Walking as a Mediator of the Relationship of Social Support With Vitality and Psychological Distress in Older Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 430-437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susana Carrapatoso ◽  
Greet Cardon ◽  
Delfien Van Dyck ◽  
Joana Carvalho ◽  
Freja Gheysen

This study examined the mediating effect of walking on the relationship of social support with vitality and psychological distress. Data from a sample of 2,859 older adults were used. The older adults completed the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey vitality scale, the Global Health Questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and a social support attributes questionnaire. All social support variables were positively associated with vitality and negatively associated with psychological distress. Walking mediated the associations of appreciation for (3%) and frequency of (8%) social contacts, participation in group activities (19%), closeness from family and friends (8%), and concern from people around (6%) with vitality. Walking also mediated 33% of the association between participation in group activities and psychological distress. The main findings of this study suggest that participation in group activities, as part of social support, in later life is beneficial to improve older adults’ vitality and reduces psychological distress, with walking being a strong mediator of these relationships.

2005 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 285-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie M. Corna ◽  
John Cairney

ABSTRACTWhile an association between UI and psychological distress among older adults has been established in the literature, the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain less clear. Using a sample of 4,689 older adults from the Canadian Community Health Survey (1.1), we test the potential mediating and moderating effects of four dimensions of social support on the UI–distress relationship. Incontinent older adults are significantly more likely to report higher levels of distress than continent adults. Although we do not find support for a mediating effect of any of the dimensions of social support, we do report a significant interaction between one dimension of social support (tangible support) and UI. A buffering effect of tangible support is evident for continent – but not incontinent – respondents. These findings emphasize the need to assess the types of social support and the context in which they operate.


Author(s):  
Ahra Oh ◽  
Jiyoun Kim ◽  
Eunsurk Yi ◽  
Jongseob Shin

There is a lack of research on Korean prospective elderly persons. In particular, there is little research regarding whether social support has a mediating effect on the relationship between physical activity and aging anxiety. Accordingly, this study investigated how social support affected physical activity and aging anxiety in 778 prospective senior citizens (55 to 65 years old) out of a total of 1447 senior citizens who participated in the Embrain Panel Power and Panel Marketing Interactive. Participants completed the IPAQ (International Physical Activity Questionnaires), Social Support Scale, and Aging Anxiety Scale. Physical activity in these Korean pre-older adults affected aging anxiety (p < 0.001), with a fixed effect of physical activity on social support (p < 0.001). Further, social support affected aging anxiety (p < 0.001). Social support was also an important parameter in the relationship between physical activity and aging anxiety. In conclusion, high physical activity of pre-older Korean persons lowered their anxiety regarding aging. Social support acted as a mediator that lowered anxiety regarding aging in the most active pre-older persons.


2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 474-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark G. Davis ◽  
Kenneth R. Fox ◽  
Afroditi Stathi ◽  
Tanya Trayers ◽  
Janice L. Thompson ◽  
...  

The relationship of objectively measured sedentary time (ST), frequency of breaks in ST, and lower extremity function (LEF) was investigated in a diverse sample aged ≥ 70 years (n = 217). Physical activity (PA) was assessed by accelerometry deriving moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA) minutes per registered hour (MVPA min · hr−1), registered ST (ST min · hr−1), and breaks in ST min · hr−1 (breaks · hr−1). LEF was assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery. Univariate associations with overall LEF were MVPA (r = .523), ST (r = −.499), and breaks (r = .389). Adjusted linear regression including MVPA min · hr−1, ST min · hr−1, and breaks · hr−1 explained 41.5% of LEF variance. Each additional break · hr−1 was associated with 0.58 point increase in LEF. Breaks and MVPA had strongest independent associations with LEF. Promoting regular breaks might be useful in maintaining or increasing LEF and later life independence. This novel finding is important for the design of effective lifestyle interventions targeting older adults.


1995 ◽  
Vol 89 (6) ◽  
pp. 524-530 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Hersen ◽  
R.I. Kabacoff ◽  
V.B. Van Hasselt ◽  
J.A. Null ◽  
C.F. Ryan ◽  
...  

This study examined the relationship of assertiveness, depression, and social support in a sample of 100 visually impaired older adults receiving services at a rehabilitation facility. Irrespective of sex or the type of impairment, age of onset of the impairment, duration of the impairment, there were significant correlations between social support and depression, assertiveness and depression, and social support and assertiveness.


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