scholarly journals EFFECTS OF SOCIAL SUPPORT ON PERSONS’ NEUROLOGICAL WELL-BEING:IMPLICATIONS FROM CROSS-CULTURAL STUDIES

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S817-S817
Author(s):  
Nan Jiang ◽  
Jing Wang
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Health Improvement ◽  
Neuropsychological Disorders ◽  
Neurological Conditions ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The impact of social determinants on health is well documented. Among them, social support has emerged as one of the most important old ideas being revisited from a new perspective. Social support refers to perceived supportive resources from an individual’s social engagement or social network. Recently, the concept of social support has become the subject of intense discussion, as it represents a mechanism by which interventions lead to health improvement. Neuropsychological disorders, on the other hand, represent a large burden on worldwide health. Research has shown that older adults with neurological conditions are embedded in social structures that may affect their outcomes, but not enough attention has been paid to the potential effect of social support on many neurological conditions. Using data collected from studies across cultures that have sought to understand neurological well-being worldwide, this symposium will present evidence of the relationship between social support and neurological conditions among older adults and explore how these mechanisms of social support extend the understanding of health disparities in old-age neurological wellbeing. A discussant will draw out common themes from these papers and connect them with the broader literature on the effect of social support on neurological well-being. We propose that social support constitutes an integral part of medical care for older adults with neurological conditions. This symposium will generate insights to help clinical practitioners more effectively design their social support interventions.

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.

Catalyst to Connection: When Technical Difficulties Lead to Social Support for Older Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (9) ◽  
pp. 1167-1185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Francis ◽  
Travis Kadylak ◽  
Taj. W. Makki ◽  
R. V. Rikard ◽  
Shelia R. Cotten
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Ict Use ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Impact

Information and communication technology (ICT) use can mitigate the negative impact of various age-related threats, such as isolation and loneliness, by facilitating connection with social ties and access to social support. Although research regarding various uses and benefits of ICTs among older adults has increased, there is limited research regarding the impact of technical difficulties on older adults’ well-being. Our study explores technical difficulties encountered, how older adults cope with ICT failure, and the various forms of social support that may result as a consequence of accessing technical support. We use data from nine semistructured focus groups conducted with older adults in the Midwest region of the United States. Results show that older adults may adapt new strategies for coping with the technical difficulties that arise from regular ICT use. Furthermore, as older adults incorporate ICTs into their daily lives and seek assistance from social ties and experts, they may also be indirectly combating the threat of isolation and loneliness.

scholarly journals IMPACT OF SOCIAL SUPPORT AND STRAIN ON DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS: MARITAL STATUS AND GENDER DIFFERENCES

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S919-S919
Author(s):  
Deborah Carr ◽  
Yeonjung Jane Lee
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Marital Status ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Negatively Associated ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Social relationships are a well-established correlate of late-life well-being. Extensive research finds social support is associated with fewer depressive symptoms, yet few studies distinguish fine-grained types of support from spouse, children, other family and friends, nor whether these linkages differ by gender and marital status. Studies exploring coarse associations between support and well-being may conceal gender and marital status differences. We use data from two waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; 2006 and 2010) to study fine-grained linkages between diverse types of relationship strain and support and depressive symptoms (CESD) among adults aged 51+. The results show that the association between support/strain and depressive symptoms varies based on the source of support. For instance, among married/partnered older adults, spousal support is negatively associated with depressive symptoms whereas friend strain is positively associated with depressive symptoms. Among widowed respondents, friend support is negatively associated with depressive symptoms. These marital status patterns differed by gender however, such that the impact of friend strain on depressive symptoms was especially large for divorced men. Our results suggest that no single form of social support (or strain) is uniformly protective (or distressing), so services and interventions to enhance late-life mental health should more fully consider older adults’ social location, including gender and marital status. For current cohorts of older adults, who have lower rates of marriage and childbearing than their predecessors, it is critically important to understand both the levels and impacts of alternative sources of support from other kin and friends.

scholarly journals The Impact of Sheltering in Place During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Older Adults’ Social and Mental Well-Being

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne C Krendl ◽  
Brea L Perry
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Relationship Strength ◽  
Personal Social Networks ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being

Abstract Objectives We examined whether social isolation due to the COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders was associated with greater loneliness and depression for older adults, and, if so, whether declines in social engagement or relationship strength moderated that relationship. Methods Between April 21 and May 21, 2020, 93 older adults in the United States who had completed measures characterizing their personal social networks, subjective loneliness, and depression 6–9 months prior to the pandemic completed the same measures via phone interview, as well as questions about the impact of the pandemic on their social relationships. Results Older adults reported higher depression and greater loneliness following the onset of the pandemic. Loneliness positively predicted depression. Perceived relationship strength, but not social engagement, moderated this relationship such that loneliness only predicted depression for individuals who became closer to their networks during the pandemic. For those who felt less close, depression was higher irrespective of loneliness. Discussion The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected older adults’ mental health and social well-being in the short term. Potential long-term impacts are considered.

The Differential Impact of Social Participation and Social Support on Psychological Well-Being: Evidence From the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neika Sharifian ◽  
Daniel Grühn
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Wisconsin Longitudinal Study ◽  
The Impact

Being socially engaged is theorized to diminish age-related declines in emotional functioning. However, unique facets of social engagement may differentially impact functioning in older adulthood. In particular, social participation (SP) might be more beneficial than social support (SS) in buffering declines. The goal of this study was to examine whether interindividual differences in SP and SS influenced intraindividual change in Psychological Well-Being (PWB). The impact of SS and SP on change in PWB was investigated in two samples from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study spanning 19 years (1992–2011): graduate respondents and their siblings. Using latent growth curve models, small declines in PWB were found. Individuals high in SP demonstrated a less steep decline in PWB across the three time points than individuals low in SP. SS, however, did not buffer declines in PWB. Developmental implications of the age-related trajectory of PWB and the relationship with social engagement are discussed.

scholarly journals Senior Centers and LGBT Participants: Engaging Older Adults Virtually in a Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 295-295
Author(s):  
Suzanne Marmo ◽  
Manoj Pardasani ◽  
David Vincent
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
National Council ◽  
Senior Center ◽  
Senior Centers ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Upon the outbreak of COVID-19, recommendations to cease all non-essential in-person social services were mandated across the United States to prevent transmission to non-infected individuals. As a result, approximately 96% of all senior centers in the United States were closed to in-person programming (National Council on Aging, 2020). LGBT older adults in particular were at higher risk of isolation and declines in overall health as they were more likely to live alone, experience loneliness or have less immediate family support systems when compared to non-LGBT older adults (Yang, Chu & Salmon, 2017). The purpose of this presentation is to explore how LGBT older adult participants in senior centers transitioned to virtual programming during the pandemic. Using a risk-resiliency theory framework, the purpose of this presentation is to share the impact of virtual programming on the health and well-being of LGBT community-dwelling older adults. An exploratory, cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing an online survey to understand their needs, concerns and experiences. Participants reported a relatively easy adaptation to technology, steady participation in programs and services, satisfaction with virtual senior center programming and a consistent sense of engagement with their peers. Higher levels of engagement with senior center programs were associated with greater perceptions of social support. Additionally, stronger perceptions of social support and participation in exercise and fitness programming were associated with higher life satisfaction and lesser symptoms of depression and anxiety. Strategies for outreach, engagement and service provision will be presented.

scholarly journals Music Interventions for Early-Stage Cognitive Decline: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 649-649
Author(s):  
Jennie Dorris ◽  
Stephen Neely ◽  
Juleen Rodakowski
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Music Making ◽  
The Moment

Abstract Older adults in the early stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia deserve effective modalities that support their cognition, emotional well-being, and social engagement. Music has demonstrated potential to support these critical outcomes through its ability to simultaneously stimulate multiple areas of the brain and induce neuroplasticity. We reviewed randomized controlled trials for studies that specifically utilized active music-making interventions for older adults with early-stage cognitive decline to assess their effects on cognition, emotional well-being, and social engagement. Additionally, this review categorized the specific music activities employed by each intervention. We conducted searches on Medline (Ovid), APA PsycInfo (Ovid) CINAHL (Ebsco), and Embase (Elsevier). Our search yielded 285 potential studies. We analyzed 19 studies with 1,387 participants for potential effect sizes and intervention ingredients. Of the 19 studies, eight studies, recruiting a total of 460 participants, were used to conduct a random-effects meta-analysis to assess the effect of music on cognition. Meta-analytic aggregration of effect sizes showed that music had a modest positive effect on cognition compare with the control conditions (SMD= 0.26; P= 0.008; 95% confidence interval, 0.07, 0.45; I2= 5%). The musical activities of 1) singing and/or playing pre-composed songs and/or 2) creating music in the moment were utilized in the protocols. This research demonstrates that active music-making supports cognition for older adults with early-stage cognitive decline. Future music programs should consider inclusion of pre-composed songs, as well as music creation, to better understand the power for music to provide critical support for a rapidly growing segment of the population.

scholarly journals Examining the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Psychosocial Outcomes across Age: A Stress and Coping Framework

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 944-945
Author(s):  
Jillian Minahan ◽  
Francesca Falzarano ◽  
Neshat Yazdani ◽  
Karen Siedlecki
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychosocial Outcomes ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Stress And Coping ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract The emergence of COVID-19 and the measures implemented to curb its spread are anticipated to have long-term implications for mental health. Older adults may be at increased risk for adverse mental health outcomes as opportunities to remain socially connected have diminished. Further research is needed to better understand the impact of pandemic-related stress on mental health. Utilizing the stress and coping framework, the purpose of this study is three-fold: 1) to examine the influences of COVID-19-related stress on depression, anxiety, and loneliness, 2) to assess the mediating role of coping style and social support, and 3) to investigate whether these relationships vary across age. Participants (N = 1,318) between the ages of 18-92 years completed an online survey, assessing pandemic-related stress, mental health, social support, coping, and their experiences with social distancing, during the initial implementation of social distancing measures in the United States. Stress, social support, and coping style were related to psychosocial outcomes. Results suggested that avoidant coping mediated the relationship between pandemic-related stress and psychosocial outcomes, particularly depression. Avoidant coping more strongly mediated the relationship between stress and depression in younger adults compared to older adults. Results were consistent with the stress and coping framework and recent work highlighting the older adults’ resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings highlight the associations between positive coping behaviors and psychosocial well-being and indicate that older adults may use unique adaptive mechanisms to preserve well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Effect of Receiving a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias on Social Relationships of Older Adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Takashi Amano ◽  
Addam Reynolds ◽  
Clara Scher ◽  
Yuane Jia
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Dementia Diagnosis ◽  
New Diagnosis ◽  
The Impact

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Although early diagnosis has been recognized as a key strategy to improve outcomes of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), the effect of receiving a diagnosis on patients’ well-being is not well understood. This study addresses this gap by examining if receiving a dementia diagnosis influences social relationships. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Data from the 3 waves (2012, 2014, and 2016) of the Health and Retirement Study were utilized as part of this study. This study examined whether receiving a new diagnosis of ADRD changed subsequent social relationships (social networks, social engagement, and social support). Regression analyses with inverse probability weighting were performed to estimate the impact of receiving a dementia diagnosis on changes in social relationships. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Receiving a new diagnosis of ADRD reduced both informal and formal social engagement. We found no statistically significant impacts of receiving a diagnosis of ADRD on social networks and social support. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Results suggest that receiving a new diagnosis of ADRD may have unintended impacts on social relationships. Practitioners and policymakers should be aware of these consequences and should identify strategies to alleviate the negative impact of receiving a diagnosis of ADRD and methods to mobilize support networks after receiving a diagnosis.

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