scholarly journals Health and Working Beyond Retirement Age: Exploring Racial and Gender Intersectionality

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 570-570
Author(s):  
Ronica Rooks ◽  
Allison Leanage

Abstract Little longitudinal research exists on health and working among older racial and ethnic minority adults. Following previous cross-sectional research, we examine the Health, Aging, and Body Composition (HABC) study comparing working vs. not working overtime among older adults. We hypothesize: 1) Black vs. White adults are more likely to work; 2) Black vs. White differences in working are greater among women than men; and 3) Working relates to fewer prevalent health problems than not working. We used gender-stratified descriptive statistics and generalized mixed-effects logistic regression with covariate adjustments to analyze the HABC cohort study, with community-dwelling, well-functioning Black (42%) and White older adults aged 70-79 in year 1 (n=3,069) to year 6 (n=2,091). We found support for all three hypotheses. Black vs. White adults were more likely to work overtime. Women were less likely to work overtime compared to men. White women were less likely to keep working compared to men and Black women. Lastly, older adults with fewer chronic conditions were more likely to continue working. Our study finds racial and gender differences among older adults working overtime. Intersectionality plays a role in older adults’ health and work disparities, leading us to explore the needs and/or benefits of working past retirement in specific groups. Our policy implication is for society to pro-actively invest in older adults’ health and productive activities, which may act as social determinants of health solutions to reduce disparities and growing social safety net program costs.

Author(s):  
Mary R. Rooney ◽  
Elsayed Z. Soliman ◽  
Pamela L. Lutsey ◽  
Faye L. Norby ◽  
Laura R. Loehr ◽  
...  

Background: The prevalence of subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF) in the elderly general population is unclear. We sought to define the prevalence of subclinical AF in a community-based elderly population and to characterize subclinical AF and the incremental diagnostic yield of 4 versus 2 weeks of continuous ECG monitoring. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis within the community-based multicenter observational ARIC study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) using visit 6 (2016–2017) data. The 2616 ARIC study participants who wore a leadless, ambulatory ECG monitor (Zio XT Patch) for up to 2 weeks were aged 79±5 years, 42% men, and 26% black. In a subset, 386 participants without clinically recognized AF wore the monitor twice, each time for up to 2 weeks. We characterized the prevalence of subclinical AF (ie, AF detected on the Zio XT Patch without clinically recognized AF) over 2 weeks of monitoring and the diagnostic yield of 4 versus 2 weeks of monitoring. Results: The prevalence of subclinical AF was 2.5%; the prevalence of subclinical AF was 3.3% among white men, 2.5% among white women, 2.1% among black men, and 1.6% among black women. Subclinical AF was mostly intermittent (75%). Among those with intermittent subclinical AF, 91% had AF burden ≤10% during the monitoring period. In a subset of 386 participants without clinical AF, 78% more subclinical AF was detected by 4 weeks versus 2 weeks of ECG monitoring. Conclusions: In our study, the prevalence of subclinical AF was lower than previously reported and monitoring beyond 2 weeks provided substantial incremental diagnostic yield. Future studies should focus on individuals with higher risk to increase diagnostic yield and consider continuous monitoring duration longer than 2 weeks.


2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-91
Author(s):  
Randi L. Sims ◽  
Ravi Chinta

Purpose Using Vroom’s expectancy theory of motivation as a theoretical basis, this study aims to test the relationship between female entrepreneurial efficacy, entrepreneurial ambition and nascent entrepreneurial drive, accounting for the potential barriers of race and minority disadvantage. Design/methodology/approach The sample included 950 respondents comprising 213 Black women and 737 White women living in the state of Alabama, USA, who expressed an intention to starting their own business. Findings The results indicate that race and perceptions of minority disadvantage are perceived barriers in the mediated relationship between female entrepreneurial efficacy, entrepreneurial ambition and entrepreneurial drive. However, the findings suggest that, unlike race, minority disadvantage is not perceived as a significant factor in the mediated relationship between entrepreneurial confidence, entrepreneurial ambition and entrepreneurial drive. Research limitations/implications Limitations of this study include the lack of an experimental design and the use of cross-sectional data. Practical implications Results are discussed in terms of the context of the history of racial and gender discrimination within the state of Alabama, USA. Social implications The results show that the direct effects of minority disadvantage on entrepreneurial ambition are significantly higher for the Black women compared with the White women in our sample. Originality/value The results of this study show that the direct effects of minority disadvantage on entrepreneurial ambition are significantly higher for the Black women compared with the White women. For the subgroup of Black women, the greater the perception of minority disadvantage, the greater the entrepreneurial ambition reported.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S780-S780
Author(s):  
Chanee D Fabius ◽  
Lauren J Parker ◽  
Roland J Thorpe Jr.

Abstract Prior work has demonstrated that there are race and gender disparities in the prevalence of need for assistance with tasks such as self-care, mobility, and household activities. Research has historically shown that older black Americans and women experience greater prevalence of physical functioning declines. It is unclear whether these differences persist among those receiving assistance. Using data from the 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), a nationally representative study of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older, and after adjusting for covariates, black men received less assistance with self-care and mobility activities, and white and black women received more help with mobility and household activities, compared to white men. Findings are critical to advancing our understanding of the needs of vulnerable older adults receiving assistance. More research is needed to understand the implications of these differences on long-term services and supports provided by both informal and formal caregivers.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e054705
Author(s):  
Jia Qi Lee ◽  
Yew Yoong Ding ◽  
Aisyah Latib ◽  
Laura Tay ◽  
Yee Sien Ng

ObjectivesTo examine the association of intrinsic capacity (IC) with life-space mobility (LSM) among community-dwelling older adults and to determine whether age and gender modify this relationship.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingPublic housing blocks, senior activity centres and community centres in the Northeastern region of Singapore.Participants751 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥55 years old and able to ambulate independently with or without walking aid.Primary and secondary outcome measuresIC and LSM. Standardised IC factor scores were calculated through confirmatory factor analysis using variables representing the five IC domains cognition, locomotion, sensory, vitality and psychological. LSM was measured using the University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging Life-Space Assessment instrument. Association of IC with LSM and its effect modification by age and gender were examined with regression analyses.ResultsThe participants had a mean age of 67.6 and mean LSM score of 88.6. IC showed a positive and significant association with LSM (β=6.33; 95% CI=4.94 to 7.72) and the effect remained significant even after controlling for potential confounders (β=4.76; 95% CI=3.22 to 6.29), with p<0.001 for both. Age and gender did not demonstrate significant modification on this relationship.ConclusionsOur findings support the empirical rigour of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework, which suggests that IC influences the extent to which a person participates in the community. Our findings also provide guidance for healthcare providers who aim to enhance LSM and promote healthy ageing in older adults.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 364-364
Author(s):  
Jia Qi Lee ◽  
Yew Yoong Ding ◽  
Laura Tay ◽  
Aisyah Latib ◽  
Yee Sien Ng

Abstract Intrinsic capacity (IC), defined as ‘the composite of all physical and mental capacities of an individual’, is of increasing interest in geriatrics as a potential multidimensional measure of health in older adults. According to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework, IC, through its interactions with environmental factors, determines a person’s participation in the community. However, there is lack of empirical evidence demonstrating this association. The primary aim of this study was to examine the association of IC with Life Space Area (LSA; a measure of participation) among community-dwelling older adults. The secondary aim was to determine whether age and gender modify this relationship. Cross sectional analysis was performed on data from the Individual Physical Proficiency Test for Seniors (IPPT-S) study conducted in the Northeastern region of Singapore. Standardized IC factor scores were calculated through confirmatory factor analysis using variables that represented the 5 IC domains. Association of IC with LSA and its effect modification by age and gender were examined with regression analyses. The study included 751 participants with mean age of 67.6 and mean LSA score of 88.6. IC showed a positive and significant association with LSA (B=6.33, P&lt;0.001) and the effect remained significant even after controlling for potential confounders (B=4.76, P&lt;0.001). Age and gender did not show significant modification on this relationship. Our findings support the empirical rigour of the ICF framework and provide guidance for healthcare providers who aim to enhance life space mobility and promote healthy aging in older adults.


Author(s):  
Connie K. Porcaro ◽  
Clare Singer ◽  
Boris Djokic ◽  
Ali A. Danesh ◽  
Ruth Tappen ◽  
...  

Purpose Many aging individuals, even those who are healthy, report voice changes that can impact their ability to communicate as they once did. While this is commonly reported, most do not seek evaluation or management for this issue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and differences in voice disorders in older adults, along with the effect of fatigue on their social interactions. Method This is a cross-sectional investigation of a community-dwelling sample of individuals aged 60 years or older. Participants completed the Questionnaire on Vocal Performance, the Social Engagement Index subset “Engagement in Social or Leisure Activities,” and the Fatigue Severity Scale. Results Results indicated 32.5% of the 332 participants reported symptoms of voice problems with no difference found between male and female respondents. A slight increase in report of voice problems was noted with each year of age. Participants who self-reported voice problems indicated less interaction in social activities involving communication than those who did not. Finally, as severity of self-reported voice problems increased, an increase was reported by the same individuals for signs of fatigue. Conclusions Voice problems and resulting decreased social interaction are commonly experienced by older individuals. Voice symptoms in older adults have been found to benefit from evidence-based treatment strategies. It is critical to provide education to encourage older individuals to seek appropriate evaluation and management for voice issues through a speech-language pathologist or medical professional.


Author(s):  
Tran Dai Tri Han ◽  
Keiko Nakamura ◽  
Kaoruko Seino ◽  
Vo Nu Hong Duc ◽  
Thang Van Vo

This study examined the prevalence of cognitive impairment among older adults in central Vietnam and the roles of communication (with or without communication devices) in the association between cognitive impairment and hearing loss. This cross-sectional study was performed on 725 randomly selected community-dwelling older adults aged ≥60 years from Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam. Participants attended a face-to-face survey. Sociodemographic characteristics, social interaction with or without communication devices, health status and cognitive function using the Mini-Mental State Examination were reported. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to quantify the association between hearing loss and cognitive function by frequency of communication with and without devices. Mild and severe cognitive impairment had prevalence rates of 23.6% and 19.3%, respectively. Cognitive impairment was more prevalent among older adults with hearing-loss, vision loss and difficulties with instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). The association between hearing loss and cognitive impairment was not significant when older adults had frequent communication with others using devices. This study presented the relatively high prevalence of cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults in Vietnam. Frequent communication using devices attenuated the association between hearing loss and cognitive impairment.


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