What Determines Vulnerability to Neighborhood Walkability in Older Adults?

Abstract Environmental influences are recognized as important predictors of walking behaviors in older adults. However, individuals may differ in vulnerability to low environmental walkability. We determined associations of a walkability index (factor analysis of 16 variables; range -1.65 to 2.23) from audits of online images with self-reported walking behaviors in 406 adults mean age=82 (44% male, 39% Black). Effect modification by 12 variables representing sociodemographics, physical and mental health, and neighborhood characteristics was tested in general linear models. Effect modification was evident for knee pain, marital status, and neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES) (all p-interaction<0.05); associations were present only in those with knee pain, those who were unmarried, and those in the highest race-specific tertile of nSES. For example, a 1 point higher walkability score was associated with 1.06 (CI: 0.78, 1.44) higher odds of walking in those without knee pain compared to 1.91 (CI: 1.25, 2.90) in those with knee pain.

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Neighborhood Walkability and Physical and Mental Health among Older Adults Living in a Deprived Community

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.2355 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 620-621

Author(s):

Rie Suzuki ◽

Jennifer Blackwood ◽

Shailee Shah ◽

Noah Webster

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Physical Health ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Assistive Device ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Neighborhood Walkability ◽

Walking Programs

Abstract Background Identifying the factors to improve the quality of life (QOL) is vital to decrease morbidity and mortality rates among older adults. Although unfavorable neighborhood features have a significant negative impact on QOL, few studies have investigated these relationships in a deprived community. The purpose of the study was to understand how neighborhood walkability is associated with QOL using the SF-36 among urban-dwelling older adults. Methods This is a cross-sectional survey. Participants were recruited in 2018 and 2019 at regional health clinics in Flint, MI. To be eligible, participants had to be over 65 years old and Flint residents. Results Of the 132 participants, the majority were female (66%), African American (77%), single, divorced, or widowed (75%), and educated below GED level (84%). After adjusting for gender, assistive device use, medication, and the Supplemental Security Income receipt, multiple regression analysis revealed that those with better perceptions of land-mixed use and accessibility within their neighborhood were more likely to have better physical health (β = .36, p<.05). However, the perceptions of greater pedestrian safety were associated with the poor physical and mental health (PCS; β = -0.19, p <.05; MCS; β = -0.25, p < .05). Perceptions of the presence of walking hazards and crime were not significantly associated with QOL. Discussion Findings suggest that neighborhood walkability characteristics are associated with physical health. The development of walking programs with accessible neighborhoods will be urgent to improve the health-related QOL for older adults living in a targeted community.

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Physical Inactivity in Older Adult Couples: A Dyadic Analysis Using Continuous In-Home Monitoring

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1327 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 412-412

Author(s):

Chao-Yi Wu ◽

Lyndsey Miller ◽

Rachel Wall ◽

Zachary Beattie ◽

Jeffrey Kaye ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Older Adult ◽

Physical Inactivity ◽

Home Monitoring ◽

Health Determinants ◽

Dyadic Analysis ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Positive Health ◽

Aging Research

Abstract Many older adults remain inactive despite the known positive health implications of physical activity (e.g. improved mood, reduced mortality risk). Physical inactivity is a known interdependent phenomenon in couples, but the majority of research identifies determinants of physical inactivity at the individual level. We estimated the average amount of physical inactivity for older adult couples and, using dyadic analysis, identified physical and mental health determinants thereof. Forty-eight heterosexual older adult couples (mean age=70.6, SD=6.63) from the Veterans Integrated Service Network 20 cohort of the Collaborative Aging Research using Technology (CART) initiative were included in this study. Both dyad members wore actigraph devices for a month. The average number per day of inactive periods (defined as no movement or sleep activity for ≥ 30 minutes) was estimated. Multilevel modeling revealed that, within couples, there was no difference between partners in the average number of inactive periods, but on average across couples, males had more inactive periods per day (13.4, SD=4.43) than females (12.3, SD=4.87). For males, older age was the only variable associated with more inactive periods (β=0.13, p=.013). For females, more depressive symptoms in men were associated with fewer inactive periods (β=-0.37, p=.002), and more dependence in completing their own IADLs predicted more inactive periods (β=2.80, p<.001). All models were adjusted for covariates. Viewing couples’ activity as a unit, rather than as separate individuals, provides a novel approach to identifying pathways to reduce inactivity in older adults, especially when focusing on mental health issues and decreased independence within the couple.

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The Sense of Smell and Aging: What We Have Learned From Population Studies

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2947 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 810-811

Author(s):

Jayant Pinto

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Life ◽

Large Scale ◽

Population Studies ◽

Vital Role ◽

Sensory Function ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Sense Of Smell ◽

Health Aging

Abstract Decline of the sense of smell with age causes a marked impact on older adults, markedly reducing quality of life. Olfactory dysfunction impairs nutrition, decreases the ability to experience pleasure, and results in depression, among other burdens. Large-scale population studies have identified impaired olfaction as a key heath indicator that predicts the development of decreased physical and mental health, reduced physical activity, weight loss, mild cognitive impairment and dementia, and mortality itself. These data have been generated via analyses of data from several aging cohorts, including the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP); the Beaver Dam cohort; the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities project; the Rush Memory and Aging Project; the Health, Aging, and Body Composition project; the Washington Heights/Inwood Columbia Aging Project; among others. In this presentation, we will review the close connection between olfaction, health, aging, including discussion of insights from these studies. We will also discuss emerging data from NSHAP on the effects of sensory function on cognition, mental health, and social interaction, which demonstrate that sensory function plays a vital role in the lives of older adults. Part of a symposium sponsored by Sensory Health Interest Group.

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Cognition, Health, and Social Support of Formerly Homeless Older Adults in Permanent Supportive Housing

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz049 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Anita M Souza ◽

Jenny Hsin-Chin Tsai ◽

Kenneth C Pike ◽

Francesca Martin ◽

Susan M McCurry

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Global Mental Health ◽

Case Managers ◽

Supportive Housing ◽

Homeless Population ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Permanent Supportive Housing ◽

Formerly Homeless

Abstract Background and Objectives Formerly homeless older adults residing in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) represent an invisible subsector of two distinct, yet related populations: the homeless population and the elderly population. Little research is focused on the complex health concerns facing this aging population within the homelessness response system. Of particular concern is the identification and support of individuals with cognitive impairment and co-occurring chronic conditions. We collaborated with a leading housing services provider to develop a systematic screening system for case managers to capture the cognitive, physical, and psychosocial health of older adults served within homeless housing programs. Research Design and Methods PSH residents aged ≥50 years in four sites screened as being without cognitive impairment on the Mini-Cog were enrolled. A brief demographic survey and selected PROMIS measures were used to characterize participants’ demographics, cognition, global physical and mental health, physical functioning, self-efficacy for social interactions, and instrumental support. PSH case managers were trained to recruit participants and collect data. PROMIS scales were scored using the Health Measures Scoring Service. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and one sample t-tests were performed. Results Fifty-three residents (mean age = 60.8 years, range 50–76 years) participated. The majority self-identified as male and were military veterans; 60% reported having a history of two or more episodes of homelessness. All PROMIS scores were significantly (p < .05) lower than reference U.S. population means, with global mental health and cognition having the lowest scores. Discussion and Implications Self-reported cognitive functioning and global mental health were residents’ greatest concerns. Strengthening housing case manager capacity to assess residents’ cognitive and health status could increase support for older adults in PSH. It is feasible to train PSH staff to conduct structured interviews to identify resident cognitive and health needs to help support this “invisible” population to successfully age in place.

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Factors affecting the physical and mental health of older adults in China: The importance of marital status, child proximity, and gender

SSM - Population Health ◽

10.1016/j.ssmph.2016.11.005 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 3 ◽

pp. 20-36 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Lindy Williams ◽

Renling Zhang ◽

Kevin C. Packard

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Marital Status ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

And Gender

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The Physical and Mental Health of Women Caregivers of Older Adults

Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services ◽

10.3928/0279-3695-19940301-12 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 32 (3) ◽

pp. 41-42

Author(s):

May L Wykle

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Women Caregivers ◽

Physical And Mental Health

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Religiosity and Adaptation in the Oldest-Old

The International Journal of Aging and Human Development ◽

10.2190/n058-y7x6-ylgj-xbge ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 34 (1) ◽

pp. 47-56 ◽

Cited By ~ 35

Author(s):

Bradley C. Courtenay ◽

Leonard W. Poon ◽

Peter Martin ◽

Gloria M. Clayton ◽

Mary Ann Johnson

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

Religious Coping ◽

Significant Relationship ◽

Oldest Old ◽

Coping Mechanisms ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

And Coping ◽

The Relationship

Previous research has yielded mixed results with respect to the relationship between religiosity and adaptation in older adults. Most studies show that religiosity is stable over the life span, but that religiosity may or may not be related to such factors as physical and mental health, life satisfaction, and coping. This study adds to earlier investigations by including centenarians among the sample. The preliminary results of this research project support earlier findings that religiosity does not change significantly as one ages, although there is a trend in the results that suggests otherwise. The results also indicate a significant relationship between religiosity and physical health but no significant relationship between religiosity and mental health and life satisfaction. Religiosity and coping are strongly related, and there is the suggestion that religious coping mechanisms might be more important in the oldest-old.

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Loneliness and aging in China–a public health problem in need of solutions

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s104161021400177x ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 26 (11) ◽

pp. 1771-1772 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Shulin Chen ◽

Yeates Conwell ◽

Helen Fung Kum Chiu

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Relationships ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Research Attention ◽

Her Family ◽

The Individual

Loneliness is a common, distressing feeling that results when one perceives his/her social relationships and supports as inadequate. Social connectedness refers to the relationships between the individual and his or her family, friends, community, and other supports. Neither loneliness nor social connectedness has received enough research attention, in particular with regard to older adults’ physical and mental health.

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