scholarly journals Subjective Aging in Context: Neighborhood Social Environment and Self-perceptions of Aging among Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 606-607
Author(s):  
Eunyoung Choi ◽  
Elizabeth Zelinski ◽  
Jennifer Ailshire
Keyword(s):  
Social Environment ◽  
Social Cohesion ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Neighborhood Context ◽  
Level Indicator ◽  
Negative Dimension ◽  
Neighborhood Social Cohesion ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
Subjective Aging

Abstract Self-perception of aging (SPA), one’s attitude toward one’s own aging, has been associated with health and well-being in later life. Whereas existing literature identifies individual-level predictors of SPA (e.g., education and health), little is known about the role of neighborhood context. The present study examines whether 1) neighborhood social environment is related to SPA and 2) age moderates this relationship. Our analytic sample includes 11,394 adults aged 50+ from the 2014 and 2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (Mean Age=68, SD=10.14, range 50-98). Indicators of neighborhood social environment include (a) perceived neighborhood social cohesion (the trust and social ties among community residents), (b) neighborhood friends, and (c) relatives living in the neighborhood. Regression analyses were performed to investigate the associations of each neighborhood-level indicator with the positive and negative dimensions of SPA. The models controlled for demographic, socio-economic, and health covariates. Greater neighborhood social cohesion (B=0.13, SE=0.01, p<.001) and having neighborhood friends (B=0.14, SE=0.02, p<0.001) were associated with higher levels of the positive SPA. As for the negative dimension of SPA, neighborhood social cohesion was the only significant predictor (B=-0.13, SE=0.01, p<0.001). Furthermore, we found significant interaction effects between neighborhood social cohesion and age: higher neighborhood cohesion was associated with more positive (B=-.003, SE=.00, p<.001) and less negative SPA ratings (B=-.003, SE=.00, p<.001) at younger ages than older ages. Our findings provide insights into how neighborhood social context shapes subjective aging, suggesting that a socially cohesive neighborhood may promote more favorable perceptions of aging, particularly for younger residents.

scholarly journals NEIGHBORHOOD SOCIAL COHESION, RESILIENCE, AND WELL-BEING AMONG CHINESE OLDER ADULTS IN HONOLULU, HAWAII

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S589-S590
Author(s):  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Sizhe Liu ◽  
Keqing Zhang ◽  
Bei Wu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Social Cohesion ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Neighborhood Cohesion ◽  
Neighborhood Social Cohesion ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The U.S

Abstract Few studies have examined the association of social environment and well-being among Chinese older adults, the fastest growing aging population across all racial/ethnic groups in the U.S. To address this gap, the current study aims to examine the associations of neighborhood social cohesion with psychological distress and life satisfaction as well as the mediating role of resilience and the moderating roles of gender and place of birth using data collected among 430 Chinese older adults in Honolulu. Results show that neighborhood cohesion was significantly associated with both distress and life satisfaction, with resilience being a significant mediator. The association between neighborhood cohesion and distress was moderated by birth place such that the protecting effects of neighborhood cohesion on distress were only salient for the U.S.-born. Our findings indicate the importance of a cohesive social environment in shaping well-being of U.S. Chinese older adults, the U.S.-born in particular, living in Hawai’i.

4. Social and interpersonal aspects of ageing

2016 ◽  
pp. 66-86
Author(s):  
Nancy A. Pachana
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Role Changes ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Societal Context ◽  
Over Time

How we interact with others, with the physical and social environment, as well as how well we cope with life events, role changes, and positive and negative stresses all affect how we age. Later life is also intimately connected to, and affected by, circumstances and decisions earlier in life. Social support and engagement are critical for physical and emotional well-being. ‘Social and interpersonal aspects of ageing’ explores ageing in a social and societal context. The ways in which older adults engage with younger cohorts and their contribution to their family, communities, and society more broadly have changed over time and have also been affected by social and technological advances.

scholarly journals Neighborhood Social Environment and Health Communication at Prepregnancy and Maternal Stages among Caucasian and Asian Women: Findings from the Los Angeles Mommy and Baby Survey

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Lu Shi ◽  
Yuping Mao
Keyword(s):  
Los Angeles ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Social Exchange ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Social Cohesion ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Environment And Health ◽  
Neighborhood Social Cohesion ◽  
Sensitive Issues

Introduction. We study whether the relationship between neighborhood social environment and maternal communication with healthcare providers differs between Asians and Caucasians.Method and Materials. Using the 2007 Los Angeles Mommy and Baby (LAMB) survey, we measure new mother’s neighborhood social environment by four key variables: (1) instrumental/emotional support during pregnancy, (2) neighborhood social cohesion, (3) neighborhood social exchange, and (4) neighborhood services. Logistic regressions were applied for data analysis. Neighborhood social exchange predicts less chance of lacking communication about sensitive issues in preconception visits among Caucasians (logged odds: −0.045;P<0.01) and Asians (L.O.: −0.081;P<0.001) and predicts less chance of lacking communication during preconception visits among Asians (L.O.: −0.092;P<0.05). Neighborhood social cohesion predicts more chance for lacking communication about preparation for pregnancy only among Asians (L.O.: 0.065;P<0.05). Neighborhood services predict less chance of lacking communication about stigmatized issues in the prenatal visit among Asians (L.O.: −0.036;P<0.05).Discussion. Caucasians and Asians with more neighborhood social exchange are more likely to discuss sensitive issues during preconception visits. Neighborhood service significantly predicts maternal discussion of stigmatized issues with health care providers, but only among Asians.

scholarly journals Differences in subjective age by filial caregiving status among US adults in mid and later life

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 808-808
Author(s):  
Hyojin Choi ◽  
Kristin Litzelman
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Adult Child ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Chronological Age ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Subjective Age ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Subjective Aging

Abstract Subjective age is an important indicator of age identity and is associated with both psychological and physical well-being. Previous studies have revealed that older adults who feel younger than their chronological age show better health status, better life satisfaction, and less risk of mortality. Considerable evidence shows that stress contributes to feeling older than one’s chronological age. Given the fact that taking a caregiving role involves stress, it is expected that caregiving might accelerate subjective aging. This study examined the association between the stressor of caregiving and subjective age in mid and later life. Data were drawn from the Health and Retirement Study in 2014 and 2016. Participants aged 50 years and over (n=1,087) were identified according to adult-child caregiver status at across the two waves: those who provided care consecutively (long-term caregivers), those who became caregivers in 2016 (new caregivers), those who were no longer providing care in 2016 (recent caregivers), or those who did not report providing care in both 2014 and 2016 (non-caregivers). Linear regression analysis showed that new caregivers reported feeling older than their chronological age compared to non-caregivers. However, long-term or recent caregivers did not show significant differences in subjective age compared to non-caregivers. The finding is consistent with the stress process theory and adaptation hypothesis. Although the onset of caregiving stress may accelerate subjective aging, this deleterious effect may decrease over time due to family caregivers’ adaptability. Future research will examine the role of support, resilience and mastery in this pathway.

scholarly journals PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF NEIGHBORHOOD SOCIAL COHESION ON ELDER ABUSE IN INDIAN OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S423-S423
Author(s):  
E-Shien Chang ◽  
Becca Levy
Keyword(s):  
Social Cohesion ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Neighborhood Social Cohesion ◽  
Final Sample ◽  
Aging Study

Abstract It is estimated that elder abuse impacts 16% of older persons globally. There is a need to understand factors that protect older persons. In this study, we examined whether neighborhood social cohesion, or the mutual support, trust, and interaction among neighbors, could be such a factor. As it has been found to be protective of child abuse and domestic violence, we hypothesized that higher neighborhood social cohesion would extend to reduce the risks of elder abuse. Our cohort consisted of participants aged 60 and over in the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) pilot survey. Elder abuse was measured by asking participants if they experienced ill-treatment by family members. Neighborhood social cohesion was measured by a five-item instrument that captured perceived support and trust among neighbors. The final sample consisted of 541 participants with a mean age of 69 who largely (72.9%) resided in rural area. The hypothesis was supported. Compared to older persons with low neighborhood social cohesion, older persons with high neighborhood social cohesion were significantly less likely to experience elder abuse (OR= 0.57, 95% CI=0.35-0.92), after controlling for socio-demographics, health, and neighborhood contextual covariates. This study, for the first time, suggests that neighborhood social environment may exert a protective effect on risks of elder abuse. Neighborhood resources may both prevent family members from being abusive and may help older persons stop abuse. Incorporating structural factors such as neighborhood cohesion may be critical in devising elder abuse preventions that increase the safety and well-being of older persons.

Volunteering, Self-Perceptions of Aging, and Mental Health in Later Life

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng Huo ◽  
Lisa M Soederberg Miller ◽  
Kyungmin Kim ◽  
Siwei Liu
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Panel Model ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
Design And Methods

Abstract Background and Objectives Scholars argue that volunteering enhances social, physical, and cognitive activities that are increasingly valued as people age, which in turn improves older adults’ well-being via a host of psychosocial and neurobiological mechanisms. This study explicitly tested older adults’ self-perceptions of aging as a mechanism underlying the mental health benefits of volunteering. Research Design and Methods Using 2-wave data from the Health and Retirement Study (2008/2010 for Wave 1 and 2012/2014 for Wave 2), we analyzed reports from a pooled sample of older adults aged 65 or older (N = 9,017). Participants reported on demographic characteristics, volunteer work (did not volunteer, 1–99 h/year, 100+ h/year), self-perceptions of aging, and depressive symptoms. We estimated an autoregressive cross-lagged panel model. Results Volunteering for 100 h or more per year was associated with older adults’ more positive and less negative self-perceptions of aging in the subsequent wave (i.e., 4 years later), which in turn predicted fewer depressive symptoms. Discussion and Implications This study suggests the promising role of volunteering in shaping older adults’ self-perceptions of aging on a sustained basis and refines our understanding of the benefits volunteering brings. Findings shed light on future interventions aimed at improving older adults’ adjustment to age-related changes and lessening ageism in society.

scholarly journals SUBJECTIVE AGING: SOMETHING UNIQUE OR JUST ANOTHER EXPRESSION OF GENERAL SELF-BELIEFS?

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S786-S787
Author(s):  
Verena Klusmann ◽  
Svenja M Spuling ◽  
Catherine E Bowen ◽  
Anna E Kornadt ◽  
Eva-Marie Kessler
Keyword(s):  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Subjective Age ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Convergent And Discriminant Validity ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Subjective Aging

Abstract Using data from the German Ageing Survey (adults aged 40‒85), this study tested the convergent and discriminant validity of subjective aging measures by comparing three different measures of subjective aging with one another and relating them to established measures of general self-beliefs (optimism, self-efficacy, subjective health) and subjective well-being (depression, affect). Correlations between subjective aging measures ranged from ‒.61 (amongst general self-perceptions of aging measures) to ‒.09, with subjective age being least related to the other measures. The highest overlap was observed between optimism and global self-perceptions of aging (.69) and it was for these global self-perceptions that the highest amount of variance could be explained by correlates in a regression analysis (R-square=.55). In contrast, only 10% of variance could be explained for subjective age. Our results underline the merit of taking the multidimensional nature of subjective aging into account since global measures appear less distinct from general personality traits.

scholarly journals Perceived Ageism During the Covid-19-Crisis Is Longitudinally Related to Subjective Perceptions of Aging

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna E. Kornadt ◽  
Isabelle Albert ◽  
Martine Hoffmann ◽  
Elke Murdock ◽  
Josepha Nell
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Subjective Age ◽  
Current Crisis ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Measurement Occasion ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
Longitudinal Regression

Ageism in media and society has increased sharply during the Covid-19-crisis, with expected negative consequences for the health and well-being of older adults. The current study investigates whether perceived ageism during the crisis longitudinally affects how people perceive their own aging. In June 2020, N = 611 older adults from Luxembourg [aged 60–98 years, Mage(SD) = 69.92(6.97)] participated in a survey on their perception of the crisis. In October 2020, N = 523 participated in a second measurement occasion. Participants reported on perceived ageism during the crisis in different domains, their self-perceptions of aging and subjective age. In latent longitudinal regression models, we predicted views on aging at T2 with perceived ageism at T1, while controlling for baseline views on aging and covariates. Perceived ageism at T1 increased self-perceptions of aging as social loss and yielded a trend for physical decline, while there were no effects on subjective age and self-perceptions of aging as continued growth. Views on aging are powerful predictors of well-being and health outcomes in later life. Our data suggest that being the target of ageism during the crisis negatively affects older adults' self-perceptions of aging and this impact may be felt beyond the current crisis.

scholarly journals Activity Engagement Patterns Among Older Chinese Immigrants

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 232-232
Author(s):  
Fengyan Tang ◽  
Mary Rauktis
Keyword(s):  
Social Environment ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Chinese Immigrants ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Class Membership ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Activity Engagement ◽  
Older Immigrants ◽  
Older Chinese

Abstract Activity engagement is a major component of well-being in later life. However, very few studies have focused on older immigrants who are often at risk for social isolation and psychological distress. We aim to map the pattern of activity engagement and examine its variations in relation to immigration-related factors and social aspects of neighborhoods in a representative sample of older Chinese immigrants. We used data from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE), a population-based epidemiological study of US Chinese older adults that were conducted between 2011 and 2013 (N=3,157). Latent class analysis and multinominal regression analysis were conducted to identify activity engagement patterns and examine the associated factors. Four patterns of activity engagement were identified: restricted (15%), diverse (31%), informal social (32%), and community-based social (21%). Acculturation and family-oriented immigration differentiated the restricted from the diverse class membership. Positive attributes of social environment measured by social network size, positive social support, neighborhood cohesion, and sense of community were associated with the probabilities of class membership relative to the restricted class. Findings point to the importance of positive attributes of social environment in enhancing engagement with life among older Chinese immigrants. Efforts are needed to assist the vulnerable restricted group and recent older immigrants while meeting the demands of older immigrants who are less educated and less acculturated. Creating a supportive environment is important to provide information, access, and resources needed for activity engagement in the marginalized minority aging populations

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