scholarly journals Driving Frequency and Well-Being in Older Adulthood

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 753-753
Author(s):  
Zainab Suntai ◽  
Kefentse Kubanga ◽  
Abhay Lidbe ◽  
Emmanuel Adanu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Driving Frequency ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Model ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Older Adulthood ◽  
Social Events ◽  
Theory Of Aging

Abstract The activity theory of aging suggests that older adults age successfully when they remain active and engaged. While many older adults are still able to drive, not all are as engaged in social activities, despite having the transportation to be able to do so. As such, this study aimed to examine the association between the frequency of driving and overall well-being among older adults. The hypothesis is that older adults who drive more frequently would have higher well-being, as they are likely driving to engaging activities. A sample of 1,663 older adults who reported that they are able to drive were derived from the 2018 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). The NHATS is an annual longitudinal panel of survey of adults aged 65 and older living in the United States. Chi-square tests were used for bivariate analyses and a weighted multivariable logistic regression model was used to predict well-being based on driving frequency. Results showed that compared to those who drive every day, those who drive most days (OR=0.771, CI= [0.768-0.775]), some days (OR=0.495, CI= [0.492-0.497]), rarely (OR=0.558, CI= [0.555-0.562]) or never (OR=0.371, CI= [0.367-0.374]) were less likely to have high well-being. Interventions geared at improving well-being among older adults should therefore consider increasing awareness of social events, to ensure that older adults who are able to drive can have a good quality of life by driving to social activities.

scholarly journals Caregiving in Older Adulthood and Meaning in Life

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 815-815
Author(s):  
Zainab Suntai
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
The United States ◽  
Care Recipient ◽  
Adult Care ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Older Adulthood ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
Older Caregivers

Abstract While most of the literature on caregiving in adulthood focuses on grandparenting, there is an increasing trend of older adults providing care to an adult care recipient. Older caregivers are often females who are providing care to a spouse with medical conditions and are often doing so while coping with their own functional limitations, with limited support. Within the older adult literature, studies have captured the strain experienced by caregivers of older adults, who are often burdened by the loss of time and opportunity as a result of caregiving. For caregivers in older adulthood however, caregiving may be an avenue to remain engaged and active, and a way to have purpose in life. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the association between caregiving in older adulthood and meaning in life. Data from the 2018 National Health and Aging Trends study were used, which is an annual longitudinal panel survey of Medicare beneficiaries in the United States. Chi square tests were used for bivariate analyses and a logistic regression model was used to predict meaning in life based on caregiving status. After accounting for all other explanatory variables, caregivers were 50% more likely to have meaning in life compared to non-caregivers (OR=1.501, CI= 1.493-1.510). This indicates that caregiving can be a form of meaningful/productive engagement for older adults and interventions should focus on providing adequate emotional and financial support to older caregivers.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 on the well-being and cognition of older adults living in the United States and Latin America

2021 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 100848
Author(s):  
Ganesh M. Babulal ◽  
Valeria L. Torres ◽  
Daisy Acosta ◽  
Cinthya Agüero ◽  
Sara Aguilar-Navarro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Latin America ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Food Insecurity in the United States: Identification, Treatment, and Implications

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 772-773
Author(s):  
Rose Ann DiMaria-Ghalili ◽  
Connie Bales ◽  
Julie Locher
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Clinic ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Geriatric Syndrome ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Food insecurity is an under-recognized geriatric syndrome that has extensive implications in the overall health and well-being of older adults. Understanding the impact of food insecurity in older adults is a first step in identifying at-risk populations and provides a framework for potential interventions in both hospital and community-based settings. This symposium will provide an overview of current prevalence rates of food insecurity using large population-based datasets. We will present a summary indicator that expands measurement to include the functional and social support limitations (e.g., community disability, social isolation, frailty, and being homebound), which disproportionately impact older adults, and in turn their rate and experience of food insecurity and inadequate food access. We will illustrate using an example of at-risk seniors the association between sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and function, with rates of food security in the United States. The translational aspect of the symposium will then focus on identification of psychosocial and environmental risk factors including food insecurity in older veterans preparing for surgery within the Veterans Affairs Perioperative Optimization of Senior Health clinic. Gaining insights into the importance of food insecurity will lay the foundation for an intervention for food insecurity in the deep south. Our discussant will provide an overview of the implications of these results from a public health standpoint. By highlighting the importance of food insecurity, such data can potentially become a framework to allow policy makers to expand nutritional programs as a line of defense against hunger in this high-risk population.

scholarly journals Reframing Aging: Penn’s Village Members Thrive While Aging in Place

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 199-200
Author(s):  
Lois Evans ◽  
Jane Eleey ◽  
Avalie Saperstein
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Age In Place ◽  
Social Events ◽  
Affinity Groups ◽  
It Support ◽  
Center City ◽  
Survey Responses

Abstract Villages help older neighbors age-in-place as they manage their environments, take advantage of opportunities for social and civic engagement, and improve or maintain health and well-being. National surveys repeatedly indicate that older adults prefer community living as long as possible. But communities change, and post-retirement living may require rebuilding social connections with old and new neighbors. Fortunately, today’s retirees bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to later life which they are happy to share. Drawing on the talents and career experiences of older adults in Center City, Philadelphia, Penn’s Village (PV) was created in 2007 to address the needs and wishes of neighbors wanting to stay in their own homes as they aged. A member of the Village-to-Village Network, PV (a 501c3) has itself matured through board development, strategic planning, and member engagement. In reframing aging in Center City, PV currently offers its over 300 members and volunteers an array of educational and recreational programs (e.g., talks, affinity groups, social events and outings); services (including transportation, home repairs, IT support, companionship, accompaniment to medical appointments), and opportunities to use their personal knowledge and skills to help their neighbors-- as drivers, companions, volunteer staff and co-chairs/members of committees (e.g., Board of Directors, Program, Welcoming, Marketing & Communications, Finance, Fundraising). In FY2019, volunteers provided nearly 1200 services to PV members. Our most recent survey responses indicate that 82% of volunteers found their work highly meaningful and 79% of those who received services believed their quality of life was greatly improved.

Cannabis Growers in the United States: Findings From a National Household Survey 2010−2014

2021 ◽  
pp. 002204262110004
Author(s):  
Alejandro Azofeifa ◽  
Rosalie L. Pacula ◽  
Margaret E. Mattson
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression Model ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Model ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Prevention Education ◽  
The Past ◽  
National Household Survey ◽  
Using Data

Given the rapidly changing U.S. cannabis legislation landscape, the aim of this article is to describe individuals who self-reported growing cannabis in the past year by selected characteristics and geographical location. Using data from 2010 to 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, we conducted bivariate chi-square tests and ran a multivariable logistic regression model to examine the indicators associated with growing cannabis. Approximately, 484,000 individuals aged 12+ self-reported growing cannabis in the past year (1.6% of marijuana users). Predictors of growing cannabis included being male and self-reported reporting using cannabis for a greater number of days. Data showed differences in the proportion of cannabis growers by the state of residence. Obtaining a baseline estimate of cannabis growing practices prior to recreational cannabis markets emerging (2014) is important because such practices may undermine efforts to discourage diversion to youth. Tracking these acquisition patterns will better inform content for public health messaging and prevention education, particularly those targeting youth.

scholarly journals COVID-19 as a Stressor: Pandemic Expectations, Perceived Stress, and Negative Affect in Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda R Whitehead
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Stress And Coping ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
And Coping

Abstract Objectives The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic is appraised as a stressor influences perceived stress (PS) and psychological well-being during the event. Here, the association of older adults’ expectations concerning the pandemic’s duration and impact with PS and negative affect (NA) is investigated. Based on the stress and coping framework, PS is expected to mediate the association between COVID-19 expectations and NA. Methods Seven hundred fourteen residents of the United States and aged 60 and older completed an anonymous online survey in late March 2020 reporting PS, NA, and expectations regarding the pandemic. Results Regression analyses controlling for demographic factors revealed that more dire pandemic expectations significantly predicted PS and NA directly, and the effects on NA were significantly mediated by PS. Discussion Findings provide evidence that expectations about a pandemic influence the extent to which older adults experience stress and NA in the midst of a pandemic event. Implications for mental health are discussed.

scholarly journals Effects of Participation in Social Activities on Cognitive Function Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Korea

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 2315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jongnam Hwang ◽  
Sangmin Park ◽  
Sujin Kim
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
The Social ◽  
Gender Groups

Cognitive function is a critical health issue in later life, the decline of which disrupts well-being and daily life function. Cognitive decline in older ages can also be understood in the context of the social environment such as social connectedness and engagement in personal life. This study aimed to examine: (1) whether participation in social activities contributes to preventing cognitive decline, and (2) what type of social activities are beneficial to maintaining cognitive function. Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLOSA) 2006–2014, a longitudinal survey of the household-dwelling population aged 45 and older in Korea were used. The results revealed that Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores decreased with increasing age, at a rate of approximately 0.18 units across all age-gender groups, and the decrease was steeper for adults aged 65 and over. Participation in social gatherings was likely to delay the decline in cognitive function after the age of 65. In a gender-stratified model, social activity may not have an impact on the decline of cognitive function for men, whereas participation in social gatherings was negatively related to the decline of MMSE scores in women. This study suggests the need for a gender-stratified policy for preventing the decline of cognitive function while promoting engagement in social activities in Korean older adults.

scholarly journals Age Differences in the Relationship Between Daily Social Media Usage and Affect

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 410-410
Author(s):  
Xin Yao Lin ◽  
Margie Lachman
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Age Differences ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Media Usage ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Daily Time

Abstract Social media platforms allow people to connect and share content online (e.g., Facebook, Twitter). Although older adults are becoming more frequent users of social media, there continue to be mixed views on whether social media positively or negatively impacts well-being. Past studies have mainly focused on cross-sectional analyses for individual differences. However, both the time spent on social media and one’s affect can fluctuate on a daily basis. Thus, it is important to understand how the relationship between daily social media usage and affect varies within individuals from day to day. The current study adds to the literature by examining whether daily variations in time spent with social media are related to daily positive and negative affect and whether there are age differences in these relationships. The current study used an eight-day daily diary from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Refresher dataset for 782 participants (ages 25-75). Multilevel modeling results revealed that age moderated the relationship between daily time spent on social media and negative affect: for younger adults, on days when they spent more time on social media, they had more negative affect. For older adults, on days when they spent more time on social media, they had less negative affect. Surprisingly, daily time spent on social media was not related to daily positive affect, nor did this relationship differ by age. Implications for future research are discussed with a focus on how social media usage can contribute to daily well-being for adults of different ages.

scholarly journals Baby Boomers Who Provide Informal Care for People Living with Dementia in the Community

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 9694
Author(s):  
Christina E. Miyawaki ◽  
Erin D. Bouldin ◽  
Christopher A. Taylor ◽  
Lisa C. McGuire
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Baby Boomers ◽  
Baby Boomer ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Behavioral Risk ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Weighted Estimates

One in four Baby Boomers fills the informal caregiver role in the United States. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of Baby Boomers who are informal caregivers for people living with dementia and compare their physical and mental health status to caregivers for persons with conditions other than dementia using 2015–2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data (N = 10,602). We identified caregiving status (assisting a family member/friend with a long-term illness or disability in the past month, managing personal care, and not caring for a child/grandchild) and whether the care recipient’s major health condition was dementia. We calculated weighted estimates and used chi-square tests and log-binomial regression for comparisons of selected characteristics. Among Baby Boomer caregivers, 15.4% were caring for someone with dementia. Dementia caregivers were more likely to be female, caring for a parent/parent-in-law, and providing care longer than caregivers for persons without dementia. After adjusting for sociodemographic and caregiving characteristics, the prevalence of fair/poor health, frequent mental distress, and chronic conditions were similar across types of caregivers. Although no differences in caregiver’s physical and mental health by care recipient’s dementia status were found, we should underscore the importance of maintaining Baby Boomer caregivers’ health and well-being.

Goal disengagement capacities and severity of disease across older adulthood

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joelle Jobin ◽  
Carsten Wrosch
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Older Adulthood ◽  
Mediation Analyses ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Goal Disengagement ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Early Old Age

This study examined age-related associations between goal disengagement capacities, emotional distress, and disease severity across older adulthood. Given that an age-related increase in the experience of stressors might render important goals unattainable, it is expected that goal disengagement capacities would predict a decrease in the severity of experienced illness (i.e., the common cold) by preventing emotional distress (i.e., depressive symptoms), particularly so among individuals in advanced (as compared to early) old age. This hypothesis was tested in a 6-year longitudinal study of 131 older adults (age range = 64 to 90). Regression analyses showed that goal disengagement capacities buffered 6-year increases in older adults’ cold symptoms, and that this effect was significantly pronounced among older-old participants. Mediation analyses further indicated that changes in depressive symptoms exerted an indirect effect on the age-related association between goal disengagement and changes in cold symptoms. The study’s findings suggest that goal disengagement capacities become increasingly important for protecting emotional well-being and physical health as older adults advance in age.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document