Stressors and Subjective Well-Being among Chinese Older Adults: Uncovering the Buffering Roles of Tangible Support Patterns

2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-98
Author(s):  
Xupeng Mao ◽  
Liwei Zhang ◽  
Yuerong Liu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Functional Dependence ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Tangible Support

Using data from two waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study ( N ≈ 5,500), this study used latent class analysis to identify tangible support patterns among Chinese older adults based on types and sources of support. Furthermore, multivariate regression was used to examine the stress-buffering roles of tangible support patterns in the relationships between two stressors (i.e., poor health and functional dependence) and older adults’ subjective well-being (i.e., depressive symptoms and life satisfaction). We found four distinct tangible support patterns (i.e., semitraditional, traditional, formal financial-spousal instrumental, and restricted) among Chinese older adults. Poor health and functional dependence were significantly associated with lower subjective well-being. The moderating role of support differed significantly by patterns. Two patterns, formal financial-spousal instrumental and restricted, mitigated or reversed the negative relationships between both stressors and older adults’ subjective well-being. In addition, the traditional Chinese support pattern reduced the positive relationship between poor health and depressive symptoms. Implications for the well-being of the Chinese older adult population are discussed.

The economic recession and subjective well-being in older adults in the Republic of Ireland

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. Duffy ◽  
K. Mullin ◽  
S. O’Dwyer ◽  
M. Wrigley ◽  
B. D. Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Economic Recession ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Future Health

ObjectiveSubjective well-being in older people is strongly associated with emotional, physical and mental health. This study investigates subjective well-being in older adults in Ireland before and after the economic recession that commenced in 2008.MethodsCross-sectional data from the biennial European Social Survey (2002–2012) were analysed for two separate groups of older adults: one sampled before the recession and one after. Stratification and linear regression modelling were used to analyse the association between subjective well-being, the recession and multiple potential confounders and effect modifiers.ResultsData were analysed on 2013 individuals. Overall, subjective well-being among older adults was 1.30 points lower after the recession compared with before the recession (s.e. 0.16; 95% confidence interval 1.00–1.61; p<0.001) [pre-recession: 16.1, out of a possible 20 (s.d. 3.24); post-recession:14.8 (s.d. 3.72)]. Among these older adults, the pre- and post-recession difference was especially marked in women, those with poor health and those living in urban areas.ConclusionsSubjective well-being was significantly lower in older adults after the recession compared with before the recession, especially in women with poor health in urban areas. Policy-makers need proactively to protect these vulnerable cohorts in future health and social policy. Future research could usefully focus on older people on fixed incomes whose diminished ability to alter their economic situation might make them more vulnerable to reduced subjective well-being during a recession.

Intergenerational Coresidence and Depressive Symptoms of Rural and Urban Older Adults in China

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (8) ◽  
pp. 1282-1306
Author(s):  
Jinyu Liu ◽  
Lydia Li ◽  
Zhenmei Zhang ◽  
Hongwei Xu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Marital Status ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Intergenerational Coresidence

Objectives: This study aimed to examine whether gender and marital status of coresiding adult children are associated with depressive symptoms of Chinese older adults. Methods: Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, linear regression analysis was conducted to identify longitudinal associations of intergenerational coresidence with depressive symptoms in rural and urban older Chinese. Results: Both rural and urban older adults living with unmarried sons had significantly higher depressive symptoms at four-year follow-up than those who did not live with children. Living with married sons was significantly associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms at four-year follow-up among rural elders only. Discussion: This study sheds light on the heterogeneity in the relationship between intergenerational coresidence and Chinese older adults’ psychological well-being by the gender and marital status of coresiding children. Further research is needed to understand the complex and dynamic household structures and health outcomes in later life.

scholarly journals Social Network Types and Subjective Well-being in Chinese Older Adults

2009 ◽  
Vol 64B (6) ◽  
pp. 713-722 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.-T. Cheng ◽  
C. K. L. Lee ◽  
A. C. M. Chan ◽  
E. M. F. Leung ◽  
J.-J. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Chinese Older Adults

scholarly journals 10-year Trajectories of Alcohol Consumption in Older Adult New Zealanders

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnes Szabo ◽  
Andy Towers ◽  
Janie Sheridan ◽  
David Newcombe
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Heavy Drinking ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Growth Curve Analysis ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Latent Growth Curve Analysis ◽  
New Zealanders

Objectives Older adults are often treated as a homogeneous drinking group, but research suggests that they engage with alcohol in various ways, ranging from abstention to heavy drinking. The study aimed to (i) identify subgroups of older adults based on changes in frequency and quantity of alcohol use over 10 years and (ii) examine co-occurring changes in mental and physical health. Method Data were collected biennially between 2006 and 2016 from 2,632 New Zealanders (55–70 years old at baseline). Latent class growth analysis was performed to identify trajectories of alcohol use. Co-occurring changes in physical and mental health were examined using latent growth curve analysis. Results Five drinking profiles emerged: (i) infrequent, low-quantity consumers; (ii) highly frequent, low-quantity consumers; (iii) moderately frequent, high-quantity consumers; (iv) moderately frequent, low-quantity consumers; and (v) highly frequent, high-quantity consumers. Drinking trajectories demonstrated no change or slight declines in frequency and quantity over time. Frequent and moderately frequent, high-quantity drinking was more prevalent among men, younger participants, and active smokers. Moderately frequent, heavy drinkers were in very poor health. Frequent and moderately frequent, low-quantity drinking was associated with better health and economic well-being. Infrequent, low-quantity consumers were more likely to be women and in poor health. Discussion The five drinking profiles indicate that older adults engage with alcohol in diverse ways. Two of these patterns indicated potentially hazardous use, which highlights the need for screening and intervention in this age group.

scholarly journals The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15): Validation in Mexico and Disorder in the State of Knowledge

2020 ◽  
pp. 009141502095738
Author(s):  
Christian Oswaldo Acosta Quiroz ◽  
Raquel García-Flores ◽  
Sonia Beatriz Echeverría-Castro
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Geriatric Depression Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Geriatric Depression

The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Geriatric Depression Scale in its 15-item version (GDS-15) in Mexican older adults. Participants included 1178 older adults between the ages of 60 and 94 ( M = 69.16, SD = 7.69); 53.9% were women and 55.8% were married or with a partner. They completed the GDS-15, a subjective well-being scale, and a quality-of-life questionnaire. A Kuder–Richardson coefficient of .80 was obtained, which indicates an acceptable internal consistency of the GDS-15, as well as evidence of divergent validity with significant correlations of −.783 with subjective well-being and −.569 with quality of life, in addition to concurrent validity when discriminating between participants with low scores from those with high scores of depressive symptoms. The need for a simple screening tool such as the GDS-15 that helps in the identification of depressive symptoms in Mexican older adults is underlined.

scholarly journals Cell Phone Use and Happiness Among Chinese Older Adults: Does Rural/Urban Residence Status Matter?

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-109
Author(s):  
Xiangnan Chai ◽  
Hina Kalyal
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Cell Phone ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Urban Residence ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Cell Phone Use

This study explores the relationship between cell phone use and self-reported happiness among older adults in Mainland China and whether rural/urban residence status moderates this relationship. The analysis is based on a sample of 6,952 respondents over the age of 60, from the 2010 wave of China Family Panel Studies. Findings show that using own cell phone is positively associated with self-reported happiness among Chinese older adults (odds ratio [ OR] = 1.283, p < .001). This relationship remains for respondents residing in rural areas ( OR = 1.616, p < .01) but not for their urban counterparts. Findings reflect on how the happiness of Chinese older adults has been affected by a growing shift in the traditional family values due to the unprecedented economic growth. Results also highlight the disparities between state support for older adults in rural and urban areas as well as the necessity to develop relevant policies to improve the subjective well-being of China’s rapidly growing population of older adults.

scholarly journals The Association Between Personality Traits and Depressive Symptoms in U.S. Chinese Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 392-393
Author(s):  
Maggie Li ◽  
XinQi Dong ◽  
Dexia Kong
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Aging Research ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Unit Increase ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Minority Aging ◽  
Neo Five Factor Inventory

Abstract Depressive symptoms are prevalent in the aging population and can negatively impact the health and well-being of older adults. Personality traits may interact with depressive symptoms, but there is currently limited knowledge regarding this relationship in minority aging research. This study aims to explore the associations between two personality traits, neuroticism and conscientiousness, and depressive symptoms in 3,157 U.S. Chinese older adults. Data were obtained from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE) collected between 2011 and 2013. Neuroticism and conscientiousness were measured by the NEO Five-factor Inventory. Depressive symptoms were measured by the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). 45.3% of the participants reported at least one depressive symptom. Controlling for potential confounders, logistic regression analyses showed that both traits were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. One unit increase in neuroticism was associated with 19% increased odds of having any depressive symptoms (odds ratio [OR]=1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.17-1.22). One unit increase in conscientiousness was associated with 5% decreased odds of having any depressive symptoms (OR=0.95, 95% [CI]=0.94-0.96). Results validate the significant association between both traits and depressive symptoms among U.S. Chinese older adults, adding to the psychological and cultural profiles of those who have experienced mental distress. More in-depth examination using culturally-tailored measurements for personality traits is encouraged in minority aging studies. The NEO inventory was developed from Western populations and hence might not adequately represent personality traits valued by non-Western cultures.

scholarly journals The Association Between the Use of Digital Health Management Tools and Subjective Well-Being Among Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 498-498
Author(s):  
Mai See Yang ◽  
Haowei Wang ◽  
Yong Kyung Choi
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Management Tools

Abstract This study aims to examine the association between the use of digital health management tools and subjective well-being in later life. Research is limited about technology use (e.g., participation in online wellness program, finding medical information, using devices to monitor health) among community dwelling older adults. This study used data from the Health and Retirement study 2012 Module “Technology Use: Barriers and Benefits” (N = 1,416). We used multiple regression methods to test the association between technology use and subjective well-being (i.e., self-rated health, life satisfaction, and depressive symptoms). Over half of the participants reported using technology (58%). The mean age for this group was 68.7 (SD 9.6). Majority of the respondents were female (55%). About 18% were non-Hispanic Blacks, 2% were non-Hispanic other, 11% were Hispanic, and 68% were non-Hispanic Whites. For this sample of technology users, the usage of digital health management included online exercise programs (16%), online wellness programs or health monitoring programs (7%), searching for medical and health information online (43%), digital devices to monitor health (31%), and physical activity-based video game such as Wii Fit (7%). Over 88% of the sample have used at least one of these formats to monitor their health. Results from regression models suggested that the use of any digital health management tools was related to fewer depressive symptoms and better self-reported health. Findings from this study provide insight into how digital health management can protect older adults from poor subjective well-being in later life.

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