scholarly journals Self-Rated Health by Sexual Orientation Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Canada

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (8) ◽  
pp. 1747-1757 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gajan Sivakumaran ◽  
Rachel Margolis
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Gay Men ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Bisexual Women ◽  
Middle Aged

Abstract Objectives This article examines patterns of self-rated physical and mental health by sexual orientation among middle-aged and older adults in Canada, a rapidly growing subpopulation shown to be at risk of poor health. Method We use the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS 2015–2016) to estimate logit models predicting fair/poor self-rated physical and mental health by sexual orientation among middle-aged and older adults, stratifying by sex and age group. Results We find no differences in physical health for gay men and lesbian women compared with their heterosexual counterparts. However, middle-aged gay men are disadvantaged in terms of mental health, but not women. Bisexual women are disadvantaged in terms of physical health, and for mental health in some model specifications. Respondents who did not know their sexual orientation have poorer health across some measures of health and age groups. Discussion Our findings add to the paucity of research on older sexual minorities in Canada. They highlight the importance of separating out sexual minority groups because bisexual women have distinct health profiles. In addition, this is the first study to examine the health of respondents who “do not know” their sexual orientation, and future research should distinguish between different explanations for their poor health.

The economic recession and subjective well-being in older adults in the Republic of Ireland

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. Duffy ◽  
K. Mullin ◽  
S. O’Dwyer ◽  
M. Wrigley ◽  
B. D. Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Economic Recession ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Future Health

ObjectiveSubjective well-being in older people is strongly associated with emotional, physical and mental health. This study investigates subjective well-being in older adults in Ireland before and after the economic recession that commenced in 2008.MethodsCross-sectional data from the biennial European Social Survey (2002–2012) were analysed for two separate groups of older adults: one sampled before the recession and one after. Stratification and linear regression modelling were used to analyse the association between subjective well-being, the recession and multiple potential confounders and effect modifiers.ResultsData were analysed on 2013 individuals. Overall, subjective well-being among older adults was 1.30 points lower after the recession compared with before the recession (s.e. 0.16; 95% confidence interval 1.00–1.61; p<0.001) [pre-recession: 16.1, out of a possible 20 (s.d. 3.24); post-recession:14.8 (s.d. 3.72)]. Among these older adults, the pre- and post-recession difference was especially marked in women, those with poor health and those living in urban areas.ConclusionsSubjective well-being was significantly lower in older adults after the recession compared with before the recession, especially in women with poor health in urban areas. Policy-makers need proactively to protect these vulnerable cohorts in future health and social policy. Future research could usefully focus on older people on fixed incomes whose diminished ability to alter their economic situation might make them more vulnerable to reduced subjective well-being during a recession.

Vicarious Family Health Strain and Juvenile Delinquency

2019 ◽  
pp. 0044118X1985976
Author(s):  
Jessica M. Grosholz ◽  
Deena A. Isom Scott ◽  
Daniel C. Semenza ◽  
Alexandra M. Fleck
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Juvenile Delinquency ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Human Development ◽  
Family Health ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Juvenile Offending ◽  
Youth Behavior ◽  
Crime And Delinquency

Research finds that vicarious strain significantly predicts juvenile delinquency. However, no studies have examined the influence of vicarious health strain on youth behavior despite the fact that when individuals directly experience poor health, there is a greater likelihood of crime and delinquency. Using a sample of youth from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (PHDCN) data, we assess the associations between vicarious family health strain (both mental and physical) and juvenile delinquency. We find that vicarious physical health strain is not associated with juvenile delinquency. However, vicarious mental health strain is significantly associated with violent juvenile offending. Based on the results, we highlight various avenues for future research that continues to investigate the link between health and crime.

The glass is not half empty: optimism, pessimism, and health among older adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael D. Barnett ◽  
Ellen A. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Life Orientation Test ◽  
Health And Well Being

ABSTRACTObjectives:Optimism and pessimism are distinct constructs that have demonstrated independent relationships with aspects of health and well-being. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether optimism or pessimism is more closely linked with physical and mental health among older adults.Design:Cross-sectional survey.Participants:Community-dwelling older adults (N = 272) ages 59–95 in the southern United States.Measurements:The Life Orientation Test—Revised and the Short Form 8.Results:At the bivariate level, optimism was associated with higher physical health and mental health, while pessimism was associated with lower physical health and mental health. Multiple-regression analyses as well as comparison of correlation coefficients found that pessimism was more closely associated with physical health and mental health than optimism.Conclusions:These results add to the literature suggesting that, in terms of older adults’ health and well-being, avoiding pessimism may be more important than being optimistic.

Historical and generational forces in the Iridescent Life Course of bisexual women, men, and gender diverse older adults

Sexualities ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 136346072094731
Author(s):  
Karen Fredriksen Goldsen ◽  
Sarah Jen ◽  
Theresa Clark ◽  
Hyun-Jun Kim ◽  
Hyunzee Jung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Identity Development ◽  
Life Course ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Bisexual Women ◽  
Gender Diverse ◽  
And Gender

Purpose Little is known about the life course of bisexual older adults. This study examines life events and experiences of bisexuals by generation: Pride Generation, born 1950–1964; Silenced Generation, born 1935–1949; and Invisible Generation, born 1934 or earlier, as well as by gender among women, men, and gender diverse older adults. Methods Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study is the first national longitudinal study of LGBTQ older adults in the US. We utilize the Iridescent Life Course to examine the life events and life course experiences of bisexual older adults ( N = 216) using 2014 survey data. The Iridescent Life Course frames this study for comparing generational and gender differences in five key areas: identity development; work; kin and social relationships; bias-related experiences; and physical and mental health. Findings The Invisible Generation, the oldest generation, compared to the two younger generations, reports significant risks related to social relationships, the lowest levels of openly disclosing, and fewer bias-related experiences. They also demonstrate important signs of resilience and better mental health. Bisexual men and gender diverse older adults report higher rates of bias-related experiences and fewer social resources than bisexual women. Conclusion Based on the Iridescent Life Course, we document important differences in the heterogeneity and intersectionality in bisexual lives, particularly for those in late life and those gender diverse. It is essential to document the distinct nature of bisexuals’ life course, as it provides both historical and contemporary insights into aging and the reframing of future research.

Associations Between Perceived Environmental Pollution and Mental Health in Middle-Aged and Older Adults in East Asia

2020 ◽  
pp. 101053952096099
Author(s):  
Takashi Yamashita ◽  
Giyeon Kim ◽  
Darren Liu ◽  
Anthony R. Bardo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Environmental Pollution ◽  
East Asian ◽  
National Level ◽  
Pollution Index ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Pollution Indicators

Given the widely used objective measures of environmental pollution in previous research, this study investigated subjective measures in relation to mental health among middle-aged and older adults in 3 East Asian countries—China, Japan, and South Korea. The samples from the 2010 East Asian Social Survey included 2502 Chinese, 1794 Japanese, and 871 South Korean adults aged 40 and older. Linear regression models were used to examine the associations between mental health measure (SF-12) and 4 perceived environmental pollution indicators (ie, air, water, noise, and pollution index). Greater perceived pollution indicators, as well as the perceived pollution index, were associated with poorer mental health, even after adjusting for covariates in all 3 countries. Although results need to be further verified in future research, national-level efforts to improve perceptions of environmental pollution may be useful to enhance the mental health of East Asian middle-aged and older adults.

The relationship between attitudes to aging and physical and mental health in older adults

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (10) ◽  
pp. 1674-1683 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Bryant ◽  
Bei Bei ◽  
Kim Gilson ◽  
Angela Komiti ◽  
Henry Jackson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Positive Attitudes

ABSTRACTBackground: Attitudes are known to exert a powerful influence on a range of behaviors. The objective of this study was to investigate the contribution of attitudes toward one's own aging to satisfaction with life and physical and mental health measured in a sample of community-dwelling older adults.Methods: Adults who were part of a larger study of health and well-being in rural and regional Australia aged ≥60 years (N = 421) completed a cross-sectional postal survey comprising the Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire, the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale.Results: Overall, attitudes to aging were positive in this sample. More positive attitudes to aging were associated with higher levels of satisfaction with life, better self-report physical and mental health on the SF-12, and lower levels of anxiety and depression, after controlling for confounding variables. Better financial status and being employed were both associated with more positive attitudes to aging and better self-reported physical health. Relationship status was also significantly associated with mental health and satisfaction with life, but not physical health.Conclusion: The promotion of successful aging is increasingly becoming important in aging societies. Having positive attitudes to aging may contribute to healthier mental and physical outcomes in older adults. Overcoming negative stereotypes of aging through change at the societal and individual level may help to promote more successful aging.

scholarly journals The Effect of Interpersonal Relationship and Social Activity on the Physical and Mental Health of Older Korean Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 927-928
Author(s):  
Meeryoung Kim ◽  
Linda Park
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Influential Factor ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Dependent Variables

Abstract Maintaining interpersonal relationships and social activities are important as you get older. Activity theory indicates that social activities and human relations are important factors for older adults’ physical and mental health. However, the effects between the quantity and quality of interpersonal relationships and social activities will be different. This study compared which of the effects has a greater impact between interpersonal and social activities on physical and mental health. This study used the 6th additional wave (2016) and 7th wave (2017) of the Korean Retirement and Income Study. The subjects of this study were older adults who are aged 65 and older and the sample size was 2,152. Multiple regression was used for data analysis. Demographic variables were controlled. Independent variables were interpersonal relationships, social activities, satisfaction with interpersonal relationships, and satisfaction with social activities. Dependent variables were physical health and mental health, with depressive symptoms used as a proxy for mental health. βs was used to determine the relative influence on dependent variables. Interpersonal relationships, satisfaction with interpersonal relationships, and satisfaction with social activities significantly influenced physical health. Among them, interpersonal satisfaction was found to be the most influential factor on physical health. In addition, interpersonal satisfaction was found to be the most influential factor on mental health than interpersonal relationships. Satisfaction with social activities only affected physical health. The implications of this study were that the quality of interpersonal relationships and social activities of older adults affected physical and mental health more than quantity.

Health Literacy, Physical and Mental Health, and Activities of Daily Living Among Older Chinese Adults in Nursing Homes

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 592-599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong-Bing Liu ◽  
Ling-Ling Xue ◽  
Hui-Ping Xue ◽  
Ping Hou
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Physical And Mental Health

It is very important to estimate the prevalence of inadequate health literacy and determine whether or not health literacy level differences predict the physical and mental health status of older adults. A cluster sampling method was selected. A total of 1396 older adults were interviewed. Three instruments were included: the Chinese Citizen Health Literacy Questionnaire, Short Form 36, and Activity of Daily Living (ADL) Scale. The health literacy scores were very low (71.74 ± 28.35). The physical and mental health scores were all moderate. The ADLs was ⩾22, which suggests that the ADLs of older adults were poor. The major influencing factors of physical health include health literacy, ADL, alcohol consumption, household income, marital status, and former occupation. The major factors influencing mental health included ADL, former occupation, age, and smoking. Health literacy was associated with physical health, but was not associated with mental health. Improving health literacy could increase health management and health status of older adults.

scholarly journals THE IMPACT OF NEGATIVE SOCIAL EXCHANGES ON ADULT PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S144-S144
Author(s):  
Abigail M Nehrkorn-Bailey ◽  
Julie Hicks Patrick ◽  
Madeline M Marello
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Chronic Health Conditions ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Chronic Health ◽  
Social Exchanges ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
Negative Social Exchanges

Abstract As some health components may change across adulthood (CDC, 2019), social support for aging adults may be one way to optimize physical and mental health (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2018). When social encounters are negative, however, physical and mental health may be negatively affected (Chen & Feeley, 2013; Hawkley & Cacioppo, 2010). Negative social exchanges (NSE) have been linked to an increase in negative affect and a decrease in positive affect (Newsom et al., 2003), along with an increase in physical symptoms (Edwards et al., 2001). In order to examine the relations between age, NSE, and two components of health (chronic health conditions and mental health) two moderated regression analyses were conducted using data from 848 adults (Mage = 32.5 years). Studying chronic health conditions, the overall model was significant, [F(3, 838) = 40.31, p &lt; .001; R2 = .36]. Significant main effects emerged for NSE and age, along with a significant interaction between age and NSE (b = 0.010, p &lt; 0.05). As NSE increased, the number of chronic health conditions increased, especially for older adults. For mental health, the overall model was significant [F(3, 845) = 52.96, p &lt; .001; R2 = 0.16]. A significant main effect emerged for NSE, but neither the main effect for age nor the interaction were significant. Thus, although NSE can have deleterious effects on both mental and physical health, special attention needs to focus on the physical health of older adults who experience a higher number of NSE.

scholarly journals Material Hardship Among Custodial Grandparents and Grandchildren's Physical and Mental Health in COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 495-495
Author(s):  
Yanfeng Xu ◽  
Qianwei Zhao ◽  
Brittany Schuler ◽  
Sue Levkoff
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Latent Classes ◽  
Material Hardship ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Custodial Grandparents ◽  
Class 1

Abstract COVID-19 has increased economic hardship for many families, including custodial grandparent-headed families. We aim to examine latent classes of material hardship among custodial grandparent-headed families, to assess predictors associated with identified classes, and to investigate associations with grandchildren’s physical and mental health outcomes during COVID-19. Data was collected from a cross-sectional survey in June 2020. The sample comprised of 362 grandparents. Latent class analysis and logistic regression were conducted. Three latent classes of material hardship were identified: Class 1 (n = 232; 64.1%) low overall hardship with high medical hardship, class 2 (n = 52; 14.4%) moderate overall hardship with high utility hardship, and class 3 (n = 78; 21.5%) severe overall hardship. Factors, such as race, household income, labor force status, financial assistance status, and trigger events to raise grandchildren, were associated with class membership. Class 2 (OR = 0.19, p &lt; 0.05) compared to Class 1 was significantly associated with grandchildren’s physical health. Our findings suggest that material hardship is heterogeneous among custodial grandparents during COVID-19, and children in households experiencing utility hardship have a higher risk for poorer physical health outcomes. Results highlight the needs to meet grandparents’ material needs and call for future research to examine the mechanism that explains the link between material hardship and grandchildren’s outcomes.

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