Disaster Stressors and Psychological Well-Being After a Flood

Abstract Hurricanes and floods have mental health consequences for younger and older adults alike. In August of 2016, historic flooding in Baton Rouge, Louisiana resulted in billions of dollars in damages. In this study, we compared 223 mostly middle-aged and older adults on mental health indicators. The majority of the sample (n = 137) were non-coastal residents and the remainder (n = 86) were former coastal residents who had permanently relocated inland after catastrophic losses in the 2005 Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Multiple regressions confirmed elevations in symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress for both adults with flood damage in 2016 and also those who doubly flooded in 2016 and 2005. Age had a protective effect for symptoms of depression and worry. Prior lifetime trauma was a risk factor for depression. Implications of these data for understanding age-related vulnerabilities after multiple disasters are discussed with suggestions to strengthen post-disaster resilience.

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

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.3334 ◽

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.

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Volunteering, Self-Perceptions of Aging, and Mental Health in Later Life

The Gerontologist ◽

10.1093/geront/gnaa164 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Meng Huo ◽

Lisa M Soederberg Miller ◽

Kyungmin Kim ◽

Siwei Liu

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Later Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Perceptions ◽

Panel Model ◽

Age Related ◽

Perceptions Of Aging ◽

Design And Methods

Abstract Background and Objectives Scholars argue that volunteering enhances social, physical, and cognitive activities that are increasingly valued as people age, which in turn improves older adults’ well-being via a host of psychosocial and neurobiological mechanisms. This study explicitly tested older adults’ self-perceptions of aging as a mechanism underlying the mental health benefits of volunteering. Research Design and Methods Using 2-wave data from the Health and Retirement Study (2008/2010 for Wave 1 and 2012/2014 for Wave 2), we analyzed reports from a pooled sample of older adults aged 65 or older (N = 9,017). Participants reported on demographic characteristics, volunteer work (did not volunteer, 1–99 h/year, 100+ h/year), self-perceptions of aging, and depressive symptoms. We estimated an autoregressive cross-lagged panel model. Results Volunteering for 100 h or more per year was associated with older adults’ more positive and less negative self-perceptions of aging in the subsequent wave (i.e., 4 years later), which in turn predicted fewer depressive symptoms. Discussion and Implications This study suggests the promising role of volunteering in shaping older adults’ self-perceptions of aging on a sustained basis and refines our understanding of the benefits volunteering brings. Findings shed light on future interventions aimed at improving older adults’ adjustment to age-related changes and lessening ageism in society.

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Motivation for Physical Activity and Mental Health Indicators in Male Gym Attendees

Physical Culture and Sport Studies and Research ◽

10.1515/pcssr-2016-0003 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 69 (1) ◽

pp. 65-73 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Katarzyna Awruk ◽

Konrad Janowski

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Psychological Functioning ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Negative Relationship ◽

Personal Data ◽

Health Indicators ◽

Well Being ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

The Relationship

AbstractThe significance of physical activity for mental well-being has been discussed in detail in the literature on the subject. However, a question arises concerning the relationship between motivation to exercise and psychological functioning. The objective of the present study was to test the relationship between the types of motivation for physical activity and selected indicators of mental health.The study involved 99 men aged between 18 and 60 years old (M=28.20, SD=9.35) who were regular attendees at several gyms in Warsaw. The study used the following methods: the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), developed by Goldberg, the Gym Attendance Motivation Inventory, developed by Awruk and Janowski, and the Personal Data Sheet. A significant negative relationship between intrinsic motivation (to improve one’s physical performance) and symptoms of depression was observed. Significant positive associations were found between the period of training and scores on the Social dysfunction and Somatic symptoms subscales of GHQ-28. The remaining associations were found to be statistically insignificant. In addition, there were no significant differences in motivation to exercise between men with low and high levels of mental health symptoms. The motivational profiles identified in cluster analysis did not differentiate the subjects with respect to mental health indicators.

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Correlates of gambling-related problems among older adults in Ontario

Journal of Gambling Issues ◽

10.4309/jgi.2008.22.3 ◽

2008 ◽

pp. 174 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

John McCready ◽

Robert E. Mann ◽

Jinhui Zhao ◽

Robert Eves

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Problem Gambling ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Determinants ◽

Gambling Problem ◽

Gambling Behaviour ◽

Gambling Problems ◽

Related Factors ◽

Age Related

Although the literature suggests that gambling among older adults is influenced by unique age-related factors, there is little information on the factors associated with the experience of gambling-related problems among older adults. The purpose of this study was to identify the sociodemographic health determinants and mental health-related problems, including alcohol and drug dependence, that are associated with the experience of gambling problems among older adults in Ontario. The research was an exploratory analysis of data from Ontario adults, aged 55 and over, who completed the Canadian Community Health Survey -Mental Health and Well-being, Cycle 1.2 (1,904 males and 2,622 females). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify sociodemographic, gambling behaviour, and mental health correlates of the experience of any gambling-related problems, as identified by responses to the Canadian Problem Gambling Index. Being married or living common law and having a higher education level were associated with reduced risk of gambling problems. Among mental health variables, alcohol dependence and any substance dependence significantly increased the odds of reporting a gambling problem. Gambling behaviour measures, such as more frequent gambling, participating in more types of gambling, and spending more on gambling were significant correlates of gambling problems.

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405 - Emotional Resilience of Older Adults During COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Studies of Stress and Well-Being

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610221001642 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 33 (S1) ◽

pp. 31-32

Author(s):

Evelina Sterina ◽

Adriana P. Hermida ◽

Danielle J. Gerberi ◽

Maria I. Lapid

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Older Adults ◽

Well Being ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Younger Adults ◽

Emotional Resilience ◽

Ovid Medline ◽

Distress Scale ◽

The Impact

Objectives:To examine post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and well-being in older adults under quarantine in the context of epidemics.Methods:A systematic review of CINAHL, Ovid EBM Reviews, Ovid Embase, Ovid Medline, Ovid PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from 2000-2020 was conducted. Keywords included coronavirus, epidemic, quarantine, stress, mental health, and similar terms. Included studies enrolled participants under quarantine, quantitatively measured of mental health or psychological well-being, and characterized outcomes by age.Results:Of 894 initial results, 20 studies met criteria and were included in the analysis. Studies comprise a total of 106,553 participants from eight countries, age range 6-100, involved two epidemics (COVID- 19, SARS), and used 27 tools used to assess psychological responses to quarantine. The majority (70%) of the studies utilized recruited participants through online surveys, utilizing open web and snowball recruitment. Of the 20 studies, one found greater distress in older adults relative to younger adults on a COVID-19 distress scale, one study found no significant differences, and 18 studies found lower negative outcomes in older participants in at least one metric.Conclusions:Older adults in this review generally have lower stress and less negative emotions under quarantine than younger adults. It is unknown how this compares to the pre-pandemic state. More representative and longitudinal studies are needed to better measure the impact of quarantine on the mental health of older adults.Clinical Implications:As existing scales may not capture the full extent of pandemic’s psychological effects on older adults, clinicians must be vigilant in monitoring older adults’ mental health in quarantine.

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Communicative Predictors of Older Adults’ Successful Aging, Mental Health, and Alcohol Use

The International Journal of Aging and Human Development ◽

10.1177/0091415018784715 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 90 (2) ◽

pp. 107-134 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Quinten S. Bernhold ◽

Jessica Gasiorek ◽

Howard Giles

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Well Being ◽

Age Related ◽

Alcoholic Drinks ◽

Relational Partners

We examined how older adults’ communication about age-related topics is related to aging efficacy, successful aging, and well-being. Guided by the communicative ecology model of successful aging, three profiles of “environmental chatter”—that is, patterns of accommodation and overaccommodation older adults received from relational partners—were identified: positive, mixed-positive, and negative. Four profiles of individuals’ own age-related communication were identified, including a new profile: gloomy agers. Chatter profile membership and own age-related communication profile membership indirectly predicted successful aging, depressive symptoms, loneliness, and perceptions of unhealthy alcohol consumption via aging efficacy, but not self-reported alcoholic drinks consumed. Communication by both older adults and their relational partners may be consequential to experiences of successful aging and well-being.

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Mental Health, Greenness, and Nature Related Behaviors in the Adult Population of Stockholm County during COVID-19-Related Restrictions

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18063303 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (6) ◽

pp. 3303

Author(s):

Mare Lõhmus ◽

Cecilia U. D. Stenfors ◽

Tomas Lind ◽

André Lauber ◽

Antonios Georgelis

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Vegetation Index ◽

Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ◽

Adult Population ◽

Well Being ◽

Stockholm County ◽

Cognitive Stress ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

International Data

International data suggest that exposure to nature is beneficial for mental health and well-being. The restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic have created a setting that allows us to investigate the importance of greenness exposure on mental health during a period of increased isolation and worry. Based on 2060 responses from an online survey in Stockholm County, Sweden, we investigated: (1) whether the COVID-19 pandemic changed peoples’ lifestyle and nature-related habits, and (2) if peoples’ mental health differed depending on their exposure to greenness. Neighborhood greenness levels were quantified by using the average normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) within 50 m, 100 m, 300 m, and 500 m buffers surrounding the participant’s place of residence. We found that the number of individuals that reported that they visited natural areas “often” was significantly higher during the pandemic than before the pandemic. Higher levels of greenness surrounding one’s location of residence were in general associated with higher mental health/well-being and vitality scores, and less symptoms of depression, anxiety, and perceived and cognitive stress, after adjustments for demographic variables and walkability. In conclusion, the results from the present study provided support to the suggestion that contact with nature may be important for mental health in extreme circumstances.

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Performers of the night: Examining the mental health of electronic music artists

Psychology of Music ◽

10.1177/0305735620976985 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 030573562097698

Author(s):

Jolan Kegelaers ◽

Lewie Jessen ◽

Eline Van Audenaerde ◽

Raôul RD Oudejans

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Sleep Disturbance ◽

Electronic Music ◽

Music Performance ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Music Performance Anxiety ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Levels Of Functioning

Despite growing popular interest for the mental health of electronic music artists, scientific research addressing this topic has remained largely absent. As such, the aim of the current study was to examine the mental health of electronic music artists, as well as a number of determinants. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, a total of 163 electronic music artists participated in this study. In line with the two-continua model of mental health, both symptoms of depression/anxiety and well-being were adopted as indicators for mental health. Furthermore, standardized measures were used to assess potential determinants of mental health, including sleep disturbance, music performance anxiety, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, occupational stress, resilience, and social support. Results highlighted that around 30% of participants experienced symptoms of depression/anxiety. Nevertheless, the majority of these participants still demonstrated at least moderate levels of functioning and well-being. Sleep disturbance formed a significant predictor for both symptoms of depression/anxiety and well-being. Furthermore, resilience and social support were significant predictors for well-being. The results provide a first glimpse into the mental health challenges experienced by electronic music artists and support the need for increased research as well as applied initiatives directed at safeguarding their mental health.

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Older Adults’ Subjective Well-being Following an Exergame Intervention “Bandit the Dolphin”: Focus Group Findings

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.549 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 169-170

Author(s):

Brittany Drazich ◽

Breanna Crane ◽

Kyle Moored ◽

Karl Shieh ◽

Janiece Taylor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Mental Illness ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Mental Illness Stigma ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Future Health ◽

Adult Participants

Abstract Due to generational mental illness stigma and under diagnosis of mental illness, older adults do not always receive the mental health help that they need. One unique technology that has the potential to improve mood in older adults is exergames, or exercise video games. The objective of this sub-study (main study: Stimulation With Intricate Movements “SWIM” Study) was to explore older adults’ mood following an exergame intervention called “Bandit the Dolphin,” created by the Johns Hopkins KATA Studio. Researchers conducted three focus groups with 14 community-dwelling older adult participants who took part in the SWIM Study exergame intervention. The semi-structured focus groups were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using deductive and inductive techniques described by Ray Maietta’s “sort and sift, think and shift” method. Three themes related to playing “Bandit the Dolphin” and mood emerged. First, participants described their perceived association between activity and mood. Participants felt that both active and passive activities, “Bandit the Dolphin” and otherwise, improved their mood through the “fun” factor, and through feelings of achievement. Second, the participants described that the competition and frustration of playing “Bandit the Dolphin” increased eventual feelings of achievement. Third, participants described how feelings of immersion, or being absorbed in the game, helped them forget their other life concerns. These findings provide a better understanding of older adults’ perceived relationship between an exergame intervention, “Bandit the Dolphin,” and short-term improved mood. Future health and engineering researchers should explore exergames as a potential tool to improve the mental health of older adults.

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The Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of an Arabic Version of the Reminiscence Functions Scale

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1102 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 343-343

Author(s):

Abdallah Abu Khait ◽

Juliette Shellman

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Well Being ◽

Arab Countries ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Arabic Version ◽

Harmonization Process ◽

Back Translation ◽

Target Culture

Abstract The Reminiscence Functions Scale (RFS), a 43 item reliable and valid scale, measures eight specific reasons as to why individuals reminisce: (a) identity (b) death preparation; (c) problem-solving; (d) bitterness revival; (e) boredom reduction; (f) intimacy maintenance; (g) conversation; and (h) teach/Inform others. Research indicates that certain reminiscence functions have a positive impact on the mental-health and well-being of older adults. However, no known studies have been conducted in Arab countries examining the relationship between reminiscence functions and mental health outcomes due to the lack of an Arabic version of the RFS. The purpose of this study was to translate the RFS from English to Arabic (Modern Standard Arabic), back-translate from Arabic to English, and compare the two English versions for equivalence and accuracy through a multi-step translation method. A team of bilingual, bicultural, Arabic speaking experts assembled to conduct the forward, back translation and harmonization process. In the next step, professionals with expertise in linguistics communication sciences and disorders, Arabic literature, geriatric nursing, and medicine reviewed the translated documents to assess the content (relevant to the target culture) and semantic equivalencies (similarity of meaning in the target culture). Challenges that occurred during the study included finding nuanced translation equivalences for Likert scale responses, translation of idioms such as “when time is heavy on my hands”, and logistical issues such as coordinating virtual meetings for the team of experts. Lessons learned during the translation process and implications for use of the RFS-Arabic version with Jordanian older adults will be presented.

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