4. Social and interpersonal aspects of ageing

2016 ◽  
pp. 66-86
Author(s):  
Nancy A. Pachana
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Role Changes ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Societal Context ◽  
Over Time

How we interact with others, with the physical and social environment, as well as how well we cope with life events, role changes, and positive and negative stresses all affect how we age. Later life is also intimately connected to, and affected by, circumstances and decisions earlier in life. Social support and engagement are critical for physical and emotional well-being. ‘Social and interpersonal aspects of ageing’ explores ageing in a social and societal context. The ways in which older adults engage with younger cohorts and their contribution to their family, communities, and society more broadly have changed over time and have also been affected by social and technological advances.

Stress and Diabetes Mellitus in Later Life

1995 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neal Krause
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Stressful Life Events ◽  
Stress Measurement ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Coping Resources ◽  
Recent Developments

Research indicates that there may be a link between stressful life events and the onset of diabetes mellitus. However, the wide majority of these studies have involved either children or adolescents. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between stress and diabetes with data provided by a recent nationwide survey of older adults. An effort is made to improve on previous work by coupling recent developments in stress measurement with the study of key coping resources (i.e., social support). Two main findings emerged from the analyses. First, stressors arising in social roles that are highly important to older adults are more strongly related to diabetes than events associated with roles that are less important. Second, social support buffers the deleterious effects of stressors in salient roles, but not life events emerging in roles that are valued less highly.

scholarly journals Religiosity and Perceived Social Support Enhance Older Adults’ Resilience after the 2016 Flood

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 929-929
Author(s):  
Katie Cherry ◽  
Matthew Calamia ◽  
Emily Elliott ◽  
Angelina Cantelli
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Severe Weather ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Age Related

Abstract In 2016, catastrophic flooding destroyed homes and property across south Louisiana. This study is part of a larger program of research that addresses the role of prior hurricane and flood experiences on current health and well-being in later life. Participants were predominately middle-aged and older adults who varied in current and prior severe weather experiences (M age=49.6 years, age range 18-88 years). All were tested during the immediate aftermath of the 2016 flood (Wave 1; N=223) and most participated in a follow-up assessment 9 (+/- 3) months later (Wave 2; N=202). Cherry et al. (2021) reported that greater flood stressors at Wave 1, such as displacement, flood-related losses, and damage to homes and property, were associated with more symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that age, religiosity, and perceived social support would be positively associated with post-flood resilience at the Wave 2 follow-up. Results indicated that age was positively associated with religiosity and resilience, and negatively correlated with symptoms of PTSD. Additionally, faith community involvement, non-organizational religiosity, and religious beliefs and practices were all significantly correlated with post-flood resilience. Perceived social support was positively associated with resilience, and inversely correlated with PTSD symptoms. These data suggest that religiosity and perceived social support are valuable resources that foster post-disaster resilience among middle aged and older adults. Implications of these data for current views on age-related strengths and vulnerabilities after severe weather events are discussed.

Negative old-age life events and well-being in later life: the moderating and mediating role of loneliness

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Lise Switsers ◽  
Eva Dierckx ◽  
Joan Domènech-Abella ◽  
Liesbeth De Donder ◽  
Sarah Dury ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Negative Life Events ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Negative Events ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Emotional Loneliness

ABSTRACT Objectives: Although older adults often experience negative life events or loss experiences, they rarely experience large decreases in their quality of life or well-being. Emotionally satisfying relationships in older adults may serve as a protective factor that reduces the impact of negative events in decreasing well-being. The availability of these close social contacts is essential, and their potential for alleviating feelings of loneliness after negative events could have an important role in promoting well-being. The aim of this study was to test the hypothetical moderation and mediation effects of social and emotional loneliness on the occurrence of negative old-age life events and well-being in later life. Design: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted as part of the Detection, Support and Care for older people – Prevention and Empowerment research project (2015–2018). Setting: Participants were community-dwelling older adults in Flanders (Belgium). Participants: The sample composed of 770 participants aged 60 years and over. Measurements: Participant demographics, social and emotional loneliness, and subjective well-being were measured. Moderation and mediation analyses were performed using the regression-based approach as conducted by Hayes and Rockwood (2017). Results: Results indicated that a low degree of (social) loneliness is a protective, moderating factor and (emotional) loneliness is a mediating factor on the effects of negative life events on well-being in later life. Conclusions: Findings highlight the importance of emotionally and socially satisfying social contacts in order to maintain positive subjective well-being in later life when negative life events may occur.

scholarly journals Different Discussion Partners and Their Effect on Depression among Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 215
Author(s):  
Keunbok Lee
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Romantic Partners ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Adverse Life Events ◽  
Discussion Partners ◽  
Support Relationships

Although the multidimensionality of core discussion networks has been well established and widely studied, studies of the effects of social support on depression rarely consider the multifaceted aspects of dyadic discussion partner ties. This article proposes defining dyadic social relationships as a construct comprising several tie-level attributes and differentiating multiple forms of support relationships by assessing the configuration pattern of multiple attributes. The current study examines various forms of older adults’ discussion partners and identifies which form of discussion partner relationship is effective at buffering the negative effects of adverse life events on depression symptoms. Results from the University of California Social Network Survey show that older adults’ discussion partners can be classified into five distinct types of dyadic ties: spouse/romantic partners, close neighbors, remote type, social companions, and acquaintances. The discussion network with more close neighbor confidants is more effective at buffering the negative effects of adverse life events. These results offer an alternative way of investigating the differential significance of various social support relationships in mental well-being.

scholarly journals SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS AND OBESITY IN LATER LIFE: A LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S203-S203
Author(s):  
Jane L Tavares ◽  
Jeffrey Burr ◽  
Edward A Miller
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Longitudinal Association ◽  
Over Time

Abstract The majority of U.S. older adults are overweight or obese. Social relationships are a key factor linked to obesity among younger age groups, but there are no known investigations of these modifiable risk factors older for adults. This study examined the association between quantitative and qualitative indicators of social relationships and waist circumference among middle-aged and older adults. We also examined whether psychosocial and health behavior characteristics mediate and/or moderate these relationships. Using the 2006 and 2010 waves of the Health and Retirement Study, a series of regression models were estimated to examine the longitudinal association between social relationships and waist circumference in age stratified samples (age 50 to 64; age 65 and older). Results for those age 50 to 64 indicated that higher positive social support and lower negative social support were associated with lower waist circumference over time. For those age 65 and older, lower negative social support and higher loneliness were associated with lower waist circumference over time. Further, daily exercise and anxiety were observed to be mediators of these associations; both variables also acted as moderators. Findings from this study highlight the need for healthcare providers to assess older adults’ levels of social support and loneliness in order to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of wellness. The results also underscore the importance of developing intervention programs that provide widespread and ample opportunities for older adults to engage socially, particularly those that incorporate or encourage physical activity and healthy eating.

scholarly journals Loving Others: The Impact of Compassionate Love on Later-Life Psychological Well-being

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Kahana ◽  
Tirth R Bhatta ◽  
Boaz Kahana ◽  
Nirmala Lekhak
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Compassionate Love ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Objectives Existing scholarship in social gerontology has paid relatively little attention to broader loving emotions, such as compassionate and altruistic love, as potentially meaningful mechanisms for improving later-life psychological well-being outside a family framework. Method Drawing from a 3-wave longitudinal survey of community-dwelling older residents (n = 334) of Miami, Florida, we utilized generalized estimating equation models to examine the influence of changes in compassionate love (i.e., feeling love toward other persons and experiencing love from others) on depressive symptoms over time. We also explored cross-sectional relationship between compassionate love and positive and negative affects. Results An increase in the feeling of being loved (β = −0.77, p < .001) and feeling love for others (β = −0.78, p < .001) led to a decline in odds of reporting greater levels of depressive symptoms over time. The odds of reporting higher level of positive affect were significantly greater for older adults who reported feeling loved by others (β = .63, p < .001) and expressed love for other people (β = 0.43, p < .05). Older adults who felt loved and expressed love for other people, respectively, had 0.71 and 0.54-point lower ordered log odds of reporting higher negative affect than those who reported lower levels of love. The statistically significant impact of feeling loved on all well-being outcomes was maintained even after adjustment for altruistic attitudes and emotional support. Except for depressive symptoms, such adjustments explained the positive influence of love for others on well-being outcomes. Discussion Our findings underscore the powerful influence of both receiving and giving loving emotions for the maintenance of later-life psychological well-being.

scholarly journals Shifts in Older Adults’ Social Support during Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 957-957
Author(s):  
Heather Fuller ◽  
Andrea Huseth-Zosel ◽  
Emily Sturn ◽  
Shawn Carlson ◽  
Brittany Hofmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Initial Shock ◽  
Great Health ◽  
Qualitative Responses ◽  
Social Support Systems ◽  
Over Time

Abstract In recent months, older adults have faced great health risks due to COVID-19, yet social distancing measures may also heighten risks to their social well-being. This mixed methods study explores changes in older adults’ social support satisfaction and interpersonal connections across the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic. A Midwestern sample of 70 older adults aged 70-97 completed two phone interviews (April and June 2020) about their experiences with social distancing due to COVID-19. At both timepoints participants rated their satisfaction with social support and responded to open-ended questions about their interpersonal interactions, communication, and support in current daily life. Mean social support satisfaction significantly increased between the two interviews. Ensuing analysis of qualitative responses suggested this shift could reflect psychological adjustment to the circumstances or adaptation in methods of interpersonal connection over time. Emergent themes included: 1) increased family support and strain, 2) adaptable and flexible friendships, 3) isolation fatigue, and 4) communication through technology. Evaluation of change over time indicated divergent and shifting perceptions of social support as the pandemic endures. Findings suggest nuanced and diverse social support experiences amongst older adults, yet general patterns of initial shock to social support systems that subsided or adapted over time. Future research should build upon these findings to better understand older adults’ social support needs and seek to explore ways to best foster social connections during instances of forced social isolation or societal crises such as the current and ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.

Multidimensional Intergenerational Instrumental Support and Self-Rated Health Among Older Adults in Rural China: Trajectories and Correlated Change Over 11 Years

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weiyu Mao ◽  
Iris Chi ◽  
Shinyi Wu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Rural China ◽  
Likelihood Estimation ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Practical Significance ◽  
Instrumental Support ◽  
Personal Care ◽  
Household Chore ◽  
Over Time

Objectives: This study investigated the dynamic relationship between multidimensional intergenerational instrumental support and health over time. This approach is of theoretical, methodological, and practical significance in gerontological research. Method: Data came from The Well-Being of Older People in Anhui Province in 2001, 2003, 2006, 2009, and 2012. Of the 1,636 participants at baseline, a working sample of 1,557 older adults was used. Trajectories and correlated change were estimated using parallel latent growth curve modeling with maximum likelihood estimation. Results: “Received household-chore help” decreased over time, whereas “received personal-care help” increased over time. “Provided household-chore help” and “provided personal-care help” increased and then decreased over time. Increasing receipt of “household-chore help” and “personal-care help” were associated with faster decline in health over time. Discussion Findings suggest distinctive patterns of changes for different dimensions of intergenerational instrumental support and their relationship with changes in perception of health over time in later life.

scholarly journals RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICES IN LATER LIFE: EXAMINING THE ROLE OF SES AND HEALTH DISADVANTAGE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S149-S149
Author(s):  
Nirmala Lekhak ◽  
Tirth Bhatta ◽  
Timothy Goler
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Racial Differences ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Black Adults ◽  
Opposite Pattern ◽  
Contemplative Practices ◽  
Private Prayer

Abstract Substantial scholarly attention has been placed on prayer as a buffer of life events’ adverse influences on well-being in later life. The disproportionate distribution of adverse life events among Black adults has also attracted scholarly interest in racial differences in contemplative practices. Black adults have been found to more likely engage in private prayer than White adults, whereas studies have observed an opposite pattern for meditation. The contribution of stratification in socioeconomic status and health to racial differences in contemplative practices, especially in meditation has received relatively less attention. Drawing from a subsample from Health and Retirement Survey (N = 1102), this study takes a next necessary step to assess the contribution of socioeconomic status, multimorbidity, and depressive symptoms to racial differences in both prayer and meditation use in later life. Consistent with prior studies, the odds of engaging in private prayer (OR=2.78, p<0.01) was higher among Blacks than White older adults. Our findings of higher odds (OR=2.92, p<0.001) of meditation among Black older adults than White older adults, however, do not align with previous studies. The disadvantage in socioeconomic status, health, and psychological well-being completely explain racial differences in prayer, but this difference in meditation persist even after adjusting for those factors. Our findings call for further research on contextually influenced underlying individual motivations that drive older adults of different racial and social economic groups to engage in various contemplative practices. Further research is also warranted on how older adults, particularly Blacks differentiate between private prayer and meditation.

Leisure Activities and the Subjective Well-Being of Older Adults in Croatia

GeroPsych ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ljiljana Kaliterna Lipovčan ◽  
Tihana Brkljačić ◽  
Zvjezdana Prizmić Larsen ◽  
Andreja Brajša-Žganec ◽  
Renata Franc
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Financial Status

Abstract. Research shows that engagement in leisure activities promotes well-being among older adults. The objective of the current study was to examine the relationship between subjective well-being (flourishing) and leisure activities (total number of different activities in the previous year) in a sample of older adults in Croatia, thereby considering the variables of sex, marital status, financial status, and self-perceived health. The differences in the examined variables between the groups of older adults who reported to be engaged in new activities with those who did not were also examined. The sample of N = 169 older adults aged 60 years and above was drawn from a convenience sample of adult internet users in Croatia. Participants reported their self-perceived health and the number of leisure activities they engaged in over the previous year as well as completing the Flourishing Scale. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that older adults who were engaged in more various leisure activities, who perceived better financial status, and who were married reported higher levels of flourishing. A comparison of the two groups of older adults with and without engagement in leisure activities showed that those engaged in at least one leisure activity were more likely to be women, reported higher levels of flourishing, and perceived their own financial status as better. This study indicated that engaging in leisure activities in later life might provide beneficial effects for the well-being of older adults.

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