scholarly journals Older Adults Place Greater Importance on a Purposeful Retirement

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 954-954
Author(s):  
Rachel Best ◽  
Gabrielle Pfund ◽  
M Teresa Cardador ◽  
Victor Strecher ◽  
Patrick Hill
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Big Five ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Retirement Age ◽  
Big Five Personality ◽  
Sense Of Purpose ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Working Status ◽  
Status Data ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Sense of purpose is associated with desirable health and well-being measures in older adults. Unfortunately, existing research points to complexity in the connection between purpose and retirement: some but not all people decline in sense of purpose following retirement, and some view it as nonessential to maintain a purpose specifically during retirement. These findings suggest there may be individual differences both in the importance placed on being purposeful specifically during retirement, and that there may be a discrepancy in purpose importance before retirement and during retirement. In this study, we examined whether perceived purpose importance correlates with age and personality, as well as working status. Data were collected from a U.S sample (N = 2,009), aged18-93 (M =48.51). Participants completed a survey assessing the Big Five personality traits and were asked to rate the importance of purpose before and after retirement. Findings suggest that, overall, people believe it wasrbe important to have a purpose and direction during retirement (M = 3.86). Perceived purpose importance during retirement was greater among older, conscientious, and less neurotic adults, but working status did not appear to play a role. Moreover, when comparing perceptions of purpose importance before and during retirement, age was the distinguishing factor differentiating who perceives during-retirement purpose as more important than before-retirement purpose, such that older adults placed greater importance on sense of purpose during retirement. Results indicate that older adults do value having a purpose during retirement, suggesting that purpose-focused interventions may be well-received by this population.

scholarly journals INCREMENTAL VALIDITY OF OPTIMISM AND PURPOSE FOR PREDICTING OLDER ADULTS’ DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S314-S315
Author(s):  
Lauren L Mitchell ◽  
Chris Erbes ◽  
Paul Arbisi
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Big Five ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Incremental Validity ◽  
Big Five Personality ◽  
Psychological Constructs ◽  
Symptom Trajectories ◽  
Big Five Traits ◽  
Using Data

Abstract After age 60, depressive symptoms tend to increase slowly over time on average across the population. However, individual trajectories vary, with some increasing more steeply, and others remaining stable. A broad array of psychological constructs have been demonstrated to predict depressive symptoms, including neuroticism, extraversion, optimism, and sense of purpose in life. It is important for psychologists to understand which among these factors are the strongest and most robust predictors. A substantial body of research demonstrates that Big Five personality traits are strongly associated with depressive symptoms (e.g., Hakulinen et al., 2015). Optimism and purpose are also associated with well-being (Carver et al., 2009; Pinquart, 2002), but it is not clear whether such associations could be accounted for by Big Five traits, which are also correlated with optimism and purpose. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (N = 14,021), we tested the incremental validity of optimism and purpose for predicting older adults’ depressive symptoms, controlling for Big Five traits and demographics. A latent growth curve modeling approach allowed us to examine associations with trajectories of depressive symptoms over six waves (approximately 10 years). Results demonstrated that both optimism and purpose are significantly associated with baseline levels of depressive symptoms, over and above the Big Five. However, only Big Five traits were associated with linear and quadratic slope in depressive symptom trajectories. These findings suggest that optimism and purpose are not redundant with Big Five traits for predicting depressive symptoms, and may be valuable targets for intervention efforts.

Associations between sense of purpose and romantic relationship quality in adulthood

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 1563-1580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabrielle N. Pfund ◽  
Hannah Brazeau ◽  
Mathias Allemand ◽  
Patrick L. Hill
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Big Five ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Perceived Quality ◽  
Relationship Commitment ◽  
Big Five Personality ◽  
Sense Of Purpose ◽  
Investment Size

The current studies investigated the extent that sense of purpose is associated with desirable relationship variables, such as relationship satisfaction, relationship commitment, perceived quality of alternatives, and investment size. Data were collected from two online surveys of 1,001 and 1,594 participants in relationships (Study 1: M = 46.68, SD = 15.77, range = 18–86; Study 2: M = 52.52, SD = 16.05, range = 18–91). Study 1 found that sense of purpose was positively associated with relationship satisfaction, commitment, and negatively associated with the perception that one’s partner was preferable to alternatives. When controlling for affective well-being and the Big Five personality traits, sense of purpose was still associated with relationship commitment and the perception that one’s partner was preferable to alternatives. Study 2 found that sense of purpose was positively associated with relationship satisfaction, commitment, and investment size (which was exclusively assessed in Study 2), but it was not significantly associated with perceived quality of alternatives. These associations held when controlling for affective well-being and the Big Five personality traits. Across both studies, age did not consistently moderate the associations between sense of purpose and relationship satisfaction, commitment, and perceived quality of alternatives. These studies suggest that sense of purpose and aspects of relationship quality are positively associated across adulthood. Findings are discussed with respect to how purpose may be considered in future close relationship research.

How Do People Share Their Positive Events?

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 250-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cara A. Palmer ◽  
Meagan A. Ramsey ◽  
Jennifer N. Morey ◽  
Amy L. Gentzler
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Big Five ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Big Five Personality Traits ◽  
Big Five Personality ◽  
Positive Events ◽  
Growing Body ◽  
Sharing Patterns ◽  
Practical Implications

Abstract. Research suggests that sharing positive events with others is beneficial for well-being, yet little is known about how positive events are shared with others and who is most likely to share their positive events. The current study expanded on previous research by investigating how positive events are shared and individual differences in how people share these events. Participants (N = 251) reported on their likelihood to share positive events in three ways: capitalizing (sharing with close others), bragging (sharing with someone who may become jealous or upset), and mass-sharing (sharing with many people at once using communication technology) across a range of positive scenarios. Using cluster analysis, five meaningful profiles of sharing patterns emerged. These profiles were associated with gender, Big Five personality traits, narcissism, and empathy. Individuals who tended to brag when they shared their positive events were more likely to be men, reported less agreeableness, less conscientiousness, and less empathy, whereas those who tended to brag and mass-share reported the highest levels of narcissism. These results have important theoretical and practical implications for the growing body of research on sharing positive events.

Lighting and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias: Spotlight on sleep and depression

2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (5) ◽  
pp. 405-422
Author(s):  
MG Figueiro ◽  
HC Kales
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disease ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Pharmacological Intervention ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Positive Results

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias is the collective term for a progressive neurodegenerative disease for which there is presently no cure. This paper focuses on two symptoms of the disease, sleep disturbances and depression, and discusses how light can be used as a non-pharmacological intervention to mitigate their negative effects. Bright days and dark nights are needed for health and well-being, but the present components of the built environment, especially those places where older adults spend most of their days, are too dimly illuminated during the day and too bright at night. To be effective light needs to be correctly specified, implemented and measured. Yet, without the appropriate specification and measurement of the stimulus, researchers will not be able to successfully demonstrate positive results in the field, nor will lighting designers and specifiers have the confidence to implement lighting solutions for promoting better sleep and mood in this population.

scholarly journals 400 - Effects of Computerized Cognitive Training with an Elderly Community Sample

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 116-116
Author(s):  
M Pires ◽  
A Antunes ◽  
C Gameiro ◽  
C Pombo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Intensive Training ◽  
Before And After

Community-focused programs that promote active and healthy aging can help preserve cognitive capacities, prevent or reverse cognitive deficits. Computer-based cognitive training (CCT) is a promising non-pharmacological, cost -effective and accessible intervention to face the effects of age-related cognitive decline. Previous studies proved CCT to have equal or better efficacy compared to traditional interventions. This comparative multifactorial study aims to test the efficacy of a CCT in a non-randomized community sample of 74 older adults: G1-CCT Experimental group (n=43) (Mean age M=72.21, SD=12.65) and G2- Paper-Pencil Control group (n=31; M=77.94, SD=10.51). Pensioners (97.3%), mostly women (83.8 %) with basic education (51.4%) and without dementia diagnosis, completed a cognitive training program of 17 or 34 group sessions (twice a week). G2 undertook a classic cognitive paper-pencil stimuli tasks. G1, performed, additionally, individual CCT with COGWEB® in a multimodal format (intensive training of attention, calculation, memory, gnosis, praxis, executive functions). Both groups completed Portuguese versions of Mini -Mental State Examination (MMSE),Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA); Geriatric Depressive Scale (GDS); Mini Dependence Assessment (MDA); WHOOQL 5 and Social Support Satisfaction Scale (ESSS) before and after participating in the program. Both groups reported better post-test scores on basic cognitive functions (MMSE, MOCA), Depression symptoms (GDS-30), subjective well-being and quality of life (WHOOQL-5). G1 presented higher MOCA and lower GDS scores before and after CCT, although, group differences become less expressive when interaction effects are considered. Results are in line with findings from past studies, CCT supported by the new technologies, is as a relevant cost-effective therapeutic tool for health professionals working with older adults. Particularly for preventive purposes of neuro-cognitive disorders.

scholarly journals The Health and Well-Being of African-American Older Adults With a History of Incarceration

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 506-506
Author(s):  
Rodlescia Sneed
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
African American ◽  
African Americans ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Formerly Incarcerated ◽  
Older Prisoners ◽  
Health Related ◽  
History Of ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
African American Older Adults

Abstract African-Americans are overrepresented in the criminal justice system. Longer prison stays and release programs for older prisoners may result in an increased number of community-dwelling older adults with a history of incarceration. In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in research on health-related outcomes for currently incarcerated older adults; however, there has been little inquiry into outcomes for formerly incarcerated African-American older adults following community re-entry. In this study, we used secondary data from the Health and Retirement Study to describe employment, economic, and health-related outcomes in this population. Twelve percent of the 2238 African-Americans in our sample had been previously incarcerated. Those who had been previously incarcerated had higher rates of lung disease, arthritis, back problems, mobility problems, and mental health issues than their counterparts. They also had higher rates of hospitalization and lower use of dental health services. Further, while they did not experience lower employment rates than those with no criminal history, those who had been incarcerated had more physically demanding jobs and reported greater economic strain. Given the disproportionate incarceration rates among African-Americans, the aging of the prison population, and the increase in community re-entry for older prisoners, research that explores factors that impact the health and well-being of formerly incarcerated individuals has broad impact. Future work should focus on addressing the needs of this vulnerable population of African-American older adults.

scholarly journals Capitalizing on Virtual Delivery of Community Programs to Support Health and Well-Being of Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer L Vincenzo ◽  
Colleen Hergott ◽  
Lori Schrodt ◽  
Beth Rohrer ◽  
Jennifer Brach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Programs ◽  
Health And Well Being
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