scholarly journals RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN CHARACTERISTICS AND PERCEPTIONS OF CAREGIVERS TO BLACK AND WHITE OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S206-S206
Author(s):  
Chanee D Fabius ◽  
Chanee Fabius ◽  
Jennifer Wolff ◽  
Judith Kasper
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Racial Differences ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
National Study ◽  
Medicare Beneficiaries ◽  
Supportive Services ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Negative Feelings

Abstract Persistent racial differences in health, socioeconomic characteristics, and service utilization of older adults likely result in differential effects for the circumstances and experiences of family and unpaid caregivers. Utilization of community-based services has been found to alleviate caregiver burden, but the extent to which supports and informal help affect race differences in caregiver perceptions (e.g. positive/negative feelings associated with caregiving) and engagement in activities such as religious services, volunteering, or visiting family and friends, is less understood. Using data from the 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS; Round 5) and the National Study of Caregiving (NSOC; Round 2), nationally representative studies of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older and their caregivers, this presentation will discuss the association between sociodemographic characteristics, use of assistance from others or supportive services, and perceived gains, difficulties, and social engagement among caregivers to older black and white adults.

scholarly journals Functional Hearing Loss and Social Engagement Among Medicare Beneficiaries

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 195-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aishwarya Shukla ◽  
Thomas K M Cudjoe ◽  
Frank R Lin ◽  
Nicholas S Reed
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Medicare Beneficiaries ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Past ◽  
Hearing Ability ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Using Data

Abstract Objectives Hearing loss is common in older adults and limits communication. We investigated the independent association between functional hearing loss and social engagement in a nationally representative sample of older adults. Methods Using data from the 2015 Medicare Current Beneficiaries Survey, we modeled the cross-sectional association between self-reported hearing ability and limitation in social activity over the past month using multivariable logistic regression. Results The majority of the study population was female (54.8%) and non-Hispanic white (74.3%). Participants (40.4%) reported “a little trouble” hearing and 7.4% reported “a lot of trouble” hearing. Those who reported any trouble hearing had higher odds of limited social engagement in the past month. After adjustment for demographic, clinical, and functional covariates, those who reported “a lot of trouble” hearing had 37% higher odds of limited social activity in the past month compared to those with normal hearing. Discussion These results suggest that hearing loss may be an important risk factor for limited social engagement and downstream negative health consequences, independent of other disability and health conditions.

Racial Differences in Respite Use among Black and White Caregivers for People Living with Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (10) ◽  
pp. 1667-1675
Author(s):  
Lauren J. Parker ◽  
Chanee D. Fabius
Keyword(s):  
Racial Differences ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
National Study ◽  
Dementia Caregivers ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
White Caregivers ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Using Data

Objectives: To examine racial differences in respite utilization among a nationally representative sample of caregivers for persons living with dementia (PLwD). A secondary aim identified factors associated with respite utilization. Methods: Using data from the 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study and National Study of Caregiving, we conducted binary logistic regression to examine racial difference in respite use among Black and white caregivers ( n = 750). Results: 22% of the sample used respite for PLwD. Black dementia caregivers were 69% less likely (odds ratio: .31, p = .001) to use respite compared to white caregivers. Other factors associated with utilization included education, receiving help with caregiving, and providing care for more self-care/mobility tasks or to a Medicaid-enrollee. Discussion: Findings suggest that Black dementia caregivers may be at risk for less frequent use of respite and highlight the need to identify factors that promote respite use.

scholarly journals Caring for Older Adults With Vision Impairment and Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Varshini Varadaraj ◽  
Shang-En Chung ◽  
Kayla S Swiatek ◽  
Orla C Sheehan ◽  
Ashley Deemer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Negative Binomial Regression ◽  
Vision Impairment ◽  
National Study ◽  
Medicare Beneficiaries ◽  
Similar Time ◽  
Survey Report ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Design And Methods

Abstract Background and Objectives Dementia and vision impairment (VI) are common among older adults but little is known about caregiving in this context. Research Design and Methods We used data from the 2011 National Health and Aging Trends Study, a nationally representative survey of Medicare beneficiaries, linked to their family/unpaid helpers from the National Study of Caregiving. Vision impairment was defined as self-reported blindness or difficulty with distance/near vision. Probable dementia was based on survey report, interviews, and cognitive tests. Our outcomes included hours of care provided, and number of valued activities (scored 0–4) affected by caregiving, per month. Results Among 1,776 caregivers, 898 (55.1%, weighted) assisted older adults without dementia or VI, 450 (21.9%) with dementia only, 224 (13.0%) with VI only, and 204 (10.0%) with dementia and VI. In fully adjusted negative binomial regression analyses, caregivers of individuals with dementia and VI spent 1.7 times as many hours (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4–2.2) providing care than caregivers of those without either impairment; however, caregivers of individuals with dementia only (95% CI = 1.1–1.6) and VI only (95% CI = 1.1–1.6) spent 1.3 times more hours. Additionally, caregivers of individuals with dementia and VI had 3.2 times as many valued activities affected (95% CI = 2.2–4.6), while caregivers of dementia only and VI only reported 1.9 times (95% CI = 1.4–2.6) and 1.3 times (95% CI = 0.9–1.8) more activities affected, respectively. Discussion and Implications Our results suggest that caring for older adults with VI involves similar time demands as caring for older adults with dementia, but that participation impacts are greater when caring for older adults with both dementia and VI.

Trajectories of Social Engagement and Limitations in Late Life

2011 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 430-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia A. Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Panel Study ◽  
Integration Theory ◽  
Cognitive Limitations ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Life Course Framework ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Over Time

Although studies have established important links between social relations and health, much of this research does not take into account the dynamic nature of both social relations and health over time. The present study combines person-centered and variable-centered approaches and uses social integration theory within the life course framework to examine patterns of change in social engagement and how those patterns relate to trajectories of physical and cognitive limitations among older adults, using data from the Americans’ Changing Lives survey, a nationally representative panel study ( N = 1,667). Individuals who had trajectories of high and increasing social engagement experienced lower levels of physical and cognitive limitations over time. The findings suggest the importance of maintaining high levels of social engagement for the physical and cognitive health of older adults.

scholarly journals RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN ELEVATED C-REACTIVE PROTEIN AMONG U.S. OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S819-S819
Author(s):  
Heather R Farmer ◽  
Heather R Farmer ◽  
Linda A Wray ◽  
Hanzhang Xu ◽  
Ying Xian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Racial Differences ◽  
National Level ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Physiological Factors ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Retirement Study

Abstract C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation linked to numerous acute and chronic conditions. Studies have not considered racial differences in elevated CRP among older adults at the national level. We investigate racial differences in elevated CRP and the socioeconomic, psychosocial, behavioral, and physiological factors that contribute to these differences overall and by gender using a nationally-representative prospective cohort of 14,700 non-Hispanic black and white participants in the Health and Retirement Study followed from 2006 to 2014. Random effects logistic regression models showed that blacks were more likely to have elevated levels of CRP than whites. In men, the racial differences in elevated CRP were attributed to a combination of socioeconomic, psychosocial, and behavioral factors. In women, the racial differences in elevated CRP were primarily attributable to physiological factors. The findings from this work have potentially important implications for clinical practice and interventions targeting vulnerable segments of the population.

scholarly journals How Long Do Older Adults Remain Homebound in the Community? Implications for Long-Term Services and Support Systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 711-712
Author(s):  
Katherine Ornstein ◽  
Jennifer Reckrey ◽  
Evan Bollens-Lund ◽  
Katelyn Ferreira ◽  
Mohammed Husain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Medicare Beneficiaries ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Survey Weighting ◽  
Growing Population

Abstract A large and growing population of older adults with multimorbidity, cognitive impairment, and functional disability live in the community but are homebound (never/rarely leave home). While homebound status is associated with decreased access to medical services and poor health outcomes, it is unclear how long individuals remain homebound. We used the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), a nationally representative sample of Medicare beneficiaries age 65 and over, with survey weighting to assess duration of homebound status in the community. Among the incident homebound in 2016 (n=253) , only 28% remained homebound after 1 year. 21% died, 18% were recovered, and one-third left the home but still reported difficulty. As the locus of long-term care shifts from nursing homes to the community and models of care expand to serve the needs of the homebound, it is critical that we better understand the heterogeneity and transitions of the homebound population.

scholarly journals Coprescribing of Benzodiazepines and Opioids in Older Adults: Rates, Correlates, and National Trends

2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (12) ◽  
pp. 1910-1915 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taeho Greg Rhee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Physician Visits ◽  
Prescribing Trends ◽  
Clinical Diagnoses ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Using Data ◽  
National Trends ◽  
Ambulatory Medical Care ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background To estimate prescribing trends of and correlates independently associated with coprescribing of benzodiazepines and opioids among adults aged 65 years or older in office-based outpatient visits. Methods I examined a nationally representative sample of office-based physician visits by older adults between 2006 and 2015 (n = 109,149 unweighted) using data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys (NAMCS). National rates and prescribing trends were estimated. Then, I used multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with coprescriptions of benzodiazepines and opioids. Results From 2006 to 2015, 15,954 (14.6%) out of 109,149 visits, representative of 39.3 million visits nationally, listed benzodiazepine, opioid, or both medications prescribed. The rate of prescription benzodiazepines only increased monotonically from 4.8% in 2006–2007 to 6.2% in 2014–2015 (p < .001), and the rate of prescription opioids only increased monotonically from 5.9% in 2006–2007 to 10.0% in 2014–2015 (p < .001). The coprescribing rate of benzodiazepines and opioids increased over time from 1.1% in 2006–2007 to 2.7% in 2014–2015 (p < .001). Correlates independently associated with a higher likelihood of both benzodiazepine and opioid prescriptions included: female sex, a visit for chronic care, receipt of six or more concomitantly prescribed medications, and clinical diagnoses of anxiety and pain (p < .01 for all). Conclusion The coprescribing rate of benzodiazepines and opioids increased monotonically over time in outpatient care settings. Because couse of benzodiazepines and opioids is associated with medication burdens and potential harms, future research is needed to address medication safety in these vulnerable populations.

scholarly journals NEIGHBORHOOD AGE COMPOSITION AND SELF-RATED HEALTH: FINDINGS FROM A NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE STUDY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S64-S64
Author(s):  
Amanda Lehning ◽  
Amanda J Lehning ◽  
Nicole Mattocks ◽  
Kyeongmo Kim ◽  
Richard J Smith
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Neighborhood Change ◽  
Age Composition ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Representative Study ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Conceptual Work

Abstract Neighborhood age composition is an understudied area. Furthermore, existing empirical and conceptual work is conflicting, with some indicating neighborhoods with more older adults are beneficial and other scholarship suggesting it can be detrimental. Using data from 7,197 older adults from the first wave (2011) of the National Health & Aging Trends Study combined with census tract data from the National Neighborhood Change Database, we examined the association between neighborhood age composition and self-rated health. Findings from logistic regression models indicate those living in neighborhoods with a growing concentration of older residents are significantly more likely to report lower self-rated health compared to those living in a neighborhood in which older adults overall are declining (β=1.51, p &lt; .05) or are becoming diluted by younger residents (β=.66, p &lt; .05). Results have implications for interventions promoting aging in place, particularly for those who may be stuck in place in age-concentrated neighborhoods.

scholarly journals Testing for Racial Differences in the Mental Ability of Young Children

2013 ◽  
Vol 103 (2) ◽  
pp. 981-1005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roland G Fryer ◽  
Steven D Levitt
Keyword(s):  
Racial Differences ◽  
Test Scores ◽  
Mental Ability ◽  
Racial Groups ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Prior Literature ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Test Outcomes ◽  
Parental Ability

Using a new nationally representative dataset, we find minor differences in test outcomes between black and white infants that disappear with a limited set of controls. However, relative to whites, all other races lose substantial ground by age two. Combining our estimates with results in prior literature, we show that a simple model with assortative mating fits our data well, implying that differences in children's environments between racial groups can fully explain gaps in intelligence. If parental ability influences a child's test scores both genetically and through environment, then our findings are less informative and can be reconciled with a wide range of racial differences in inherited intelligence.

scholarly journals Relationship Between Meaningful Activity Engagement and Well-Being Moderated by Race

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 874-874
Author(s):  
Dugan O'Connor ◽  
Jennifer Smith
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
Racial Differences ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Religious Faith ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Meaningful Activity

Abstract Engaging in meaningful activities has benefits for health and well-being in older adults; however, racial differences in meaning from activities have been observed. The current study examined how the relationship between engagement in a variety of meaningful activities and well-being differs for Black and White older adults. Participants (130 White and 101 Black older adults), ages 53 to 90 (M=69), completed an online survey that measured the extent to which engaging in various activities provided meaning or fulfillment as well as measures of purpose in life, positive affect, negative affect, and loneliness. Overall, the most meaningful activities included “spending time with family,” “reading,” and “being outdoors/experiencing nature.” The least meaningful activities included “job/career,” “caring for pets/animals,” and “supporting a social or political cause.” Black older adults reported greater meaning from “religious faith,” “spiritual practices/meditation,” “spending time with family,” and “listening to music,” and less meaning from “caring for pets/animals,” compared to White older adults. A series of multiple regression analyses (with age, gender, education, and income as covariates) revealed that greater meaning across activities was associated with lower loneliness, regardless of race. Significant Meaning x Race interactions revealed meaning was positively associated with sense of purpose and positive affect for Black but not White older adults. These findings suggest that finding meaning in leisure activities is a psychological resource that may contribute to Black older adults’ well-being. The racial differences in sources of meaning further support the importance of considering the target population when designing activity programs for older adults.

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