Associations Between Perceived Environmental Pollution and Mental Health in Middle-Aged and Older Adults in East Asia

2020 ◽  
pp. 101053952096099
Author(s):  
Takashi Yamashita ◽  
Giyeon Kim ◽  
Darren Liu ◽  
Anthony R. Bardo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Environmental Pollution ◽  
East Asian ◽  
National Level ◽  
Pollution Index ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Pollution Indicators

Given the widely used objective measures of environmental pollution in previous research, this study investigated subjective measures in relation to mental health among middle-aged and older adults in 3 East Asian countries—China, Japan, and South Korea. The samples from the 2010 East Asian Social Survey included 2502 Chinese, 1794 Japanese, and 871 South Korean adults aged 40 and older. Linear regression models were used to examine the associations between mental health measure (SF-12) and 4 perceived environmental pollution indicators (ie, air, water, noise, and pollution index). Greater perceived pollution indicators, as well as the perceived pollution index, were associated with poorer mental health, even after adjusting for covariates in all 3 countries. Although results need to be further verified in future research, national-level efforts to improve perceptions of environmental pollution may be useful to enhance the mental health of East Asian middle-aged and older adults.

scholarly journals Dog ownership, dog walking, and social capital

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Javad Koohsari ◽  
Akitomo Yasunaga ◽  
Ai Shibata ◽  
Kaori Ishii ◽  
Rina Miyawaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Dog Walking ◽  
Dog Ownership ◽  
Dog Owners ◽  
Middle Aged Adults

AbstractEvidence for social pathways to health benefits for dog owners appears positive but less well-developed. Our study aimed to estimate the differences in social capital by dog ownership and dog walking status among young-to-middle-aged adults and older adults in Japan. Data from 3606 residents living in Japan were used. Data on social capital, dog ownership, and dog walking were collected by questionnaires. Age-stratified multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate differences in social capital scores by dog ownership and dog walking status. Among young-to-middle-aged adults, the mean of the activities with neighbours score, adjusted for covariates, was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for the dog owner walkers group compared to the non-dog owners group. Among older adults, no significant differences in the marginal means of social capital scores were observed between the three groups of non-dog owners, dog owner non-walkers, and dog owner walkers. While the benefits of social capital for a healthy lifestyle have been well-documented, few means have been identified to intervene in social capital. Building on and expanding the known health benefits of dog ownership and dog walking, this study revealed modest support for the link between dog walking and activities with neighbours among young-to-middle-aged adults, but no meaningful associations were found for older adults. Additionally, no significant link was observed between dog walking and social cohesion among either age group. Future research can further improve the use of dog-based behavioural health interventions for fostering social capital.

scholarly journals AIR QUALITY AND WELL-BEING AMONG MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULTS IN EAST ASIA

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S266-S267
Author(s):  
Takashi Yamashita ◽  
Giyeon Kim ◽  
Darren Liu ◽  
Anthony R Bardo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
East Asia ◽  
East Asian ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Self Rated Health

Abstract There is a well-established link between air quality, an important component of one’s local living environment, and well-being. However, the link between well-being and air quality is largely based on findings from western nations, and evidence from East Asia (where air pollution is a major challenge) is scant. Thus, the present study sheds much needed light on the association between well-being and air quality in four East Asian countries (i.e., China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan). Data for this study were drawn from the internationally representative 2010 East Asian Social Survey Health Module. The sample was limited to middle-age and older adults (i.e., 50 years and older) to account for differential exposure across the life course (N = 4,052). Linear regression models with robust standard error estimation and full information maximum likelihood were used to examine associations between four well-being indicators (self-rated health, SF-12 physical health and mental health, and happiness) and self-reported air quality. Results showed that air quality was negatively associated with well-being across East Asian nations --- with self-rated health in Japan (b = -0.09, p &lt; 0.05) and Taiwan (b = -0.14, p &lt; 0.05); physical health in Japan (b = -0.96, p &lt; 0.05); mental health in China (b = -1.05, p &lt; 0.05) and Japan (b = -1.49 , p &lt; 0.05); and happiness in China (b = -0.07, p &lt; 0.05). Possible explanations underlying these distinct national patterns and strategies to enhance well-being through environmental and behavioral interventions are discussed.

scholarly journals Self-Rated Health by Sexual Orientation Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Canada

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (8) ◽  
pp. 1747-1757 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gajan Sivakumaran ◽  
Rachel Margolis
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Gay Men ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Bisexual Women ◽  
Middle Aged

Abstract Objectives This article examines patterns of self-rated physical and mental health by sexual orientation among middle-aged and older adults in Canada, a rapidly growing subpopulation shown to be at risk of poor health. Method We use the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS 2015–2016) to estimate logit models predicting fair/poor self-rated physical and mental health by sexual orientation among middle-aged and older adults, stratifying by sex and age group. Results We find no differences in physical health for gay men and lesbian women compared with their heterosexual counterparts. However, middle-aged gay men are disadvantaged in terms of mental health, but not women. Bisexual women are disadvantaged in terms of physical health, and for mental health in some model specifications. Respondents who did not know their sexual orientation have poorer health across some measures of health and age groups. Discussion Our findings add to the paucity of research on older sexual minorities in Canada. They highlight the importance of separating out sexual minority groups because bisexual women have distinct health profiles. In addition, this is the first study to examine the health of respondents who “do not know” their sexual orientation, and future research should distinguish between different explanations for their poor health.

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

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.

Predicting Uptake of the COVID Coach App Among U.S. Military Veterans: A Funnel Analysis Using a Probability-Based Panel (Preprint)

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth K Jaworski ◽  
Katherine Taylor ◽  
Kelly M Ramsey ◽  
Adrienne J Heinz ◽  
Sarah Steinmetz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Military Veterans ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Managing Stress ◽  
Usage Data

BACKGROUND Although the pandemic has not led to a uniform increase of mental health concerns among older adults, there is evidence to suggest that some older veterans did experience an exacerbation of pre-existing mental health conditions, and that mental health difficulties were associated with a lack of social support and increasing numbers of pandemic-related stressors. Mobile mental health apps are scalable, may be a helpful resource for managing stress during the pandemic and beyond, and could potentially provide services that are not accessible due to the pandemic. However, overall comfort with mobile devices and factors influencing the uptake and usage of mobile apps during the pandemic among older veterans are not well known. COVID Coach is a free, evidence-informed mobile app designed for pandemic-related stress. Public usage data have been evaluated, but its uptake and usage among older veterans has not been explored. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the current study was to characterize smartphone ownership rates among U.S. veterans, identify veteran characteristics associated with downloading and use of COVID Coach, and characterize key content usage within the app. METHODS Data were analyzed from the 2019-2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study (NHRVS), which surveyed a nationally representative, prospective cohort of 3,078 U.S. military veterans before and one year into the pandemic. The NHRVS sample was drawn from KnowledgePanel®, a research panel of more than 50,000 households maintained by Ipsos, Inc. Median time to complete the survey was nearly 32 minutes. The research version of COVID Coach was offered to all veterans who completed the peri-pandemic follow-up assessment on a mobile device (n = 814; weighted 34.2% of total sample). App usage data from all respondents who downloaded the app (n = 34; weighted 3.3% of the mobile completers sample) were collected between November 14, 2020 and November 7, 2021. RESULTS We found that most U.S. veterans own smartphones and veterans with higher education, greater number of adverse childhood experiences, higher extraversion, and greater severity of pandemic-related PTSD symptoms were more likely to download COVID Coach. Although uptake and usage of COVID Coach was relatively low (3.3% of eligible participants, n = 34), 50% of the participants returned to the app for more than one day of use. The interactive tools for managing stress were used most frequently. CONCLUSIONS Although the coronavirus pandemic has increased the need for and creation of digital mental health tools, these resources may require tailoring for older veteran populations. Future research is needed to better understand how to optimize digital mental health tools, such as apps, to ensure uptake and usage among older adults, particularly those who have experienced traumas across the lifespan.

Relationship Between Mental Health, Resilience, and Physical Activity in Older Adults: A 2-Year Longitudinal Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Maria Priscila Wermelinger Ávila ◽  
Jimilly Caputo Corrêa ◽  
Alessandra Lamas Granero Lucchetti ◽  
Giancarlo Lucchetti
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Self Sufficiency ◽  
The Relationship

The aim of this study was to longitudinally investigate the association between resilience and mental health in older adults and to determine the influence of physical activity on this relationship. A total of 291 older adults were included in a 2-year follow-up study. Adjusted linear regression models evaluated the association between resilience at baseline and mental health after 2 years in sufficiently and insufficiently physically active older adults. A negative correlation was found between resilience at baseline and depression, anxiety, and stress after 2 years for the overall sample. This association changed after stratifying the group. Sufficiently physically active individuals made greater use of the resilience components “Self-Sufficiency” and “Perseverance,” whereas insufficiently physically active individuals made greater use of “Meaning of Life” and “Existential Singularity.” Physical activity can influence the relationship between resilience and mental health. These results can help guide the devising of more effective interventions for this age group.

scholarly journals 0854 Exploration Of Sleep Health Among Middle-aged And Older Adults

SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A325-A325
Author(s):  
R A Lorenz ◽  
S L Auerbach ◽  
C Li ◽  
Y Chang
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Factor Loading ◽  
Dimensional Structure ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Composite Measure ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Sleep Health ◽  
Using Data

Abstract Introduction Sleep health, a construct introduced to characterize the multidimensional attributes of sleep, has been explored in a variety of populations; however has not been adequately examined for middle-aged and older adults. As attributes of sleep may change with age, the dimensional structure of sleep health may differ in this population. This study aimed to validate a composite measure of sleep health among middle-aged and older adults using data from the Health and Retirement Survey (HRS). Methods Data from the 2014 Core survey of the HRS was used to create a composite measure of Sleep Health including sleep efficiency, duration, timing, satisfaction, and alertness. We standardized and averaged the original variables before transforming to T scores. Sleep Health T scores (ranging 0-100, higher scores indicating better sleep health) were examined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA; CFA). Results Our sample included 6,095 adults with mean age of 68 years (SD=10.1; range 50-99 years). The majority were female (59.7%), white (77%), with high school education (53.9%). Sleep Health T scores ranged from 27-61 (mean=50; SD=6.7). EFA identified one factor. Timing was removed due to low factor loading (&lt;0.4). The revised four-dimension composite Sleep Health measure had acceptable reliability (Cronbach’s alpha 0.6). CFA showed a well-adjusted model (REMSA=0.097; NFI=0.964; RMR=0.035; GFI=0.990; AGFI=0.951). Conclusion These results suggest that the composite measure was valid for assessing sleep health among middle-aged and older adults. Limitations include the use of secondary data, as sleep health dimensions were based on variables not created specifically for our research question. Future research should further examine the role of sleep timing in overall sleep health among middle-aged and older adults. Support This study was supported by the University at Buffalo Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) funded by the National Institutes of Health (Lorenz, PI).

scholarly journals The Role of Delay of Care in Depression among US Middle-Aged and Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic:: A Secondary Data Analysis (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Luo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Dental Care ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Delay Of Care ◽  
Middle Aged Adults ◽  
Univariate Analyses

BACKGROUND The depression level among US adults significantly increased during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and age disparity in depression during the pandemic were reported in recent studies. Delay or avoidance of medical care is one of the collateral damages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and it can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE The present study aims to assess the prevalence of depression and delay of care among US middle-aged adults and older adults during the pandemic, as well as investigate the role of delay of care in depression among those two age groups. METHODS This cross-sectional study used the 2020 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) COVID-19 Project (Early, Version 1.0) data. Univariate analyses, bivariate analyses, and binary logistic regression were applied. US adults older than 46 years old were included. Depression was measured by Composite International Diagnostic Interview Short Form (CIDI-SF). Delay of care were measured by four items: delay of surgery, delay of seeing a doctor, delay of dental care, and delay of other care. Univariate analyses, bivariate analyses, and binary logistic regression were conducted. RESULTS More than half of participants were older than 65 years old (58.23%) and 274 participants (8.75%) had depression during the pandemic. Delay of dental care was positively associated with depression among both middle-aged adults (OR=2.05, 95%CI=1.04-4.03, P<0.05) and older adults (OR=3.08, 95%CI=1.07-8.87, P<0.05). Delay of surgery was positively associated with depression among older adults (OR=3.69, 95%CI=1.06-12.90, P<0.05). Self-reported pain was positively related to depression among both age groups. Middle-aged adults who reported higher education level (some college of above) or worse self-reported health had higher likelihood to have depression. While perceived more loneliness was positively associated with depression among older adults, financial difficulty was positively associated with depression among middle-aged adults. CONCLUSIONS This study found that depression among middle-aged and older adults during the pandemic was also prevalent. The study highlighted the collateral damage of the COVID-19 pandemic by identifying the effect of delay of surgery and dental care on depression during the pandemic. Although surgery and dental care cannot be delivered by telehealth, telehealth services can still be provided to address patients’ concern on delay of surgery and dental care. Moreover, the implementation of tele-mental health services is also needed to address mental health symptoms among US middle-aged and older adults during the pandemic. Future research that uses more comprehensive CLINICALTRIAL N/A

scholarly journals The association between childhood neighborhood relationship and mental health in middle and later life: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Sun ◽  
Hongye Luo ◽  
Chaofan Li ◽  
Qianqiang Wang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Logit Regression ◽  
Neighborhood Relationship ◽  
Research Gap

Abstract Background It is unclear that whether childhood neighborhood relationship is associated with mental health among middle-aged and older adults. To overcome this research gap, this study aimed to investigate the association between childhood neighborhood relationship and mental health among the middle-aged and older adults in China. Methods The data of this study was sourced from the 2014 and 2015 waves of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. We used ordinary least squares and logit regression models to explore the association between childhood neighborhood relationship and mental health among the middle-aged and older adults in China. Results The regression results indicate that the middle-aged and older adults who lived in place where neighbors had close-knit relationships at childhood was significantly associated with decreased odds of suffering from depressive symptoms (OR = 0.4259, p < 0.001). Furthermore, compared to the middle-aged and older adults who lived in place where neighbors were not close-knit at childhood, those who lived in place where neighbors were close-knit at childhood had a reduced CES–D score (coefficient = − 2.7822, p < 0.001). Conclusion This study demonstrates the importance of living in place where neighbors had close-knit relationships at childhood. The integrated interventions, including maintaining close-knit neighborhood relationships and strengthening the construction of community, may be useful to improve mental health.

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