scholarly journals Big and Mini: A Promising Program to Link Generations to Cope With Social Isolation

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 574-574
Author(s):  
Zhirui Chen ◽  
Ling Xu ◽  
Noelle Fields ◽  
Allen Zhou ◽  
Anthony Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Intergenerational Solidarity ◽  
Bivariate Correlation ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Intergenerational Connections

Abstract Introduction Social isolation disproportionately affected older adults prior to and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. To help older adults cope with social isolation, a new program “Big and Mini” was created in April 2020 to link young and older adults together (matched through a custom website developed for this program) and to help increase social connectivity through weekly phone calls. Using a survey with both closed and open questions, this study evaluated participant feedback three months after the program was launched. Methods 63 Bigs (age 50+) and 53 Minis (age 18+) completed the survey. Stress compared to before COVID-19, social isolation, life satisfaction, intergenerational solidarity, and satisfaction with the program were measured for both the Big and Mini participants. Descriptive, bivariate correlation, group comparison and conventional content analyses were conducted. Results Results showed that 38.1% of Bigs and 37.7% of Minis felt higher levels of stress than before COVID-19. Both Bigs and Minis had medium levels of social isolation. They also reported high levels of satisfaction with life, satisfaction with the program, and intergenerational solidarity. Content analysis suggested that the reasons to join or expectations of the program were curiosity, friendship, mutually beneficial intergenerational connections, and coping with loneliness. Both Bigs and Minis reported benefits from the learning and sharing opportunities that the program offered. Conclusions The Big and Mini program offers a promising approach with mutual benefits for both Bigs and Minis. Strategies to improve the program and implications for other phone-based intergenerational programs are presented.

Intergenerational Solidarity and Life Satisfaction among Empty-nest Older Adults in Rural China: Does Distance Matter?

2020 ◽  
pp. 0192513X2092621
Author(s):  
Mengting Li ◽  
Yaling Luo ◽  
Penghui Li
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Migrant Children ◽  
Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽  
Geographical Proximity ◽  
Intergenerational Solidarity ◽  
Contact Frequency

Intergenerational solidarity plays a significant role in older adults’ psychological well-being, but it remains unclear whether the influence would vary by distance. This study aims to examine the moderating role of geographical proximity between intergenerational solidarity and life satisfaction. We interviewed 1,015 rural older adults in Sichuan, China. Life satisfaction was measured by Satisfaction with Life Scale. Five of the six dimensions of intergenerational solidarity were assessed: structural (geographical proximity), associational (contact frequency), functional (support exchange), affectual (emotional closeness), and normative (filial obligation). Multiple regression with interaction term was used. We found the effect of intergenerational solidarity (except associational solidarity) on life satisfaction was strongest for older adults with children living in the same city. Gender differences existed in the moderating effect of parent–child distance on the relationship between intergenerational solidarity and life satisfaction. Social services could focus on older adults with interprovincial migrant children and protect their well-being.

Religiosity and Adaptation in the Oldest-Old

1992 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-56 ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Social participation and life satisfaction among older adults: diversity of practices and social inequality in Switzerland

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
Marie Baeriswyl ◽  
Michel Oris
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Church Attendance ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽  
Active Ageing ◽  
Life Scale ◽  
Large Survey

Abstract This paper examines the associations between social participation and individual life satisfaction among older adults. It specifically considers the diversity of the practices and social inequalities among this population. For analyses, we used a large survey of individuals of 65 years and older conducted in 2011 in Switzerland (N = 2,727). The first set of linear regression analyses examines Diener's Satisfaction with Life Scale and its association with various indicators of social participation. While the second set of logistic regression addresses the issue of social inequalities by evaluating the impacts of gender, age group, region and education on social participation indicators that are significantly associated with the satisfaction with life score. Our results stressed the importance of combining multiple forms of participation for life satisfaction and shows that some forms are particularly meaningful: in particular, the involvement in associations, visitation of family or visitation of friends/acquaintances and church attendance. When inequalities among older adults are considered, having rich and varied social participation, being involved in associations and maintaining private sociability with non-kin appear more elitist. While institutionalised and/or private sociability types of participation appear particularly significant for older adults’ life satisfaction, the most traditional integration forms – i.e. family and religions – are crucial for the more vulnerable. Implications for active ageing was equally discussed as well.

scholarly journals Satisfaction with Life, Subjective Well-Being and Functional Skills in Active Older Adults Based on Their Level of Physical Activity Practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 1299 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Antonia Parra-Rizo ◽  
Gema Sanchis-Soler
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Functional Skills ◽  
Physically Active

Studies about the influence of physical activity on life satisfaction, functional ability and subjective well-being in physically active older adults without cognitive impairment are very few for the moment. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the life satisfaction, functional skills and subjective well-being of physically active older adults based on the level of activity practiced. The IPAQ (International Physical Activity), CUBRECAVI and LSIA (Life Satisfaction Index) scales were tested for a sample of 397 Spanish older adults between 61 and 93 years of age (M = 69.65; SD = 4.71). The results showed that those who performed high physical activity obtained higher scores in functional skills (p < 0.01) and in the activities of daily living (p < 0.01). In addition, subjective well-being (p < 0.01) and the functional autonomy of older adults (p < 0.01) were related to the level of physical activity that they practiced. In conclusion, it could be said that the older adults with a high level of physical activity have more functional skills and less difficulties performing the activities of daily living, and that they value their autonomy and health better.

scholarly journals Life satisfaction and frailty among older adults

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarina Wilhelmson ◽  
Emelie Fritzell ◽  
Kajsa Eklund ◽  
Synneve Dahlin-Ivanoff
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Sexual Life ◽  
Partner Relationship ◽  
Frailty Status ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Perceived Life Satisfaction

Functional and physical impairment are factors believed to lead to declined life satisfaction among older adults. This study aimed to examine life satisfaction among older adults and the influence of frailty. Baseline data from two studies addressing frail older adults aged 80+ in Gothenburg, Sweden, (n=577) were used. Frailty was measured through eight indicators. Life satisfaction was measured with Fugl-Meyer’s instrument LiSat-11. Perceived life satisfaction was rather high within the studied population, with 66% being satisfied with life as a whole. Most life satisfaction items were significantly associated with frailty status, with non-frail participants being satisfied to a higher extent for all items with the exception of financial situation, sexual life and partnership relation. The factors significantly explaining life satisfaction were psychological health, partner relationship, leisure and ADL. This study shows that older adults’ satisfaction with life as a whole is almost as high as in younger age groups. Respondents with higher degree of frailty reported significantly lower degrees of life satisfaction, indicating a possibility to maintain life satisfaction by preventing or delaying the development of frailty.

scholarly journals The Effect of Technology Use in Reducing Social Isolation or Loneliness in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 927-927
Author(s):  
Yoon Chung Kim ◽  
Gail Kohn ◽  
Carenado Davis ◽  
Pamela Saunders
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
National Emergency

Abstract The US population over 65 is projected to increase to 21% by 2050. Given mobility issues arising from health concerns, economic status changes, loss of friends and partners, older people are at a higher risk for social isolation and loneliness. Since the declaration of national emergency for COVID-19 on March 13, 2020, many older adults have not been able to connect with others in traditional ways. Instead, activities and contacts have been facilitated virtually via videoconferencing or phone calls to maintain physical and social distance. Amidst COVID-19, the transition to using technologies to connect socially and reduce loneliness has been a critical factor in preventing social isolation and loneliness. Identifying effective strategies involving the use of technology, designing new ways to deliver services virtually, and developing educational programs to promote technology is vitally necessary. This systematic review explored the relationship between technology use and social isolation or loneliness, and examined interventions that reduced social isolation in older adults. A unified strategy was used to systematically search seven databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and AgeLine) to examine qualitative and quantitative studies published in English between 2010 and 2020. Preliminary results indicate that technology can alleviate social isolation and loneliness in older adults despite some mixed results. The findings of this study will provide a foundation for policymakers and practitioners to shape policies and design programs that help older adults to alleviate social isolation and loneliness, particularly amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals THE EFFECT OF OLDER ADULTS’ STRESS AND COPING ON LIFE SATISFACTION

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S314-S314
Author(s):  
Meeryoung Kim
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Coping Resources ◽  
Daily Hassles ◽  
Wave Data ◽  
Instrumental Social Support ◽  
Chronic Stressors ◽  
And Coping

Abstract Older adults experience stressors in everyday life, which can be acute or chronic stressors. When people are stressed, coping abilities and social support are important factors for increasing their life satisfaction. Using Pearlin et al.’s (1990) stress process model, this study compared whether acute or chronic stressors were more stressful. Additionally, the effectiveness of emotional, informational and instrumental support on life satisfaction were compared. This study used the 3rd and 5th addition wave of KReIS (Korean Retirement and Income Studies) which were collected in 2009 and 2014 respectively. For socio economic status, 3rd wave data was used. Independent and dependent variables were derived from 5th addition wave data. The sample size of this study was 4,072 older adults who were 65+. Daily hassles were used to indicate acute stressors, and physical and economic strain were used to indicate chronic stressors. For coping resources, social support and coping were used. Life satisfaction was used for dependent variable. Since the stress model is a process model, hierarchical multiple regression was used. Both acute and chronic stressors had a significant effect on reducing life satisfaction. Coping and social support both had significant positive effects on life satisfaction. In regard to social support, emotional and instrumental social support had significant effects on life satisfaction. These results implied that chronic stressors were more stressful than acute stressors. In addition, instrumental social support was found to be better than emotional social support for increasing life satisfaction for Korean older adults.

Online Social Networking and Mental Health among Older Adults: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Erica Chen ◽  
Devin Wood ◽  
Renate Ysseldyk
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Online Social Networking

Abstract As the number of older adults is expected to increase exponentially within the next few decades, loneliness, social isolation, and depression among seniors are growing public health concerns. Although formal treatment options, such as therapy and medication, can be helpful for depression, they can also be expensive and sometimes ineffective. It is therefore important to consider other potential treatment options and social interventions. Alternative methods for addressing mental health issues are especially important for older adults, as they may encounter barriers associated with aging such as limited mobility and decreased social networks. In these circumstances, online social networking may offer a potential “social cure” to alleviate loneliness, social isolation, and depression. The purpose of this scoping review was to gather and summarize the current literature on associations between online social networking and mental health outcomes (e.g., depression, life satisfaction, loneliness) among older adults. An initial search of 3,699 articles resulted in 52 articles that met criteria for inclusion. Five common themes were identified: (1) enhanced communication with family and friends, (2) greater independence and self-efficacy, (3) creation of online communities, (4) positive associations with well-being and life satisfaction, and (5) decreased depressive symptoms. Implications for older adults’ mental health, social connectedness, programs and policies are discussed.

scholarly journals Family Value Matters: Intergenerational Solidarity and Life Satisfaction of Chinese Older Migrants

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 345-345
Author(s):  
Jun Yao ◽  
Li Zhang ◽  
Peiyi Lu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Design Education ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Family Values ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Intergenerational Solidarity ◽  
Older Migrants

Abstract The number of older adults who migrate due to family reasons has been increasing rapidly in China in the past decade. However, few empirical studies have focused on this group. This study focused on them and explored the association of intergenerational solidarity with older migrants’ life satisfaction when they were adapting to the new environment. We surveyed 340 older adults who migrated to Nanjing with their children either to help care for the grandchildren or enjoy retirement life. Respondents were recruited from the community. Structural equation modeling was adopted to analyze the associations among intergenerational solidarity, loneliness, aging perception, and life satisfaction. Results showed intergenerational solidarity was negatively correlated with loneliness (r=-0.304) but positively correlated with life satisfaction (r=0.386). Loneliness was linked to lower life satisfaction(r=-0.517). Path analyses showed that loneliness played a partial mediation role on the relationship of intergenerational solidarity and life satisfaction. Aging perception negatively moderated the association between intergenerational solidarity and loneliness, and also negatively moderated the mediating effect of loneliness on intergenerational solidarity and life satisfaction. It is concluded family values played important roles in Chinese older migrants’ mental health. When they migrate to a new city, intergenerational solidarity can help ease their loneliness and subsequently improve their life satisfaction, which finally help them adapt to the new environment. Positive perception towards aging also helps improve their well-being after migration. Based on these findings, we suggest practitioners design education program to promote family values among the family with older migrants.

scholarly journals Social desirability in the measurement of subjective well-being

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-128
Author(s):  
José Sepúlveda Maldonado ◽  
Berta Schnettler Morales ◽  
Marianela Denegri Coria ◽  
Ligia Orellana Calderón ◽  
Jocelyne Sepúlveda Aravena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Multiple Regression ◽  
Social Desirability ◽  
Predictive Power ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Happiness ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Bivariate Correlation

The present study aimed at determining the association between life satisfaction and subjective happiness while controlling for social desirability, and to explore whether overall satisfaction with life can be predicted by satisfaction with life dimensions while controlling for social desirability. The study had a quantitative, non-experimental cross-sectional design, with 279 participants from different universities of the Council of Rectors of Chile recruited through a non-probabilistic sampling method for convenience. The participants completed an online questionnaire that inquired about their global and dimensional satisfaction with life, subjective happiness, social desirability, and sociodemographic variables. The data was analysed using partial correlations and multiple regression analyses. Bivariate correlation results indicate weak and direct associations between social desirability and life satisfaction and subjective happiness, and a strong and direct association between the latter. According to the results of the partial correlation analysis, the association between life satisfaction and subjective happiness is maintained even when social convenience is controlled. The results of the multiple regression analyses indicate that although social desirability predicts life satisfaction by itself, when satisfaction with life dimensions is added to the model, social desirability loses its predictive power. In conclusion, although social desirability is associated with the two components, affective and cognitive, of subjective well-being, this association loses predictive power when other variables are considered in predictive models.

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