scholarly journals Leading a meaningful life at older ages and its relationship with social engagement, prosperity, health, biology, and time use

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (4) ◽  
pp. 1207-1212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Steptoe ◽  
Daisy Fancourt
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Human Flourishing ◽  
Meaningful Life ◽  
Civic Society

The sense that one is living a worthwhile and meaningful life is fundamental to human flourishing and subjective well-being. Here, we investigate the wider implications of feeling that the things one does in life are worthwhile with a sample of 7,304 men and women aged 50 and older (mean 67.2 y). We show that independently of age, sex, educational attainment, and socioeconomic status, higher worthwhile ratings are associated with stronger personal relationships (marriage/partnership, contact with friends), broader social engagement (involvement in civic society, cultural activity, volunteering), less loneliness, greater prosperity (wealth, income), better mental and physical health (self-rated health, depressive symptoms, chronic disease), less chronic pain, less disability, greater upper body strength, faster walking, less obesity and central adiposity, more favorable biomarker profiles (C-reactive protein, plasma fibrinogen, white blood cell count, vitamin D, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), healthier lifestyles (physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, sleep quality, not smoking), more time spent in social activities and exercising, and less time spent alone or watching television. Longitudinally over a 4-y period, worthwhile ratings predict positive changes in social, economic, health, and behavioral outcomes independently of baseline levels. Sensitivity analyses indicate that these associations are not driven by factors such as prosperity or depressive symptoms, or by outcome levels before the measurement of worthwhile ratings. The feeling that life is filled with worthwhile activities may promote healthy aging and help sustain meaningful social relationships and optimal use of time at older ages.

Goal Pursuit, Goal Adjustment, and Pain in Middle-Aged Adults Aging With Physical Disability

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (10_suppl) ◽  
pp. 214S-240S
Author(s):  
Anne Arewasikporn ◽  
Ann Marie Roepke ◽  
Aaron P. Turner ◽  
Kevin N. Alschuler ◽  
Rhonda M. Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Physical Disability ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Goal Pursuit ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Pain Interference ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Goal Adjustment ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Middle Aged Adults

Objective: Aging with physical disability disrupts one’s ability to achieve valued goals due to changes in symptoms and function. It is unclear how to cope optimally in this context. This study examined whether two possible strategies—tenacious goal pursuit (TGP) and flexible goal adjustment (FGA)—were associated with reduced pain interference and depressive symptoms and greater well-being, and protected against pain intensity, and FGA was more protective with increasing age and worse physical function. Method: Middle-aged adults with muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, post-polio syndrome, or spinal cord injury ( N = 874; MAGE = 58.3 years, range = 46-68; MDISEASEDURATION = 26.2 years, range = 2-67) completed two questionnaires, a year apart. Results: TGP and FGA use was associated with greater well-being. FGA use predicted decreased depressive symptoms. Concurrent use of both predicted decreased pain interference. Discussion: Adults with disability employ a variety of goal management strategies. Findings support TGP and FGA as potential intervention targets for healthy aging with disabilities.

scholarly journals EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS: DOES GENDER MATTER?

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S931-S931
Author(s):  
Celeste Beaulieu ◽  
Jeffrey E Stokes
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Everyday Activities ◽  
Retirement Study

Abstract Previous research has suggested that informal socializing can be beneficial for mental health, whereas prior findings concerning solitary activities and mental health have been equivocal. Activity theory posits that involvement in activities – particularly social activities – can improve adults’ self-concept and self-esteem, leading to improved well-being. Solitary activities may perform the same function, though without any social reinforcement. However, social engagement and mental health may both vary by gender. Thus, we examined associations of informal socializing and solitary activities with depressive symptoms among 13,387 respondents of the 2012/2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study, and further assessed potential gender differences. Results revealed that both informal socializing and solitary activities were significantly associated with lower depressive symptoms when analyzed separately. However, when both types of activities were modeled simultaneously, only informal socializing remained significant. Further, stratified analyses revealed that informal socializing was a significant predictor of depressive symptoms among women but not men, although these coefficients were not significantly different from each other. Overall, findings suggest that both informal socializing and solitary activities may be beneficial for mental health, yet results were clearly stronger for informal socializing. Socializing may benefit mental health not only by bolstering one’s self-concept, but also by linking adults with social ties and support networks that are instrumental for well-being in mid- and later life. Moreover, gender differences in effects were minimal and largely non-significant, indicating that activity involvement can bolster mental health for men and women alike.

scholarly journals Long-term Impact of Parental Well-Being on Adult Outcomes and Dementia Status in Individuals With Down Syndrome

2013 ◽  
Vol 118 (4) ◽  
pp. 294-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna J. Esbensen ◽  
Marsha R. Mailick ◽  
Wayne Silverman
Keyword(s):  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Behavior Problems ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Maternal Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Functional Abilities ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Parental Characteristics ◽  
Long Term Impact

Abstract Parental characteristics were significant predictors of health, functional abilities, and behavior problems in adults with Down syndrome (n  =  75) over a 22-year time span, controlling for initial levels and earlier changes in these outcomes. Lower levels of behavior problems were predicted by improvements in maternal depressive symptoms. Higher levels of functional abilities were predicted by prior measures of and improvements in maternal depressive symptoms. Better health was predicted by prior measures of maternal depressive symptoms, paternal positive psychological well-being, relationship quality between fathers and their adult children, and improvements in maternal positive psychological well-being. Dementia status was also predicted by parental characteristics. The study suggests the importance of the family context for healthy aging in adults with Down syndrome.

scholarly journals Challenges of Caregivers of Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 149-149
Author(s):  
Zara Sajwani
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Control And Prevention

Abstract The purpose of this presentation is to identify burden and problems experienced by caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). AD results in gradual deterioration of cognition, language, and memory that can impact an individual’s ability to independently perform daily functional activities (CDC, 2019). The role of caregivers is significant in providing assistance to the patients with chronic AD which can be a source of strain for caregiver population. About 16.3 million informal AD caregivers have spent 18.5 billion hours, which is equal to value of $234 billion, to assist patients with other dementia types and AD in 2018 (Alzheimer’s Association, 2019). In-depth literature synthesis was carried out using multiple databases. Recent and relevant articles were selected to be added in the review. Due to responsibility of constant vigilance of AD patients, the caregivers may overlook their self-care needs and detach themselves from social life. Literature analysis revealed common challenges and needs of AD care partners including limited social engagement, concerns of sexuality, and sleep problems. Understanding caregiver problems will help nurses and other health care professionals to support families by planning preventive measures. Resources can be invested to improve physical and mental well-being of caregivers. Researches can be planned to bridge the knowledge gap identified through literature review on this topic. References Alzheimer’s Association. (2019). Alzheimer’s disease caregivers. http://act.alz.org/site/DocServer/caregivers_fact_sheet.pdf?docID=3022 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Alzheimer’s disease and healthy aging. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/alzheimers.htm

scholarly journals THE EFFECT OF DISPOSITIONAL OPTIMISM ON SUCCESSFUL AGING OF OLDER ADULTS AND THEIR PARTNERS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S722-S723
Author(s):  
Gina Lee ◽  
Kyuho Lee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Dispositional Optimism ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Low Levels

Abstract The purpose of the study was to examine how dispositional optimism of an older adult influences both the individual’s and the spouse’s successful aging. Data from the Health and Retirement Study were included in this analysis. The age of participants ranged from 18 to 104 (M = 67.91, SD = 11.26). The successful aging components included low levels of depressive symptoms and low levels of difficulties in activities of daily living, subjective health, and cognition. A structural equation model was computed including optimism as a latent variable and four components of successful aging for older adults and their spouses, all from the same wave in 2014. The results of the study revealed that higher dispositional optimism of older adults significantly predicted lower depressive symptoms, lower difficulties with activities of daily living, better cognitive function, and higher subjective health, for older adults and their spouses. The results, in conclusion, support the notion that dispositional optimism not only plays a significant role in well-being for oneself but also benefits the partner’s well-being as well. Further research need to include other components of successful aging, such as social engagement, loneliness, and life satisfaction. In addition, including covariates, such as gender, educational attainment, race/ethnicity, and household income, will also further examine the effect of optimism above and beyond the demographic factors.

scholarly journals Care Challenges Due to COVID-19 and Mental Health Among Caregivers of U.S. Adults With a Chronic or Disabling Condition

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda N Leggett ◽  
Alicia Carmichael ◽  
Natalie Leonard ◽  
Jeannette Jackson ◽  
Matthias Kirch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Caregiver Mental Health ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Related Stress

Abstract Background and Objectives The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses new challenges for caregivers of adults with chronic or disabling conditions. This study uses nationally representative data to examine the prevalence of pandemic care challenges and supports and their associations with caregiver mental health and interpersonal well-being. Research Design and Methods Participants include 311 caregivers aged 50–80 in the United States who were providing care for an adult with a chronic or disabling condition from the June 2020 National Poll on Healthy Aging. Five care challenges (e.g., confusion on public health guidelines) and 2 supports (e.g., physician offered information on care during COVID-19) are treated as predictors of caregiver mental health (care-related stress, self-reported mental health, and depressive symptoms) and interpersonal well-being (interpersonal conflicts, lack of companionship, and isolation). Results Each care challenge/support was endorsed by 13%–23% of caregivers. In adjusted models, difficulty getting needed medical care was associated with greater caregiver stress, depressive symptoms, and lower interpersonal well-being. All care challenges universally predicted greater caregiver stress. Caregiving supports were not independently associated with caregiver’ mental health and interpersonal well-being. Discussion and Implications Care challenges were associated with caregivers’ mental health and interpersonal well-being during the early months of the pandemic. Some of these challenges may be attributed to changing public health guidelines and practices as the pandemic unfolded, whereas others are relevant to all care contexts (e.g., less support from family). Tools and supports for caregivers must consider both changing policies and care needs.

scholarly journals Effects of Resistance Exercise on Mental Health in Older Chinese Americans: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 187-187
Author(s):  
Mei-Lan Chen ◽  
Elisabeth Burgess ◽  
Ying-Yu Chao ◽  
Douglas Gardenhire ◽  
Ruiyan Luo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Resistance Exercise ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Chinese Americans ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Older Chinese ◽  
Older Chinese Americans

Abstract Regular exercise has shown to be potentially beneficial for improving mental health in older adults. However, few studies evaluated the effect of resistance exercise on psychological well-being in older Chinese Americans. The purpose of this two-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to test the effects of resistance exercise training on stress, depression, and social engagement in community-dwelling older Chinese Americans. A total of 30 older adults (mean age 77.9 ± 5.0 years) were randomly assigned into the resistance exercise intervention group (n = 15) or the wait-list control group (n = 15). The resistance training intervention includes 50-min group exercise session twice weekly for 12 weeks. Participants’ perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and social engagement were measured at baseline and 12 weeks follow-up. Descriptive statistics and t tests were performed for data analysis. The results revealed that the resistance exercise intervention group had significant improvements in perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and social engagement after receiving the 12-week intervention. At baseline, there were no significant differences between the intervention and the control groups on perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and social engagement. However, older adults received resistance exercise training had greater improvements in stress levels, depressive symptoms, and social engagement than their control counterparts at 12 weeks follow-up. The findings suggest resistance exercise has positive effects on psychosocial well-being for older adults. Further larger RCTs are needed to assess long-term effects of the resistance exercise intervention.

scholarly journals Caregiving Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings From the National Poll on Healthy Aging

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 178-178
Author(s):  
Alicia Carmichael ◽  
Natalie Leonard ◽  
Jeannette Jackson ◽  
Erica Solway ◽  
Matthias Kirch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
National Poll ◽  
Caregiver Mental Health ◽  
Nationally Representative

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic posed new challenges for caregivers. This study examines the prevalence of pandemic care challenges (e.g., decreasing care to reduce virus spread, difficulty accessing medical care) and their associations with caregiver mental health and interpersonal well-being in a nationally representative sample of 311 caregivers who participated in the June 2020 National Poll on Healthy Aging. We consider seven care challenges and supports as key predictors of caregiver mental health (care-related stress, self-reported mental health, three depressive symptoms) and interpersonal well-being (lack of companionship, isolation) in bivariate tests and ordinary least squares regressions. Each care challenge/support was endorsed by between 13-23% of caregivers. Difficulty getting needed medical care was the most predictive challenge associated with increased caregiver stress, depressive symptoms, and worsened interpersonal well-being. All care challenges predicted an increase in caregiver stress. Effective caregiver tools and supports must consider changing policies and care needs, especially during a pandemic.

Prospective Memory Development Across the Lifespan

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 162-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sascha Zuber ◽  
Matthias Kliegel
Keyword(s):  
Prospective Memory ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Present Model ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cognitive Factors ◽  
Everyday Functioning ◽  
Integrative Framework

Abstract. Prospective Memory (PM; i.e., the ability to remember to perform planned tasks) represents a key proxy of healthy aging, as it relates to older adults’ everyday functioning, autonomy, and personal well-being. The current review illustrates how PM performance develops across the lifespan and how multiple cognitive and non-cognitive factors influence this trajectory. Further, a new, integrative framework is presented, detailing how those processes interplay in retrieving and executing delayed intentions. Specifically, while most previous models have focused on memory processes, the present model focuses on the role of executive functioning in PM and its development across the lifespan. Finally, a practical outlook is presented, suggesting how the current knowledge can be applied in geriatrics and geropsychology to promote healthy aging by maintaining prospective abilities in the elderly.

Analysis of Self-Concept in Older Adults in Different Contexts

2004 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 262-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel de Gracia Blanco ◽  
Josep Garre Olmo ◽  
María Marcó Arbonès ◽  
Pilar Monreal Bosch
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
External Validity ◽  
Aging Process ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Discriminatory Capacity

Summary: Self-concept is a construct consisting of a group of specific self-perceptions that are hierarchically organized. Age-associated changes of self-concept are related to the individual's perception of the changes occurring throughout the aging process. The authors examined external validity and internal consistency of an instrument that has been developed to assess self-concept in older adults and examined self-concept's characteristics in two different contexts. Results confirm the multidimensionality of the scale and show a satisfactory external validity, indicating good discriminatory capacity. Findings support the hypothesis that older people who live in a nursing home have a poor self-esteem, self-concept, and psychological well-being and have a greater presence of depressive symptoms than people who live in their own home.

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