scholarly journals Measurement Indicators of Age-Friendly Communities: Findings From the AARP Age-Friendly Community Survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 51-51
Author(s):  
Kyeongmo Kim ◽  
Tommy Buckley ◽  
Denise Burnette ◽  
Sunghwan Cho
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Built Environment ◽  
Public Space ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
The Social ◽  
Three Factor

Abstract Cities and counties worldwide have adopted the concept of “age-friendly communities” to promote the well-being of older adults. An age-friendly community is a place that provides a safe and affordable built environment and a social environment that encourages older adults’ participation. A major limitation in this field is the lack of valid and reliable measures of age-friendly communities. This study used data from the AARP 2016 Age-Friendly Community Surveys (N=3,652 adults ages 65 and older). This study included 57 indicators of age-friendliness (e.g., housing, transportation, public space, civic engagement, volunteering, community, and health services); socio-demographic characteristics; and health-related characteristics. We randomly split the sample into two subsamples for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) (n=1,682) and structural equation modeling (SEM) (n=1,682). The CFA resulted in a three-factor structure to measure age-friendly communities: built environment, transportation, and social environment. Model fit indices were acceptable (χ²(44)=14204.09; p<.001; RMSEA=.067; CFI=.912; TLI=.909; SRMR=.05). Internal reliability of the three-factor structure was excellent ranging from .93 to .96. The SEM model showed that older adults living in a community with a greater built environment (β=.119; p=.001) and the social environment (β=.199; p<.001) had higher levels of physical health, after adjusting for all other variables. The findings highlight that the measures of age-friendly communities are reliable and valid. Practitioners and policymakers should work on improving both the built and the social environment to promote the well-being of older adults. The findings also suggested that researchers can use the measures as an evaluation tool for an age-friendly community initiative.

scholarly journals THE PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENTS, SOCIAL ACTIVITIES, AND SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING: FINDINGS FROM THE K2 STUDY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S277-S277
Author(s):  
Midori Takayama ◽  
Yoshiko Ishioka ◽  
Ikuko Sugawara
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Covariance Structure ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Social Environments ◽  
The Social ◽  
Physical Functions

Abstract It has been pointed that the environments effect subjective well-being(SWB). However, it is still not clear what aspects of environments effect SWB among older adults and if degree on physical condition of older adults cause the difference on relations between and environments and SWB. In this study, firstly, we examined the relationship between the physical and social environments, social activities, and SWB in a sample of older Japanese. Secondly, we examined the differences on the effects of environments on SWB between older adults with lower physical functions and those with higher physical functions. We used data from locally representative longitudinal study of older adults 75±1, 80±1, and 85±1 years of age (at baseline) , which was conducted in Japan (The Keio-Kawasaki Aging Study(K2 study) ; N = 1388). Concerning the environments, we assessed the physical environments (public spaces and buildings, and accessibility) and the social environments (culture and recreation programs, and inclusive social environment). Results from covariance structure analyses showed that the accessible physical environment and the social environments were significant predictors of SWB, and showed that accessibility and the social environments influenced SWB via participation of social activities, too. Moreover, results from multiple group structural equation modeling showed that accessibility was a stronger predictor of SWB among older adults with lower physical functions, while accessibility was not a predictor among older adults with higher physical functions. The potential benefits of this approach provide a basic developing compensation model of SWB for this population of older adults.

scholarly journals Family Solidarity, Social Support, Loneliness, and Well-Being Among Older Adults in Rural China

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 319-320
Author(s):  
Xiaoyan Zhang ◽  
Merril Silverstein
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Adult Children ◽  
Child Support ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Total Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
National Bureau ◽  
Subjective Well Being

Abstract China is experiencing a large increase in elderly population. In 2019, China’s population aged 60 and above had reached 253 million, accounting for 18.1% of the total population (National Bureau of Statistics of China, 2020). By 2050, the number of adults aged 60+ would be up to 430 million, reaching one third of the total population (Du, Zhai & Chen, 2005). Considering such a rapid aging process and the existing large number of older adults in China, it becomes imperative to investigate how psychosocial factors affect this group’s subjective well-being. This study proposed that, among older adults, higher support received from each of the three relational sources (adult children, family and friends) were associated with reduced loneliness and improved well-being. Structural equation modeling was conducted using a sample of rural adults aged 60 and older (N= 1142) from the 2018 wave of data from the Longitudinal Study of Older Adults in Anhui Province, China. Findings indicated that support from adult children directly and indirectly decreased older adults’ depression and improved their life satisfaction through loneliness; while support from family members directly decreased depression but did not directly improve life satisfaction or indirectly improve well-being through loneliness. Although support from friends did not have a significant impact on older adults’ well-being, it indirectly improved well-being through reduced loneliness. Findings have implications for programs or interventions targeting both parent -adult-child support and friends support and reducing rural older adults’ loneliness.

scholarly journals Longitudinal Relationships Between Subjective Cognitive Decline and Objective Memory: Depressive Symptoms Mediate Between-Person Associations

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Nikki L. Hill ◽  
Sakshi Bhargava ◽  
Emily Bratlee-Whitaker ◽  
Jennifer R. Turner ◽  
Monique J. Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Subjective Cognitive Decline ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Over Time

Background: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) may be an early indicator of cognitive impairment, but depressive symptoms can confound this relationship. Associations may be influenced by differences between individuals (i.e., between-persons) or how each individual changes in their experiences over time (i.e., within-persons). Objective: We examined depressive symptoms as a mediator of the between- and within-person associations of SCD and objective memory in older adults. Methods: Coordinated analyses were conducted across four datasets drawn from large longitudinal studies. Samples (range: n = 1,889 to n = 15,841) included participants 65 years of age or older with no dementia at baseline. We used multilevel structural equation modeling to examine the mediation of SCD and objective memory through depressive symptoms, as well as direct relationships among SCD, objective memory, and depressive symptoms. Results: Older adults who were more likely to report SCD had lower objective memory on average (between-person associations), and depressive symptoms partially mediated this relationship in three of four datasets. However, changes in depressive symptoms did not mediate the relationship between reports of SCD and declines in objective memory in three of four datasets (within-person associations). Conclusion: Individual differences in depressive symptoms, and not changes in an individual’s depressive symptoms over time, partially explain the link between SCD and objective memory. Older adults with SCD and depressive symptoms may be at greater risk for poor cognitive outcomes. Future research should explore how perceived changes in memory affect other aspects of psychological well-being, and how these relationships influence cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease risk.

Construct Validity of the Social Provisions Scale

Assessment ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 720-733 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harsha N. Perera
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Validity ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Gender Invariance ◽  
The Social ◽  
Item Responses ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
Well Differentiated ◽  
Social Provisions

Extant theory posits well-differentiated dimensions of perceived social support as measured using the Social Provisions Scale (SPS). However, evidence is inconsistent with this multidimensionality perspective, with SPS factor correlations near unity and higher between-factor than within-factor item correlations. This article reports on research investigating the internal structure, gender invariance, and predictive validity of SPS scores. The analyses are conducted in a novel bifactor exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) framework, which is designed to account for presumed psychometric multidimensionality in SPS items due to (a) their fallibility as pure indicators of the constructs they are purported to measure and (b) the coexistence of general and specific factors. Based on 376 item responses, evidence was obtained for a bifactor-ESEM representation of the SPS data. In addition, support was found for the invariance of item thresholds and the latent mean invariance of six of the seven SPS factors in the retained solution. Only mean levels of Social Integration were found to differ by gender, with men scoring higher than women. Finally, evidence was obtained for the predictive validity of SPS scores with respect to loneliness and psychological well-being. Quite apart from yielding evidence validating the SPS, this research demonstrates the utility of bifactor ESEM for psychological assessment.

scholarly journals Factors That Influence Older Canadians’ Preferences for using Autonomous Vehicle Technology: A Structural Equation Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 2673 (1) ◽  
pp. 469-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hany M. Hassan ◽  
Mark R. Ferguson ◽  
Saiedeh Razavi ◽  
Brenda Vrkljan
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Autonomous Vehicles ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Transportation Systems ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Willingness To Use

Accessible and safe mobility is critical for those aged 65 years and older to maintain their health, quality of life, and well-being. Being able to move beyond one’s home and participate in activities in older adulthood requires consideration of both transportation needs and preferences. This paper aims to address a gap in evidence with respect to understanding factors that can affect older adults’ perceptions and willingness to use autonomous vehicles. In addition, it examines how these factors compare with those of younger adults to better understand the potential implications of this technology on mobility and quality of life. Using responses of those aged 65+ to a national survey of Canadians, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to identify and quantify factors significantly associated with older adults’ willingness to use autonomous vehicles. The SEM results suggest that factors such as using other modes of transit (e.g., sharing rides as passenger, bicycle, public transit, commuter rail, ride and car sharing) as well as distance traveled by automobile, income, gender (being male), and living in urban areas, were all positively associated with older adults’ perceptions of using autonomous driving features. The findings also suggest that older Canadians are more concerned about autonomous vehicles than younger Canadians. This study provides valuable insights into factors that can affect the preferences of Canadians when it comes to autonomous technology in their automobiles. Such results can inform the way in which transportation systems are designed to ensure the needs of users are considered across both age and ability.

scholarly journals Psychological Adjustment of Expatriate Children in Cultural Transitions

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Anu Warinowski ◽  
Eero Laakkonen
Keyword(s):  
Survey Data ◽  
Psychological Adjustment ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
School Success ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Affective Factors ◽  
Cultural Transitions

The aim of the current study was to define the factorial structure of the psychological adjustment (PA) of Finnish expatriate children (EC) and to construct a model consisting of three child-level variables (age, school success, and attitude toward moving). Survey data concerning Finnish EC (N = 324) who had lived temporarily abroad were gathered from the EC’s parents. The mean age of the children was 4.8 years in the expatriation context and 8.2 years in the repatriation context. PA was examined using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZSDS). Survey data were subject to a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM). A hypothesized two-factor structure (physiological and affective factors) of PA was fitted for the sample using the CFA. A SEM of PA was presented, where the child-level explanatory variables were the age of the child, school success, and attitude toward moving. The main findings were the following: First, there is a two-factor structure of Finnish EC’s PA with both physiological and affective factors. Second, a model of PA with three child-level variables (age, school success, and attitude toward moving) was constructed. The results contribute to the understanding of PA in general and EC’s PA in particular. This study increases our understanding of EC’s PA in unique and novel contexts of dual cultural transitions. This comprehension is important in an increasingly globalized world, especially in clinical and other support contexts, where professionals work for children’s mental well-being.

scholarly journals Perceived Discrimination, Social Environment, and Older Adults’ Psychological Well-Being

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 462-462
Author(s):  
Min-Kyoung Park ◽  
Christine Mair
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Perceived Discrimination ◽  
Country Of Origin ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Neighborhood Environment ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Older Americans ◽  
The Social

Abstract Experiencing discrimination can have detrimental effects on psychological well-being. For older adults in the U.S., discrimination on the basis of country of origin may be a particularly alienating experience. A positive social environment, however, has been shown to buffer associations between discrimination and poorer psychological well-being. However, this hypothesis has not been tested in a sample of older Americans who perceive discrimination because of country of origin. As the United States continues to diversify and politically polarize, understanding older adults’ experiences with discrimination and identifying potential buffers to these negative effects is increasingly important. We analyze 942 older Americans (aged 50+) from the Psychosocial Module of the most recent wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS, 2020). Specifically, we analyze associations between perceived discrimination on the basis of country of origin and three psychological well-being outcomes: loneliness, anxiety, and life satisfaction. We further test if the social environment buffers negative effects by examining interactions between discrimination and social support as well as discrimination and neighborhood environment. Our results reveal clear and consistent associations between older adults’ perceived discrimination and increased loneliness and decreased life satisfaction. These negative associations, however, appear to be buffered by social support and positive neighborhood environment, respectively. The potential buffering effect of positive social environments on psychological well-being is particularly pronounced for older adults under the age of 65. We discuss these findings in light of the prevalence of discrimination in the U.S. and consider potential mechanisms for improving the social environment of older adults.

Resilience and Socioeconomic Status as Predictors of Life Satisfaction and Psychological Well-Being in Colombian Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 269-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria-Fernanda Reyes ◽  
Encarnación Satorres ◽  
Juan C. Meléndez
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Cultural Aspects

Well-being is a complex construct related to sociodemographic and cultural aspects that vary across cultures. Latin America is a region with high social inequalities among population groups, although this varies significantly depending on the country. This article proposes a model that seeks to establish the relationship between psychosocial variables, psychological well-being, and life satisfaction in a sample of Colombian older adults. The model explores associations between resilience, socioeconomic status, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being. A study with a sample of 617 Colombian older adults was conducted. A structural equation modeling technique was performed. The results showed a model in which life satisfaction is positively explained by psychological well-being and resilience, whereas psychological well-being is explained by a higher socio-economic status. The results contribute to the evidence about how well-being is determined by psychosocial and cultural factors. The evidence found represents novel information about older adults in Colombia.

Modeling the Structure of the Triarchic Psychopathy Measure: Conceptual, Empirical, and Analytic Considerations

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 470-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonella Somma ◽  
Serena Borroni ◽  
Laura E. Drislane ◽  
Christopher J. Patrick ◽  
Andrea Fossati
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
General Factor ◽  
Specific Content ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Three Factor

This study sought to characterize the factor structure of the Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM) using data from a sample of 1,082 community-dwelling Italian adults. Exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) was used to compare the fit of a bifactor model for each TriPM scale, in which specific-content factors were specified along with a general factor, with the fit of a single, general-factor model. Robust weighted least square (WLSMV) ESEM supported a bifactor latent structure of the TriPM items for all individual scales. When we jointly factor analyzed the 58 TriPM items, a WLSMV ESEM three-factor structure showed adequate fit; the three ESEM factors were akin to TriPM Boldness, Meanness, and Disinhibition theoretical dimensions, respectively, and could be effectively replicated across gender subgroups. Our findings support the three-factor structure of TriPM items, at least in Italian community-dwelling adults, and provide further evidence for the construct validity of the TriPM.

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