scholarly journals CHANGES IN SOCIAL SUPPORT AND THE INFLUENCE OF DRIVING CESSATION

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S753-S754
Author(s):  
Brittany M King
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Driving Cessation ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Emotional Social Support

Abstract Driving cessation has been shown to be a potentially isolating transition in life, with important implications for mental health, social isolation, and social support. Older adults who live alone are vulnerable to social isolation in the context of driving cessation. Although some research has examined the association between driving cessation and certain kinds of social engagement activities, no research has specifically examined changes in social support, particularly among older adults most vulnerable to social isolation – those who live alone . The present study addresses this gap, using data drawn from the 2006-2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to examine how social support changes in the context of driving cessation among older adults who live alone (N=412). This study specifically focuses on instrumental and emotional social support, and how different sources of the support (children, friends, and other family) are influenced by loss of driving. I use a series of ordinary least squares regression (OLS) to examine four-year changes in various forms of social support among those who live alone, comparing those who lose the ability to drive relative to their continuously driving counterparts. Preliminary results indicate that driving cessation is associated with decline in perceived instrumental support of friends (-0.984, p<01) for older adults who live alone. However, these effects did not extend to children or other family members. These results suggest that loss of driving may perpetuate vulnerabilities facing individuals who live alone by leading to lower levels of perceived support from non-family members.

Living Arrangements and Sleep-Related Outcomes Among Older Adults in China

2019 ◽  
Vol 91 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yen-Han Lee ◽  
Yen-Chang Chang ◽  
Timothy Chiang ◽  
Ching-Ti Liu ◽  
Mack Shelley
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Quality Of Sleep ◽  
Nationally Representative

It has been discussed previously that older adults’ living arrangements are associated with mortality. This study investigated the relationships between older adults’ living arrangements and sleep-related outcomes in China. The nationally representative sample included 4,731 participants who participated on two different occasions, with a total of 9,462 observations (2012 and 2014 waves). Panel logistic regression and panel ordinary least squares regression models were estimated with outcomes of sleep quality and average hours of sleep daily, respectively. Approximately 62% of individuals reported good quality of sleep. We observed that older adults who lived with family members had 17% greater odds of reporting good quality of sleep (adjusted odds ratio = 1.17, 95% confidence interval [1.03, 1.34], p < .05) and reported longer sleep duration daily (β = .334, standard error = .069, p < .01), compared with those who lived alone. Social support is needed to strengthen the residential relationship, especially with family members.

scholarly journals Influence of Driving and Transportation Access on Social Isolation Risk Among Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 299-300
Author(s):  
Matthew Smith ◽  
Caroline Bergeron ◽  
Matthew Barrett ◽  
Leigh Ann Eagle ◽  
Sue Lachenmayr
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Item Response ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
Additional Source

Abstract Background. Transportation is essential to accessing healthcare and community services, but the inability to find transportation may hinder social interactions and connectivity. This study examined driving and transportation access associated with self-reported social isolation risk among adults age 60 years and older. Methods. The Upstream Social Isolation Risk Screener (U-SIRS) was developed to assess social isolation risk among older adults within clinical and community settings. Comprised of 13 items (Cronbach’s alpha=0.80), the U-SIRS assesses physical, emotional, and social support aspects of social isolation. Using an internet-delivered survey, data were analyzed from a national sample of 4,082 adults age 60 years and older. Theta scores for the U-SIRS served as the dependent variable, which were generated using Item Response Theory. An ordinary least squares regression model was fitted to identify transportation-related indicators associated with social isolation risk. Results. Approximately 13% of participants did not drive and 18.2% reported not being able to identify a ride or transportation when needed. Higher U-SIRS scores were reported among participants who did not drive (B=0.034, P=0.020). Lower U-SIRS scores were reported among those who live with a spouse/partner (B=-0.153, P&lt;0.001) and those who reported the ability to get a ride from a family member (B=-0.160, P&lt;0.001), friend (B=-0.256, P&lt;0.001), or taxi (B=-0.032, P=0.044). Every additional source of transportation available significantly reduced participants’ U-SIRS score (B=-0.239, P&lt;0.001). Conclusion. Given transportation options may reflect physical functioning, social networks, and socioeconomic status, study findings suggest transportation access is an important contextual factor associated with social isolation risk.

scholarly journals SOCIAL ISOLATION AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING AMONG OLDER JAPANESE ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S862-S863
Author(s):  
Shohei Okamoto ◽  
Erika Kobayashi ◽  
Jersey Liang
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Panel Data Analysis ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Subjective Feeling ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Japanese Adults

Abstract This research aimed to assess the relationship between social isolation and cognitive functioning among older Japanese adults, thereby expanding the relevant literature in two main ways. First, we estimated a social isolation score to incorporate objective measurements of social isolation into a subjective measurement. Second, a panel data analysis was utilised to consider the change in the social isolation score and time-invariant unobserved heterogeneity. Data were derived from the National Survey of the Japanese Elderly, a survey of a sample of older Japanese adults aged 60 to 99 in waves 3 through 7, which contain unified information of social isolation. The sample included 4,889 observations (1,836 individuals) for men and 6,621 observations (2,433 individuals) for women. The predicted isolation score was obtained by a random-effects ordered logistic regression (i.e., regressing a subjective feeling of isolation on variables regarding social interaction, social support, and social engagement). The association of cognitive functioning with the isolation score was estimated by a fixed-effects ordinary least squares regression, controlling for age, socioeconomic variables, health conditions, and time fixed-effects. We found that increased isolation was associated with a deterioration in cognitive functioning, both for men (coefficient: 0.66, robust standard error [SE]: 0.30) and women (coefficient: 0.90, SE: 0.26). Findings of this research highlight the importance of actions aimed at inhibiting social isolation for the prevention of cognitive decline. This approach is potentially beneficial for developing measurements of both subjective and objective social isolation and estimating the longitudinal relationship between social isolation and cognitive functioning.

scholarly journals The Roles of Marital Dissolution and Subsequent Repartnering on Loneliness in Later Life

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (8) ◽  
pp. 1796-1807 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew R Wright ◽  
Anna M Hammersmith ◽  
Susan L Brown ◽  
I-Fen Lin
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Marital Dissolution ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Gerontological Research ◽  
Risk Of Mortality ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Using Data

Abstract Objectives Loneliness in later life is associated with poorer health and higher risk of mortality. Our study assesses whether gray divorced adults report higher levels of loneliness than the widowed and whether social support or repartnership offset loneliness. Method Using data from the 2010 and 2012 Health and Retirement Study, we estimated ordinary least squares regression models for women (n = 2,362) and men (n = 1,127) to examine differences in loneliness by dissolution pathway (i.e., divorce versus widowhood), accounting for social support and repartnership. Results Divorced men were lonelier than their widowed counterparts. Although social support reduced loneliness among men, the difference between the divorced and widowed persisted. Repartnership assuaged men’s loneliness and reduced the variation between divorced and widowed men. Among women, the results did not reveal differences in loneliness for the divorced and widowed although social support and repartnership linked to less loneliness. Discussion Later-life marital dissolutions increasingly occur through divorce rather than spousal death. Some older adults go on to form new partnerships. Our findings demonstrate the importance of gerontological research widening the lens beyond widowhood to consider the ramifications of later-life divorce and repartnership for well-being.

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

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.

scholarly journals Driving Cessation and Social Participation in Late Life: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 464-464
Author(s):  
Weidi Qin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Driving Cessation ◽  
The Us

Abstract Driving cessation is a major life transition in late life, and can affect the quality of social life in older adults. The present study aims to systematically review the literature on how driving cessation affects social participation among older adults in the US. The study selection followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Extant literature published from 1990 to 2019 that examined driving cessation and social participation or social engagement among older adults in the US was searched using eight search engines: PsycINFO, CINAHL, SocIndex, AgeLine, MedLine, Scopus, Transportation Research Board Publication Index, and Cochrane Library. Quantitative studies that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The assessment of methodological quality was also conducted for included studies. In total, seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Six of the included studies found significant relationships between driving cessation and at least one domain of social participation, such as volunteering, employment, leisure-time activities, and the frequency of contacts. However, the measures of social participation were inconsistent across studies, which might explain that no effects of driving cessation were found on the structure of social network, such as contacts with friends and extended family. There is a need to assist older adults in successfully transitioning to driving cessation and maintaining the social participation. The overall quality of included studies is moderate based on the assessment of risk of bias and confounding.

scholarly journals Social network members who engage in activities with older adults: do they bring more social benefits than other members?

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 1050-1069 ◽  
Author(s):  
SATO ASHIDA ◽  
DANIEL K. SEWELL ◽  
ELLEN J. SCHAFER ◽  
AUDREY SCHROER ◽  
JULIA FRIBERG
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Influence ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Benefits ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Generalised Linear Mixed Model

ABSTRACTActive participation in social activities is important for the wellbeing of older adults. This study explored benefits of active social engagement by evaluating whether relationships that comprise active involvement (e.g. co-engagement in activities) bring more social benefits (i.e. social support, companionship, positive social influence) than other relationships that do not involve co-engagement. A total of 133 adults ages 60 years and older living in a rural Midwestern city in the United States of America were interviewed once and provided information on 1,740 social network members. Among 1,506 social relationships in which interactions occurred at least once a month, 52 per cent involved engagement in social activities together and 35 per cent involved eating together regularly. Results of the generalised linear mixed model showed that relationships involving co-engagement were significantly more likely to also convey social support (i.e. emotional, instrumental, informational), companionship and social influence (encouragement for healthy behaviours) than relationships that do not involve co-engagement. Having more network members who provide companionship was associated with higher sense of environmental mastery, positive relations with others and satisfaction with social network. Interventions may focus on maintaining and developing such social relationships and ensuring the presence of social settings in which co-engagement can occur. Future research may explore whether increasing co-engagement leads to an enhanced sense of companionship and psychological wellbeing.

scholarly journals SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER AS A SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT PLATFORM FOR OLDER ADULTS IN NEPAL: AN ADAPTATION OF WESTERN CONCEPT

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S979-S979
Author(s):  
Sabita Shrestha ◽  
Tina Colson
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Family Support ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Support Systems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Centers ◽  
Geriatric Population ◽  
Traditional Family ◽  
Social Support Systems

Abstract Older adults around the world are living longer. Similarly, in Asian countries longevity of older adults have significantly altered the demographics shift as well as the cultural landscape and needs of the society. These changes have compounded with challenges and needs as a community grapples with how to best take care of aging population. Nepal, a developing country, is also faced with a similar demographic shift among the geriatric population. This shift has brought challenges and needs to communities such as health care, daily living needs, social support systems, economic needs, etc. The geriatric population will require social support systems as they age. Historically, older adults have relied on traditional family support systems for their care and needs maintaining cultural values and norms which may burden immediate or extended family members. Recently, traditional family structures along with social support systems are breaking away from their family trees due to community advancement and modernization, and many are leaving for better economic opportunities. This trend has left many older adults alone in social isolation. Despite challenges in the community, Nepal government doesn’t offer infrastructure for social engagement for older adults. One solution to prevent isolation and loneliness is to establish “senior community centers” (western based concept) for social engaging older adults. Based on ecological framework, this presentation proposes a need of “Senior Community Centers” for older adults where they can become involved in social engagements and receive social supports outside traditional family support systems; thus, optimizing their health and well-being.

scholarly journals Immigrant Status, Resilience, and Perceived Oral Health Among Chinese Americans in Hawaii

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 186-195
Author(s):  
Bei Wu ◽  
Yaolin Pei ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Mary Northridge
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Chinese American ◽  
Chinese Americans ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Immigrant Status ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
Targeted Interventions

Objectives: This study aims to examine the associations among immigrant status, resilience, and perceived oral health for Chinese American older adults in Hawaii. Method: Data derived from 430 Chinese American adults aged 55 years and older residing in Honolulu, HI. We compared the self-rated oral health and oral health problems between U.S.-born Chinese Americans and foreign-born Chinese Americans by using ordered logistic regression and ordinary least squares regression models. Results: Findings suggest that immigrant status and lower levels of resilience are associated with poorer self-rated oral health and more oral health problems for Chinese American older adults in Hawaii. Resilience is more strongly associated with self-rated oral health for U.S.-born Chinese American than for foreign-born Chinese Americans, but this pattern was not evident for oral health problems. Discussion: Older Chinese American immigrants in Hawaii are disadvantaged in terms of their oral health. Understanding their susceptibilities may lead to targeted interventions.

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