scholarly journals Do perceived social neighborhood factors explain the association between neighborhood age composition and mental health among Dutch older adults?

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eline Verspoor ◽  
Mariëlle A. Beenackers ◽  
Joost Oude Groeniger ◽  
Frank J. van Lenthe
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Cohesion ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Age Structure ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Age Composition ◽  
Feeling At Home ◽  
At Home

Abstract Background In the light of urbanization and aging, a crucially relevant policy question is how to shape neighborhoods to foster healthy aging. An important debate is whether older adults should group in neighborhoods, or whether a more mixed neighborhood age composition is more beneficial to health and well-being. We therefore assessed the association between neighborhood age structure and mental health and the mediating role of individual perceptions of neighborhood social factors. Methods We conducted multivariable linear regression models and causal mediation analyses in 1255 older adults of the Dutch Globe study. The neighborhood age structure was measured in 2011 as the homogeneity of the age composition (using the Herfindahl-Hirschman index, range from 0 to 100, a higher score indicating more homogeneity) and the percentage of specific age groups in a neighborhood. Mental health was measured in 2014 by the Mental Health Inventory-5 score (range 0 to 100, a higher score indicating better mental health). Potential mediators were assessed in 2011 and included perceptions of neighborhood social cohesion, feeling at home in a neighborhood, and social participation. Results A more homogeneous age composition (not specified for age) and a higher percentage of children living in a neighborhood were associated with better mental health, the other age categories were not. Social cohesion, feeling at home and social participation did not mediate the associations. Conclusions The neighborhood age composition may be an interesting but currently insufficiently understood entry point for policies to improve older adult’s mental health status.

scholarly journals The neighborhood age structure and mental health

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Verspoor ◽  
M A Beenackers ◽  
J Ouder Groeniger ◽  
J M Noordzij ◽  
F J Van Lenthe
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Cohesion ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Age Structure ◽  
Age Composition ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
European Cities ◽  
Feeling At Home ◽  
At Home

Abstract Background Against the background of urbanization and aging and the aim to design age-friendly cities, it is crucially important to understand whether and why older adults’ health may benefit from being surrounded by older peers mainly, or by residents from all ages. We assessed the association between neighborhood age structure and mental health and the mediating role of social neighborhood perceptions. Methods Survey data were obtained from 1255 older adults aged 65 years and over, participating in the Dutch GLOBE study. The neighborhood age structure, measured in 2011, was defined as the Herfindahl-Hirschman index to assess homogeneity in the age composition (range from 0-100, a higher score indicating more homogeneity) and percentages of different age groups in a neighborhood. Mental health was measured in 2014 by the Mental Health Inventory-5 score, ranging from 0 to 100, where a higher score indicates better mental health. Perceptions of neighborhood social cohesion, feeling at home in a neighborhood, and social participation was assessed in 2011. Linear regression models were used to assess the association of neighborhood age composition with mental health. Causal mediation analysis was used to assess the potential mediating role of social neighborhood perceptions. Results A more homogeneous neighborhood age structure was associated with better mental health status. Feeling at home in a neighborhood partly mediated the association, whereas social cohesion and social participation did not mediate the association. While a higher percentage of children in the neighborhood was associated with better mental health, a higher percentage of elderly in the neighborhood was associated with lower mental health status. Conclusions The neighborhood age composition is a promising, but currently insufficiently understood, entry point for policies addressing the challenge of growing urban and aging European cities. Key messages The neighborhood age composition is a promising, but currently insufficiently understood, entry point for policies addressing the challenge of growing urban and aging European cities. Feeling at home in a neighborhood partly mediated the association between neighborhood age structure and mental health; social cohesion and social participation did not mediate the association.

Assistive Device Use among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Profile of Canadians Using Hearing, Vision, and Mobility Devices in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Yoko Ishigami ◽  
Jeffrey Jutai ◽  
Susan Kirkland
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Assistive Devices ◽  
Assistive Device ◽  
Functional Impairments ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Device Use

ABSTRACT There is increasing recognition that using assistive devices can support healthy aging. Minimizing discomfort and loss of function and increasing independence can have a substantial impact physically, psychologically, and financially on persons with functional impairments and resulting activity limitations, as well as on caregivers and communities. However, it remains unclear who uses assistive devices and how device use can influence social participation. The current analysis used CLSA baseline data from 51,338 older adults between the ages of 45 and 85. Measures of socio-demographic, health, and social characteristics were analyzed by sex and age groups. Weighted cross-tabulations were used to report correlations between independent variables and assistive device use for hearing, vision, and mobility. We found that assistive device use was higher among those who were of older age, had less education, were widowed, had lower income, and had poorer health. Assistive devices were used differently according to sex and social participation, providing insight into assistive device use for the well-being of older adults and their families.

scholarly journals Impact of Home Quarantine on Physical Activity Among Older Adults Living at Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Interview Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luc Goethals ◽  
Nathalie Barth ◽  
Jessica Guyot ◽  
David Hupin ◽  
Thomas Celarier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sedentary Lifestyle ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
Physical Activity Programs ◽  
The Impact ◽  
At Home

BACKGROUND Older adults and those with pre-existing medical conditions are at risk of death from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2). In this period of quarantine, one of the reasons for going out is physical activity. This issue is important, as the impact of a sedentary lifestyle might be lower for children and young adults, but is far more severe for older adults. Although older adults need to stay at home because they have a higher risk of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), they need to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Physical activity is important for older adults, especially to maintain their level of independence, mental health, and well-being. Maintaining mobility in old age is necessary, as it may predict loss of independence in older adults. OBJECTIVE Our first objective was to evaluate the impact of this quarantine period on physical activity programs and on the physical and mental health of older adults. Our second objective was to discuss alternatives to physical activity programs that could be suggested for this population to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. METHODS We conducted a qualitative survey using semistructured interviews with professionals (managers in charge of physical activity programs for older adults and sports trainers who run these physical activity programs) from the French Federation of Physical Education and Voluntary Gymnastics (FFPEVG) and older adults participating in a physical activity program of the FFPEVG. We followed a common interview guide. For analysis, we carried out a thematic analysis of the interviews. RESULTS This study suggests that the COVID-19 epidemic has affected, before quarantine measures, the number of seniors attending group physical activity programs in the two study territories. In addition, despite the decline in their participation in group physical activities before the quarantine, older adults expressed the need to perform physical activity at home. There is a need to help older adults integrate simple and safe ways to stay physically active in a limited space. A national policy to support older adults for physical activity at home appears essential in this context. CONCLUSIONS Given the results of our study, it seems necessary to globally communicate how important it is for older adults to maintain physical activity at home. We are concerned about the level of independence and mental health state of older adults after the end of quarantine if there is no appropriate campaign to promote physical activity among them at home.

scholarly journals Associations of individual social capital with subjective well-being and mental health among migrants: a survey from five cities in China

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S64-S71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongkai Zhu ◽  
Junling Gao ◽  
Xin Nie ◽  
Junming Dai ◽  
Hua Fu
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Cohesion ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Internal Migrants ◽  
Social Capitals ◽  
Cognitive Social Capital

Abstract Background We aimed to examine the associations of cognitive and structural social capital with subjective well-being (SWB) and mental health among internal migrants in five cities in China. Methods We conducted healthy cities surveys from June 2017 to April 2018. In total, 3038 migrants submitted surveys. Generalized linear regressions for SWB and logistic regressions for mental health were used to examine the associations of social capital, SWB and mental health after controlling for covariates. Results The median level of SWB was 75.7 (interquartile range 62.9–85.7). Self-rated health and physical activity were positively associated with SWB. The SWB level among migrants who perceived high individual social cohesion was much higher than that of their counterparts (unstandardized coefficients, β=7.01 [95% confidence interval {CI} 5.82 to 8.21]). The prevalence of poor mental health was 10.0%. High social cohesion (odds ratio [OR] 0.32 [95% CI 0.24 to 0.44]) and high social participation (OR 0.77 [95% CI 0.57 to 0.97]) were significantly associated with a low ratio of poor mental health when compared with their counterparts. Conclusions Cognitive social capital is positively associated with SWB, while both cognitive and structural social capitals were negatively associated with poor mental health. It is beneficial to migrants’ mental health and SWB to promote social participation and social cohesion.

Leisure Time Physical Activity Mediates the Relationship Between Neighborhood Social Cohesion and Mental Health Among Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 292-300
Author(s):  
Jaehyun Kim ◽  
Junhyoung Kim ◽  
Areum Han
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Cohesion ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Neighborhood Social Cohesion

Neighborhood social cohesion can contribute to leisure time physical activity (LTPA) involvement and psychological well-being. In spite of the value of neighborhood social cohesion for health benefits, there is a dearth of empirical study that explores how neighborhood social cohesion influences LTPA and mental health among older adults. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association among neighborhood social cohesion, light-to-moderate and vigorous LTPA, and mental health in a representative sample of U.S. older adults ( n = 6,412). Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis revealed that older adults who perceived neighborhood social cohesion were more likely to participate in light-to-moderate and vigorous LTPA, which in turn resulted in better mental health. This study confirmed the importance of neighborhood social cohesion in promoting older adults’ health-related behaviors and mental health. The practical implications on how to promote mental health among older adults, as well as future research directions were discussed.

scholarly journals Impact of Home Quarantine on Physical Activity Among Older Adults Living at Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Interview Study

JMIR Aging ◽  
10.2196/19007 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. e19007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luc Goethals ◽  
Nathalie Barth ◽  
Jessica Guyot ◽  
David Hupin ◽  
Thomas Celarier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sedentary Lifestyle ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
Physical Activity Programs ◽  
The Impact ◽  
At Home

Background Older adults and those with pre-existing medical conditions are at risk of death from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2). In this period of quarantine, one of the reasons for going out is physical activity. This issue is important, as the impact of a sedentary lifestyle might be lower for children and young adults, but is far more severe for older adults. Although older adults need to stay at home because they have a higher risk of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), they need to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Physical activity is important for older adults, especially to maintain their level of independence, mental health, and well-being. Maintaining mobility in old age is necessary, as it may predict loss of independence in older adults. Objective Our first objective was to evaluate the impact of this quarantine period on physical activity programs and on the physical and mental health of older adults. Our second objective was to discuss alternatives to physical activity programs that could be suggested for this population to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Methods We conducted a qualitative survey using semistructured interviews with professionals (managers in charge of physical activity programs for older adults and sports trainers who run these physical activity programs) from the French Federation of Physical Education and Voluntary Gymnastics (FFPEVG) and older adults participating in a physical activity program of the FFPEVG. We followed a common interview guide. For analysis, we carried out a thematic analysis of the interviews. Results This study suggests that the COVID-19 epidemic has affected, before quarantine measures, the number of seniors attending group physical activity programs in the two study territories. In addition, despite the decline in their participation in group physical activities before the quarantine, older adults expressed the need to perform physical activity at home. There is a need to help older adults integrate simple and safe ways to stay physically active in a limited space. A national policy to support older adults for physical activity at home appears essential in this context. Conclusions Given the results of our study, it seems necessary to globally communicate how important it is for older adults to maintain physical activity at home. We are concerned about the level of independence and mental health state of older adults after the end of quarantine if there is no appropriate campaign to promote physical activity among them at home.

scholarly journals Older Adults’ Subjective Well-being Following an Exergame Intervention “Bandit the Dolphin”: Focus Group Findings

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 169-170
Author(s):  
Brittany Drazich ◽  
Breanna Crane ◽  
Kyle Moored ◽  
Karl Shieh ◽  
Janiece Taylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Mental Illness Stigma ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Adult Participants

Abstract Due to generational mental illness stigma and under diagnosis of mental illness, older adults do not always receive the mental health help that they need. One unique technology that has the potential to improve mood in older adults is exergames, or exercise video games. The objective of this sub-study (main study: Stimulation With Intricate Movements “SWIM” Study) was to explore older adults’ mood following an exergame intervention called “Bandit the Dolphin,” created by the Johns Hopkins KATA Studio. Researchers conducted three focus groups with 14 community-dwelling older adult participants who took part in the SWIM Study exergame intervention. The semi-structured focus groups were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using deductive and inductive techniques described by Ray Maietta’s “sort and sift, think and shift” method. Three themes related to playing “Bandit the Dolphin” and mood emerged. First, participants described their perceived association between activity and mood. Participants felt that both active and passive activities, “Bandit the Dolphin” and otherwise, improved their mood through the “fun” factor, and through feelings of achievement. Second, the participants described that the competition and frustration of playing “Bandit the Dolphin” increased eventual feelings of achievement. Third, participants described how feelings of immersion, or being absorbed in the game, helped them forget their other life concerns. These findings provide a better understanding of older adults’ perceived relationship between an exergame intervention, “Bandit the Dolphin,” and short-term improved mood. Future health and engineering researchers should explore exergames as a potential tool to improve the mental health of older adults.

scholarly journals The Effects of Technological Interventions on Social Participation of Community-Dwelling Older Adults with and without Dementia: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2308
Author(s):  
Pascale Heins ◽  
Lizzy M. M. Boots ◽  
Wei Qi Koh ◽  
An Neven ◽  
Frans R. J. Verhey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Technological Interventions ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Social isolation in community-dwelling older adults with dementia is a growing health issue that can negatively affect health and well-being. To date, little attention has been paid to the role of technology in improving their social participation. This systematic review aims to provide a systematic overview of the effects of technological interventions that target social participation in community-dwelling older adults with and without dementia. The scientific databases Medline (PubMed), PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched and independently screened by two reviewers. Results were synthesized narratively. The methodological quality of included studies was independently assessed by two reviewers. In total, 36 studies of varying methodological quality were identified. Most studies evaluated social networking technology and ICT training programs. Three studies focused on people with dementia. Quantitative findings showed limited effects on loneliness, social isolation, and social support. Nevertheless, several benefits related to social participation were reported qualitatively. Social interaction, face-to-face contact, and intergenerational engagement were suggested to be successful elements of technological interventions in improving the social participation of community-dwelling older adults. Rigorous studies with larger sample sizes are highly needed to evaluate the long-term effects of technology on the multidimensional concept of social participation.

scholarly journals The Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of an Arabic Version of the Reminiscence Functions Scale

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 343-343
Author(s):  
Abdallah Abu Khait ◽  
Juliette Shellman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Arab Countries ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Arabic Version ◽  
Harmonization Process ◽  
Back Translation ◽  
Target Culture

Abstract The Reminiscence Functions Scale (RFS), a 43 item reliable and valid scale, measures eight specific reasons as to why individuals reminisce: (a) identity (b) death preparation; (c) problem-solving; (d) bitterness revival; (e) boredom reduction; (f) intimacy maintenance; (g) conversation; and (h) teach/Inform others. Research indicates that certain reminiscence functions have a positive impact on the mental-health and well-being of older adults. However, no known studies have been conducted in Arab countries examining the relationship between reminiscence functions and mental health outcomes due to the lack of an Arabic version of the RFS. The purpose of this study was to translate the RFS from English to Arabic (Modern Standard Arabic), back-translate from Arabic to English, and compare the two English versions for equivalence and accuracy through a multi-step translation method. A team of bilingual, bicultural, Arabic speaking experts assembled to conduct the forward, back translation and harmonization process. In the next step, professionals with expertise in linguistics communication sciences and disorders, Arabic literature, geriatric nursing, and medicine reviewed the translated documents to assess the content (relevant to the target culture) and semantic equivalencies (similarity of meaning in the target culture). Challenges that occurred during the study included finding nuanced translation equivalences for Likert scale responses, translation of idioms such as “when time is heavy on my hands”, and logistical issues such as coordinating virtual meetings for the team of experts. Lessons learned during the translation process and implications for use of the RFS-Arabic version with Jordanian older adults will be presented.

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