scholarly journals Stress, Trauma, and Resilience Among U.S. Asian Older Adults: Findings From the Rutgers Asian RCMAR

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 623-624
Author(s):  
XinQi Dong ◽  
Melissa Simon ◽  
Bei Wu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Coping Resources ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Intimate Violence ◽  
Environment And Health ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Diverse Groups

Abstract U.S. Asians are the fastest growing group of older adults in the nation, increasing by 68% from 2000-2018. However, research on the psychological wellbeing of this population is limited. Drawing on the research of Rutgers Asian RCMAR Scientists, this symposium will address the impacts of stress, trauma and resilience on the psychological wellbeing of diverse groups of U.S. Asian older adults. Session 1 will assess the prevalence of psychological distress among older LGBT and non-LGBT U.S. Asian older adults, and the role of discrimination in medical care and intimate violence on psychological distress. Session 2 will take a mixed-methods approach to examining caregiver burden and depressive symptoms of Chinese American spouses and adult-children who provided care for their spouse or parents with dementia. Session 3 will explore the risk and protective factors for the mental health of sexual minority U.S. Asian older adults using data from the Research Program on Genes, Environment and Health. Session 4 will identify different patterns of coping repertoires of older immigrants, based on a combination of individual, family, and community coping resources, and the optimal coping repertoire that is associated with the best psychological outcomes. In summation, this symposium describes the psychological wellbeing of diverse groups of U.S. Asian older adults, including sexual minority, caregiver and immigrant groups. The symposium addresses both risk factors and the protective factors and coping mechanisms that mediate and mitigate psychological wellbeing and aims to inform interventions to improve psychological wellbeing outcomes in U.S. Asian older adults.

scholarly journals Exploring the Risk and Protective Factors for the Mental Health of Sexual Minority Asian Americans

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 624-624
Author(s):  
Jason Flatt ◽  
Rachel Whitmer ◽  
Paola Gilsanz
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Asian Americans ◽  
Asian American ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Lesbian And Gay ◽  
Environment And Health

Abstract This study characterizes the mental health of Asian American older adults (aged 60+) who identify as sexual minorities (SM or lesbian, gay, bisexual) and compare to their non-Asian American and non-SM counterparts. Data were from the Research Program on Genes, Environment and Health (Aged 60+; N=185,478), a representative sample of healthcare members from Northern California. It includes SM (N=447) and heterosexual/non-SM (N=15,772) older adults who identify as Asian American (Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, and South Asian) and non-Asian American SM (N=3,890). Rates of dementia, anxiety, and PTSD were similar for both SM and non-SM Asian Americans. However, older lesbian and gay Asian Americans were more likely to have a depression diagnosis (30% vs. 18%, p=0.002) compared to non-SM. Overall, mental health outcomes were lower for Asian American SM compared to non-Asian American SM. We discuss need for understanding protective factors for mental health and implications for future interventions.

scholarly journals Coping With Uncertainty: Use of Contemplative Practices Amid a Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 132-132
Author(s):  
Nirmala Lekhak ◽  
Tirth Bhatta ◽  
Tim Goler ◽  
Eva Kahana
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Intervention Studies ◽  
Coping Resources ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Contemplative Practices ◽  
Practice Meditation ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Diverse Groups ◽  
Meditative Practices

Abstract Contemplative practices have been used as coping resources to reduce the negative influences of adverse life situations on mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted older adults, causing immense uncertainty, stress, and anxiety. By using data from our “Coping with Pandemic” nationwide web-based survey (n=1861), we examine the utilization of practices such as meditation, prayer, and yoga across social, economic, and health status during the pandemic. Consistent with studies conducted before the pandemic, we find significantly greater utilization of meditation and yoga among women and higher educated individuals. Findings showed significantly greater usage of prayer among women and Blacks. Unlike previous studies, we documented greater usage of meditative practices among Blacks than Whites. Older adults with higher anxiety were significantly more likely to practice meditation and yoga. Our study offers much needed guidance for future intervention studies aimed at improving mental health among diverse groups of older adults.

scholarly journals The Association Between Health, Social Engagement, and Psychological Well-Being Among Older Adults in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 95-96
Author(s):  
Yuekang Li
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Coping Resources ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Stress Process

Abstract Psychological health and health-related quality of life of older adults have been long minimized by caregivers, service providers and the society in developing countries, such as China. According to the Stress Process Model, the stress of physical disadvantages influences mental health outcomes directly and indirectly. However, being socially engaged has the potential to reduce disease burden and improve psychological wellbeing of older adults. The purpose of this study is to examine the role played by social engagement in the pathway through which physical health predicts mental health. Using the WHO Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health China wave 2010, 6,276 individuals ages 60 years and older were included for analyses. Structural equation modeling was used to construct a directional path leading from the functioning and chronic disease, impacting the social engagement, in turn impacting the psychological wellbeing. All variables in this model are latent constructs. Functioning and chronic diseases in later life were associated with social engagement and psychological wellbeing, and the link between social engagement and psychological wellbeing was also significant. The effect of function was greater than that of chronic diseases. Though the significant indirect effect of physical health on psychological wellbeing was not supported in this study, this study suggests the multiple roles of social engagement as coping resources in the stress process of physical impairment and illness of older adults. This present study also adds to the existing literature by exploring how SEM methods can be applied to studies of social engagement.

scholarly journals Pre-Pandemic Social Isolation: Protection or Vulnerability in the Time of COVID?

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 39-39
Author(s):  
Lydia Li
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
National Health ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Trend Study ◽  
Aging Trend ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract How do older adults at risk of social isolation before the pandemic fare during the COVID-19 outbreak? Using data from two waves (Round 9 [2019] and COVID-19 Supplement) of the National Health and Aging Trend Study (NHATS), we examined the relationship between pre-pandemic social isolation and psychological distress during the outbreak among community-living older adults (age 65+). Results show that the most socially integrated respondents had more PTSD (β=1.47, SE=.37, p<.001) and depression/anxiety (β=.34, SE=.11, p=.002) symptoms than the most isolated. Older adults who were not homebound had more PTSD (β=2.0, SE= .76, p=.01) and depression/anxiety (β=1.05, SE=.20, p<.001) than the completely homebound. With shelter-in-place and social distancing requirements, older adults who have been socially active and integrated may experience high-stress levels and may need extra support to adjust to the changes. Relatively, those who have been very isolated and homebound may experience fewer changes in their lives.

The effect of time volunteering and charitable donations in later life on psychological wellbeing

2010 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 590-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
NAMKEE G. CHOI ◽  
JINSEOK KIM
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Later Life ◽  
The United States ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Moderate Amount ◽  
Charitable Donations ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Positive Direct

ABSTRACTAlthough accumulated research findings point to both short- and long-term salutary effects of time volunteering on older adults' physical and mental health, little research has been done on the effect of older adults' making charitable donations on their wellbeing. Guided by activity theory and the theory of volunteering and using data from the first and second waves of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS, 1995–1996 and MIDUS II, 2004–2006), this study examined the question of whether time volunteering and charitable donations nine years earlier had a positive direct effect on psychological wellbeing among individuals age 55 and above. Controlling for time 1 (T1) psychological wellbeing and T1 human, cultural, and social capital resources, a moderate amount (up to ten hours monthly) of T1 time volunteering and any amount of T1 charitable donations had a direct positive effect on time 2 (T2; nine years later) psychological wellbeing. The findings also show a greater effect on psychological wellbeing of any amount of charitable donations than of any amount of time volunteering, although the extent of the effect of both time volunteering and charitable donations was small. With regard to human, cultural, and social capital resources, T1 self-rated health and generative quality were significant predictors of T2 psychological wellbeing, but T1 social capital had no significant effect on T2 psychological wellbeing.

scholarly journals Understanding Psychological Distress and Protective Factors Amongst Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nichole Sams ◽  
Dylan M. Fisher ◽  
Felicia Mata-Greve ◽  
Morgan Johnson ◽  
Michael D. Pullmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Protective Factors

scholarly journals Are Sleep Problems Related to Psychological Distress in Healthy Aging during the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (20) ◽  
pp. 10676
Author(s):  
Giuseppina Elena Cipriani ◽  
Massimo Bartoli ◽  
Martina Amanzio
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Online Databases ◽  
Restrictive Measures ◽  
Sleep Alterations

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, characterized by home confinement and other restrictive measures to reduce the spread of the infection, led to significant changes in people's habits and lifestyle. One of the most common problems is the worsening of sleep quality or quantity, which could have negative effects on psychological wellbeing, particularly in older adults. The purposes of the present literature review considering healthy aging subjects are (a) to examine the existing research on sleep alterations during the current pandemic and (b) to highlight possible relationships between sleep problems and psychological distress. A systematic search strategy was implemented according to PRISMA guidelines in the international literature online databases, up to 1 July 2021. After identification and screening phases, 11 articles were included in this review. The studies found possible associations between sleep problems and mood changes—particularly in terms of depression and anxiety. In addition, altered sleep patterns seemed to be related to changes in individual aspects, lifestyle, and attitudes adopted by older adults during the COVID-19 lockdown. Thus, the pandemic could affect the sleep and psychological wellbeing of the older population, even in healthy aging.

scholarly journals The relative effects of self-reported noise and odour annoyance on psychological distress: Different effects across sociodemographic groups?

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0258102
Author(s):  
Eline Berkers ◽  
Ioana Pop ◽  
Mariëlle Cloïn ◽  
Antje Eugster ◽  
Hans van Oers
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Relative Effect ◽  
Coping Resources ◽  
Stress Reactions ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Noise Annoyance ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Odour Annoyance

In earlier research, both higher levels of noise and odour annoyance have been associated with decreased mental health. Presumably, these perceptions can trigger feelings of threat and stress reactions and in turn evoke psychological distress. There are two important lacunas in the research on this topic: most studies only consider either noise or odour annoyance and not their relative effect on psychological distress and there is scarce evidence about whether different sociodemographic groups experience more psychological distress due to noise and odour annoyance. Starting from the diversity in the available coping resources and in their daily life patterns, we distinguish gender, age and educational level as relevant sociodemographic variables. Using data from the Health Monitor (n = 25236) in Noord-Brabant, we found using Ordinary Least Squares Regression that individuals that reported higher levels of noise and odour annoyance reported higher levels of psychological distress. Furthermore, the effect of noise annoyance was relatively stronger compared to that of odour annoyance. Regarding the interaction effects, we found that younger adults’ psychological distress was more strongly affected by noise annoyance compared to older adults, but not by odour annoyance. The psychological distress of individuals with no or primary education was more strongly affected by both noise and odour annoyance compared those with tertiary education, but not when compared to those who completed lower or higher secondary education. Contrary to our expectations, we did not find different effects between men and women. Though the evidence for the interactions was mixed, classic health inequalities along age and education lines are reinforced when considering the relationship between noise and odour annoyance and psychological distress.

Physical Activity and Health Among Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander Older Adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 089826432110324
Author(s):  
Yeonjung J. Lee ◽  
Kathryn L. Braun ◽  
Yan Yan Wu ◽  
Rachel Burrage ◽  
Shelley Muneoka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Native Hawaiian ◽  
Pacific Islander ◽  
Racial Groups ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Obesity And Diabetes ◽  
Using Data

Objectives: Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (NHPI) older adults often experience social disadvantages and poor health outcomes. Physical activity has been associated with better health in other racial groups, but limited studies have examined these associations in NHPI older adults. Methods: Using data from the 2014 Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey ( n = 1,045), logistic regression models examined associations between physical activity and memory/psychological distress/self-rated health. Results: Sufficient levels of physical activity were associated with lower odds of memory problems, serious psychological distress, and poor/fair self-rated health. Unfortunately, only half of the sample reported sufficient physical activity and approximately 30% reported none. Also, 78% of the sample was estimated to be overweight/obese, and 29% had diabetes. Discussion: Culturally-appropriate interventions are recommended to increase physical activity in this population, which could also help reduce high rates of overweight/obesity and diabetes.

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