scholarly journals Social Connections: Transformative Experiences Amid Disruptive Times

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 418-418
Author(s):  
Thomas Cudjoe
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Community Engagement ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Transformative Experiences ◽  
Stark Contrast ◽  
Research Agendas ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Today many older adults are experiencing intensified social isolation and loneliness as they attempt to “stay safe at home.” The notion, is a stark contrast from our understanding of the importance of social connections on health and well-being. This session highlights: first hand experiences caring for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and the implications of social isolation on the health of older adults. The speaker will offer perspectives for ESPO members on the role of community engagement in orienting research agendas, both now (amid the pandemic) and into the future.

scholarly journals Benefit-finding buffers the effects of quarantine on older adults’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 722-722
Author(s):  
Fan Zhang ◽  
Sheung-Tak Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Benefit Finding ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
Moderating Role

Abstract Objective Older adults’ health and well-being may suffer due to prolonged social isolation leading to loneliness and increased stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study aimed to address the role of benefit-finding, defined as the capacity to derive meaning and positive aspects from stressful situations, in older adults’ adaptation to the effects of quarantine. Methods 421 participants aged 50 or above in China participated in an online survey to study the effects of quarantine on loneliness, stress, anxiety, depression and life satisfaction, and the moderating role of benefit-finding. Results The results showed that quarantine was basically unrelated to any outcome. Further analysis showed, however, that the effect of quarantine varied by levels of benefit-finding. Only people with lower benefit-finding reported a higher level of loneliness, perceived stress, anxiety and depression, but no relationships were found at higher benefit-finding. Conclusions The findings extended our understanding of the role of benefit-finding in buffering the negative impact of adversity on older people. By mitigating the effects of prolonged social isolation, benefit-finding served as a protective factor in older people’s adaptation to the sequelae of this pandemic.

scholarly journals Isolation and Loneliness: Implications for Health and Well-Being of Older Populations

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 170-170
Author(s):  
Julianne Holt-Lunstad
Keyword(s):  
Social Isolation ◽  
Premature Mortality ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Social Connection ◽  
Healthcare Practice ◽  
Older Populations ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Medical And Healthcare ◽  
Consensus Report

Abstract Evidence suggests social isolation and loneliness are prevalent within the population and may potentially be exacerbated due to the pandemic. Social connections have powerful influences on health and longevity, and lacking social connection qualifies as a risk factor for premature mortality. Evidence from the recent National Academy of Science consensus report on social isolation and loneliness among older adults will be summarized, providing the scope of the health effects, potential mechanisms and risk factors, as well as current gaps in the evidence. Importantly, this evidence points to several implications for solutions across sectors, including medical and healthcare practice and policy.

“I just love it”: Avid knitters describe health and well-being through occupation

2019 ◽  
Vol 86 (2) ◽  
pp. 114-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Brooks ◽  
Kim-Huong Ngan Ta ◽  
Anne F. Townsend ◽  
Catherine L. Backman
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Skill Development ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Philosophical Assumption ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Health And Well Being

Background. Examining craft-based occupations is necessary to explicate the relationship between occupation and well-being. Purpose. This study aimed to understand the role of knitting in the lives of passionate knitters and their experience of how knitting contributes to health, well-being, and occupational identity. Method. Principles of phenomenology guided interviews with 21 knitting-guild members (with and without health conditions) and observations at seven guild meetings as well as guided the data analysis. Eight interviewees and 24 additional guild members confirmed key findings in writing. Findings. Five main themes capture how knitting (a) “makes me happy,” (b) is “the mental challenge I need,” (c) is “a hobby that joins” through social connections and skill development, (d) sustains identity such that “I can’t imagine life without knitting,” and (e) is a creative outlet “reflecting my personality.” Implications. This in-depth description of how knitters experience their craft in daily life bolsters the philosophical assumption that favoured occupations have the power to promote health and well-being.

scholarly journals The role of Hope in subsequent health and well-being for older adults: An outcome-wide longitudinal approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 100018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katelyn N.G. Long ◽  
Eric S. Kim ◽  
Ying Chen ◽  
Matthew F. Wilson ◽  
Everett L. Worthington Jr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Longitudinal Approach ◽  
Health And Well Being

scholarly journals Dealing With Loneliness Among LGBT Older Adults: Different Coping Strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 516-517
Author(s):  
Natasha Peterson ◽  
Jeongeun Lee ◽  
Daniel Russell
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Well Being ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Social Discrimination ◽  
Time Usage ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) adults may be at risk for high levels of loneliness—a risk factor for worse health behaviors—as a result of historical and social discrimination. Some LGBT older adults may have estranged relationships with family members or have toxic relationships, consequently leaving them without adequate social support. The 2018 Loneliness and Social Connections survey by the AARP Foundation consists of a national sample of non-institutionalized individuals 45 and older, including 2905 individuals who identify as heterosexual and 318 who identify as LGBT. The study indicated individuals had similar levels of loneliness regardless of sexual orientation. However, significant differences between heterosexuals and LGBT participants were found in their communication and time usage when they are lonely. For example, heterosexual individuals socialize with friends in person more than homosexuals (t=-2.393, p<.05), whereas LGBT older adults use technology more to socialize with friends (t=3.749), p<.001. Further, findings revealed that older LGBT adults tend to engage in more risky or unhealthy behaviors when lonely than do heterosexual older adults (t=3.907, p<.001). Overall, the results indicate that while LGBT older adults may spend more time alone (t=7.350, p<.001), they are engaging in different types of activities, particularly involving technology to communicate with friends, suggesting compensation for their lack of in-person contact. By understanding how LGBT older adults cope with loneliness along with the risks and resources that have influences on their health disparities can be useful for developing interventions to improve the health and well-being in these communities.

scholarly journals Does Social Capital Benefit Older Adults’ Health and Well-Being? The Mediating Role of Physical Activity

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 688-697
Author(s):  
F. Boen ◽  
J. Pelssers ◽  
J. Scheerder ◽  
N. Vanbeselaere ◽  
S. Vos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Health And Well Being

Objectives: To assess whether social capital benefits older adults’ self-rated health and well-being and whether physical activity mediates this relation. Methods: A survey study was conducted among members of a sociocultural organization (age ≥55 years), both cross-sectionally (baseline Time 1; N = 959) and longitudinally (3-year follow-up Time 2; N = 409). Results: Specific indicators of social capital were positively, though modestly, related to health and well-being at Time 1 and Time 2. Experienced connectedness with age peers emerged as the strongest predictor. Physical activity only mediated the relation with experienced safety in society. Discussion: The relative importance of older adults’ experienced connectedness with their age peers underlines the importance of internalized group membership as a determinant of their health and well-being. Physical activity seems to play only a minor mediating role.

scholarly journals Housework, health, and well-being in older adults: The role of socioeconomic status.

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 610-620
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Rodriguez-Stanley ◽  
María Alonso-Ferres ◽  
Samuele Zilioli ◽  
Richard B. Slatcher
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health And Well Being

scholarly journals Is Physical Activity Associated With Loneliness or Social Isolation in Older Adults? Results of a Longitudinal Analysis Using the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Ilona I. McMullan ◽  
Brendan P. Bunting ◽  
Annette Burns ◽  
Lee Smith ◽  
Connor Cunningham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Los Angeles ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Longitudinal Association ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
The University ◽  
Health And Well Being

Social relationships are central to the health and well-being of older adults. Evidence exploring the association of physical activity (PA) with social isolation and loneliness is limited. This study uses a path analysis to investigate the longitudinal association between loneliness and social isolation with PA using the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. Higher levels of social isolation measured using the Berkman–Syme Social Network Index were directly and indirectly associated with lower levels of walking, moderate PA, and vigorous PA over 6 years. Additionally, higher levels of walking were associated with lower levels of loneliness measured using a modified version of the University of California, Los Angeles loneliness scale over a 3-year period. Future interventions should target individuals who are more socially isolated and explore the effects of different types of PA on loneliness over time.

scholarly journals A Pandemic Paradox: Innovations in Psychological Resiliency and Suicide Prevention in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 417-418
Author(s):  
Marnin Heisel
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Advocacy ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Research Education ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial negative impact on the health and well-being of older adults, a demographic with the highest proportion of fatalities in North America. Long-term care and retirement homes have been especially hard hit. Sheltering in place can increase social isolation among older adults and contribute to feelings of stigmatization, burden, stress, anxiety, anger, and despair. As older adults also account for high rates of suicide, fear of infection, reduced access to professional and social supports, and growing apathy, hopelessness, and social isolation could amplify suicide risk (see Zortea et al., 2020). The speaker will discuss how his program of research on psychological resiliency and suicide prevention in older adults has pivoted online over the past year, and how the pandemic has paradoxically inspired innovative approaches to research, education, clinical practice, and social advocacy for older adults that will likely continue well beyond the present time.

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