scholarly journals The Perks of Doing Housework: Its Impacts on Physical Health, Mental Well-Being, Cognitive Performance, and Survival

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 109-109
Author(s):  
Li Chu ◽  
Xianmin Gong ◽  
Jennifer Lay ◽  
Fan Zhang ◽  
Timothy Kwok ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Living Arrangement ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Survey Study

Abstract Previous research has shown mixed results regarding the effects of doing housework. While some earlier studies have found no association between performing heavy housework and health, other studies have found various benefits of doing housework, including body leanness and lower mortality rate. This study examined the effects of housework on older adults’ survival over a period of 14 years, and investigated the underlying mechanisms. A total of 2,768 older adults in Hong Kong (female: 47.29%; age: 65-98) from a longitudinal survey study were included in the current analyses. Linear regression analysis revealed that doing more housework was significantly associated with surviving more days (β = 45.36, SE = 6.40, p < .001). We then examined whether the association between housework and survival was mediated by physical health, mental health and/or cognitive functioning using a parallel mediation model with multiple mediators. Results showed a significant partial mediating effect of physical health (β = 1.20, SE = .53, p = .003), a marginally significant partial mediating effect of cognitive functioning (β = 1.35, SE = .70, p = .054) and no mediating effect of mental health. All the analyses remained consistent after controlling for sex, education, marital status, subjective social status and living arrangement. These results suggest that doing housework may benefit survival by improving physical and cognitive functioning. Our findings have implications for better understanding factors that influence mortality, developing accessible physical activity interventions for older adults, and supporting aging in place.

The glass is not half empty: optimism, pessimism, and health among older adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael D. Barnett ◽  
Ellen A. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Life Orientation Test ◽  
Health And Well Being

ABSTRACTObjectives:Optimism and pessimism are distinct constructs that have demonstrated independent relationships with aspects of health and well-being. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether optimism or pessimism is more closely linked with physical and mental health among older adults.Design:Cross-sectional survey.Participants:Community-dwelling older adults (N = 272) ages 59–95 in the southern United States.Measurements:The Life Orientation Test—Revised and the Short Form 8.Results:At the bivariate level, optimism was associated with higher physical health and mental health, while pessimism was associated with lower physical health and mental health. Multiple-regression analyses as well as comparison of correlation coefficients found that pessimism was more closely associated with physical health and mental health than optimism.Conclusions:These results add to the literature suggesting that, in terms of older adults’ health and well-being, avoiding pessimism may be more important than being optimistic.

scholarly journals To be or not to be: Relationship between grandparent status and health and wellbeing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel W.L. Lai ◽  
Jia Li ◽  
Xue Bai
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Older People ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Marital Status ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Chinese Society ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract BackgroundIt is common for older people to become grandparents in later life. However, the impacts of grandparenting on their health and well-being remain ambiguous, especially in Chinese society, where the family is in the core of culture. The current study explored the relationship between grandparenthood and Chinese older people’s health and psychological well-being in Hong Kong. MethodsCross-sectional data were collected from a sample of 1,208 Hong Kong Chinese older people aged 55 and above through a telephone survey conducted in 2019. Participants were grouped into three categories: current grandparents (n = 507), grandparents-to-be (n = 275), and grandparents-not-to-be (n = 426). Multivariate linear regressions were performed to examine the relationship between grandparenting status and health and well-being outcomes, including self-rated physical health, mental health, resilience, and happiness. The potential moderating roles of older adults’ demographic characteristics, including age, sex, education, marital status, financial status, were also examined. ResultsBivariate analyses suggested statistically significant differences between health and well-being across the three groups of participants. Regression models showed that, compared with grandparents-not-to-be, being a current grandparent was associated with a significantly higher happiness level. Being a future grandparent was associated with significantly higher levels of happiness, resilience, and self-rated physical health. Moderating analyses showed that age, marital status, and educational level could moderate the relationship between grandparent status and resilience and self-rated mental health. ConclusionsThe current study offers preliminary insights into the significant relationship between grandparenthood and older adults’ health and well-being. It calls for future studies to further explore the mechanisms between grandparenthood and the healthy ageing of different subgroups of older adults.

scholarly journals Dog Park Membership and Life Satisfaction Among Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 867-867
Author(s):  
Betz King ◽  
Adam Duberstein ◽  
McGlinn Maureen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Total Respondent ◽  
Dog Parks ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Dog park members initially join and attend dog parks for the wellbeing of their dogs, but often experience their own biopsychosocial benefits. This mixed methodology (Quantitative n=44, Qualitative n=11) ) pilot study utilized qualitative heuristic interviewing (Moustakas, C., 1990) and the Satisfaction with Life Survey (Pavot, W., & Diener, E. 2013). Data gathered from interviews and surveys administered to participants of a members-only dog-park indicate a high satisfaction with life. Members 60 years and older reported feelings of life satisfaction almost 7 points over the total respondent average, placing them in the “highly satisfied” range. All members experience the dog-park as a supportive social environment that benefits their physical health, mental health and the well-being of their canine companions. Five qualitative themes were identified: Canine Well-being, Community, Mental Health Benefits, Physical Health Benefits and Fights, Falls & Frustrations. These findings demonstrate the need for more research into the impact and importance of pet ownership, community dog parks and outdoor green spaces on older adults and life satisfaction.

scholarly journals Changes in well-being during the COVID pandemic: A longitudinal study of older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 740-740
Author(s):  
Andrea Huseth-Zosel ◽  
Heather Fuller
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Qualitative Responses

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health crisis the world has not seen in a century, with older adults faced with unique impacts due to their increased vulnerability and need to social distance. This research examines changes in physical and mental health and quality of life among older adults in the upper Midwest during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seventy older adults aged 70-97 participated in three phone interviews (April [Time 1], June [Time 2], and October [Time 3] 2020) focusing on experiences coping with the pandemic and understanding overall changes in well-being. Participants rated their quality of life, physical health, and mental health on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being “Poor” and 5 being “Excellent.” Self-reported quality of life, mental health, and physical health initially declined between retrospective pre-COVID and Time 1 scores, with gradual increases seen across all three variables for Time 2 and Time 3 scores. Thematic analysis of qualitative responses for each interview wave identified salient themes of: 1) reduced quality of life, 2) distraction and routine, 3) loss and uncertainty, and 4) resilience and adaptation. The significance and meaning of these themes shifted across each time point. For example, the reduced quality of life theme initially encompassed loss of activities, later shifted to concerns about struggles to maintain relationships, and finally focused on hope for the future. Findings will be discussed in light of the significance of change over time as well as policy and practice implications for older adults.

scholarly journals AIR QUALITY AND WELL-BEING AMONG MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULTS IN EAST ASIA

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S266-S267
Author(s):  
Takashi Yamashita ◽  
Giyeon Kim ◽  
Darren Liu ◽  
Anthony R Bardo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
East Asia ◽  
East Asian ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Self Rated Health

Abstract There is a well-established link between air quality, an important component of one’s local living environment, and well-being. However, the link between well-being and air quality is largely based on findings from western nations, and evidence from East Asia (where air pollution is a major challenge) is scant. Thus, the present study sheds much needed light on the association between well-being and air quality in four East Asian countries (i.e., China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan). Data for this study were drawn from the internationally representative 2010 East Asian Social Survey Health Module. The sample was limited to middle-age and older adults (i.e., 50 years and older) to account for differential exposure across the life course (N = 4,052). Linear regression models with robust standard error estimation and full information maximum likelihood were used to examine associations between four well-being indicators (self-rated health, SF-12 physical health and mental health, and happiness) and self-reported air quality. Results showed that air quality was negatively associated with well-being across East Asian nations --- with self-rated health in Japan (b = -0.09, p < 0.05) and Taiwan (b = -0.14, p < 0.05); physical health in Japan (b = -0.96, p < 0.05); mental health in China (b = -1.05, p < 0.05) and Japan (b = -1.49 , p < 0.05); and happiness in China (b = -0.07, p < 0.05). Possible explanations underlying these distinct national patterns and strategies to enhance well-being through environmental and behavioral interventions are discussed.

scholarly journals Effect of Solitary on Depression and Well-being of Older Adults Residing in Old Homes

2021 ◽  
Vol VI (I) ◽  
pp. 96-102
Author(s):  
Ammara Sattar ◽  
Muhammad Naveed Riaz ◽  
Asma Rashid
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Stress Scale ◽  
Depression Subscale ◽  
Mental Well Being

The study aimed to examine the effect of solitary on depression and the well-being of older adults residing in old homes. The sample comprised of older adults residing in old homes (N = 100). Solitude Scale, Depression subscale of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale and Short Warwick Edinburg Mental Well-Being Scale were applied on the older adults. Linear Regression analysis showed that solitary positively predicted depression in older adults residing in old homes, whereas solitary negatively predicted well-being in older adults residing in old homes. The findings of this study can be used to improve the mental health of older adults residing in old homes.

scholarly journals To be or not to be: Relationship between grandparent status and health and wellbeing

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel W.L. Lai ◽  
Jia Li ◽  
Xue Bai
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Older People ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Marital Status ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Chinese Society ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Background It is common for older people to become grandparents in later life. However, the impacts of grandparenting on their health and well-being remain ambiguous, especially in Chinese society, where the family is in the core of culture. The current study explored the relationship between grandparenthood and Chinese older people’s health and psychological well-being in Hong Kong. Methods Cross-sectional data were collected from a sample of 1,208 Hong Kong Chinese older people aged 55 and above through a telephone survey conducted in 2019. Participants were grouped into three categories: current grandparents (n = 507), grandparents-to-be (n = 275), and grandparents-not-to-be (n = 426). Multivariate linear regressions were performed to examine the relationship between grandparenting status and health and well-being outcomes, including self-rated physical health, mental health, resilience, and happiness. The potential moderating roles of older adults’ demographic characteristics, including age, gender, education, marital status, financial status, were also examined. Results Bivariate analyses suggested statistically significant differences between health and well-being across the three groups of participants. Regression models showed that, compared with grandparents-not-to-be, being a current grandparent was associated with a significantly higher happiness level. Being a future grandparent was associated with significantly higher levels of happiness, resilience, and self-rated physical health. Moderating analyses showed that age, marital status, and educational level could moderate the relationship between grandparent status and resilience and self-rated mental health. Conclusions The current study offers preliminary insights into the significant relationship between grandparenthood and older adults’ health and well-being. It calls for future studies to further explore the mechanisms between grandparenthood and the healthy ageing of different subgroups of older adults.

Scared behind the wheel: what impact does driving anxiety have on the health and well-being of young older adults?

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 1027-1034 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan E. Hempel ◽  
Joanne E. Taylor ◽  
Martin J. Connolly ◽  
Fiona M. Alpass ◽  
Christine V. Stephens
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Driving Cessation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

ABSTRACTBackground:Driving anxiety can range from driving reluctance to driving phobia, and 20% of young older adults experience mild driving anxiety, whereas 6% report moderate to severe driving anxiety. However, we do not know what impact driving anxiety has on health and well-being, especially among older drivers. This is problematic because there is a growing proportion of older adult drivers and a potential for driving anxiety to result in premature driving cessation that can impact on health and mortality. The purpose of the current study was to examine the impact of driving anxiety on young older adults’ health and well-being.Method:Data were taken from a longitudinal study of health and aging that included 2,473 young older adults aged 55–70 years. The outcome measures were mental and physical health (SF-12) and quality of life (WHOQOL-8).Results:Hierarchical multiple regression analyses demonstrated that driving anxiety was associated with poorer mental health, physical health, and quality of life, over and above the effect of socio-demographic variables. Sex moderated the effect of driving anxiety on mental health and quality of life in that, as driving anxiety increased, men and women were more likely to have lower mental health and quality of life, but women were more likely to have higher scores compared to men.Conclusion:Further research is needed to investigate whether driving anxiety contributes to premature driving cessation. If so, self-regulation of driving and treating driving anxiety could be important in preventing or reducing the declines in health and quality of life associated with driving cessation for older adults affected by driving anxiety.

Socio-Economic Resources and Differential Ageing

1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 517-550 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Ulrich Mayer ◽  
Michael Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Course ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Economic Resources ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Cohort Differences ◽  
Social Differentials

ABSTRACTThe Sociology and Social Policy Research Unit of the Berlin Aging Study focuses on four substantive areas: (1) life course antecedents and generational experiences, (2) later phases of the family life course, (3) action resources and social participation, and (4) economic situations and the provision of care. This paper reports results on the relationship between social and economic inequality and differential ageing, using the BASE multidisciplinary Intake Assessment (N = 360). The socio-economic position of older people is measured along three dimensions: economic resources, social status and prestige, and cultural status. Several ageing outcomes are considered, including functional physical health, cognitive functioning and mental health, overall subjective well-being, social autonomy and dependency. First, we show that old people as a group are neither socially nor economically homogeneous: very old women possess unusually low economic resources; and cohort differences in educational attainment are carried into old age. Second, cognitive functioning and mental health are positively correlated with socio-economic resources, while functional physical health is not. For women, socio-economic resources slightly affect overall subjective well-being, and are linked to the likelihood of living in a nursing home. We speculate that the wide availability of compulsory health insurance reduces social differentials in physical health and that these inequalities may determine who survives into old age.

scholarly journals The Impact of Leisure Activities on the Mental Health of Older Adults: The Mediating Effect of Social Support and Perceived Stress

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Chi Zhang ◽  
Niu Qing ◽  
Sifeng Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Shaanxi Province ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
The Impact

As the aging continues, China has become the country with the largest older population. In order to ensure the well-being of older adults in their later years, the whole society is increasingly concerned about the mental health of older adults. In 2019, we conduct a questionnaire survey in Shaanxi Province. Stratified random sampling is used to select three representative cities, and 677 samples are selected from the survey results for research. By using the structural equation model, we aim to reveal the mechanism of leisure activities’ influence on mental health of the older adults and verify whether social support and perceived stress play a mediating role. The study finds that the older adults’ leisure activities have no significant direct impact on mental health. Social support has a significant mediating effect between leisure activities and mental health of the older adults. Leisure activities indirectly affect the mental health of the older adults through social support, and participation in leisure activities can improve the social support of the older adults, thus improving the mental health level of the older adults. Perceived stress plays a significant mediating role between leisure activities and mental health of the older adults. By participating in leisure activities, the perceived stress of the older adults will be reduced, thus improving their mental health. Social support and perceived stress play a sufficient mediating role in the influence of leisure activities on mental health.

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