scholarly journals A FREEZE IN TIME: PERCEPTION AND EXPERIENCE OF AMERICAN AND HONG KONG CHINESE OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S750-S750
Author(s):  
Tinky Oi Ting Ho ◽  
Helene Hoi-Lam Fung ◽  
Vivian Hiu Ling Tsang ◽  
Angel Yee-lam Li ◽  
David J Ekerdt ◽  
...  

Abstract According to self-continuity model, older adults are less likely to distinguish between the present and future, relative to younger adults. This mixed method design study aims at examining whether older adults perceive future as an infinite extension of present (i.e. “time freeze”) and investigating whether it is associated with life satisfaction, perceived control and perceived changes in future. 30 older adults from the US (aged 60-85, M = 78.4) and Hong Kong (aged 60-85, M =71.4) completed a structured interview and a survey. Findings revealed that 43% of Americans and 83% of Hong Kongers were experiencing ‘time freeze’. Individuals with a lower level of time freeze held more vivid and positive images of the future, and were achieving life goals actively, whereas individuals with a higher level of time freeze had comparatively more vague and neutral future views, and focused more on maintaining the current lifestyle.

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 626-627
Author(s):  
Jeremy Hamm ◽  
Carsten Wrosch ◽  
Meaghan Barlow ◽  
Ute Kunzmann

Abstract Using two studies, we examined the late life prevalence and health consequences of discrete positive emotions posited to motivate rest and recovery (calmness) or pursuit of novelty and stimulation (excitement). Study 1 assessed the salience of these discrete emotions in older adults (n=73, Mage=73) relative to younger adults (n=73, Mage=23) over a one-week period. Multilevel models showed that older (vs. younger) adults reported higher calmness and lower excitement. Study 2 examined the longitudinal health consequences of calmness and excitement in old age (n=336, Mage=75), as moderated by perceived control. Multilevel growth models showed that calmness, but not excitement, buffered against 10-year declines in psychological well-being (perceived stress, depressive symptoms) and physical health (physical symptoms, chronic conditions) for older adults with low perceived control. Results suggest that positive emotions with disparate motivational functions become more (calmness) or less (excitement) salient and have diverging implications for health in old age.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Yu

PurposeThis study examines the relationship between quality and quantity of open space in residential areas and the sense of community of Chinese older adults in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted with 257 adults aged 55 and over in Kwun Tong, Hong Kong. The quality of open space was assessed from four dimensions: social and recreational facilities, entrance, location and environment. Geographic information system (GIS) was used to evaluate the quantity of open space in terms of size and amount.FindingsThe result shows that the environment has a strong influence on the sense of community, while the quantity of open space does not. The results provide urban planners with evidence for open space planning in the future. Urban planners should consider building more people-oriented environment; such as green areas instead of merely increasing the size, amount and facilities of open space. The Hong Kong Government also needs to review the current standardised planning guideline in order to maximise the social connection of older adults.Originality/valueThis cross-sectional study tried to understand the relationship between the quality and quantity of open spaces and sense of community in Chinese older adults in Hong Kong. It is one of the few studies to simultaneously examine both the quality and quantity of open spaces when studying its relationship with sense of community.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S258-S259
Author(s):  
Brittany Smalls ◽  
Myles Moody ◽  
Matthew Rutledge ◽  
Amy Cowley

Abstract Challenges due to burden of disease can affect adherence to self-care behaviors and optimal health outcomes in those living with T2DM. This study utilized state- and national-level data from the 2015 BRFSS to compare QoL measured by the prevalence of physical and mental burden days among older adults (OAs) compared to younger adults living with T2DM. The results of our analysis showed that OAs living in the US were significantly less likely to experience at least one mental burden day when compared to their younger counterparts (OR =0.61, 95% CI: 0.58, 0.64), while gender, education, race, BMI, and depression, CVD, or another chronic condition were significantly associated with the odds of experiencing at least one mental burden day. Whereas, in Kentucky OAs were less likely to experience at least one mental burden day when compared to their younger counterparts (OR= 0.48, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.66). Gender, education, BMI, and depression were significantly associated with the odds of experiencing at least one mental burden day or one physical burden day. The findings of this study suggests that the questions used by BRFSS to measure QoL may not be the most suitable for OAs who likely have different criteria for self-reported mental or physical burden days. When assessing QoL or burden of disease among the aging at a population level, considerable thought should be given into the questions asked and if they appropriately examine patient-level QoL in this population.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zijun Xu ◽  
Dexing Zhang ◽  
Regina W. S. Sit ◽  
Carmen Wong ◽  
Jennifer Y. S. Tiu ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (9) ◽  
pp. 1824-1848 ◽  
Author(s):  
XUE BAI ◽  
KAM HUNG ◽  
DANIEL W. L. LAI

ABSTRACTLife satisfaction is an important indicator of wellbeing and successful ageing, while boosting life satisfaction in later life has long been a policy and service challenge. Based on a questionnaire survey with 415 Chinese older adults aged 60 years and over in Hong Kong, this study examined how older adults' travel motivations influenced their travel actions and how the travel affected their life satisfaction using structural equation modelling. A proposed ‘travel motivation–action–life satisfaction’ model showed an acceptable fit with the data. It was found that travel motivations stimulated older adults' travel actions, while their travels further contributed to greater life satisfaction. The findings of this study indicated the need for improved knowledge and understanding of older adults' travel preferences and requirements, and highlight the importance of enhancing awareness among professionals and service providers about the benefit of travelling in enhancing life satisfaction of older adults.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 233372142096690
Author(s):  
Chun Hu ◽  
Pak-Kwong Chung ◽  
Chun-Qing Zhang ◽  
Yiqun Gan ◽  
Rui Hu

Purpose: Resilience is an important trait for older adults facing adversity. This qualitative study aimed to identify the characteristics that contribute to resilience in a group of community-dwelling older adults in Hong Kong. Methods: Twenty-five Chinese older adults were invited. Interviews were conducted to collect information about the adverse events in their lives, their attitudes towards adversity and the beliefs underlying their approaches to overcoming adversity. The transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Seven themes emerged from the interviews: equanimity, positive attitudes towards life; meaningfulness, self-reliance, social support, environmental support, and spirituality and faith. Conclusion: Our qualitative analysis found that resilience among older adults in Hong Kong is characterized by internal, external and existential factors. The results may be useful for the development of proactive interventions aimed at assisting older adults to enhance the positive experiences in their lives.


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