scholarly journals Aging and Positive Psychology

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-56
Author(s):  
Ray Marks
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Narrative Form ◽  
Active Approach ◽  
Current Topic

Background Aging, a state often associated with poor emotional health status greatly impedes life quality and independence for many. Aim This mini review examines the potential of the concept of positive psychology as an active approach to fostering successful or more successful, rather than suboptimal aging. Methods and Procedures Articles that addressed the current topic of interest and were located in the PUBMED, Medline, Web of Science, PsycINFO and Google Scholar electronic data bases were carefully sought and analyzed and presented in narrative form. Results Various forms of positive psychology appear to provide a safe efficacious evidence based approach for purposes of ameliorating various degrees of anxiety and depression and for improving cognition, life quality, and health well-being in diverse subgroups of older adults Conclusion More research to examine who might benefit most from this highly promising form of intervention, and in what respect appears to have considerable merit in light of the growing populations of older adults and few intervention options to help them to age optimally and as successfully as possible.

scholarly journals Photobiomodulation, Depression, Anxiety, and Cognition

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-42
Author(s):  
Ray Marks
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Photobiomodulation Therapy ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Narrative Form ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Current Topic ◽  
Level Laser ◽  
Laser Treatments ◽  
Global Concern

Background Anxiety and depression are key barriers to healthy aging and greatly heighten the risk for many negative health issues that seriously impact life quality. Aim This mini review examines the potential of low level laser treatments or photobiomodulation therapy for ameliorating severe anxiety and depression in older adults. Methods and Procedures Articles that adressed the current topic of interest extracted from PUBMED and Google Scholar were carefully and presented in narrative form. Results Photobiomodulation therapy appears to be a safe efficacious modality for ameliorating various degrees of anxiety and depression and for improving cognition, and is supported by several well established mechanisms of action at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. Conclusion More research to examine who might benefit most from this form of therapy, and in what respect in this area of growing global concern and few intervention options is strongly warranted.

Mental Health of Community-Dwelling Older Adults and Related Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roohollah Farhadloo ◽  
Sarallah Shojaei ◽  
Hamid Torabian ◽  
Mostafa Vahedian ◽  
Masoumeh Zakerimoghadam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Good Condition ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Distress Scale

Background: Improving lifestyle, increasing lifespan and life expectancy have led to the phenomenon of aging in societies. The increasing population of older adults is one of the most important economic, social, and health challenges in the current century. Objectives: This study was conducted to measure the mental health of older adults in Qom City and its relationship with socioeconomic factors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study on 400 older adults over 60 years in the urban areas of Qom in 2018. A multi-stage sampling method was used for this study. The research tools were a demographic questionnaire, the Kessler Psychological Distress scale (K6), and a standard psychological well-being scale. Data were analyzed by Stata 12 software using the t-test. The significance level was considered less than 0.05. Results: Considering the mental health status, based on the K6, 55% of the elderly showed signs of low depression anxiety, 34% moderate, and 11% showed severe anxiety symptoms. Regarding the status of well-being, 49.50% were in good condition (11.3 ± 3.3), 27.75% were in moderate condition (13.8 ± 2.9), and 22.75% were in poor condition (7.3 ± 2.6). Anxiety and depression had significant relationships with gender, having an illness, marital status, having a caregiver, and income. Conclusions: The results showed that about half of the elderly in Qom had moderate anxiety and depression disorders, as well as moderate mental well-being, which indicates the moderate level of anxiety and mental disorders in the elderly in Qom.

scholarly journals Older Adults and the Impact of COVID-19: Lessons Learned from a Two-State Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 724-725
Author(s):  
Amanda Sokan ◽  
Tracy Davis
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Family Cohesion ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Aging Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
State Study ◽  
Psychosocial Impacts ◽  
Household Environment ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased strains on the rapidly increasing aging population’s mental, emotional, and physiological health. COVID-19, which belongs to a family of respiratory viruses, was first detected in China before spreading to other parts of the globe. Due to underlying health conditions and weakened immune systems, the aging population is at greater risk for contracting COVID-19. To better prepare for a future pandemic, it is necessary to explore the psychosocial impacts of limited human interactions to make the aging population feel safer while mitigating harm to their mental and emotional health. The purpose of this study is to highlight the experiences of the aging population with COVID-19, including psychosocial, behavioral responses to the pandemic, and older adults’ overall well-being. We surveyed a total of 203 adults 55 and older regarding their experiences with the pandemic. Survey components included the COVID-19 Household Environment Scale (Behar-Zusman, Chavez, & Gattamorta, ND), selected items from the COVID-19 Impact Study and open-ended questions, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (Williams et al., 2006), and the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Russell, Peplau, & Ferguson, 1978). Preliminary analyses indicate that most participants had not experienced any COVID-19 symptoms, nor did they know anyone who had passed away from the virus. However, participants did report loneliness and less family cohesion because of the pandemic. Findings from this study will be used to help older adults cope with the impact of the current pandemic and future pandemics.

scholarly journals Online Leisure Activities for Sustained Mental Health Well-being in Older Adults with COVID-19 Mitigation

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 725-725
Author(s):  
Solymar Rivera-Torres ◽  
Elias Mpofu ◽  
M Jean Keller ◽  
Stan Ingman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Leisure And Recreation ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Older adults (OA) experience psychosocial distress from the COVID-19 pandemic mitigations. While their participation in leisure and recreation activities (LRA) would be ameliorating, we do not know how LRA OA engages for their mental health (MH) well-being with COVID-19 mitigation. This scoping review aimed to trend the evidence on the types of LRA OA engage for their MH well-being across the young-old continuum (60-69 years) through to older-old (80 years and above) in the COVID-19 pandemic. We searched the following electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, JBI-ES, and Epistemonicos for LRA studies by OA with COVID-19 mitigation. To be included, we considered empirical articles published in English on LRA of OA 55+ years-old. Another criterion required articles describing those activities' qualities and the impact of LRA on MH and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. We resulted in seven empirical studies, two of which implemented in the USA and one from the USA and Canada, Spain, Israel, and Japan. Findings following narrative synthesis revealed trending evidence on OA to engage in online LRA for social, cognitive /intellectual, and emotional health. Leisure-time physical activity reduced negative MH symptoms as anxiety and depression in OA under COVID-19 threat. In conclusion, the present review's trending evidence suggests that OA engagement in social, physical, mental, and cognitive LRA enhanced their MH and overall well-being. Activities delivered by way of the Internet and television provided a cluster of beneficial opportunities for the OA mental health needs under the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Emotional health concerns of oncology physicians in the United States: fallout during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Thomaier ◽  
Deanna Teoh ◽  
Patricia Jewett ◽  
Heather Beckwith ◽  
Helen Parsons ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated

AbstractIntroductionCancer care is significantly impacted by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of the pandemic on the emotional well-being of oncology providers across the United States and explore factors associated with anxiety and depression symptoms.Methods and MaterialsA cross-sectional survey was administered to United States cancer-care physicians recruited over a two-week period (3/27/2020 – 4/10/2020) using snowball-convenience sampling through social media. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4).ResultsOf 486 participants, 374 (77.0%) completed the PHQ-4: mean age 45.7±9.6 years; 63.2% female; all oncologic specialties were represented. The rates of anxiety and depression symptoms were 62.0% and 23.5%, respectively. Demographic factors associated with anxiety included female sex, younger age, and less time in clinical practice. Perception of inadequate PPE (68.6% vs. 57.4%, p=0.03) and practicing in a state with more COVID-19 cases (65.8% vs. 51.1%, p=0.01) were associated with anxiety symptoms. Factors significantly associated with both anxiety and depression included: degree to which COVID-19 has interfered with the ability to provide treatment to cancer patients and concern that patients will not receive the level of care needed for non-COVID-19 illness (all p-values <0.01).ConclusionThe prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among oncology physicians in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic is high. Our findings highlight factors associated with and sources of psychological distress to be addressed to protect the well-being of oncology physicians.

Storm Clouds and Silver Linings: Impacts of COVID-19 and Daily Emotional Health in Adolescent Girls

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Susan Silk ◽  
Lori Scott ◽  
Emily Anne Hutchinson ◽  
Celine Lu ◽  
Stefanie Sequeira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Family Conflict ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Daily Functioning ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Reduced Pressure ◽  
Daily Routines ◽  
Daily Diary Study ◽  
Negative Impacts

Objective: Changes to daily life resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have the potential to contribute to adolescent girls’ emotional health in both positive and negative ways, but the effects of these profound changes on adolescent daily functioning are unknown. Method: We conducted a 10-day daily diary study in a sample of 93 U.S. adolescent girls (aged 12-17) enriched for temperamental risk for anxiety and depression. The study was conducted in April/May 2020 when all participants were under state-issued stay-at-home orders. Girls provided daily reports of positive and negative affect, depressive and anxious symptoms, activities, and positive and negative impacts resulting from the pandemic. Results: Girls reported engaging in many activities that may contribute to well-being. Positive impacts associated with improved same-day emotional health included spending more time with family, more time to relax, and reduced pressure from school and activities. Negative impacts associated with poorer same-day emotional health included problems with online schooling, lack of space/privacy, lack of a regular schedule, and family conflict. Conclusion: Findings suggest that, when safe and feasible, families and communities should prioritize in-person or quality online schooling, resources and space for learning, promoting daily routines, and spending time with their teens while reducing conflict. The COVID-19 pandemic also appears to have offered many adolescent girls a respite from the chronic stress associated with modern teen life, with time to relax and engage in creative and healthy pursuits showing benefits for daily emotional health, which should be considered following the return to normal life.

The Impact of Natural Hazards on Older Adult Health: Lessons Learned From Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Elizabeth L. Andrade ◽  
Megan Jula ◽  
Carlos E. Rodriguez-Diaz ◽  
Lauren Lapointe ◽  
Mark C. Edberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Natural Hazards ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Natural Hazard ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
Preparedness Planning ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective: With natural hazards increasing in frequency and severity and global population aging, preparedness efforts must evolve to address older adults’ risks in disasters. This study elucidates potential contributors to the elevated older adult mortality risk following Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico through an examination of community stakeholder preparedness, response, and recovery experiences. Methods: In April 2018, qualitative interviews (n = 22) were conducted with stakeholders in 7 Puerto Rican municipalities. Interview transcripts were deductively and inductively coded and analyzed to identify salient topics and themes representing participant response patterns. Results: The hurricane’s detrimental impact on older adult health emerged as a prominent finding. Through 6 months post-hurricane, many older adults experienced unmet needs that contributed to declining physical and emotional health, inadequate non-communicable disease management, social isolation, financial strain, and excess morbidity and mortality. These needs were predominantly consequences of lengthy public service gaps, unsafe living conditions, interrupted health care, and the incongruence between preparedness and event severity. Conclusions: In a landscape of increasing natural hazard frequency and magnitude, a pattern of older adult risk has become increasingly clear. Study findings compel practitioners to engage in natural hazard preparedness planning, research, and policy-making that considers the multiple facets of older adult well-being.

scholarly journals Anxiety and depression in old age: challenges in recognition and diagnosis

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 511-513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Bryant
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Diagnostic Systems ◽  
Icd 10 ◽  
Methodological Problems ◽  
The One ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Older Populations

Recent years have seen much debate about both the prevalence and the nature of anxiety and depression in older adults. On the one hand, some authors have suggested that older populations are characterized by surprisingly high levels of well-being and resilience, despite increasing losses and functional impairment (Staudinger and Fleeson, 1996) and that the prevalence of mental illness, with the exception of dementia, decreases in late life (Jorm, 2000). Others have suggested that this is a spurious finding resulting from the methodological problems in obtaining accurate data for older adults (Beekman et al., 1998, Krasucki et al., 1999; O'Connor, 2006), with categorical diagnostic systems, such as the DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association, 1994) and ICD-10 (World Health Organization, 1992) frequently cited as aggravating these difficulties (Palmer et al., 1997).

scholarly journals Socio-Pedagogical Aspects of Diagnostics of Family Problems of a Specialist in the Security and Defense Sector

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (6 (344)) ◽  
pp. 118-129
Author(s):  
Iryna Trubavina ◽  
◽  
Svitlana Boyko ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Family Problems ◽  
Military Conflict ◽  
The Family ◽  
Statics And Dynamics ◽  
Hybrid War

The article is focused on the problems of diagnostics of the security and defense specialists by a specialist of social and socio-pedagogical work in family problems. It is determined that the problems of families of Ukraine security and defense specialists under the hybrid war and military conflict in the East of Ukraine conditions are both general and special in the context of creating social conditions addressing issues of concern to the family. They may be subject to the work of military and social specialists in their departments and social work in the community with families, if they are in difficult life circumstances. The social diagnosis criterion is the quality of life of the family, which is an objective and subjective criterion, implemented through a system of indicators at the level of a particular family and its member and the family at the level of society. These criteria include quality of life such as physical health, emotional health (eg, satisfaction, self-esteem, happiness), material well-being, work, creativity, relationships, security, direct involvement in a particular society, which we revealed through indicators for families of security and defense specialists. Socio-pedagogical methods of determining the family life quality for making a family social diagnosis are generalized. When using them, we have to keep in mind that the family should be studied in statics and dynamics. Prospects for further research are the development of methods for studying the family in psychology, law and social sciences.

scholarly journals A dyadic study of depression, capitalization patterns, and leisure activities in retirement

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 753-754
Author(s):  
Ksenya Shulyaev ◽  
Dikla Segel-Karpas ◽  
Nurit Gur-Yaish
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Good News ◽  
Actual Problem ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Depression Level ◽  
Couple Dynamics

Abstract Late-life relationships, and specifically spousal relations, are increasingly recognized as an important factor shaping the wellbeing, health, social and emotional health of older people. Therefore, a better understanding of the health and well-being trajectories of older adults requires considering the characteristics of their spouses and couple dynamics. This study focused on the actual problem of engagement of recently retired older adults in the community and various leisure activities and examined how both older adults' and spouses’ depression level influence their activities. We also consider the quality of relationships in a couple: how a partner generally responds when the participant discloses good news (capitalization). Fifty-three Israeli couples participated in the current study with one member of the couple 60 or older and retired within the last five years. Recently retired spouses rated their engagement in leisure activities, both spouses reported their level of depression, and partners of retired persons completed the Perceived Responses to Capitalization Attempts Scale. Results show that depression level of recently retired spouses had a direct negative effect (b(SE)=-7.8(3.38), CI(-14.65,-1.04), p=0.02) on their engagement in leisure activities, while the level of their partners' depression had no significant direct effect on retired persons' leisure activities. However, partners’ depression associated (p=0.001) with negative capitalization patterns and mediation analysis showed an indirect effect of partners’ depression via the capitalization (b(SE)=-2.77(1.7), CI(-6.41,-0.04), p=0.03). These results indicate that in encouraging newly retired people to participate in leisure activities it is important to consider both spouses' depression level and capitalization patterns in the couple.

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