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 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 EMERGING ADULT CAREGIVERS: PERCEPTIONS OF OLDER ADULT CARE RECIPIENTS, QUALITY OF CONTACT, AND AGEISM

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S952-S952
Author(s):  
Anastasia E Canell ◽  
Grace Caskie
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Social Role ◽  
Emerging Adult ◽  
Care Recipient ◽  
Adult Care ◽  
Care Recipients ◽  
Adult Caregivers ◽  
Quality Of Contact

Abstract Approximately 12-18% of family caregivers to older adults in the U.S. are 18-25 years old (i.e., emerging adulthood), yet minimal research has focused on this subgroup of caregivers (Levine, 2005; Smyth, Blaxland, & Cass, 2011). Individuals’ perceptions of an older adult’s social role relate to their attitudes toward older adults as a group (Hummert, 1999; Kite & Wagner, 2002). However, whether perceptions that emerging adult caregivers hold of older adults are specific to the social role of “care-recipient” has not been studied. A sample of 210 informal caregivers (ages 18-25) were surveyed to collect qualitative responses regarding perceptions of an older adult care-recipient (age 65+) and to assess quality of contact with the care-recipient and ageist attitudes. Participants were asked to provide five adjectives describing their older adult care-recipient. Approximately 43% provided a set of adjectives in which 80%-100% were coded as positive adjectives (e.g., “active”, “wise”); similarly, half of the sample’s adjective sets contained 0%-25% negative adjectives (e.g., “helpless”, “obnoxious”). The quality of contact with the care-recipient was significantly correlated (p<.001) with the percentage of positive (r=.47) and negative (r=-.49) adjectives. Scores on the Fraboni Scale of Ageism were also significantly correlated (p<.01) with the percentage of positive (r=-.19) and negative (r=.20) adjectives. Overall, these emerging adult caregivers had generally positive perceptions of their older adult care-recipients, and these perceptions reflected the positive quality of contact with the care-recipient. Less ageist attitudes’ relationship with more positive and less negative perceptions may have implications for experiences within a caregiving dyad.

scholarly journals Transitions in Loneliness Among Older Adults: A 5-Year Follow-Up in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 365-387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise C. Hawkley ◽  
Masha Kocherginsky
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Functional Factors ◽  
Older Adult Population ◽  
Health And Well Being

A substantial portion of the older adult population suffers from frequent feelings of loneliness, but a large proportion remains relatively unscathed by loneliness. To date, research examining both protective and risk factors for loneliness has not included data from the United States. The present study used the first two waves of data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project to examine sociodemographic, structural, and functional factors thought to be associated with loneliness in older adults. Functional limitations and low family support were associated with an increase in loneliness frequency (as were more strained friendships) and with transitioning from nonlonely to lonely status. Better self-rated health, higher levels of socializing frequency, and lower family strain were associated with transitioning from lonely to nonlonely status. Interventions that target these factors may be effective in preventing and reducing loneliness and its effects on health and well-being in older adults.

Understanding Burden in Caregivers of Adults With Dysphagia: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Daniella Rangira ◽  
Hiba Najeeb ◽  
Samantha E. Shune ◽  
Ashwini Namasivayam-MacDonald
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Caregiver Burden ◽  
Social Life ◽  
English Language ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Care Recipient ◽  
Adult Care ◽  
Care Recipients ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: A previous review suggested that dysphagia is negatively associated with burden in caregivers of community-dwelling older adults. Other literature suggests similar patterns of burden may be found across adult patient populations. The current study, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, was conducted to determine the impact of dysphagia on caregivers of adults, regardless of etiology. Method: Five electronic databases were searched using terms based on a review by Namasivayam-MacDonald and Shune (2018) but included all adults rather than only older adults. Searches were limited to English-language empirical studies discussing caregiver burden, included caregivers of adult care recipients, had some care recipients with dysphagia, did not include palliative care, and published in a peer-reviewed journal. Results: The search yielded 1,112 unique abstracts, of which 17 were accepted. Across studies, caregiver burden was found to increase due to dysphagia in care recipients. Commonly reported dysphagia-related causes of burden included changes in meal preparation, disruption in lifestyle, effects on social life, lack of support, insertion of feeding tubes, and fear of aspiration. In general, dysphagia-related caregiver burden was a common experience across caregivers, regardless of patient population, caregiver age, and relationship between caregiver and care recipient. Meta-analyses suggest 71% of caregivers of adults with dysphagia experience some degree of burden. Conclusions: These findings support that dysphagia negatively impacts caregiver burden and suggests sources of burden that clinicians can address within dysphagia management to support caregivers. However, more research is needed to better delineate sources of burden, especially those specific to various dysphagia etiologies, to better meet the needs of our patients.

548 Predicting Perceived Functional Limitation in Midlife and Older Adulthood: The Role of Sleep and Perceived Control

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A216-A216
Author(s):  
Claire Williams ◽  
Sarah Ghose ◽  
Morgan Reid ◽  
Sahar Sabet ◽  
Ashley MacPherson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Perceived Control ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Functional Limitation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Control Beliefs ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Subjective Sleep Quality

Abstract Introduction Functional limitations become increasingly common and debilitating as individuals age, potentially impacting several facets of well-being. As such, it is important to understand malleable factors that may potentially impact functional limitation outcomes. Both sleep and perceived control have been linked to the development of functional limitation. The current study sought to clarify the unique contributions of both sleep quality and perceived control to functional limitation status in middle-aged and older adults. Methods Data from the second wave of the Midlife in the United States study were used for the current study. Participants included 527 participants (59.9% female, Mage=59.83 years, SD=9.75 years) who completed measures of functional limitation levels (Functional Status Questionnaire), subjective sleep quality (Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index), and perceived control (MIDI Sense of Control Scales). A hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to examine sleep quality and perceived control as predictors in a unique model for predicting functional limitation. Demographic variables of age, gender, and race were used as covariates in study analyses. Results The overall model predicted 19.0% of the variance in functional limitation levels. Sleep quality was significantly associated with self-reported functional limitation (β=-.27, p<.001) over and above perceived control (β=.20, p<.001). Specifically, findings indicate that worse sleep quality is associated with increased functional limitation, while higher levels of perceived control are associated with lower levels of functional limitation. Conclusion Though perceived control is known to be associated with functional limitation status, the present study suggests a unique effect of sleep quality on functional limitation even after accounting for perceived control. Due to the potential for negative effects of functional limitation in middle-aged to older adults, it is important to identify and target constructs for research and intervention related to the development of these limitations. Care models for individuals who report experiencing functional limitations may benefit from targeting sleep health and control beliefs in intervention and assessment. Support (if any):

scholarly journals Black–White Disparities in Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health Index and Their Associations with Self-rated Health and Functional Limitations in Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taeho Greg Rhee ◽  
Kathy Lee ◽  
Jean J Schensul
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Cumulative Risk ◽  
The United States ◽  
Determinants Of Health ◽  
Risk Scores ◽  
Behavioral Determinants ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Self Rated Health

Abstract Background To characterize cumulative risk scores of social and behavioral determinants of health (SDoH) and examine their association with self-rated general health and functional limitations between non-Hispanic black and white older adults in the United States. Method We used data from the 2013–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), with a nationally representative sample of black and white adults aged 65 or older (n = 954 unweighted). We quantified the cumulative risk scores of SDoH (eg, food insecurity, education and poverty), ranging from 0 (no risk at all) to 8 (highest risk), and used multivariable-adjusted logistic and Poisson regression analyses to assess the association of SDoH by racial group with self-rated health and functional limitations, adjusting for other covariates. Results Black older adults had a higher mean cumulative risk score than white counterparts (2.3 ± 2.1 vs 1.5 ± 1.0; p < .001). Black older adults were more likely to report lower self-rated health than white older adults in each of SDoH domains (p < .01 for each). In multivariable-adjusted analyses, black older adults were more likely to report lower self-rated health than white older adults (p < .01 for all) regardless of SDoH risk factors. However, those with high SDoH risk factors (ie, ≥3 risk factors) were more likely to report functional limitations than those in the low-risk group (ie, <3 risk factors) in both racial groups (p < .01 for all). Conclusion SDoH-related black–white disparities remain persistent in older age. In particular, SDoH index scores for black and white older adults were differentially associated with functional limitations. Addressing SDoH should be an important consideration in reducing gaps in black–white disparities of functioning.

Relationship quality and functional limitations among older adults with cardiovascular disease in the United States of America

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (8) ◽  
pp. 1694-1717 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan-Liang Yu ◽  
Zhenmei Zhang
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
United States Of America ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
The United States ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Disablement Process

AbstractSubstantial research shows that cardiovascular disease is a major cause of disability in the United States of America (USA) and worldwide. Despite the well-documented significance of intimate partnerships for cardiovascular health and disease management, how relationship quality contributes to the functional health of older adults diagnosed with cardiovascular disease is much less understood than mental health and mortality risk. Informed by the disablement process model and the lifecourse perspective, this study examines the association between relationship quality and functional limitations among partnered older adults aged 50 years and older diagnosed with cardiovascular disease in the USA. Data are from the Health and Retirement Study, 2006–2012 (N = 1,355). Multi-level linear regression analyses show that baseline negative relationship quality is significantly associated with increased functional limitations over the two- and four-year follow-ups. Additionally, the link between negative relationship quality and functional limitations is stronger among older adults with lower household income over a two-year span, compared to their higher-income counterparts, suggesting that these older adults are doubly disadvantaged by higher relationship strains and limited economic resources. Our findings demonstrate the significance of relationship quality for the functional health of older adults with cardiovascular disease and shed light on the importance of marriage/partnerships as an important social context for a critical stage in the disablement process (i.e. functional limitations).

scholarly journals Using Computer Tablets to Improve Moods for Older Adults With Dementia and Interactions With Their Caregivers: Pilot Intervention Study

10.2196/14530 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. e14530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron Gilson ◽  
Debby Dodds ◽  
Arveen Kaur ◽  
Michael Potteiger ◽  
James H Ford II
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Positive Mood ◽  
The United States ◽  
Care Recipient ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Skilled Nursing ◽  
Mood Changes ◽  
Care Recipients ◽  
The Impact

Background Persons living with dementia represent a significant and growing segment of the older adult (aged 65 years and older) population. They are often challenged expressively and may experience difficulties with sharing their feelings or moods. Availability of, and easy access to, tablets facilitates the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) as a delivery mechanism for nonpharmacological interventions, especially for persons living with dementia. Evidence of the impact of ICTs in different community settings on mood with older adults and the impact of engagement on their caregivers is needed to promote broader adoption and sustainment of these technologies in the United States. Objective This study aimed to determine the extent of the effects of tablets on positive mood change and examine the effects of study variables on care recipients’ mood changes and caregivers’ daily interactions. Methods The tablet intervention was developed and evaluated in five programs. The primary outcome was caregivers’ assessment of care recipients’ mood (n=1089) before and after a tablet engagement session using an eight-point mood visual analog scale. Session influence on caregivers’ daily activities was captured for a subsample of participants (n=542). Frequency distributions were computed for each study variables. Chi-square tests of association were calculated to determine the association of the variables on mood changes for all care recipients, as well as those being treated in skilled nursing facilities and in-home, and then for those that affected caregivers’ daily activities. Results The study sample comprised 1089 care recipient and caregiver engagement sessions. Cumulatively, 50.78% (553/1089) of care recipients showed a transition from negative to positive moods, whereas another 41.78% (455/1089) maintained an already-positive mood after the caregiver engagement session. Chi-square analyses demonstrated that positive mood changes resulted from using music (χ210=72.9; P<.001), using YouTube as the sole app (χ212=64.5; P<.001), using multiple engagement strategies (χ22=42.8; P<.001), and when cared for in a skilled nursing facility (χ24=236.8; P<.001) across the entire care recipient sample. In addition, although many features of the engagement session positively influenced the caregivers’ day, the largest effect was observed when care recipients’ mood was considered to have improved following the session (χ24=234.7; P<.001). Conclusions The study is one of the first in the United States to explore the impact of ICTs, in particular managed tablets and Web-based video services that can be used on a tablet through an app, on improving mood in persons living with dementia, and enhancing caregivers’ perceptions about their care recipient interactions. Importantly, these pilot data substantiate ICTs as part of a personalized engagement approach, as beneficial alternatives to pharmaceutical interventions for mood enhancement. However, a more comprehensive study that explores the ICT’s impact on additional clinical outcomes is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

scholarly journals Social Isolation and COVID-19 Mitigation: Perspectives of Key Informants in the United States and Japan

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 441-441
Author(s):  
Emily Ihara ◽  
Megumi Inoue ◽  
Cortney Hughes Rinker ◽  
Naoru Koizumi
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
The United States ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Adult Care ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
The Many

Abstract The deleterious health effects of social isolation and loneliness among older adults have been well-established and were exacerbated by the forced separation for those at health risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus. Both the United States and Japan are experiencing phenomenal growth of the older adult population; Japan is considered a “super-aged” society, with the highest proportion of people aged 65 and older in the world. This study examined how COVID-19 and mitigation measures may have affected services for older adults. We conducted key informant interviews with specialists in aging and older adult care in both Japan (n=5) and the United States (n=14). All interviews were conducted over Zoom and lasted 30-60 minutes. The research team transcribed and checked the interviews for accuracy and conducted multiple coding sessions to identify, sort, and consolidate the codes using Atlas.ti. Key themes in both countries that emerged included the many cracks in the system of programs and services for older adults, the inaccessibility to technology and the internet, and the particular difficulties of socioeconomic inequities, especially for those living alone. Older adults were motivated to become more technologically proficient and local communities came forward to help provide support. One key informant from the U.S. noted that their organization experienced a 600% increase in interest among volunteers as a result of the pandemic. Despite the many challenges of the pandemic, many silver linings emerged. One participant poetically stated, “I think that's human nature – when you have no other choice, you find a way.”

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