Psychosocial influences on possible selves: A comparison of three cohorts of older adults

2002 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 308-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie D. Frazier ◽  
Paulette M. Johnson ◽  
Gema K. Gonzalez ◽  
Carissa L. Kafka
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Possible Selves ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Alternative Conceptions ◽  
Developmental Context ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Psychosocial Influences ◽  
Physical Limitations ◽  
Older Males

This study examined the psychosocial factors that influence the possible selves of older adults in their 60s, 70s, and 80s or older. Specifically, the factors that influence when and why health becomes salient in later life were examined. Findings showed that health was the most important domain of self for the oldest group. Although age was the strongest predictor of health-related selves, older males with better health and few physical limitations, were most likely to report health-related selves. Leisure, the most salient domain for the youngest group, was predicted by age, independent of health. The findings from this study shed light on how sense of self is influenced by the changing developmental context of the later years, the importance of exploring alternative conceptions of ageing, and help to identify possible points of intervention to help older adults age more successfully.

scholarly journals Contributors to and Consequences of Poor Sleep in Older Adults: Biopsychosocial Perspectives

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 578-578
Author(s):  
Adam Spira ◽  
Katie Stone
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Older Parents ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
Ecological Momentary

Abstract Sleep is a significant contributor to health and wellbeing across the lifespan, especially in later life. Poor sleep is common among older adults and can be both a risk factor for and consequence of numerous physical and mental health-related outcomes. In this symposium, we will present novel results from four studies that will advance understanding of the biological, psychological, and social factors that may contribute to or result from poor sleep in older adults. Specifically, Study 1 will present findings tying objectively measured sleep to performance on cognitive tasks administered using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) in the day-to-day lives of older adults with or without mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Study 2 will examine associations of personality dimensions and facets with insomnia symptoms in well-functioning older adults. Study 3 will examine psychological pathways linking parent-child relationships to subjective and objective sleep characteristics among older parents. Finally, study 4 will examine use patterns of cannabis for the treatment of sleep problems in older adults, and the ways in which this might differ from patients using cannabis for other reasons (e.g., pain). Together, this symposium will highlight novel links of an array of factors with sleep health in the aging population and their implications for prevention. Sleep, Circadian Rhythms and Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.

scholarly journals Developing a recovery-focused therapy for older people with bipolar disorder: a qualitative focus group study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e049829
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Tyler ◽  
Fiona Lobban ◽  
Rita Long ◽  
Steven H Jones
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Older People ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Age Related Changes

ObjectivesAs awareness of bipolar disorder (BD) increases and the world experiences a rapid ageing of the population, the number of people living with BD in later life is expected to rise substantially. There is no current evidence base for the effectiveness of psychological interventions for older adults with BD. This focus group study explored a number of topics to inform the development and delivery of a recovery-focused therapy (RfT) for older adults with BD.DesignA qualitative focus group study.SettingThree focus groups were conducted at a university in the North West of England.ParticipantsEight people took part in the focus groups; six older adults with BD, one carer and one friend.ResultsParticipant’s responses clustered into six themes: (1) health-related and age-related changes in later life, (2) the experience of BD in later life, (3) managing and coping with BD in later life, (4) recovery in later life, (5) seeking helping in the future and (6) adapting RfT for older people.ConclusionsParticipants reported a range of health-related and age-related changes and strategies to manage their BD. Participants held mixed views about using the term ‘recovery’ in later life. Participants were in agreement that certain adaptations were needed for delivering RfT for older adults, based on their experience of living with BD in later life. The data collected as part of the focus groups have led to a number of recommendations for delivering RfT for older adults with BD in a randomised controlled trial (Clinical Trial Registration: ISRCTN13875321).

scholarly journals Factors Contributing to Unexpected Retirement and Unemployment in Adults Over 50 Years Old in Ireland

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 233372141772270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Schinkel-Ivy ◽  
Irene Mosca ◽  
Avril Mansfield
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Psychological Constructs ◽  
Frailty Status ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Physical Limitations ◽  
Status Data

Older adults are increasingly important to maintaining stable workforces. As such, factors contributing to early workforce exit must be identified. This study aimed to identify predictors of unexpected retirement and unemployment at older age, with respect to psychological constructs, resulting adverse behaviors, and health-related factors reflecting functional status. Data were extracted from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) to predict unexpected retirement and unemployment in older adults in Ireland. Increasing age, increasing number of impairments in activities of daily living, and frailty status of “pre-frail/frail” (relative to non-frail) increased the likelihood of unexpected retirement; while greater numbers of physical limitations and “pre-frail/frail” status significantly predicted unemployment at older age. Pre-frail/frail status or reduced physical capability for everyday tasks may adversely affect older individuals’ ability to obtain and/or maintain employment. These findings advance the current understanding of factors associated with unexpected retirement and unemployment at older ages. Findings may aid in identifying strategies to extend working life and to aid at-risk older adults, and may inform components of care on which to focus to minimize loss of function and mobility, and maintain independence, with aging.

scholarly journals Modifiable Factors of Health-Related Quality of Life Among LGBTQ Older Adults Living With Cognitive Impairment

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 112-112
Author(s):  
Hyun-Jun Kim ◽  
Karen Fredriksen Goldsen
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Modifiable Factors ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Cognitive impairment can lead to significant decline in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in later life especially among those who are socially marginalized. While Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) older adults are documented to be at heightened risks of cognitive impairment, they may face unique challenges due to discrimination, social isolation, and other LGBTQ-related risks. This study examined factors associated with psychological and physical HRQOL among LGBTQ adults aged 50 and older analyzing a sub-set of longitudinal data (N = 646) from National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study: Aging with Pride. Lifetime LGBTQ discrimination and victimization and insufficient food intake were negatively, and physical and leisure activities were positively associated with both HRQOL dimensions. Community engagement, social support, and social activities were positively associated with psychological HRQOL. Culturally responsive interventions addressing these modifiable factors are needed to improve HRQOL of this socially marginalized but resilient population.

Reconsidering the “Asphalt Identikit”

2016 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 403-414
Author(s):  
Nicola Ann Plastow
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Possible Selves ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Grocery Shopping ◽  
Driving Cessation ◽  
Identity Maintenance ◽  
Positive Sense ◽  
Mental Well Being

Background/Aim The “asphalt identikit” theory suggests that driving cessation inevitably leads to feelings of incompetence and dependency. This article challenges this proposition by investigating the driving-related possible selves of British older adults living in West London. Methods Thematic analysis of data from 19 of 39 interviews in which older adults participating in a larger study talked about driving in the context of their grocery shopping. Results Three themes were evident: “I can drive – that makes a huge difference,” “Expecting to lose my license,” and “I gave up my license.” Discussion Driving cessation is not a dreaded possible self for all older adults. Older adults may use a variety of identity maintenance processes to retain their positive sense of self. Conclusions Mental well-being can be maintained during driving cessation by finding ways to compensate for the loss of a license and finding alternative ways of achieving hoped-for possible selves.

scholarly journals Older Adults’ Participation in Education and Successful Aging: Implications for University Continuing Education in Canada

2010 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Atlanta Sloane-Seale ◽  
Bill Kops
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Continuing Education ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Educational Activities ◽  
Education Practice ◽  
Personal Renewal

Representatives from Manitoba seniors’ organizations and the University of Manitoba collaborated on a proposal to examine the participation of older adults in learning activities. The initiative led to a series of studies on this theme, including an exploration of participation at a seniors’ centre (Sloane-Seale & Kops, 2004), a comparison of participants and non-participants at three selected urban seniors’ centres (Sloane-Seale & Kops, 2007), and an analysis of participation at several urban and rural seniors’ centres, as well as participants’ perceptions of the characteristics of successful aging (Sloane-Seale & Kops, 2008). Building on these previous studies, the study described in this article examined the participation of older adults in Manitoba and how it links to successful aging. Key statistics relating to older adults’ participation, types of educational activities, learning in later life, and characteristics of successful aging were collected. The results suggest that such participation leads to a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of successful aging; that educational activities positively influence mental and physical activity, which in turn result in more positive health and well- being; and that spirituality and life planning, including a positive sense of self, a focus on personal renewal and growth, a connection to the broader community, and setting life goals, contribute to successful aging. In light of Canada’s aging population, these findings have implications for educational gerontology, lifelong learning, and continuing education practice and research.

Activity Patterns Associated With Health Status in Later Life Among Singaporeans

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 311-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Song-Iee Hong ◽  
Srinivasan Chokkanathan ◽  
Philip A. Rozario
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Social Leisure ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The Impact

Research on activities overlooks the possibility that older adults engage in different activities contemporaneously. To address this gap, we used latent class analyses to identify activity patterns and then examined demographic and health correlates of these patterns among a nationally representative sample of older adults in Singapore. We identified four classes of activities: the family-focused instrumental activity (FIA) class, the social leisure activity (SLA) class, the multidynamic activity (MDA) class, and the passive activity (PA) class. Furthermore, the MDA members showed higher scores in their mental health. Worse physical functioning and higher depression scores also increased the likelihood of being in the FIA and PA groups. Significant demographics such as gender, ethnicity, marital status, education, employment, house type, and income were related to heterogeneity in older adults’ activity patterns. Service providers might consider the impact of certain significant demographic and health-related correlates when planning programs to ensure greater reach and access.

scholarly journals Why Older Adults Recall Autobiographical Memories From Their Youth

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 368-368
Author(s):  
Tabea Wolf ◽  
Daniel Zimprich
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Social Bonding ◽  
Differential Encoding ◽  
Reminiscence Bump ◽  
Functional Perspective ◽  
Cue Words

Abstract When older adults are asked to remember their lives, they recall disproportionally more events from their youth (e.g., Rubin, Rahhal, & Poon, 1998). This phenomenon, called the reminiscence bump, is one of the most robust findings in autobiographical memory research. Whereas most explanatory accounts have focused on differential encoding and retention of memories experienced during one’s youth (e.g., Rubin et al., 1998), recent research also puts emphasis on the retrieval of memories (e.g., Glück & Bluck, 2009; Rubin & Berntsen, 2003). In the present study, we take a functional perspective on the reminiscence bump and examine why older adults recall memories from their past. Participants (age 57-89; N = 112) reported memories in response to 30 emotionally neutral cue-words and self-rated each memory for serving directive, social-bonding, self-continuity, and mood-enhancing functions (Wolf & Demiray, 2019). The age distribution shows an early reminiscence bump located between the ages of 6 and 20 years. Compared to memories from later life periods, memories from the reminiscence bump more frequently serve self-continuity and less frequently directive and mood-enhancing functions. No differences were found regarding the use of memories for social-bonding. The results strengthen the assumption that experiences from one’s youth serve to maintain a sense of self-continuity throughout the lifespan (e.g., Rathbone et al., 2008). To cope with current problems or emotions, however, older adults are more likely to draw on experiences from their adult life – probably because these experiences are more similar to what they are experiencing now.

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