scholarly journals The Experiences of Older Adults with Cannabis and Mental Health: A Scoping Review of the Literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 991-991
Author(s):  
Raza Mirza ◽  
Amanda Bull ◽  
Andrea Gardiola ◽  
Sabina Mirza ◽  
Mary Hynes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Hand Search ◽  
Main Research

Abstract Following the 2018 federal legalization of cannabis in Canada, there was a drastic increase in older adults reporting marijuana use. Most cannabis research today focuses on children and young adults, however, it is important to acknowledge the potential harms in seniors as well. Aging and substance use presents unique considerations, such as the interactions between cannabis and chronic conditions, multiple comorbidities, polypharmacy, and mental health. The goal of this scoping review was to analyze the literature that addresses mental health outcomes of seniors who use cannabis, in order to answer the main research question: What is the relationship between older adults’ use of cannabis and mental health? Following Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage framework, 10 electronic databases were searched along with a hand search of references. The search revealed 7000+ peer-reviewed and grey literature sources. 233 full-text sources were assessed for eligibility, with a total of 25 articles included. Thematic content analysis produced four major themes which addressed: (1) Usage characteristics; (2) User characteristics; (3) Outcomes; and (4) Physical and mental health considerations. Findings from this scoping review are positioned in terms of their implications for research, practice, and policy. While more in-depth, qualitative methods are required to develop further research, several harm-reduction strategies may be immediately utilized by both users and healthcare practitioners. It is critical that older adults and their physicians are able to make cannabis-related decisions with evidence-informed guidance to prevent problematic cannabis use and ensure positive mental health outcomes.

scholarly journals Intergenerational Engagement in Residential Settings: A Scoping Review of the Literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 851-851
Author(s):  
Andrea Gardiola ◽  
Raza Mirza ◽  
Amanda Bull ◽  
Christopher Klinger ◽  
Jessica Hsieh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Hand Search ◽  
Intergenerational Interactions ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Intergenerational engagement provides a rich environment for people of different ages to come together and exchange life stories, skills, and knowledge. Today, intergenerational interactions are decreasing, however, these exchanges can have positive implications for seniors in residential care homes (RCHs) and younger persons. A scoping review following Arksey and O’Malley’s five-step framework was conducted to investigate the impact of intergenerational engagement and programs (IGPs) on older adults in RCHs. A systematic search of ten electronic databases and hand search of references was carried out; thematic content analysis to established key themes. A total of 1,183 academic and grey literature sources were reviewed, with 66 full-text studies assessed for eligibility. Of these sources, 35 studies met inclusion criteria. Studies highlighted four main themes: 1. Types of IGPs, 2. Psycho-social benefits for older adults and improved status among elders with cognitive impairments, 3. Younger person benefits, suggesting reduced ageism and improved social and communication skills, and 4. Program recommendations, including the need for enthusiastic program facilitators, coordination between facilities, sensitivity training for younger persons, detailed advertisements, and appropriate activities for different age groups. Findings inform future practice and research, highlighting that IGPs are an effective strategy to alleviate negative health outcomes for seniors in RCHs. Future research is needed to evaluate long-term effects and further health outcomes. IGPs provide an opportunity to facilitate purposeful and reciprocal relationships between generations, fostering intergenerational understanding. By studying IGPs and intergenerational interactions, we can better determine practices that meaningfully engage elders in RCHs in Canada.

scholarly journals Exacerbating Inequalities: Social Networks, Racial/Ethnic Disparities, and the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gertrude R Gauthier ◽  
Jeffrey A Smith ◽  
Catherine García ◽  
Marc A Garcia ◽  
Patricia A Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Ethnic Disparities ◽  
The United States ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Racial Ethnic

Abstract Objectives The disruption and contraction of older adults’ social networks are among the less discussed consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our objective was to provide an evidence-based commentary on racial/ethnic disparities in social network resources and draw attention to the ways in which disasters differentially affect social networks, with meaningful insight for the ongoing pandemic. Methods We draw upon prior research on social networks and past natural disasters to identify major areas of network inequality. Attention is given to how pre-pandemic racial/ethnic network disparities are exacerbated during the current crisis, with implications for physical and mental health outcomes. Results Evidence from the literature shows a robust association between strong social networks and physical and mental health outcomes. During times of crisis, access to social networks for older adults is disrupted, particularly for marginalized groups. We document pre-pandemic disparities in social networks resources and offer insight for examining the impact of COVID-19 on disrupting social networks among older adults. Discussion Importantly, racial/ethnic disparities in social networks both prior to and as a result of the pandemic intensify existing inequalities and demonstrate the necessity of better understanding social network inequalities for marginalized older adults, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 health crisis.

scholarly journals Potential impact of physical distancing on physical and mental health: a rapid narrative umbrella review of meta-analyses on the link between social connection and health

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e042335
Author(s):  
Nexhmedin Morina ◽  
Ahlke Kip ◽  
Thole Hilko Hoppen ◽  
Stefan Priebe ◽  
Thomas Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Social Connection ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Meta Analyses

BackgroundThe imperative for physical distancing (mostly referred to as social distancing) during COVID-19 pandemic may deteriorate physical and mental health. We aimed at summarising the strength of evidence in the published literature on the association of physical and mental health with social connection via social isolation, living alone and loneliness.MethodsWe conducted a systematic search in April 2020 to identify meta-analyses using the Medline, PsycINFO and Web of Science databases. The search strategy included terms of social isolation, loneliness, living alone and meta-analysis. Eligible meta-analyses needed to report any sort of association between an indicator of social connection and any physical or mental health outcome. The findings were summarised in a narrative synthesis.ResultsTwenty-five meta-analyses met our criteria, of which 10 focused on physical health and 15 on mental health outcomes. The results suggest that lack of social connection is associated with chronic physical symptoms, frailty, coronary heart disease, malnutrition, hospital readmission, reduced vaccine uptake, early mortality, depression, social anxiety, psychosis, cognitive impairment in later life and suicidal ideation.ConclusionsThe existing evidence clearly indicates that social connection is associated with a range of poor physical and mental health outcomes. A potential negative impact on these outcomes needs to be considered in future decisions on physical distancing measures.

scholarly journals Mobile Phone Use and Mental Health. A Review of the Research That Takes a Psychological Perspective on Exposure

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. 2692 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Thomée
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Mobile Phone Use ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Behavioral Perspective

The purpose of this study was to carry out a review of observational studies that consider links between mobile phone use and mental health from a psychological or behavioral perspective. Systematic literature searches in PubMed and PsycINFO for articles published until 2017 were done. Exclusion criteria included: papers that considered radiofrequency fields, attention, safety, relational consequences, sexual behavior, cyberbullying, and reviews, qualitative, and case or experimental studies. A total of 4738 papers were screened by title and abstract, 404 were retrieved in full text, and 290 were included. Only 5% had any longitudinal design. Self-reporting was the dominating method of measurement. One third of the studies included children or youth. A majority of adult populations consisted of university students and/or self-selected participants. The main research results included associations between frequent mobile phone use and mental health outcomes, such as depressive symptoms and sleep problems. Mobile phone use at bedtime was associated with, e.g., shorter sleep duration and lower sleep quality. “Problematic use” (dependency) was associated with several negative outcomes. In conclusion, associations between mobile phone use and adverse mental health outcomes are found in studies that take a psychological or behavioral perspective on the exposure. However, more studies of high quality are needed in order to draw valid conclusions about the mechanisms and causal directions of associations.

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