scholarly journals Cultural engagement and incident depression in older adults: evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

2018 ◽  
Vol 214 (4) ◽  
pp. 225-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daisy Fancourt ◽  
Urszula Tymoszuk
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Reverse Causality ◽  
Cultural Engagement ◽  
English Longitudinal Study

BackgroundThere is a recognised need for the identification of factors that might be protective against the development of depression in older adults. Over the past decade, there has been growing research demonstrating the effects of cultural engagement (which combines a number of protective factors including social interaction, cognitive stimulation and gentle physical activity) on the treatment of depression, but as yet not on its prevention.AimsTo explore whether cultural engagement in older adults is associated with a reduced risk of developing depression over the following decade.MethodWorking with data from 2148 adults in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing who were free from depression at baseline, we used logistic regression models to explore associations between frequency of cultural engagement (including going to museums, theatre and cinema) and the risk of developing depression over the following 10 years using a combined index of the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and physician-diagnosed depression.ResultsThere was a dose–response relationship between frequency of cultural engagement and the risk of developing depression independent of sociodemographic, health-related and social confounders. This equated to a 32% lower risk of developing depression for people who attended every few months (odds ratio (OR) = 0.68, 95% CI 0.47–0.99, P = 0.046) and a 48% lower risk for people who attended once a month or more (OR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.34–0.80, P = 0.003). Results were robust to sensitivity analyses exploring reverse causality, subclinical depressive symptoms and alternative CES-D thresholds.ConclusionsCultural engagement appears to be an independent risk-reducing factor for the development of depression in older age.Declaration of interestNone.

scholarly journals Loneliness, Social Integration, and Incident Dementia Over 6 Years: Prospective Findings From the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

2017 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 114-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Snorri Bjorn Rafnsson ◽  
Martin Orrell ◽  
Eleonora d’Orsi ◽  
Eef Hogervorst ◽  
Andrew Steptoe
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Close Relationships ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Reverse Causality ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Incident Dementia ◽  
English Longitudinal Study

Abstract Objectives Social relationships are important for the maintenance of cognitive function at older ages, with both objective features of social networks and perceived social connections (loneliness) being relevant. There is limited evidence about how different aspects of social experience predict diagnosed dementia. Methods The sample comprised 6,677 dementia-free individuals at baseline (2004) from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Baseline information on loneliness, number of close relationships, marital status, and social isolation (contact with family and friends and participation in organizations) was analyzed in relation to incident dementia over an average 6.25 years using Cox regression, controlling for potential confounding factors. Results Two hundred twenty participants developed dementia during follow-up. In multivariable analyses, dementia risk was positively related to greater loneliness (hazard ratio 1.40, 95% confidence interval 1.09–1.80, p = .008), and inversely associated with number of close relationships (p < .001) and being married (p = .018). Sensitivity analyses testing for reverse causality and different criteria for diagnosing dementia confirmed the robustness of these findings. There was no association with social isolation. Discussion Dementia risk is associated with loneliness and having fewer close relationships in later life. The underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated, but efforts to enhance older peoples’ relationship quality may be relevant to dementia risk.

scholarly journals The art of life and death: 14 year follow-up analyses of associations between arts engagement and mortality in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

BMJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. l6377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daisy Fancourt ◽  
Andrew Steptoe
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
The Arts ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Arts Engagement ◽  
English Longitudinal Study

AbstractObjectiveTo explore associations between different frequencies of arts engagement and mortality over a 14 year follow-up period.DesignProspective cohort study.ParticipantsEnglish Longitudinal Study of Ageing cohort of 6710 community dwelling adults aged 50 years and older (53.6% women, average age 65.9 years, standard deviation 9.4) who provided baseline data in 2004-05.InterventionSelf reported receptive arts engagement (going to museums, art galleries, exhibitions, the theatre, concerts, or the opera).MeasurementMortality measured through data linkage to the National Health Service central register.ResultsPeople who engaged with receptive arts activities on an infrequent basis (once or twice a year) had a 14% lower risk of dying at any point during the follow-up (809/3042 deaths, hazard ratio 0.86, 95% confidence interval 0.77 to 0.96) compared with those who never engaged (837/1762 deaths). People who engaged with receptive arts activities on a frequent basis (every few months or more) had a 31% lower risk of dying (355/1906 deaths, 0.69, 0.59 to 0.80), independent of demographic, socioeconomic, health related, behavioural, and social factors. Results were robust to a range of sensitivity analyses with no evidence of moderation by sex, socioeconomic status, or social factors. This study was observational and so causality cannot be assumed.ConclusionsReceptive arts engagement could have a protective association with longevity in older adults. This association might be partly explained by differences in cognition, mental health, and physical activity among those who do and do not engage in the arts, but remains even when the model is adjusted for these factors.

scholarly journals Social Contact Mode and 15-Year Episodic Memory Trajectories in Older Adults With and Without Hearing Loss: Findings From the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Snorri Bjorn Rafnsson ◽  
Asri Maharani ◽  
Gindo Tampubolon
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Contact Mode ◽  
English Longitudinal Study

Abstract Objectives Frequent social contact benefits cognition in later life although evidence is lacking on the potential relevance of the modes chosen by older adults, including those living with hearing loss, for interacting with others in their social network. Method 11,418 participants in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing provided baseline information on hearing status and social contact mode and frequency of use. Multilevel growth curve models compared episodic memory (immediate and delayed recall) at baseline and longitudinally in participants who interacted frequently (offline only or offline and online combined), compared to infrequently, with others in their social network. Results Frequent offline (B = 0.23; SE = 0.09) and combined offline and online (B = 0.71; SE = 0.09) social interactions predicted better episodic memory after adjustment for multiple confounders. We observed positive, longitudinal associations between combined offline and online interactions and episodic memory in participants without hearing loss (B = 0.50, SE = 0.11) but not with strictly offline interactions (B = 0.01, SE = 0.11). In those with hearing loss, episodic memory was positively related to both modes of engagement (offline only: B = 0.79, SE = 0.20; combined online and offline: B = 1.27, SE = 0.20). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings. Discussion Supplementing conventional social interactions with online communication modes may help older adults, especially those living with hearing loss, sustain, and benefit cognitively from, personal relationships.

scholarly journals Comparison of physical and social risk-reducing factors for the development of disability in older adults: a population-based cohort study

2019 ◽  
Vol 73 (10) ◽  
pp. 906-912
Author(s):  
Daisy Fancourt ◽  
Andrew Steptoe
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Social Risk ◽  
Reverse Causality ◽  
Cultural Engagement

BackgroundConsiderations of modifiable risk factors for the development of disability in older age have traditionally focused on physical activity. However, there is increasing evidence that psychological, social, and cognitive factors also help to maintain functional independence. This study compared the protective associations between physical and social activities and disability onset.MethodsWe analysed data from 5434 adults aged 50+ years tracked biennially from 2004/2005 to 2016/2017, measuring self-reported difficulty in carrying out any basic activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental ADLs. Exposures included mild, moderate and vigorous physical activity, frequency of socialising with friends/family, cultural engagement (eg, going to the theatre/museums/concerts), and participation in community groups.ResultsOver the 12-year follow-up, 1945 adults developed disability. Using Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for all identified demographic and health-related variables, vigorous exercise or activity once a month or more (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.96), moderate exercise or activity more than once a week (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.97) or cultural engagement once or twice a year or more (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.97) were associated with a lower hazard of developing disability. Other exposures did not show independent protective associations. Results were robust to sensitivity analyses considering reverse causality and exploring the potential confounding role of time-invariant factors, such as socioeconomic status.ConclusionThese results suggest the importance of either developing multimodal interventions to protect against disability and promote healthy ageing or promoting greater physical and social engagement with existing community activities among older adults.

scholarly journals The Impact of Work Hours on Depressive Symptoms among Koreans Aged 45 and Over

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 853
Author(s):  
Juyeong Kim ◽  
Eun-Cheol Park
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Work Hours ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Health Studies ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
The Impact

Background: Given the documented importance of employment for middle-aged and older adults’ mental health, studies of the association between their number of work hours and depressive symptoms are needed. Objectives: To examine the association between the number of work hours and depressive symptoms in Korean aged 45 and over. Methods: We used data from the first wave to fourth wave of the Korea Longitudinal Study of Aging. Using the first wave at baseline, data included 9845 individuals. Depressive symptoms were measured using the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale. We performed a longitudinal analysis to estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms by work hours. Results: Both unemployed males and females aged 45–65 years were associated with higher depressive symptoms (β = 0.59, p < 0.001; β = 0.32, p < 0.001). Females working ≥ 69 h were associated with higher depressive symptoms compared to those working 41–68 h (β = 0.25, p = 0.013). Among those both middle-aged and older adults, both males and females unemployed were associated with higher depressive symptoms. Those middle-aged female working ≥69 h were associated with higher depressive symptoms. Conclusions: An increase in depressive symptoms was associated with unemployed males and females working ≥69 h compared to those working 41–68 h. Although this association was found among middle-aged individuals, a decrease in depressive symptoms in both sexes was associated with working 1–40 h. Depressive symptoms should decrease by implementing employment policies and social services to encourage employers to support middle-aged and older adults in the workforce considering their sex and age differences.

scholarly journals Multimorbidity patterns and memory trajectories in older adults: Evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Bendayan ◽  
Yajing Zhu ◽  
A D Federman ◽  
R J B Dobson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Delayed Recall ◽  
Class 1 ◽  
English Longitudinal Study ◽  
Psychiatric Problems

Abstract Background We aimed to examine the multimorbidity patterns within a representative sample of UK older adults and their association with concurrent and subsequent memory. Methods Our sample consisted of 11,449 respondents (mean age at baseline was 65.02) from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). We used fourteen health conditions and immediate and delayed recall scores (IMRC and DLRC) over 7 waves (14 years of follow up). Latent class analyses were performed to identify the multimorbidity patterns and linear mixed models were estimated to explore their association with their memory trajectories. Models were adjusted by socio-demographics, BMI and health behaviors. Results Results showed 8 classes: Class 1:Heart Disease/Stroke (26%), Class 2:Asthma/Lung Disease (16%), Class 3:Arthritis/Hypertension (13%), Class 4:Depression/Arthritis (12%), Class 5:Hypertension/Cataracts/Diabetes (10%), Class 6:Psychiatric Problems/Depression (10%), Class 7:Cancer (7%) and Class 8:Arthritis/Cataracts (6%). At baseline, Class 4 was found to have lower IMRC and DLRC scores and Class 5 in DLRC, compared to the no multimorbidity group (n=6380, 55.72% of total cohort). For both tasks, in unadjusted models, we found an accelerated decline in Classes 1, 3 and 8; and, for DLRC, also in Classes 2 and 5. However, it was fully attenuated after adjustments. Conclusions These findings suggest that individuals with certain combinations of health conditions are more likely to have lower levels of memory compared those with no multimorbidity and their memory scores tend to differ between combinations. Socio-demographics and health behaviours have a key role to understand who is more likely to be at risk of an accelerated decline.

Methodological Note on Use of the Center for Epidemiological Studies—Depression Scale with Older Samples

1999 ◽  
Vol 85 (3) ◽  
pp. 823-824
Author(s):  
James A. Thorson ◽  
F. C. Powell
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Composite Scores

Samples of older adults ( ns = 600, 251, and 214) given the Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale by telephone seem to have composite scores that are much lower than those who are interviewed face-to-face.

scholarly journals Orientation and verbal fluency in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing: modifiable risk factors for falls?

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (10) ◽  
pp. 1491-1498 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. O. Smith ◽  
S. R. Neal ◽  
G. Peryer ◽  
K. J. Sheehan ◽  
M. P. Tan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Functional Performance ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cognitive Domain ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Risk Factors For Falls ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal ◽  
English Longitudinal Study

ABSTRACTObjectives:To determine the relationship between falls and deficits in specific cognitive domains in older adults.Design:An analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) cohort.Setting:United Kingdom community-based.Participants:5197 community-dwelling older adults recruited to a prospective longitudinal cohort study.Measurements:Data on the occurrence of falls and number of falls, which occurred during a 12-month follow-up period, were assessed against the specific cognitive domains of memory, numeracy skills, and executive function. Binomial logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between each cognitive domain and the dichotomous outcome of falls in the preceding 12 months using unadjusted and adjusted models.Results:Of the 5197 participants included in the analysis, 1308 (25%) reported a fall in the preceding 12 months. There was no significant association between the occurrence of a fall and specific forms of cognitive dysfunction after adjusting for self-reported hearing, self-reported eyesight, and functional performance. After adjustment, only orientation (odds ratio [OR]: 0.80; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.65–0.98, p = 0.03) and verbal fluency (adjusted OR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.96–1.00; p = 0.05) remained significant for predicting recurrent falls.Conclusions:The cognitive phenotype rather than cognitive impairmentper semay predict future falls in those presenting with more than one fall.

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