THE IMPACT OF NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTEDNESS ON LIFE SATISFACTION AND SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES ACROSS THREE AGE GROUPS.

Abstract This study operationalized the third dimension of Rowe & Khan’s Successful Aging model, social engagement, as neighborhood connectedness. We examined 2820 older adults in the MIDUS III dataset to assess the impact of neighborhood connectedness on life satisfaction and daily spiritual experiences. A composite scale for neighborhood connectedness (Cronbach = .745) was created. Linear regression analysis was undertaken for life satisfaction on daily spiritual experience, neighborhood connectedness, neighborhood environment and age controlling for gender, co-habitation, income, and disability. Regression analysis was also conducted for daily spiritual experience on the same variables. Analysis for each outcome variable was run three times to explore changes across three age groups of older adults (55-69, 70-85, and 86-100). Results of regression analysis found frequency of daily spiritual experience was a substantial and significant predictor of life satisfaction for all age groups (β= .211, β= .191, β= .208) Additionally, regression analysis revealed a higher level of neighborhood connectedness was the most powerful predictor of daily spiritual experience across all age groups (β= .329, β= .312, β= .327) This study demonstrates the applicability of operationalizing the Successful Aging model’s social engagement dimension as neighborhood connectedness. This study also contributes evidence of the impact of daily spiritual experience on life satisfaction. Finally, the study supplies promising new evidence linking neighborhood connectedness with spiritual well-being.

Download Full-text

The 70- to 85-Year-Old Sweet Spot: Regression Associations Between Spiritual Experience and Successful Aging Outcomes

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1338 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 415-415

Author(s):

Stephen Fogle

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Physical Health ◽

Old Age ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Spiritual Experience ◽

Age Group ◽

Gender Identification ◽

Control Variables ◽

Depressed Affect

Abstract Utilizing the MIDUS III dataset, this study conducted linear regression analysis for associations between daily spiritual experience and Successful Aging (N=2605). Age was measured in three groups: young-old (55-69), old (70-85), and old-old (86-100). Successful Aging was operationalized as Self-Reported Physical Health, Self-Reported Memory, Depressed Affect, and Life Satisfaction. Daily spiritual experience was measured with the Fetzer Institute five-item composite scale (Cronbach = .891). Analysis for each Successful Aging outcome was controlled for daily spiritual experience, physical and social neighborhood environment, age group, gender identification, co-habitation, income, education, cultural identification and disability. Regression analysis was undertaken for daily spiritual experience on the same control variables. Results found higher frequency of daily spiritual experience was significantly associated (p = .000) with better self-reported memory (β= .146***) and higher life satisfaction (β= .191***). Further, regression analysis revealed the 70-85 age group was significantly associated (p = .000) with better self-reported physical health (β= .123***), lower depressed affect (β= -.144***), and higher life satisfaction (β= .291***). Finally, the 70-85 age group was a stronger predictor of daily spiritual experience (β= .221***) than all other control variables except female gender identification (β= .244***). This study contributes evidence of associations between daily spiritual experience and Successful Aging outcomes, particularly memory and life satisfaction. This study demonstrates the advantage of measuring separate old age categories to reflect heterogeneity of the life course. Finally, this study underscores, “Why Age Matters”, through new evidence linking the 70-85 year old age group with daily spiritual experience and Successful Aging.

Download Full-text

I GOT THIS! SUCCESSFUL AGING THROUGH THE MAINTENANCE OF AUTONOMY

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.2638 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S719-S720

Author(s):

Alexandria G Nuccio ◽

Ashely M Stripling

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

Activities Of Daily Living ◽

Measurement System ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Daily Living ◽

Later Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Functional Autonomy ◽

The Impact

Abstract As America ages, an increased interest has been placed on understanding the development and maintenance of autonomy in later life. This is of particular importance given the impact of autonomy on vitality, well-being, and mood within older adults (Warner et al., 2011). However, the research examining which aspects of autonomy directly impact successful aging remains underexplored. As such, the current study utilizes the Functional Autonomy Measurement System (SMAF) to better understand which facets of autonomy promote life satisfaction in older adults. Data included assessments of the Functional Autonomy Measurement System and data was derived from the Survey of Midlife in the US Database (MIDUS 3). Participants were primarily White/Caucasian (88.7%) and female (54.0%); with a mean age of 63.64 years (SD=11.35). A series of hierarchical multiple linear regressions revealed that higher levels of Mental Functions predicted increased life satisfaction scores in models adjusted for age, sex, race, marital status, and education (F=54.152,p<0.001) and that higher levels of Communication (F=37.553,p<0.001), Activities of Daily Living (F=33.495,p<0.001), Mobility (F=37.311,p<0.001), and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (F=8.630,p<0.001) also predicted increases in life satisfaction scores but to a lesser extent. The present findings suggest that higher levels of autonomy, both physically and mentally, result in higher satisfaction with life; with perceptions of cognitive independence producing the highest levels. Implications of the current findings include increased understanding of the multifaceted nature of autonomy, and provision of recommendations which could increase autonomous behavior in later life, thus increase life satisfaction and promote successful aging.

Download Full-text

Dietary Patterns in a Population Cohort in Uruguay and Associations with Markers of Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa046_048 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 548-548

Author(s):

Paula Moliterno ◽

Carmen Donangelo ◽

Juan Vanerio ◽

Romina Nogara ◽

Matias Pecora ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Dietary Patterns ◽

Calcium Intake ◽

Disease Risk ◽

Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽

Age Groups ◽

Outcome Variable ◽

High Density Lipoproteins ◽

Blood Lipid Profile ◽

The Impact

Abstract Objectives The impact of habitual diet on chronic diseases has not been extensively characterized in South America. We aimed to identify major dietary patterns (DP) in a population adult cohort in Uruguay (Genotype Phenotype and Environment of Hypertension Study - GEFA-HT-UY) and to assess associations with metabolic and anthropometric markers of cardiovascular disease risk. Methods In a subsample (n = 295), DP were derived by principal component analysis based on 27 food groups (food frequency questionnaire). Total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), low and high-density lipoproteins cholesterol (LDL, HDL), fasting glucose and insulin (HOMA), 25(OH)D, neutrophils and lymphocytes were measured in blood. Body weight, height, waist and blood pressure (BP) were measured. Multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate by tertile of DP load the adjusted changes of each outcome variable (relative to tertile 1), according to age (splitting by median age, 54 y). The models included sex, smoking, alcohol drinking, BMI, and season for 25(OH)D, as covariables. Results Three DP were identified: Meat (MDP), Prudent (PDP), and Cereal and Mate (CMDP), explaining 22.6% of total variance. MDP was characterized by higher loads for red, processed and barbecued meat; PDP by higher loads for vegetables, fish and nuts; and CMDP by higher loads for cereals and mate (traditional infused drink). Protein, sodium and alcohol intake increased, and fibre, mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFA, PUFA) intake decreased, by MDP tertile. Protein, fat (MUFA), fibre and calcium intake increased by PDP tertile. Carbohydrate, sodium and energy intake increased, and PUFA and calcium intake decreased, by CMDP tertile. MDP was associated with lower HDL (−3.1 mg/dl) and 25(OH)D (−3.5 ng/ml), and higher TG/HDL ratio (0.8) and HOMA (0.5), in the older group (P < 0.05). PDP was associated with higher 25(OH)D in both age groups (2.9 and 7.7 ng/ml; P < 0.002). CMDP was associated with higher neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio (0.35) in the younger group, and higher LDL (18.2 mg/dl), systolic BP (5.9 mm Hg) and waist/height ratio (0.024) in the older group (P < 0.05). Conclusions Meat DP was associated with worse blood lipid profile in younger adults, Cereal and Mate DP with worse cardiovascular risk markers in older adults, and Prudent DP with higher 25(OH)D in both age groups. Funding Sources CSIC, ANII, Uruguay.

Download Full-text

Comparison of epidemiology, treatments, and outcomes in pediatric versus adult ependymoma

Neuro-Oncology Advances ◽

10.1093/noajnl/vdaa019 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Aladine A Elsamadicy ◽

Andrew B Koo ◽

Wyatt B David ◽

Victor Lee ◽

Cheryl K Zogg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Young Adults ◽

Radiation Treatment ◽

Age Groups ◽

Anatomical Location ◽

Seer Database ◽

Coding System ◽

Significant Difference ◽

All Cause Mortality ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Mounting evidence supports the presence of heterogeneity in the presentation of ependymoma patients with respect to location, histopathology, and behavior between pediatric and adult patients. However, the influence of age on treatment outcomes in ependymoma remains obscure. Methods The SEER database years 1975–2016 were queried. Patients with a diagnosis of ependymoma were identified using the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, Third Edition, coding system. Patients were classified into one of 4 age groups: children (age 0–12 years), adolescents (age 13–21 years), young adults (age 22–45 years), and older adults (age >45 years). The weighed multivariate analysis assessed the impact of age on survival outcomes following surgical treatment. Results There were a total of 6076 patients identified with ependymoma, of which 1111 (18%) were children, 529 (9%) were adolescents, 2039 (34%) were young adults, and 2397 (40%) were older adults. There were statistically significant differences between cohorts with respect to race (P < .001), anatomical location (P < .001), extent of resection (P < .001), radiation use (P < .001), tumor grade (P < .001), histological classification (P < .001), and all-cause mortality (P < .001). There was no significant difference between cohorts with respect to gender (P = .103). On multivariate logistic regression, factors associated with all-cause mortality rates included males (vs females), supratentorial location (vs spinal cord tumors), and radiation treatment (vs no radiation). Conclusions Our study using the SEER database demonstrates the various demographic and treatment risk factors that are associated with increased rates of all-cause mortality between the pediatric and adult populations following a diagnosis of ependymoma.

Download Full-text

Correlates of Successful Aging: Are They Universal?

The International Journal of Aging and Human Development ◽

10.2190/dugv-aqpu-pt28-b8d7 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 61 (4) ◽

pp. 313-333 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Howard Litwin

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Health Status ◽

Multiple Regression Analysis ◽

Social Environment ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Social Ties ◽

Immigrant Group ◽

Diverse Population ◽

Population Groups

The analysis compared differing correlates of life satisfaction among three diverse population groups in Israel, examining background and health status variables, social environment factors, and activity indicators. Multiple regression analysis revealed that veteran Jewish-Israelis ( n = 2,043) had the largest set of predictors, the strongest of which was health status. Among Arab-Israelis ( n = 609), social visitation served as a significant base for life satisfaction. The predictors among the new immigrant group ( n = 751) reflected the search for social ties beyond the immediate family. The analysis underscores the universal basis of successful aging, especially the contribution of health status. However, it also clarifies that the specific components of some of the general categories of predictors work in different ways among different population groups.

Download Full-text

Traumatic Stress in Older Adults

The Oxford Handbook of Traumatic Stress Disorders ◽

10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195399066.013.0009 ◽

2012 ◽

pp. 118-127

Author(s):

Joan M. Cook ◽

Tatyana Biyanova ◽

Diane L. Elmore

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

World War Ii ◽

Functional Impairment ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Acute Stress ◽

Age Groups ◽

Care Utilization ◽

Older Individuals ◽

Delayed Recognition ◽

The Impact

This chapter focuses on older adult trauma survivors. Information is presented on prevalence of acute stress disorder (ASD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); course, functional impairment, suicide risk, and health care utilization in older adults with PTSD; and the impact of demographic factors such as gender, ethnicity, and race on PTSD in older individuals. In general, rates of ASD and PTSD are lower in older adults compared to other age groups. PTSD in older adults has been linked to suicidal ideation and attempts, functional impairment, physical health, and increased healthcare utilization. Although delayed onset of PTSD has been empirically verified in some military samples with World War II veterans and younger adult civilians, it is rare in the absence of any prior symptoms and might more accurately be labeled “delayed recognition.” More information on trauma and PTSD in diverse populations of older adults is needed, such as racial and ethnic minorities, those with severe physical or mental impairment, noncommunity-residing groups, and those from nonindustrialized countries.

Download Full-text

Successful Aging from the Viewpoint of Older Adults: Development of a Brief Successful Aging Inventory (SAI)

Gerontology ◽

10.1159/000455252 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 63 (4) ◽

pp. 359-371 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Jeong Eun Lee ◽

Boaz Kahana ◽

Eva Kahana

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Measurement Invariance ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Panel Study ◽

Age Groups ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

Psychometric Evaluation ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Retirement Community ◽

Older Individuals

Objective: Researcher-defined criteria for successful aging (SA) have been criticized for their limited perspective and failure to acknowledge subjective perceptions of older individuals. We assessed the extent to which older individuals consider specific factors, which they had suggested, to be important in defining SA. The present study had 2 objectives: (a) to develop a brief multidimensional questionnaire for assessing SA and to evaluate its psychometric properties; and (b) to examine age associations with each dimension of SA. Methods: A survey was conducted with 550 participants in a panel study of older adult residents of an elderly retirement community and with community-dwelling older adults, regarding factors that they considered to be important for SA. The psychometric evaluation involved exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, reliability and validity analyses, and measurement invariance testing. Partial correlations were used to examine the association of age with SA. Results: The 4-factor solution provided a satisfactory fit to the data: proactive engagement, wellness resources, positive spirit, and valued relationships. Metric measurement invariance for this factor structure was confirmed across 2 age groups. The findings also suggest that the Successful Aging Inventory (SAI) scale might be a useful predictor of SA. Discussion: Our findings highlight the value of considering more comprehensive models of SA that include social relationships and proactive engagement.

Download Full-text

Exploring the Relationship Between Internet Use and Mental Health Among Older Adults in England: Longitudinal Observational Study

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/15683 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (7) ◽

pp. e15683

Author(s):

Sabrina Sze Man Lam ◽

Stephen Jivraj ◽

Shaun Scholes

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

Internet Use ◽

Information Access ◽

Moderating Effect ◽

The Internet ◽

Occupational Class ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

Background There is uncertainty about the impact of internet use on mental health in older adults. Moreover, there is very little known specifically about the impact of particular purposes of internet use. Objective This study aims to investigate the longitudinal relationship between two distinct concepts of mental health with the frequency of internet use among older adults: the moderating role of socioeconomic position (SEP) and the association between specific purposes of internet use. Methods Longitudinal fixed and random effects (27,507 person-years) models were fitted using waves 6-8 of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing to examine the relationship between different aspects of internet use (frequency and purpose) and two mental health outcomes (depression and life satisfaction). The potential moderating effect of SEP on these associations was tested using interaction terms. Results Infrequent internet use (monthly or less vs daily) was predictive of deteriorating life satisfaction (β=−0.512; P=.02) but not depression. Education and occupational class had a moderating effect on the association between frequency of internet use and mental health. The associations were stronger in the highest educational group in both depression (P=.09) and life satisfaction (P=.02), and in the highest occupational group in life satisfaction (P=.05) only. Using the internet for communication was associated with lower depression (β=−0.24; P=.002) and better life satisfaction (β=.97; P<.001), whereas those using the internet for information access had worse life satisfaction (β=−0.86; P<.001) compared with those who did not. Conclusions Policies to improve mental health in older adults should encourage internet use, especially as a tool to aid communication.

Download Full-text

Life Satisfaction, Positive Affect, and Sleep Impairment in Masters Athletes: Modulation by Age, Sex, and Exercise Type

Frontiers in Physiology ◽

10.3389/fphys.2021.634433 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Savannah V. Wooten ◽

Uwe Mittag ◽

José Ramón Alvero Cruz ◽

Sten Stray-Gundersen ◽

Fabian Hoffmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

Positive Affect ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Difference Threshold ◽

Meaningful Difference ◽

Aging Research ◽

Sleep Impairment ◽

Masters Athletes ◽

General Life Satisfaction ◽

The Impact

IntroductionThe masters athlete has been proposed as a model of successful aging. Research studies investigating psychological outlook in older athletes have primarily addressed negative affects including depression, anxiety, and stress. The impact of lifelong exercise on positive affect and life satisfaction as well as sleep impairment that could impact on these psychological states is largely unknown.MethodsA series of questionnaires (general life satisfaction, positive affect, and sleep-related impairment) were administered to 240 masters athletes participating in the World Masters Athletics Championships. Total raw scores were converted into T scores for comparison with the general population. Meaningful difference was defined by the PROMIS® as one-half standard deviation from the centering sample.ResultsMeaningful differences were observed for improved general life satisfaction and reduced sleep impairment for all masters athletes. Positive affect did not reach the meaningful difference threshold. No significant sex differences were found for any of the questionnaires (all p > 0.05). Similarly, no significant differences were found between endurance, sprint, and strength/power sports for general life satisfaction (p = 0.18), positive affect (p = 0.46), and sleep impairment (p = 0.77). In general, life satisfaction increased with age (r = 0.15, p = 0.02), and sleep impairment trended towards reduction with age (r = −0.13, p = 0.05). Positive affect demonstrated no correlation with age (r = 0.09, p = 0.18).ConclusionThis study demonstrates that the lifestyles of masters athletes contribute to improved general life satisfaction and reduced sleep impairment but not improved positive affect. The beneficial effects were observed irrespective of age, gender, and sporting types.

Download Full-text

Social Engagement and Depressive Symptoms Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in India

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.815 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 212-213

Author(s):

Kasturi Banerjee ◽

Tamara Baker

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Cultural Landscape ◽

Indian Population ◽

Depressive Symptomatology ◽

Future Research ◽

Exact Nature ◽

Targeted Interventions ◽

The Impact

Abstract Social networks and family support are known to have benefits for many older adults globally, and India is no exception. However, the exact nature of the impact of these factors on depression in the Indian population remains largely unexplored. Considering the aging Indian population and changing socio-cultural landscape, it is important to identify the role of social engagement and neighborhood factors in the mental health needs of these older adults. To address this need, this study aimed to identify predictors of depressive symptoms among individuals aged 45+ years from four states in India. Data were taken from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) pilot survey in 2010, focusing on the influence social activities, family factors and neighborhood satisfaction variables have on depressive symptomatology. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted and found that residing in a southern state (Karnataka and Kerala) (β=.178, p<0.05); lower life satisfaction (β= -.261, p<0.05); having more living children (β=.110, p<0.05), less frequently or never visiting friends and relatives (β=.079, p<0.05) and not liking the neighborhood (β=.072, p<0.05) were predictors of depressive symptoms. These findings are consistent with limited extant literature on the importance of family and social engagement as predictors of depressive symptoms in this population. Future research should focus on qualitatively examining the interaction between depressive symptoms and social engagement within this population, thereby helping develop targeted interventions, measure outcomes and long term, community engagement-based prevention programs.

Download Full-text