual Stage ◽  
High Internal Consistency

Though often cited, Erikson's theory has been relatively neglected in empirical studies of adult development, partly because few measures operationalize his psychosocial constructs. The present research examined the internal consistency and construct validity of an expanded version of the Inventory of Psychosocial Development (E-IPD) which included the generativity and ego integrity scales created by Boylin et al. [1]. Participants were seventy-nine adults with a mean age of forty-two and mean educational level of fifteen years. Total E-IPD scores were found to have high internal consistency but many individual stage scales did not. Men's E-IPD scores showed discriminant validity with respect to social desirability and women's E-IPD scores showed convergent validity with a measure of subjective well-being. Psychosocial development scores were largely unrelated to age, indicating that the E-IPD may have little validity as a measure of adult development.

scholarly journals Successful Aging and Personal Well-Being Among the Chilean Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Elderly

Aquichan ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Lorena Patricia Gallardo-Peralta ◽  
Esteban Sánchez-Moreno
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Risk ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Religious Experiences ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Satisfaction ◽  
Life Paths

Objective: The aim of this research was to analyse the association between successful aging (SA) and subjective well-being (SWB) in different domains. Method: The study is quantitative and cross-sectional, with a sample consisting of 800 older people, including 569 indigenous (Aymara and Mapuche) participants living in northern and southern Chile. Results: Domains associated with SA are satisfaction with health, satisfaction with social relationships, satisfaction with future security, and satisfaction with spiritual and religious experiences. SA is also positively associated with being a woman, being young, and not being indigenous. Conclusion: The research has two main practical implications. First, SWB domains may be incorporated into socio-health interventions as they relate to elements that can be changed or improved (health, social inclusion, security, and beliefs). Second, this study suggests a situation of risk among older indigenous Chileans, confirming the premise that the life paths of indigenous Chileans at social risk give rise to a more socially unequal old age with; therefore, it is important to analyse positive aspects that promote better old age.

What Is Successful Aging? A Psychometric Validation Study of Different Construct Definitions

2018 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 738-748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Kleineidam ◽  
Myriam V Thoma ◽  
Andreas Maercker ◽  
Horst Bickel ◽  
Edelgard Mösch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Predictive Validity ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychometric Validation ◽  
Good Prediction ◽  
Objective Health ◽  
Design And Methods

Abstract Background and Objectives We examined the validity of 5 successful aging (SA) operationalizations that assessed different facets of the SA construct (cognitive and physical health and disability; well-being; social engagement). Research Design and Methods A total of 2,478 participants (mean age = 82.5 years, standard deviation [SD] = 3.47) were studied. We used confirmatory factor analysis to investigate the relationships between facets and to determine the convergent validity as well as short-term (1.5 years) and long-term (4.5 years) predictive validity of the 5 SA operationalizations for measures of quality of life (QoL) and objective health outcomes. Results A general SA operationalization that included all SA facets but also allowed differences between them showed the best model fit and construct validity. A biomedical operationalization of SA that excluded either the well-being or the social engagement facet showed lower convergent and predictive validity for subjective measures (e.g., QoL) but higher associations with objective measures (e.g., health). A purely psychosocial SA operationalization that excluded the physiological facet did not allow good prediction of objective health outcomes. Discussion and Implications Our results suggest that a well-balanced SA operationalization should include measures assessing health, disability, well-being, and social engagement.

Subjective well-being amongst community-dwelling elders: what determines satisfaction with life? Findings from the Dublin Healthy Aging Study

2011 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 316-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aine M. Ní Mhaoláin ◽  
Damien Gallagher ◽  
Henry O Connell ◽  
A. V. Chin ◽  
Irene Bruce ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Older People ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Older Individuals

ABSTRACTBackground: Life satisfaction is a subjective expression of well-being and successful aging. Subjective well-being is a major determinant of health outcomes in older people. The aim of this study was to determine which factors predicted well-being in older people living in the community as measured by their satisfaction with life.Methods: The relationship between life satisfaction, as measured by the Life Satisfaction Index (LSI-A) and physical, cognitive and demographic variables was examined in 466 older people living in the community using a stepwise regression modelResults: Depression, loneliness, neuroticism, extraversion, recent participation in physical activity, age and self-reported exhaustion, were the independent predictors of life satisfaction in our elderly cohort.Conclusion: Subjective well-being, as measured by the Life Satisfaction Scale, is predicted by depression, loneliness, personality traits, recent participation in physical activity and self-reported exhaustion. The mental and emotional status of older individuals, as well as their engagement in physical activity, are as important as physical functionality when it comes to life satisfaction as a measure of well-being and successful aging. These areas represent key targets for intervention.

scholarly journals Older Portuguese And Mexican Adults And Sexual Well-Being? A Cross-Cultural Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 909-909
Author(s):  
Sofia von Humboldt ◽  
Neyda Ma Mendoza-Ruvalcaba ◽  
José Alberto Ribeiro-Gonçalves ◽  
Gail Low ◽  
Isabel Leal
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Community Dwelling

Abstract Objectives Sexual well-being (SWB) refers to the subjective emotional and cognitive evaluation of the quality of the individual's sexuality, it plays a relevant role in quality of life and health promotion on old age and has cross-cultural implications. The aim of this study is to analyse comparatively the perspectives of older adults on their SWB in Portugal and Mexico. Methods Data were collected from 86 Portuguese and 80 Mexican community-dwelling participants aged 65 years and older, using a semi-structured interview protocol. Older adults were inquired about their perceptions on what contributes to their sexual well-being. Socio-demographic data were also enquired. Content analysis was used to identify key themes. Results Outcomes indicated eight themes: eroticism, supportive relationship, positive self-concept, health and self-care, romance, active life, tenderness and care, and no pain and no pregnancy restrictions, for both samples. Eroticism was the most frequent theme reported by Portuguese participants (31.4%) and health and self-care were the most frequent theme reported by Mexican participants (26.5%). Conclusions The empirical results of this study indicated that SWB is strongly influenced by socio-cultural and psychosocial values. This cross-cultural comparison between Portugal and Mexico contributes to understand this concept in old age with different perspectives and place a scenario for future culture-adapted interventions and comprehensive policies. Keywords: Mexican, older adults; Portuguese; qualitative study; sexual well-being

A New Measure of Mobility-Related Behavioral Flexibility and Routines in Old Age

GeroPsych ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 153-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Penger ◽  
Frank Oswald
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Behavioral Flexibility ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Environment Interaction ◽  
Factorial Structure ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Psychological Determinants ◽  
Personal Challenges ◽  
Acceptable Internal Consistency

Abstract. Although daily out-of-home mobility is crucial for well-being in later life, the psychological determinants thereof are not yet fully understood. This study describes attitudes toward daily out-of-home mobility from a person-environment interaction perspective and develops an instrument to measure mobility-related behavioral flexibility and routines in old age. Data were drawn from 265 older adults (aged 65–99). An examination of the factorial structure using exploratory factor analysis revealed three main mobility-related factors: behavioral flexibility with regard to environmental challenges, behavioral flexibility with regard to personal challenges, and a preference for routines. The instrument demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and factorial validity. The study contributes toward a better understanding of the motivational aspects of daily out-of-home mobility in later life.

Construction and Validation of an Ego Integrity Status Interview

1984 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maxine Walaskay ◽  
Susan Krauss Whitbourne ◽  
Milton F. Nehrke
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Semistructured Interview ◽  
Ego Integrity ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Death Attitudes ◽  
The Past ◽  
High Degree

Erikson's theory regarding the existence of an Ego Integrity versus Despair crisis in old age was tested using an interview derived from Whitbourne and Weinstock's application of Marcia's status construct to the ego integrity crisis. Four integrity statuses were defined: integrity achieving, dissonant (in crisis), foreclosed (avoiding crisis), and despairing. These statuses were reliably (80%) identified among forty elderly community-dwelling men and women through the forty-five-minute semistructured interview. Moreover, predicted differences among the four statuses were observed on questionnaire measures assessing reminiscing activity, death attitudes and preparation, psychological well-being, and questionnaire scales of Stages 6 through 8 of Erikson's theory. The pattern of differences suggested that integrity achieving and foreclosed samples differed mainly regarding their degree of introspection regarding the past, but that both appeared to have a high degree of psychological well-being. Dissonant individuals appeared to be unhappy and stressed, but this was seen as a temporary state in contrast to the more chronic nature of the despairing's low sense of psychological well-being. The validity of the integrity status construct and the interview designed to measure it have, therefore, been supported, and provide the basis for suggested refinements within Erikson's description of the Ego Integrity versus Despair stage.

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