scholarly journals Older Vietnamese Have the Highest Prevalence of Disability Compared to White and Other Asian Groups

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 548-548
Author(s):  
Hoang Nguyen ◽  
Christina Miyawaki ◽  
Kyriakos Markides

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of older adults with pre-existing health conditions and disabilities. A 2011 study reported that Asian older adults had lower prevalence of disability compared to non-Hispanic white. We revisited the estimate a decade later using the recently released 2015-2019 Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) from the American Community Survey (ACS). We estimated the prevalence of six types of disability in adults aged 60 years and older who self-identified as Vietnamese, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Asian Indian, or non-Hispanic White. We also compared the risk for each disability type between Vietnamese and non-Hispanic White (reference group) using the adjusted (age, sex, marital status, education and poverty level) odds ratios. All analyses used survey weights for point estimate and the jackknife method for standard error. Significantly higher prevalence of limitations in independent living, self-care, cognitive function, and blindness were reported by Vietnamese than by non-Hispanic White. Vietnamese also had the highest prevalence in all six types of disability of the Asian groups examined. The adjusted odds ratio of limitations in independent living, self-care, and cognitive function was significantly higher for Vietnamese than non-Hispanic White. These findings suggest a possible negative outcome trend with the aging of the Vietnamese population. We discuss the historical accounts of Vietnamese in the United States as war refugees and family reunion migrants, provide possible explanations for these new findings including changing demographic structures, and make recommendations for policy and practice that incorporate existing social and cultural resources in the Vietnamese community.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Gao ◽  
Pengfei Dai ◽  
Yuqian Wang ◽  
Yurong Zhang

Abstract Background: Walking impairment, a common health problem among older adults, has been linked to poor vision and mental health. This study aimed to investigate the associations of walking impairment with visual impairment, depression, and cognitive function in older adults. Methods: A total of 1,489 adults aged 60 years and older who had participated in the National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2014 in the United States were included. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the associations of walking impairment with visual impairment, depression, and four subdomains of cognitive function. Sample weights were used to ensure the generalizability of the results.Results: Among all the participants (median age=68 years; 53.7% women), 17.5% reported walking impairment. Walking impairment was significantly associated with visual impairment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] =2.76; 95% CI: 1.47-5.20) and depression (aOR=4.66; 95% CI: 3.11-6.99). Walking impairment was only associated with the Digit Symbol Substitution (DSST) subdomain of cognitive function in total participants (aOR=0.97; 95% CI: 0.95-0.99), and in non-Hispanic white adults (aOR=0.96; 95% CI: 0.94-0.98). Participants with more than 1 impairment indicators had higher OR of walking impairment (aOR = 3.64, 95% CI =2.46-5.38) than those with 0-1 (reference group) impairment indicator.Conclusions: Walking impairment was associated with visual impairment, depression, and cognitive impairment in the American older adults and also positively associated with the number of impairment indicators. The association between walking impairment and cognitive impairment varied according to race. Evaluations of vision, cognition, and depression should be conducted among the elderly with walking impairment, and that needs of the older adults with biological aspect of their particular race should be provided in the evaluations.


2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haesang Jeon ◽  
James Lubben

Objectives: The current cross-cultural study examines the pathways underlying different formations of social networks and social support systems, which affect depression symptoms among older Korean immigrants and non-Hispanic Whites in the United States.Method: Data for this study came from a panel survey of 223 older Korean American immigrants and 201 non-Hispanic White older adults 65 years of age and older living in Los Angeles. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to test the proposed conceptual model designed to explain the direct and indirect relationships between social networks and social support on depression symptoms.Results: Empirical evidence from this study indicated different effect of one’s social networks and social support on depression by race/ethnicity.Discussion: The work discussed in this article pointed to the need to recognize the role of culture in assessing the relationships between social networks, social support, and health among older adults.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S597-S597
Author(s):  
Kimberly D Shea ◽  
Kimberly D Shea

Abstract In 10 years, the United States will experience a “dependency” ratio of one working age adult (20-64 years old) to one non-working person (> 65 or 85 years old will comprise 19 million of the non-working people (US Census Bureau, 2008). Busy working adults will have to be vigilant to determine when to make life-changing decisions about health and safety issues for people that depend on them. Older adults have gradual and cumulative physical and/or psychological aging changes or can experience significant events. Knowing when to make a life-changing decision, such as when to intervene with independent living due to safety risks, is difficult even when situations have constant vigilance. Eventually, older adults experience a seemingly abrupt, sudden and absolute point where a life changing decision must be made. This is the Tipping Point. Health data, derived from unobtrusive wearable sensors, are algorithmically synthesized to provide critical information on impending concerns via an electronic portal will help the busy working adult to predict and prevent the Tipping Point. This application of precision health care results in targeted and personalized education thus avoiding a potentially catastrophic Tipping Point. This symposium provides insight into five aspects of the Tipping Point: 1) significance of identification, 2) theoretical foundation for environmental and cultural sensitivity, 3) feasibility outcomes from a Mexican American population, 4) methodology for synthesizing quantitative metrics from multivariate streams of data, 5) creation of a culturally sensitive electronic portal to display predictive information and education about consequences


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S650-S650
Author(s):  
Keqing Zhang ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Yanyan Wu

Abstract Improvements in health and increase in life expectancy have contributed to the increasing proportion of older population over the past century. It is estimated that by 2050, the number of older adults with cognitive impairments in the United States will increase by 2.5-4 fold, while age-specific rates remain constant. This paper uses data from 10 waves (1996-2014) of the Health and Retirement Study (N= 33213) to crystalize the trends in cognitive function changes and cognitive impairment rates in a nationally representative sample of older adults. OLS and logistic regressions are used to estimate the trends and determine the contribution of sociodemographic variables to decreasing trends in the prevalence of cognitive impairment over time. Results show that with the increase of age, the cognitive function of older adults decline in all races, after adjustment for age, gender, education, and other sociodemographic factors. Also, the annual decline rate of cognitive function is larger for African Americans and Hispanic Americans, while smaller for white and other races. A further investigation of the possibility of cognitive impairment reveals a different scenario: as individual ages, the Hispanic are the least likely to suffer from cognitive impairment, followed by the white, other and black. Improvements in educational level contribute to declines in cognitive impairment across all races, particular the Hispanic Americans. Race-specific findings suggest that future research need to take into account the racial diversity and possibly cultural influences when examining the cognitive functions of older adults.


2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. 85-86
Author(s):  
M. Alejandra Grullon ◽  
Valeriya Tsygankova ◽  
Bobbi Woolwine ◽  
Amanda Tan ◽  
Adriana P. Hermida

IntroductionThroughout the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults have been disproportionately impacted by both illness and fatalities. Of the nearly 39 million adults over age 65 in the United States, approximately 2.4 million older adults identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ). LGBTQ older adults face unique challenges due to their intersecting identities and histories, including the effects of heterosexism, ageism, and being more likely to live alone, be single, and not have children. As we implement social distancing as a primary COVID-19 prevention method, older adults have faced increased isolation.MethodsWe presented a case of a lesbian older adult patient who has experienced increased depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. A table will be added featuring culturally competent recommendations for LGBTQ older adults from a literature review.ResultsA 77-year-old female with history of major depression, attention deficit disorder, hypertension, xerostomia, and polymyalgia rheumatica. The patient has been on multiple trials of medications for depression as well as ECT treatments. She was initially engaged to a man and after some years fell in love with a woman. The patient is currently single and has no children. She typically has a strong support system with her lifelong friend and attends church. She transitioned from independent living to an adult living facility, with the hope of increased social activity and connectedness. However, due to COVID-19, she experienced her move as extremely difficult, and was disappointed that all social activities were canceled. For a period of several months, she was unable to visit her chosen family, was limited to attending church via Zoom, and was restricted from multiple areas of the complex. As a result, she reported increased depression, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping with passive suicidal ideation due to isolation and no direct family support.ConclusionOlder LGBTQ populations are at disproportionately higher risk for mental health conditions and with the current social distancing measures in place, social isolation and loneliness has been exacerbated.Connection with accepting family and community are well documented in the literature as key protective factors and sources of resiliency in LGBTQ populations. Culturally competent care is integral to psychiatric treatment of older LGBTQ adults.Note:This abstract was presented at the American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry 2021 Annual Meeting.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark É Czeisler ◽  
Alexandra Drane ◽  
Sarah S Winnay ◽  
Emily R Capodilupo ◽  
Charles A Czeisler ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of unpaid caregiving during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and to identify factors associated with adverse mental health symptoms, substance use, and suicidal ideation in this population, which provides critical support in health care systems by providing care to older adults and those with chronic conditions.MethodsIn June 2020, Internet-based surveys with questions about demographics, caregiving responsibilities, and mental health were administered to US adults aged ≥18 years. Demographic quota sampling and survey weighting to improve cross-sectional sample representativeness of age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Prevalence ratios for adverse mental health symptoms were estimated using multivariable Poisson regressions.ResultsOf 9,896 eligible invited adults, 5,412 (54.7%) completed surveys; 5,011 (92.6%) respondents met screening criteria and were analysed, including 1,362 (27.2%) caregivers. Caregivers had higher prevalences of adverse mental health symptoms than non-caregivers, including anxiety or depressive disorder symptoms (57.6% vs 21.5%, respectively, p<0.0001) having recently seriously considered suicide (33.4% vs 3.7%, p<0.0001). Symptoms were more common among caregivers who were young vs older adults (e.g., aged 18–24 vs ≥65 years, aPR 2.75, 95% CI 1.95–3.88, p<0.0001), Hispanic or Latino vs non-Hispanic White (1.14, 1.04–1.25, p=0.0044), living with vs without disabilities (1.18, 1.10–1.26, p<0.0001), and with moderate and high vs low Caregiver Intensity Index scores (2.31, 1.65–3.23; 2.81, 2.00–3.94; both p<0.0001). Suicidal ideation was more prevalent among non-Hispanic Black vs non-Hispanic White caregivers (1.48, 1.15–1.90, p=0.0022).ConclusionsCaregivers, who accounted for one in four US adult respondents in this nationally representative sample, more commonly reported adverse mental health symptoms than non-caregivers. Increased visibility of and access to mental health care resources are urgently needed to address mental health challenges of caregiving.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 715-715
Author(s):  
Yuri Jang ◽  
Eunyoung Choi ◽  
Yujin Franco ◽  
Nan Sook Park ◽  
David Chiriboga ◽  
...  

Abstract The aims of the study were: (1) to investigate the relationship between cognitive performance and cognitive health appraisals across non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic older adults in the United States and (2) to explore within-group variations by examining interactions between cognitive performance and background and health variables. The sample (N = 3,099) included 2,260 non-Hispanic White, 498 non-Hispanic Black, and 341 Hispanic adults aged 65 or older, from the 2016–2017 Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol. Regression models of cognitive health appraisals, indicated by self-rated cognitive health, were examined in the entire sample and in racial and ethnic subgroups to test direct and interactive effects of cognitive performance, indicated by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The regression model for the entire sample showed direct effects of cognitive performance and race/ethnicity on cognitive health appraisals, as well as a significant interaction between cognitive performance and being non-Hispanic Black. Cognitive performance and cognitive health appraisals were positively associated in non-Hispanic Whites but not significantly associated in non-Hispanic Blacks. Our subsequent analysis within each racial/ethnic group showed that the effect of cognitive performance in non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics became either reversed or nonsignificant when background and health variables were considered. Modification by age or chronic medical conditions in each racial and ethnic group was also observed. Overall, these findings suggest that perceptions and appraisals of cognitive health vary by race and ethnicity and hold implications for how these differences should be considered in research and practice with diverse groups of older adults.


Author(s):  
Sue Anne Bell ◽  
Dianne Singer ◽  
Erica Solway ◽  
Mattias Kirch ◽  
Jeffrey Kullgren ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objectives: Emergency preparedness becomes more important with increased age, as older adults are at heightened risk for harm from disasters. In this study, predictors of preparedness actions and confidence in preparedness among older adults in the United States were assessed. Methods: This nationally representative survey polled community-dwelling older adults ages 50-80 y (n = 2256) about emergency preparedness and confidence in addressing different types of emergencies. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of reported emergency preparedness actions and confidence in addressing emergencies. Results: Participants’ mean age was 62.4 y (SD = 8); 52% were female, and 71% were non-Hispanic white. Living alone was associated with lower odds of having a 7-d supply of food and water (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56-0.96), a stocked emergency kit (aOR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.47-0.86), and having had conversations with family or friends about evacuation plans (aOR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.44-0.78). Use of equipment requiring electricity was associated with less confidence in addressing a power outage lasting more than 24 h (aOR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.47-0.94), as was use of mobility aids (OR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.45-0.93). Conclusions: These results point to the need for tailored interventions to support emergency preparedness for older adults, particularly among those who live alone and use medical equipment requiring electricity.


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