scholarly journals Feasibility Trial Evaluation of a Peer Volunteering Active Aging Intervention: ACE (Active, Connected, Engaged)

2019 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 571-582 ◽  
Author(s):  
Afroditi Stathi ◽  
Janet Withall ◽  
Janice L Thompson ◽  
Mark G Davis ◽  
Selena Gray ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Active Ageing ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Peer Volunteers ◽  
The Face ◽  
Support Autonomy

Abstract Background ACE (Active, Connected, Engaged) is a theory-informed, pragmatic intervention using peer volunteering support to promote active ageing in socially disengaged, inactive older adults. This study aimed to establish ACE’s feasibility and acceptability. Methods Fifty-four older adults were recruited as either peer volunteers (activators; n = 15) or participants (ACEs; n = 39). Participants were randomized to one-to-one support from an activator (ACEs-Intervention [ACEs-I]) or a waiting-list control group (ACEs-Control [ACEs-C]). Activators supported ACEs-I to get out more and engage with local activities. Objectively measured physical activity (PA), lower limb function, and number of out of house activities were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. A mixed-methods process evaluation assessed changes in confidence to get out and about, social support, autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Results Eighty-two percent of ACEs (mean age = 73.7 years [SD 7.3]) and all activators completed assessments at both baseline and post-intervention (6 months). ACEs-I reported more out of house activities (M [SD] = 6.34 [4.15]). ACEs-I increased physical function post-intervention (M [SD] = 9.8 [2.3]). ACEs-I reported improved well-being and vitality and increased confidence to get out and about, confidence in the face of specific barriers, knowledge of local initiatives, and perceived social support post-intervention. Activators, although sufficiently active at baseline, increased their PA further. ACE was well-accepted and easy to deliver. Conclusions ACE is an acceptable and feasible intervention for helping socially disengaged older people to get out and about more, improve their confidence, and engage more with their community.

scholarly journals Mindful Age and Technology: a Qualitative Analysis of a Tablet/Smartphone App Intervention Designed for Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Vailati Riboni ◽  
Isabel Sadowski ◽  
Benedetta Comazzi ◽  
Francesco Pagnini
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Smartphone App ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Post Intervention

Abstract The global population is aging while modern healthcare systems are responding with limited success to the growing care demands of the senior population. Capitalizing on recent technological advancements, new ways to improve older adults’ quality of life have recently been implemented. The current study investigated, from a qualitative point of view, the utility of a mindfulness-based smartphone application for older adults. A description of the older adults’ experience with the smartphone application designed to enhance well-being and mindfulness will be presented. Participants’general beliefs about the benefits of technology for personal well-being will also be discussed. 68 older adults were recruited from different education centers for seniors. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: a) a treatment group, which received the smartphone application intervention (n = 34), or b) a waitlist control group (n = 34). The experimental intervention included the utilization of a smartphone app designed specifically for improving older adult well-being and mindfulness levels. Participants completed semi-structured interviews evaluating participants’ treatment experience and technology-acceptance at recruitment (T0, baseline) and post-intervention (T1, post-intervention). Through thematic analysis, four themes were identified from verbatim responses of both interviews: Utility of technology for health, Impressions of technology, Mindful-benefits of smartphone application usage, and Smartphone application usage as a means to improve interpersonal relationships. Participants showed a positive experience of the app intervention. Qualitative analysis underlined the main Mindfulness-benefits reported by participants and the potentially crucial role of “Langerian” mindfulness in the relationship between older adults and health technology.

scholarly journals Teaching and Practicing Cognitive-Behavioral and Mindfulness Skills in a Web-Based Platform among Older Adults through the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (20) ◽  
pp. 10563
Author(s):  
Stav Shapira ◽  
Ella Cohn-Schwartz ◽  
Daphna Yeshua-Katz ◽  
Limor Aharonson-Daniel ◽  
Avram Mark Clarfield ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Wait List Control

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an acceleration in the development of web-based interventions to alleviate related mental health impacts. The current study explored the effects of a short-term digital group intervention aimed at providing cognitive behavioral and mindfulness tools and skills to reduce loneliness and depression and to increase social support among older adults in Israel. This pilot randomized controlled trial included community-dwelling older adults (n = 82; aged between 65–90 years; 80% female) who were randomized either to an intervention group (n = 64) or a wait-list control group (n = 18). The intervention included seven online sessions, over 3.5 weeks. Depression, loneliness, and social support measures were administered at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at 1-month follow-up. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed statistically and clinically significant reductions in depression in the intervention group, with results maintained at one-month follow-up. Loneliness levels also significantly decreased post-intervention; however, this benefit was not maintained at one-month follow-up. Social support slightly increased both post-intervention and 1-month follow-up—but these changes were not statistically significant. There were no overall changes for the wait-list control group. Our intervention provided promising evidence regarding the effectiveness of an online group intervention to alleviate mental health effects and to promote the coping of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. This relatively simple model can be effectively utilized by communities globally to help connect lonely and isolated older inhabitants, both during the pandemic and in more routine times.

scholarly journals 400 - Effects of Computerized Cognitive Training with an Elderly Community Sample

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 116-116
Author(s):  
M Pires ◽  
A Antunes ◽  
C Gameiro ◽  
C Pombo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Intensive Training ◽  
Before And After

Community-focused programs that promote active and healthy aging can help preserve cognitive capacities, prevent or reverse cognitive deficits. Computer-based cognitive training (CCT) is a promising non-pharmacological, cost -effective and accessible intervention to face the effects of age-related cognitive decline. Previous studies proved CCT to have equal or better efficacy compared to traditional interventions. This comparative multifactorial study aims to test the efficacy of a CCT in a non-randomized community sample of 74 older adults: G1-CCT Experimental group (n=43) (Mean age M=72.21, SD=12.65) and G2- Paper-Pencil Control group (n=31; M=77.94, SD=10.51). Pensioners (97.3%), mostly women (83.8 %) with basic education (51.4%) and without dementia diagnosis, completed a cognitive training program of 17 or 34 group sessions (twice a week). G2 undertook a classic cognitive paper-pencil stimuli tasks. G1, performed, additionally, individual CCT with COGWEB® in a multimodal format (intensive training of attention, calculation, memory, gnosis, praxis, executive functions). Both groups completed Portuguese versions of Mini -Mental State Examination (MMSE),Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA); Geriatric Depressive Scale (GDS); Mini Dependence Assessment (MDA); WHOOQL 5 and Social Support Satisfaction Scale (ESSS) before and after participating in the program. Both groups reported better post-test scores on basic cognitive functions (MMSE, MOCA), Depression symptoms (GDS-30), subjective well-being and quality of life (WHOOQL-5). G1 presented higher MOCA and lower GDS scores before and after CCT, although, group differences become less expressive when interaction effects are considered. Results are in line with findings from past studies, CCT supported by the new technologies, is as a relevant cost-effective therapeutic tool for health professionals working with older adults. Particularly for preventive purposes of neuro-cognitive disorders.

scholarly journals Intergenerational Relationships, Social Support, and Psychological Well-Being Among Korean Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 498-498
Author(s):  
Yooumi Lee ◽  
Janet Wilmoth
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Adult Child ◽  
Intergenerational Relationships ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Well Being

Abstract This study investigates whether intergenerational relationships and social support improve the psychological well-being of Korean older adults. We examine whether intergenerational relationships and social support directly influence psychological well-being and the extent to which they mediate the distressing consequences of life events such as declining health and recent widowhood. Using longitudinal data from the 2006 to 2016 Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging, we explore depression trajectories among individuals who are 60 or older with at least one living adult child at baseline. Specifically, we converted data from 5,383 older adults into a person-period file with 24,726 observations over a ten-year period. Then we estimated linear growth curve models of depression trajectories separately for men and women using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Results from the hierarchical linear models indicate that declining health and recent widowhood are positively related to depressive symptoms. Satisfactory intergenerational relationships and social support in the form of personal interactions and proximate living arrangements with adult children decrease depressive symptoms of older parents, especially among women. We conclude that the psychological benefits of intergenerational relationships and social support are contingent upon the vulnerability of older adults and discuss the implications for public policy.

scholarly journals Comparing the Protective Value of Human and Pet Social Support on Well-Being of Older Adults During COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 936-936
Author(s):  
Juliet Sobering ◽  
Lisa Brown
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Behavioral Activation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Benefits ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Media Reports

Abstract Older adults are vulnerable to particular risk factors that contribute to lower well-being and poorer functioning. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of social support has been highlighted in media reports because of its well-known beneficial effects on overall well-being. However, as adults age, social networks, contacts, and activities naturally decrease. These age-related losses are often difficult, if not impossible, to replace. Pets have recently been recognized as a valuable source of social support for many older adults, providing both physical and psychological benefits through mutual connection and behavioral activation. Previous studies have examined how human social support or pet social support enhance older adults’ well-being (i.e., positive emotions, engagement, relationships, accomplishment, and meaning). However, there is a gap in our scientific knowledge as previous research has not evaluated if pet social support can serve as a protective factor in the absence of adequate human social support. Current analyses, with 141 older adult participants, suggests that pet owners with a positive attachment to their pet experience higher well-being as pets serve as a coping resource that protects against common life stressors. Similar to human social support, pet social support appears to be a protective factor that also promotes and fosters a sense of well-being in older adults. Support in late life is especially important for families and agencies to be attuned to, especially during a global pandemic.

Mindfulness Meditation Apps: An Effective Tool to Improve Mental Health Among Graduate Students in STEM Programs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly A. Grogan
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical Symptom ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Stem Programs

Abstract This paper seeks to determine whether or not mindfulness meditation training via a simple meditation app can effectively improve well-being among graduate students enrolled in STEM programs. Graduate students were recruited from STEM programs at the University of Florida. Participants were randomly assigned into treatment and control groups. The control group simply proceeded as they normally would during an academic semester. The treatment group received free access to the Ten Percent Happier app and were asked to meditate once per day for eight weeks. Both groups completed pre-, mid-, and post-intervention surveys that included the Center for Epidemiological Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7). The treatment group averaged about 10 minutes of meditation per day, and the average participant meditated on about 82% of days within the intervention period. At the end of the 8-week intervention, the treatment group reported CES-D and GAD-7 scores that were about 35% and 41% lower than the control group and their physical symptom score was about 36% lower. Relative to their own starting scores, CES-D, GAD-7, and physical symptom scores decreased 35%, 50%, and 43%, respectively for the treatment group, while the control group experienced no change in scores.

scholarly journals Rasgos de personalidad y recursos psicológicos como predictores del bienestar emocional en adolescentes con y sin formación en escuelas de tauromaquia

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Pilar Sanjuan ◽  
David Guillen ◽  
Ana María Pérez-García
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Openness To Experience ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Psychological Resources ◽  
Avoidance Coping ◽  
School Group

 Abstract: Personality traits and psychological resources as predictors of emotional well-being in adolescents with and without training in bullfighting schools. The main objective of this study was to analyse how being in training in bullfighting schools can affect the emotional well-being (EW), the personality and the psychological resources of adolescents. The sample consisted of 196 boys, 95 from bullfighting school group (BSG) and 101 from a control group (CG). The BSG, in relation to CG, scored significantly more on conscientiousness, agreeableness and openness to experience, as well as on self-efficacy, problem-solving (PSC) and social support coping (SSC), and EW. The EW was predicted by feeling self-efficacy and not using avoidance coping, and in the CG by being extraverted, showing conscientiousness, being low in neuroticism, feeling self-efficacy and using PSC and SSC. It discusses the psychological adaptive profile of adolescents in the BSG and the need to promote well-being in adolescence through the promotion of self-efficacy and active coping.Resumen: El objetivo principal de este estudio fue analizar cómo la formación en escuelas de tauromaquia puede afectar al bienestar emocional (BE), la personalidad y los recursos psicológicos de los adolescentes. Participaron 196 chicos, 95 del grupo de escuelas taurinas (GET) y 101 del grupo control (GC). El GET, en relación con el GC, puntuaba significativamente más en tesón, afabilidad y apertura, así como en autoeficacia, afrontamiento de solución de problemas (ASP) y basado en los demás (AD), y BE. El BE se predecía en el GET por sentirse eficaz y no usar el afrontamiento de evitación, y en el GC por ser extravertido, mostrar tesón, ser bajo en neuroticismo, sentirse eficaz y emplear el ASP y AD. Se discute sobre el perfil psicológico adaptativo que presentan los adolescentes del GET y la necesidad de promover el bienestar en la adolescencia mediante el fomento de la autoeficacia y el afrontamiento activo.

scholarly journals Convoys of social support in Mexico

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 324-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather R. Fuller-Iglesias ◽  
Toni Antonucci
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Intergenerational Relationships ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Frequent Contact ◽  
Gender And Education ◽  
The Social

The Convoy Model suggests that at different stages of the lifespan the makeup of the social support network varies in step with developmental and contextual needs. Cultural norms may shape the makeup of social convoys as well as denote socio-demographic differences in social support. This study examines the social convoys of adults in Mexico. Specifically, it examines whether social network structure varies by age, gender, and education level, thus addressing the paucity of research on interpersonal relations in Mexico. A sample of 1,202 adults (18–99 years of age) was drawn from the Study of Social Relations and Well-being in Mexico. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated older adults had larger, more geographically proximate networks with a greater proportion of kin but less frequent contact. Women had larger, less geographically proximate networks with less frequent contact. Less educated individuals had smaller, more geographically proximate networks with more frequent contact and a greater proportion of kin. Age moderated gender and education effects indicated that younger women have more diverse networks and less educated older adults have weaker social ties. This study highlights socio-demographic variation in social convoys within the Mexican context, and suggests implications for fostering intergenerational relationships, policy, and interventions. Future research on Mexican convoys should further explore sources of support, and specifically address implications for well-being.

scholarly journals Love Hurts: The Influence of Social Relations on Exercise Self-Efficacy for Older Adults with Osteoarthritis

2008 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 465-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly A. Cotter ◽  
Aurora M. Sherman
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Physical Activity Behavior ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Strain

Exercise self-efficacy is a powerful predictor of physical activity behavior, which enhances health and well-being for older adults. Social relations have been proposed as influential precursors for exercise self-efficacy. In a longitudinal study of 160 older adults with osteoarthritis (76.9% women), the authors found that social support (but not social strain) significantly predicted exercise self-efficacy in a structural equation model examining cross-sectional data: χ2(178, N = 160) = 264.57, p < .01; RMSEA = .06; CFI = .92; TLI = .90. When data were examined longitudinally, however, social strain (but not social support) significantly predicted lower exercise self-efficacy 1 year later: χ2(233, N = 160) = 288.64, p < .01; RMSEA = .04; CFI = .96; TLI = .95. Results support the negativity effect, suggesting that social strain might be the more potent aspect of social relations and should be the target of interventions.

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