The Role of Social Connection/engagement Predicts Changes in Depressive Symptoms and IADL in Stroke

Abstract Social connections/engagement have been found to be potentially protective against depression and declines in physical functioning. We examined whether social connection/engagement was protective against depression and functional decline after stroke. Participants were 898 individuals with incident stroke from the Health and Retirement Study between 1998-2012. Multilevel modeling was used to examine how social connection/engagement were associated with trajectories of depressive symptoms and limitations with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Models controlled for age, gender, education, and race. In addition, analyses with depressive symptoms as outcome controlled for functional limitations with ADLs. Participants who were lonely and did not have friends in their neighborhood pre-stroke had more depressive symptoms at the time of stroke. Participants with close children pre-stroke showed less increase in depressive symptoms over time. Within-person increase in loneliness and within-person decline in providing help were related to more depressive symptoms post-stroke. Participants who felt lonely and did not provide help pre-stroke had more IADL limitations at the time of stroke. Smaller pre-stroke household size and pre-stroke volunteering were associated with less increase in IADL limitations with stroke. Within-person increase in having friends and providing help after stroke were associated with fewer IADL limitations post-stroke. Taken together, these findings suggest that social connection/engagement may buffer the negative psychological and physical outcomes of a stressful event such as stroke.

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Satisfaction with aging results in reduced risk for falling

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610215001969 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 28 (5) ◽

pp. 741-747 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Liat Ayalon

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Walking Speed ◽

Functional Decline ◽

Psychosocial Interventions ◽

Protective Mechanism ◽

Gender Education ◽

Falls In Older Adults ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Retirement Study

ABSTRACTBackground:Falls are highly frequent in older adults and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The present study was designed to assess the role of satisfaction with one's aging process as a predictor of the risk for falling over a four-year period and to identify potential mediators of this relationship.Methods:The Health and Retirement Study (HRS) is a US nationally representative sample of individuals over the age of 50 years and their spouse of any age. The present study was based on the 2008–2012 waves of the HRS. Analyses were restricted to 4,121 respondents over the age of 50 years, who had fall data in 2008 and 2012 and were eligible to complete the satisfaction with aging measure as part of the 2008 psychosocial questionnaire.Results:Overall, 38.1% of the sample reported having fallen at least once between 2006 and 2008 and 40.7% reported having fallen at least once between 2010 and 2012. Higher levels of satisfaction with aging in 2008 were found to be protective against falls assessed in 2012 (OR[95%CI] = 0.88[0.79–0.98]) even after adjustment for age, gender, education, ethnicity, medical status, functional status, cognitive functioning, walking speed, balance, vision, depressive symptoms, physical activities, and past falls. Bootstrap procedures have shown that the effect of satisfaction with aging on falls is partially accounted for through its effect on functional decline.Conclusions:The findings point to the important role of satisfaction with aging as a potential protective mechanism against falls. The results call for the development of psychosocial interventions to reduce falls in older adults.

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Activity Limitations and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Couples: The Moderating Role of Spousal Care

The Journals of Gerontology Series B ◽

10.1093/geronb/gbz161 ◽

2019 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sae Hwang Han ◽

Kyungmin Kim ◽

Jeffrey A Burr

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Daily Living ◽

Activity Limitations ◽

Moderating Effects ◽

Older Couples ◽

Spousal Caregiving ◽

Living Related ◽

Moderating Role ◽

Retirement Study

Abstract Objectives Limitations in performing basic daily activities, as well as spousal caregiving that arises from activity limitations, are important factors that have ramifications for mental health among couples. The objective of this study was to investigate the interplay of these factors by focusing on whether the associations between activity limitations and depressive symptoms among coupled-individuals were moderated by receipt and provision of spousal care. Methods Longitudinal household data from the Health and Retirement Study (2004–2014; dyad N = 6,614) were analyzed to estimate within-person associations between one’s own and spousal activity limitations, receipt and provision of spousal care, and depressive symptoms. Results Findings showed a consistent link between one’s own activity limitations and depressive symptoms for both spouses, whereas spousal activity limitations were associated with depressive symptoms for wives only. We also found moderating effects of spousal care in the link between one’s own and spousal activity limitations and depressive symptoms. Discussion Receipt and provision of activities of daily living-related assistance may contextualize the association between activity limitations and depressive symptoms among older coupled-individuals in a direction that could alleviate or aggravate the risk of depression.

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How much do social connections matter in fundraising outcomes?

Financial Innovation ◽

10.1186/s40854-021-00293-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Lihuan Guo ◽

Wei Wang ◽

Yenchun Jim Wu ◽

Mark Goh

Keyword(s):

Success Rate ◽

Social Connections ◽

Network Centrality ◽

Social Connection ◽

Project Financing ◽

Performance Change ◽

Prediction Algorithms ◽

Online Platforms ◽

Funding Success

AbstractThis study examines the role of social connections and network centrality in attracting funders to crowdfunding campaigns. We classify social connections as either external (e.g., Facebook) or internal (e.g., investing in online platforms through resource exchange). Drawing from the 108,463 crowdfunding campaigns on the online platform Kickstarter from April 21, 2009, to July 24, 2019, we apply external linkages and online followers to estimate the effect of external social connections. We construct a digraph network for the internal social connections and use PageRank, HITS, and centrality to obtain the weights of the nodes. Next, we compare the performance change of several prediction algorithms by feeding social connection-related variables. This study has several findings. First, for external social connections, having more online followers improves the funding success rate of a campaign. Second, for internal social connections, only authority and degree in centrality positively affect the number of funders and the campaign’s financing progress among the weights of the nodes. Third, using social connection variables improves the prediction algorithms for funding outcomes. Fourth, external social connections exert greater funding outcomes than internal social connections. Fourth, entrepreneurs should extend their external social connections to their internal social connections, and network centrality expedites project financing. Fifth, the effect of social connections on fundraising outcomes varies among the campaign categories. Fundraisers who are online influencers should leverage their online social connections, notably for the project categories that matter.

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CHRONIC CONDITIONS, FUNCTIONAL LIMITATIONS, AND DEPRESSION IN OLDER ADULTS: ANALYSIS OF A LONGITUDINAL STUDY

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.2118 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S572-S572

Author(s):

Jyotsana Parajuli ◽

Diane Berish ◽

Ying-Ling Jao

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Direct Effect ◽

Chronic Conditions ◽

Functional Limitations ◽

Mediation Effect ◽

High Risk Population ◽

Longitudinal Impact ◽

The Relationship ◽

Retirement Study

Abstract Background: Chronic conditions, functional limitations, and depression are highly prevalent in older adults. Evidence suggests the links between chronic conditions, functional limitations, and depressive symptoms separately. However, few studies have considered these three conditions together longitudinally. This study examined the longitudinal relationship between chronic conditions and depressive symptoms and evaluated the mediation effect of functional limitations on the relationship between chronic conditions and depressive symptoms in older adults. Methods: This study analyzed longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study collected in 2012 and 2014. Mediation analysis was used to examine the direct and indirect effects of chronic conditions and functional limitations measured at the year 2012 on depressive symptoms measured at the year 2014 controlling for demographics. Results: Results revealed that chronic conditions predicted depressive symptoms. Specifically, one additional chronic condition in 2012 corresponded to an increase of 0.35 in depressive symptoms in 2014 (p<.001). After adding functional limitations as a mediator, the direct effect was reduced to 0.26 and the indirect effect was .088 (p<.001). In other words, functional limitations explained approximately 25% of the direct effect of chronic diseases on depression. Discussion: Findings reveal the longitudinal impact of chronic conditions and functional limitations on depressive symptoms in older adults. Findings help identify the high-risk population of depressive symptoms and intervene early.

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NOT ENJOYING THE MEAL WAS ASSOCIATED WITH DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS, DESPITE THE SIZE OF SOCIAL CONNECTIONS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.2366 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S635-S635

Author(s):

Mai Takase ◽

Hiroshi Murayama ◽

Sayaka Hirukawa ◽

Tomoki Tanaka ◽

Sachiko Ono ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Assisted Living ◽

Geriatric Depression Scale ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Well Being ◽

Depressive Mood ◽

Social Connections ◽

Social Connection ◽

Assisted Living Facilities ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Conventional studies report that the enjoyment of the meal is related to likelihood of contracting depressive mood. The Japanese assisted living facilities currently support seniors build social connections to maintain their health and well-being, but psychological feeling during mealtime is often left unquestioned. Because seniors engage in conversation with tablemates while dining, the feeling during mealtime should not be ignored. This study aimed to explore the relationship among social connection, enjoyment during mealtime, and depressive mood. A cross-sectional questionnaire study was performed for independent residents at assisted living facility in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The size of social connection (the number of facility residents that one can easily talk to) and enjoyment during the meal were assessed by a single item, respectively. The 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale was used to measure depressive symptoms. The analysis included 190 questionnaires. A logistic regression analysis showed that enjoyment during mealtime was associated with less likelihood of depressive symptoms, but the size of social connection was not, after adjusting for socio-demographics and health conditions. Moreover, a significant interaction between social connection and enjoyment during mealtime was observed. This indicated that greater size of social connection was inversely related to depressive symptoms among those who enjoyed the meal; however, among those who did not enjoy the meal, the likelihood of depressive symptoms were stably higher despite the size of social connection. The findings suggested that along with helping seniors build social connection, care takers should focus on improving the dining environment of seniors.

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Coping With Chronic Stress by Unhealthy Behaviors: A Re-Evaluation Among Older Adults by Race/Ethnicity

Journal of Aging and Health ◽

10.1177/0898264316645548 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 29 (5) ◽

pp. 805-825 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Erik J. Rodriquez ◽

Steven E. Gregorich ◽

Jennifer Livaudais-Toman ◽

Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Chronic Stress ◽

Epidemiologic Studies ◽

Stress Index ◽

Current Smoking ◽

Race Ethnicity ◽

The Relationship ◽

Retirement Study

Objective: To assess the role of unhealthy behaviors in the relationship between chronic stress and significant depressive symptoms by race/ethnicity among older adults. Method: Participant data from the 2006 to 2008 Health and Retirement Study were analyzed. Unhealthy behaviors included current smoking, excessive/binge drinking, and obesity. Chronic stress was defined by nine previously used factors. The eight-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale measured depressive symptoms, where ≥4 symptoms defined significant. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the effects of chronic stress and unhealthy behaviors in 2006 on depressive symptoms in 2008. Results: A higher chronic stress index score predicted depressive symptoms in 2008 among African Americans, Latinos, and Whites (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.48, 2.15]; aOR = 1.54, 95% CI = [1.15, 2.05]; and aOR = 1.40, 95% CI = [1.26, 1.56], respectively). Unhealthy behaviors moderated this relationship among Latinos (aOR = 1.54, 95% CI = [1.02, 2.33]). Discussion: Unhealthy behaviors were not effective coping mechanisms for chronic stress in terms of preventing significant depressive symptoms. Instead, they strengthened the relationship between chronic stress and significant depressive symptoms among Latinos.

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Chronic Illnesses and Depressive Symptoms Among Older People: Functional Limitations as a Mediator and Self-Perceptions of Aging as a Moderator

Journal of Aging and Health ◽

10.1177/0898264317711609 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 30 (8) ◽

pp. 1188-1204 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Jina Han

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Functional Limitations ◽

Chronic Illnesses ◽

Older Americans ◽

Self Perceptions ◽

Longitudinal Mediation ◽

Perceptions Of Aging ◽

The Relationship ◽

Retirement Study

Objective: This research examined the mediation of functional limitations in the relationship between chronic illnesses and depressive symptoms among older Americans along with tests for the moderation of self-perceptions of aging. Method: Data from the Health and Retirement Study (2008, 2010, and 2012) were used. Longitudinal mediation models were tested using a sample of 3,382 Americans who responded to psychosocial questions and were over 65 years old in 2008. Results: Functional limitations mediated the linkage between chronic illnesses and depressive symptoms. Negative self-perceptions of aging exacerbated the effects of chronic illnesses on depressive symptoms. Discussion: Health care professionals should be aware of depressive symptoms in older adults reporting chronic illnesses and particularly in those reporting functional limitations. To decrease the risk of depressive symptoms caused by chronic illnesses, negative self-perceptions of aging may need to be challenged.

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La douleur arthritique, les limites et les incapacités fonctionnelles chez les personnes âgées

Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement ◽

10.1353/cja.2007.0013 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 25 (4) ◽

pp. 401-412

Author(s):

Paul Bourque ◽

Joëlle Dionne ◽

Sarah Pakzad ◽

Dolores Pushkar ◽

François Béland

Keyword(s):

Older Persons ◽

Functional Limitations ◽

Perceived Health ◽

Chronic Illnesses ◽

Personnes Âgées ◽

Gender Education ◽

French Speaking ◽

The Impact

ABSTRACTThe impact of arthritic pain, depression, and perceived health on functional limitations and disability in older persons is not clear. This study investigated the role of arthritic pain in functional limitations and disability in older persons. The sample consisted of 1,211 French-speaking persons aged 65 or older. Approximately 32 per cent of the subjects reported having arthritic pain, of whom 13 per cent reported considerable functional limitations. The results show that arthritic pain, age, gender, education, chronic illnesses, perceived health, and depression explained 28 per cent of the variance in functional limitations and 30 per cent of the variance in disability. The present results have implications for the prevention and management of functional limitations and disability in older persons.

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