Positive health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey among community-dwelling older individuals in the Netherlands

Abstract Background Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) reached the Netherlands in February 2020. To minimize the spread of the virus, the Dutch government announced an “intelligent lockdown”. Older individuals were urged to socially isolate completely, because they are at risk of a severe disease course. Although isolation reduces the medical impact of the virus, the non-medical impact should also be considered. Aim To investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictive measures on the six dimensions of Positive Health in community-dwelling older individuals living in the Netherlands, and to identify differences within subgroups. Methods In May/June 2020, community-dwelling older individuals aged ≥ 65 years completed an online survey based on Huber’s model of Positive Health. Positive Health was measured regarding the appreciation of the six dimensions (categorized as poor/satisfactory/excellent) and a comparison with a year before (categorized as decreased/unchanged/increased) using frequencies (%) and a chi-square test. Results 834 older individuals participated (51% women, 38% aged ≥ 76 years, 35% living alone, 16% self-rated poor health). Most respondents assessed their bodily functions, mental well-being and daily functioning as satisfactory, their meaningfulness and quality of life (QoL) as excellent, and their social participation as poor. 12% of the respondents reported a deterioration of 4–6 dimensions and 73% in 1–3 dimensions, compared to the past year. Deterioration was most frequently experienced in the dimension social participation (73%), the dimension mental well-being was most frequently improved (37%) and quality of life was in 71% rated as unchanged. Women more often observed a deterioration of 4–6 dimensions than men (15% vs. 8%, p = 0.001), and individuals with self-rated poor health more often than individuals with self-rated good health (22% vs. 10%, p < 0.001). Older individuals living alone experienced more frequently a decrease in meaningfulness compared to older individuals living together. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictive measures had a substantial impact on all six dimensions of Positive Health in community-dwelling older individuals, especially in women, respondents living alone and respondents with self-rated poor general health.

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Yoga research and therapy in India

Revista Brasileira de Medicina de Família e Comunidade ◽

10.5712/rbmfc7(1)508 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

pp. 8

Author(s):

Shirley Telles

Keyword(s):

Well Being ◽

Healthy Children ◽

Positive Health ◽

Obese Adults ◽

Physical Effects ◽

Healthy Obese ◽

Mental Well Being ◽

Reducing Stress ◽

All Diseases

Yoga was originally intended for spiritual growth. However, nowadays there is an increasing trend to use yoga as an add-on-therapy. In India it is believed that all diseases arise as a result of conflict between our instinct and our intellect1. This is also important in using yoga to promote positive health and prevent disease. A number of examples are cited here. Healthy children were given yoga and physical therapy and their physical fitness, cognitive functiones and emotional well being were tested. Yoga improved their emotional well being. Yoga also helped children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (a degenerative disease) by improving their quality of life and mental status2. Again the benefits were ascribed to the mental as well as the physical effects of yoga. Of course yoga has marked benefits in healthy obese adults to prevent diseases by increasing mental well being, reducing stress and improving sleep3. Yoga also reduced anthropometric indices and brought about changes in leptin and adiponectin levels in otherwise healthy adults4a,b. This change too, was believed to be related to mental changes, along with the physical. Finally yoga can help in various disorders in which a person feels pain and distress5a,b. Many of the effects are believed to be due to changes in the functions at the level of the cortex and thalamus6, as well as the autonomic nervous system7. However the mechanisms underlying the effects of yoga need to be explored more thoroughly.

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Applying Salutogenesis in Residential Care Settings

The Handbook of Salutogenesis ◽

10.1007/978-3-030-79515-3_41 ◽

2022 ◽

pp. 447-457

Author(s):

Viktoria Quehenberger ◽

Karl Krajic

Keyword(s):

Well Being ◽

Aged Care ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Residential Aged Care ◽

Positive Health ◽

Aged Patients ◽

Term Care ◽

Social Challenges

AbstractThis chapter focuses on aged and highly aged patients who have long and rather comprehensive contacts with healthcare institutions of long-term care, either in residential aged care or in community-dwelling. Therefore, it is well accepted in the literature that a salutogenic orientation and health promotion measures could contribute to the quality of life, well-being, and health of this group. Furthermore, a good sense of coherence (SOC) can be considered as a positive resource for coping with the physical, mental, and social challenges and transitions related to aging.But the state of descriptive research on salutogenesis focusing not only on residents but also somewhat less so on community dwellers is still scarce and has mostly been conducted in few countries. Concerning intervention research only very few studies have specifically applied salutogenic principles to promote positive health among older people.In light of this scarce research situation, the authors make recommendations for further research in this relevant and growing area of health care.

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Perceived Overprotection and Its Association With Quality of Life in Dementia

GeroPsych ◽

10.1024/1662-9647/a000207 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 (3) ◽

pp. 125-134

Author(s):

Mechthild Niemann-Mirmehdi ◽

Andreas Häusler ◽

Paul Gellert ◽

Johanna Nordheim

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Patient Autonomy ◽

Positive Association ◽

Well Being ◽

Negative Association ◽

Significant Positive Association ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

People With Dementia ◽

Mental Well Being

Abstract. To date, few studies have focused on perceived overprotection from the perspective of people with dementia (PwD). In the present examination, the association of perceived overprotection in PwD is examined as an autonomy-restricting factor and thus negative for their mental well-being. Cross-sectional data from the prospective DYADEM study of 82 patient/partner dyads (mean age = 74.26) were used to investigate the association between overprotection, perceived stress, depression, and quality of life (QoL). The analyses show that an overprotective contact style with PwD has a significant positive association with stress and depression, and has a negative association with QoL. The results emphasize the importance of avoiding an overprotective care style and supporting patient autonomy.

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Compassion toward others and self-compassion predict mental and physical well-being: a 5-year longitudinal study of 1090 community-dwelling adults across the lifespan

Translational Psychiatry ◽

10.1038/s41398-021-01491-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ellen E. Lee ◽

Tushara Govind ◽

Marina Ramsey ◽

Tsung Chin Wu ◽

Rebecca Daly ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Longitudinal Study ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Rating Scales ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Adult Lifespan ◽

Mental Well Being ◽

Over Time

AbstractThere is growing interest in the role of compassion in promoting health and well-being, with cross-sectional data showing an inverse correlation with loneliness. This is the first longitudinal study examining both compassion toward others (CTO) and compassion toward self (CTS) as predictors of mental and physical health outcomes including loneliness, across adult lifespan. We followed 552 women and 538 men in San Diego County for up to 7.5 (mean 4.8 and SD 2.2) years, using validated rating scales for CTO, CTS, and loneliness. Linear mixed-effects models were employed to examine age- and sex-related trajectories of CTO and CTS over time. Linear regression models were used to evaluate baseline and longitudinal relationships of CTO and CTS with mental well-being, physical well-being, and loneliness. CTS and CTO were weakly intercorrelated. Women had higher baseline CTO than men. While CTO was stable over time and across the lifespan, CTS scores had an inverse U-shaped relationship with age, peaking around age 77. There were significant baseline × slope interactions of both CTO and CTS predicting improvements in physical well-being in adults <60 years old. Increases in CTO and CTS predicted improvements in mental well-being. Higher baseline CTO and CTS as well as increases in CTO and CTS scores predicted lower loneliness scores at follow-up. Thus, CTO and CTS were associated with better mental well-being and loneliness across the adult lifespan, and physical well-being in younger adults, and are promising targets for interventions to improve health outcomes.

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Older HIV+ and HIV− Adults Provide Similar Definitions of Successful Aging: A Mixed-Methods Examination

The Gerontologist ◽

10.1093/geront/gny157 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 60 (3) ◽

pp. 385-395 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Pariya L Fazeli ◽

Jessica L Montoya ◽

Chastity N McDavid ◽

David J Moore

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

General Health ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Well Being ◽

Neurocognitive Impairment ◽

Older Individuals ◽

Demographic Correlates ◽

Biological Health ◽

Design And Methods

Abstract Background and Objective As HIV-infected (HIV+) individuals age, there is a need to understand successful aging (SA) from the patient perspective. This study compared SA definitions between HIV+ and HIV-uninfected (HIV−) older adults and then examined correlates of SA categories. Research Design and Methods Ninety-three HIV+ and 46 HIV− older (aged 50+) adults provided brief definitions of SA, which was examined using content analysis. We then compared the frequency of SA categories by serostatus and examined the correlates of SA categories within both groups. Results Seven SA categories emerged: General Health, Cognitive Health & Ability, Physical/Biological Health & Ability, Social Relationships, Attitudes, Psychological, & Emotional Well-Being, Proactive & Engaged Lifestyle, and Independence. While no significant differences emerged, HIV− older adults were more likely to report General Health and the subcategory of Longevity/Survival, while HIV+ older adults were more likely to report subcategories of Enjoying Life & Fulfillment and Maintaining Balance. Few demographic correlates of SA categories emerged. Mood and HIV characteristics were not associated with SA categories. In both groups, those without neurocognitive impairment were significantly more likely to endorse General Health than those with neurocognitive impairment. Discussion and Implications HIV+ and HIV− older individuals may generally perceive SA similarly, and their definitions parallel with existing models of SA. Yet, living with a chronic illness may cause HIV+ older adults to place greater value on quality of life and life satisfaction than physical health and chronological age. Observational and intervention studies may use similar approaches in evaluating and maximizing SA.

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An Association of Quality of Life and Ageing Perceptions Among Community Dwelling Older Adults in Uganda

10.21203/rs.3.rs-828994/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Joy Louise -Onoria ◽

Raymond Odokonyero ◽

Bruno Giordani ◽

Dickens Akena ◽

Emmanuel Mwesiga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Persons ◽

Low Cost ◽

Well Being ◽

The Elderly ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Life Questionnaire ◽

Social Activities ◽

Positive Perception

Abstract Background: Uganda’s population, though, largely characterized by young people, has seen the number of people aged 60 and over grow from 686,000 twenty years ago, to 1,433,596 in 2014. Effective caring for the well-being of this population requires strategic and deliberate planning that involves quality of life (QoL) assessments. QoL assessments among the elderly are important in evaluating the efficacy of strategies, such as health interventions, welfare programs, health care, and well-being of the elderly. However, elderly in Uganda face several challenges, ranging from loneliness, poor housing, lack of social and financial support, and poor health. These may negatively affect older persons’ quality of life and consequently their perceptions and attitudes towards aging. Methods: The study was carried out in 2019 in the communities of Nansana and Busukuma town councils in Wakiso district, Uganda. The participants were 380 people 60 years and older. To establish the association between perceptions of ageing and QoL, this study utilized a locally adapted version of the Older Person’s Quality of Life Questionnaire (OPQOL) and the Brief Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire (B-APQ). The OPQOL assesses three domains of QoL: Health QoL (HQoL); Social economic QoL (SQoL); and Psychosocial QoL (PQoL). The B-APQ assesses perceptions about physical age, participation in social activities, and perceptions about ability to regulate emotions as one ages. Pearson’s Chi-square tests were used to characterize the relationship between the perceptions and quality of life.Results: The majority of the respondents, 61% (95%CI 56.7-64.8), had negative perceptions towards ageing. Eighty six percent had poor HQoL, 90% poor SQoL and 83% poor PQoL. There was a significant association between good HQoL and positive perception about participation in social activities (X2 = 7.3670, P = 0.007) as well as with positive perception on regulation of emotions (X2 = 18.1803, P<0.001). There was a significant association between good SQoL and positive perception about participation in social activities (X2 = 5.3472, P = 0.021), as well with positive perception on regulation of emotions (X2 = 10.5128, P<0.001). A significant association between good PQoL and positive perception on regulation of emotions (X2 = 9.2414, P= 0.002).Conclusion: Positive perceptions of ageing are associated with good QoL. Directly addressing perceptions of ageing could be a low cost and effective strategy to improve the QoL of older persons in SSA

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The effectiveness of short-term cognitive behavioral therapy in the complex treatment of idiopathic restless legs syndrome with chronic insomnia

Neurology Bulletin ◽

10.17816/nb65268 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol LIII (2) ◽

pp. 46-56

Author(s):

Aleksey I. Melekhin

Keyword(s):

Restless Legs Syndrome ◽

Behavioral Therapy ◽

Well Being ◽

Sleep Hygiene ◽

Cognitive Behavioral ◽

Chronic Insomnia ◽

Short Term ◽

Restless Legs ◽

Mental Well Being

Aim. To investigate the effectiveness of the short-term protocol of cognitive behavioral therapy RELEGS M. Hornyak et al. in complex treatment to improve the quality of sleep, reduce the symptoms of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts in patients with primary SBN comorbid with chronic insomnia. Methods. Study participants: 68 patients with primary restless legs syndrome with comorbid chronic insomnia. Women 56 (average age 52.110.3 years), men 12 (average age 50.39.4 years). The severity of restless legs syndrome is moderate to severe. The average age of the onset of the disease is 1848 years, the duration of the course of the disease is on average 1415 years. Taking various medications for the management of SBN for an average of 45 years. Study design: a randomized controlled trial, after screening 26 patients were assigned to the main group, underwent combined treatment, took a prolonged form of Pramipexole (Mirapex-PD, 1.5 mg.) and underwent the RELEGS CBT protocol (Restless Legs Skills program, Hornyak, Grossmann, 2018), which integrates the cognitive behavioral insomnia protocol (Morin, 2007) and Mindfulness-Based Stress therapy (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Bablas, 2016). The control group consisted of 24 people who received only general recommendations on sleep hygiene once. Both groups were treated with dopaminergic agonists under the supervision of a neurologist. Research methods: IRLS, ISI, DBAS-16, sleep diary analysis, actigraphy, BDI, SBQ-R, BAI. Results. The use of the CBT protocol in combination therapy with prolonged-acting dopaminergic agonists in patients with primary restless leg syndrome (mild and moderate severity) with comorbid chronic insomnia, in contrast to simple one-time general recommendations on sleep hygiene, is more effective for reducing dysfunctional behaviors, the spectrum of reinsurance and avoidance behavior both in relation to sleep and symptoms of restless legs. In patients with primary restless legs syndrome who underwent CBT, greater mental well-being was observed, which was expressed in a decrease in the severity of symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, and suicidal behavior after completion and persisted after 3 months of follow-up. Conclusion. As part of a personalized comprehensive approach, along with a drug-based approach and general recommendations for sleep hygiene, the use of short-term CBT (4 sessions, 60 minutes each) can significantly improve mental well-being, improve the quality of sleep of patients with restless legs syndrome with comorbid chronic insomnia.

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Community ageing research 75+ study (CARE75+): an experimental ageing and frailty research cohort

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026744 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. e026744 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Anne Heaven ◽

Lesley Brown ◽

John Young ◽

Elizabeth Teale ◽

Rebecca Hawkins ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Cohort Study ◽

Older People ◽

Science Studies ◽

Nursing Home Residents ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Ageing Research ◽

Study Results

IntroductionThe Community Ageing Research 75+ Study (CARE75+) is a longitudinal cohort study collecting an extensive range of health, social and economic data, with a focus on frailty, independence and quality of life in older age. CARE75+ is the first international experimental frailty research cohort designed using Trial within Cohorts (TwiCs) methodology, to align applied epidemiological research with clinical trial evaluation of interventions to improve the health and well-being of older people living with frailty.Methods and analysisProspective cohort study using a TwiCs design. One thousand community-dwelling older people (≥75 years) will be recruited from UK general practices. Nursing home residents, those with an estimated life expectancy of 3 months or less and people receiving palliative care will be excluded. Data collection assessments will be face to face in the person’s home at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months and 48 months, including assessments of frailty, cognition, mood, health-related quality of life, comorbidity, medications, resilience, loneliness, pain and self-efficacy. A modified protocol for follow-up by telephone or web based will be offered at 6 months. Consent will be sought for data linkage and invitations to additional studies, including intervention studies using the TwiCs design. A blood sample biobank will be established for future basic science studies.Ethics and disseminationCARE75+ was approved by the NRES Committee Yorkshire and the Humber—Bradford Leeds 10 October 2014 (14/YH/1120). Formal written consent is sought if an individual is willing to participate and has capacity to provide informed consent. Consultee assent is sought if an individual lacks capacity.Study results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed scientific journals and scientific conferences. Key study results will be summarised and disseminated to all study participants via newsletters, local older people’s publications and local engagement events. Results will be reported on a bespoke CARE75+ website.Trial registration numberISRCTN16588124;Results stage

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Transgender Youth and Social Support: A Survey Study on the Effects of Good Relationships on Well-being and Mental Health

Young ◽

10.1177/1103308819850039 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 199-216

Author(s):

Katarina Alanko ◽

Heidi Lund

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Relationship Quality ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Survey Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Gender Conflict ◽

Transgender Youth ◽

Mental Well Being

Positive gender-supportive relationships have been found to promote well-being of transgender youth. The present study investigates how the quality of relationships to parents, friends and partners affects the mental well-being of transgender youth. An online survey was used for data collection. The sample consisted of 1,613 Finnish youth between 15 and 25 years of age. Youths who were identified as a transgender ( n = 370) were compared to cisgender (= no gender conflict, n = 1,243, mostly sexual minority youth) on measures of relationship quality and positive well-being. Transgender youth reported poorer well-being and relationships to parents than the control group did. Relationship quality predicted well-being of all participants, and there were no significant interactions between gender identity and relationship quality. Social support is important for transgender youth and has an impact on the well-being of youth regardless of gender identification.

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