Loneliness and Off-Topic Verbosity Among Young Adults and Older Adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 003329412110580
Author(s):  
Michael D. Barnett ◽  
Leah N. Smith ◽  
Alexzandra M. Sandlin ◽  
Allyson M. Coldiron
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Older Adulthood ◽  
The Relationship

Objectives: Off-topic verbosity (OTV) refers to prolonged speech that derails from the initial conversational topic by including more loosely associated speech and becoming increasingly more unfocused and distant from the initial topic. Previous research has suggested that, among older adults, loneliness may be associated with greater OTV. The purpose of this study was to investigate the nature of the relationship between loneliness and OTV among young adults ( n = 62) and older adults ( n = 80). Methods: Participants completed a measure of loneliness and provided speech samples, which were transcribed and rated for OTV. Results: Results indicated some relationship between loneliness and tangentiality of speech, particularly among older adults. Discussion: Overall, loneliness may be associated with greater OTV in older adults, which could further explain the connection between increased loneliness and worse health outcomes in older adulthood.

scholarly journals The relationship between chronic diseases and number of sexual partners: an exploratory analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 100-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Grabovac ◽  
Lee Smith ◽  
Lin Yang ◽  
Pinar Soysal ◽  
Nicola Veronese ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lifetime Number ◽  
Number Of Sexual Partners ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Diagnosis Of Cancer ◽  
The Relationship

BackgroundWe investigated sex-specific associations between lifetime number of sexual partners and several health outcomes in a large sample of older adults in England.MethodsWe used cross-sectional data from 2537 men and 3185 women aged ≥50 years participating in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Participants reported the number of sexual partners they had had in their lifetime. Outcomes were self-rated health and self-reported limiting long-standing illness, cancer, coronary heart disease, and stroke. We used logistic regression to analyse associations between lifetime number of sexual partners and health outcomes, adjusted for relevant sociodemographic and health-related covariates.ResultsHaving had 10 or more lifetime sexual partners was associated with higher odds of reporting a diagnosis of cancer than having had 0–1 sexual partners in men (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.83) and women (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.51), respectively. Women who had 10 or more lifetime sexual partners also had higher odds of reporting a limiting long-standing illness (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.35). No other statistically significant associations were observed.ConclusionsA higher lifetime number of sexual partners is associated with increased odds of reported cancer. Longitudinal research is required to establish causality. Understanding the predictive value of lifetime number of sexual partners as a behavioural risk factor may improve clinical assessment of cancer risk in older adults.

scholarly journals Who Is Willing to Engage in Social Gatherings During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Lockdown? A Curvilinear Relationship Between Age and Heuristic Processing

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kexin Wang ◽  
Siyue Li
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Curvilinear Relationship ◽  
Chinese Government ◽  
Demographic Information ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Related Information ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Heuristic Processing

BackgroundThe Chinese government implemented a lockdown to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic during the Chinese Lunar New Year when people have the tradition to visit families and friends. Previous research suggested that heuristic processing increased risky behavioral willingness (e.g., desire to have social gatherings despite the pandemic) and that people’s tendency to use heuristic processing varied across different adulthood stages. This study thus investigated the relationships among age, heuristic processing of COVID-19-related information, and the willingness to have social gatherings during the lockdown.MethodsA sample of 1,651 participants was recruited from an online crowdsourcing platform between January 31 and February 04 in 2020, with a mean age of 30.69, 47.9% being women. Participants completed an online questionnaire about heuristic processing of COVID-19-related information, willingness to engage in social gatherings during the lockdown, age, and other demographic information.ResultsAge was found to have a U-shaped curvilinear relationship with heuristic processing, and heuristic processing was positively correlated with the willingness to have social gatherings. Further analyses showed that heuristic processing curvilinearly mediated the relationship between age and the willingness to have social gatherings.ConclusionCompared with young adults, emerging and older adults are more likely to engage in heuristic processing, which in turn, increases the willingness to have social gatherings. Heuristic processing serves as an underlying mechanism to explain the relationship between age and risky behavioral willingness.

scholarly journals THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL ISOLATION AND NEIGHBORHOOD DANGER ON OLDER ADULTS’ FUNCTIONAL STATUS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S529-S530
Author(s):  
Ilana J Engel ◽  
Tamara A Baker
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Functional Status ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Functional Decline ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
As Stress ◽  
Perceived Social Isolation ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Social isolation is often associated with smaller social networks, bereavement, and chronic health problems. In addition, underserved neighborhoods, without the resources and social support of other areas, may further promote social isolation among older adults. This study utilized data from the 2nd wave of the nationally representative National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) to examine if perceived neighborhood danger mediates the relationship between social isolation and functional impairment. We hypothesized that those who are less socially connected and feel less safe in their communities may experience worse health outcomes. Data for the total sample (N=1,804; 62-91 years of age) showed that partial mediation was supported, (F 2, 1801 = 22.91, p<0.01). Similar statistics were found by gender (men, F 2, 985 = 8.20, p<0.01; women, F 2, 813 = 14.79, p<0.01). This relationship, however, showed a stronger association among women (β = -.39, p<.01) than men (β = -.26, p<.05). Findings indicate that the relationship between perceived social isolation and impaired functional status may be partially explained by perceived neighborhood danger. These findings suggest that older adults who perceive their neighborhoods as dangerous, may be more socially isolated, and at risk for functional decline. These results support the Reserve Capacity Model, which posits that social resources are of increased importance for socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals. Additional research is needed to examine how such factors as stress, environment, and access to care contribute to our understanding of health outcomes among this population of adults.

Body image and self-esteem in older adulthood

2009 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 977-995 ◽  
Author(s):  
LUCIE BAKER ◽  
EYAL GRINGART
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Body Image ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Older Adulthood ◽  
National Priority ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Body Self ◽  
Image Variables ◽  
The Relationship

ABSTRACTGiven global population ageing and the fact that Australia is experiencing a significant increase in the proportion of older adults in its population, research into ageing issues has become a national priority. Whilst body image and self-esteem have been empirically linked, the relationship among older adults has been neglected. This study investigated several body-image variables and their relationship to self-esteem in a sample of 148 men and women aged 65–85 years who were living independently in the Perth Metropolitan Area of Western Australia. They completed the ‘Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale’ and the ‘Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire’. The results indicated, contrary to a common misconception, that body-image concerns are significant to self-esteem in older adulthood, but that these vary by age and gender. Whilst women appear to develop various strategies to counter the effects of ageing, men seem to be more negatively affected, particularly in relation to body functioning. The findings shed light on the meaning of body image in older adulthood. A better understanding of the meaning of body image, of the factors that influence the meaning, and of how these relate to older adults' self-esteem may help older adults develop a positive body image that will contribute to psycho-social strengths and enhance their quality of life.

O2 uptake kinetics, pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, and muscle deoxygenation in young and older adults during the transition to moderate-intensity exercise

2008 ◽  
Vol 294 (2) ◽  
pp. R577-R584 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. J. Gurd ◽  
S. J. Peters ◽  
G. J. F. Heigenhauser ◽  
P. J. LeBlanc ◽  
T. J. Doherty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase ◽  
Lactate Threshold ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Moderate Intensity Exercise ◽  
Similar Time ◽  
O2 Uptake Kinetics ◽  
The Relationship

The adaptation of pulmonary O2 uptake (V̇o2p) kinetics is slowed in older compared with young adults during the transition to moderate-intensity exercise. In this study, we examined the relationship between V̇o2p kinetics and mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity in young ( n = 7) and older ( n = 6) adults. Subjects performed cycle exercise to a work rate corresponding to ∼90% of estimated lactate threshold. Phase 2 V̇o2p kinetics were slower ( P < 0.05) in older (τ = 40 ± 17 s) compared with young (τ = 21 ± 6 s) adults. Relative phosphocreatine (PCr) breakdown was greater ( P < 0.05) at 30 s in older compared with young adults. Absolute PCr breakdown at 6 min was greater ( P < 0.05) in older compared with young adults. In young adults, PDH activity increased ( P < 0.05) from baseline to 30 s, with no further change observed at 6 min. In older adults, PDH activity during baseline exercise was similar to that seen in young adults. During the exercise transition, PDH activity did not increase ( P > 0.05) at 30 s of exercise but was elevated ( P < 0.05) after 6 min. The change in deoxyhemoglobin (HHb) was greater for a given V̇o2p in older adults, and there was a similar time course of HHb accompanying the slower V̇o2p kinetics in the older adults, suggesting a slower adaptation of bulk O2 delivery in older adults. In conclusion, the slower adaptation of V̇o2p in older adults is likely a result of both an increased metabolic inertia and lower O2 availability.

scholarly journals A trend of Korean older adults’ awareness as a threat to society during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1030-1030
Author(s):  
Soonhyung Kwon ◽  
Jaesung An ◽  
Oejin Shin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Negative Cognition ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background Unlike ageism that consists of one’s prejudice, stereotype, and discrimination toward older adults, age-based threats are one’s negative cognition (Levy, 2001). Previous studies indicated that the younger generation stigmatizes the older generation as unworthy during the COVID-19 pandemic (Meisner, 2021). However, there is no study looking at how older adults perceive themselves as threats to society during this time of the pandemic. Thus, our study aimed to understand the varying trend of older adults’ awareness as a threat to society in association with socio-economic profiles before and during the pandemic. Method: This study included 637 Korean older adults who answered the older generation’s threats to society from 2018 to 2020. We used Latent Class Analysis (LCA) to categorize participants into different subgroups that shared distinct patterns of threats to society. Multinomial logistic regression examined how the subgroups in threats to society were associated with socio-demographic characteristics in each year. Results For three waves, three clusters of threats to society (low, mid, and high) were identified. Although the mid-level of threat remained the same (60% of the sample for three years), the high level of threats has been doubled in 2019 (25%) compared to 2018 (11%) and 2020 (13%). Regarding the associated socio-demographic characteristics with threats to society, those who being female in 2018 and younger age in 2020 were more likely to be associated with mid-level of threats to society. Discussion Further study needs to identify the relationship between awareness as a threat to society and health outcomes.

scholarly journals Developmental Analysis of Prospective Effects of Problem Drinking and Health Problems in Three-Age Groups

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1008-1008
Author(s):  
Thomas Kwan ◽  
Douglas Bowlby ◽  
Matthew Lee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Problem Drinking ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Group Factor ◽  
Moderate Drinking

Abstract Past research has clearly demonstrated interrelations between drinking and health. However, little research has investigated this from a lifespan-development perspective, which is the objective of the current study. Our hypotheses predicted results consistent with the familiar “J-shaped curve” of drinking effects on health, including that health problems would be (1) lower in moderate drinkers than abstainers and (2) higher in excessive drinkers than moderate drinkers. We also hypothesized that these protective effects of moderate drinking would increase with age across the lifespan. The current study used two waves of data from a large U.S.-representative sample. Analyses used 3*3 between-persons ANCOVAs that tested a three-level Wave-1 drinking-group factor and a three-level Wave-1 age-group factor. Of particular importance were the drinking-group-by-age interactions. Various Wave-2 health outcomes were predicted in different ANCOVAs, and each ANCOVA controlled for Wave-1 levels of the Wave-2 health outcome. Across nearly all health outcomes, young adults did not show significant differences between abstainers and moderate drinkers, whereas midlife and older adults consistently showed better health for moderate drinking versus abstainers. This suggests that protective effects of moderate drinking apply more-so to midlife and older adults than young adults. Surprisingly, excessive drinkers generally did not show poorer health than moderate drinkers, except for mixed evidence for such effects only among older adults. Thus, only older adults showed patterns entirely consistent with our hypothesized “J-shaped curve.” A next analytic step we will conduct in advance of this poster presentation will assess if alternative excessive-drinking operationalizations more consistently signal health problems.

546 Association of personality traits with napping behaviors in older adults

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A215-A215
Author(s):  
Yuqi Shen ◽  
Darlynn Rojo-Wissar ◽  
Katherine Duggan ◽  
Brant Hasler ◽  
Adam Spira
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Personality Dimensions ◽  
Older Adulthood ◽  
Lower Odds ◽  
Personality Differences ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Nighttime Sleep ◽  
Representative Cohort

Abstract Introduction Greater neuroticism and lower conscientiousness are linked to poorer nighttime sleep among older adults, but little is known about the association between personality and daytime sleep. Napping increases in older adulthood, and napping has been linked to health outcomes, including cognitive impairment. Thus, it is important to extend personality and sleep research to investigate napping behavior. We examined the association between personality and napping in a nationally representative cohort of older adults. Methods We studied 742 adults aged ≥65 years from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) who completed the sleep and personality modules in NHATS rounds 3 or 4 (2013–2014). Personality dimensions (neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness) were assessed by the Midlife Development Inventory Personality Scales. Participants reported nap frequency over the past month (most days or everyday [nappers-frequent]; some days [nappers-infrequent]; rarely/never [non-nappers]); napping intention (intentional/unintentional); and average nap duration (coded as ≤40 minutes [short]; and &gt;40 minutes [long], consistent with previous studies). Personality dimensions were included together in all models. Model 1 adjusted for age, sex, education, and BMI, and Model 2 further adjusted for anxiety and depression, comorbidities, sleep medications, and nighttime sleep duration. Only nappers were included in models with nap frequency, intention, or duration as outcomes (n=387). Results There were no personality differences between nappers and non-nappers. Among nappers, however, higher neuroticism was associated with lower odds of frequent naps (OR=0.73, 95% CI: 0.55,0.97), and higher agreeableness was associated with greater odds of unintentional napping (OR=1.95, 95% CI:1.12, 3.41) and lower odds of long nap duration (OR=0.54, 95% CI:0.33, 0.90) in Model 1. Associations remained in Model 2. Higher neuroticism was also associated with greater odds of long nap duration in Model 1 (OR=1.40, 95% CI:1.03, 1.91), but not after further adjustment in Model 2. Conclusion This is, to our knowledge, the first study examining the association between personality and daytime napping behaviors among a large sample of older adults, extending the literature on personality and nighttime sleep in this population. Because napping behaviors are associated with health outcomes, personality may be an important factor to consider in interventions addressing napping. Support (if any) NIH grant 5T32MH014592-39

scholarly journals Aging With Vision Loss: A Framework for Assessing the Impact of Visual Impairment on Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 60 (6) ◽  
pp. 989-995 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bonnielin K Swenor ◽  
Moon J Lee ◽  
Varshini Varadaraj ◽  
Heather E Whitson ◽  
Pradeep Y Ramulu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Common Causes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Negative Health Outcomes ◽  
Multiple Intervention

Abstract There is limited research examining the impact of visual impairment (VI) on older adults while considering the complexities of aging, leaving gaps in our understanding of how health consequences of VI might be averted. We created a framework integrating concepts from disability, geriatrics, and ophthalmology that conceptualizes how VI challenges successful aging. Here, VI influences multiple functional domains, and increases the risk of negative health outcomes. This model acknowledges that common causes, such as risk factors that affect eyes and other systems simultaneously, may also drive the relationship between VI and health outcomes. Finally, the model highlights how the impact of VI on aging outcomes can be addressed at multiple intervention points.

scholarly journals What is the Relationship between Functional Limitations, Pain, and Self-Perceptions of Aging?

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 607-608
Author(s):  
Jillian Minahan ◽  
Ashley Blasi
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Interactive Effect ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Older Adulthood ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Self-perceptions of aging (SPA) influences health and mortality during older adulthood (e.g., Kotter-Grühn et al., 2009; Sargent-Cox et al., 2012). Westerhof and Wurm (2015) found that increasing functional limitations (FL) worsened older adults’ SPA. Additional research is needed to identify other factors that influence SPA. Although pain is common among older adults and is a frequent cause of disability (e.g., Brooks et al., 2019), it has not been examined as a factor influencing SPA. Pain is often misperceived as an inevitable part of aging because of widely held negative stereotypes about aging (Thielke et al., 2012). The experience of pain may activate internalized negative stereotypes about aging, which may worsen SPA. Thus, this study investigated: 1) the relationship between chronic and recent pain, FL, and SPA, and 2) the interactive effect of FL and pain on SPA within a sample of community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older. This study included 5,126 participants from the 2014 wave of the Health and Retirement Study. Controlling for covariates, chronic pain (β = .09, p &lt; .001) and recent pain (β = .12, p &lt; .001) were associated with negative SPA and were stronger than FL (β = .04, p &lt; .01). There was also a small interaction between FL and recent pain on SPA (β = -.03, p &lt; .01) such that the negative impact of FL on SPA was stronger among individuals who reported low pain. These findings highlight the importance of pain in older adults’ evaluation of their own aging.

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