scholarly journals Weak Ties That Bind: ICT Use, Social Relations, and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 125-125
Author(s):  
Jess Francis ◽  
Noah Webster ◽  
Nour Fakhoury
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Weak Ties ◽  
Ict Use ◽  
Contact Frequency ◽  
Using Data

Abstract Information and communication technology (ICT) use has been associated with well-being among older adults. This link is often attributed to the fact that technology use facilitates connecting with social relations generally. What is less known, however, is the extent to which distinct dimensions of social relations uniquely influence how ICT use affects health. Thus, the importance of weak ties is receiving increased attention. Using data from the Detroit-based Social Relations Study collected in 2015, we examine the extent to which separate dimensions of weak ties (contact frequency and network size) mediate and moderate the link between technology use and depressive symptoms among adults age 65+ (n=213). A greater number of less close relations mediated the link as it was associated with technology use and fewer depressive symptoms. A moderating effect was also found as technology use was associated with fewer depressive symptoms only among those with lower contact frequency.

scholarly journals THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY: EXAMINING OUTCOMES OF TECHNOLOGY USE AMONG OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S194-S194
Author(s):  
Shelia Cotten ◽  
Shelia R Cotten ◽  
Travis Kadylak
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Negative Outcomes ◽  
Mobile Phone Use ◽  
Ict Use ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Nationally Representative

Abstract Older adults are increasingly using information and communication technologies (ICTs) to communicate with social ties, gather information to make decisions, and for entertainment purposes. Research is increasingly showing that using ICTs has a range of potential benefits for older adults. However, less research examines the potential negative outcomes of ICT use for older adults. Data from a nationally representative sample of older adults in the United States is used to examine positive and negative outcomes of ICT use. Traditional well-being and social connection outcomes are examined as well as new stressors associated with mobile phone use. Our findings suggest that ICT use has varying effects on older adults, depending upon the type, level, and purposes of use. Implications are discussed for entities seeking to encourage ICT use to enhance health and quality of life among older adults.

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.

scholarly journals The Association Between the Use of Digital Health Management Tools and Subjective Well-Being Among Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 498-498
Author(s):  
Mai See Yang ◽  
Haowei Wang ◽  
Yong Kyung Choi
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Management Tools

Abstract This study aims to examine the association between the use of digital health management tools and subjective well-being in later life. Research is limited about technology use (e.g., participation in online wellness program, finding medical information, using devices to monitor health) among community dwelling older adults. This study used data from the Health and Retirement study 2012 Module “Technology Use: Barriers and Benefits” (N = 1,416). We used multiple regression methods to test the association between technology use and subjective well-being (i.e., self-rated health, life satisfaction, and depressive symptoms). Over half of the participants reported using technology (58%). The mean age for this group was 68.7 (SD 9.6). Majority of the respondents were female (55%). About 18% were non-Hispanic Blacks, 2% were non-Hispanic other, 11% were Hispanic, and 68% were non-Hispanic Whites. For this sample of technology users, the usage of digital health management included online exercise programs (16%), online wellness programs or health monitoring programs (7%), searching for medical and health information online (43%), digital devices to monitor health (31%), and physical activity-based video game such as Wii Fit (7%). Over 88% of the sample have used at least one of these formats to monitor their health. Results from regression models suggested that the use of any digital health management tools was related to fewer depressive symptoms and better self-reported health. Findings from this study provide insight into how digital health management can protect older adults from poor subjective well-being in later life.

scholarly journals Predictors of Older Adults' Technology Use and Its Relationship to Depressive Symptoms and Well-being

2013 ◽  
Vol 69 (5) ◽  
pp. 667-677 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. Elliot ◽  
C. J. Mooney ◽  
K. Z. Douthit ◽  
M. F. Lynch
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Well Being

scholarly journals Technology to Support Self-Regulation in Older Adulthood: Insights From Design to Implementation

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 124-124
Author(s):  
Shannon Meija ◽  
Hans-Werner Wahl
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
Regulatory Processes ◽  
And Performance

Abstract Across the lifespan, individuals adapt to change through the careful monitoring and adjustment of goals, demands, and performance—processes of self-regulation. Technology in support of self-regulatory processes may compensate for deficiencies in the ability to set, monitor, and work toward goals. Our purpose in this symposium is to forward the discourse on how health technology—from design to implementation—can assist older adults in their efforts to support their health and well-being in daily life. Our symposium begins with design considerations for technologies that support processes of information seeking, reflection, and action. Chin presents a process for designing conversation agents that guide dialogues with older adults to support informal self-regulated learning of health information. Nie and colleagues synthesize the literature on visual feedback to provide a framework that illustrates how visual design elements can link feedback to action. The symposium continues with papers that speak to older adults’ experiences using technology to accomplish their goals. Mejía and colleagues use insight from older adults who had self-assessed their balance for 30 consecutive days to explore themes of self-monitoring accuracy and feedback preferences. Francis and colleagues use data from the Detroit-based Social Relations Study to illustrate how technology use and its implications vary when older adults engage with their weaker social ties. The symposium will conclude with a discussion led by Wahl, who will situate the papers, and the discourse on health technology design and application, within lifespan developmental and action perspectives on aging.

scholarly journals Effects of Self-Perceptions of Aging on Social Disconnectedness and Loneliness in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 38-39
Author(s):  
Rita Hu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Retirement Study

Abstract Research shows that self-perceptions of aging (SPA) predict physical, mental, cognitive, and emotional well-being in older adults. Few studies have examined SPA’s effects on social well-being. Using data from the 2014–2018 Health and Retirement Study, we examined SPA’s effects on older adults’ social connectedness and loneliness (age 65+, N = 3,808). SPA was measured by eight items. Social connectedness was operationalized by network size, social contact, and social participation. The UCLA Loneliness Scale assessed loneliness. Linear regression results show that more positive SPA is correlated with increased social connectedness (b = 0.05 SE = 0.01 p = 0.0003) and decreased loneliness (b = -0.09 SE = 0.02 p < 0.0001) in four years, controlling for sociodemographic and health characteristics. Further, loneliness is a mediator between SPA and social connectedness. Findings suggest that older adults with negative SPA are at risk of both objective and subjective social isolation.

scholarly journals Diversity of Activities and Loneliness Among Heterosexual and LGBT Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 36-36
Author(s):  
Jeongeun Lee ◽  
Joseph Svec
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Benefits ◽  
Integration Model ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Well Being

Abstract The extant literature highlights the physiological and psychological benefits of active lifestyles among older adults, though there is a considerable gap in scholarship for sexual minority groups. Utilizing the Social Integration Model, we hypothesize that social activities enhance individual psychological well-being, but those effects differ by one’s social identities. Using a national AARP foundation survey of adults (45+), this study examines whether individuals’ activities predict loneliness and depressive symptoms of heterosexual (n=2905) and LGBTQ adults (n=318). We utilize an index of diverse activities, which includes, social technology use, meeting with friends, and volunteer activities. Multiple linear regression is used to study cross-sectional associations of loneliness and depressive symptoms on the diverse activity index. Results show that a wider array of activities correspond with higher psychological well-being and lower loneliness, and this association is higher for LGBTQ older adults. We discuss implications for counseling and wellness programming for LGBT older adults.

Analysis of Self-Concept in Older Adults in Different Contexts

2004 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 262-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel de Gracia Blanco ◽  
Josep Garre Olmo ◽  
María Marcó Arbonès ◽  
Pilar Monreal Bosch
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
External Validity ◽  
Aging Process ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Discriminatory Capacity

Summary: Self-concept is a construct consisting of a group of specific self-perceptions that are hierarchically organized. Age-associated changes of self-concept are related to the individual's perception of the changes occurring throughout the aging process. The authors examined external validity and internal consistency of an instrument that has been developed to assess self-concept in older adults and examined self-concept's characteristics in two different contexts. Results confirm the multidimensionality of the scale and show a satisfactory external validity, indicating good discriminatory capacity. Findings support the hypothesis that older people who live in a nursing home have a poor self-esteem, self-concept, and psychological well-being and have a greater presence of depressive symptoms than people who live in their own home.

scholarly journals Intergenerational Relationships, Social Support, and Psychological Well-Being Among Korean Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 498-498
Author(s):  
Yooumi Lee ◽  
Janet Wilmoth
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Adult Child ◽  
Intergenerational Relationships ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Well Being

Abstract This study investigates whether intergenerational relationships and social support improve the psychological well-being of Korean older adults. We examine whether intergenerational relationships and social support directly influence psychological well-being and the extent to which they mediate the distressing consequences of life events such as declining health and recent widowhood. Using longitudinal data from the 2006 to 2016 Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging, we explore depression trajectories among individuals who are 60 or older with at least one living adult child at baseline. Specifically, we converted data from 5,383 older adults into a person-period file with 24,726 observations over a ten-year period. Then we estimated linear growth curve models of depression trajectories separately for men and women using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Results from the hierarchical linear models indicate that declining health and recent widowhood are positively related to depressive symptoms. Satisfactory intergenerational relationships and social support in the form of personal interactions and proximate living arrangements with adult children decrease depressive symptoms of older parents, especially among women. We conclude that the psychological benefits of intergenerational relationships and social support are contingent upon the vulnerability of older adults and discuss the implications for public policy.

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