scholarly journals COVID-19 and Psychosocial Changes: Results From the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS)

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 566-566
Author(s):  
Laura Samuel ◽  
Anthony Ong
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Sampling Weights ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
The Us ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Improve Health

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic likely altered many aspects of daily life for older adults, including social connectedness, technology use, financial resources and hopefulness. This symposium examines these exposures and changes during the COVID-19 pandemic and tests their associations with health and related factors. Analyses are all conducted among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults aged ≥65 years who participated in the NHATS COVID-19 supplement, which was a mail-in survey with participant and proxy respondents conducted between June and October of 2020. Additional NHATS participant data collected between 2011 and 2019 was used to account for individual characteristics before COVID-19, including demographic, socioeconomic and relevant health characteristics. Sampling weights were applied to analyses to account for study design and non-response so that inferences can be drawn to the US population of adults aged ≥65 years. This symposium will present results from five COVID-19 pandemic focused studies that examine the associations between 1) financial changes and health, 2) loneliness and behavioral changes, 3) hopefulness with function, sleep and loneliness, 4) technology use and mental health, and 5) predictors of technology use. These results offer insights into the mechanisms that influence health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results have clinical, policy and public health implications because they can inform the development of interventions, programs and policies with potential to improve health and health care and advance health equity for older adults.

scholarly journals Digitalization and the Social Lives of Older Adults: Protocol for a Microlongitudinal Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Birthe Macdonald ◽  
Gizem Hülür
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Daily Lives

BACKGROUND Digital technologies are increasingly pervading our daily lives. Although older adults started using digital technologies later than other age groups, they are increasingly adopting these technologies, especially with the goal of communicating with others. However, less is known about how online social activities are embedded in older adults’ daily lives, how they complement other (offline) social activities, and how they contribute to social connectedness and well-being. OBJECTIVE Data generated by this project will allow us to understand how older adults use digital communication in their daily lives to communicate with others, how this relates to well-being and social connectedness, and how communication using digital technologies differs from other types of communication depending on situational and individual characteristics. METHODS Microlongitudinal data were collected from 120 older adults from German-speaking regions of Switzerland to examine these questions. Data collection took place from April 2019 to October 2019. Data collection took place over different time scales, including event-based (reporting all social interactions for 21 days), daily (well-being, loneliness, and technology use every evening for 21 days), hourly (cortisol assessments 6 times per day for 3 days), and baseline (relevant interindividual characteristics, including sociodemographics, health, technology use, personality, and cognitive performance) assessments. RESULTS Data collection for this study was completed in November 2019. Participants reported an average of 96.35 interactions across the 21 days. Among the total 11,453 interactions, 5494 (47.97%) were face-to-face, and around 16% each were interactions by phone (1858, 16.16%), email (1858, 16.22%), and text message (1853, 16.18%). Otherwise, 246 (2.15%) of the interactions took place on social media, 96 (0.84)% were letters, and 54 (0.47%) of the interactions took place on videochat. CONCLUSIONS Participants used a variety of modalities in their daily communication, including digital means such as text messages, email, and video calls. Further analysis will provide more detail as to the role that communication via digital media plays in older adults’ daily lives. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR1-10.2196/20306

scholarly journals Digitalization and the Social Lives of Older Adults: Protocol for a Microlongitudinal Study

10.2196/20306 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. e20306
Author(s):  
Birthe Macdonald ◽  
Gizem Hülür
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Daily Lives

Background Digital technologies are increasingly pervading our daily lives. Although older adults started using digital technologies later than other age groups, they are increasingly adopting these technologies, especially with the goal of communicating with others. However, less is known about how online social activities are embedded in older adults’ daily lives, how they complement other (offline) social activities, and how they contribute to social connectedness and well-being. Objective Data generated by this project will allow us to understand how older adults use digital communication in their daily lives to communicate with others, how this relates to well-being and social connectedness, and how communication using digital technologies differs from other types of communication depending on situational and individual characteristics. Methods Microlongitudinal data were collected from 120 older adults from German-speaking regions of Switzerland to examine these questions. Data collection took place from April 2019 to October 2019. Data collection took place over different time scales, including event-based (reporting all social interactions for 21 days), daily (well-being, loneliness, and technology use every evening for 21 days), hourly (cortisol assessments 6 times per day for 3 days), and baseline (relevant interindividual characteristics, including sociodemographics, health, technology use, personality, and cognitive performance) assessments. Results Data collection for this study was completed in November 2019. Participants reported an average of 96.35 interactions across the 21 days. Among the total 11,453 interactions, 5494 (47.97%) were face-to-face, and around 16% each were interactions by phone (1858, 16.16%), email (1858, 16.22%), and text message (1853, 16.18%). Otherwise, 246 (2.15%) of the interactions took place on social media, 96 (0.84)% were letters, and 54 (0.47%) of the interactions took place on videochat. Conclusions Participants used a variety of modalities in their daily communication, including digital means such as text messages, email, and video calls. Further analysis will provide more detail as to the role that communication via digital media plays in older adults’ daily lives. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR1-10.2196/20306

scholarly journals THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY: EXAMINING OUTCOMES OF TECHNOLOGY USE AMONG OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S194-S194
Author(s):  
Shelia Cotten ◽  
Shelia R Cotten ◽  
Travis Kadylak
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Negative Outcomes ◽  
Mobile Phone Use ◽  
Ict Use ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Nationally Representative

Abstract Older adults are increasingly using information and communication technologies (ICTs) to communicate with social ties, gather information to make decisions, and for entertainment purposes. Research is increasingly showing that using ICTs has a range of potential benefits for older adults. However, less research examines the potential negative outcomes of ICT use for older adults. Data from a nationally representative sample of older adults in the United States is used to examine positive and negative outcomes of ICT use. Traditional well-being and social connection outcomes are examined as well as new stressors associated with mobile phone use. Our findings suggest that ICT use has varying effects on older adults, depending upon the type, level, and purposes of use. Implications are discussed for entities seeking to encourage ICT use to enhance health and quality of life among older adults.

scholarly journals Correlates of tobacco product initiation among youth and adults in the USA: findings from the PATH Study Waves 1–3 (2013–2016)

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (Suppl 3) ◽  
pp. s191-s202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin A Kasza ◽  
Kathryn C Edwards ◽  
Zhiqun Tang ◽  
Cassandra A Stanton ◽  
Eva Sharma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Tobacco Product ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Product Use ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Tobacco Initiation

ObjectiveTo report on demographic and tobacco product use correlates of tobacco product initiation (cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), cigars, hookah and smokeless tobacco) among the US population.DesignData were from the first three waves (2013–2016) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study, a nationally representative, longitudinal cohort study of US youth (aged 12–17 years) and adults (aged 18+ years). Never users of at least one type of tobacco product at Wave 1 (W1, 2013/14) or Wave 2 (W2, 2014/15) were included (n=12 987 youth; n=25 116 adults). Generalised estimating equations were used to evaluate the association between demographic and tobacco product use characteristics at baseline, and tobacco product initiation at follow-up (ever, past 30 day (P30D), frequent (use on 20 or more of thepast 30 days)) over two 1-year periods (W1–W2 and W2–Wave 3).ResultsYouth aged 15–17 years were more likely than youth aged 12–14 years and adults aged 18–24 years were more likely than older adults to initiate P30D tobacco use across products; non-heterosexuals were more likely than heterosexuals to initiate P30D cigarette and ENDS use. Older adults were more likely than young adults, and males were more likely than females, to be frequent users of ENDS on initiation. Ever use of another tobacco product predicted P30D initiation of each tobacco product.DiscussionOther tobacco product use and age predict P30D tobacco initiation across products whereas associations with other demographic characteristics vary by product. Continued contemporary evaluation of initiation rates within the changing tobacco product marketplace is important.

scholarly journals Impact of Social Media on Health-Related Outcomes Among Older Adults in Singapore: Qualitative Study

JMIR Aging ◽  
10.2196/23826 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e23826
Author(s):  
Madeline Han ◽  
Xin Yi Tan ◽  
Rachael Lee ◽  
Jeong Kyu Lee ◽  
Rathi Mahendran
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Interpretative Approach ◽  
Improve Health

Background The worldwide spread of digitalization has led to the harnessing of technology to improve health outcomes. Paying attention to older adults’ social needs via social media is one way to promote healthy aging. Although 56% of older adults are smartphone users, little is known about their use patterns of social media. Objective This exploratory study aims to determine the experiences of social media apps’ use among older adults in Singapore and understand their perceptions of its impact on health-related outcomes. Methods This study used a qualitative research design with an interpretative approach. Using maximum variation purposive sampling, normal aging older adults (N=16) who were aged between 60 and 80 years and experienced in the use of internet-enabled technology were recruited from an existing community study. Semistructured, in-depth interviews were conducted. Employing a thematic analysis, interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed for codes inductively. Results The following themes and subthemes were identified as key moderators of older adults’ experiences on social media apps: (1) personal attitudes: participants were encouraged to use social media due to the increased accessibility, which enabled the ease of contact, but perceptions that the quality of interactions was compromised and its associated risks reduced their use; and (2) social influences: the desire to bond with co-users and the availability of support increased use. In addition, use of social media apps was perceived to positively impact health through its ability to keep older adults cognitively engaged, improve health communication, and increase social connectedness. However, opinions remained mixed on older adults’ vulnerability to social media addiction. Conclusions Personal and social contexts determine older adults’ social media use. This study’s findings provide practical insights into how social media can be deployed to improve health-related outcomes in older adults.

scholarly journals Internet use and cognitive engagement in older adulthood

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ted Schwaba ◽  
Wiebke Bleidorn
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Personality Development ◽  
Cognitive Engagement ◽  
Need For Cognition ◽  
Online Media ◽  
Older Adulthood ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Development And Aging

Internet use is increasingly ubiquitous among older adults and may buffer against declines in cognitive engagement. We examined longitudinal associations between three types of internet use (media, social, and instrumental) and two indicators of cognitive engagement (Openness to Experience and Need for Cognition) in a nationally representative sample of Dutch older adults (N=2,922 aged 65+) assessed annually from 2008-2017. Pre-registered analyses indicated that older adults who were more cognitively engaged used the internet more frequently, especially for instrumental purposes like search and email. Those who increased in their use of online media declined less in Need for Cognition than their peers. These associations remained constant over time even as internet use became more common. We benchmarked our findings against null associations between cognitive engagement and TV/radio use and tested associations in younger comparison samples. Findings bolster our understanding of the role that technology use plays in personality development and aging.

scholarly journals Increasing Rates of Opioid Misuse Among Older Adults Visiting Emergency Departments

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary W Carter ◽  
Bo Kyum Yang ◽  
Marsha Davenport ◽  
Allison Kabel
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Opioid Misuse ◽  
Sampling Weights ◽  
Policy Responses ◽  
Diagnostic Codes ◽  
Multivariate Procedures ◽  
Ed Visits ◽  
Nationally Representative

Abstract Objective This study sought to investigate factors associated with opioid misuse-related emergency department (ED) visits among older adults and changes in outcomes associated with these visits, using multiple years of nationally representative data. Methods A retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample was conducted. Study inclusion was limited to adults aged 65 years and older. Diagnostic codes were used to identify opioid misuse disorder; sampling weights were used to adjust standard estimates of the errors. Descriptive and multivariate procedures were used to describe risk and visit outcomes. Results ED visits by older adults with opioid misuse identified in the ED increased sharply from 2006 to 2014, representing a nearly 220% increase over the study period. Opioid misuse was associated with an increased number of chronic conditions, greater injury risk, and higher rates of alcohol dependence and mental health diagnoses. Conclusion The steep increase in opioid misuse observed among older adult ED visits underscores the critical need for additional research to better understand the national scope and impact of opioid misuse on older adults, as well as to better inform policy responses to meet the needs of this particular age group.

scholarly journals Educational Attainment and Self-Rated Oral Health among American Older Adults: Hispanics’ Diminished Returns

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shervin Assari ◽  
Mohsen Bazargan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
University Of Michigan ◽  
Single Item ◽  
National Poll ◽  
The Us ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The University

Background: Minorities’ diminished returns (MDRs) refer to systemically weaker effects of socioeconomic status (SES), particularly educational attainment, on the health of non-Whites compared to Whites. Aim: Using a nationally representative sample, we aimed to investigate ethnic differences in the effect of SES (educational attainment) on the self-rated oral health of Hispanic older adults in the US. Methods: This study analyzed the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging (UM-NPHA) 2017 data, which included 2131 older adults who were 50 to 80 years old (202 Hispanics and 1929 non-Hispanics). Ethnicity, race, educational attainment (SES), age, gender, employment, retirement, and self-rated oral health (single item) were measured. Logistic regressions were applied for data analysis. Results: High educational attainment was associated with lower odds of poor oral health in the pooled sample, net of all covariates. The effect of educational attainment on poor self-rated oral health was found to be weaker for Hispanics than for non-Hispanics. Conclusion: We observed MDRs of educational attainment (SES) on oral health for Hispanic older adults. In other words, compared to non-Hispanics, Hispanics gain less oral health from their educational attainment (SES).

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