Driving Habits of Older Adults in Massachusetts: Variations by Sex, Age, Race, Income, Housing Density, and Health

Abstract Maintaining ability to drive is critical to independent living among older adults residing in suburban and rural communities. We administrated structured questionnaire about driving behaviors to 370 persons age 65 and older living in Central Massachusetts between 2018 and 2020. Of them, 307 were active drivers. Driving in the past year was strongly associated with being male, White race, higher income, non-urban resident, and good-to-excellent health. Advancing age was associated with lower frequency of driving, less miles driven, lower percentage of the day spent in transportation. Men and women drove with nearly equal frequency (~26 days/month), but men drove significantly more miles. Non-White drivers were significantly more likely to avoid driving out of town or in difficult conditions, even after controlling for age, sex, income, and density of residential area. In conclusion, driving behaviors differed significantly by age, sex, income, race, and housing density. Further investigation is warranted.

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Services Available from Providers in the Disability Field to Older Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Australian Journal of Rehabilitation Counselling ◽

10.1017/s1323892200001435 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 65-70

Author(s):

Laurie Buys

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Intellectual Disability ◽

Intellectual Disabilities ◽

Older Adult ◽

Independent Living ◽

Support Programs ◽

Community Based ◽

The Past ◽

People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽

Adults With Intellectual Disabilities

As most older adults with intellectual disabilities reside in community based accommodation, the availability of support programs and services becomes important to the maintenance of independent living. Thirty nine community based organisations in Brisbane, Australia that assist people with intellectual disabilities were surveyed regarding the types of programs offered to older adults with intellectual disabilities. The results showed that 75% of the organisations had provided assistance to an older adult with an intellectual disability in the past 12 months. However, none of the agencies surveyed reported that they provided specialised programs or services to older adults with intellectual disabilities.

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Delivering Public Services in the Mixed Economy of Welfare: Perspectives from the Voluntary and Community Sector in Rural England

Journal of Social Policy ◽

10.1017/s0047279410000292 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

pp. 157-172 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

IRENE HARDILL ◽

PETER DWYER

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Rural Communities ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Service Delivery ◽

Old Age ◽

Independent Living ◽

Public Services ◽

The Impact ◽

Rural England ◽

Community Sector

AbstractThe voluntary and community sector in England is playing an increasingly important role in the delivery of public services to older adults and in doing so they rely on unpaid volunteers. In this article, we draw on the findings of a recent qualitative study of the impact on the voluntary and community sector of delivering ‘low-level’ public services that promote independent living and wellbeing in old age. The fieldwork focused on services that help older adults aged 70+ living in remote rural communities across three English regions. Those charged with service delivery, which is increasingly the voluntary and community sector, face particular challenges, such as uncertain funding regimes and reliance on volunteer labour.

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Weekly Physical Activity Levels of Older Adults Regularly Using a Fitness Facility

Journal of Aging Research ◽

10.1155/2016/5010285 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Michael J. Turner ◽

Emily E. Schmitt ◽

Tricia Hubbard-Turner

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Older Adult ◽

Independent Living ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

The Past ◽

Fitness Facility ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

Weekly Physical Activity

The aim of this paper was to determine if weekly physical activity levels were greater in an independent-living older adult population that was regularly participating in structured fitness activities. Also, lifetime exercise history and sex differences were investigated in an effort to understand how they relate to current weekly step activity. Total weekly step counts, measured with a pedometer, were assessed in two older adult groups; the first consisted of members of a local senior center who regularly used the fitness facility (74.5±6.0 yrs; mean ± SD) while the second group consisted of members who did not use the fitness facility (74.8±6.0 yrs). Participants also completed the Lifetime Physical Activity Questionnaire (LPAQ). No significant difference was found in the total number of weekly steps between groups (p=0.88) or sexes (p=0.27). The LPAQ suggested a significant decline in activity with aging (p=0.01) but no difference between groups (p=0.54) or sexes (p=0.80). A relationship was observed between current step activity and MET expenditure over the past year (p=0.008,r2=0.153) and from ages 35 to 50 years (p=0.037,r2=0.097). The lack of difference in weekly physical activity level between our groups suggests that independent-living older adults will seek out and perform their desired activity, in either a scheduled exercise program or other leisure-time activities. Also, the best predictor of current physical activity level in independent-living older adults was the activity performed over the past year.

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Poor Acceptance of the Past is Related to Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults

GeroPsych ◽

10.1024/1662-9647/a000227 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 33 (4) ◽

pp. 246-251

Author(s):

Gozde Cetinkol ◽

Gulbahar Bastug ◽

E. Tugba Ozel Kizil

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Death Anxiety ◽

Geriatric Depression ◽

Ego Integrity ◽

The Past ◽

Depressed Group ◽

Total Death ◽

The Relationship

Abstract. Depression in older adults can be explained by Erikson’s theory on the conflict of ego integrity versus hopelessness. The study investigated the relationship between past acceptance, hopelessness, death anxiety, and depressive symptoms in 100 older (≥50 years) adults. The total Beck Hopelessness (BHS), Geriatric Depression (GDS), and Accepting the Past (ACPAST) subscale scores of the depressed group were higher, while the total Death Anxiety (DAS) and Reminiscing the Past (REM) subscale scores of both groups were similar. A regression analysis revealed that the BHS, DAS, and ACPAST predicted the GDS. Past acceptance seems to be important for ego integrity in older adults.

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History, Heritage and Sustainable Development: A Position Statement on the Scottish Highlands

Northern Scotland ◽

10.3366/nor.2018.0142 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 1-16

Author(s):

S. Karly Kehoe ◽

Chris Dalglish

Keyword(s):

Sustainable Development ◽

Rural Communities ◽

Position Statement ◽

The Sustainable Development ◽

Scottish Highlands ◽

The Past ◽

Taking Charge ◽

Rural World ◽

Development Goals ◽

Crucial Part

Evidence of how history and culture have been or should be harnessed to promote sustainability in remote and rural communities is mounting. To be sustainable, development must come from within, it must serve future generations as well as those in the present and it must attend to the vitality of culture, society, the economy and the environment. Historical research has an important contribution to make to sustainability, especially if undertaken collaboratively, by challenging and transcending the boundaries between disciplines and between the professional researchers, communities and organisations which serve and work with them. The Sustainable Development Goals’ motto is ‘leaving no one behind’, and for the 17 Goals to be met, there must be a dramatic reshaping of the ways in which we interact with each other and with the environment. Enquiry into the past is a crucial part of enabling communities, in all their shapes and sizes, to develop in sustainable ways. This article considers the rural world and posits that historical enquiry has the potential to deliver insights into the world in which we live in ways that allow us to overcome the negative legacies of the past and to inform the planning of more positive and progressive futures. It draws upon the work undertaken with the Landscapes and Lifescapes project, a large partnership exploring the historic links between the Scottish Highlands and the Caribbean, to demonstrate how better understandings of the character and consequences of previous development might inform future development in ways that seek to tackle injustices and change unsustainable ways of living. What we show is how taking charge of and reinterpreting the past is intrinsic to allowing the truth (or truths) of the present situation to be brought to the surface and understood, and of providing a more solid platform for overcoming persistent injustices.

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Sex disparities in cardiovascular health metrics among rural-dwelling older adults in China: a population-based study

BMC Geriatrics ◽

10.1186/s12877-021-02116-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Xiaolei Han ◽

Ziying Jiang ◽

Yuanjing Li ◽

Yongxiang Wang ◽

Yajun Liang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Rural Communities ◽

Cardiovascular Health ◽

Rural China ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Population Based ◽

Baseline Survey ◽

Chinese Older Adults ◽

Face To Face ◽

Sex Disparities

Abstract Background Cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics among Chinese older adults are poorly understood. We investigated sex disparities in CVH metrics and their management among rural-dwelling older adults in China. Methods This community-based study included 5026 participants (age ≥ 65 years; 57.2% women) in the baseline survey of a multimodal intervention study in rural China. In March–September 2018, data were collected through face-to-face interviews, clinical examinations, and laboratory tests. We defined six CVH metrics (three behavioral factors—smoking, body mass index, and physical activity; three biological factors—blood pressure, total cholesterol, and blood glucose) following the modified American Heart Association’s recommendations. We performed descriptive analysis separately for men and women. Results Of all participants, only 0.8% achieved ideal levels in all six CVH metrics. Men were more likely than women to have ideal levels in all CVH metrics but smoking. Women had higher prevalence of ideal global (9.7% vs. 7.8%) and behavioral (18.3% vs. 9.5%) CVH metrics (p < 0.001), whereas men had higher prevalence of ideal biological CVH metrics (5.4% vs. 3.5%, p < 0.001). The prevalence of ideal global and behavioral CVH metrics increased with age in both women and men (p for trend< 0.001). Women were more likely to be aware of their hypertension and diabetes, and to receive antihypertensive treatment, while men were more likely to achieve the goal of high cholesterol treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusions The CVH metrics among older adults living in the rural communities in China are characterized by an extremely low proportion of optimal global CVH metrics and distinct sex differences, alongside poor management of major biological risk factors. Trial registration ChiCTR1800017758 (Aug 13, 2018).

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Multiple Physical Symptoms of Community-Dwelling Older People in Western China: Prevalence and Its Association with Frailty

Gerontology ◽

10.1159/000513246 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Shuli Jia ◽

Wanyu Zhao ◽

Yan Zhang ◽

Lisha Hou ◽

Xin Xia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽

Physical Symptoms ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Western China ◽

Musculoskeletal Symptoms ◽

Frailty Phenotype ◽

The Past ◽

Organ Systems ◽

Multiple Symptoms

Introduction: Physical symptoms and frailty are common in older adults. A previous study has reported that multiple somatic symptoms are associated with frailty. In this study, we aimed to describe the picture of physical symptoms in older adults in western China and examine the relationship of multiple physical symptoms and frailty, as well as the sex difference of this relationship. Methods: Cross-sectional analyses were based on the West China Health and Aging Trend (WCHAT) study comprising 4,106 community-dwelling older adults (60–95 years). Frailty was assessed using the physical frailty phenotype (PFP). Participants’ experience of 28 different physical symptoms in the past 4 weeks was assessed. Physical symptoms were divided into several categories according to organ systems. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between frailty and multiple physical symptoms. Results: Nearly half of the subjects reported experiencing at least 1 physical symptom during the past 4 weeks. Musculoskeletal symptoms were the most prevalent symptoms. More than 5 physical symptoms were more likely to be frailty, even when all covariates were controlled. A significant association between multiple musculoskeletal symptoms and frailty also was found after adjusted for all covariates and multiple symptoms of other organ systems. Similar results were obtained for multiple cardiopulmonary symptoms. Furthermore, there were sex differences in these relationships. Conclusion: Multiple physical symptoms appear to have a detrimental impact on frailty in older adults. Compared with counting total symptoms, multiple symptoms of the same organ system may have a greater impact on frailty. Effective interventions and management of multiple physical symptoms are warranted to prevent frailty.

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Depressive Symptoms Among Rural “Left-Behind” Older Adults: A Test of the High Outmigration Penalty Hypothesis

The Journals of Gerontology Series B ◽

10.1093/geronb/gbab040 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Qian Song ◽

Haowei Wang ◽

Jeffery A Burr

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Rural Communities ◽

Older Adult ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Economic Conditions ◽

Adult Density ◽

Chinese Adults ◽

Older Chinese ◽

Older Chinese Adults

Abstract Objectives We investigated whether there was a “high outmigration penalty” for psychological health among older adults in rural China by assessing 2 potential community stressors associated with major sociodemographic changes in the community—increased outmigration and older adult density. We also investigated whether disparities in community economic conditions moderated the association between community stressors and depressive symptoms. Methods We employed 3 waves of data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011–2015), using multilevel negative binomial models to address our research questions. Results Our results supported the “high outmigration penalty” hypothesis. Older adults living in low-income rural communities may experience an aggravated mental health penalty compared to those living in high-income rural communities. Higher older adult density was also associated with more depressive symptoms but only in less wealthy communities. Community differences in economic conditions were key factors buffering the high outmigration disadvantage associated with the psychological health of older Chinese adults. Discussion Rural outmigration may have deepened existing intercommunity health disparities among older adults. Policies should be developed to address community-level factors negatively associated with the well-being of older Chinese adults living in high outmigration and less wealthy rural communities.

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Exploring the Motivators and Barriers of Older Adults Participating in an Interactive Exergame Intervention

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1293 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 402-402

Author(s):

Breanna Crane ◽

Brittany Drazich ◽

Kyle Moored ◽

Michelle Carlson

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Video Game ◽

Independent Living ◽

Interactive Video ◽

Retention Rates ◽

Ongoing Research ◽

Spatial Environment ◽

Interactive Video Game

Abstract Cognitive and physical activity are important to maintaining daily functioning in older adults. While bidirectional associations between cognitive and physical activity magnify with increasing age, elucidating shared benefits has been difficult as few interventions explicitly train on cognition and mobility simultaneously. We conducted focus groups among 14 older adults residing in an independent-living center who participated in an interactive video game study called Bandit the Dolphin, where participants simultaneously incorporated cognitive exercise and physical activity while navigating within a complex spatial environment to help Bandit jump, eat fish, and stun sharks. Using ‘sneaky exercise’ tactics, participants utilized upper extremities in conjunction with slight lower extremity movement to move Bandit within a 3-D oceanic environment. We conducted 3 semi-structured focus groups and analyzed the data using the “Sort and Sift, Think and Shift” method to assess general likes and dislikes as well as the primary motivators, barriers, and reasons for remaining in the study. Participants enjoyed the immersive nature, challenge, and “fun factor” of the game. Primary motivators for joining were generativity/helping others, self-improvement, from peer referrals, and because the study looked interesting. Key barriers reported in the study were exhaustion from standing, learning how to play in 3-D space, and frustration from lack of level advancement. Reasons for retention were due to the game being fun, a sense of duty, and fulfilling commitments. This information will guide ongoing research efforts to design interactive video game interventions that are enjoyable for older adults and maintain high retention rates.

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A City Too Busy to Remember? Aging, Structural Violence, and the Politics of Forgetting in Atlanta’s Gentrification

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1266 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 393-393

Author(s):

John Pothen ◽

Keland Yip ◽

Ellen Idler

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Structural Violence ◽

Aging In Place ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

The Past ◽

Critical Theories ◽

Property Owners ◽

Ongoing Development ◽

The City ◽

Depth Interviews

Abstract Can forgotten stories from the past inform a city’s future? As older adults continue to live longer and comprise more of the population than ever before, the suitability of gentrifying spaces for older adults aging in place is increasingly important. Critical theories of gentrification argue that remembering the experiences of older adults in this context - experiences of suffering, resilience, and structural violence - is essential to promote changes in support aging in place. In this study, we tell a story of individual experiences, structural violence, and aging in the ongoing gentrification of one neighborhood in southwest Atlanta. We construct this narrative through a qualitative analysis of 1,500 local newspaper articles from 1950 to the present day and 10 in-depth interviews with ex-residents of the neighborhood aged 65-87. Drawing on the theory of planetary rent gaps, we frame gentrification as a class struggle between property-owners and working class residents. We highlight the city government’s role as a facilitator for property-owners through projects including the Model City initiative, preparation for the 1996 Olympics, and ongoing development surrounding the Atlanta BeltLine. We show how these projects have affected the prospects for aging in place in general and, specifically, by affecting access to healthcare services. We share this story in an effort to combat the politics of forgetting and to inform a richer, more inclusive, and more equitable future for gentrifying spaces.

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