scholarly journals Gender, Cognitive Status, and Depressive Symptoms: Findings From the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 62-62
Author(s):  
Ethan Siu Leung Cheung ◽  
Ada Mui
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Elderly Women ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Independent Effect ◽  
The Impact

Abstract This secondary research is based on the Wave 3 National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (n = 3,104). The association between cognition, gender, and depressive symptomatology were examined. Findings indicate that 54% of the sample were women and the mean age was 72.95 (SD=8.29). Bivariate analyses suggest that there were no gender differences in cognitive status (Mean of MoCA Short Form = 9.73; SD = 3.26), age, and stress (Mean of PSS = 7.69; SD = 3.90). There were significant gender differences in terms of marital status, income, education, stressors, social participation, and social support. Compared to older men, older women reported a significantly lower level of both education and income. Multiple regression results show that gender has an independent effect and a joint effect with stressors in explaining depressive symptoms. Parallel regression analyses for each gender group were conducted and models were significant (P < .0001). The only common predictor for depressive symptoms was ADL impairment, and the impact of this was stronger for males (b=.32) than for females (b=.17). For older men, unique correlates of depressive symptoms were being not married, more ADL and cognitive impairments, and higher stress. For older women, a higher level of depressive symptoms was associated with being younger, lower-income, a higher level of ADL and IADL impairments. In addition, white elderly women reported a higher level of depressive symptoms than Asian elderly women. Findings suggest gender and racial differences in depressive symptoms experienced among older Americans living in the community.

scholarly journals The Correlates of Cognitive Status Among Older Americans Living in the Community: Does Gender Make a Difference?

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 63-63
Author(s):  
Ethan Siu Leung Cheung ◽  
Ada Mui ◽  
Seth Hoffman
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Cognitive Impairments ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Ethnic Composition ◽  
Community Safety ◽  
Independent Effect ◽  
Community Factors

Abstract Utilizing the data in National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (n = 3,104; 54% female), the study examined the predictors of cognitive impairments in terms of community harmony, community safety, frequency of neighbor contacts, depression, and demographic factors. Bivariate analyses suggest that there were no gender differences in cognitive status (Mean of MoCA Short Form = 9.89; SD = 3.33); nor were there gender differences in age (mean age = 72.95; SD=8.29), ethnic composition (76.1% whites; 15.3% Blacks, 8.6% Asian), community harmony, community safety, frequency of neighbor contacts. On the other hand, men had more education and income than women. Psychologically, older women reported higher level of stress and depression scores than older men. Multiple regression results show that gender has a significant independent effect and joint effects with stressors and community factors in explaining cognitive impairments. Parallel regression analyses for each gender group were conducted and models were significant (P < .0001). There were common predictors of cognitive impairments for the two groups but variables had differential impacts on older men and older women. Specifically, IADL had stronger effect on older men than on older women in predicting cognitive impairments (b = -.23 vs. b=-.10); perceived community harmony had stronger impact on older women in explaining their cognitive status (b = .26 vs. b=.22); older women’s cognitive status benefitted more from perceived community safety than older men (b = .61 vs. b=.43). Regardless of gender, older Whites scored higher than Black and Asian elders in their cognition scores.

scholarly journals Race Differences and Depressive Symptoms Among Community-Dwelling Older Americans

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 98-98
Author(s):  
Ethan Siu Leung Cheung ◽  
Ada Mui
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Depressive Symptomatology ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Independent Effect ◽  
Race Difference ◽  
Black African ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Predictors Of Depression

Abstract Using data from the Wave 3 National Social Life, Health and Aging Project, this study examines cognition, stress and social support factors associated with depressive symptomatology among older White (n=2356) and Black/African Americans (n=473) living in the community. Bivariate analyses suggest that Whites were slightly older than Blacks [(M(SD) = 73 .24(8.18) and 72.52(8.69); 71)]; and had higher unmarried status (66.58% vs. 43.76%). In terms of cognitive functioning, Whites scored significantly higher than Blacks [Mean (SD) of MoCA Short Form were 10.44(3.06) and 7.75.0(3.33)]. There was race difference in depressive symptoms experienced (CESD Short Form: M(SD) = 20.99(4.01) for Whites; M(SD) = 21.35(4.33) for Blacks). In order to identify predictors of depression, multiple hierarchical regressions were performed. Results showed that race had significant independent effect and multiplicative effect with IADL impairment in explaining depression scores. To identify predicators for each racial group, parallel regression analyses were conducted and two models were significant. Findings show that unmarried status and IADL impairment were common predictors of depressive symptoms for the two groups, and the impact of both variables were stronger for Blacks (for unmarried status; b =-1.42 vs. -.52; for IADL impairment b = .23 vs. .13). For Whites, other unique predictors of depression were male gender, lower income, more ADL impairment, higher stress, less socialization and poor friendship quality. For Blacks, the only unique predictor of depressive symptoms was being younger age. The different correlates of depression for White and Black elders provide new insight into the design of race-sensitive interventions.

The Impact of Living Alone and Intergenerational Support on Depressive Symptoms Among Older Mexican Americans: Does Gender Matter?

2019 ◽  
Vol 90 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-280
Author(s):  
Yaolin Pei ◽  
Zhen Cong ◽  
Bei Wu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Mexican Americans ◽  
Mexican American ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Intergenerational Support ◽  
The Impact

The study examined gender differences in the impact of living alone and intergenerational support on depressive symptoms among Mexican American older adults. The sample included 335 parent–adult child pairs which are nested within 92 Mexican American respondents, because each respondent reported their specific relationships with each child. Clustered regression analysis showed gender differences in the impact of living alone and intergenerational support on depressive symptoms among Mexican American older adults. In general, older men provided and received less intergenerational support than older women, but their depressive symptoms were more susceptible to living alone and different types of intergenerational support. Factors such as living alone, receiving instrumental support were associated with more depressive symptoms in older men than inolder women, whereas older men benefited more from the emotional closeness with children than older women. The findings highlight the need for a gender-specific approach to future research on this topic.

scholarly journals Age Cohort Differences and Depressive Symptoms Among Community-Dwelling Older Americans

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 61-61
Author(s):  
Ethan Siu Leung Cheung ◽  
Ada Mui
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Independent Effect ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Older Americans ◽  
Age Cohorts ◽  
Cohort Differences ◽  
Age Cohort

Abstract This study uses Wave 3 National Social Life, Health and Aging Project to examine the correlation between age cohorts [60s (n=1204); 70s (n=1176); 80 and older (n= 724)], cognitive status, and depression symptoms. In the total sample, 53.90% were females, 76.15% Whites, 15.29% Blacks, and 8.56% Asians. Compared to the 60s and 70s cohorts, 80+ cohort was cognitively more impaired [Mean (SD) of MoCA Short Form were 10.7(2.9), 10.0(3.2), and 8.1(3.6)]. There were no age cohorts’ differences in depressive symptoms experienced (Mean of CESD Short Form = 21.03; SD = 4.06). In order to identify predictors of depression, multiple hierarchical regressions were performed. The 60s sample was the reference group to compare with 70s and 80s cohorts. Results showed that age cohort variables had a significant independent effect as well as a joint effect with cognitive status in explaining depression scores. For each age cohort group, parallel regression analyses were conducted and all models were significant. Findings suggest that ADL impairment was the only common predictor for depressive symptoms for the three cohort groups, and the association was the strongest for the 60s cohort (b = .31). Other unique predictors for 60s cohort were lower-income, more IADLs impairment, higher stress and cognitive impairment. For the 70s cohort, unique predictors of depressive symptoms were female gender, unmarried, and less socialization. For the 80 and above group, correlates of depression are female, White, and high stress level. Findings highlight the necessity of age-sensitive programs on depression support for community-dwelling older Americans.

scholarly journals Gender Differences in the Impact of Cognitive Function on Health Literacy among Older Adults with Heart Failure

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. 2711 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jong Lee ◽  
Youn-Jung Son
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Elderly Women ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Inadequate Health Literacy

Heart failure (HF)-related cognitive decline is a common condition and may be associated with health literacy. However, gender differences in this context have not been explored fully. This secondary data analysis aimed to identify gender differences in the impact of cognitive function on health literacy among older patients with HF. A total of 135 patients (75 men and 60 women) with a mean age of 73.01 ± 6.45 years were recruited. Older women with HF had higher cognitive impairment (15%) and inadequate health literacy (56.7%) compared to men. Cognitive function was the strongest predictor of health literacy in men (β = 3.668, p < 0.001) and women (β = 2.926, p = 0.004). Notably elderly women are likely to face double the burden of the influence of cognitive function on health literacy in comparison with men. It is necessary to assess cognitive function and health literacy during HF illness trajectories on a regular basis. Healthcare professionals working with patients with HF should be aware of gender differences in cognitive function and health literacy and the importance of assessing these factors.

scholarly journals SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN MEXICO: IMPLICATIONS OF GENDER AND PHYSICAL HEALTH

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S215-S215
Author(s):  
Maria Monserud
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Studies in developed countries indicate that social activities can make a difference in mental health in later life. Yet, research on potential benefits of social activities for older adults in developing countries, including Mexico, has been scarce. This study uses the two most recent waves (2012, 2015) of the Mexican Health and Aging Study to investigate the impact of social activities on depressive symptoms among older men (n = 4, 749) and women (n = 6,527), aged 50+, in Mexico. The results of Ordinary Least Squares regressions indicate that it is important to differentiate among specific social activities in later life. Particularly, not only group-based but also solitary social activities were predictive of better mental health. Moreover, the findings demonstrate several gender differences and similarities. Participation in clubs, communication with relatives and friends, physical exercise, and watching television were beneficial for mental health among men, whereas volunteering, playing games, and making crafts were associated with fewer depressive symptoms among women. At the same time, reading as well as doing household chores were related to better mental health among older Mexicans, regardless of gender. Furthermore, this study shows that self-reported health, functional limitations, chronic conditions, and frequent pain might shape the implications of social activities for depressive symptoms among older adults in Mexico. The insights from this study can be helpful for intervention programs that are being developed to promote benefits of group-based and solitary social activities for mental health among older men and women with different levels of physical health.

scholarly journals A Descriptive Research Study on Factors that Impact Upon the Quality of Life of Elderly Women with Comorbid Chronic Illnesses; Three Women's Perspectives

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Pauline Lowe
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Chronic Illness ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Elderly Women ◽  
Chronic Illnesses ◽  
Positive Outlook ◽  
The Impact

<p>Background: Women live longer than men and are more likely to live alone; this makes dealing with chronic illnesses more of a challenge for older women. Therefore, an understanding of what living with chronic illness is like for these women is essential in ensuring health professionals can meet their health needs. Aim of Research: The aim of this research study is to explore factors that older women living with comorbid chronic illnesses identify as key to maintaining or improving their quality of life. Design: This study uses a qualitative approach, with a descriptive methodology. Face-to-face: interviews were conducted with three women over the age of 80 who had been diagnosed with more than one chronic illness. These interviews were audiotaped, and the data analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: What emerged from this analysis of older women was the need for them to create meaning in their life, which is further explicated through three main themes: (1) coping with changing health, (2) the impact of family, and (3) attitude. Attitude to life and having a positive outlook were all factors these participants expressed as being essential to maintaining their quality of life. Conclusion: The quality of life of these participants is enhanced by the ability of these women to create meaning in their life. They do this by integrating their wealth of past experience into their present, reflecting back on their lives, but still gaining enjoyment from the here and now. Understanding of how chronic illness impacts, and is managed, by these women leads health care professionals to a greater understanding of being older and living with comorbid chronic illness. The findings of this research may assist nurses working alongside older people to focus on the making of meaning,which may facilitate these people to retain a sense of autonomy and control over their life.</p>

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document