scholarly journals HEARING IMPAIRMENT, DEPRESSION, AND THE ROLE OF SOCIAL ACTIVITY AMONG CHINESE OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S166-S167
Author(s):  
Shu Xu ◽  
Haowei Wang ◽  
Caitlin Connelly
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Status ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Studies suggest that depression is closely linked to hearing impairment, which is highly prevalent among older adults in the United States. There is evidence that social engagement may be impacted by hearing impairment in older adults. However, there is relatively little research on these associations among Chinese older adults. This study examines the relationships between hearing impairment, social activities, and depressive symptoms among older adults in China. Using nationally representative data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011, we conducted cross-sectional analysis on adults age 60 years and older (n=10,994). Depressive symptoms were assessed by the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale and we considered self-reported hearing status (if participants wear a hearing aid and how they would rate their hearing), and social activities (i.e., volunteering, dancing, attending courses, etc.). Models were controlled for age, gender, education, and other covariates. Descriptive analysis showed that 9% of older adults experienced hearing impairment. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that hearing impairment was positively associated with depressive symptoms among older Chinese adults (β=1.32, p<.001). Social activities were found to partially mediate the relationship between hearing status and depressive symptoms. Respondents with hearing impairment were less likely to engage in social activities (OR=.78, p<.01) and those who did not participate in social activities reported more depressive symptoms (β=1.28, p<.001). These findings suggest that Chinese older adults experiencing hearing loss are at greater risk of depression and that social activities play an important role in the relationship between hearing status and depression.

scholarly journals Urban-rural differences in the association between social activities and depressive symptoms among older adults in China: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanan Wang ◽  
Zhen Li ◽  
Chang Fu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Urban Rural ◽  
Rural Older Adults

Abstract Background Participation in social activities has positive health effects among older adults; however, few studies have investigated the association between social activity and depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults. This study aimed to examine the association between social activities and depressive symptoms among older adults in China regarding urban-rural differences. Methods Data were collected from 8255 respondents from the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Type and frequency of social activities were collected via a questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between social activities and depressive symptoms. Results In our study, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was lower in urban older adults compared with rural older adults (25.2% vs. 40.7%). After adjustment for all covariates, our results indicated that interacting with friends almost weekly or almost daily (almost weekly: OR = 0.568, 95%CI: 0.337–0.955; almost daily: OR = 0.664, 95%CI: 0.453–0.973) and participating in community organizations almost daily were inversely associated with depressive symptoms among urban older adults (OR = 0.107, 95%CI: 0.012–0.952). Interacting with friends almost daily (OR = 0.847, 95% CI: 0.720–0.996) and participation in hobby groups either almost every week or almost daily were both inversely associated with depressive symptoms among rural older adults (almost weekly: OR = 0.683, 95%CI: 0.518–0.902; almost daily: OR = 0.567, 95%CI: 0.440–0.731). Participating in sports groups almost daily was inversely associated with depressive symptoms among both urban and rural older adults (urban: OR = 0.664, 95%CI: 0.445–0.991; rural: OR = 0.506, 95%CI: 0.366–0.700). Conclusions Our findings indicated that there is a cross-sectional association between participation in social activities and depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults, and the association differed between urban and rural older adults. This implies that participation in social activities may be significant for alleviating depressive symptoms of older adults. When encouraging older adults to participate in social activities, the government should consider urban-rural differences and take effective measures accordingly. Longitudinal studies are needed to examine the causal relationships between social activities and depressive symptoms among older adults.

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.

Relationship Between Frailty and Depression Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The Mediating and Moderating Role of Social Support

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (8) ◽  
pp. 1466-1475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaru Jin ◽  
Huaxin Si ◽  
Xiaoxia Qiao ◽  
Xiaoyu Tian ◽  
Xinyi Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Frailty Phenotype ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background and Objectives Frailty is associated with depression in older adults and reduces their social support. However, the mechanism underlying such relationship remains unclear. We aim to examine whether social support acts as a mediator or moderator in the relationship between frailty and depression. Research Design and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,779 community-dwelling older adults aged 60 and older. Frailty, social support, and depressive symptoms were measured by the Physical Frailty Phenotype, Social Support Rating Scale, and five-item Geriatric Depression Scale, respectively. Data were also collected on age, gender, years of schooling, monthly income, cognitive function, number of chronic diseases, physical function, and pain. Results Linear regression models showed that subjective support and support utilization, but not objective support, mediated and moderated the relationship between frailty and depressive symptoms. The Johnson–Neyman technique determined a threshold of 30 for subjective support, but not for support utilization, beyond which the detrimental effect of frailty on depressive symptoms was offset. Discussion and Implications Social support underlies the association of frailty with depression, and its protective role varies by type. Interventions on depression should address improving perceptions and utilization of social support among frail older adults rather than simply providing them with objective support.

scholarly journals Depressive Symptoms and Loneliness Among Black and White Older Adults: The Moderating Effects of Race

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry O Taylor ◽  
Ann W Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Religious Service ◽  
Religious Service Attendance ◽  
Black And White ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Service Attendance

Abstract Background and Objectives Loneliness is consistently linked to worse depression/depressive symptoms; however, there are few studies that have examined whether the relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms varies by race. The purpose of this study was to determine whether race moderated the relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms. Research Design and Methods Data come from the 2014 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) Core survey and Psychosocial Leave-Behind Questionnaire; only black and white older adults were included in the analysis (N = 6,469). Depressive symptoms were operationalized by the eight-item Center for Epidemiological Studies—Depression scale; however, the “felt lonely” item was removed given concerns with collinearity. Loneliness was operationalized using the Hughes 3-Item Loneliness Scale. Sociodemographic variables included gender, age, education, household income, employment status, marital status, and living alone or with others. Furthermore, social support and negative interactions from family members and friends, and religious service attendance were included in the analysis. Lastly, we created an interaction term between race and loneliness. All analyses used survey weights to account for the complex multistage sampling design of the HRS. Missing data were multiply imputed. Results In multivariable analysis, we found race significantly moderated the relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms while controlling for sociodemographic covariates, social support and negative interaction variables, and religious service attendance. Discussion and Implications Our findings demonstrate a differential racial effect for loneliness and depressive symptoms. For both blacks and whites, greater loneliness affected depressive symptoms; however, the effect was stronger among whites than it was for blacks. Given this is one of the first studies to examine the differential effects of race on loneliness and depressive symptoms, more research is necessary to determine the consistency of these results.

scholarly journals INCIDENCE OF COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AMONG U.S. CHINESE OLDER ADULTS: DOES SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT MATTER?

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S929-S929
Author(s):  
Dexia Kong ◽  
XinQi Dong
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Prior Literature ◽  
Cognitive Activities ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract The increasing diversity in U.S. aging population warrants improved understanding of risk factors of cognitive aging in minority populations. This study presents the prevalence of incident cognitive impairment (CI) among U.S. Chinese older adults; and the relationship between social engagement and incident CI. Data were obtained from the Population-based Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago, a prospective cohort study of Chinese older adults. Baseline (collected between 2011 and 2013) and one subsequent wave of data (collected between 2013 and 2015) were used in analyses (N=2,713). Social engagement was measured by the frequency of participation in social and cognitive activities (range=0-65). Cognitive function was assessed by a battery of 5 validated instruments. Incidence of CI was defined as having a follow-up cognition score lower than 1.5 standard deviations below the mean baseline cognition score. Logistic regression analyses were conducted. Nearly 6% of the sample reported incident CI. Chinese older adults who are more socially-engaged had a lower likelihood of developing CI (odds ratio [OR] 0.94, 0.92-0.96). The relationship was consistent across cognitive domains, including episodic memory (OR 0.95, 0.92-0.97), working memory (OR 0.92, 0.88-0.95), and perceptual speed (OR 0.95, 0.92-0.98). Furthermore, older age (OR 1.12, 1.09-1.15), and lower education (OR 0.91, 0.87-0.96) were associated with incident CI. No significant association was observed between gender, income, marital status, household size, acculturation, medical morbidities, depressive symptoms, and incident CI. The findings highlight the importance of social engagement in cognitive aging. Discrepancies with prior literature and implications of these findings will be discussed.

scholarly journals THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PHYSICAL FRAILTY AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS: DOES SOCIAL SUPPORT MATTER?

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S978-S979
Author(s):  
Shuting Liang ◽  
Dexia Kong ◽  
XinQi Dong
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Physical Frailty ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Interaction Terms ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract This research will present the association between physical frailty and depressive symptoms among U.S. Chinese older adults, and the extent to which social support moderates the relationship. Cross-sectional data were obtained from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago collected between 2011 and 2013 (N=3,157). Physical frailty was assessed by the Short Performance Physical Battery (range=0-15). A cut-off point of 6 was used to define physical frailty as suggested by prior research. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire. Social support was measured by a scale assessing positive support and negative strain from spouse, family members, and friends. Logistic regression analyses with interaction terms were conducted. In our sample, 1,682 (54.3%) had depressive symptoms, and 16.1% had physical frailty. Having physical frailty was positively associated with depressive symptoms (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.15, 1.11-1.18). Additionally, female gender (OR 1.39, 1.20-1.61), education (OR 1.03, 1.01-1.04), and chronic conditions (OR 1.18, 1.12-1.25) were positively associated with depressive symptoms. Social support (OR 0.85, 0.83-0.87) and children (OR=0.92, 0.87-.97) were negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Furthermore, family members (OR 0.96, 0.94-0.98) and friends (OR 0.96, 0.94-0.98) has moderating effect on the relationship between physical frailty and depressive symptoms. However, the interaction between social support from spouse and physical frailty was not significant. The findings highlight the interconnections among physical frailty, social support, and depressive symptoms. Intervention strategies focusing on social support may have the potential to reduce depressive symptoms among frail U.S. Chinese older adults.

scholarly journals Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms and Cognition in Older, Non-demented African Americans

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 756-763 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie L. Hamilton ◽  
Adam M. Brickman ◽  
Rosalyn Lang ◽  
Goldie S. Byrd ◽  
Jonathan L. Haines ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
African Americans ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Reading Level ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Causal Pathway ◽  
Older African Americans ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractKnowledge of the relationship between depressive symptoms and cognition in older adults has primarily come from studies of clinically depressed, functionally impaired or cognitively impaired individuals, and in predominately White samples. Limited minority representation in depression research exposes the need to examine these associations in more ethnic/racially diverse populations. We sought to examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and cognition in a sample of non-demented older African Americans recruited from surrounding U.S. cities of New York, Greensboro, Miami, and Nashville (N=944). Depressive symptoms were evaluated with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Cognition was evaluated with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Test scores were summarized into attention, executive function, memory, language, and processing speed composites. Controlling for age, education, reading level, and sex, African American older adults who endorsed more symptoms obtained significantly lower scores on measures of memory, language, processing speed, and executive functioning. Further investigation of the causal pathway underlying this association, as well as potential mediators of the relationship between depressive symptoms and cognitive test performance among older African Americans, such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, may offer potential avenues for intervention. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–8)

scholarly journals DIGITAL INEQUALITY IN OLDER ADULTS’ ONLINE SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND SOCIAL CAPITAL

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S920-S920
Author(s):  
Minh Hao Nguyen ◽  
Amanda E Hunsaker ◽  
Eszter Hargittai
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Bridging Social Capital ◽  
Internet Skills ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract The increasing popularity of social media and other online communities offers new possibilities for older adults to stay socially connected. This study examines the relationship of older adults’ online social engagement and bonding as well as bridging social capital based on a survey of over 1,000 adults aged 60 and over. Social bonding refers to support obtained from existing strong social ties while social bridging is creating connections across varied social networks. We estimated three multi-stage regression models to examine these relationships when controlling for sociodemographic factors, as well as Internet experiences and skills. We then extended the regression models with Internet skills as a moderator. Findings show that older adults who engage more often in specific online social activities (i.e., asking questions on social media, looking at photos of family members/others) enjoy greater bridging social capital (both in offline and online contexts) than those who do so less often. Furthermore, Internet skills moderate the relationship between online social engagement and social capital. Specifically, older adults with greater Internet skills benefit relatively more from engaging in specific online social activities more often with respect to online social bridging. These results imply that digital inequalities may put older adults who are less skilled in using the Internet at a disadvantage when it comes to building social capital from online social engagement. Thus, while social media has potential positive implications for well-being among older adults, the current manifestation of this does not suggest equitable distribution of those benefits across different older users.

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