The impact of social network change and health decline: a qualitative study on experiences of older adults who are ageing in place

Abstract Background Older adults prefer to age in place. Social network change and health decline challenge ageing in place, as stressors that make age-related advantages disappear. The aim of this study was to explore social network change and health decline and its impact on older adults who are ageing in place. Method In-depth interviews (n = 16) were conducted with older adults who were ageing in place and who were experiencing health decline and social network change. Procedures for grounded theory building were followed to analyse the interviews with respondents who were discharged from the hospital less than 4 months ago (n = 7). Narrative analysis was conducted to reach a deeper understanding of the expected complexity of experiences of this targeted sample. Results Results encompass a typology with four types of impact: A. Sneak preview of old age, B. Disruptive transition into old age, C. Drastically ageing, and D. Steadily ageing. Additionally, indications were found that older adults should be able to move along the four types of impact and ideally could end up in quartile D, experiencing little or no impact at all (anymore). Conclusion The results present an optimistic view on the possibilities of older adults to continue ageing in place despite experiencing unavoidable and uncontrollable stressors in life. Also, the results provide leads for practice, to develop an action perspective for home care nurses and gerontological social workers to determine and reduce the impact of social network change and health decline on older adults who are ageing in place. Suggestions for further research would be to unravel how to detect temporal setbacks in successful ageing in place.

Download Full-text

Exploring the impact of social network change: Experiences of older adults ageing in place

Health & Social Care in the Community ◽

10.1111/hsc.12846 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 28 (1) ◽

pp. 116-126 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Willeke H. Vos ◽

Leonieke C. Boekel ◽

Meriam M. Janssen ◽

Roger T. A. J. Leenders ◽

Katrien G. Luijkx

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Network ◽

Ageing In Place ◽

Network Change ◽

The Impact

Download Full-text

EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL NETWORK CHANGE: EXPERIENCES OF OLDER ADULTS AGING IN PLACE

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igy023.1803 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2 (suppl_1) ◽

pp. 483-483

Author(s):

W Vos ◽

L van Boekel ◽

R Leenders ◽

K Luijkx

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Network ◽

Aging In Place ◽

Network Change ◽

The Impact

Download Full-text

Dual Effects of Hearing Loss and Dementia on Functional Limitations in Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.690 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 214-214

Author(s):

Michael McKee ◽

Yunshu Zhou ◽

Joshua Ehrlich ◽

Elham Mahmoudi ◽

Jennifer Deal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Hearing Loss ◽

Self Care ◽

Household Activity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Age Related ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Lower Mobility ◽

Independent Effects ◽

The Impact

Abstract Age-related hearing loss (HL) is both common and associated with elevated risk for cognitive decline and poorer health. To care for an aging population, it is critical to understand the effect of coexisting HL and dementia on functional activities. The effect of co-existing dementia and self-reported HL on daily functioning were assessed. A cross-sectional analysis was performed using nationally-representative data from the 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study consisting of U.S. adults 65+. The sample included 1,829 adults with HL (22.8%) and 5,338 adults without HL. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to model the independent effects and interaction of self-reported HL and dementia status on three validated functional activity scales (self-care, mobility, and household). All analyses adjusted for sociodemographic and medical factors. HL participants were more likely to be white, older, male, less educated (p <0.01). 8.4% had possible dementia and 6.5% had probable dementia. Respondents with HL or possible or probable dementia had significantly lower mobility, self-care, and household activity scores (p<.001 for all comparisons) compared to their peers. A small yet significant interaction was present in all models, suggesting that HL respondents with co-occurring dementia had lower mobility, self-care, and household activity scores than predicted by the independent effects of dementia and self-reported HL (p<.001 for all comparisons). Older adults with co-occurring dementia and HL are at increased risk for poor functioning and should be screened by healthcare providers. Future work should consider the impact of intervention in this vulnerable/at-risk population.

Download Full-text

The Impact of Behavioral Intervention on Obesity Mediated Declines in Mobility Function: Implications for Longevity

Journal of Aging Research ◽

10.4061/2011/392510 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2011 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Joe Nocera ◽

Thomas W. Buford ◽

Todd M. Manini ◽

Kelly Naugle ◽

Christiaan Leeuwenburgh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Aging Process ◽

Strong Predictor ◽

Functional Limitations ◽

Mobility Performance ◽

Mobility Function ◽

Age Related ◽

Close Relationship ◽

Primary Focus ◽

The Impact

A primary focus of longevity research is to identify prognostic risk factors that can be mediated by early treatment efforts. To date, much of this work has focused on understanding the biological processes that may contribute to aging process and age-related disease conditions. Although such processes are undoubtedly important, no current biological intervention aimed at increasing health and lifespan exists. Interestingly, a close relationship between mobility performance and the aging process has been documented in older adults. For example, recent studies have identified functional status, as assessed by walking speed, as a strong predictor of major health outcomes, including mortality, in older adults. This paper aims to describe the relationship between the comorbidities related to decreased health and lifespan and mobility function in obese, older adults. Concurrently, lifestyle interventions, including diet and exercise, are described as a means to improve mobility function and thereby limit the functional limitations associated with increased mortality.

Download Full-text

Age-Related Differences in Actual-Ideal Personality Trait Level Discrepancies

10.31234/osf.io/642kf ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Marie Hennecke ◽

Paul Schumann ◽

jule specht

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Big Five ◽

Personality Trait ◽

Age Effects ◽

Big Five Personality ◽

Age Related ◽

Trait Level ◽

Patterns Of Behavior ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

The Impact

People differ from each other in their typical patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion and these patterns are considered to constitute their personalities (Funder, 2001). For various reasons, for example because certain trait levels may help to attain certain goals or fulfill certain social roles, people may experience that their actual trait levels are different from their ideal trait levels. In this study, we investigated (1) the impact of age on discrepancies between actual and ideal Big Five personality trait levels and (2) the impact of these discrepancies on personality trait changes across a period of two years. We use data of a large, nationally representative, and age-diverse sample (N = 4,057, 17-94 years, M = 53 years). Results largely confirmed previously reported age effects on actual personality trait levels but were sometimes more complex. Ideal trait levels exceeded actual trait levels more strongly for younger compared to older adults. Unexpectedly, neither ideal trait levels nor their interaction with beliefs about the extent to which personality is malleable vs. fixed predicted trait change over two years (controlling for actual trait levels). We conclude that ideal-actual trait level discrepancies may provide an impetus for change but that they appear to neither alone nor in combination with the belief that personality trait change is possible suffice to produce such change. We discuss commitment, self-efficacy, and strategy knowledge as potential additional predictors of trait change.

Download Full-text

Effects of Reallocating Time Spent in Different Physical Activity Intensities on Sarcopenia Risk in Older Adults: An Isotemporal Substitution Analysis

Biology ◽

10.3390/biology11010111 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 111

Author(s):

Jort Veen ◽

Diego Montiel-Rojas ◽

Fawzi Kadi ◽

Andreas Nilsson

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Protein Intake ◽

Handgrip Strength ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Self Report ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Age Related ◽

Muscle Health ◽

The Impact

The role of daily time spent sedentary and in different intensities of physical activity (PA) for the maintenance of muscle health currently remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the impact of reallocating time spent in different PA intensities on sarcopenia risk in older adults, while considering PA type (muscle strengthening activities, MSA) and protein intake. In a sample of 235 community-dwelling older adults (65–70 years), a sarcopenia risk score (SRS) was created based on muscle mass assessed by bioimpedance, together with handgrip strength and performance on the five times sit-to-stand (5-STS) test assessed by standardized procedures. Time spent in light-intensity PA (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and being sedentary was assessed by accelerometry, and PA type (MSA) by self-report. Linear regression models based on isotemporal substitution were employed. Reallocating sedentary time to at least LPA was significantly (p < 0.05) related to a lower SRS, which remained evident after adjustment by PA type (MSA) and protein intake. Similarly, reallocating time in LPA by MVPA was related to a significantly (p < 0.05) lower SRS. Our results emphasize the importance of displacing sedentary behaviours for more active pursuits, where PA of even light intensities may alleviate age-related deteriorations of muscle health in older adults.

Download Full-text

Can Undergraduate Students Help Change Older Adults’ Confidence for Making Nutrition-Related Decisions in a 45-Minute Nutrition Workshop?

Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research ◽

10.3148/cjdpr-2021-010 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-4

Author(s):

Rakhshan Kamran ◽

Giulia Coletta ◽

Janet M. Pritchard

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Social Cognitive ◽

Cognitive Theory ◽

Outcome Expectations ◽

Community Members ◽

Age Related ◽

Dietary Choices ◽

The Social ◽

The Impact

Purpose: The Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) suggests health behaviour can be modified by enhancing knowledge of health benefits and outcome expectations of changing behaviour, improving self-efficacy (confidence), and developing goals to overcome barriers to behaviour change. This study aimed to determine the impact of student-led nutrition workshops on participants’ confidence related to SCT constructs for making dietary choices that align with evidence-based nutrition recommendations. Methods: Level-4 Science students developed and delivered 9 workshops on nutrition recommendations for the prevention and management of age-related diseases. Participants attending the workshops completed pre- and post-surveys to assess SCT constructs. For each SCT construct, participants rated their confidence on a 10-point Likert scale. The number (%) of participants who rated their confidence as ≥8/10 on the pre- and post-surveys were compared using the χ2 test. Results: Sixty-three community members (60% female, mean ± SD age 71 ± 7 years) attended the workshops. The number of participants rating confidence as ≥8/10 for each SCT construct increased after the workshops (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Undergraduate students can positively influence community members’ confidence for making nutrition-related decisions. Involving students in interventions where SCT-structured workshops are used may help conserve health care resources and reach older adults who may not have access to dietitian services.

Download Full-text

How can technology support ageing in place in healthy older adults? A systematic review

Public Health Reviews ◽

10.1186/s40985-020-00143-4 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Aline Ollevier ◽

Gabriel Aguiar ◽

Marco Palomino ◽

Ingeborg Sylvia Simpelaere

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Older Adults ◽

Narrative Analysis ◽

Final Analysis ◽

Cochrane Collaboration ◽

Well Being ◽

Added Value ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Ageing In Place ◽

Healthy Older Adults

Abstract Background Ageing in place has recently gained visibility in healthcare policies and services. Technology has the potential to facilitate independence at home. The objective of this systematic review is to identify technologies that have been rigorously evaluated for supporting the ageing in place of healthy older adults. As well we explored the methods in engagement with technology in healthy older adults. Methods Databases Pubmed, Scopus, PsycInfo and Cinahl were consulted for clinical controlled trials or randomised controlled trials between 2014 and 2019. Studies were included if they contained a technological intervention and focussed on supporting healthy older adults’ independent living. PRISMA guidelines and the risk of bias tool of the Cochrane Collaboration were applied. Results The search identified 3662 articles of which only 7 made the final analysis. Through narrative analysis, technologies were categorised into three groups: accessible communication, emergency assistance and physical and mental well-being. Patient-centredness was extensively addressed by exploring how the participants engaged in the development and evaluation of the technology and how they were trained and monitored. Conclusions Literature concerning technology to support ageing, based on controlled trials and research performed in authentic home situations, is scarce. Thus, there is a need to investigate the subject in depth. The use of a neurofeedback headband, an accessible computer system, a wristband with pedometer, a biofeedback device and an online video platform can bring added value to ageing in place for healthy older adults. A patient-centred approach for developing, implementing and evaluating technology benefits ageing in place.

Download Full-text

Semi-Autonomous Vehicles as a Cognitive Assistive Device for Older Adults

Geriatrics ◽

10.3390/geriatrics4040063 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 63

Author(s):

Frank Knoefel ◽

Bruce Wallace ◽

Rafik Goubran ◽

Iman Sabra ◽

Shawn Marshall

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Autonomous Vehicles ◽

Cognitive Change ◽

Health Needs ◽

Assistive Device ◽

Cognitive Changes ◽

Age Related ◽

Vehicle Automation ◽

The Impact ◽

Aging Drivers

Losing the capacity to drive due to age-related cognitive decline can have a detrimental impact on the daily life functioning of older adults living alone and in remote areas. Semi-autonomous vehicles (SAVs) could have the potential to preserve driving independence of this population with high health needs. This paper explores if SAVs could be used as a cognitive assistive device for older aging drivers with cognitive challenges. We illustrate the impact of age-related changes of cognitive functions on driving capacity. Furthermore, following an overview on the current state of SAVs, we propose a model for connecting cognitive health needs of older drivers to SAVs. The model demonstrates the connections between cognitive changes experienced by aging drivers, their impact on actual driving, car sensors’ features, and vehicle automation. Finally, we present challenges that should be considered when using the constantly changing smart vehicle technology, adapting it to aging drivers and vice versa. This paper sheds light on age-related cognitive characteristics that should be considered when developing future SAVs manufacturing policies which may potentially help decrease the impact of cognitive change on older adult drivers.

Download Full-text

A-03 The Brain–Body Connection in Aging Neurological Populations: Examining the Impact of Exercise and Sedentary Behavior on Brain Structure and Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults with Multiple Sclerosis

Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology ◽

10.1093/arclin/acaa067.03 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 35 (6) ◽

pp. 776-776

Author(s):

C Roman ◽

P Arnett

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Older Adults ◽

Graph Theory ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Moderate Activity ◽

Subcortical Structures ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Age Related ◽

The Impact

Abstract Objective Advancements in treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) have led to an increase in the number of older adults living with the disease. Exercise has been shown to be remarkably beneficial for “healthy aging,” while sedentary behavior has proved to have more deleterious effects. Despite evidence for the impact of these factors, their influence on older adults with MS is largely unknown. The current study utilizes volumetric measures and graph theory to investigate the relationship between physical activity/sedentary behavior, structural brain indices, and cognition in older adults with MS. Method Twenty-seven older adults (55+) with MS were scanned during a structural MRI protocol and cognitively evaluated using the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite and Symbol Digit Modalities Test. Graph theory metrics were calculated to examine white matter network properties. FreeSurfer was used to calculate volumes for subcortical structures. Exercise was quantified as the ‘days per week engaged in moderate activity,’ while sedentary behavior was measured as ‘hours per day sitting.’ Results Multiple regression interaction analyses were conducted. Results showed an exercise by age interaction, such that exercise protected against the negative effects of age on thalamic volume and assortivity. Hours sitting per day was shown to add to the negative effects of aging on structural networks even after controlling for exercise. Lastly, exercise was observed to be protective against age-related cognitive decline in this sample. Conclusions This is one of the first studies to examine exercise/sedentariness and brain indices in older adults with MS, pointing to possible brain altering and protective interventions for this group.

Download Full-text