Mechanisms of Black–White disparities in health among older adults: Examining discrimination and personality

2019 ◽  
pp. 135910531986018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliette McClendon ◽  
Ryan Bogdan ◽  
Joshua J Jackson ◽  
Thomas F Oltmanns
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Disparities ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Behavioral Sequelae ◽  
And Gender

We tested whether personality traits help explain the association between discrimination and racial health disparities in a sample of 1033 Black and White older adults. Participants completed measures of discrimination, personality, and self-reported physical and mental health. Elevated discrimination among Black participants was indirectly linked to worse physical and mental health outcomes through elevated neuroticism and lower agreeableness, controlling income, education, and gender. The specific facets of depression, impulsiveness, and trust were the most robust intervening personality factors. Interventions that target cognitive, emotional, and behavioral sequelae of discrimination may lessen its impact on health disparities.

scholarly journals Gender-specific typologies of older adults’ sedentary behaviors and their associations with health-related and socio-demographic factors: a latent profile analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofie Compernolle ◽  
Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij ◽  
Greet Cardon ◽  
Delfien Van Dyck
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Latent Profile Analysis ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Television Time ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Background. Some types of sedentary behaviors tend to cluster in individuals or groups of older adults. Insight into how these different types of sedentary behavior cluster is needed, as recent research suggests that not all types of sedentary behavior may have the same negative effects on physical and mental health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify gender-specific typologies of older adults’ sedentary behavior, and to examine their associations with health-related and socio-demographic factors. Methods. Cross-sectional data were collected as part of the BEPAS Seniors, and the Busschaert study among 696 Flemish older adults (60+). Typologies of self-reported sedentary behavior were identified using latent profile analysis, and associations with health-related and sociodemographic factors were examined using analyses of variances. Results. Five distinct typologies were identified from seven sedentary behaviors (television time, computer time, transport-related sitting time, sitting for reading, sitting for hobbies, sitting for socializing and sitting for meals) in men, and three typologies were identified from six sedentary behaviors (television time, transport-related sitting time, sitting for reading, sitting for hobbies, sitting for socializing and sitting for meals) in women. Typologies that are characterized by high television time seem to be related to more negative health outcomes, like a higher BMI, less grip strength, and a lower physical and mental health-related quality-of-life. Typologies that are represented by high computer time and motorized transport seem to be related to more positive health outcomes, such as a lower body mass index, more grip strength and a higher physical and mental health-related quality-of-life.Conclusions. Although causal direction between identified typologies and health outcomes remains uncertain, our results suggests that future interventions should better focus on specific types of sedentary behavior (e.g. television time), or patterns of sedentary behavior, rather than on total sedentary behavior.

scholarly journals Exacerbating Inequalities: Social Networks, Racial/Ethnic Disparities, and the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gertrude R Gauthier ◽  
Jeffrey A Smith ◽  
Catherine García ◽  
Marc A Garcia ◽  
Patricia A Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Ethnic Disparities ◽  
The United States ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Racial Ethnic

Abstract Objectives The disruption and contraction of older adults’ social networks are among the less discussed consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our objective was to provide an evidence-based commentary on racial/ethnic disparities in social network resources and draw attention to the ways in which disasters differentially affect social networks, with meaningful insight for the ongoing pandemic. Methods We draw upon prior research on social networks and past natural disasters to identify major areas of network inequality. Attention is given to how pre-pandemic racial/ethnic network disparities are exacerbated during the current crisis, with implications for physical and mental health outcomes. Results Evidence from the literature shows a robust association between strong social networks and physical and mental health outcomes. During times of crisis, access to social networks for older adults is disrupted, particularly for marginalized groups. We document pre-pandemic disparities in social networks resources and offer insight for examining the impact of COVID-19 on disrupting social networks among older adults. Discussion Importantly, racial/ethnic disparities in social networks both prior to and as a result of the pandemic intensify existing inequalities and demonstrate the necessity of better understanding social network inequalities for marginalized older adults, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 health crisis.

Association between personality traits and mental health outcomes in older adults with lifetime trauma exposure: a nationwide community sample

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (9) ◽  
pp. 1533-1543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jee Eun Park ◽  
Hye Won Suk ◽  
Su Jeong Seong ◽  
Ji Hoon Sohn ◽  
Bong-Jin Hahm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Traumatic Events ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Lifetime Trauma ◽  
Mental Well Being

ABSTRACTBackground:This study evaluated the impacts of earlier traumatic events on the mental health of older adults, in terms of mental disorders and mental well-being, according to sociodemographic variables, trauma-related characteristics, and personality traits in a nationally representative sample of older Koreans.Methods:A total of 1,621 subjects aged 60 to 74 years from a Korean national epidemiological survey of mental disorders responded face-to-face interviews. The Korean Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to investigate lifetime trauma exposure (LTE) and psychiatric diagnoses. The EuroQol health classification system and life satisfaction scale were used to assess quality of life (QoL), and the Big Five Inventory-10 (BFI-10) to measure personality traits.Results:Five-hundred and seventy-seven subjects (35.6%) reported a history of LTE (mean age at trauma, 30.8 years old). Current mental disorders were more prevalent in elderly people with LTE, while better current QoL was more frequent in those without LTE. Among older people with LTE, lower extraversion and higher neuroticism increased the risk of current mood or anxiety disorders, whereas higher extraversion increased the probability of experiencing mental well-being after adjusting for sociodemographic and trauma-related variables.Conclusion:Personality traits, especially extraversion, and neuroticism, may be useful for predicting the mental health outcomes of LTE in older adults. Further longitudinal studies investigating the relationship between traumatic events and mental health outcomes are needed.

scholarly journals Older men's perceptions of the need for and access to male-focused community programmes such as Men's Sheds

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 794-816 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARY ANNE NURMI ◽  
COREY S. MACKENZIE ◽  
KERSTIN ROGER ◽  
KRISTIN REYNOLDS ◽  
JAMES URQUHART
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Retirement Age ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Community Programmes ◽  
Continued Learning ◽  
Community Programme

ABSTRACTAlthough participating in community social programming is associated with positive physical and mental health outcomes for older adults, older men participate less often than women. Men's Sheds is a community programme used primarily by older men that originated in Australia and is well established there. The goal of the current study was to explore men's perceptions of the need for Men's Sheds and issues concerning access to them in Canada, a country with a small but growing Men's Sheds movement. We conducted focus groups with 64 men aged 55 years and older, including Men's Sheds members and men from the community who were unfamiliar with this programme, and analysed the data using the framework analytic approach. The data revealed two primary themes concerning: (a) the need for male-focused community programmes, including the sub-themes reducing isolation, forming friendships and engaging in continued learning; and (b) access to programmes, including the sub-themes points of contact, sustaining attendance and barriers. Findings suggest that in order to reduce the likelihood of isolation and increase opportunities for social engagement, exposure to the concept of male-focused programming should begin before retirement age. In addition, such programmes should be mindful of how they are branded and marketed in order to create spaces that are welcoming to new and diverse members.

scholarly journals Sex-specific typologies of older adults’ sedentary behaviors and their associations with health-related and socio-demographic factors: a latent profile analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofie Compernolle ◽  
Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij ◽  
Greet Cardon ◽  
Delfien Van Dyck
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Latent Profile Analysis ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Television Time ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Background Some types of sedentary behaviors tend to cluster in individuals or groups of older adults. Insight into how these different types of sedentary behavior cluster is needed, as recent research suggests that not all types of sedentary behavior may have the same negative effects on physical and mental health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify sex-specific typologies of older adults’ sedentary behavior, and to examine their associations with health-related and socio-demographic factors. Methods Cross-sectional data were collected as part of the BEPAS Seniors, and the Busschaert study among 696 Flemish older adults (60+). Typologies of self-reported sedentary behavior were identified using latent profile analysis, and associations with health-related and sociodemographic factors were examined using analyses of variances. Results Five distinct typologies were identified from seven sedentary behaviors (television time, computer time, transport-related sitting time, sitting for reading, sitting for hobbies, sitting for socializing and sitting for meals) in men, and three typologies were identified from six sedentary behaviors (television time, transport-related sitting time, sitting for reading, sitting for hobbies, sitting for socializing and sitting for meals) in women. Typologies that are characterized by high television time seem to be related to more negative health outcomes, like a higher BMI, less grip strength, and a lower physical and mental health-related quality-of-life. Typologies that are represented by high computer time and motorized transport seem to be related to more positive health outcomes, such as a lower body mass index, more grip strength and a higher physical and mental health-related quality-of-life. Conclusions Although causal direction between identified typologies and health outcomes remains uncertain, our results suggests that future interventions should better focus on specific types of sedentary behavior (e.g. television time), or patterns of sedentary behavior, rather than on total sedentary behavior.

The Association of Hearing Impairment and Its Severity with Physical and Mental Health among Chinese Middle-aged and Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Ye ◽  
Dawei Zhu ◽  
Siyuan Chen ◽  
Ping He
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Hearing Impaired ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Middle Aged

Abstract Background: Hearing loss is a common chronic condition which can be closely related with people’s health. However, current studies on this topic are quite limited in developing countries, and few with standardized audiometric measurement and multiple health outcomes. Therefore, we aimed to explore the association between hearing impairment and its severity with physical and mental health among Chinese middle-aged and older adults. Methods: We obtained data from two sources: (1) China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2011, 2013, and 2015, in which hearing impairment was measured by asking whether participants aged 45 years old had hearing problems; and (2) Hearing Survey 2019, the baseline survey of a randomized controlled trial conducted in Shandong Province of China, including 376 middle-aged and older participants. The severity of hearing impairment was identified by pure tone average of hearing thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz. Results: In CHARLS, 1248 (8.36%) participants suffered from hearing impairment at baseline, and hearing-impaired individuals were more likely to have chronic diseases, impaired activities of daily living (ADLs), impaired instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and depressive symptoms. For the 376 hearing-impaired participants in Hearing Survey 2019, 30.32%, 38.30% and 31.38% of them had moderate, severe and profound hearing impairment, respectively. As the severity of hearing impairment increased, individuals were likely to have impaired ADLs, impaired IADLs and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Hearing impairment and its severity were closely related to multiple physical and mental health outcomes among Chinese middle-aged and older adults. Actions should be taken to prevent and treat hearing impairment, so as to improve people’s health and well-being.

scholarly journals DETERMINANTS OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG LGBT OLDER ADULT CAREGIVERS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S345-S345
Author(s):  
Charles Emlet ◽  
Charles Emelt ◽  
Hyunzee Jung ◽  
Hyun-Jun Kim ◽  
David La Fazia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Risk And Protective Factors ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Older Adult Caregivers ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Caregivers experience chronic stress that can negatively affect their health, resulting in lower quality of life. This study aims to understand the physical and mental health of caregivers by examining modifiable risk and protective factors. Life experiences of LGBT older adults are considered. In the longitudinal study, Aging with Pride: National Health Aging, Sexuality and Gender Study, approximately one third (31%, n=754) of LGBT older adults (50+ years) provide care: 38% to partner/spouse, 29% friends, 20% other relatives, and 8% ex-partner/ex-spouse. Linear regression models examined the effects of risk and protective factors at T0 on health outcomes at T2. Mastery, physical activity, and nutrition predicted better physical functioning, lower mental distress, and higher health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Social participation and support, community engagement, and lower identity stigma predicted better mental health. Microaggression predicted lower physical HRQOL. Interventions enhancing protective factors may promote physical and mental health of LGBT caregivers.

scholarly journals 209 - Sleep and Brain Health in Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 50-50
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Cognitive Outcomes ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Older Adulthood

Mounting evidence suggests that sleep plays an important role in the maintenance of health in later life.? Poor sleep may increase the risk for poor cognitive outcomes and psychopathology, as well as medical conditions common in older adulthood.? This Symposium will feature presentations discussing links of sleep/wake disturbances with physical and mental health outcomes. ?Presenters will integrate novel findings with results from prior research and translate them into practical suggestions to enhance clinical care.

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