scholarly journals Early Adversity and Later Health: The Pathway of Social Relationships in Adulthood in HRS and ELSA

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 484-485
Author(s):  
Andrew Steptoe ◽  
William Chopik ◽  
Amanda Leggett ◽  
Jooyoung Kong ◽  
Courtney Polenick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Early Adversity ◽  
Subjective Memory ◽  
The Family ◽  
Drug Problems ◽  
Early Trauma

Abstract Early adversity is associated with compromised health and well-being in later life, but whether social functioning mediate the association is unclear. We examined 2 longitudinal samples of older adults (>= 50 years) whose baseline surveys were between 2006 and 2008 with follow-up until 2016 in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS, n = 15,946) and its sister study in England (ELSA, n = 9,692). Health outcomes included depressive symptoms, chronic health conditions, and subjective memory complaints. Social relationships were measured by contacts, relationship strains, and feelings of loneliness. Early adversity was measured by parental physical abuse and alcohol and drug problems in the family before the age of 16. Patterns of association were similar in these 2 samples, where social contacts decreased over time, while relationship strains and loneliness increased especially for older adults with early trauma, which in turn mediated the associations between early adversity and poorer later health.

scholarly journals Early Trauma and Later Health: Examining the Mediation of Social Relationships in Adulthood in HRS

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 214-214
Author(s):  
William Chopik ◽  
Amanda Leggett ◽  
Jooyoung Kong ◽  
Courtney Polenick ◽  
Yin Liu
Keyword(s):  
Social Relationships ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Memory ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
The Family ◽  
Drug Problems ◽  
Early Trauma ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Retirement Study

Abstract Early trauma is associated with compromised health and well-being in later life, but whether social functioning mediates the association is unclear. Participants in the Health and Retirement Study (n = 15,946) had baseline surveys in years 2006 and 2008 (T1), and were followed up twice (T2-3) every 4 years. Health outcomes included depressive symptoms, chronic health conditions, and subjective memory complaints. Social relationships were measured by contacts, relationship strains, and feelings of loneliness. Early trauma was measured by parental physical abuse and alcohol and drug problems in the family before the age of 16. Social contacts decreased over time, while relationship strains and loneliness increased especially for older adults with early trauma, which in turn mediated the associations between early trauma and poorer health in later life. The findings suggested that maintaining positive social relationships are beneficial for better health in late life, especially for individuals with early trauma exposures.

Intergenerational Coresidence and Depressive Symptoms of Rural and Urban Older Adults in China

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (8) ◽  
pp. 1282-1306
Author(s):  
Jinyu Liu ◽  
Lydia Li ◽  
Zhenmei Zhang ◽  
Hongwei Xu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Marital Status ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Intergenerational Coresidence

Objectives: This study aimed to examine whether gender and marital status of coresiding adult children are associated with depressive symptoms of Chinese older adults. Methods: Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, linear regression analysis was conducted to identify longitudinal associations of intergenerational coresidence with depressive symptoms in rural and urban older Chinese. Results: Both rural and urban older adults living with unmarried sons had significantly higher depressive symptoms at four-year follow-up than those who did not live with children. Living with married sons was significantly associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms at four-year follow-up among rural elders only. Discussion: This study sheds light on the heterogeneity in the relationship between intergenerational coresidence and Chinese older adults’ psychological well-being by the gender and marital status of coresiding children. Further research is needed to understand the complex and dynamic household structures and health outcomes in later life.

scholarly journals LONELINESS AND SUICIDE IDEATION IN OLDER ADULTS: A LONGITUDINAL INVESTIGATION

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S594-S594
Author(s):  
Marnin J Heisel
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Variables ◽  
Canadian City ◽  
Psychological Risk

Abstract Older adults have the highest rates of suicide globally, necessitating theory and research investigating suicide and its prevention in later-life. The experience of loneliness is significantly associated with depression, hopelessness, negative health outcomes, and mortality among older adults. Yet, relatively little research has focused on the role of loneliness in conferring suicide risk in later life. The purpose of the present study was thus to investigate the potential associations between loneliness and suicide ideation and behavior in a sample of community-residing older adults recruited into a larger two-year longitudinal study of psychological risk and resiliency to later-life suicide ideation. We specifically recruited 173 adults, 65 years or older, from community locations in a medium-sized Canadian city, for a study on “healthy aging.” Participants completed measures of positive and negative psychological variables, including depression, loneliness, and suicide ideation at a baseline assessment, and again at 2-4 week, 6-12 month, and 1-2 year follow-up points. Findings indicated that loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale) was significantly positively associated with concurrent depression and suicide ideation, negatively associated with psychological well-being and perceived social support, and differentiated between participants who endorsed or denied having ever engaged in suicide behavior. Baseline loneliness also explained significant variability in the onset of suicide ideation over a 1-2 year period of follow-up, controlling for age, sex, and baseline depression and suicide ideation. These findings will be discussed in the context of the need for increased focus on psychosocial factors when assessing and intervening to reduce suicide risk in older adults.

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 Who Volunteers? Results from a Regular Cognitive Monitoring Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 695-696
Author(s):  
Britney Veal ◽  
Nasreen Sadeq ◽  
Taylor Atkinson ◽  
Ross Andel
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Dropout Rates ◽  
Online Test ◽  
Monitoring Study ◽  
Cognitive Monitoring ◽  
Adult Volunteers

Abstract Previous research indicates volunteering promotes well-being of individuals and communities. Volunteering in later-life may buffer some of the negative health effects experienced during retirement, facilitating opportunities for older adults to engage in meaningful activities and stay active. The current study examined characteristics of older adults who volunteered outside of participation in a regular cognitive monitoring study. All 124 members (M= 76.87, SD= 7.47; 80 volunteers, 44 non-volunteers) of a regular cognitive monitoring study, requiring completion of a 15-minute cognitive online test once a month, with complete data on personal characteristics, volunteer activities, as well as study adherence and dropout rates were included. ANCOVA and logistic regression analyses adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics were used to assess differences between volunteers and non-volunteers. Results indicated that volunteers were less educated (p<.05), and slightly more likely to be younger and women compared to non-volunteers. There were no differences in cognitive performance (ps>.05). Volunteers had lower scores for neuroticism (p=.02) and were marginally higher agreeable and extraverted (ps<.09). Volunteers needed more reminders to complete the monthly test (ps<.01) but had lower dropout rates (p=.001). The most frequent type of volunteer activity reported was religious. Volunteers were motivated mainly by altruism, although most reported multiple reasons such as building social relationships and feeling important. Findings provide information about characteristics that can help identify older adults who are likely to volunteer. Results regarding study adherence may have implications for promoting recruitment and retention among older adult volunteers.

scholarly journals ESPO/BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES: SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS, ISOLATION, AND WELL-BEING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S58-S58
Author(s):  
Jeffrey E Stokes ◽  
Elliane Irani ◽  
Patricia A Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Older Couples ◽  
Depressive Symptomology ◽  
Subjective Side

Abstract The purpose of this symposium is twofold: (1) To present innovative research linking social relationships, isolation, and well-being among older adults, and (2) To highlight new and emerging scholars in the Behavioral and Social Sciences section of GSA. The papers in this symposium examine the repercussions of numerous relationships for well-being in later life. Huo and colleagues examine the impacts of contact with close and not-close social partners on physical activity, highlighting differences by gender. Polenick and colleagues focus on perhaps the closest of relationships in later life: marriage, analyzing longitudinal associations between discordant chronic conditions and depressive symptoms among older couples. Upenieks takes an intergenerational perspective, examining the embeddedness of adult children in older adults’ networks in the context of both depression onset and chronically high depressive symptomology. This paper also highlights the consequences of well-being for older adults’ social isolation, and not merely the reverse. Hladek and colleagues explore the subjective side of isolation among older adults with chronic disease, noting links between loneliness and self-efficacy that may have clinical and interventional significance. Lastly, Meinertz and Gilligan explore potential gaps in service provision that may increase rural older adults’ risk of isolation and abuse. Taken together, these five papers underscore the importance of various social relationships for older adults’ well-being, and suggest implications for how best to promote healthy aging. As discussant, Thomas will assess the strengths and limitations of these papers, and consider the contributions these studies – and new scholars – can make to the field.

Leisure Activities and the Subjective Well-Being of Older Adults in Croatia

GeroPsych ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ljiljana Kaliterna Lipovčan ◽  
Tihana Brkljačić ◽  
Zvjezdana Prizmić Larsen ◽  
Andreja Brajša-Žganec ◽  
Renata Franc
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Financial Status

Abstract. Research shows that engagement in leisure activities promotes well-being among older adults. The objective of the current study was to examine the relationship between subjective well-being (flourishing) and leisure activities (total number of different activities in the previous year) in a sample of older adults in Croatia, thereby considering the variables of sex, marital status, financial status, and self-perceived health. The differences in the examined variables between the groups of older adults who reported to be engaged in new activities with those who did not were also examined. The sample of N = 169 older adults aged 60 years and above was drawn from a convenience sample of adult internet users in Croatia. Participants reported their self-perceived health and the number of leisure activities they engaged in over the previous year as well as completing the Flourishing Scale. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that older adults who were engaged in more various leisure activities, who perceived better financial status, and who were married reported higher levels of flourishing. A comparison of the two groups of older adults with and without engagement in leisure activities showed that those engaged in at least one leisure activity were more likely to be women, reported higher levels of flourishing, and perceived their own financial status as better. This study indicated that engaging in leisure activities in later life might provide beneficial effects for the well-being of older adults.

scholarly journals Loving Others: The Impact of Compassionate Love on Later-Life Psychological Well-Being

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 480-481
Author(s):  
Eva Kahana ◽  
Tirth Bhatta ◽  
Boaz Kahana ◽  
Nirmala Lekhak
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Compassionate Love ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Existing scholarship in social gerontology has surprisingly paid little attention to broader loving emotions, such as compassionate and altruistic love, as potentially meaningful mechanisms for improving later life psychological well-being. This study examined the influence of feeling love toward other persons and experiencing love from others on later life psychological well-being. We conducted a 3-wave longitudinal study of a representative sample of 340 ethnically heterogeneous community dwelling older residents of Miami, Florida. The increase in feeling of being loved (β=-1.53, p<0.001) and love for others (β=-1.43, p<0.001) led to decline in odds of reporting greater level of depressive symptoms over time. The odds of reporting higher level of positive affect were significantly greater for older adults who reported feeling loved by others (β=1.16, p<0.001) and expressed love for other people (β=1.18, p<0.01). Older adults who felt loved had 0.92-point lower ordered log odds of reporting higher negative affect than those who reported lower level of love. The impact of compassionate love on depressive symptoms and negative affect remained statistically significant even after adjustment for altruistic attitudes and emotional support. The influence of loving emotions on positive affect was, however, explained by altruistic attitudes and emotional support. Our findings underscore the powerful influence of both receiving and giving love for the maintenance of later life psychological well-being. We offer support for the expectation that love is a significant force in the lives of older adults that transcends intimate relationships.

Effects of Aerobic, Resistance, or Combined Exercise Training Among Older Adults with Subjective Memory Complaints: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Taeko Makino ◽  
Hiroyuki Umegaki ◽  
Masahiko Ando ◽  
Xian Wu Cheng ◽  
Koji Ishida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Exercise Training ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Subjective Memory ◽  
Logical Memory ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Background: Physical exercise is suggested to be effective for preventing cognitive decline in older adults, but the relative efficacy of different types of exercise have yet to be clarified. Objective: This single-blinded randomized controlled trial was designed to investigate the differential effects of aerobic exercise training (AT), resistance exercise training (RT), and combined exercise training (CT) on cognition in older adults with subjective memory complaints (SMC). Methods: Community-dwelling older adults with SMC (n = 415; mean age = 72.3 years old) were randomly assigned to one of the four groups: AT, RT, CT, or control group. The study consisted of two phases: a 26-week intervention and a 26-week follow-up. The participants were evaluated at baseline, 26 weeks (postintervention), and 52 weeks (follow-up). The primary outcome of this study was memory function, which was assessed using the Logical Memory II subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) score. The secondary outcomes included global cognitive function, verbal fluency, working memory, processing speed, and executive functions. Results: Intention-to-treat analysis by a mixed-effect model repeated measure showed that the AT group had significantly improved performance on the WMS-R Logical Memory II test (2.74 [1.82–3.66] points) than the control group (1.36 [0.44–2.28] points) at the postintervention assessment (p = 0.037). The effect was more pronounced in those without amnesia than those with amnesia. No significant improvement was observed in the RT and CT groups. Conclusion: This study suggests that AT intervention can improve delayed memory in community-dwelling older adults, particularly in individuals without objective memory decline.

scholarly journals Reframing Aging: Penn’s Village Members Thrive While Aging in Place

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 199-200
Author(s):  
Lois Evans ◽  
Jane Eleey ◽  
Avalie Saperstein
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Age In Place ◽  
Social Events ◽  
Affinity Groups ◽  
It Support ◽  
Center City ◽  
Survey Responses

Abstract Villages help older neighbors age-in-place as they manage their environments, take advantage of opportunities for social and civic engagement, and improve or maintain health and well-being. National surveys repeatedly indicate that older adults prefer community living as long as possible. But communities change, and post-retirement living may require rebuilding social connections with old and new neighbors. Fortunately, today’s retirees bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to later life which they are happy to share. Drawing on the talents and career experiences of older adults in Center City, Philadelphia, Penn’s Village (PV) was created in 2007 to address the needs and wishes of neighbors wanting to stay in their own homes as they aged. A member of the Village-to-Village Network, PV (a 501c3) has itself matured through board development, strategic planning, and member engagement. In reframing aging in Center City, PV currently offers its over 300 members and volunteers an array of educational and recreational programs (e.g., talks, affinity groups, social events and outings); services (including transportation, home repairs, IT support, companionship, accompaniment to medical appointments), and opportunities to use their personal knowledge and skills to help their neighbors-- as drivers, companions, volunteer staff and co-chairs/members of committees (e.g., Board of Directors, Program, Welcoming, Marketing & Communications, Finance, Fundraising). In FY2019, volunteers provided nearly 1200 services to PV members. Our most recent survey responses indicate that 82% of volunteers found their work highly meaningful and 79% of those who received services believed their quality of life was greatly improved.

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