scholarly journals The Good, the Bad, and the Indifferent: Physical Disability, Social Role Configurations, and Changes in Loneliness Among Married and Unmarried Older Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (8) ◽  
pp. 1423-1453
Author(s):  
David F. Warner ◽  
Scott A. Adams ◽  
Raeda K. Anderson

Objectives: To examine how social role configurations (SRCs)—combinations of the quality of spousal, family, and friend relationships—moderate the association between functional limitations (FLs) and loneliness among married and unmarried older adults and whether this differs by gender. Method: Longitudinal data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project on married ( n = 945) and unmarried ( n = 443) older adults (aged 57-85 years). Latent class analysis was used to identify SRCs. Tobit regression models examined the associations between FLs, SRCs, and loneliness. Results: Nine SRCs were identified. The effectiveness of SRCs for coping with FLs did not differ by marital status despite higher loneliness among the unmarried. Only for women with FLs did SRCs characterized by negativity/strain exacerbate loneliness. For men with FLs, SRCs characterized by excess positivity/support were problematic. Discussion: These findings underscore the importance of considering how SRCs provide resources for coping with FLs that have gendered implications.

Author(s):  
Eun-Hi Choi ◽  
Mi-Jung Kang ◽  
Hyun-Jin Lee ◽  
Mi-Soon Yun

The present study aimed to confirm latent classes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older adults and investigate the characteristics of participants in each class. It aimed to provide basic data to develop interventions for each quality-of-life class by analysing the predictors of each class. Secondary data from a community health survey in G province since 2019 found a total of 41,872 participants. Of them, 9027 were 65 years or older and residing in G Province in 2019, participated in this study. Mplus 8.5 was used to conduct a latent class analysis of five domains of HRQOL. Four latent classes in the HRQOL of older adults, namely, stable type, physical disability type, emotional disability type, and crisis type were found. Certain variables predicted these classes. Based on the findings of the present study, training on functional mobility and balance to prevent falls in older populations and individualised programmes to promote mental health in them should be provided. Moreover, policies should increase medical accessibility and provide social support for older people with low-incomes. Additionally, since physical, psychological, and social health in older adults are inter-connected, a comprehensive care plan is needed to improve their HRQOL.


Author(s):  
Eva Visser ◽  
Brenda Leontine Den Oudsten ◽  
Taco Gosens ◽  
Paul Lodder ◽  
Jolanda De Vries

Abstract Background The course and corresponding characteristics of quality of life (QOL) domains in trauma population are unclear. Our aim was to identify longitudinal QOL trajectories and determine and predict the sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological characteristics of trajectory membership in physical trauma patients using a biopsychosocial approach. Methods Patients completed a questionnaire set after inclusion, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months follow-up. Trajectories were identified using repeated-measures latent class analysis. The trajectory characteristics were ranked using Cohen’s d effect size or phi coefficient. Results Altogether, 267 patients were included. The mean age was 54.1 (SD = 16.1), 62% were male, and the median injury severity score was 5.0 [2.0—9.0]. Four latent trajectories were found for psychological health and environment, five for physical health and social relationships, and seven trajectories were found for overall QOL and general health. The trajectories seemed to remain stable over time. For each QOL domain, the identified trajectories differed significantly in terms of anxiety, depressive symptoms, acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, Neuroticism, trait anxiety, Extraversion, and Conscientiousness. Discussion Psychological factors characterized the trajectories during 12 months after trauma. Health care providers can use these findings to identify patients at risk for impaired QOL and offer patient-centered care to improve QOL.


Author(s):  
Andrew J. MacGregor ◽  
Amber L. Dougherty ◽  
Edwin W. D’Souza ◽  
Cameron T. McCabe ◽  
Daniel J. Crouch ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Katherine A Traino ◽  
Christina M Sharkey ◽  
Megan N Perez ◽  
Dana M Bakula ◽  
Caroline M Roberts ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective To identify possible subgroups of health care utilization (HCU) patterns among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with a chronic medical condition (CMC), and examine how these patterns relate to transition readiness and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods Undergraduates (N = 359; Mage=19.51 years, SD = 1.31) with a self-reported CMC (e.g., asthma, allergies, irritable bowel syndrome) completed measures of demographics, HCU (e.g., presence of specialty or adult providers, recent medical visits), transition readiness, and mental HRQoL (MHC) and physical HRQoL (PHC). Latent class analysis identified four distinct patterns of HCU. The BCH procedure evaluated how these patterns related to transition readiness and HRQoL outcomes. Results Based on seven indicators of HCU, a four-class model was found to have optimal fit. Classes were termed High Utilization (n = 95), Adult Primary Care Physician (PCP)-Moderate Utilization (n = 107), Family PCP-Moderate Utilization (n = 81), and Low Utilization (n = 76). Age, family income, and illness controllability predicted class membership. Class membership predicted transition readiness and PHC, but not MHC. The High Utilization group reported the highest transition readiness and the lowest HRQoL, while the Low Utilization group reported the lowest transition readiness and highest HRQoL. Conclusions The present study characterizes the varying degrees to which AYAs with CMCs utilize health care. Our findings suggest poorer PHC may result in higher HCU, and that greater skills and health care engagement may not be sufficient for optimizing HRQoL. Future research should examine the High Utilization subgroup and their risk for poorer HRQoL.


2013 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 342-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica De Maeyer ◽  
Chijs van Nieuwenhuizen ◽  
Ilja L. Bongers ◽  
Eric Broekaert ◽  
Wouter Vanderplasschen

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 464-464
Author(s):  
Weidi Qin

Abstract Driving cessation is a major life transition in late life, and can affect the quality of social life in older adults. The present study aims to systematically review the literature on how driving cessation affects social participation among older adults in the US. The study selection followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Extant literature published from 1990 to 2019 that examined driving cessation and social participation or social engagement among older adults in the US was searched using eight search engines: PsycINFO, CINAHL, SocIndex, AgeLine, MedLine, Scopus, Transportation Research Board Publication Index, and Cochrane Library. Quantitative studies that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The assessment of methodological quality was also conducted for included studies. In total, seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Six of the included studies found significant relationships between driving cessation and at least one domain of social participation, such as volunteering, employment, leisure-time activities, and the frequency of contacts. However, the measures of social participation were inconsistent across studies, which might explain that no effects of driving cessation were found on the structure of social network, such as contacts with friends and extended family. There is a need to assist older adults in successfully transitioning to driving cessation and maintaining the social participation. The overall quality of included studies is moderate based on the assessment of risk of bias and confounding.


2019 ◽  
Vol 91 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yen-Han Lee ◽  
Yen-Chang Chang ◽  
Timothy Chiang ◽  
Ching-Ti Liu ◽  
Mack Shelley

It has been discussed previously that older adults’ living arrangements are associated with mortality. This study investigated the relationships between older adults’ living arrangements and sleep-related outcomes in China. The nationally representative sample included 4,731 participants who participated on two different occasions, with a total of 9,462 observations (2012 and 2014 waves). Panel logistic regression and panel ordinary least squares regression models were estimated with outcomes of sleep quality and average hours of sleep daily, respectively. Approximately 62% of individuals reported good quality of sleep. We observed that older adults who lived with family members had 17% greater odds of reporting good quality of sleep (adjusted odds ratio = 1.17, 95% confidence interval [1.03, 1.34], p < .05) and reported longer sleep duration daily (β = .334, standard error = .069, p < .01), compared with those who lived alone. Social support is needed to strengthen the residential relationship, especially with family members.


2020 ◽  
pp. 073346482094432
Author(s):  
Catherine A. Clair ◽  
Maureen Henry ◽  
Lee A. Jennings ◽  
David B. Reuben ◽  
Shana F. Sandberg ◽  
...  

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to capture goals expressed by older adults with functional limitations and their caregivers. Methods: Through focus groups and interviews, 76 older adults with ≥1 activity of daily living limitation and 28 family/friend caregivers were asked about what mattered most to them and their goals for care. Transcripts were coded using an existing taxonomy. Goals that did not fit the taxonomy were assigned new codes. Results: We identified more than 50 goals in eight domains. Domains included (a) Medical Care; (b) Quality of Life: Physical; (c) Quality of Life: Social and Emotional; (d) Access to Services and Supports; (e) Caregiver Needs and Concerns; (f) End of Life; (g) Independence; and (h) Acceptable Housing. Conclusion: While there is overlap between identified goals and the existing taxonomy, new goals emerged. The goal domains identified could serve as a framework to improve and measure the quality of goal-oriented care for older adults with complex needs.


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