scholarly journals Poll Findings on Social Connection and Technology Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 97-98
Author(s):  
Erica Solway
Keyword(s):  
Technology Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Video Conferencing ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Physical Environments ◽  
National Poll ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Demographic Subgroup ◽  
Economic Need

Abstract The National Poll on Healthy Aging conducted an online survey of a nationally representative sample of adults age 50-80 (n=2,074) in June 2020 about experiences related to loneliness, their physical environments, and telehealth and technology use. 41% felt a lack of companionship, and 46% reported infrequent social contact. Feelings of loneliness were more likely among those who lived alone or who did not have access to features in their neighborhood and community which may offer opportunities for safe interactions. The poll also found that 26% of adults age 50-80 had a telehealth visit March through June 2020 and 64% overall reported being comfortable with video conferencing technology, with notable differences by demographic subgroup. These results highlight the need for new opportunities for older adults, especially those with the greatest social and economic need, to feel connected and to be confident using technology, both during and after the pandemic.

scholarly journals LONELINESS AND HEALTH AMONG OLDER ADULTS: RESULTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN NATIONAL POLL ON HEALTHY AGING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S600-S601
Author(s):  
Erica Solway ◽  
John Piette ◽  
Matthias Kirch ◽  
Dianne Singer ◽  
Jeffrey Kullgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
University Of Michigan ◽  
Healthy Behaviors ◽  
National Poll ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The University

Abstract In October 2018, the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging conducted an online survey using a nationally representative household sample of adults age 50 to 80. One in three respondents (34%) reported feeling a lack of companionship and 27% reported feeling isolated from others some of the time or often during the past year. Those with fair or poor self-reported physical health, mental health, or hearing were more likely to report feeling a lack of companionship or feel isolated as were those who reported less frequently engaging in healthy behaviors. More than one in four (28%) reported social contact with people outside of their household once a week or less. Given the high prevalence of loneliness and its connection to poor health and health behaviors, research on this important issue and efforts to increase social engagement among older adults deserve increased attention.

The Everyday Ageism Scale: Development and Evaluation

2021 ◽  
pp. 089826432110361
Author(s):  
Julie Ober Allen ◽  
Erica Solway ◽  
Matthias Kirch ◽  
Dianne Singer ◽  
Jeffrey T. Kullgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Psychometric Evaluation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Internal Reliability ◽  
National Poll ◽  
The Everyday ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Everyday Discrimination

Objectives Older adults regularly encounter age-based discrimination and stereotyping in their day-to-day lives. Whether this type of routine ageism negatively affects their health and well-being is unclear, in part due to the absence of validated scales that comprehensively measure this phenomenon and distinguish it from other sources of everyday discrimination. Methods This study describes the development of a novel scale, the Everyday Ageism Scale, and its psychometric evaluation using a nationally representative sample of US adults age 50–80 from the December 2019 National Poll on Healthy Aging ( N = 2012). Results Exploratory factor analysis indicated a 3-factor structure comprised of ageist messages, ageism in interpersonal interactions, and internalized ageism. The ten-item scale was psychometrically sound and demonstrated good internal reliability. Discussion Everyday ageism is a multidimensional construct. Preliminary evaluation of the Everyday Ageism Scale suggests its utility in future studies examining the prevalence of everyday ageism and its relationships with health.

Self-reported disposal of leftover opioids among US adults 50–80

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (12) ◽  
pp. 949-954
Author(s):  
Calista M Harbaugh ◽  
Preeti Malani ◽  
Erica Solway ◽  
Matthias Kirch ◽  
Dianne Singer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Opioid Prescription ◽  
Web Based ◽  
The Past ◽  
National Poll ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Opioid Medications

ObjectiveTo test the association between self-reported opioid disposal education and self-reported disposal of leftover opioids among older adults.DesignWeb-based survey from the National Poll on Healthy Aging (March 2018) using population-based weighting for nationally representative estimates.SubjectsOlder adults aged 50–80 years who reported filling an opioid prescription within the past 2 years.MethodsRespondents were asked whether they received education from a prescriber or pharmacist on how to dispose of leftover opioids and whether they disposed of leftover opioids from recent prescriptions. The association between self-reported opioid disposal education and self-reported disposal of leftover opioids was estimated with multivariable logistic regression, testing for interactions with respondent demographics.ResultsAmong 2013 respondents (74% response rate), 596 (28.9% (26.8%–31.2%)) were prescribed opioids within the past 2 years. Education on opioid disposal was reported by 40.1% of respondents (35.8%–44.5%). Among 295 respondents with leftover medication, 19.0% (14.6%–24.5%) disposed of the leftover medications. Opioid disposal education was associated with a greater likelihood of self-reported disposal of leftover opioids among non-white respondents as compared with white non-Hispanic respondents (36.7% (16.8%–56.6%) vs 7.8% (0.1%–15.6%), p<0.01).ConclusionsIn this nationally representative survey, 49% had leftover opioids, yet only 20% of older adults reported disposal of leftover opioids. Opioid disposal education was variable in delivery, but was associated with disposal behaviors among certain populations. Strategies to promote disposal should integrate patient education on the risks of leftover opioid medications and explore additional barriers to accessing opioid disposal methods.

scholarly journals Educational Attainment and Self-Rated Oral Health among American Older Adults: Hispanics’ Diminished Returns

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shervin Assari ◽  
Mohsen Bazargan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
University Of Michigan ◽  
Single Item ◽  
National Poll ◽  
The Us ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The University

Background: Minorities’ diminished returns (MDRs) refer to systemically weaker effects of socioeconomic status (SES), particularly educational attainment, on the health of non-Whites compared to Whites. Aim: Using a nationally representative sample, we aimed to investigate ethnic differences in the effect of SES (educational attainment) on the self-rated oral health of Hispanic older adults in the US. Methods: This study analyzed the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging (UM-NPHA) 2017 data, which included 2131 older adults who were 50 to 80 years old (202 Hispanics and 1929 non-Hispanics). Ethnicity, race, educational attainment (SES), age, gender, employment, retirement, and self-rated oral health (single item) were measured. Logistic regressions were applied for data analysis. Results: High educational attainment was associated with lower odds of poor oral health in the pooled sample, net of all covariates. The effect of educational attainment on poor self-rated oral health was found to be weaker for Hispanics than for non-Hispanics. Conclusion: We observed MDRs of educational attainment (SES) on oral health for Hispanic older adults. In other words, compared to non-Hispanics, Hispanics gain less oral health from their educational attainment (SES).

scholarly journals Update on Polling and Policy Efforts on Loneliness, Telehealth, Caregiving, and Advance Care Planning

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 178-178
Author(s):  
Erica Solway ◽  
Brian Lindberg
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Advance Care Planning ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Care Planning ◽  
University Of Michigan ◽  
National Poll ◽  
Advance Care ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The University

Abstract Older adults and their caregivers experienced dramatic changes in many aspects of their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in important shifts in organizational and federal priorities and policies. To explore older adults’ changing experiences and perspectives amidst the pandemic, the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging (NPHA), a recurring, nationally representative household survey, polled over 2,000 adults age 50-80 at multiple timepoints through January 2021 about their feelings of loneliness and use of telehealth. In June 2020, the NPHA also surveyed adults age 50-80 about advance care planning before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and asked family caregivers about their care challenges in the three months since the pandemic. This session will start with a presentation of results from these polls, first exploring change over time in loneliness and telehealth use and then focusing on experiences related to advance care planning and caregiving challenges. Next, presenters from diverse national coalitions and organizations, including the Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness, the National Academy for State Health Policy, the National Alliance for Caregiving, and the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care will describe their organizations’ efforts, including their work with research and advocacy partners, state and federal agencies, and the Biden administration to facilitate dialogue and advance activities and policies related to these timely topics.

scholarly journals PERCEPTIONS OF BRAIN HEALTH AND INTEREST IN PARTICIPATING IN BRAIN HEALTH RESEARCH AMONG ADULTS AGE 50 TO 64

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S409-S410
Author(s):  
Erica Solway ◽  
Donovan Maust ◽  
Matthias Kirch ◽  
Dianne Singer ◽  
Jeffrey Kullgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Dementia Worry ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
New Treatment ◽  
The University ◽  
Person With Dementia

Abstract Evidence suggests it may be possible to reduce the risk of developing dementia during midlife. The University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging (NPHA), a nationally representative online survey, sought to determine to what extent adults age 50 to 64 anticipate and worry about developing dementia, are taking steps to prevent dementia, and are likely to participate in dementia-related research. Nearly 50% of poll respondents (n=1,025) perceived themselves as being somewhat or very likely to develop dementia. Worry about developing dementia was higher among respondents who had a family member with dementia (66.3% vs. 31.8%; Pearson’s Chi squared, p&lt;0.001) and those who had been a caregiver of a person with dementia (65.2% v. 38.9%; Pearson’s Chi squared p&lt;0.001). Only 5% of respondents had discussed preventing dementia with their doctor. In contrast, many respondents endorsed pursuing a variety of strategies to help maintain their memory. For example, 55% did crossword puzzles or other brain games; more than 30% reported taking fish oil or omega-3 supplements. Finally, 44% of respondents said they were likely to participate in studies to test a new medicine to prevent dementia and to test a new treatment for dementia. According to this NPHA, while many adults age 50 to 64 in the U.S. are worried about developing dementia, fewer are willing to participate in research to prevent or treat dementia. The low percentage who discussed dementia prevention with their doctor is concerning, particularly because many report using non-evidence-based prevention strategies such as dietary supplements.

scholarly journals How Loneliness, Depressed Mood, and Diet Affect Eating Habits and Grocery Shopping

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 24-25
Author(s):  
Erica Solway ◽  
Dianne Singer ◽  
Preeti Malani ◽  
Jeffrey Kullgren ◽  
Matthias Kirch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Grocery Shopping ◽  
Food Shopping ◽  
National Poll ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Fair Poor ◽  
Sample Age

Abstract This study examined the prevalence of loneliness and relationship with cooking and eating habits among older adults using data collected in December 2019 from a nationally representative sample age 50-80 through the National Poll on Healthy Aging. Older adults who live alone were more likely those who lived with others (19% vs. 8%) and those with a high PHQ-2 score were more like than those with a low PHQ-2 score (20% vs. 11%) to report that they do not cook dinner most days (0-2 times/week). Those who rated their diet as fair/poor were more likely to indicate they cook few meals a week (0-2) compared to those who reported a good or very good/excellent diet (18% vs. 11 % vs 8%). Those with a high PHQ-2 score were less likely than those with a low PHQ-2 score to say they do major food shopping less than once a week (31% vs 47%). Those with a high PHQ-2 score were more likely to say that that always ate alone in the last week compared to those with a low PHQ-2 score (17% vs 7%). These findings demonstrate that older adults who lived alone, had a higher PHQ-2 score, and had a poorer diet were more likely to cook and do grocery shopping less often. Strategies and policies to support older adults to address depressive symptoms and to increase cooking and improve diet may have many health and social benefits and will be explored through this session.

scholarly journals Everyday Ageism and Health: Evidence From the National Poll on Healthy Aging

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 723-723
Author(s):  
Julie Ober Allen ◽  
Erica Solway ◽  
Matthias Kirch ◽  
Dianne Singer ◽  
Jeffrey Kullgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
National Poll ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Sample Age

Abstract This study examined the prevalence of everyday ageism, routine types of age-based discrimination, prejudice, and stereotyping that older adults encounter in their daily lives, and its relationships with health in a nationally representative sample age 50-80 (N=2,048, 52% female, 71% White). Nearly all older adults said they sometimes or often experienced everyday ageism (96% age 65-80, 92% age 50-64). The most common types were beliefs that health problems were an inevitable part of getting older (78%), hearing jokes about aging/older people (61%), and seeing material suggesting that older adults were unattractive/undesirable (38%). Those reporting more experiences with everyday ageism (&gt;3 types) were less likely than those reporting fewer types to have excellent/very good physical health (31% vs. 50%); similar results were found for mental health (60% vs. 80%). This poll documented the ubiquity of minor, but not inconsequential, everyday ageism reported by older adults and its potential ramifications for health.

scholarly journals Policy Series: The Impact of Ageism on Health and Efforts to Address It Through Reframing Aging

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 722-722
Author(s):  
Erica Solway
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Research Education ◽  
National Poll ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Ageism can manifest in a variety of ways including in institutional policies and practices, interpersonal interactions, older adults’ internalization of ageist stereotypes, and through the media. While major incidents of age-based discrimination and their negative effects on health are more recognized, older adults also experience less momentous, but still harmful ageism in their day-to-day lives. These types of everyday ageism are also harmful to health. This symposium will highlight recent research from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging on self-reported experiences of everyday ageism among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults age50-80 and its connections to physical and mental health outcomes. Next, another researcher also using data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging will explore the prevalence of positive attributes of aging, its relationships to health, and ways in which it may buffer older adults from the adverse health consequences of ageism. Then speakers will highlight the Reframing Aging initiative and the ways in which GSA and other organizations are leading a national effort to address ageism through education and dissemination of research-based resources. This session will feature research, education, and advocacy efforts and will focus on the policy implications of efforts to better understand the prevalence of and strategies to counter the effects of ageism.

scholarly journals Positive Attributes of Aging and Connections to Health: Evidence From the National Poll on Healthy Aging

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 722-723
Author(s):  
Erica Solway ◽  
Julie Ober Allen ◽  
Matthias Kirch ◽  
Dianne Singer ◽  
Jeffrey Kullgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
National Poll ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Sample Age ◽  
Better Than

Abstract This study explored the prevalence of positive attributes of aging among older adults in a nationally representative sample age 50-80 ((N=2,048, 52% female, 71% White). Nearly 70% of older adults reported that people sought their guidance because of their wisdom and experience. Older adults reported that, as they have gotten older, they have become more comfortable with themselves (88%), have a strong sense of purpose (80%), feel more positively about aging (67%), and have found their life to be better than they had thought it would be (65%). Over half (52%) of those who said their lives were better than they thought reported very good or excellent physical health. Among those who disagreed, only one out of four (25%) reported very good/excellent physical health; similar results were found for mental health (48% vs. 22%). This session will describe positive attributes of aging and their association to physical and mental health.

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