scholarly journals Discrete Emotion Networks Across the Lifespan: Implications for Well-Being

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 627-627
Author(s):  
Meaghan Barlow ◽  
Iris Mauss
Keyword(s):  
Successful Aging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Discrete Emotions ◽  
Discrete Emotion ◽  
Network Analyses ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Specific Emotion ◽  
Emotional Complexity

Abstract Research examining the age-related trajectories and consequences of emotional complexity has largely lumped emotions into broad categories. The present study utilized network analyses to quantify the co-occurrence of discrete emotions and their associations with well-being across the lifespan in a sample of 156 females (aged 23-79). Participants completed assessments of 8 emotions (i.e., sad, angry, anxious, lonely, happy, excited, proud, and calm) for 16 days, and completed measures of psychological and physical well-being at a 4-month follow-up. While certain emotions were found to co-occur at similar rates across the lifespan (e.g. sad-anxious), other emotion pairs become more (e.g. sad-calm) or less (e.g. sad-angry) frequent with age. Additionally, specific emotion pairs were differentially associated with indicators of well-being across the lifespan, while controlling for mean levels of these emotions. These findings point to the importance of considering the co-occurrence of distinct emotions and potential pathways towards successful aging.

scholarly journals The Complex Role of Discrete Emotions in Successful Aging

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 626-626
Author(s):  
Jeremy Hamm ◽  
Carsten Wrosch
Keyword(s):  
Successful Aging ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Stress Reactivity ◽  
Negative Emotions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Empathic Accuracy ◽  
Discrete Emotions ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Positive And Negative Emotions

Abstract Research shows that emotions play an important role in successful aging. However, previous studies have largely focused on the implications of dimensional indicators of emotion, such as positive and negative affect. This approach may fail to capture important distinctions between discrete emotions such as sadness, loneliness, calmness, and empathy that could become more or less adaptive with age. The present studies adopt a discrete emotion perspective to examine age-related changes in the consequences of different positive and negative emotions for successful aging. Drawing from an evolutionary-functionalist perspective, Haase, Wu, Verstaen, and Levenson investigate whether sadness becomes more salient and adaptive in old age using a multi-method approach. Lee, Lay, Mahmood, Graf, and Hoppmann address the seemingly contradictory consequences of loneliness by examining how state- and trait-loneliness interact to predict older adults’ prosocial behaviors. Hamm, Wrosch, Barlow, and Kunzmann use two studies to examine the diverging salience and 10-year health consequences of discrete positive emotions posited to motivate rest and recovery (calmness) or pursuit of novelty and stimulation (excitement). Barlow and Mauss study the co-occurrence of discrete emotions and their age-dependent associations with well-being using an adult lifespan sample. Finally, Wieck, Katzorreck, Gerstorf, Schilling, Lücke, and Kunzmann examine lifespan changes in the adaptive function of empathy by assessing the extent to which empathic accuracy protects against stress-reactivity as people age. This symposium thus integrates new research on the role of discrete positive and negative emotions and will contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between emotions and successful aging.

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

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.

scholarly journals Development of a Comprehensive Chinese Successful Aging Scale: Incorporating the Viewpoints of Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 215-216
Author(s):  
Edwin K H Chung ◽  
Dannii Yeung
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Initial Item ◽  
Civic Awareness ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Inspiring by Martinson and Berridge’s (2015) systematic review, the current definition of successful aging (SA) fails to acknowledge the laypeople’s conceptualization of SA. Adopting a mixed-method approach, two studies were conducted with the aim of soliciting older adults’ perceptions of SA and to develop a multidimensional instrument for assessing SA. Study 1 was a qualitative study and 27 community-dwelling older adults (Mage=68.07 years, SD=7.10, range=60–83; 56.3% females) were interviewed. Interview transcripts were analyzed, and seven themes were emerged. An initial item pool for the Successful Aging Scale (SAS) was then established based on these themes as well as those in the SA literature, such as acceptance and independence. Study 2 was a survey study which was conducted among 414 community-dwelling older adults (Mage=64.50 years, SD=4.01, range=60–82; 55.3% females) to identify optimal items for constitution of the SAS. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 12-factor solution, accounting for 62% of the variance. The 12 factors are adequate health, perceived constraints, flexible attitudes toward life, acceptance of age-related change, life embracement, active engagement, harmonious family, supportive friendship, civic awareness, social contribution, living independently, and adaptive coping strategies. The 12 factors exhibit similar strength of associations with most of the well-being measures, but certain factors show stronger correlation with depressive symptoms and social relationship, suggesting the uniqueness of each factor. Overall, the SAS demonstrates promising psychometric properties. These findings disclose that the older adults’ perceptions of SA could cover broader dimensions than those in Rowe and Kahn’s model (1997).

scholarly journals Goals Do Not Buy Well-Being, but They Help

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 137-148
Author(s):  
Emilie Joly-Burra ◽  
Elisa Gallerne ◽  
Martial Van der Linden ◽  
Paolo Ghisletta
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Goal Achievement ◽  
Personal Goals ◽  
Semistructured Interview ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Functional Quality ◽  
General Aspects

Abstract. Although personal goals give meaning to life and contribute to well-being, achieving goals can become difficult in older adults faced with age-related challenges. A group of 49 older adults aged 65 to 92 years completed a semistructured interview on personal goals, obstacles to goal achievement, and contributors to well-being. Using thematic analysis, we identified several types of goals contributing to well-being and general aspects of well-being. Results revealed that, although older people might say that they no longer have major goals in their lives, they end up mentioning many activities that theoretically are goals. Many of these activities are geared toward maintaining or increasing their general well-being. Of importance, they report few complaints regarding goal achievement, which they explained by (1) reducing the number and breadth of their goals, (2) adjusting and reevaluating these goals, and (3) overcoming difficulties and stabilizing current functioning, thereby maintaining a sense of continuity and satisfactory levels of well-being. This study illustrates the interactions between resources and stressors from the viewpoint of older adults. Taken together, the results advocate for the usefulness of the functional quality of life model and proactive approaches to successful aging, and they provide directions for individualized interventions in the elderly.

scholarly journals Tooth retention predicts good physical performance in older adults

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0255741
Author(s):  
Estella Musacchio ◽  
Pierluigi Binotto ◽  
Egle Perissinotto ◽  
Giuseppe Sergi ◽  
Sabina Zambon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Dental Status ◽  
Lower Limbs

Background Oral health is closely related to both physical and psychological well-being, as it enables individuals to eat, speak, and socialize. The number of teeth is the most used indicator of oral health. Several reports document a relationship of dental status with a variety of indicators of general health but longitudinal studies employing standardized physical performance tests are infrequent in the scientific literature. Subjects and methods The Italian elderly participating in the Pro.V.A. longitudinal Study (3099 subjects aged 65+ at baseline, 2196 at the 5-year follow-up 1 and 1641 at the 7-year follow- up 2) underwent detailed interview and extensive clinical and instrumental examination that included validated physical performance measures. Participants were classified into 4 groups according to the number of remaining teeth: 0, 1–7, 8–19, and 20+. To explore the association of the number of remaining teeth with physical function and disability, we performed logistic regression analyses with models progressively adjusted for a wide number of covariates, namely anthropometric (gender, age, BMI), comorbidity (cardio-vascular, osteoarticular, and neurological diseases including depression), muscle strength (assessed for upper and lower limbs), lifestyle (smoking status, alcohol use, leisure time activities) and socioeconomical status (education, income, marital status, loneliness). Results Dental status correlated with most comorbidities, lifestyle, and socio-economic variables at the univariate analysis at baseline and at follow-ups. A good dental status was significantly associated with better physical functioning and lower disability. The presence of 20+ teeth resulted significantly protective (reference group: 0 teeth) versus mobility-related disability (OR = 0.67), disability (OR = 0.54) and inability to perform heavy duties (OR = 0.62), at follow up 1 and low physical performance score (OR = 0.59) at follow up 2. Conversely, the detrimental effect of edentulism, explored in subjects with or without dentures, was present but not as straightforward. Conclusion. The assessment of a geriatric patient should include an oral evaluation as a good dental status is a crucial component of successful aging.

scholarly journals Age and Cognitive Ability Predict Perceived Demands of Specific Emotion Regulation Strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 454-455
Author(s):  
Claire Growney ◽  
Tammy English
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cognitive Resources ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Perceived Effort ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Specific Emotion

Abstract Certain emotion regulation (ER) strategies are often considered to be more or less demanding of cognitive resources. However, age-related differences in the perceptions of these demands are not yet understood. Older adults might perceive greater demands for certain strategies due to differences in cognitive ability and motivation to maintain emotional well-being. In the present study, we examined age and cognitive ability as predictors of perceived effort required to use ER strategies that span all families of the process model. A diverse sample of community participants (age 22-83) completed assessments of cognitive ability and perceived demands associated with ten ER strategies. Overall, response-focused strategies were rated as highest in demands whereas situation selection and savoring were perceived as least demanding. Older adults reported higher demands associated with situation selection, distraction, and detached reappraisal (but not positive reappraisal) compared with younger adults. Cognitive ability was not associated with perceived demands for ER strategies traditionally viewed as cognitively demanding (e.g., suppression). Rather, higher cognitive ability only predicted lower perceived demands for strategies often considered low in demand: situation selection and savoring. Perceived ER success was not consistently associated with age or cognitive demands. Results suggest that older adults view some, but not all, ER strategies as more demanding than younger adults do. The role of cognitive ability in age-related changes in ER may be more complex than previously expected. Notably, the lack of findings with perceived ER success suggest effort requirements associated with ER may not impede ability to successfully regulate across adulthood.

scholarly journals Age Differences in Emotion Globalizing Across the Adult Lifespan

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 576-576
Author(s):  
Meaghan Barlow
Keyword(s):  
Age Differences ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Positive Emotion ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Negative Emotion ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Adult Lifespan ◽  
Aging Theories ◽  
Age Related

Abstract Emotion globalizing, the extent to which current emotions impact satisfaction with life, is associated with poorer psychological well-being. Given extant aging theories and research highlighting age-related changes in emotional experiences and emotion regulation, the present study examined age differences in positive and negative emotion globalizing across the adult lifespan. Participants (N = 145 females; aged 23-79) completed assessments of positive emotion (i.e., amused, energetic, calm, happy, interested, excited, and content), negative emotion (i.e., anxious, lonely, sad, annoyed, angry, and distressed), and life satisfaction for 16 days. Multilevel model analyses revealed age differences in negative, but not positive, emotion globalizing. More specifically, older individuals reported lower levels of negative emotion globalizing, as compared to younger individuals. These findings highlight the need to explore downstream consequences of emotion globalizing across the lifespan, as this could unveil novel pathways towards successful aging.

scholarly journals Perspectives of Productive Aging: How Occupations Affect Health and Well-Being of Older Adults in Retirement

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 423-423
Author(s):  
Marilyn Cole ◽  
Karen C Macdonald
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Life Transitions ◽  
Productive Aging ◽  
Older Americans ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Care Costs ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract A predicted surge in the aging population presents a major challenge for public health in the USA. As occupational therapy researchers, we wondered how continued engagement in productive occupations affected the health and well-being of older Americans. Today’s retirees already understand the basics of successful aging, such as maintaining physical and mental fitness, and continuing an active lifestyle. Productive aging represents the next step: choosing roles and occupations that keep them engaged with others and their communities. As suggested by Clark (Jackson, Carlson, et al., 2012), occupations have the potential to provide a protective barrier to declining health, thereby lowering health care costs for the older population. Our Productive Aging qualitative studies (1 & 2) explore the lived experiences of life transitions, challenges, and adaptive skills implemented by participants (ages 65-80) in their own productive occupations. The findings of this follow-up study confirm and enhance themes of our first study (Cole & Macdonald, 2015): 1) prominence of the self-manager role, 2) intentionally maintaining social connections, and 3) engaging in self-fulfilling activities. Additional findings reflect current technology effects and elaborate how participants have met health challenges by adapting activities and environments (self-management), and using social resources (connections) to help them remain engaged in the occupations that give their lives meaning. Cole, M., & Macdonald, K. (2015). Productive aging: An occupational perspective. Thorofare, NJ: Slack, Inc. Clark, F., Jackson, Carlson, et al. (2012). Effectiveness of Lifestyle Intervention in promoting well-being of independently living older adults. Journal of Epidemiology and Community health.

scholarly journals Successful Aging: A Comprehensive Outcome Using Latent Profile Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 424-425
Author(s):  
Kasey Longley ◽  
Joseph Grzywacz
Keyword(s):  
Adult Development ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Latent Profile Analysis ◽  
Profile Analysis ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Active Engagement ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Midlife Development

Abstract Understanding “successful aging” is a primary goal of gerontology and adult development researchers that has been motivated by rapid the increases in life expectancy over the last 100 years. Successful aging, as it is understood by Rowe and Kahn, is conceptualized multidimensionally in terms of limited disease and disability, high physical, mental and cognitive functioning, and active engagement with life. “Success” in all three domains reflects the idealized manifestation of “successful aging.” Nevertheless, research on successful aging typically focuses on only one or two aspects of the model – most commonly physical disease or disability. The overall goal of this research is to advance understanding and subsequent attempts to promote holistic successful aging. Specifically, using key metrics from each domain of successful aging from the Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS), this study characterizes distinct profiles of successful aging, and it describes the distribution of these profiles in the adult population. Results indicate 3 profiles. These are labeled as Successfully Aged, Somewhat Successfully Aged, and Least Successfully Aged. Approximately 82.1% of the population (mean age=50.5) is classified as Successfully Aged, whereas the remainder are classified in the Somewhat Successfully Aged (12.2%), and Least Successfully Aged (5.6%), respectively. As expected, those who were classified as Successfully Aged had the highest cognitive scores, sense of well-being, and self-rated health; and had the lowest number of age-related physical disabilities (i.e. cancer, stroke, osteoporosis, etc.) and mental health conditions (depression, anxiety disorder, and panic disorder). This outcome can be applied to multiple predictors.

scholarly journals WOMEN'S EXPERIENCES OF AGING AND SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S212-S212
Author(s):  
Nicky J Newton ◽  
Jamila Bookwala
Keyword(s):  
Native American ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Life Transition ◽  
Theories Of Aging ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Age Range

Abstract Models of aging, such as the successful aging framework outlined by Rowe & Kahn (1987; 2015) should be holistic, necessitating the inclusion of health, psychosocial factors, and social connectedness. Even at the oldest ages, life expectancy and rates of survival are increasing, yet these longer lives are accompanied with disease and disability, especially among women (Crimmins & Beltrán-Sánchez, 2010); thus, maximizing health and well-being during these post-retirement years, which can often span decades, is a high priority. However, models of age-related change, such as those relating to age-related transitions, are predominantly based on men’s experiences; less is known about how women navigate later life (Calasanti, 2010; Kim & Moen, 2002). The presentations in this symposium provide quantitative and qualitative data from women of a broad age range concerning their experiences of aging, with the shared theme of social relationships. Sherman examines the relationship between personality and social support for well-being outcomes in Native American, African American, and European American women (Mage = 57). Conceptualizing aging as the quintessential life transition, Newton outlines the diverse themes of physical, psychological, and social aging from interviews with older women (Mage = 72). Fuller and Toyama find that for older women (Mage = 80), friendships mattered more than family, and counting on neighbors could even be detrimental in terms of life satisfaction and stress. Taken together, these presentations provide a varied picture of what it means for women to ‘age well’, suggesting nuanced ways in which we might conceptualize theories of aging for women.

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