scholarly journals Social Relationships and Self-Perceptions of Aging

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 450-450
Author(s):  
Hanamori Skoblow ◽  
Christine Proulx
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Friend Support ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Interpersonal Factors ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
Retirement Study

Abstract Recent research has demonstrated that social relationships are positively associated with self-perceptions of aging (SPA; Santini et al., 2019), although to date, this evidence is cross-sectional. The current study builds on previous work and explores the longitudinal relation between social relationships and SPA, and whether these associations might be buffered by perceived mastery. Using repeated measures data from three waves (2008, 2012, and 2016) of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), we examined how relationship quality (i.e., support and strain) influenced self-perceptions of aging among adults aged 65+ (n = 1477). Greater support from friends in 2008 was significantly associated with better SPA in 2016, and this effect was amplified by high levels of mastery in 2012. That is, older adults with high mastery and high friend support reported more positive SPA than individuals with less mastery or friend support, controlling for gender, age, race, education, income, depressive symptoms, self-rated health, and baseline SPA. Relationship quality with spouse, children, and other family members were not significant predictors of SPA, nor did mastery moderate the association between these relationships and SPA. These results provide evidence for the importance of interpersonal factors such as friendship quality and individual factors in understanding older adults’ perceptions of the aging process.

scholarly journals The Association Between Recent Family Death and Self-Perceptions of Aging Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 450-450
Author(s):  
Shu Xu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Child Death ◽  
Parental Death ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Family Loss

Abstract The loss of a family member may have a significant influence on one’s aging experience in life. Self-perceptions of aging, which are an individual’s beliefs or evaluation of their experiences of aging, have been described as an important factor for one’s health and daily life. However, there is little research on the association between family death and self-perceptions of aging. This study examines the relationships between recent family death, self-perceptions of aging, and gender of the bereaved among middle-aged and older adults. Using nationally representative data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), we conducted cross-sectional analysis on adults age 50 years and older (n=1,839). Self-perceptions of aging were accessed by 8 items derived from the Attitudes Toward Own Aging subscale of the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale and the Berlin Aging Study, and we considered recent family death (i.e., parental death, spousal death, sibling death and child death), as well as gender of the bereaved. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that respondents who experienced recent family death report less positive self-perceptions of aging compared to those who did not experience recent family death (t = 12.40, p < .01). Recent parental death was more negatively related with self-perceptions of aging for bereaved women than for bereaved men (χ2 = 4.28, p < .05). Findings suggest that middle-aged and older adults experiencing recent family loss have less positive self-perceptions of aging, and gender of the bereaved plays an important role in the relationship between parental death and self-perceptions of aging.

Exploring Lifestyle Activities to Reduce Internalized Ageism: Self-Efficacy as a Mediator Between Exercise, Volunteering, Computer Use, and Self-Perceptions of Aging

2021 ◽  
pp. 009141502110241
Author(s):  
Andrew Steward ◽  
Leslie Hasche
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Computer Use ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Direct Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
Lifestyle Activities ◽  
The Relationship

The objective of this study is to test self-efficacy as a mediator in the relationship between three lifestyle activities (exercise, volunteering, and computer use) and self-perceptions of aging (SPA) among older adults. We hypothesize that increased self-efficacy will mediate the relationship between lifestyle activities and more positive SPA. This is a cross-sectional, secondary data analysis drawn from the 2016 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; n = 4,561). Bootstrapping procedures were applied to test the significance of the indirect effects of self-efficacy in the relationship between lifestyle activities and SPA. Results indicate significant direct effects between exercise, computer use, and self-efficacy. Direct effects were observed between exercise, volunteering, computer use, and SPA. Self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between exercise, volunteering, computer use, and SPA. Implications for practitioners working with older adults are discussed. Future research should test formal intervention programs aimed at reducing internalized ageism through additional pathways.

scholarly journals Effects of Self-Perceptions of Aging on Social Disconnectedness and Loneliness in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 38-39
Author(s):  
Rita Hu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Retirement Study

Abstract Research shows that self-perceptions of aging (SPA) predict physical, mental, cognitive, and emotional well-being in older adults. Few studies have examined SPA’s effects on social well-being. Using data from the 2014–2018 Health and Retirement Study, we examined SPA’s effects on older adults’ social connectedness and loneliness (age 65+, N = 3,808). SPA was measured by eight items. Social connectedness was operationalized by network size, social contact, and social participation. The UCLA Loneliness Scale assessed loneliness. Linear regression results show that more positive SPA is correlated with increased social connectedness (b = 0.05 SE = 0.01 p = 0.0003) and decreased loneliness (b = -0.09 SE = 0.02 p < 0.0001) in four years, controlling for sociodemographic and health characteristics. Further, loneliness is a mediator between SPA and social connectedness. Findings suggest that older adults with negative SPA are at risk of both objective and subjective social isolation.

scholarly journals Self-Perceptions of Aging, Cognitive Function, and Physical Activity

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 883-883
Author(s):  
Caitlin Connelly
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Intervention Point ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
Embodiment Theory

Abstract Stereotype embodiment theory suggests that internalized aging stereotypes will influence subsequent physical and cognitive health for older adults. This is proposed to occur through behavioral, physiological, and psychological pathways. Guided by stereotype embodiment theory, this study examined the how self-perceptions of aging are associated with cognitive function and the mediating role of physical activity as a behavioral pathway. The sample consists of 7,990 community-dwelling older adults age 65 from the Health and Retirement Study. Cross-sectional data analyses were conducted using bivariate and multivariate linear regression. Positive self-perceptions of aging were significantly associated with better cognitive function. Physical activity partially mediated the association between self-perceptions of aging and cognitive function. Findings suggest that self-perceptions of aging are important for cognitive function and physical activity may help to explain this relationship. Self-perceptions of aging may serve a possible intervention point to increase physical activity engagement and improve cognitive function.

scholarly journals The Role of Self-Perceptions of Aging for Recovery of Older Adults After a Hospital Stay

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 588-588
Author(s):  
Anne Blawert ◽  
Ellen Freiberger ◽  
Susanne Wurm
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Health Events ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
One Year ◽  
Psychological Pathway

Abstract For older adults, a hospital stay can lead to loss of physical function and frailty. It is therefore important to investigate factors for recovery after hospitalization. Recent studies suggest negative self-perceptions of aging (SPA) as a potential risk factor in the context of serious health events. This ongoing longitudinal study investigates how negative SPA might contribute to worse physical recovery (assessed with the Short Physical Performance Battery) after hospital stay in a sample of 244 German adults aged 75 to 96. Preliminary mediation analysis based on available data of the first 50 participants indicate that negative SPA is related to increased fear of falling after 6 months, which predicts worse physical function one year after hospitalization (indirect effect: B = -0.70, SE = 0.41, p = .09). The results stress the importance of SPA for health recovery in old age and introduce fear of falling as a psychological pathway.

Visitation and quality of life among older adults in jail

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Grace Prost ◽  
Meghan A. Novisky
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Developmental Theory ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper aims to examine differences in measures of and relationships between visitation and quality of life (QOL) among older and younger jailed adults. The authors also explored the contribution of visitation to QOL among adults in this setting. The authors anticipated fewer visits and lower QOL among older adults. Framed by psychosocial developmental theory, the authors also anticipated a larger effect in the relationship between visitation and QOL among older rather than younger adults and that visitation would contribute most readily to psychological QOL. Design/methodology/approach Cross-sectional data from a large US jail were used (n = 264). The authors described the sample regarding visitation and QOL measures among older (≥45) and younger adults (≤44) and examined differences in measures of and relationships between visitation and QOL using independent sample t-tests and bivariate analyses. The authors explored the contribution of visitation to psychological, social relationships, physical and environmental QOL among jailed adults using hierarchical multiple linear regression. Findings Older adults had fewer family visits and lower physical QOL than younger adults, disparities were moderate in effect (d range = 0.33–0.35). A significant difference also emerged between groups regarding the visitation and environmental QOL relationship (z = 1.66, p <0.05). Visitation contributed to variation in physical and social relationships QOL among jailed adults (Beta range = 0.19–0.24). Originality/value Limited research exists among jailed older adults and scholars have yet to examine the relationship between visitation and QOL among persons in these settings.

Close social relationships and loneliness: the role of subjective age

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naama Spitzer ◽  
Dikla Segel-Karpas ◽  
Yuval Palgi
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Subjective Age ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Moderating Role

Abstract Loneliness is considered a major issue, often negatively influencing the quality of life of individuals of all ages, and of older adults, in particular. The aims of this study are: (1) to assess the association between close social relationships and loneliness; and (2) to examine the moderating role of subjective age in this association. Married or cohabiting community-dwelling Israelis in the second half of life (N = 360) were interviewed and reported on their close social relationships, their level of loneliness, and their subjective age. The number of close social relationships was found to have a negative relationship with loneliness. Moreover, subjective age was found to moderate the relationship between close social relationships and loneliness, such that the association was weaker for those with older subjective age. Those with older subjective age are often not able to benefit from close social relationships to alleviate loneliness as much as their younger-subjective-age counterparts. Efforts to address older adults’ loneliness should consider focusing on older adults’ perceptions of aging.

scholarly journals When Culture Influences Genes: Positive Age Beliefs Amplify the Cognitive-Aging Benefit of APOE ε2

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (8) ◽  
pp. e198-e203
Author(s):  
Becca R Levy ◽  
Martin D Slade ◽  
Robert H Pietrzak ◽  
Luigi Ferrucci
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Cognitive Benefit ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Retirement Study

Abstract Objectives Most studies of aging cognition have focused on risk factors for worse performance and on either genetic or environmental factors. In contrast, we examined whether 2 factors known to individually benefit aging cognition may interact to produce better cognition: environment-based positive age beliefs and the APOE ε2 gene. Method The sample consisted of 3,895 Health and Retirement Study participants who were 60 years or older at baseline and completed as many as 5 assessments of cognition over 8 years. Results As predicted, positive age beliefs amplified the cognitive benefit of APOE ε2. In contrast, negative age beliefs suppressed the cognitive benefit of APOE ε2. We also found that positive age beliefs contributed nearly 15 times more than APOE ε2 to better cognition. Discussion This study provides the first known evidence that self-perceptions can influence the impact of a gene on cognition. The results underscore the importance of combined psychosocial and biological approaches to understanding cognitive function in older adults.

Social Relations and Mortality

2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 649-659 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toni C. Antonucci ◽  
Kira S. Birditt ◽  
Noah J. Webster
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Illness ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Chronic Illnesses ◽  
Survival Analyses ◽  
Best Friend ◽  
Buffering Effects

Among older adults social relationships influence mortality, but it is less clear how. We examined associations between relationship quality with spouse, child, and best friend and mortality; and whether the associations varied in the presence of chronic illnesses. Survival analyses ( N = 514; 59 percent women aged ≥ 60) revealed sometimes counterintuitive main and buffering effects. Individuals who reported greater negative relationship quality with their children and friends lived longer. Buffering models suggest that relationships may exacerbate the effects of chronic illness on mortality and emphasize the importance of using a more nuanced approach when examining the effects of social relations on mortality.

Dietary lutein and zeaxanthin are associated with working memory in an older population

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krystle E Zuniga ◽  
Nicholas J Bishop ◽  
Alexandria S Turner
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Panel Study ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Word Recall ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutrition Study ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Sectional Analysis ◽  
Analytic Models ◽  
Retirement Study

Abstract Objective: The purpose of the study was to examine the association between dietary lutein and zeaxanthin (L + Z) intake and immediate word recall (IWR) and delayed word recall (DWR), and to identify the major contributors to dietary L + Z intake in a recent and representative sample of the older US population. Design: In this cross-sectional analysis, multivariate path analytic models estimated the association between L + Z consumption and cognitive performance while adjusting for covariates. Setting: Observations were drawn from the 2014 Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative panel study of older US adults, and the 2013 Health Care and Nutrition Study, which assessed dietary intake via FFQ in a subsample of respondents. Participants: The analytic sample included 6390 respondents aged ≥50 years. Results: L + Z intake was 2·44 ± 2·32 mg/d on average, and L + Z intake differed significantly across quartiles (P < 0·001). For example, average L + Z intake in Q1 was 0·74 ± 0·23 mg/d and in Q4 was 5·46 ± 2·88 mg/d. In covariate adjusted models, older adults in the highest quartiles of L + Z intake had significantly greater IWR and DWR scores than those in the lowest quartile. Leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, dark yellow vegetables, fish and seafood, legumes, eggs and fruit were significant and meaningful predictors of dietary L + Z intake. Conclusion: A high consumption of vegetables, fish and seafood, legumes, eggs and fruit is associated with a higher intake of L + Z and greater word recall among older adults.

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