Social Support Moderates the Negative Association Between Reduced Driving and Life Satisfaction in Older Adults

When older adults reduce their driving, there can be subsequent decreases in life satisfaction. In this cross-sectional study, we used baseline data from the multi-site Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers (LongROAD) study to examine whether social support moderates the negative association between reduced driving and life satisfaction. The outcome variable was life satisfaction, and the main predictor variable was past-year reduced driving (yes/no). Emotional, instrumental, and informational social support were measured using PROMIS v2.0 (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) items. We used generalized linear regression models to examine how social support moderated the association between reduced driving and life satisfaction. Statistical adjustment for social support attenuated the negative effect of reduced driving on life satisfaction by ~10% for all three types of social support.

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Social Engagement and Episodic Memory in Non-Hispanic Black and White Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1101 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 343-343

Author(s):

Abbey Hamlin ◽

A Zarina Kraal ◽

Laura Zahodne

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Cognitive Aging ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Future Research ◽

Social Activities ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Significant Positive Association ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Social engagement may confer cognitive benefits in older adulthood, but studies have typically been restricted to largely non-Hispanic White (NHW) samples. Levels of social engagement vary across race such that NHW report larger social networks, more frequent participation in social activities, and greater social support than non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB). Associations between social engagement and cognition may also vary by race, but research is sparse. The current cross-sectional study examined associations between different aspects of social engagement and episodic memory performance, as well as interactions between social engagement and race among NHB and NHW participants in the Michigan Cognitive Aging Project (N = 247; 48.4% NHB; age = 64.19 ± 2.92). Social engagement (network size, activities, support) was self-reported. Episodic memory was a z-score composite of immediate, delayed, and recognition trials of a list-learning task. Separate hierarchical linear regression models quantified interactions between race and each of the three social engagement variables on episodic memory, controlling for sociodemographics, depressive symptoms, and health conditions. Results showed a main effect of more frequent social activity on better episodic memory, as well as an interaction between race and social support indicating a significant positive association in NHB but not NHW. These preliminary findings suggest that participating in social activities may be equally beneficial for episodic memory across NHB and NHW older adults and that social support may be particularly beneficial for NHB. Future research is needed to determine the potential applications of these results in reducing cognitive inequalities through the development of culturally-relevant interventions.

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THE PROTECTIVE ROLE OF SOCIAL SUPPORT ON DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG AGING SEXUAL MINORITY CANADIANS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.1113 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S303-S304

Author(s):

Arne Stinchcombe ◽

Nicole G Hammond ◽

Kimberley Wilson

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Sexual Orientation ◽

Sexual Minority ◽

Large Population ◽

Population Based ◽

Protective Role ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

And Bisexual

Abstract Sexual minority older adults face minority stressors that are associated with higher rates of mental illness. The stress buffering effects of social support within majority populations are well documented. Using a large population-based sample of aging Canadians, we sought to examine the relationship between sexual orientation and depressive symptoms, and determine whether this relationship is moderated by social support and sex. Baseline data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) were used (n = 46147). Participants were between the ages of 45-85 years at time of recruitment (mean age = 62.46, SD = 10.27), and self-reported their sexual orientation as heterosexual or lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) (2.1%). Social support and depressive symptoms were measured using validated instruments. Four functional social support subscales were derived: tangible, positive social interaction, affectionate, and emotional/informational. Multiple linear regression models adjusted for relevant covariates were conducted. LGB identification was associated with greater depressive symptoms when compared to heterosexual participants (p = 0.032). As evidenced by a significant 3-way interaction (p = 0.030), increasing tangible social support was associated with a corresponding decrease in the risk of depressive symptoms; this relationship was most pronounced for lesbian and bisexual women. A significant 2-way interaction (p = 0.040) revealed that as emotional/informational social support increased, depressive symptoms decreased, with greater disparity between LGB and heterosexual participants at lower levels of social support. The results highlight the importance of social support in promoting mental health, especially among sexual minority older adults.

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Predictors of sexual function among men after myocardial infarction: a pilot study

British Journal of Cardiac Nursing ◽

10.12968/bjca.2021.0056 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Asa B Smith ◽

Debra L Barton ◽

Elizabeth A Jackson ◽

Daniela Wittmann ◽

Jacqui Smith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Problem Solving ◽

Sexual Function ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Longitudinal Research ◽

Post Myocardial Infarction ◽

Measurement Information ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Support Seeking

Background/Aims Sexual dysfunction often persists among men who have had a myocardial infarction. While some cross-sectional and longitudinal research has been conducted, there are still no known modifiable targets for intervention. This pilot study aimed to model hypothesised predictive factors of higher sexual function in a cohort of men post myocardial infarction. Methods Using a longitudinal study design, data on sexual function, sexual fear, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and use of coping strategies were collected using the Male Sexual Function Index, Multidimensional Sexuality Questionnaire, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System and Coping Strategy Indicator respectively. Spearman correlations were estimated to examine associations between factors at 2 weeks and 3 months following myocardial infarction. Linear regression models were conducted for sexual function while controlling for age. Results The data for 14 men were analysed. Sexual fear and use of problem-solving and support-seeking coping strategies were moderately correlated with sexual function at 3 months post myocardial infarction. Increased use of problem-solving and support-seeking coping strategies was associated with increased sexual function at 3 months. Conclusions Use of coping strategies may predict increased sexual function 3 months post myocardial infarction. However, additional studies are needed to further examine these hypothesised relationships with a larger and more diverse sample.

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Relationship Between Frailty and Depression Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The Mediating and Moderating Role of Social Support

The Gerontologist ◽

10.1093/geront/gnaa072 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 60 (8) ◽

pp. 1466-1475 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yaru Jin ◽

Huaxin Si ◽

Xiaoxia Qiao ◽

Xiaoyu Tian ◽

Xinyi Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Frailty Phenotype ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Background and Objectives Frailty is associated with depression in older adults and reduces their social support. However, the mechanism underlying such relationship remains unclear. We aim to examine whether social support acts as a mediator or moderator in the relationship between frailty and depression. Research Design and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,779 community-dwelling older adults aged 60 and older. Frailty, social support, and depressive symptoms were measured by the Physical Frailty Phenotype, Social Support Rating Scale, and five-item Geriatric Depression Scale, respectively. Data were also collected on age, gender, years of schooling, monthly income, cognitive function, number of chronic diseases, physical function, and pain. Results Linear regression models showed that subjective support and support utilization, but not objective support, mediated and moderated the relationship between frailty and depressive symptoms. The Johnson–Neyman technique determined a threshold of 30 for subjective support, but not for support utilization, beyond which the detrimental effect of frailty on depressive symptoms was offset. Discussion and Implications Social support underlies the association of frailty with depression, and its protective role varies by type. Interventions on depression should address improving perceptions and utilization of social support among frail older adults rather than simply providing them with objective support.

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Psychosocial Resources for Hedonic Balance, Life Satisfaction and Happiness in the Elderly: A Path Analysis

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17165684 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (16) ◽

pp. 5684

Author(s):

Raquel Lara ◽

Mᵃ Luisa Vázquez ◽

Adelaida Ogallar ◽

Débora Godoy-Izquierdo

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Psychosocial Resources ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related

We explored possible paths from physical and mental health-related quality of life, self-efficacy, optimism, and social support to happiness in older adults, considering hedonic balance and life satisfaction as mediators. A total of 154 Spanish male and female (50%) older adults (65–96 years old, M = 77.44, SD = 8.03; 64% noninstitutionalized elderly) voluntarily participated in this correlational, cross-sectional study. The participants completed self-reports on their perceived health status, self-efficacy, social support, optimism, and global subjective well-being (SWB) as well as its dimensions. Path analysis was used to examine direct and indirect relationships. The final model had an excellent fit with the data (χ2(10) = 11.837, p = 0.296, χ2/df = 1.184; SRMR = 0.050, CFI = 0.994, RMSEA = 0.035), revealing the unique causal effects of all the included predictors on happiness. With the exception of self-efficacy, the psychosocial resources predicted older adults’ current happiness, and this relationship was fully mediated by hedonic balance and life satisfaction, which were found to be putative intermediary factors for SWB. Self-efficacy in turn predicted the remaining psychosocial resources. Our findings extend the existing evidence on the influences of health-related quality of life, self-efficacy, optimism, and social support on SWB. Furthermore, they support the proposal of hedonic balance and life satisfaction as dimensions of SWB, thus supporting the tripartite hierarchical model of happiness. These results may inform future interventions seeking to improve happiness in late adulthood.

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SOCIAL ISOLATION AND FALLS RISK AMONG COMMUNITY DWELLING OLDER ADULTS: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF DEPRESSION

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.1078 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S293-S293

Author(s):

Jeffrey Burr ◽

Lien Quach

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Perceived Social Support ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Outcome Variable ◽

Falls Risk ◽

Risk Of Falls ◽

Perceived Social Isolation

Abstract Relatively little is known about the relationship between social isolation and the risk of falls among older adults. Yet, a considerable amount of research demonstrates that lack of sufficient social relationships, broadly defined, represents a modifiable risk factor for many indicators of well-being in later life. This study examines the association between two types of social isolation and the risk of falls. The study also examines whether depression mediates the association between social isolation and risk of falls. Longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (2006-2012) were collected from community-dwelling participants aged 65 and older (N=8,464). The outcome variable was number of falls self-reported over the observation period. Independent variables included perceived isolation (feeling lonely, perceptions of social support), social disconnectedness (e.g., having no friends or relatives living nearby, living alone), and number of depressive symptoms. Results from regression models indicated that social disconnectedness was associated with a 5% increase in the risk of falls (IRR=1.05, 95% CI=1.01-1.09). Perceived social support was associated with a 21% increase in the risk of falls; when examined together, perceived social support and loneliness were associated with a combined 37% increase in falls risk. Depression was associated with a 47% increase in falls. Depression mediated the association between perceived isolation and falls. Further, perceived isolation mediated the association between social disconnectedness and falls. Reducing perceived social isolation and social disconnectedness may be an avenue for designing interventions to reduce the risk of falls, especially for older adults with depression.

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Predictive Role of Psychosocial Factors in Older Adults Life Satisfaction

10.21203/rs.2.13091/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Shahab Papi ◽

Maria Cheraghi

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

Health Status ◽

Psychosocial Factors ◽

Cognitive Status ◽

Daily Activities ◽

Predictive Role ◽

The Mean

Abstract Background: The older adults are a part of society whose population is increasing as science progresses and health conditions improve. Social, psychological and behavioral factors will be influenced on life satisfaction in older adults. We aimed to predictive role of psychosocial factors in life satisfaction older adults. Methods: It was a descriptive-analytical study which has conducted on 679 older adults through convenience sampling from Qom city during 2018. The data were collected using demographic characteristics, life satisfaction, well-being, cognitive status, social support, and daily activities of life. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 22 and independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. Results: The mean and standard deviation of older adults age was 70.43 ± 7.62 years. The mean life satisfaction score was 13.77 ± 3.73. The results showed a significant relationship between job and education with life satisfaction (P <0.001). The results also showed that social support (P= 0.001) and daily activities (P= 0.017) significantly predict the level of life satisfaction, and the dimensions of health (P= 0.001) and cognitive status (P= 0.007) have a larger share in predicting the satisfaction of older adults life. Conclusion: We found that some parts of life changes in older adults can be predicted with the help of social support, health status, cognitive status, and everyday life activities. Therefore, in order to increase the level of satisfaction of older adults life, it is suggested that the field of promotion of social support, health status, and cognitive status be provided.

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Loneliness, Social Support, and Psychological Wellbeing Among Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.3705 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 1046-1046

Author(s):

Poshan Dahal ◽

Eva Kahana ◽

Tirth Bhatta ◽

Polina Ermoshkina

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Later Life ◽

Retirement Community ◽

Living Alone ◽

Psychological Wellbeing ◽

Negative Affects ◽

Lower Life Satisfaction

Abstract Social support in old age has been linked to psychological wellbeing outcomes, such as depressive symptoms. However, insufficient attention has been paid to implications of social support for different domains of psychological wellbeing. In this study, we explored these associations among 797 older adults (mean age = 78.61 years) living in a retirement community in Florida from the ECRC study. Our findings show that measures of social support and connectedness have varying influences on psychological wellbeing. Loneliness was associated with lower life satisfaction (b=- -1.12, p<0.001) and higher depressive symptoms (b=3.52, p<0.001). Higher self-rated social support was associated with higher life satisfaction (b= 1.66, p<0.001) but did not predict depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms, however, were significantly higher (b=-1.45) among individuals who reported that they don’t have anyone who they can turn to if they feel lonely and want to talk. Feeling lonely also predicted lower positive affects among these older adults (b=-0.65, p<0.001). Similarly, loneliness also predicted higher negative affects (b=1.28, p<0.001). Negative affects were also significantly higher among women (b=-1.15, p<0.001) but lower among those who were living alone (b=-1.06, p<0.001). Overall, our findings underscore the importance of social support and connectedness for psychological wellbeing in later life. This finding is consistent with prior research demonstrating significance of social support in later life for the overall psychological wellbeing of the older adults.

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Positive Self-Perceptions of Aging Play a Significant Role in Predicting Physical Performance among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph182111151 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (21) ◽

pp. 11151

Author(s):

Emma Nilsson ◽

Helena Igelström ◽

Irene Vikman ◽

Agneta Larsson ◽

Mascha Pauelsen

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Physical Performance ◽

Significant Role ◽

Longitudinal Research ◽

Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Outcome Variable ◽

Self Perceptions ◽

Perceptions Of Aging ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

Self-perceptions of aging (SPA) is associated with various health-related outcomes, including physical performance. No previous study has investigated the potential predictive influence of SPA on physical performance among Swedish community-dwelling older adults. This was a cross-sectional study using a random sample of 153 Swedish community-dwelling individuals aged 70 and older. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed, using the subscale “Attitude Towards Own Aging” of the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale, as a measure of SPA. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was dichotomized and used as the outcome variable. SPA was a significant predictor (OR = 1.546, CI = 1.066–2.243) of physical performance, adjusted for age, cognitive function, and life-space mobility. Further analyses revealed significant sex differences, with SPA not being included in the model for the men whilst it was still a significant predictor (OR = 1.689, CI = 1.031–2.765) of physical performance in the group of women. SPA plays a significant role in predicting physical performance among Swedish community-dwelling older adults. To further clarify this relationship and its consequences, future longitudinal research should focus on the relationship between SPA, physical performance, and fall risk.

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