scholarly journals SOCIAL NETWORKS, HEALTH, AND WELL-BEING AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S71-S71
Author(s):  
Eleanor S McConnell ◽  
Kirsten Corazzini ◽  
T Robert Konrad
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sensor Technology ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Care Partners ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Although the impact of dementia on the health and well-being of those living with Alzheimer’s Disease and related Disorders (ADRD) and their care partners has been widely studied, less attention has been paid to how the disease impacts individuals within the context of their larger social networks. This symposium presents findings from a series of integrated studies aimed at strengthening measurement of health and well-being among older adults with living with dementia and well-being among members of their social networks. Findings will be presented from five studies: (1) a scoping review of social network measurement in older adults in chronic illness, including dementia, that emphasizes the use of technology in measuring older adults’ social networks; (2) a simulation study to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of sensor technology to measure social interaction among a person living with dementia and others in their immediate surroundings; (3) development of a web-based application that allows older adults to map and activate their social networks; (4) a qualitative analysis of interviews from persons living with dementia, their unpaid caregivers, and paid caregivers from an adult day health program concerning well-being focused outcomes; and (5) a mixed methods analysis of the feasibility of using both traditional and novel measures of health and well-being deployed among networks of people living with dementia. Emerging technologies for measuring social networks health and well-being hold promise for advancing the study of the relationship-based nature of care for people living with dementia.

scholarly journals Moderated Online Social Therapy: Viewpoint on the Ethics and Design Principles of a Web-Based Therapy System (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon D'Alfonso ◽  
Jessica Phillips ◽  
Lee Valentine ◽  
John Gleeson ◽  
Mario Alvarez-Jimenez
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Strategic Design ◽  
Holistic Concept ◽  
Ethical Design ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Made In

UNSTRUCTURED The modern omnipresence of social media and social networking sites (SNSs) brings with it a range of important research questions. One of these concerns the impact of SNS use on mental health and well-being, a question that has been pursued in depth by scholars in the psychological sciences and the field of human-computer interaction. Despite this attention, the design choices made in the development of SNSs and the notion of well-being employed to evaluate such systems require further scrutiny. In this viewpoint paper, we examine the strategic design choices made in our development of an enclosed SNS for young people experiencing mental ill-health in terms of ethical and persuasive design and in terms of how it fosters well-being. In doing so, we critique the understanding of well-being that is used in much of the existing literature to make claims about the impact of a given technology on well-being. We also demonstrate how the holistic concept of eudaimonic well-being and ethical design of SNSs can complement one another.

Coping with Loneliness

2019 ◽  
pp. 216-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawn Joosten-Hagye ◽  
Anne Katz
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Transnational Feminism ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Major Predictor ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Global Growth

This chapter examines loneliness and how it affects health and well-being. It discusses how loneliness may lead to ill health but also how ill health may lead to feelings of loneliness. It reviews the evidence suggesting that loneliness is not only linked to overall morbidity and mortality in older adults but also a major predictor of psychological distress. With the global growth of the aging population, considerable research attention focuses on these issues in Europe, the United States, and Australia. The proportion of Australians aged 65 years or older is growing, with prevalence rates of loneliness among older adults as high as 30%. The impact of this is discussed in this chapter, as are recent developments, current conditions, historical trends, transnational feminism and advocacy, and how loneliness impacts the health and well-being of older women in Australia.

scholarly journals Contextualizing the COVID-19 Era in Puerto Rico: Compounding Disasters and Parallel Pandemics

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine García ◽  
Fernando I Rivera ◽  
Marc A Garcia ◽  
Giovani Burgos ◽  
María P Aranda
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Puerto Rican ◽  
Debt Crisis ◽  
Wealth Inequality ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Research Report ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Objectives The COVID-19 outbreak has worsened the ongoing economic crisis in Puerto Rico by creating “parallel pandemics” that exacerbate socioeconomic and health inequalities experienced by its most vulnerable residents. Unfortunately, conditions on the island have been largely overlooked by national media outlets and the mainland U.S. population. Thus, this research report aims to draw attention to the disparate burden multiple and compounding disasters have on older island-dwelling Puerto Rican adults’ health and well-being. Methods We characterize the lived experiences of the older population in Puerto Rico by incorporating data from multiple sources and contextualizing the effects of compounding disasters, the fiscal pandemic, and health care challenges to provide a more nuanced portrait of existing compounding factors that negatively affect the health and well-being of older adults in the era of COVID-19. Results We highlight 2 main factors that exacerbate pre-pandemic inequities experienced by the older adult population amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Puerto Rico: (a) the impact of multiple and compounding disasters; and (b) health care challenges. Discussion The human suffering of the Puerto Rican population is compounded by the consequences of fiscal austerity, increasing levels of income and wealth inequality, the debt crisis, significant emigration, and a dysfunctional health care system. Future governmental actions are required to lessen the burden of parallel pandemics on older adults in Puerto Rico.

scholarly journals AGE, EXPERIENCE OF RACIAL MICROAGGRESSIONS, AND DISTRESS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S711-S712
Author(s):  
Shayla Thompson ◽  
Broderick Sawyer ◽  
Suzanne Meeks
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Racial Microaggressions ◽  
Amazon Mechanical Turk ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Anger Rumination ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Racial microaggressions are a common form of racial discrimination consisting of subtle or interpersonal slights. Racial microaggressions are linked to various kinds of psychological distress in younger adults, but have not been studied across the lifespan. We examined the relationship of racial microaggressions with psychological distress and anger rumination among younger and older adults identified as racial or ethnic minorities. We hypothesized that age would moderate the relationship between racial microaggressions and psychological distress and anger rumination, that is, the relationship would be weaker for older than for younger adults. Participants were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk and were compensated $1 for their participation. Preliminary tests of the hypotheses (N=220), using multiple regression analyses to test for moderation, failed to support the hypothesis that age would mitigate the impact of microaggressions on symptom severity. Both age and microaggressions were related to psychological distress and anger rumination, but contrary to prediction, older adults showed more exacerbation of distress in the face of microaggressions than younger adults. The results also differed by gender and ethnic groups, suggesting the importance of examining intersectional experiences of race, gender, and age in response to discrimination. These cross-sectional findings lend support to the importance of considering both subtle and overt discriminatory experiences in understanding the mental health challenges for minority groups in the U.S., but more work is needed to examine the intersection of ethnicity with other demographic variables, and to understand how the lifelong experiences of discrimination may shape older adults’ vulnerability, well-being, and resilience.

scholarly journals To be or not to be: Relationship between grandparent status and health and wellbeing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel W.L. Lai ◽  
Jia Li ◽  
Xue Bai
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Older People ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Marital Status ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Chinese Society ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract BackgroundIt is common for older people to become grandparents in later life. However, the impacts of grandparenting on their health and well-being remain ambiguous, especially in Chinese society, where the family is in the core of culture. The current study explored the relationship between grandparenthood and Chinese older people’s health and psychological well-being in Hong Kong. MethodsCross-sectional data were collected from a sample of 1,208 Hong Kong Chinese older people aged 55 and above through a telephone survey conducted in 2019. Participants were grouped into three categories: current grandparents (n = 507), grandparents-to-be (n = 275), and grandparents-not-to-be (n = 426). Multivariate linear regressions were performed to examine the relationship between grandparenting status and health and well-being outcomes, including self-rated physical health, mental health, resilience, and happiness. The potential moderating roles of older adults’ demographic characteristics, including age, sex, education, marital status, financial status, were also examined. ResultsBivariate analyses suggested statistically significant differences between health and well-being across the three groups of participants. Regression models showed that, compared with grandparents-not-to-be, being a current grandparent was associated with a significantly higher happiness level. Being a future grandparent was associated with significantly higher levels of happiness, resilience, and self-rated physical health. Moderating analyses showed that age, marital status, and educational level could moderate the relationship between grandparent status and resilience and self-rated mental health. ConclusionsThe current study offers preliminary insights into the significant relationship between grandparenthood and older adults’ health and well-being. It calls for future studies to further explore the mechanisms between grandparenthood and the healthy ageing of different subgroups of older adults.

scholarly journals INDIVIDUAL AND DYADIC PREDICTORS OF TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION: IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S14-S15
Author(s):  
William J Chopik ◽  
Shelia R Cotten
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Need For Cognition ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Technology has the ability to enhance and enrich the lives of older adults by facilitating better relationships, health, and well-being. However, older adults vary in how often—and even whether—they use information and communication technologies (ICTs). Further, interactions and relationships with people in their immediate social networks might have implications for whether or not older adults adopt ICTs. In two studies of individuals (N=595 participants; Mage=67.09; 56% Female; 69.2% White) and couples (N=542 couples; Mage=63.65; 50% Female; 83.9% White), I examined individual and dyadic predictors of technology adoption among older adults. Among a wide array of individual difference constructs, the most reliable predictor of technology adoption in both individuals and their spouses was need for cognition (.08 ≤ r ≤ .23). The results will be discussed in the context of how individual differences modulate adoption and the benefits accrued from ICTs across the lifespan.

The Impact of a Short-Term Iyengar Yoga Program on the Health and Well-Being of Physically Inactive Older Adults

2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliane Vogler ◽  
Lily O'Hara ◽  
Jane Gregg ◽  
Fiona Burnell
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Holistic Health ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Active Range Of Motion ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Physically Inactive

Background: With the current challenge of rapidly aging populations, practices such as yoga may help older adults stay physically active, healthy, and fulfilled. Methods: The impact of an 8-week Iyengar yoga program on the holistic health and well-being of physically inactive people aged 55 years and over was assessed. Thirty-eight older adults (mean age 73.21 ± 8.38 years; 19 intervention, 19 control) engaged in either twice-weekly yoga classes or continued their usual daily routines. Physical health measures were muscle strength, active range of motion, respiratory function (FEV1), resting blood pressure, and immune function (salivary IgA and lysozyme). Self-perceived general,physical, mental, spiritual, and social health and well-being were assessed with the Life's Odyssey Questionnaire and the SF12v2™ Health Survey. Results: Muscle strength, active range of motion, physical well-being, and aspects of mental well-being (emotional well-being and self-care) improved significantly in the yoga group (p < .05). Median changes in most of these variables were also significantly different from those in the control group. Conclusions:Participation in Iyengar yoga programs by older people is beneficial for health and well-being, and greater availability of such programs could improve quality of life.

The Effectiveness of Transition Interventions to Support Older Patients From Hospital to Home: A Systematic Scoping Review

2020 ◽  
pp. 073346482096871
Author(s):  
Renee O’Donnell ◽  
Melissa Savaglio ◽  
Helen Skouteris ◽  
Jane Banaszak-Holl ◽  
Chris Moran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hospital Readmissions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Readmission Rates ◽  
Hospital Readmission Rates ◽  
Hospital To Home ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

Background: Interventions supporting older adults’ transition from hospital to home can address geriatric needs. Yet this evidence base is fragmented. This review describes transitional interventions that provide pre- and post-discharge support for older adults and evaluates their implementation and effectiveness in improving health and well-being. Method: Articles were included if they examined the extent to which transitional interventions were effective in improving health and well-being outcomes and reducing hospital readmission rates among older adults. Results: Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Four types of interventions were identified: education-based (10/20); goal-oriented (4/20); exercise (4/20); and social support interventions (2/20). Education and goal-oriented interventions were effective in improving health and well-being outcomes. The impact of interventions on mitigating hospital readmissions was inconclusive. Only five studies examined implementation. Discussion: Older adults transitioning from hospital to home would benefit from tailored education and goal-oriented interventions that promote their capacity for self-care.

scholarly journals “Conviv\^{e}ncia” Groups: Building Active and Healthy Communities of Older Adults in Brazil

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tânia R. Bertoldo Benedetti ◽  
Eleonora d'Orsi ◽  
Andiara Schwingel ◽  
Wojtek J. Chodzko-Zajko
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Programs ◽  
Crucial Component ◽  
Older Adult Population ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

In old age, social groups can be a crucial component for health and well-being. In 2009-2010, a follow-up survey was carried out in Florianópolis, Brazil to understand the impact of a variety of programs established since 2002 that were designed to enhance social activities among the older adult population. This study employed two surveys within the population of older adults in Florianópolis. The first survey interviewed a total of 875 older adults in 2002, and the second survey involved 1,705 older adults between 2009 and 2010. By 2010, many new programs were offered in the community and the enrollment of older adults in social programs followed similar trends. “Convivência” groups stood out as extremely popular social groups among this population. This paper discusses some of the potential outcomes associated with participation in “convivência” groups.

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