scholarly journals HIS AND HER EVERYDAY LIFE: GENDER DIFFERENCES IN OLDER ADULTS’ SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S58-S58
Author(s):  
Meng Huo ◽  
Karen L Fingerman ◽  
Yee To Ng
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Social Partners ◽  
Reduced Physical Activity ◽  
Older Men And Women

Abstract The literature links social integration to better physical health, but little research asks how contact with diverse social partners influences older adults’ physical activity in a daily context. We examined this link using the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study and explored whether this link varied by gender. The sample included 175 older women and 138 older men who reported their contact with close partners (e.g., family/friend) and not-close partners (e.g., acquaintances) throughout each day across 5 days. Participants also wore Actical accelerometers to track physical activity. Multilevel models revealed significant gender differences. Older men had reduced physical activity when having contact with close partners, whereas older women maintained physical activity during such contact. Both older men and women had increased physical activity when having contact with not-close partners, but this link was stronger for men. This study advances our understanding of gender differences in older adults’ social experiences and well-being.

scholarly journals Objectively assessed physical activity patterns and physical function in community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study in Taiwan

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. e034645
Author(s):  
Ming-Chun Hsueh ◽  
Ru Rutherford ◽  
Chien-Chih Chou ◽  
Jong-Hwan Park ◽  
Hyun-Tae Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Daily Step ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Step Counts ◽  
Single Leg Stance

ObjectivesTo objectively assess light physical activity (PA), moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), step counts and number of 10 min MVPA bouts and their association with physical function among older adults.DesignCross-sectional design.SettingUrban community setting in Taiwan.Participants127 Taiwanese older adults aged over 65 years (mean age=70.8±5.3 years; 72% women).Primary and secondary outcome measuresTriaxial accelerometers were used to measure PA variables for 10 hours/day for seven consecutive days. Then, five physical function components (handgrip strength, single-leg stance, 5-metre walk speed, timed up and go and sit-to-stand test) were measured. Multiple linear regressions were used to perform separate analyses for older men and women.ResultsFor older women, daily MVPA time (β: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.64; p=0.004), daily step counts (β: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.78; p=0.009) and number of 10 min MVPA bouts (β: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.53; p=0.049) were positively associated with handgrip strength after adjusting for accelerometer wear time, sedentary time and other confounders. Furthermore, daily MVPA time was positively associated with a single-leg stance (β: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.49; p=0.036) and higher daily step counts were associated with shorter walking speed performance (β: −0.31, 95% CI: −0.57, −0.001; p=0.049). None of the variables of the objectively assessed PA patterns was associated with physical function outcomes among older men due to their small sample size.ConclusionsDaily MVPA, MVPA bouts of at least 10 min and accumulated daily steps are important for improving physical function among older women. Future prospective research should establish causal associations between PA patterns and functional ability among older adults.

scholarly journals Social Encounters and Mood: The Moderating Role of Narcissism

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 250-250
Author(s):  
Karen Fingerman ◽  
Shiyang Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Negative Mood ◽  
Positive Mood ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
Social Partners ◽  
Social Encounters ◽  
Ecological Momentary

Abstract Social contacts may lead to more positive and less negative emotions in late life, yet we know little about how narcissism influences such associations, and whether contacts with close and not-close social partners impact mood differently. This study examined associations between social contacts, narcissism, and mood on the within- and between- person level. Older adults aged 65 + (N = 303) completed ecological momentary assessments in which they reported social contacts and mood every 3 hours for 5 to 6 days. Older adults had higher positive mood after contacting either close or not-close social partners, but only not-close social partners reduced negative mood. Multilevel models found positive associations between average social contacts number and positive mood among people scored lower on narcissism, and positive associations between social contacts and negative mood for those who scored higher on narcissism. Findings suggest the necessity of considering interpersonal differences in interventions targeting well-being.

scholarly journals Gender Differences in Neighborhood Walking in Older Adults

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 1280-1300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Ambrose Gallagher ◽  
Philippa J. Clarke ◽  
Kimberlee A. Gretebeck
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Outcome Expectations ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Neighborhood Density ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Efficacy Outcome ◽  
Design Characteristics

Objective: This study examined mobility, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, neighborhood (density, destinations, and design), and neighborhood walking in older men ( n = 106, 60-99 years, M = 76.78, SD = 8.12) and women ( n = 216, 60-99 years, M = 75.81, SD = 8.46). Method/Results: In hierarchical regression, the variables explained 32% of the variance in neighborhood walking in men ( p < .001) and 27% of the variance in women ( p < .01). Self-efficacy (β = .49, p < .01), density (β= .22, p < .05), and design (β= .21, p = .05) were associated with walking in men. Significant design characteristics included sidewalks (β= .25, p < .05) and crime (β= .36, p < .01). In women, self-efficacy (β= .48, p < .001) and destinations (β= .15, p < .05) were associated with walking. Walking was associated with self-efficacy for walking despite individual barriers in women (β= .38, p < .001) and neighborhood barriers in men (β= .30, p < .05). Conclusion: Walking interventions targeting older women should incorporate local destinations. In older men, interventions should consider neighborhood sidewalk design and crime. Walking interventions for all older adults should include enhancement of self-efficacy, but gender differences may exist in the types of self-efficacy on which to focus.

Gendered leisure time-use and its impact on cognitive function among older adults in rural China

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
Huijun Liu ◽  
Yaolin Pei ◽  
Bei Wu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Rural China ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Cognitive Activities

Abstract Increasing evidence has shown that an active, socially engaged lifestyle in leisure time might protect older adults against the decline of cognitive function. It remains unclear, however, which types of leisure activities are more beneficial to maintain cognitive function, and whether there are gender differences in the association between leisure activities and cognitive function. We used a two-wave of panel data from 1,018 older adults aged 60 and older in rural China to examine the lag effects of different types of leisure activities on cognitive functioning and to identify the gender differences in their impacts on cognition in rural China. Ordinary least-squares regression models showed that high physical activities were associated with better cognitive function. High intensity of cognitive activities and engaging in physical activities have a protective effect on cognitive function among older men rather than older women. Further, we found that cognitive activities had a stronger effect on cognitive function among older men than older women. It is important to consider gender-specific intervention in leisure activities to maintain cognitive function among older adults.

scholarly journals Associations between Circulating Inflammatory Biomarkers and Indicators of Muscle Health in Older Men and Women

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (22) ◽  
pp. 5316
Author(s):  
Oscar Bergens ◽  
Andreas Nilsson ◽  
Fawzi Kadi
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Protein Intake ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Inflammatory Biomarkers ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Biological Sex ◽  
Muscle Health ◽  
Older Men And Women

Systemic inflammation is believed to contribute to declining muscle health during aging. The present study aims to examine associations between indicators of muscle health and pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers in older men and women, while also considering the impacts of physical activity and protein intake. An assessment of skeletal muscle index (SMI) by bioelectrical impedance analysis, handgrip strength, and 5-sit-to-stand time, using standardized procedures, was conducted in a population of older men (n = 90) and women (n = 148) aged 65–70 years. The inflammatory biomarkers C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α were assessed in blood samples. Data were analyzed and stratified according to biological sex using multiple linear regression models. In older women, SMI was inversely associated with the pro-inflammatory markers CRP (β = −0.372; p < 0.05), fibrinogen (β = −0.376; p < 0.05), and IL-6 (β = −0.369; p < 0.05). Importantly, these associations were independent of abdominal adiposity (waist circumference), protein intake, physical activity level, as well as any adherence to muscle strengthening guidelines (≥2 sessions/week). In contrast, no corresponding associations were observed in men. In conclusion, our findings indicate the detrimental influence of a pro-inflammatory environment on muscle health regardless of important lifestyle-related factors in older women. However, the lack of such associations in older men highlights the importance of considering biological sex when examining the complex interaction between the systemic inflammatory environment and muscle health.

scholarly journals HELPING OTHERS IS A MIXED BLESSING: IMPLICATIONS FOR DAILY WELL-BEING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S235-S235
Author(s):  
Meng Huo ◽  
Yee Ng ◽  
Karen Fingerman
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Negative Mood ◽  
Positive Mood ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Helping Others ◽  
Mixed Blessing ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

Abstract The literature documents mixed findings regarding how helping others influences individuals’ mental and physical health. We assessed various types of support that older adults offered (e.g., emotional, practical, advice) and examined how helping others was associated with older adults’ daily mood and physical activity. This study utilized data from the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study, where 293 participants aged 65+ reported on their helping behaviors and mood at the end of each day across 5 days. Participants also wore Actical accelerometers to track physical activity. Multilevel models revealed that older adults reported greater negative mood and less physical activity on days when they provided emotional support. Yet, giving advice was associated with increased positive mood that day. Moreover, older adults spent less time being sedentary on days when they offered practical help. This study offers insights into psychological and health consequences of helping others by examining older adults’ everyday lives.

scholarly journals CHATTIER WITH FRIENDS: OLDER ADULTS’ DAILY SOCIAL CONTACT AND CONVERSATION

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S172-S173
Author(s):  
Yee To Ng ◽  
Meng Huo ◽  
Karen Fingerman
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Social Partner ◽  
Social Partners ◽  
Ecological Momentary

Abstract Studies suggest conversation improves cognitive skills among older adults. While contact with family members is common in late life, contact with friends and acquaintances is relatively less frequent. Yet, we know little about how often older adults engage in conversation when they have contact with different social partners. This study used data from the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study to investigate how older adults talk with different social partners on a daily basis. Participants (N = 303) completed an initial interview about their social partners and reported on their contact with each social partner in ecological momentary assessments every 3 hours across 5 to 6 days. Participants also wore Electronically Activated Recorders (EAR), which captured snippets of their daily conversation. Findings revealed that contact with family members (e.g., spouse, children, siblings) occurred most often, with less frequent contact with other social partners (e.g., acquaintances, neighbors), and then friends. Multilevel models also revealed that participants talked more (i.e., saying more words in each 30-second snippet and had a greater proportion of snippets when they talked) when they had contact with their friends than when they had contact with family members or other social partners. Results from these multiple methods suggest that daily contact with friends could potentially encourage conversation that may facilitate cognitive functioning among older adults.

scholarly journals Assessing and decomposing gender differences in evaluative and emotional well-being among older adults in the developing world

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clémence Kieny ◽  
Gabriela Flores ◽  
Jürgen Maurer
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Gender Gap ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
World Health ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Life Circumstances

Abstract Using data from the World Health Organization’s Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE), we evaluate the relationship between gender and several measures of subjective well-being among older adults in developing countries. Furthermore, we contrast the partial associations of gender with these well-being measures when controlling only for age (age-adjusted analyses) with the corresponding partial associations when including individual characteristics and life circumstances as controls (multivariable-adjusted analyses). While age-adjusted analyses reveal that older women have lower levels of evaluative well-being than older men, multivariable-adjusted analyses show that - given similar life circumstances - they have equal or slightly higher evaluative well-being. This suggests that the gender gap in evaluative well-being may be explained by less favorable life circumstances of older women. Age-adjusted results also show that older women tend to have lower levels of emotional well-being. However, we find no reversal, but merely an attenuation of these gender differences in emotional well-being when controlling for additional individual characteristics and life circumstances. Finally, we perform Oaxaca-Blinder decompositions to disaggregate the gender gaps in well-being into explained parts - attributable to gender differences in individual characteristics and life circumstances - and unexplained parts - related to gender differences in the association between life circumstances and subjective well-being. These results further corroborate our findings that women tend to be disadvantaged in terms of both evaluative and emotional well-being, and that this disadvantage is mostly driven by observable factors related to the explained part of the decomposition, such as gender differences in socio-economic status and health.

Description of Older Adults as Depicted in Magazine Advertisements

1999 ◽  
Vol 85 (3) ◽  
pp. 1051-1056 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasmin Tahmaseb McConatha ◽  
Frauke Schnell ◽  
Amy McKenna
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Print Media ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Social Stereotypes ◽  
News Magazines ◽  
One Year ◽  
Older Men And Women

Negative attitudes about aging have been widespread and films, television, radio, and print media may serve as an important source of socialization or reflect the current views of older adults. This study focused on examination of the frequency of depictions of older men and women in 765 advertisements appearing in Time and Newsweek national weekly news magazines, and on an analysis of their roles suggested in photographs depicting a total of 2,505 persons. These were collected over a one-year period and coded by three persons. Analysis indicated that older adults, especially older women, were not only presented infrequently but, when presented roles, were often passive or dependent as is consistent with social stereotypes.

scholarly journals Friendships in Old Age: Daily Encounters and Emotional Well-Being

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yee To Ng ◽  
Meng Huo ◽  
Marci E Gleason ◽  
Lisa A Neff ◽  
Susan T Charles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Negative Mood ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Romantic Partners ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Social Partners ◽  
Stressful Experiences ◽  
Ecological Momentary

Abstract Objectives Having friends in old age is linked to higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Yet, we know little about older adults’ emotional experiences when they encounter friends throughout the day. This study examined whether older adults reported (a) more pleasantness, (b) fewer conversations about stressful experiences, and (c) better mood when they had contact with friends compared to when they had contact with other social partners or were alone throughout the day. We also examined whether these experiences varied by the friendship closeness. Method Adults aged 65+ (n = 313) from the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study provided background information and listed and described their close social partners. Participants then completed ecological momentary assessment (EMA) surveys every 3 hr for 5 to 6 days where they reported their encounters with social partners, rated the pleasantness and indicated whether they discussed stressful issues during these encounters, and rated positive and negative mood. Results Multilevel models revealed that encounters with friends were more pleasant and were associated with fewer discussions about stressful experiences compared to encounters with romantic partners or family members throughout the day. Encounters with friends were also associated with better mood, though this link only held for encounters with friends who were not considered close. Discussion Findings are discussed in terms of functionalist theory, socioemotional selectivity theory, relationship ambivalence, and the benefits of less close ties. This work facilitates the understanding of how daily contact with friends can promote older adults’ emotional well-being.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document