TóMALO SUAVE (TAKE IT EASY): HOW LATINO OLDER ADULTS PERCEIVE OF POSITIVE AGING

Abstract With the help of the Positive Aging of Latinos Study (PALS) steering committee (N = 20), we used concept-mapping methods to learn what Latino older adults (N = 101) consider important for aging well, positively, and successfully. We used data from nine focus groups (six Spanish, three English) to generate an unabridged list of 171 statements that described what positive and successful aging meant to participants. The PALS steering committee reviewed the statements, assisted with the translation and back translation of items in Spanish, eliminated vague and duplicate statements, and approved a final list of 85 statements. Next, Latino older adults thematically sorted (n = 35) and rated (n = 93) the 85 statements (using a 1-5 scale; higher values indicate greater importance). These data were used to produce a concept map for how participants conceptualized positive and successful aging. The final map consisted of 11 clusters nested within 4 overarching regions. Region 1 [Self-Sufficiency] contains clusters of items which address “Stability” and “Independence.” Region 2 [Healthy Behaviors] includes clusters with items related to “Staying Healthy” and “Avoiding Trouble.” Region 3 [Perspectives on Life] encompasses four clusters of items that address mindsets: “Tómalo Suave (Take it Easy),” “Outlook on Life/Self-Care,” “Emotional Well-being,” and “Maturing.” Region 4 [Convivir (To coexist)] features indictors of interrelatedness such as “Social & Community Engagement,” “Coping & Adjustment,” and “Family Relationships.” These findings provide insights into how Latino older adults conceive of positive aging, which could be useful when designing culturally sensitive programming for Latino seniors.

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Relative Importance of Positive Aging Dimensions Among Latino Older Adults and Service Providers

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1100 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 342-343

Author(s):

Jennifer Smith ◽

Cate O’Brien ◽

Joseph Bihary

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Service Providers ◽

Leisure Activities ◽

Relative Importance ◽

Positive Aging ◽

Healthy Behaviors ◽

Mean Differences ◽

Positive Outlook ◽

Latino Older Adults

Abstract The variation in Latino older adults’ conceptualizations of positive aging across studies suggests greater attention should be paid to within-group factors. The purpose of the current study was to identify which factors are important to positive aging from the perspective of Latino older adults, and whether the importance of these factors varied based on participant characteristics. A second aim of this study was to examine whether there are differences in views of successful aging between Latino older adults and service providers who support aging Latinos. The current study was conducted as part of a broader research project investigating Latino older adults’ perceptions of positive aging. Latino older adults (n = 93) and aging services providers (n = 45) rated the importance of a series of statements related to positive aging. Mixed-methods analysis of the statements identified nine distinct dimensions (Positive Outlook, Spirituality/Religion, Healthy Behaviors, Independence, Self-Care, Support for Others, Social Support, Leisure Activities, and Adaptability). Latino older adults rated Positive Outlook and Spirituality highest on importance, and ratings differed based on gender and other individual difference characteristics. For example, men placed greater relative importance on Independence and Support for Others compared to women, and younger participants rated Independence higher on importance compared to older participants. In addition, Latino older adults (vs. providers) placed greater importance on all aspects of positive aging, with greatest mean differences related to providing Support for Others and Spirituality. These findings have implications for wellness programs for Latino older adults and training for service providers.

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Stakeholders’ Ideas About Positive Aging for Latinos: A Conceptual Map

Journal of Applied Gerontology ◽

10.1177/0733464820935749 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 073346482093574

Author(s):

Lissette M. Piedra ◽

John Ridings ◽

Melissa J. K. Howe ◽

Jennifer L. Smith ◽

Catherine O’Brien ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Concept Mapping ◽

Concept Maps ◽

Steering Committee ◽

Financial Security ◽

Mapping Data ◽

Positive Aging ◽

Stakeholder Groups ◽

Community Stakeholders ◽

Latino Older Adults

Few studies explore the differences between diverse stakeholders’ understandings of what constitutes “positive aging” for Latino older adults. To address this gap, we worked with a 20-member steering committee (SC) of community stakeholders to collect concept mapping data from 38 scholars and community workers. We generated 90 statements related to positive aging from the literature and produced concept maps based on four different stakeholder groups’ ratings of them. All stakeholders prioritized “Financial Security,” but scholars marked “Spirituality” as least important whereas community workers rated it second highest. The design of programs for Latino older adults should reflect such differences.

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The Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of an Arabic Version of the Reminiscence Functions Scale

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1102 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 343-343

Author(s):

Abdallah Abu Khait ◽

Juliette Shellman

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Well Being ◽

Arab Countries ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Arabic Version ◽

Harmonization Process ◽

Back Translation ◽

Target Culture

Abstract The Reminiscence Functions Scale (RFS), a 43 item reliable and valid scale, measures eight specific reasons as to why individuals reminisce: (a) identity (b) death preparation; (c) problem-solving; (d) bitterness revival; (e) boredom reduction; (f) intimacy maintenance; (g) conversation; and (h) teach/Inform others. Research indicates that certain reminiscence functions have a positive impact on the mental-health and well-being of older adults. However, no known studies have been conducted in Arab countries examining the relationship between reminiscence functions and mental health outcomes due to the lack of an Arabic version of the RFS. The purpose of this study was to translate the RFS from English to Arabic (Modern Standard Arabic), back-translate from Arabic to English, and compare the two English versions for equivalence and accuracy through a multi-step translation method. A team of bilingual, bicultural, Arabic speaking experts assembled to conduct the forward, back translation and harmonization process. In the next step, professionals with expertise in linguistics communication sciences and disorders, Arabic literature, geriatric nursing, and medicine reviewed the translated documents to assess the content (relevant to the target culture) and semantic equivalencies (similarity of meaning in the target culture). Challenges that occurred during the study included finding nuanced translation equivalences for Likert scale responses, translation of idioms such as “when time is heavy on my hands”, and logistical issues such as coordinating virtual meetings for the team of experts. Lessons learned during the translation process and implications for use of the RFS-Arabic version with Jordanian older adults will be presented.

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PHYSIOLOGY OF SUCCESSFUL AGING: IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.1625 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S434-S434

Author(s):

Konstantinos Mantantzis ◽

Denis Gerstorf ◽

Thomas M Hess

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Well Being ◽

Empathic Accuracy ◽

Future Research ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Use Of Data ◽

Aging Study ◽

Underlying Mechanisms ◽

Relationship Factors

Abstract Research into peripheral physiology and its association with cognition, emotionality, and social/physical functioning has received considerable attention over the years. However, many of the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this symposium, we have compiled a set of four empirical projects that showcase current and future endeavors to address some of the long-standing questions about when, how, and why physiology shapes and is shaped by key psychosocial resources. Hawkley et al. make use of data from the NSHAP and HRS longitudinal studies to investigate whether social relationships such as number of friends predicts risk of diabetes among older adults. Wilson et al. use dyadic data from young and middle-aged couples to examine cardiometabolic similarity among spouses, and how such concordance is shaped by key relationship factors such as emotional closeness. Pauly et al. use data from two daily-life studies of older couples to investigate how physiological synchrony in cortisol is modulated by partner interactions, empathy, and empathic accuracy. Finally, Mantantzis et al. make use of multi-year longitudinal data from the Berlin Aging Study II to examine the role of glucose regulation capacity for trajectories of subjective well-being among older adults. Thomas Hess will discuss the importance of these papers, discuss strengths and weaknesses of the approaches chosen, and consider implications for future research.

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Older HIV+ and HIV− Adults Provide Similar Definitions of Successful Aging: A Mixed-Methods Examination

The Gerontologist ◽

10.1093/geront/gny157 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 60 (3) ◽

pp. 385-395 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Pariya L Fazeli ◽

Jessica L Montoya ◽

Chastity N McDavid ◽

David J Moore

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

General Health ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Well Being ◽

Neurocognitive Impairment ◽

Older Individuals ◽

Demographic Correlates ◽

Biological Health ◽

Design And Methods

Abstract Background and Objective As HIV-infected (HIV+) individuals age, there is a need to understand successful aging (SA) from the patient perspective. This study compared SA definitions between HIV+ and HIV-uninfected (HIV−) older adults and then examined correlates of SA categories. Research Design and Methods Ninety-three HIV+ and 46 HIV− older (aged 50+) adults provided brief definitions of SA, which was examined using content analysis. We then compared the frequency of SA categories by serostatus and examined the correlates of SA categories within both groups. Results Seven SA categories emerged: General Health, Cognitive Health & Ability, Physical/Biological Health & Ability, Social Relationships, Attitudes, Psychological, & Emotional Well-Being, Proactive & Engaged Lifestyle, and Independence. While no significant differences emerged, HIV− older adults were more likely to report General Health and the subcategory of Longevity/Survival, while HIV+ older adults were more likely to report subcategories of Enjoying Life & Fulfillment and Maintaining Balance. Few demographic correlates of SA categories emerged. Mood and HIV characteristics were not associated with SA categories. In both groups, those without neurocognitive impairment were significantly more likely to endorse General Health than those with neurocognitive impairment. Discussion and Implications HIV+ and HIV− older individuals may generally perceive SA similarly, and their definitions parallel with existing models of SA. Yet, living with a chronic illness may cause HIV+ older adults to place greater value on quality of life and life satisfaction than physical health and chronological age. Observational and intervention studies may use similar approaches in evaluating and maximizing SA.

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UNIMAGINED FUTURES: THE PARADOX OF FAMILISM AND ELDERCARE AMONG AGING LATINOS IN THE CHICAGOLAND AREA

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.2624 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S715-S715

Author(s):

Melissa Howe ◽

Alexis Howard ◽

Wendy Hsieh ◽

Lissette M Piedra

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cultural Values ◽

Old Age ◽

Social Life ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Older Adulthood ◽

Nativity Status ◽

North Americans ◽

Physical Independence ◽

Latino Older Adults

Abstract Scholars of gerontology highlight the ways aging varies cross-culturally. Whereas North Americans tend to describe “successful aging” as the maintenance of social and physical independence, Latin Americans tend to view aging as a natural process of social transition. In this study, we conducted a content analysis of nine focus groups (N =101) and 20 interviews with Latino older adults in the Chicagoland area to examine how they characterize successful aging and view the health declines that accompany aging. We found that Latino older adults often used rhetoric associated with “successful aging,” which tended to emphasize the maintenance of independence and physical functioning. Even immigrant respondents employed this language, suggesting that descriptions of “good old age,” may be more culturally transferable than previously thought. At the same time, the cultural values of respeto and familismo also emerged. Regardless of the participant’s nativity status, centrality of family and the importance of respect represented constant sources of support. Still, adherence to these values came with considerable drawbacks for those intensely focused on self-sacrifice for the sake of their families. Taken together, “successful old age” was defined by the participants as one in which a person maintains physical independence in the context of an interdependent, kin-focused, social life. This paradoxical combination of valuing independence and familial interdependence produced a number of benefits and challenges for Latino adults as they transitioned into to older adulthood.

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ARE FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS A PROTECTIVE RESOURCE AMONG ADULTS WITH FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENT?

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.2482 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S671-S671

Author(s):

Richard E Chunga ◽

Haowei Wang ◽

Deborah Carr

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Functional Impairment ◽

Family Relationships ◽

Functional Limitation ◽

Well Being ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Psychological Consequences ◽

Men And Women ◽

Stress Buffering

Abstract Health-related declines that affect physical functioning are a common stressor among older adults. Functional impairment can take a toll on older adults’ psychological well-being as it limits one’s capacities to independently carry out meaningful daily activities. The extent to which impairment affects mental health may vary based on the levels of support and strain in one’s personal relationships. Stress buffering perspectives suggest that support mitigates the detrimental psychological consequences of impairment, whereas stress amplification perspectives predict that strain will amplify these consequences. We use data from 2012 and 2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (N=3800) to explore: (a) the direct effects of functional limitation on depressive symptoms (CES-D); (b) the extent to which these associations are moderated by spouse, child, other relative, and friend support/strain; and (c) gender and marital status differences therein. Using lagged endogenous regression models, we find that impairment significantly increases depressive symptoms among men and women, and these effects are intensified by marital strain for both married men and women. However, buffering effects are found for women only, such that marital support mitigates against depressive symptoms in the face of current impairment. These results may reflect the gendered nature of marriage, where men with impairment uniformly benefit from marriage although women may experience protective effects of only in highly supportive unions. Results for other strain and support moderators also reveal gender differences, reflecting the distinctive ways that men and women interact with kin and friends over the life course.

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Healthy behavior and memory self-reports in young, middle-aged, and older adults

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610213000082 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 25 (6) ◽

pp. 981-989 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Gary W. Small ◽

Prabha Siddarth ◽

Linda M. Ercoli ◽

Stephen T. Chen ◽

David A. Merrill ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Linear Models ◽

Age Groups ◽

Adult Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Healthy Behavior ◽

Healthy Behaviors ◽

Self Reports ◽

Behavior Index

ABSTRACTBackground: Previous research has shown that healthy behaviors, such as regular physical exercise, a nutritious diet, and not smoking, are associated with a lower risk for Alzheimer's disease and dementia. However, less is known about the potential link between healthy behaviors and mild memory symptoms that may precede dementia in different age groups.Methods: A daily telephone survey (Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index) of US residents yielded a random sample of 18,552 respondents ranging in age from 18 to 99 years, including 4,423 younger (age 18–39 years), 6,356 middle-aged (40–59 years), and 7,773 older (60–99 years) adults. The questionnaire included demographic information and the Healthy Behavior Index (questions on smoking, eating habits, and frequency of exercise). General linear models and logistic regressions were used in the analysis.Results: Older adults were more likely to report healthy behaviors than were middle-aged and younger adults. Reports of memory problems increased with age (14% of younger, 22% of middle-aged, and 26% of older adults) and were inversely related to the Healthy Behavior Index. Reports of healthy eating were associated with better memory self-reports regardless of age, while not smoking was associated with better memory reports in the younger and middle-aged and reported regular exercise with better memory in the middle-aged and older groups.Conclusions: These findings indicate a relationship between reports of healthy behaviors and better self-perceived memory abilities throughout adult life, suggesting that lifestyle behavior habits may protect brain health and possibly delay the onset of memory symptoms as people age.

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How Sedentary Are Older People? A Systematic Review of the Amount of Sedentary Behavior

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.2014-0164 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 23 (3) ◽

pp. 471-487 ◽

Cited By ~ 198

Author(s):

Juliet A. Harvey ◽

Sebastien F.M. Chastin ◽

Dawn A. Skelton

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Large Scale ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Sitting Time ◽

Scale Population ◽

Data Source

Background/objectives:Sedentary behavior (SB), defined as sitting (nonexercising), reclining, and lying down (posture), or by low energy expenditure, is a public health risk independent to physical activity. The objective of this systematic literature review was to synthesize the available evidence on amount of SB reported by and measured in older adults.Data source:Studies published between 1981 and 2014 were identified from electronic databases and manual searching. Large-scale population studies/surveys reporting the amount of SB (objective/subjective) in older adults aged ≥ 60 years of age were included. Appraisal and synthesis was completed using MOOSE guidelines.Results:349,698 adults aged ≥ 60 within 22 studies (10 countries and 1 EU-wide) were included. Objective measurement of SB shows that older adults spend an average of 9.4 hr a day sedentary, equating to 65–80% of their waking day. Self-report of SB is lower, with average weighted self-reports being 5.3 hr daily. Within specific domains of SB, older adults report 3.3 hr in leisure sitting time and 3.3 hr watching TV. There is an association with more time spent in SB as age advances and a trend for older men to spend more time in SB than women.Conclusion/implications:Time spent sedentary ranges from 5.3–9.4 hr per waking day in older adults. With recent studies suggesting a link between SB, health, and well-being, independent of physical activity, this is an area important for successful aging.Limitations:Different methodologies of measurement and different reporting methods of SB made synthesis difficult. Estimated SB time from self-report is half of that measured objectively; suggesting that most self-report surveys of SB will vastly underestimate the actual time spent in SB.

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Positive Role of Purpose in Life in Health Outcomes and Perspectives on Environment

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1919 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 577-577

Author(s):

Shyuan Ching Tan ◽

Alyssa Gamaldo ◽

Angela Sardina

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Affordable Housing ◽

Purpose In Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Positive Health ◽

Positive Role ◽

Healthy Behaviors ◽

State College ◽

Job Opportunities ◽

Meaningful Engagement

Abstract Having a sense of purpose directs behaviors, hence, purpose in life (PIL) can be a useful indicator/moderator of healthy mental and physical behaviors and outcomes. As such, purpose in life, particularly in lower income older adults, might encourage meaningful engagement in activities and life that lead to positive health. Thirty-nine residents (M=68.01, SD=10.26) of affordable housing for older adults in Wilmington, NC and State College, PA were surveyed on demographics, mental health, well-being (i.e., PIL), health behaviors, and their perceptions on immediate housing and the community resources. Findings suggest that for higher educated, younger and Black older adults, PIL moderates or protects against negative mental outcomes (p<.05). For higher educated older adults, PIL moderates or encourages positive perception of job opportunities in the community (p<.05) and healthier behaviors (p<.05). More research is needed to understand how environment interacts with PIL to promote healthy behaviors and outcomes.

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