scholarly journals THE ROLE OF POLYGENIC SCORE AND COGNITIVE ACTIVITIES ON COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING OF OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S255-S255
Author(s):  
Su Hyun Shin ◽  
Soohyun Park ◽  
Giyeon Kim
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Genetic Traits ◽  
Polygenic Score ◽  
Crystallized Intelligence ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Cognitive Activities ◽  
Positive Effect

Abstract Purpose of study: This study investigated whether and to what extent genetics for cognition and engagement in cognitive activities are related to trajectories of cognitive functioning in older adulthood. Furthermore, we explored whether engaging in cognitive activities could moderate the effect of genetic traits on cognitive functioning in general and across different dimensions: fluid and crystallized intelligence. Design and Methods: Growth curve models were estimated using the sample of 3,129 individuals aged 50 or older (10,000 observations) in the U.S. from 2000-2012 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Polygenic score for general cognition (PGS) was used to measure genetic traits for cognition, and the number of hours spent per week on each of nine cognitive activities was used to measure individuals’ level of the engagement in cognitive activities. Results: PGS for cognition, reading books, using a computer, and playing cards/games/solving puzzles had positive effects on cognitive functioning. The positive effect of PGS on cognitive functioning was reduced from excessive TV watching. The positive effect of PGS on cognitive functioning was strengthened by spending more hours reading papers/magazines. The measure of fluid, rather than crystallized intelligence, appeared to drive these results. Conclusion: Findings suggests that while genetic factors predict cognitive functioning, engaging in different types of cognitive activities could yield different cognitive functioning trajectories in later life. Practical implications are that older adults should be more selective when choosing their leisure activities to promote cognitive health.

The Role of Polygenic Score and Cognitive Activity in Cognitive Functioning Among Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Su Hyun Shin ◽  
Soohyun Park ◽  
Cheryl Wright ◽  
Valerie Anne D’astous ◽  
Giyeon Kim
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Fluid Intelligence ◽  
Cognitive Activity ◽  
The United States ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Polygenic Score ◽  
Crystallized Intelligence ◽  
Cognitive Activities

Abstract Background and Objectives This study explored whether the intensity of cognitive activities could moderate the relationship between a genetic predisposition for developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cognitive functioning among older adults in the United States. Furthermore, we examined whether the same moderating effects were dependent on different measures of cognition. Research Design and Methods We used a data set from the 2000–2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study and the Consumption and Activities Mail Survey. Our sample included 3,793 individuals aged 50 or older. We used the polygenic score (PGS) for AD as a genetic trait for cognitive functioning. Reading, listening to music, using a computer, playing cards/games/solving puzzles, singing/playing musical instruments, and creating art and crafts were included as cognitive activities, and TV viewing as passive activities. We used total cognition, fluid intelligence, and crystallized intelligence as proxies for cognitive functioning. Growth-curve models were conducted. Results After controlling for covariates, we found that reading books, using a computer, and playing cards/games/solving puzzles had a positive effect on cognitive functioning. An additional hour spent reading books moderated the negative effect of AD PGS on cognition. The measure of fluid, when compared with crystallized intelligence, appeared to drive these results. Discussion and Implications Reading could be a protective factor against cognitive decline among older adults who are genetically predisposed to developing AD. Implications for individuals, caregivers, clinicians, and policymakers are suggested. Furthermore, the onset of AD in those at greater genetic risk may be delayed with this intervention.

Participation in activities mediates the effect of Internet use on cognitive functioning in old age

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Stefan T. Kamin ◽  
Alexander Seifert ◽  
Frieder R. Lang
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Relationship

ABSTRACT Research indicates that Internet use positively influences cognitive functioning in later life, but we do not know the behavioral pathways that explain this association. This study explored the role of participation in activities as a potential mediator of the relationship between Internet use and cognitive functioning over a 4-year period. We analyzed representative data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). The sample included 8353 European participants between 50 and 97 years of age. We used data from 2013 (T1), 2015 (T2), and 2017 (T3). Participants reported whether they participated in a diverse range of social and leisure activities. In addition, they provided information about their Internet use as well as cognitive functioning measures. Findings from cross-lagged panel analysis indicated a positive association between Internet use and change in cognition over the course of 4 years. This relationship was partly mediated by the number of reported activities. Internet use was positively associated with the change in activities after 2 years, which, in turn, positively predicted cognitive functioning 2 more years later. This is the first study that explores the temporal sequence of Internet use, participation in activities, and cognitive functioning. It sheds light on the mechanisms that account for the positive effects of Internet use on healthy aging.

Leisure Activities and the Subjective Well-Being of Older Adults in Croatia

GeroPsych ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ljiljana Kaliterna Lipovčan ◽  
Tihana Brkljačić ◽  
Zvjezdana Prizmić Larsen ◽  
Andreja Brajša-Žganec ◽  
Renata Franc
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Financial Status

Abstract. Research shows that engagement in leisure activities promotes well-being among older adults. The objective of the current study was to examine the relationship between subjective well-being (flourishing) and leisure activities (total number of different activities in the previous year) in a sample of older adults in Croatia, thereby considering the variables of sex, marital status, financial status, and self-perceived health. The differences in the examined variables between the groups of older adults who reported to be engaged in new activities with those who did not were also examined. The sample of N = 169 older adults aged 60 years and above was drawn from a convenience sample of adult internet users in Croatia. Participants reported their self-perceived health and the number of leisure activities they engaged in over the previous year as well as completing the Flourishing Scale. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that older adults who were engaged in more various leisure activities, who perceived better financial status, and who were married reported higher levels of flourishing. A comparison of the two groups of older adults with and without engagement in leisure activities showed that those engaged in at least one leisure activity were more likely to be women, reported higher levels of flourishing, and perceived their own financial status as better. This study indicated that engaging in leisure activities in later life might provide beneficial effects for the well-being of older adults.

scholarly journals Association between accessibility to elementary school and depression in older Adults: JAGES Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Nishida ◽  
M Hanazato ◽  
K Kondo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Elementary School ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Intergenerational Exchange ◽  
Geographical Accessibility

Abstract Background The connection in a local community has diluted in an aging society, and the importance of intergenerational exchange has increased for older adults' health. Some positive effects of intergenerational exchange have reported. For example, a reciprocal intergenerational exchange contributes to better mental health in later life. However, there is little evidence of the relationship between neighborhood environments causing intergenerational exchange and the health status of older adults. This study investigated the association between geographical accessibility to elementary school, enhancing intergenerational exchange, and depression in older adults. Methods The data were retrieved from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) 2016, a population-based study of independently living people ≥65 years old. The dependent variable is depression evaluated by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS≥5). The geographical accessibility to elementary School is the distance between the representative points of their residences and the nearest elementary school. Logistic regression analysis calculates the odds ratio to determine the association between depression and accessibility to elementary school and compare models to examine the effect of intermediate factors. Results Overall, 20.4% of the participants had depression. Compared with the longest distance from elementary school (≥950m), the odds ratio was 0.91 (95% CI = 0.86, 0.96) for the nearest category (<330m), 0.91 (95% CI = 0.87, 0.96) for the second-nearest (330-490m) and 0.94 (95% CI = 0.89, 0.99) for the third (490-670m) in model 1. After adjusting for intermediate factors, the odds ratio was 0.94 for the first and second-nearest groups. Conclusions Geographical accessibility to elementary school was associated with decreased depression for older adults. The result indicates that older adults' daily meetings with children around elementary schools can result in a positive effect on their mental health. Key messages Geographical accessibility to elementary school was associated with decreased depression for older adults. The neighborhood design enhancing intergenerational exchange might be useful for age-friendly cities.

scholarly journals COGNITIVE DECLINE AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN RURAL CHINA: THE PROTECTIVE ROLE OF FORMAL SCHOOLING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S205-S206
Author(s):  
Yaolin Pei ◽  
Bei Wu ◽  
Zhen Cong ◽  
Mengyao Hu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Sampling Strategy ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Formal Schooling

Abstract Evidence shows that education is strongly associated with cognitive functioning; however, few studies have examined the effect of education on cognitive decline among older adults with very limited education. Our study analyzed six waves of panel data (2001, 2003 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2015) from the Longitudinal Study of Older Adults in Anhui Province, China. We estimated two-level multilevel models of cognitive functioning for older adults age 60+, sampled using probability sampling strategy. We found that having formal schooling was positively associated with better cognitive functioning. Older adults with formal schooling had slower decline in cognition and the gap in cognition between the literate and illiterate widened with age. These findings highlight the role of early life experience in affecting cognitive function in later life and suggest that disadvantages in cognitive functioning accumulate throughout the life course for persons with no formal education.

Episodic Memory in Later Life: Benefits of Prayer and Meditation

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-40
Author(s):  
Nirmala Lekhak ◽  
Tirth R. Bhatta ◽  
Jaclene A. Zauszniewski
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Estimating Equation ◽  
Generalized Estimating Equation ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Retirement Study ◽  
Over Time

Purpose: To examine the effects of prayer and meditation on the episodic memory of older adults. Design: Secondary analysis of Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Method: Drawing from a subsample of HRS ( n = 1,135), this study utilized generalized estimating equation regression models to examine the effects of meditation and prayer on changes in episodic memory of older adults over time. Findings: Findings show a statistically significant positive effect of the use of prayer (0.50, p < .05) on episodic memory score at baseline. We also observed a slight gain in episodic memory over time for older adults who used prayer (0.04, p = .05). Meditation was not found to have a statistically significant effect on changes in memory in later life. Conclusion: This study illustrates the benefits of prayer in preserving memory and provides much needed empirical basis for community-level interventions to enhance memory in later life.

scholarly journals Examining multi-layer constraints on activity engagement among older adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Lee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Social Supports ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Neighborhood Environment ◽  
Active Ageing ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Cognitive Activities ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors

Abstract Background Social and cognitive activities motivate the older adults to develop individual aspirations, newfound sources of pleasure, and engagement in later life. The current study aimed to examine a wide range of factors that might impede older adults’ participation in activities, and to provide strategies to manipulate the constraints in the promotion of active ageing. Methods We used data drawn from a sample of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) wave 7.0. The study sample comprised 48,742 European elderly, aged between 65 and 105 years (54% female). Multiple questionnaire items were used to assess various constraints including socio-demographic factors, personality, social supports, health and psychological indicators. Activities included social and cognitive activities and also moderate physical activities. A series of regression analysis was performed to examine the hypothesized relationships between study variables. Results Those older adults who reported negative perception of neighborhood environment (p &lt; .001), poor health (p &lt; .001), chronic diseases (p &lt; .001), and frequent loneliness and depression (p &lt; .001) were less likely to participate in social and cognitive activities. Moderate-level of physical activities were strongly related to the health variables (p &lt; .001) and social supports (p &lt; .001). Among the demographic variables, age was highlighted as the most predictable factor for the decreased participation in activities. Conclusions In order to promote diverse forms of activities in later life, we should be better-informed about different nature and variability of the constraints among the older adults. Improving accessibility to the activities such as ageing-friendly facilities and home-oriented social service and recreation programs can help older adults more engage in daily activities. Key messages Older adults experience varied constraints on social, cognitive and physical activities. Public health should improve accessibility to diverse forms of activities in later life.

scholarly journals A critical review of the literature on social and leisure activity and wellbeing in later life

2010 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 683-712 ◽  
Author(s):  
KATHRYN BETTS ADAMS ◽  
SYLVIA LEIBBRANDT ◽  
HEEHYUL MOON
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Activity Theory ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Original Activity ◽  
Psychological Constructs ◽  
Social Leisure ◽  
High Participation

ABSTRACTAn engaged lifestyle is seen as an important component of successful ageing. Many older adults with high participation in social and leisure activities report positive wellbeing, a fact that fuelled the original activity theory and that continues to influence researchers, theorists and practitioners. This study's purpose is to review the conceptualisation and measurement of activity among older adults and the associations reported in the gerontological literature between specific dimensions of activity and wellbeing. We searched published studies that focused on social and leisure activity and wellbeing, and found 42 studies in 44 articles published between 1995 and 2009. They reported from one to 13 activity domains, the majority reporting two or three, such as informal, formal and solitary, or productive versus leisure. Domains associated with subjective wellbeing, health or survival included social, leisure, productive, physical, intellectual, service and solitary activities. Informal social activity has accumulated the most evidence of an influence on wellbeing. Individual descriptors such as gender or physical functioning sometimes moderate these associations, while contextual variables such as choice, meaning or perceived quality play intervening roles. Differences in definitions and measurement make it difficult to draw inferences about this body of evidence on the associations between activity and wellbeing. Activity theory serves as shorthand for these associations, but gerontology must better integrate developmental and psychological constructs into a refined, comprehensive activity theory.

scholarly journals Are the Attitudes of Exercise Instructors Who Work With Older Adults Influenced by Training and Personal Characteristics?

2012 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Hawley ◽  
Dawn A. Skelton ◽  
Malcolm Campbell ◽  
Chris Todd
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Clinical Background ◽  
Exercise Classes ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Positive Effect

Little is known about the relationship between attitudes and characteristics of instructors and uptake and adherence of older people to exercise classes. This article explores these issues.Methods:The authors surveyed 731 UK exercise instructors with specialist older adult exercise qualifications. A questionnaire investigated instructors’ characteristics and attitudes toward older adults’ participation in exercise.Results:For mostly seated classes, EXTEND qualification (B = 0.36, p = .005) had a positive effect on instructors’ attitudes. Later Life Training qualification (B = −2.80, p = .003), clinical background (B = −3.99, p = .005), and delivering classes in National Health Services (B = −3.12, p < .001), leisure centers (B = −2.75, p = .002), or nursing homes (B = −2.29, p = .005) had a negative effect on attitudes. For mostly standing classes, experience (B = 0.20, p = .003) and delivering in leisure centers (B = 0.46, p = .032) had a positive and clinical background (B = −1.78, p = .018) had a negative effect on instructors’ attitudes.Conclusions:Most instructors have positive attitudes, but training and work context can influence attitudes toward older people’s participation in exercise classes both positively and negatively.

Discovering Grace at the Table? Prayers at Mealtime, Marital Status, and Life Satisfaction in Later Life

2021 ◽  
pp. 016402752198909
Author(s):  
Jong Hyun Jung ◽  
Christopher G. Ellison
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Marital Status ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Benefits ◽  
Representative Sampling ◽  
Marital Partner ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Positive Effects

This study examines the effects of prayers at mealtime on change in life satisfaction among older U.S. adults. In addition, it assesses the ways that marital status conditions these psychological effects of prayers at mealtime. Using two waves of longitudinal data from the Religion, Aging, and Health Survey (2001–2004), a representative sampling of adults aged 65 and older, the analyses reveal that the frequency of prayers at mealtime is associated with an increase in life satisfaction over time. Further, the positive effects of prayers at mealtime on change in life satisfaction are greater for nonmarried older adults than their married counterparts. The findings in the study reinforce claims of the beneficial effects of religion on mental well-being in later life. Moreover, they elaborate on the resource substitution thesis by showing that religion provides greater psychological benefits for older adults who do not have alternative resources for well-being—a marital partner.

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