The Role of Sensory Processing in the Everyday Lives of Older Adults

2003 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 99-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia S. Pohl ◽  
Winnie Dunn ◽  
Catana Brown
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Sensory Processing ◽  
Sensory Input ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Sensory Profile ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Age In Place ◽  
Sensory Experiences ◽  
Age Related

This study investigated whether there are age-related differences in sensory processing within daily life. Participants included 404 community-dwelling adults divided into three age groups: 19 to 34 years old (127 individuals), 35 to 64 years old (126 individuals), and 65 years and older (151 individuals). Each participant completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile. There was a difference in sensory processing between the three groups (p = .000), with the older adults noticing sensory input less than the young and middle aged adults (p = .002 for both groups). Both middle aged and older adults engaged in less sensory seeking behaviors than did young adults (p = .012 and p = .000, respectively). In an additional analysis, the older group was subdivided into four age groups (65 to 69 years, 70 to 74 years, 75 to 79 years, and 80 years and older). There was an age-related difference between the four groups (p = .000). Those 75 to 79 years old and those 80 years and older noticed sensory input less than did those younger than 70 years (p = .002 and p = .001, respectively). Those 80 years and older were also less apt to seek sensory experiences than were those younger than 70 years (p = .011). The authors propose hypotheses about the meaning of these findings and provide recommendations for the application of this knowledge to support older adults to age in place successfully.

scholarly journals Age Moderates Perceived COVID-19 Disruption on Well-Being

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Knepple Carney ◽  
Allyson S Graf ◽  
Grace Hudson ◽  
Ellen Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Design And Methods

Abstract Background and Objectives It is not fully understood how large-scale events affect well-being. Older adults showed the highest levels of resilience following the September 11th (9/11) terrorist attacks, but during the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak, there were no age-related differences in well-being. The current study examined the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) disruption on well-being throughout adulthood. Research Design and Methods Perceived stress and affect were examined in 166 community-dwelling adults (Mage = 35.65; SD = 15.53; range = 18–79) in relation to the perceived disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic to their lives. Results A significant moderation was found for age and COVID-19 disruption on perceived stress [F(5, 153) = 8.88, p < .05, R2 = .22] and negative affect [F(5, 154) = 4.91, p < .05, R2 = .14], but not for positive affect. For participants over 50, those who rated COVID-19 as a low or high disruption had similar scores on stress and negative affect, but with younger aged participants, perceiving high disruption corresponded with higher levels of stress and negative affect. Discussion and Implications Findings are consistent with the strength and vulnerability integration (SAVI) model, wherein older adults try to maintain positive emotional well-being, with middle-aged and older adults in the current study having experienced less negative impact on well-being. Middle-aged and older adults may be better able to regulate negative emotions from COVID-19 than younger adults. SAVI proposes a greater negative impact on older adults when they experience sustained stressors; as the challenges with COVID-19 continue, further data will need to be examined.

scholarly journals Event Centrality of Positive and Negative Autobiographical Memories in Older Adulthood

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 712-712
Author(s):  
Justina Pociunaite ◽  
Tabea Wolf
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Openness To Experience ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Middle Aged Adults ◽  
Positive Memories

Abstract Centrality of an event (CE) is a characteristic denoting how important a life experience is to one’s identity. Usually, positive memories are more central than negative ones in the community samples. Nevertheless, there is emerging evidence showing substantial individual differences in how one perceives CE. Especially regarding age, one could expect pronounced differences due to age-related changes in personal goals. In this study, we investigated how older adults differ from young and middle-aged adults. Apart from age, we tested whether personality traits such as neuroticism and openness to experience influence the CE ratings among age groups. The sample comprised of 363 German participants, age ranging from 18 to 89 (M=49.57, SD=17.087), 67.2 % of the sample were women. Using multilevel analysis, we found the CE of positive memories to be higher in all age groups. The CE of positive events significantly differed for older adults compared to younger adults but not to the middle-aged group. With respect to personality, neuroticism had an impact only on the CE of negative memories in younger and middle-aged adults. For older adults, neither neuroticism, nor openness to experience had an impact on CE ratings. This shows that while older adults significantly differ from younger adults in the CE of positive memories, other individual differences characteristics do not have an impact on the way older adults perceive memories as central to their identity.

scholarly journals Measuring (Non)Essentialist Beliefs About the Process of Aging

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Weiss ◽  
Manfred Diehl
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Age Related

Abstract Objectives We validated an aging mindset measure that captures beliefs about the process of aging. Specifically, we introduce a brief 4-item and an extended 10-item measure assessing (non)essentialist beliefs about aging. Methods We report findings from one longitudinal and one cross-cultural study, including young, middle-aged, and older adults between 18 and 88 years. The studies established (retest) reliability and measurement invariance as well as convergent and discriminant validity of the measures. Results First, in a longitudinal study (N = 124, 50–84 years) including 4 measurement occasions, we showed that the 4-item scale assessing (non)essentialist beliefs about aging has good retest reliability and convergent as well as discriminant validity (e.g., awareness of age-related change). Second, in a large cross-cultural sample (N = 1,080, 18–82 years) of participants in the United States and Germany, we established an extended 10-item measure of (non)essentialist beliefs about aging, providing support for a 2-factor structure as well as measurement invariance across samples within and across countries (the United States and Germany), age groups (young, middle-aged, and older adults), as well as across men and women. Discussion Our results highlight the importance of distinguishing between fixed versus malleable aging beliefs in research on aging and life-span development.

Wisdom: A culturally inclusive developmental perspective

2002 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 269-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masami Takahashi ◽  
Willis F. Overton
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Developmental Perspective ◽  
Abstract Reasoning ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Knowledge Database ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Age Related

This study examines cross-cultural age-related patterns of two modes of wisdom: the analytical (i.e., Knowledge Database, Abstract Reasoning), and the synthetic (i.e., Reflective Understanding, Emotional Empathy, and Emotional Regulation). A total of 68 American and 68 Japanese community-dwelling adults with an equal number of middle-aged (mean age = 45.3 years) and older adults (mean age = 70.1 years) in each group participated in the study. The results demonstrate that across cultures older adults function at a higher level than their middle-aged counterparts on these modes. Specific effects of culture, within each dimension, were also found. The general findings are discussed in terms of their contribution to a culturally inclusive developmental perspective on wisdom.

scholarly journals Attitudes about Dementia in Different Stages of Adulthood

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 604-604
Author(s):  
Melissa O'Connor ◽  
Megan Pedersen ◽  
Susan McFadden
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Factual Knowledge ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Middle Adulthood ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Middle Aged Adults

Abstract Research on attitudes toward dementia has often focused on younger and older adults; few studies have also included the age groups of established and middle adulthood. The current study utilized data from community-dwelling adults aged 18-95 (n=567) residing in two Midwestern states. Participants were divided into four age groups: emerging/young adulthood (ages 18-29), established adulthood (ages 30-45), middle adulthood (ages 46-64), and older adulthood (age 65+). ANOVA models were used to examine age group differences on the following outcomes: factual knowledge about dementia (total score on 14 true-false questions); attitudes toward dementia (total score on the 20-item Dementia Attitudes Scale); and a single item, “I am afraid of losing my memory” (rated on a 5-point scale). The effect of age group was significant in all models (p<0.01 for all). Emerging/young adults had significantly more knowledge about dementia, but less positive attitudes toward dementia, relative to established, middle-aged, and older adults. Attitudes and knowledge did not differ between established, middle-aged, and older adults. By contrast, older adults reported significantly more fear of memory loss than emerging/young, established, and middle-aged adults; fear did not differ between the latter three age groups. There were no significant interactions between age group and sex in any of the models. Implications of these findings are discussed.

scholarly journals Age differences in associations of different indicators of socioeconomic status with social isolation: A cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lixia Ge ◽  
Bee Hoon Heng ◽  
Woan Shin Tan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Employment Status ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Housing Type ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Socioeconomic status is a crucial determinant of social isolation. However, little is known whether the associations between different indicators of socioeconomic status and social isolation vary across age groups. This study examined the association of individual socioeconomic status indicators with social isolation in three age groups: young (21-44 years), middle-aged (45-64 years), and older adults (≥65 years). Methods Cross-sectional data for 1,930 representative community-dwelling adults aged 21 and above in the Central region of Singapore was used. The 6-item Lubben Social Network Scale was used to assess social isolation. Socioeconomic status was measured using education level, employment status, personal income, housing type and self-perceived money sufficiency). Separate logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between each SES indicator and social isolation in each age group. Results Each socioeconomic indicator showed a clear gradient with social isolation and significant age disparities were found in their relationship. Socioeconomic status indicators significantly associated with social isolation were income (R2 change=2.5%) and self-perceived money insufficiency (R2 change=1.5%) in young adults, education (R2 change=0.5%), employment status (R2 change=1.3%), income (R2 change=0.8%), housing type (R2 change=1.9%) and self-perceived money insufficiency (R2 change=2.0%) in middle-aged adults, and housing type (R2 change=1.3%) and self-perceived money insufficiency (R2 change=3.7%) in older adults when adjusting for demographics and other indicators. Conclusions The influence of individual socioeconomic status indicators on social isolation varied across age groups. This study provides a rationale for the choice of socioeconomic status indicator and specific interventions need to target different socioeconomic status groups for different age groups.

Sexual satisfaction of middle-aged and older adults: longitudinal findings from a nationally representative sample

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elżbieta Buczak-Stec ◽  
Hans-Helmut König ◽  
André Hajek
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Sexual Satisfaction ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Random Coefficient Models ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
German Ageing Survey

Abstract Background whilst previous studies have investigated the determinants of sexual satisfaction (i) using longitudinal data or (ii) among older adults, only a few studies have done both at the sametime. Objective the purpose of this study was to investigate the determinants of sexual satisfaction longitudinally among middle-aged and older adults. Design nationally representative longitudinal study (German Ageing Survey—DEAS). Setting community-dwelling individuals in Germany. Data drawn from three waves (2002, 2008, 2011). Subjects individuals aged 40–95 (36.9% age group 65+). At wave 2 in the year 2002, n = 3,843 individuals took part. Methods well-established and widely used scales were used to quantify the independent variables. We included variables such as sociodemographic factors, self-rated health, physical functioning, depression and loneliness in our analysis. Sexual satisfaction was our outcome measure. Results were stratified by age (40–64, 65+). To take into account the multilevel data structure, we used random coefficient models. Results random-effects regressions showed that increased sexual satisfaction was consistently associated with the following variables in both age groups: lower number of physical illnesses, β = −0.03, P < 0.001 (betas coefficients given for individuals 65 years and over); better self-rated health, β = −0.06, P < 0.001; absence of depression, β = −0.16, P < 0.01; and higher importance of sexuality and intimacy, β = 0.08, P < 0.001. Moreover, sexual satisfaction was associated with having a partner: β = 0.16, P < 0.001; living with a partner in the same household, β = 0.26, P < 0.001; and a lower score of loneliness, β = −.28, P < 0.001. In contrast, sexual satisfaction was, for example, not associated with cognitive functioning. Conclusions the most surprising findings were that among both middle-aged and older adults, almost the same determinants (with exception of sociodemographic factors) were associated with satisfaction with sexlife.

scholarly journals Age-Related Differences in Home Experiences and Worries During COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Hunsaker ◽  
Eszter Hargittai
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Personal Space ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Supportive Services ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Single Person ◽  
At Home

The Coronavirus pandemic differentially impacted older adults in comparison to other age groups, creating extended time at home and even limiting interaction with others. In order to understand how individuals are coping with extensive time at home, we used a representative sample of community-dwelling adults to examine how home experiences and personal worries during the COVID-19 pandemic may differ across age groups, including among older adults. Overall, we find fewer older adults experienced home-based stressors (e.g. household conflict, lack of personal space) and fewer worries (e.g. related to finances or boredom) that may arise during a disease outbreak with lockdown measures. Those ages 70+ who were living alone also faced fewer negative home experiences and worries than individuals 60-69 years old living in single-person households. Supportive services to manage such home stressors and worries might benefit all age groups.

scholarly journals Age-Related Changes in Cognitive and Sensory Processing: Focus on Middle-Aged Adults

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larry E. Humes
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Processing ◽  
Sensory Processing ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Cognitive Measures ◽  
Adult Intelligence Scale ◽  
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Wechsler Adult Intelligence ◽  
Middle Aged Adults

Purpose The purpose of this article was to examine the effects of age on (a) various psychophysical measures of threshold sensitivity and temporal processing in hearing, vision, and touch and (b) measures of cognitive processing as assessed by the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Third Edition (Wechsler, 1997). Method Age group differences and correlations with age were examined, as were associations among age, sensory processing, and cognition. Results The group analyses showed significant differences on most sensory and cognitive measures such that middle-aged adults performed significantly worse than young adults and significantly better than older adults. Correlations of performance with age were also significant when analyses were restricted to just the young and middle-aged adults. Last, sensory processing, but not age, was significantly correlated with cognitive processing when analyses were restricted to just the young and middle-aged adults. Conclusion Middle-aged adults experienced declines in both sensory and cognitive processing. The declines in both the cognitive and sensory domains were such that, for most measures in each domain, the performance of middle-aged adults fell somewhere between that of young and older adults.

scholarly journals Effect of Age on the Touchscreen Manipulation Ability of Community-Dwelling Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 2094
Author(s):  
Michal Elboim-Gabyzon ◽  
Patrice L. Weiss ◽  
Alexandra Danial-Saad
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Usability Assessment ◽  
System Usability Scale ◽  
Middle Aged Adults

Assessment of touchscreen manipulation skills is essential for determining the abilities of older individuals and the extent to which they may benefit from this technology as a means to enhance participation, self-esteem, and quality of life. The aim of this study was to compare the touchscreen manipulation ability between community-dwelling older adults and middle-aged adults using a newly developed Touchscreen Assessment Tool (TATOO) and to determine the usability of this instrument. Convenience samples of two age groups were considered, one including 28 independent community-living older adults aged 81.9 ± 4.2 years with intact or corrected vision and with the abilities to walk independently with or without a walking aid and to understand and follow simple commands, and the other including 25 healthy middle-age adults aged 53.4 ± 5.9 years. The usability assessment was conducted during a single session using the System Usability Scale (SUS). Older adults demonstrated poorer touchscreen skills compared to middle-aged adults. Previous experience in manipulating a smartphone by the older adults did not affect their performance. The SUS results indicated good usability of the TATOO by both age groups. The TATOO shows promise as a user-friendly tool for assessing the specific skills needed to operate touchscreens. The outcomes of this study support the suitability of touchscreen devices and applications as well as the need for adapted accessibility for older adults. Researchers and clinicians will benefit from the availability of a rapid, low-cost, and objective tool to assess the skills required for touchscreen use.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document