scholarly journals Race and Ethnic Group Differences in Social Engagement Among Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 273-273
Author(s):  
Lien Quach ◽  
Uyen-Sa Nguyen ◽  
Van Pham ◽  
Jeffrey Burr
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Ethnic Group ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Ethnic Disparities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Ethnic Group Differences ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Hispanic White

Abstract Social engagement is considered crucial for older adults’ well-being, generating social capital, connecting them to information about healthy lifestyles, and providing coping strategies for addressing daily challenges. Little is known about race and ethnic disparities regarding social engagement. This study examines the relationship between race, Hispanic ethnicity, and social engagement among community-dwelling adults age 65 or older. Data are taken from the Health and Retirement Study (2014) (n=6,221). Race and ethnic status are measured as: non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, non-Hispanic “Asians and other race,” and Hispanic (any race). Social engagement includes frequency of contact with friends and family and participation in social activities (e.g. volunteering and attending religious services). Covariates included age, sex, education, number of co-morbidities, and alcohol consumption. Linear regression analyses were performed using SAS 9.4. The mean age was 74.6, and sixty percent of the sample was female. Race and ethnic distribution were 78.6% non-Hispanic white, 11.9% non-Hispanic black, 7.89% Hispanics, and 1.7% non-Hispanic “Asians and other race.” The mean score for our social engagement index was 3.3 (range 0-6). Hispanic persons, Asian persons, and persons from other race groups had lower social engagement compared with non-Hispanic white persons [β:-0.29, p<.0001; β:-0.27, p=0.04 respectively), after adjusting for covariates. These race and ethnic group differences in social engagement likely contribute to well-document health disparities in later life. Understanding racial and ethnic disparities in social engagement and the factors that create these differences can help identify appropriate social intervention programs regarding improving the well-being of all older adults.

scholarly journals Effect of Thyroid Hormone Therapy on Fatigability in Older Adults With Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Nested Study Within a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (9) ◽  
pp. e89-e94
Author(s):  
Mirah J Stuber ◽  
Elisavet Moutzouri ◽  
Martin Feller ◽  
Cinzia Del Giovane ◽  
Douglas C Bauer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Subclinical Hypothyroidism ◽  
Heart Diseases ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Coronary Heart Diseases ◽  
Starting Dose ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Fatigue often triggers screening for and treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism. However, data on the impact of levothyroxine on fatigue is limited and previous studies might not have captured all aspects of fatigue. Method This study is nested within the randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter TRUST trial, including community-dwelling participants aged ≥65 and older, with persistent subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH 4.60–19.99 mIU/L, normal free thyroxine levels) from Switzerland and Ireland. Interventions consisted of daily levothyroxine starting with 50 μg (25 μg if weight <50 kg or known coronary heart diseases) together with dose adjustments to achieve a normal TSH and mock titration in the placebo group. Main outcome was the change in physical and mental fatigability using the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale over 1 year, assessed through multivariable linear regression with adjustment for country, sex, and levothyroxine starting dose. Results Among 230 participants, the mean ± standard deviation (SD) TSH was 6.2 ± 1.9 mIU/L at baseline and decreased to 3.1 ± 1.3 with LT4 (n = 119) versus 5.3 ± 2.3 with placebo (n = 111, p < .001) after 1 year. After adjustment we found no between-group difference at 1 year on perceived physical (0.2; 95% CI −1.8 to 2.1; p = .88), or mental fatigability (−1.0; 95% CI −2.8 to 0.8; p = .26). In participants with higher fatigability at baseline (≥15 points for the physical score [n = 88] or ≥13 points for the mental score [n = 41]), the adjusted between-group differences at 1 year were 0.4 (95% CI −3.6 to 2.8, p = .79) and −2.2 (95% CI −8.8 to 4.5, p = .51). Conclusions Levothyroxine in older adults with mild subclinical hypothyroidism provides no change in physical or mental fatigability.

scholarly journals Social Environment and Mental and Behavioral Health Outcomes in Older Adults: A Critical Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 467-467
Author(s):  
Atami Sagna De Main ◽  
Bo Xie
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Behavioral Health ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Social Contribution ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Social environments are complex and critical to older adults’ health. Older adults are vulnerable to lack of social connectedness, social engagement and social contribution. 10-43% of community-dwelling older adults suffer from social isolation and loneliness in the United States. Despite the growing evidence on the impact of social environment on older adults’ health, it remains that the information about older adults’ social environment and its relationships to mental/behavioral health is fragmented. The purpose of this study is to determine the state of the science on social environment components (social connectedness, social engagement, social contribution) and mental/behavioral health (depressive symptoms, anxiety, psychological well-being, substance use, mental healthcare utilization) among community-dwelling older adults (65+ years). Five databases - CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, SocINDEX - were systematically searched using PRISMA guidelines to identify relevant articles from 1990 to 2019. Eleven articles are included in this review, illustrating relationships between social environment and mental/behavioral health. The studies found that poor social connectedness, social engagement, and social contribution were significantly associated with older age, poor perceived health, depression and anxiety symptoms, poor psychological well-being, hopelessness, having multiple chronic conditions, and functional limitations. Low social connectedness was significantly related to poor utilization of mental health services. No significant association was found between social environment and substance use in older adults. The findings of this review add to the literature related to social environment being relevant to older adults’ mental/behavioral health and highlight the need to further our understanding of their dynamic relationships and changes over time.

scholarly journals Acculturation and ethnic group differences in well-being among Somali, Latino, and Hmong adolescents.

2021 ◽  
Vol 91 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-119
Author(s):  
Eunice M. Areba ◽  
Allison W. Watts ◽  
Nicole Larson ◽  
Marla E. Eisenberg ◽  
Dianne Neumark-Sztainer
Keyword(s):  
Ethnic Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Ethnic Group Differences

Social Engagement After Nursing Home Admission: Racial and Ethnic Disparities and Risk Factors

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (11) ◽  
pp. 1306-1326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna Bliss ◽  
Susan Harms ◽  
Lynn E. Eberly ◽  
Kay Savik ◽  
Olga Gurvich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Ethnic Disparities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Nursing Home Admission ◽  
Racial And Ethnic Disparities ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Racial Ethnic

Older adults admitted to nursing homes (NHs) are at risk for low social engagement, which has associations with medical, psychological, and social well-being. Minorities may be at a disadvantage for social engagement because of their racial or ethnic group identity. This study assessed whether there were racial/ethnic disparities in social engagement among older adults ( N = 15,927) at 1 year after their NH admission using multi-level predictors. No racial or ethnic-based disparities in social engagement were found; hence, an analysis of risk factors at NH admission that predicted low social engagement at 1 year for all residents was conducted. Significant risk factors for low social engagement were low social engagement at admission, deficits in activities in daily living and cognition, problems with vision and communication, and residing in an NH in an urban community. Results highlight the importance of initiating interventions to increase social engagement at the time of NH admission.

scholarly journals 0837 Well-Being Predicts Sleep Disturbance in a Prospective Cohort of Older Adults

SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A319-A319
Author(s):  
S D Hershner ◽  
L M Swanson ◽  
A Meng ◽  
E C Jansen ◽  
J F Burke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Sleep Duration ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Poor Sleep Quality ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms

Abstract Introduction Lower well-being negatively impacts health among older adults. Optimal sleep - a determinant of health - has been associated with higher well-being. Several domains of well-being, e.g., mindfulness and purpose in life have been shown to improve sleep. But, whether well-being impacts sleep remains unclear. This study examined associations between well-being and sleep duration, sleep quality, and incident insomnia symptoms among a nationally representative sample of older US adults. Methods This study analyzed data from the 2011-2013 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), a longitudinal, annual survey of community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries. The exposure, a validated scale of well-being used questions on purpose, emotion, and self-satisfaction and divided responses into quartiles. Sleep outcomes included sleep duration, sleep quality, and insomnia symptoms. Unadjusted and adjusted linear and logistic regression models examined relationships between the health characteristics and well-being score in 2012 and sleep outcomes in 2013. Covariates included demographics and health characteristics. Results Half of study participants (n=2,000) were women. The mean sleep duration was 7.2 and 7.3 (standard error(SE) ±0.1) for men and women. Poor sleep quality was reported by 30% of subjects and more frequently among Hispanic subjects, older adults, and those with less education. The mean well-being score was 17.2 (SE ±0.07). Higher well-being scores correlated with male gender, younger age, higher education, marriage, and increased physical activity. Well-being scores in the 2nd - 4th quartile had lower odds of poor sleep quality (4th quartile adjusted odd ratio 0.24 (95% CI 0.15, 0.38). The highest well-being quartile had a 4-fold lower incidence of insomnia symptoms. Well-being scores were not associated with sleep duration Conclusion Higher well-being may protect older adults against the development of insomnia and poor sleep quality. Strategies to improve well-being could offer an innovative way to improve the health of older Americans though better sleep. Support none

scholarly journals Understanding local ethnic inequalities in childhood BMI through cross-sectional analysis of routinely collected local data

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Murphy ◽  
Rebecca Johnson ◽  
Nicholas R. Parsons ◽  
Wendy Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Ethnic Group ◽  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Ethnic Disparities ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Comprehensive Understanding ◽  
Local Data ◽  
Black African ◽  
Ethnic Inequalities ◽  
Ethnic Group Differences ◽  
Individual School

Abstract Background Local-level analysis of ethnic inequalities in health is lacking, prohibiting a comprehensive understanding of the health needs of local populations and the design of effective health services. Knowledge of ethnic disparities in child weight status is particularly limited by overlooking both the heterogeneity within ethnic groupings; and the complex ecological contexts in which obesity arises. This study aimed to establish whether there was variation in childhood BMI across ethnic groups in Coventry, and the influence of individual, school and neighbourhood contexts, using routinely collected local data. Methods National Child Measurement Programme data were compiled for the period 2007/8–2014/15 and combined with routinely collected local data reflecting school performance and demographics, and school and neighbourhood physical environments. Multi-level modelling using Monte Carlo Markov Chain methods was used to account for the clustering of children within schools and neighbourhoods. Ethnic group differences in BMI z-score (zBMI) were explored at 4–5 years and 10–11 years for girls and boys alongside individual, school and neighbourhood covariates. Results At age 4–5 years (n = 28,407), ethnic group differences were similar for boys and girls, with children from South Asian, White other, Chinese and ‘any other’ ethnic groups having a significantly lower zBMI, and Black African children having a higher zBMI, versus White British (WB) children. Patterns differed considerably at age 10–11 years (n = 25,763) with marked sex differences. Boys from White other, Bangladeshi and Black African groups had a significantly higher zBMI than WB boys. For girls, only children from Black ethnic groups showed a significantly higher zBMI. Area-level deprivation was the only important school or neighbourhood covariate, but its inclusion did not explain ethnic group differences in child zBMI. Conclusion This analysis contributes to the existing literature by identifying nuanced patterns of ethnic disparities in childhood adiposity in Coventry, supporting the targeting of early obesity prevention for children from Black African groups, as well as girls from Black Caribbean and Black other ethnic backgrounds; and boys from Bangladeshi and White other ethnic backgrounds. It also demonstrates the utility of exploring routinely collected local data sets in building a comprehensive understanding of local population needs.

scholarly journals Changes in young adults' mental well-being before and during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic: disparities between ethnic groups in Germany

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Plenty ◽  
Chloe Bracegirdle ◽  
Jörg Dollmann ◽  
Olivia Spiegler
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Ethnic Group ◽  
Indirect Effects ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Ethnic Group Differences ◽  
Mental Well Being

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in substantial disruptions to the daily lives of young people. Yet knowledge is lacking about changes in mental well-being among young adults, whether those from ethnic minorities were more adversely impacted by the pandemic than the ethnic majority, and the extent to which pandemic-related stressors contributed to any declines in mental well-being. Methods We draw on nationally representative German CILS4COVID data, collected early in the pandemic (N = 3517, Mage = 25). Respondents provided information on mental well-being (psychosomatic complaints, anxiety, depression, life satisfaction) and exposure to pandemic-related stressors (financial worries, health worries, discrimination, contact with COVID-19). Responses on mental well-being were matched to responses from two pre-pandemic waves. Individual fixed effects regressions examined ethnic group differences in changes in mental well-being prior to, and at the early stage of, the pandemic. Path analysis tested the role of pandemic-related stressors in declines in mental well-being. Results Overall, young adults’ mental well-being had improved at the pandemic assessment compared to pre-pandemic assessments, and few ethnic group differences in changes were found. However, greater pandemic-related stressors were associated with worsened mental well-being at the pandemic assessment. Among Asian minorities, indirect effects were found on anxiety via health worries, and on depression via health worries and discrimination. For Turkish, Middle Eastern and African minorities, indirect effects on anxiety and depression were found via health worries. Conclusions We did not find widespread declines in mental well-being among young adults at the early stage of the pandemic, and changes in mental well-being prior to and at the early stage of the pandemic were mostly similar across ethnic German and minority groups. Nevertheless, pandemic-related stressors posed risks for young adults’ mental well-being, particularly increased discrimination and health worries among Asian minorities, and health worries among Turkish, Middle Eastern and African minorities.

scholarly journals Daily Cognitive Difficulties and Social Experiences Among Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 697-697
Author(s):  
Ruixue Zhaoyang ◽  
Jacqueline Mogle ◽  
Karra Harrington ◽  
Martin Sliwinski
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Experiences ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cognitive Difficulties

Abstract Self-reported cognitive difficulties are common in older adults and may be an early indicator of future cognitive decline or dementia. In past retrospective reports, cognitive difficulties have been linked with differences in social engagement or social relationships among older adults. However, little is known about how self-reported cognitive difficulties in daily life, such as memory lapses, relate to older adults’ daily social experiences. This study examined how self-reported cognitive difficulties were related to older adults’ daily social interactions and loneliness. Data were drawn from 312 community-dwelling older adults (aged 70 to 90 years) who reported their social interactions and loneliness throughout the day (five times) as well as cognitive difficulties (e.g., memory lapses, problems with attention) at the end of each day for 14 days. Multilevel models revealed that participants reported fewer memory lapses on days when they reported more frequent interactions with family members (p=.041). Higher levels of disruptions to daily activities caused by cognitive difficulties, in turn, predicted higher levels of loneliness the next day (p=.006), but not changes in social interactions the next day. At the between-person level, more memory lapses in daily life were associated with less frequent social interactions with friends, but more frequent unpleasant social interactions and higher levels of loneliness on average. These results suggest that older adults’ self-reported cognitive difficulties were dynamically associated with their social interactions and loneliness at the daily level and played an important role in older adults’ social life and well-being.

scholarly journals Is Sedentary Behavior or Physical Activity Associated With Loneliness in Older Adults? Results of the European-Wide SITLESS Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 549-555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Tully ◽  
Ilona I. McMullan ◽  
Nicole E. Blackburn ◽  
Jason J. Wilson ◽  
Laura Coll-Planas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Objectively Measured

Research has found that social relationships are central to the health and well-being of an aging population. Evidence exploring the association between physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) with social isolation and loneliness is limited. This study uses objectively measured PA and SB (ActiGraph®) and self-reported measures of loneliness (the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale) and social engagement (the Lubben Social Network Scale) from the SITLESS study, a European-wide study of community-dwelling older adults. Social isolation was associated with SB where higher levels of SB were associated with an increase in the level of social isolation, controlling for age, sex, living arrangements, employment status, body mass index, educational background, marital status, and self-reported general health. In contrast, PA was not associated with social isolation, and neither SB nor PA was a statistically significant predictor of loneliness. SB may be linked to social isolation in older adults, but PA and SB are not necessarily linked to loneliness in older community-dwelling adults.

scholarly journals Race, Ethnicity, and Social Engagement Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The Health and Retirement Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 28-28
Author(s):  
Lien Quach
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Ethnic Disparities ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Health And Retirement Study ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
Retirement Study

Abstract Social engagement is crucial for older adults. This study examines the relationship between race, ethnicity, and social engagement among community-dwelling older adults using data came from the Health and Retirement Study (2014) (n=6221). Race and ethnic status were categorized as: non-Hispanic white (NHW), non-Hispanic black (NHB), non-Hispanic “Asians and other race” (NHA) and Hispanic (any race). Social engagement was based on self-report and included keeping in touch with friends, family and participating in social activities. Covariates included age, sex, education, number of comorbidities, physical function, and alcohol consumptions. The mean age was 74.6, 60% were female. Race and ethnicity distribution were 78.6% NHW, 11.9% NHB, 7.89% Hispanics, and 1.7% NHA. The social engagement (SE) score averaged 3.3. Hispanics, Asians and other races had a lower SE score compared with NHW (b=-0.29, p<.0001; b=-0.27, p=0.04). Understanding racial and ethnic disparities in SE can help target appropriate social intervention.

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