scholarly journals Changes in Provision of Social Support among the Older Population in Nine European Countries during 2004—2015: A panel data analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Septi Kurnia Lestari ◽  
Xavier de Luna ◽  
Malin Eriksson ◽  
Gunnar Malmberg ◽  
Nawi Ng
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Welfare State ◽  
Older People ◽  
Panel Data Analysis ◽  
European Region ◽  
Support Provision ◽  
Study Results ◽  
State Regime

Abstract Background : Providing support to others may be beneficial for older adults. As people age, their health and social relationships change. These changes may relate to change in social support provision as well. We examined the trajectory of social support provision by older people in three European regions throughout eleven years of follow-up. We then examined the extent to which age, gender, and region (represents welfare state regime) influenced the variations in the trajectory. Methods :Data collected from 8,354 respondents who had completed at least waves 1 and 6 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) was analysed. Social support provision was determined from asking a single question regarding whether the respondent provided help personally for people outside their household. Region, sex, and age were the main predictors tested. We used growth model to address the aims of this study. Results :The northern European region (Sweden and Denmark) had the highest odds ratio of providing social support. The likelihood of social support provision decreases by 10% yearly (OR: 0.901, 95%CI: 0.878,0.925) over 11 years of follow-up. Older respondents were less likely to provide support and their trajectories declined faster the younger respondents. Gender difference in social support provision was more apparent among younger older people in the southern European region. Conclusions : European older adults are important source of support, especially for their family. The probability of social support provision by European older adults declines over time. Age, gender and welfare state regime predict this trajectory.

scholarly journals Changes in the provision of instrumental support by older adults in nine European countries during 2004—2015: a panel data analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. K. Lestari ◽  
X. de Luna ◽  
M. Eriksson ◽  
G. Malmberg ◽  
N. Ng
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Welfare State ◽  
Older People ◽  
Panel Data Analysis ◽  
European Region ◽  
Instrumental Support ◽  
Support Provision ◽  
Northern European ◽  
State Regime

Abstract Background Providing support to others has been shown to be beneficial to older adults. As people age, their health and social relationships change. These changes may also relate to changes in social support provision. We examined the trajectory of instrumental support provision by older people in three European regions throughout 11 years of follow-up. We then examined the extent to which age at baseline, sex, and region (representing welfare state regime) influenced the variations in the trajectory. Methods Data collected from 8354 respondents who had completed at least waves 1 and 6 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) was analysed. Instrumental support provision was determined from asking a single question regarding whether the respondent provided help personally for people outside their household. Region, sex, and age at baseline were the main predictors tested. We used growth modelling to address the aims of this study. Results The northern European region (Sweden and Denmark) had the highest odds ratio of instrumental support provision. The likelihood of being involved in providing instrumental support decreased by 8% annually (OR: 0.916, 95%CI: 0.893,0.940) over the 11 years of follow-up. Older respondents were less likely to provide instrumental support and their trajectories declined faster than those of the younger respondents. Sex difference in instrumental support provision was more apparent among younger-older people in the southern European region. Conclusions Older European adults are an important source of instrumental support, especially for their families. The probability of instrumental support provision by European older adults declines over time. Age, sex, and welfare state regime predict this trajectory.

scholarly journals Body Composition in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Before and After SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Longitudinal Prospective Study in a Rural Village Struck by the Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272110477
Author(s):  
Oscar H. Del Brutto ◽  
Robertino M. Mera ◽  
Denisse A. Rumbea ◽  
Pedro Pérez ◽  
Bettsy Y. Recalde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
The Body ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Background: Information on the body composition of inhabitants of remote communities during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is limited. Using a longitudinal population-based study design, we assessed the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and changes in body composition. Methods: Community-dwelling older adults living in a rural Ecuadorian village received body composition determinations before and 1 year after the pandemic as well as serological tests for detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The independent association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and abnormalities in body composition at follow-up was assessed by fitting linear mixed models for longitudinal data. Results: Of 327 enrolled individuals, 277 (85%) received baseline and follow-up body composition determinations, and 175 (63%) of them became SARS-CoV-2 seropositive. Overall, diet and physical activity deteriorated during the follow-up. Multivariate random-effects generalized least squares regression models that included the impact of time and seropositivity on follow-up body composition, showed that neither variable contributed to a worsening in body composition. Multivariate logistic regression models disclosed that the serological status at follow-up cannot be predicted by differences in body composition and other baseline covariates. Conclusions: Study results suggest no increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection among older adults with abnormal body composition and no significant changes as a result of worse physical activity and dietary habits or seropositivity during the length of the study. Together with a previous study in the same population that showed decrease in hand-grip strength after SARS-CoV-2, results confirm that dynapenia (and not sarcopenia) is associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in older adults.

scholarly journals Social Support and Cognitive Impairment: Results from a Portuguese 4-Year Prospective Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8841
Author(s):  
Ricardo Pais ◽  
Luís Ruano ◽  
Carla Moreira ◽  
Sílvia Fraga ◽  
Ofélia P. Carvalho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Ageing Society ◽  
Cox's Regression

(1) Background: In an ageing society, social relationships may benefit cognitive performance with an impact on the health of older people. This study aims to estimate the effect of different social support sources on the risk of cognitive impairment in a sample of older Portuguese people. (2) Methods: From the Portuguese EpiPorto cohort study, we followed a sample of participants with 60 to 85 years (N = 656) between 2009 and 2015 (4.63 mean years of follow-up). The participants’ perception of social support from family, friends and significant others was evaluated. Cox’s regression models were used to investigate the association between this and sociodemographic variables. (3) Results: It was found that social support from friends reduces the risk of cognitive impairment. Men, participants aged 60 to 64 and those not married have a lower risk of cognitive impairment after adjusting for other variables. Participants between 80 and 85 years old (p = 0.021), those with less than four years of education (p < 0.001), and those with cognitive impairment (p = 0.007) have perception of less social support from friends. (4) Conclusions: A social support network from friends reduces the risk of cognitive impairment for older people.

scholarly journals Religiosity and Perceived Social Support Enhance Older Adults’ Resilience after the 2016 Flood

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 929-929
Author(s):  
Katie Cherry ◽  
Matthew Calamia ◽  
Emily Elliott ◽  
Angelina Cantelli
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Severe Weather ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Age Related

Abstract In 2016, catastrophic flooding destroyed homes and property across south Louisiana. This study is part of a larger program of research that addresses the role of prior hurricane and flood experiences on current health and well-being in later life. Participants were predominately middle-aged and older adults who varied in current and prior severe weather experiences (M age=49.6 years, age range 18-88 years). All were tested during the immediate aftermath of the 2016 flood (Wave 1; N=223) and most participated in a follow-up assessment 9 (+/- 3) months later (Wave 2; N=202). Cherry et al. (2021) reported that greater flood stressors at Wave 1, such as displacement, flood-related losses, and damage to homes and property, were associated with more symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that age, religiosity, and perceived social support would be positively associated with post-flood resilience at the Wave 2 follow-up. Results indicated that age was positively associated with religiosity and resilience, and negatively correlated with symptoms of PTSD. Additionally, faith community involvement, non-organizational religiosity, and religious beliefs and practices were all significantly correlated with post-flood resilience. Perceived social support was positively associated with resilience, and inversely correlated with PTSD symptoms. These data suggest that religiosity and perceived social support are valuable resources that foster post-disaster resilience among middle aged and older adults. Implications of these data for current views on age-related strengths and vulnerabilities after severe weather events are discussed.

Social Media Communication and Loneliness Among Older Adults: The Mediating Roles of Social Support and Social Contact

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kunyu Zhang ◽  
Kyungmin Kim ◽  
Nina M Silverstein ◽  
Qian Song ◽  
Jeffrey A Burr
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Media Communication ◽  
Social Media Communication

Abstract Background and Objectives Social media communication offers a medium for helping older people stay socially and emotionally connected with others. This study investigated the association between social media communication with close social ties and loneliness among community-dwelling older adults. The study also examined the mediating roles of social support and social contact. Research Design and Methods Four waves of data from the Health and Retirement Study (2010/2012 and 2014/2016) were used to address the research questions (N = 7,524). A path model was estimated to examine the association between social media communication and older adults’ loneliness. We also examined whether the association between social media communication and loneliness was mediated by perceived social support from close social ties (children, other family members, and friends) and frequency of contact with social network members (phone, in-person contact, and writing letters/email). Results The results showed that frequent social media communication was associated with lower levels of loneliness, adjusting for previous levels of loneliness. The relationship between social media communication and loneliness was mediated by perceived social support and social contact. Thus, social media communication was associated with higher levels of perceived social support and social contact, which were related to lower levels of loneliness among older adults. Discussion and Implications These findings suggested that social media communication may be considered an intervention to reduce loneliness among older people by increasing levels of social support and social contact.

Risk factors for loneliness among older people in a Nordic regional context – a longitudinal study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Fredrica Nyqvist ◽  
Marina Näsman ◽  
Jessica Hemberg ◽  
Mikael Nygård
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Northern Sweden ◽  
Study Region ◽  
Regional Context ◽  
Related Risk ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Logistic Regressions

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of loneliness among older people and to identify risk factors for loneliness in a Nordic regional context over a six-year period. Longitudinal data from the Gerontological Regional Database (GERDA) study of 4,269 older adults living in northern Sweden and western Finland, aged 65, 70, 75 and 80 at baseline in 2010, were analysed. Logistic regressions were used to analyse socio-demographic, social and health-related risk factors at baseline and changes in these for experiences of loneliness at follow-up. The results showed that most older adults (85%) did not experience loneliness at baseline or at follow-up in our study region. However, 3 per cent of the sample reported loneliness in both study years, indicating enduring and chronic loneliness. Analyses revealed that being widowed and becoming a widow/er as well as poor self-rated health at baseline and the onset of depression were risk factors for loneliness. Finally, the risk of loneliness was higher in older people living in Sweden. Further work is needed to explore changes and stability in loneliness as well as to increase our understanding of between-country differences in loneliness.

Spirituality, health and well-being in the elderly

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (12) ◽  
pp. 1741-1742 ◽  
Author(s):  
Orestes V. Forlenza ◽  
Homero Vallada
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Theories Of Aging ◽  
Goal Adjustment ◽  
Flexible Goal Adjustment ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Daily Spiritual Experience Scale

Bailly et al. (2018) examined the trajectory of spirituality in a cohort of 567 non-institutionalized older adults living in Tours, France, during a period of five years. The measurements for spirituality (Daily Spiritual Experience Scale, DES), social support (Satisfaction with Social Support subscale of the Duke Social Support Index), and accommodative tendencies (Flexible Goal Adjustment) were longitudinally collected at three time points (2007, 2009, and 2012). The results of the study confirmed some expected observations, such as higher levels of spirituality among religious older adults when compared with the ones without religion, and older women reporting higher levels of spirituality than older men. But the most interesting finding was the observation that the measured levels of spirituality among older adults remained stable during this five-year period. Based on a growing number of studies and theories of aging suggesting that the levels of spirituality increases during a person's lifetime, one would expect an increase in the levels of spirituality along the study follow-up. The authors, however, interpreted the stable level of spirituality informed by the participants as having already reached a relatively high mean rating score of spirituality at baseline. From the beginning of the trail, many participants expressed self-contentment and reported having found meaning in their lives. Moreover, the responders had, in general, more years of education than expected for people in their age group, lived at home independently with a good self-health evaluation, had relatively fewer diseases, and a good perception of financial satisfaction; these characteristics perhaps make this group not representative of the French general population in the same age bracket.

Older Adults and Social Support in a Disaster Context: Did Relocation Matter for Access to Social Network Resources After the 2015 South Carolina Flood?

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Marian Botchway ◽  
Ana Teixeira ◽  
Spencer Moore
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
South Carolina ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Instrumental Support ◽  
Psychological Burden ◽  
Support Provision

ABSTRACT Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine social network characteristics and social support (emotional and instrumental support) and to determine how those factors differed between relocating older adults and nonrelocating older adults who were affected by the 2015 flood in South Carolina. Methods: Twenty-five community-dwelling elderly (CDE) were interviewed between December 2015 and May 2016 to learn about their experiences in the immediate aftermath of the flood. Ego-centric network data were collected with a focus on social network members and the types of flood-related support that these network members provided. Results: Ten of 25 CDE relocated because of the flood. All CDE were more likely to receive social support from female network members and family members than from other acquaintances. Relocating CDE received significantly less emotional support in comparison to nonrelocating CDE. The odds of receiving instrumental support were higher, but nonsignificant, among relocating CDE in comparison to nonrelocating CDE. Conclusions: The findings around the support provision are concerning particularly because of the additional psychological burden that relocation can place on flood-affected, older adults. Recommendations for public health preparedness strategies are provided in addition to future research directions for examining the well-being of flood-affected, older adults.

scholarly journals Relationship among sleep quality, depressed mood, and perceived social support in older adults: A longitudinal study

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 183449092110526
Author(s):  
Ran Xu ◽  
Yao Lin ◽  
Baoshan Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Depressed Mood ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Physical Factors ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
The Relationship

Sleep quality and perceived social support (PSS) are acknowledged to play indispensable roles in enhancing the adaptation of later life and improving the health condition and well-being of older adults. Both have received widespread attention from researchers. Some researchers have begun focusing on physical factors or health-related behaviors, such as sleep, that have significant effects on PSS. Good sleep quality has been widely established to be significantly associated with a high level of PSS. However, research on the temporal effects of sleep quality on PSS is limited, and the potential health mechanisms of the relationship between sleep quality and PSS in older adults are mixed. This study aims to investigate the temporal relationship between sleep quality and PSS, including the mediating role of depressed mood in the relationship between sleep quality and PSS in older adults. A total of 281 older adults completed the self-reported questionnaires assessing sleep quality, PSS, and depressed mood at three time-points: at intake, a 6-month follow-up, and a 12-month follow-up. Cross-lagged panel analysis using structural equation modeling indicated that sleep quality at Times 1 and 2 positively predicated PSS at Times 2 and 3, respectively. In addition, the longitudinal mediation analysis showed that depressed mood mediated the effect of sleep quality on PSS. The study found that sleep quality influences PSS through depressed mood in older adults, which enriched the theoretical basis of the field. Findings also offer some practical implications. Particularly for community practitioners, the current findings suggest that improving sleep quality can be a strategy for improving psychological health and social functioning (e.g., PSS) in older adults.

scholarly journals Dual-Task Gait as a Predictive Tool for Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felipe Ramírez ◽  
Myriam Gutiérrez
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Older People ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Prospective Studies ◽  
Predictive Tool ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Gait Parameters

The use of the dual-task model as a cognitive-motor interface has been extensively investigated in cross-sectional studies as a training task in cognitive impairment. However, few existing longitudinal studies prove the usefulness of this tool as a clinical marker of cognitive impairment in older people. What is the evidence in prospective studies about dual-task gait as a predictor of cognitive impairment in older adults? This study aims to review and discuss the current state of knowledge in prospective studies on the use of dual-task gait as a predictive tool for cognitive impairment in older adults. The methodology used was a systematic review, according to the PRISMA criteria for the search, summarize and report. A search in 3 databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, and Scopus) was carried out until April 2021. The search terms used were: “(gait OR walking) AND (cognitive decline) AND (dual-task) AND (follow-up OR longitudinal OR long-term OR prospective OR cohort OR predict).” We included prospective research articles with older people with cognitive evaluation at the beginning and the end of the follow-up and dual-task gait paradigm as initial evaluation associated with the presentation of cognitive impairment prediction using any dual-task gait parameters. After exclusion criteria, 12 studies were reviewed. The results indicate that eight studies consider dual-task gait parameters a useful cognitive-motor tool, finding that some of the evaluated parameters of dual-task gait significantly correlate with cognitive impairment over time. The most promising DT parameters associated with cognitive impairment prediction seem to be gait speed, speed cost, DT time, numbers of words during DT, among others. In sum, this study reviews the variety of dual-task gait parameters and their relevance as a simple tool for early cognitive impairment screening, opening a diagnostic window for the screening of cognitive impairment in older people.

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