Social Engagement and Depressive Symptoms Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in India

Abstract Social networks and family support are known to have benefits for many older adults globally, and India is no exception. However, the exact nature of the impact of these factors on depression in the Indian population remains largely unexplored. Considering the aging Indian population and changing socio-cultural landscape, it is important to identify the role of social engagement and neighborhood factors in the mental health needs of these older adults. To address this need, this study aimed to identify predictors of depressive symptoms among individuals aged 45+ years from four states in India. Data were taken from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) pilot survey in 2010, focusing on the influence social activities, family factors and neighborhood satisfaction variables have on depressive symptomatology. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted and found that residing in a southern state (Karnataka and Kerala) (β=.178, p<0.05); lower life satisfaction (β= -.261, p<0.05); having more living children (β=.110, p<0.05), less frequently or never visiting friends and relatives (β=.079, p<0.05) and not liking the neighborhood (β=.072, p<0.05) were predictors of depressive symptoms. These findings are consistent with limited extant literature on the importance of family and social engagement as predictors of depressive symptoms in this population. Future research should focus on qualitatively examining the interaction between depressive symptoms and social engagement within this population, thereby helping develop targeted interventions, measure outcomes and long term, community engagement-based prevention programs.

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Gender Differences in the Impact of Intergenerational Support on Depressive Symptoms among Older Adults in Korea

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17124380 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (12) ◽

pp. 4380 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kyungwon Choi ◽

Gyeong-Suk Jeon ◽

Kwang-Sim Jang

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Gender Differences ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Financial Support ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Future Research ◽

Intergenerational Support ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

The Impact ◽

Exchange Patterns

Background: This study examined the relationship between intergenerational support patterns and depressive symptoms among older men and women in Korea. Methods: A nationally representative survey of non-institutionalized, community-dwelling older adults in Korea was used. A total of 7531 older adults (3592 men and 3939 women) was included in the analysis. Results: We observed gender differences in the impact of financial support exchanges on depressive symptoms. A lack of mutual financial support significantly increased the risk of depressive symptoms by 3.83 times (95% CI 2.34–6.24) in men and 1.73 times (95% CI 1.06–2.83) in women. Men who received financial support were more likely to experience depressive symptoms (OR (Odds Ratio), 1.81, 95% CI 1.36–2.42), whereas women who provided financial support were more likely to experience depressive symptoms (OR 2.82, 95% CI 1.21–6.56). The lack of an exchange of emotional support was significantly associated with depressive symptoms in both men (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.17–1.90) and women (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.50–2.34). Conclusions: We discuss the evidence of gender differences in intergenerational support exchange patterns and their impact on depressive symptoms within the context of Korean cultures and suggest that future research should be conducted on gender differences in the impact of intergenerational support on mental health across diverse societies.

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MOBILITY AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN OLDER ADULTS: OBSERVATIONAL AND INTERVENTION RESEARCH

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.1605 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S429-S430

Author(s):

Patricia M Bamonti ◽

Jonathan Bean

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Late Life ◽

Intervention Research ◽

Future Research ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

National Guidelines ◽

Mobility Disability ◽

The Impact

Abstract Mobility disability is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in late life. Physical activity [PA] is a modifiable behavior that can reduce mobility disability, as well as improve physical and mental health outcomes in older adults. However, only a minority of older adults meet the minimum PA requirements based on national guidelines. Research examining factors impacting PA and mobility in late life, as well as novel interventions to increase PA and improve mobility is essential to enhancing health and wellbeing. This symposium will provide an overview of observational and intervention research focused on understanding factors associated with PA and mobility, as well as intervention research designed to increase PA and improve mobility in older adults. First, Dr. Lien Quach will present research examining the impact of social engagement in reducing the risk of mobility decline among older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Second, Dr. Patricia Bamonti will examine psychological factors related to uptake and adherence of pulmonary rehabilitation in older Veterans. Third, Dr. Stephanie Robinson will explore engagement, feasibility, acceptability, and change in PA following a web-based intervention in middle-aged and older adult patients with COPD. Fourth, Dr. Elisa Ogawa will present research examining the feasibility and acceptability of an exergaming intervention compared to an exercise control condition among older adults at risk for falls. The symposium will conclude with discussion led by Jonathan Bean, MD, MPH, who will highlight implications of findings across studies and identify areas for future research.

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DISCRIMINATION AND DEPRESSION IN MID- TO LATE LIFE: THE ROLE OF OPTIMISM

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.1154 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S315-S316

Author(s):

Elliottnell Perez ◽

Joseph Dzierzewski ◽

Scott Ravyts

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Positive Association ◽

Late Life ◽

The United States ◽

Future Research ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Life Orientation Test ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

Abstract he positive association between discrimination and depression is well-supported throughout the literature. Previous evidence exploring potential mechanisms suggest discrimination is associated with depression via changes in social cognition. The goal of the current study was to investigate whether optimism explained the relationship between discrimination and depressive symptoms in mid-to-late life. Furthermore, the study assessed whether this mediated relationship was moderated by race or sex. This study included cross-sectional and longitudinal secondary data analysis of 2453 middle-aged and older adults (M age=68.30,SD=8.93) from the Midlife in the United States study. Discrimination was measured using an 11-item count of the number of discriminatory events experienced. Optimism was measured using the 6-item Life Orientation Test. Depressive symptoms were assessed using a 7-item count of the number of symptoms experienced. Optimism mediated the relationship between discrimination and depressive symptoms cross-sectionally, 95% CI:[.012, .034], and longitudinally, 95% CI:[.008, .024]. There was no evidence of moderated mediation; however, sex did moderate the direct relationship between discrimination and depressive symptoms cross-sectionally, b=.10, 95% CI:[.001, .194], and longitudinally, b=.03, 95% CI:[.01, .05]. The current study extends the literature by providing cross-sectional and longitudinal support for optimism as a mechanism through which discrimination leads to depressive symptoms in older adults. Evidence also suggests that women experience greater depressive symptoms than men in response to discrimination. Future research may wish to examine the developmental course of observed relationships and the impact of multiple marginalized identities on these relationships.

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Depressive Symptoms Moderate the Association Between Lifetime Discrimination and Inhibition Among Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.2638 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 711-711

Author(s):

Regina Wright ◽

Desiree Bygrave

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Depressive Symptomatology ◽

Late Life ◽

Psychosocial Assessment ◽

Future Research ◽

Paradoxical Finding ◽

Psychomotor Ability ◽

Cardiovascular Testing

Abstract Discrimination has been identified as a potentially modifiable environmental stressor that reduces cognitive function. As the burden of discrimination can extend from early to late life, understanding its role in cognition in late life is critical. Further, understanding the potential moderating influence of depressive symptoms, which are common among older adults, on the linkage between discrimination and cognition, may provide further insight into the potential patterns of psychosocial stress and negative affect that may promote cognitive decline and dementia. Thus, we sought to examine whether depressive symptoms moderate linear relations of lifetime discrimination to cognitive function in the domains of visuospatial, verbal, and working memory, executive function, and psychomotor ability, adjusting for age, sex, race, and education. Participants were 165 older adults (34% male) with a mean age of 68.43y. Participants completed a health screening, a battery of cognitive tests, a psychosocial assessment, and cardiovascular testing relevant to the larger study. Linear regression results showed a significant interaction between lifetime discrimination and depressive symptoms (p<.05) related to the Stroop interference score, a measure of inhibition. A probe of the interaction showed that greater lifetime discrimination was associated with better inhibition among participants with fewer depressive symptoms. This paradoxical finding is consistent with scant research that shows exposure to discrimination may heighten performance, and is more common among individuals that have achieved more, both educationally and vocationally. Greater depressive symptomatology may reduce this paradoxical association. Future research should explore this question both longitudinally and in a larger sample.

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Social Engagement and Episodic Memory in Non-Hispanic Black and White Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1101 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 343-343

Author(s):

Abbey Hamlin ◽

A Zarina Kraal ◽

Laura Zahodne

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Cognitive Aging ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Future Research ◽

Social Activities ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Significant Positive Association ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Social engagement may confer cognitive benefits in older adulthood, but studies have typically been restricted to largely non-Hispanic White (NHW) samples. Levels of social engagement vary across race such that NHW report larger social networks, more frequent participation in social activities, and greater social support than non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB). Associations between social engagement and cognition may also vary by race, but research is sparse. The current cross-sectional study examined associations between different aspects of social engagement and episodic memory performance, as well as interactions between social engagement and race among NHB and NHW participants in the Michigan Cognitive Aging Project (N = 247; 48.4% NHB; age = 64.19 ± 2.92). Social engagement (network size, activities, support) was self-reported. Episodic memory was a z-score composite of immediate, delayed, and recognition trials of a list-learning task. Separate hierarchical linear regression models quantified interactions between race and each of the three social engagement variables on episodic memory, controlling for sociodemographics, depressive symptoms, and health conditions. Results showed a main effect of more frequent social activity on better episodic memory, as well as an interaction between race and social support indicating a significant positive association in NHB but not NHW. These preliminary findings suggest that participating in social activities may be equally beneficial for episodic memory across NHB and NHW older adults and that social support may be particularly beneficial for NHB. Future research is needed to determine the potential applications of these results in reducing cognitive inequalities through the development of culturally-relevant interventions.

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The Impact of Work Hours on Depressive Symptoms among Koreans Aged 45 and Over

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18030853 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (3) ◽

pp. 853

Author(s):

Juyeong Kim ◽

Eun-Cheol Park

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Social Services ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Work Hours ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Health Studies ◽

Males And Females ◽

The Impact

Background: Given the documented importance of employment for middle-aged and older adults’ mental health, studies of the association between their number of work hours and depressive symptoms are needed. Objectives: To examine the association between the number of work hours and depressive symptoms in Korean aged 45 and over. Methods: We used data from the first wave to fourth wave of the Korea Longitudinal Study of Aging. Using the first wave at baseline, data included 9845 individuals. Depressive symptoms were measured using the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale. We performed a longitudinal analysis to estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms by work hours. Results: Both unemployed males and females aged 45–65 years were associated with higher depressive symptoms (β = 0.59, p < 0.001; β = 0.32, p < 0.001). Females working ≥ 69 h were associated with higher depressive symptoms compared to those working 41–68 h (β = 0.25, p = 0.013). Among those both middle-aged and older adults, both males and females unemployed were associated with higher depressive symptoms. Those middle-aged female working ≥69 h were associated with higher depressive symptoms. Conclusions: An increase in depressive symptoms was associated with unemployed males and females working ≥69 h compared to those working 41–68 h. Although this association was found among middle-aged individuals, a decrease in depressive symptoms in both sexes was associated with working 1–40 h. Depressive symptoms should decrease by implementing employment policies and social services to encourage employers to support middle-aged and older adults in the workforce considering their sex and age differences.

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Loving Others: The Impact of Compassionate Love on Later-Life Psychological Well-Being

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1554 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 480-481

Author(s):

Eva Kahana ◽

Tirth Bhatta ◽

Boaz Kahana ◽

Nirmala Lekhak

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Negative Affect ◽

Positive Affect ◽

Emotional Support ◽

Later Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Compassionate Love ◽

The Impact

Abstract Existing scholarship in social gerontology has surprisingly paid little attention to broader loving emotions, such as compassionate and altruistic love, as potentially meaningful mechanisms for improving later life psychological well-being. This study examined the influence of feeling love toward other persons and experiencing love from others on later life psychological well-being. We conducted a 3-wave longitudinal study of a representative sample of 340 ethnically heterogeneous community dwelling older residents of Miami, Florida. The increase in feeling of being loved (β=-1.53, p<0.001) and love for others (β=-1.43, p<0.001) led to decline in odds of reporting greater level of depressive symptoms over time. The odds of reporting higher level of positive affect were significantly greater for older adults who reported feeling loved by others (β=1.16, p<0.001) and expressed love for other people (β=1.18, p<0.01). Older adults who felt loved had 0.92-point lower ordered log odds of reporting higher negative affect than those who reported lower level of love. The impact of compassionate love on depressive symptoms and negative affect remained statistically significant even after adjustment for altruistic attitudes and emotional support. The influence of loving emotions on positive affect was, however, explained by altruistic attitudes and emotional support. Our findings underscore the powerful influence of both receiving and giving love for the maintenance of later life psychological well-being. We offer support for the expectation that love is a significant force in the lives of older adults that transcends intimate relationships.

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The Relationship Between Daily Rapid-Eye Movement Sleep and Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.518 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 159-159

Author(s):

Tiana Broen ◽

Tomiko Yoneda ◽

Jonathan Rush ◽

Jamie Knight ◽

Nathan Lewis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Working Memory ◽

Cognitive Functioning ◽

Eye Movement ◽

Rem Sleep ◽

Cognitive Tests ◽

Rapid Eye Movement ◽

Targeted Interventions ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Previous cross-sectional research suggests that age-related decreases in Rapid-Eye Movement (REM) sleep may contribute to poorer cognitive functioning (CF); however, few studies have examined the relationship at the intraindividual level by measuring habitual sleep over multiple days. Applying a 14-day daily diary design, the current study examines the dynamic relationship between REM sleep and CF in 69 healthy older adults (M age=70.8 years, SD=3.37; 73.9% female; 66.6% completed at least an undergraduate degree). A Fitbit device provided actigraphy indices of REM sleep (minutes and percentage of total sleep time), while CF was measured four times daily on a smartphone via ambulatory cognitive tests that captured processing speed and working memory. This research addressed the following questions: At the within-person level, are fluctuations in quantity of REM sleep associated with fluctuations in next day cognitive measures across days? Do individuals who spend more time in REM sleep on average, perform better on cognitive tests than adults who spend less time in REM sleep? A series of multilevel models were fit to examine the extent to which each index of sleep accounted for daily fluctuations in performance on next day cognitive tests. Results indicated that during nights when individuals had more REM sleep minutes than was typical, they performed better on the working memory task the next morning (estimate = -.003, SE = .002, p = .02). These results highlight the impact of REM sleep on CF, and further research may allow for targeted interventions for earlier treatment of sleep-related cognitive impairment.

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A neuropsychological group rehabilitation program with institutionalized elderly

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.588 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 33 (S1) ◽

pp. s235-s235

Author(s):

L. Lemos ◽

H. Espírito-Santo ◽

S. Simões ◽

F. Silva ◽

J. Galhardo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Depressive Symptomatology ◽

Randomized Study ◽

Geriatric Depression Scale ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Rehabilitation Program ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Institutionalized Elderly ◽

Group Rehabilitation ◽

The Impact

IntroductionElderly institutionalization involves an emotional adaptation and the research shows that the risk of depression increases.ObjectivesEvaluate the impact of a neuropsychological group rehabilitation program (NGRP) on depressive symptomatology of institutionalized elderly.AimsNGRP influences the decrease of depressive symptoms.MethodsElderly were assessed pre- and post-intervention with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and divided into a Rehabilitated Group (RG), a Waiting List Group (WLG), and a Neutral Task Group (NTG).ResultsIn this randomized study, before rehabilitation, 60 elderly people (RG; 80.31 ± 8.98 years of age; 74.2% women) had a mean GDS score of 13.33 (SD = 9.21). Five elderly included in the NTG (80.13 ± 10.84 years; 75.0% women) had a mean GDS score of 10.60 (SD = 4.72). Finally, 29 elderly in the WLG (81.32 ± 6.68 years; 69.0% women) had a mean GDS score of 14.93 (SD = 6.02). The groups were not different in GDS baseline scores (F = 0.74; P = 0.478). ANCOVA has shown significant differences (P < 0.05) in GDS scores between the three groups after 10 weeks. Sidak adjustment for multiple comparisons revealed that elderly in the WLG got worse scores in GDS, comparing with elderly in RG (P < 0.01), and with elderly in NTG (P < 0.05).ConclusionsElderly that are not involved in a task get worse in depressive symptomatology. Being involved in a structured group task means lower depressive symptoms and being in a NGRP means even greater results.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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Assessing the Impact of a Hilly Environment on Depressive Symptoms among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18094520 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 4520

Author(s):

Takafumi Abe ◽

Kenta Okuyama ◽

Tsuyoshi Hamano ◽

Miwako Takeda ◽

Masayuki Yamasaki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Rural Setting ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

Although some neighborhood environmental factors have been found to affect depressive symptoms, few studies have focused on the impact of living in a hilly environment, i.e., land slope, on depressive symptoms among rural older adults. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate whether a land slope is associated with depressive symptoms among older adults living in rural areas. Data were collected from 935 participants, aged 65 years and older, who lived in Shimane prefecture, Japan. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and defined on the basis of an SDS score ≥ 40. Land slopes within a 400 m network buffer were assessed using geographic information systems. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of depressive symptoms were estimated using logistic regression. A total of 215 (23.0%) participants reported depressive symptoms. The land slope was positively associated with depressive symptoms (OR = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.01–1.08) after adjusting for all confounders. In a rural setting, living in a hillier environment was associated with depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults in Japan.

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