scholarly journals Policy Series: The Impact of Ageism on Health and Efforts to Address It Through Reframing Aging

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 722-722
Author(s):  
Erica Solway
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Research Education ◽  
National Poll ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Ageism can manifest in a variety of ways including in institutional policies and practices, interpersonal interactions, older adults’ internalization of ageist stereotypes, and through the media. While major incidents of age-based discrimination and their negative effects on health are more recognized, older adults also experience less momentous, but still harmful ageism in their day-to-day lives. These types of everyday ageism are also harmful to health. This symposium will highlight recent research from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging on self-reported experiences of everyday ageism among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults age50-80 and its connections to physical and mental health outcomes. Next, another researcher also using data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging will explore the prevalence of positive attributes of aging, its relationships to health, and ways in which it may buffer older adults from the adverse health consequences of ageism. Then speakers will highlight the Reframing Aging initiative and the ways in which GSA and other organizations are leading a national effort to address ageism through education and dissemination of research-based resources. This session will feature research, education, and advocacy efforts and will focus on the policy implications of efforts to better understand the prevalence of and strategies to counter the effects of ageism.

scholarly journals How Loneliness, Depressed Mood, and Diet Affect Eating Habits and Grocery Shopping

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 24-25
Author(s):  
Erica Solway ◽  
Dianne Singer ◽  
Preeti Malani ◽  
Jeffrey Kullgren ◽  
Matthias Kirch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Grocery Shopping ◽  
Food Shopping ◽  
National Poll ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Fair Poor ◽  
Sample Age

Abstract This study examined the prevalence of loneliness and relationship with cooking and eating habits among older adults using data collected in December 2019 from a nationally representative sample age 50-80 through the National Poll on Healthy Aging. Older adults who live alone were more likely those who lived with others (19% vs. 8%) and those with a high PHQ-2 score were more like than those with a low PHQ-2 score (20% vs. 11%) to report that they do not cook dinner most days (0-2 times/week). Those who rated their diet as fair/poor were more likely to indicate they cook few meals a week (0-2) compared to those who reported a good or very good/excellent diet (18% vs. 11 % vs 8%). Those with a high PHQ-2 score were less likely than those with a low PHQ-2 score to say they do major food shopping less than once a week (31% vs 47%). Those with a high PHQ-2 score were more likely to say that that always ate alone in the last week compared to those with a low PHQ-2 score (17% vs 7%). These findings demonstrate that older adults who lived alone, had a higher PHQ-2 score, and had a poorer diet were more likely to cook and do grocery shopping less often. Strategies and policies to support older adults to address depressive symptoms and to increase cooking and improve diet may have many health and social benefits and will be explored through this session.

scholarly journals Positive Attributes of Aging and Connections to Health: Evidence From the National Poll on Healthy Aging

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 722-723
Author(s):  
Erica Solway ◽  
Julie Ober Allen ◽  
Matthias Kirch ◽  
Dianne Singer ◽  
Jeffrey Kullgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
National Poll ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Sample Age ◽  
Better Than

Abstract This study explored the prevalence of positive attributes of aging among older adults in a nationally representative sample age 50-80 ((N=2,048, 52% female, 71% White). Nearly 70% of older adults reported that people sought their guidance because of their wisdom and experience. Older adults reported that, as they have gotten older, they have become more comfortable with themselves (88%), have a strong sense of purpose (80%), feel more positively about aging (67%), and have found their life to be better than they had thought it would be (65%). Over half (52%) of those who said their lives were better than they thought reported very good or excellent physical health. Among those who disagreed, only one out of four (25%) reported very good/excellent physical health; similar results were found for mental health (48% vs. 22%). This session will describe positive attributes of aging and their association to physical and mental health.

scholarly journals A-03 The Brain–Body Connection in Aging Neurological Populations: Examining the Impact of Exercise and Sedentary Behavior on Brain Structure and Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults with Multiple Sclerosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 776-776
Author(s):  
C Roman ◽  
P Arnett
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Graph Theory ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Moderate Activity ◽  
Subcortical Structures ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective Advancements in treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) have led to an increase in the number of older adults living with the disease. Exercise has been shown to be remarkably beneficial for “healthy aging,” while sedentary behavior has proved to have more deleterious effects. Despite evidence for the impact of these factors, their influence on older adults with MS is largely unknown. The current study utilizes volumetric measures and graph theory to investigate the relationship between physical activity/sedentary behavior, structural brain indices, and cognition in older adults with MS. Method Twenty-seven older adults (55+) with MS were scanned during a structural MRI protocol and cognitively evaluated using the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite and Symbol Digit Modalities Test. Graph theory metrics were calculated to examine white matter network properties. FreeSurfer was used to calculate volumes for subcortical structures. Exercise was quantified as the ‘days per week engaged in moderate activity,’ while sedentary behavior was measured as ‘hours per day sitting.’ Results Multiple regression interaction analyses were conducted. Results showed an exercise by age interaction, such that exercise protected against the negative effects of age on thalamic volume and assortivity. Hours sitting per day was shown to add to the negative effects of aging on structural networks even after controlling for exercise. Lastly, exercise was observed to be protective against age-related cognitive decline in this sample. Conclusions This is one of the first studies to examine exercise/sedentariness and brain indices in older adults with MS, pointing to possible brain altering and protective interventions for this group.

Self-reported disposal of leftover opioids among US adults 50–80

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (12) ◽  
pp. 949-954
Author(s):  
Calista M Harbaugh ◽  
Preeti Malani ◽  
Erica Solway ◽  
Matthias Kirch ◽  
Dianne Singer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Opioid Prescription ◽  
Web Based ◽  
The Past ◽  
National Poll ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Opioid Medications

ObjectiveTo test the association between self-reported opioid disposal education and self-reported disposal of leftover opioids among older adults.DesignWeb-based survey from the National Poll on Healthy Aging (March 2018) using population-based weighting for nationally representative estimates.SubjectsOlder adults aged 50–80 years who reported filling an opioid prescription within the past 2 years.MethodsRespondents were asked whether they received education from a prescriber or pharmacist on how to dispose of leftover opioids and whether they disposed of leftover opioids from recent prescriptions. The association between self-reported opioid disposal education and self-reported disposal of leftover opioids was estimated with multivariable logistic regression, testing for interactions with respondent demographics.ResultsAmong 2013 respondents (74% response rate), 596 (28.9% (26.8%–31.2%)) were prescribed opioids within the past 2 years. Education on opioid disposal was reported by 40.1% of respondents (35.8%–44.5%). Among 295 respondents with leftover medication, 19.0% (14.6%–24.5%) disposed of the leftover medications. Opioid disposal education was associated with a greater likelihood of self-reported disposal of leftover opioids among non-white respondents as compared with white non-Hispanic respondents (36.7% (16.8%–56.6%) vs 7.8% (0.1%–15.6%), p<0.01).ConclusionsIn this nationally representative survey, 49% had leftover opioids, yet only 20% of older adults reported disposal of leftover opioids. Opioid disposal education was variable in delivery, but was associated with disposal behaviors among certain populations. Strategies to promote disposal should integrate patient education on the risks of leftover opioid medications and explore additional barriers to accessing opioid disposal methods.

scholarly journals Educational Attainment and Self-Rated Oral Health among American Older Adults: Hispanics’ Diminished Returns

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shervin Assari ◽  
Mohsen Bazargan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
University Of Michigan ◽  
Single Item ◽  
National Poll ◽  
The Us ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The University

Background: Minorities’ diminished returns (MDRs) refer to systemically weaker effects of socioeconomic status (SES), particularly educational attainment, on the health of non-Whites compared to Whites. Aim: Using a nationally representative sample, we aimed to investigate ethnic differences in the effect of SES (educational attainment) on the self-rated oral health of Hispanic older adults in the US. Methods: This study analyzed the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging (UM-NPHA) 2017 data, which included 2131 older adults who were 50 to 80 years old (202 Hispanics and 1929 non-Hispanics). Ethnicity, race, educational attainment (SES), age, gender, employment, retirement, and self-rated oral health (single item) were measured. Logistic regressions were applied for data analysis. Results: High educational attainment was associated with lower odds of poor oral health in the pooled sample, net of all covariates. The effect of educational attainment on poor self-rated oral health was found to be weaker for Hispanics than for non-Hispanics. Conclusion: We observed MDRs of educational attainment (SES) on oral health for Hispanic older adults. In other words, compared to non-Hispanics, Hispanics gain less oral health from their educational attainment (SES).

scholarly journals Social and Solitary Exercise among the Unemployed and Out of the Labor Force in the United States: Estimates by Gender and Partnership Status

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Gough
Keyword(s):  
Labor Force ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Health Behavior Change ◽  
The United States ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Partnership Status ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Using Data

BACKGROUNDThe negative health effects of unemployment are significant, and the potential for increased morbidity and mortality is a major public health challenge. Negative effects may be partially attributable to health behavior change and loss of social ties. Exercise has positive physical and mental health benefits and could help buffer such negative effects. This study examines whether time in social and solitary exercise varies by unemployment and out of the labor force (OOLF) status because exercise, especially social exercise, provides health benefits.METHODSGender-stratified ordinary least squares models are estimated using data from the nationally representative 2003-2016 American Time Use Surveys to test how own and partner employment status are associated with total time in exercise, exercise alone, with children, with a partner, and with others.RESULTSUnemployed and OOLF men spend more time in exercise alone and with others compared to employed men. Unemployed women spend more time in exercise with others, and OOLF women in all types of social exercise, compared to employed women.CONCLUSIONSUnemployed and OOLF individuals engage in more social exercise, which could be leveraged to help buffer loss of social ties and improve health. Exercise-related interventions may help reduce negative health consequences of unemployment.

scholarly journals Technology for Healthy Aging: Use of Electronic Communication among Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 634-635
Author(s):  
Rumei Yang ◽  
Yan Du ◽  
Haocen Wang ◽  
Zuoting Nie ◽  
Chumin Ji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Electronic Communication ◽  
Patient Portal ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Using Data ◽  
High Level

Abstract In the digital era, many electronic platforms have been established to facilitate patient-provider communication, such as e-mail, text messaging, and patient portal. The use of these electronic platforms is termed as electronic-communication (e-communication). E-communication has a variety of personalized healthcare functions, such as exchanging information, reviewing lab results, and facilitating patient engagement. However, little is known about the actual use of e-communication among older adults who are potentially major users of e-communication considering their high-level health care needs. Understanding their use of e-communication is critical in improving the application of e-communication in older adults. Using data from American Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS2019-Cycle3; n=1,961; meanage =74.10, range=65-98), we explored: 1) the prevalence of e-communication use among older adults, and 2) factors affecting their use of e-communication. Variables were measured by self-reports. Weighted logistic regression with replicate weights provided by the HINTS was performed for data analysis. We found that 50% older adults reported the use of e-communication in the last year. Factors associated with higher likelihood of older adults’ e-communication use included younger age (OR=09.96, 95%CI=0.93-0.98, p&lt;0.001), higher education (OR=4.82, 95%CI=2.32-10.02, p&lt;0.001 for college graduate or higher), higher income (OR=1.58, 95%CI=1.05-2.38, p=0.030), comorbid conditions (OR=1.64, 95%CI=1.02-2.64, p&lt;0.001), and having a regular provider (OR=2.06, 95%CI=1.31-3.22, p=0.002). This study provided nationally representative results demonstrating a great potential use of e-communication in older adults. Special attention is needed to focus on socially vulnerable older adults (e.g., those with older age, lower education and income, and having comorbidity).

scholarly journals Update on Polling and Policy Efforts on Loneliness, Telehealth, Caregiving, and Advance Care Planning

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 178-178
Author(s):  
Erica Solway ◽  
Brian Lindberg
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Advance Care Planning ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Care Planning ◽  
University Of Michigan ◽  
National Poll ◽  
Advance Care ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The University

Abstract Older adults and their caregivers experienced dramatic changes in many aspects of their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in important shifts in organizational and federal priorities and policies. To explore older adults’ changing experiences and perspectives amidst the pandemic, the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging (NPHA), a recurring, nationally representative household survey, polled over 2,000 adults age 50-80 at multiple timepoints through January 2021 about their feelings of loneliness and use of telehealth. In June 2020, the NPHA also surveyed adults age 50-80 about advance care planning before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and asked family caregivers about their care challenges in the three months since the pandemic. This session will start with a presentation of results from these polls, first exploring change over time in loneliness and telehealth use and then focusing on experiences related to advance care planning and caregiving challenges. Next, presenters from diverse national coalitions and organizations, including the Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness, the National Academy for State Health Policy, the National Alliance for Caregiving, and the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care will describe their organizations’ efforts, including their work with research and advocacy partners, state and federal agencies, and the Biden administration to facilitate dialogue and advance activities and policies related to these timely topics.

scholarly journals LONELINESS AND HEALTH AMONG OLDER ADULTS: RESULTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN NATIONAL POLL ON HEALTHY AGING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S600-S601
Author(s):  
Erica Solway ◽  
John Piette ◽  
Matthias Kirch ◽  
Dianne Singer ◽  
Jeffrey Kullgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
University Of Michigan ◽  
Healthy Behaviors ◽  
National Poll ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The University

Abstract In October 2018, the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging conducted an online survey using a nationally representative household sample of adults age 50 to 80. One in three respondents (34%) reported feeling a lack of companionship and 27% reported feeling isolated from others some of the time or often during the past year. Those with fair or poor self-reported physical health, mental health, or hearing were more likely to report feeling a lack of companionship or feel isolated as were those who reported less frequently engaging in healthy behaviors. More than one in four (28%) reported social contact with people outside of their household once a week or less. Given the high prevalence of loneliness and its connection to poor health and health behaviors, research on this important issue and efforts to increase social engagement among older adults deserve increased attention.

scholarly journals Everyday Ageism and Health: Evidence From the National Poll on Healthy Aging

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 723-723
Author(s):  
Julie Ober Allen ◽  
Erica Solway ◽  
Matthias Kirch ◽  
Dianne Singer ◽  
Jeffrey Kullgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
National Poll ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Sample Age

Abstract This study examined the prevalence of everyday ageism, routine types of age-based discrimination, prejudice, and stereotyping that older adults encounter in their daily lives, and its relationships with health in a nationally representative sample age 50-80 (N=2,048, 52% female, 71% White). Nearly all older adults said they sometimes or often experienced everyday ageism (96% age 65-80, 92% age 50-64). The most common types were beliefs that health problems were an inevitable part of getting older (78%), hearing jokes about aging/older people (61%), and seeing material suggesting that older adults were unattractive/undesirable (38%). Those reporting more experiences with everyday ageism (&gt;3 types) were less likely than those reporting fewer types to have excellent/very good physical health (31% vs. 50%); similar results were found for mental health (60% vs. 80%). This poll documented the ubiquity of minor, but not inconsequential, everyday ageism reported by older adults and its potential ramifications for health.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document