Gender Differences in Resilience Among Older Taiwanese Adults

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to determine whether gender impacts potential associations between social relationships, sociodemographic, health and behavioural factors with resilience among older Taiwanese adults. Methods High and low resilience of older adults was determined based on the median value of the Friborg’s Resilience Scale. An independent sample t-test, χ2, and multivariate logistic regression were used to examine predictors for resilience which were then stratified by gender. Results Older women were less likely to be resilient than older men. Marital status, age, financial stress, and satisfaction with one's living environment were only significant in women. Traditional gender roles in the wider Taiwanese context can be attributed to these differences. Conclusions The relationships between gender, sociodemographics, health, and social and behavioural factors with resilience provide unique insights into how culture shapes trends in data.

Download Full-text

Body mass index and mild cognitive impairment among rural older adults in China: the moderating roles of gender and age

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-021-03059-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yemin Yuan ◽

Jie Li ◽

Nan Zhang ◽

Peipei Fu ◽

Zhengyue Jing ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽

Older People ◽

Older Women ◽

Older Men ◽

Gender And Age ◽

Low Bmi ◽

Rural Older Adults

Abstract Background Evidence concerning the association between body mass index (BMI) and cognitive function among older people is inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate gender and age as moderators in association between BMI and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among rural older adults. Methods Data were derived from the 2019 Health Service for Rural Elderly Families Survey in Shandong, China. In total, 3242 people aged 60 years and above were included in the analysis. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was used to examine the moderating roles of gender and age, then further to explore the relationship between BMI and MCI. Results There were 601 (18.5%) participants with MCI. Compared with normal BMI group, low BMI group had a higher risk of MCI among older people [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.08, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.26–3.44], women (aOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.35–3.12), or the older elderly aged ≥75 years old (aOR = 3.20, 95% CI: 1.34–7.45). This effect remained statistically significant among older women (aOR = 3.38, 95% CI: 1.69–6.73). Among older men, elevated BMI group had a higher risk of MCI (aOR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.17–4.61) than normal BMI group. Conclusions Gender and age moderated the association between BMI and MCI among Chinese rural older adults. Older women with low BMI were more likely to have MCI, but older men with elevated BMI were more likely to have MCI. These findings suggest rural community managers strengthen the health management by grouping the weight of older people to prevent the risk of dementia.

Download Full-text

Objectively assessed physical activity patterns and physical function in community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study in Taiwan

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034645 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. e034645

Author(s):

Ming-Chun Hsueh ◽

Ru Rutherford ◽

Chien-Chih Chou ◽

Jong-Hwan Park ◽

Hyun-Tae Park ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Physical Function ◽

Older Women ◽

Handgrip Strength ◽

Older Men ◽

Daily Step ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Step Counts ◽

Single Leg Stance

ObjectivesTo objectively assess light physical activity (PA), moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), step counts and number of 10 min MVPA bouts and their association with physical function among older adults.DesignCross-sectional design.SettingUrban community setting in Taiwan.Participants127 Taiwanese older adults aged over 65 years (mean age=70.8±5.3 years; 72% women).Primary and secondary outcome measuresTriaxial accelerometers were used to measure PA variables for 10 hours/day for seven consecutive days. Then, five physical function components (handgrip strength, single-leg stance, 5-metre walk speed, timed up and go and sit-to-stand test) were measured. Multiple linear regressions were used to perform separate analyses for older men and women.ResultsFor older women, daily MVPA time (β: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.64; p=0.004), daily step counts (β: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.78; p=0.009) and number of 10 min MVPA bouts (β: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.53; p=0.049) were positively associated with handgrip strength after adjusting for accelerometer wear time, sedentary time and other confounders. Furthermore, daily MVPA time was positively associated with a single-leg stance (β: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.49; p=0.036) and higher daily step counts were associated with shorter walking speed performance (β: −0.31, 95% CI: −0.57, −0.001; p=0.049). None of the variables of the objectively assessed PA patterns was associated with physical function outcomes among older men due to their small sample size.ConclusionsDaily MVPA, MVPA bouts of at least 10 min and accumulated daily steps are important for improving physical function among older women. Future prospective research should establish causal associations between PA patterns and functional ability among older adults.

Download Full-text

Hyperleptinemia, Adiposity, and Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Older Adults

Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1155/2013/327079 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Suruchi Mishra ◽

Tamara B. Harris ◽

Trisha Hue ◽

Iva Miljkovic ◽

Suzanne Satterfield ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Older Women ◽

Subcutaneous Fat ◽

Abdominal Adiposity ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽

Body Composition Study ◽

Health Aging ◽

Prospective Association

Background. Abdominal adiposity and serum leptin increase with age as does risk of metabolic syndrome. This study investigates the prospective association between leptin and metabolic syndrome risk in relation to adiposity and cytokines.Methods. The Health, Aging, and Body Composition study is a prospective cohort of older adults aged 70 to 79 years. Baseline measurements included leptin, cytokines, BMI, total percent fat, and visceral and subcutaneous fat. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association between leptin and metabolic syndrome (defined per NCEP ATP III) incidence after 6 years of follow-up among 1,120 men and women.Results. Leptin predicted metabolic syndrome in men (Pfor trend = 0.0002) and women (Pfor trend = 0.0001). In women, risk of metabolic syndrome increased with higher levels of leptin (compared with quintile 1, quintile 2 RR = 3.29, CI = 1.36, 7.95; quintile 3 RR = 3.25, CI = 1.33, 7.93; quintile 4 RR = 5.21, CI = 2.16, 12.56; and quintile 5 RR = 7.97, CI = 3.30, 19.24) after adjusting for potential confounders. Leptin remained independently associated with metabolic syndrome risk after additional adjustment for adiposity, cytokines, and CRP. Among men, this association was no longer significant after controlling for adiposity.Conclusion. Among older women, elevated concentrations of leptin may increase the risk of metabolic syndrome independent of adiposity and cytokines.

Download Full-text

Oral Health Matters- Tooth Problem and its Treatment-seeking Behaviour Among Older Adults in India

10.21203/rs.3.rs-55569/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Shobhit Srivast ◽

Pradeep Kumar ◽

Debashree Sinha ◽

Prem Shankar Mishra

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Oral Health ◽

Older Women ◽

Dental Health ◽

National Level ◽

Negative Relationship ◽

Older Men ◽

Health Problems ◽

Effective Sample Size ◽

Age Group

Abstract Background: Growing untreated morbidities among the older adults on geriatric issues especially an optimal dental treatment has become an unfinished agenda and a long-neglected area for care and management in many low and middle-income countries. There is a continuous rise in the older population in India and at the same time, the rising of co-morbidities or multi-morbidities in the aging population creates catastrophic challenges at the individuals, household, community, and country levels, and therefore, it is important to address dental health problems and related issues in the aged population in India. The study aims to understand the prevalence of dental health problems and their health-seeking behaviour among older adults in India. Further, the study determines the factors associated with low access and under-coverage of dental health care services among the elderly populations in IndiaMethods: The present research used data from Building a Knowledge Base on Population Aging in India (BKPAI) which was a national level survey and was conducted in 2011, across seven states of India. The effective sample size of this study was 9541 older adults aged 60+ years. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis were used to fulfill the study objectives. Additionally, the study employed the Heckprobit selection model which is a two-equation model to understand the determinants of dental health problems.Results: Older adults in the age group of 70-79 years (36.9%) and 80+ years (51.9%) reported higher dental problems compared to 60-69 years (19.9%), older women reported more dental problems (29.2%) and also used more dental aids (12.6%) compared to older men. Older adults in the age group 70-79 and 80+ years were 0.15 times and 0.40 times less likely to use dental aids respectively, as compared to 60-69 years older adults. Moreover, older women were 0.28 times more likely to use dental aids than older men. Education and wealth of older adults have a negative relationship with dental problems.Conclusion: This study clearly emphasized that awareness of smoking-related health problems should be promoted vigorously. Further, a holistic approach is needed to prevent dental diseases that occur because of other co-morbidities. For that, integration of the oral health program with programs dealing with morbidities can act as a solution to the existing problem.

Download Full-text

DIETARY INTAKE AND NUTRITIONAL RISK AMONG OLDER AMERICANS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.3414 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S939-S939

Author(s):

Yeon Jin Choi ◽

Jennifer A Ailshire ◽

Eileen Crimmins

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Older Women ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Older Men ◽

Dietary Guidelines ◽

Healthy Diet ◽

Nutritional Risk ◽

Older Americans ◽

Average Consumption

Abstract A suboptimal diet and nutritional deficiency are among the leading causes of chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, cancer, and osteoporosis), morbidity, and mortality. The objective of this study is to assess dietary intake and nutritional risk among older Americans. The dietary intake of 15 food and nutrients that are closely associated with the risk of poor health was assessed based on the dietary guidelines and nutritional goals for older Americans using a nationally representative sample of older adults (N=7,737) in the Health and Retirement Study Health Care and Nutrition Survey. The average consumption of most food and nutrients was out of the optimal range. For example, older men and women consumed 1.32-1.35 cups of dairy products and 1.23-1.29 ounces of whole grains, which is less than half of the suggested amount. The average consumption of sodium, on the other hand, was over 12 times greater than suggested dietary recommendation for older men and about 10 times greater for older women. The nutritional risk index (range: 0–15) was created by summing the number of dietary risk factors (not meeting the dietary guidelines and nutritional goals), the index scores for older men and older women were 11.05 (SD=2.31) and 10.09 (SD=2.60) respectively, suggesting the high level of nutritional risk. A healthy diet should be encouraged to prevent chronic diseases and improve the health of older adults. Nutritional education may be an effective way to promote a healthy diet.

Download Full-text

Sarco-Osteoporosis: Prevalence and Association with Frailty in Chinese Community-Dwelling Older Adults

International Journal of Endocrinology ◽

10.1155/2015/482940 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Yan-Jiao Wang ◽

Yi Wang ◽

Jun-Kun Zhan ◽

Zhi-Yong Tang ◽

Jie-Yu He ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Older People ◽

Older Women ◽

Older Men ◽

Lower Proportion ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Chinese Older People ◽

Osteoporosis Prevalence ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

The aim was to apply AWGS criteria to estimate the prevalence of sarco-osteoporosis and investigate its relationship with frailty, in a sample of 316 community-dwelling Chinese older people. Regression analysis was performed using frailty as the dependent variable. The results showed that the prevalence rate of sarco-osteoporosis was 10.4% in older men and 15.1% in older women. ≧80 years old (OR 4.8; 95% CI, 3.05–10.76;P=0.027), women (OR 2.6; 95% CI, 1.18–2.76;P=0.036), and higher level of comorbidity (OR 3.71; 95% CI, 1.61–10.43;P=0.021) were independently associated with the likelihood of being sarco-osteoporosis. In the frail group, sarco-osteoporosis occurred in 26.3% of men, in 38.5% of women, and in lower proportion in the prefrail (13.6% of men; 16.2% of women) and nonfrail group (1.6% of men; 1.9% of women) (P<0.05, resp.). Furthermore, the likelihood of being frail/prefrail was substantially higher in the presence of sarco-osteoporosis (OR 4.16; 95% CI, 2.17–17.65;P=0.019in men; and OR 4.67; 95% CI, 2.42–18.86;P=0.007in women). The results indicate that patients with sarco-osteoporosis are more likely to be ≧80 yrs with higher burden of comorbidities and to have frailty/prefrailty, especially for women.

Download Full-text

Gender Differences in Neighborhood Walking in Older Adults

Journal of Aging and Health ◽

10.1177/0898264314532686 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 26 (8) ◽

pp. 1280-1300 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Nancy Ambrose Gallagher ◽

Philippa J. Clarke ◽

Kimberlee A. Gretebeck

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Gender Differences ◽

Older Women ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Outcome Expectations ◽

Older Men ◽

Neighborhood Density ◽

Hierarchical Regression ◽

Efficacy Outcome ◽

Design Characteristics

Objective: This study examined mobility, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, neighborhood (density, destinations, and design), and neighborhood walking in older men ( n = 106, 60-99 years, M = 76.78, SD = 8.12) and women ( n = 216, 60-99 years, M = 75.81, SD = 8.46). Method/Results: In hierarchical regression, the variables explained 32% of the variance in neighborhood walking in men ( p < .001) and 27% of the variance in women ( p < .01). Self-efficacy (β = .49, p < .01), density (β= .22, p < .05), and design (β= .21, p = .05) were associated with walking in men. Significant design characteristics included sidewalks (β= .25, p < .05) and crime (β= .36, p < .01). In women, self-efficacy (β= .48, p < .001) and destinations (β= .15, p < .05) were associated with walking. Walking was associated with self-efficacy for walking despite individual barriers in women (β= .38, p < .001) and neighborhood barriers in men (β= .30, p < .05). Conclusion: Walking interventions targeting older women should incorporate local destinations. In older men, interventions should consider neighborhood sidewalk design and crime. Walking interventions for all older adults should include enhancement of self-efficacy, but gender differences may exist in the types of self-efficacy on which to focus.

Download Full-text

Friendships Forged in Fitness: An Ethnographic Exploration of Older Women’s Social Experiences in Water Aerobics

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1522 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 470-470

Author(s):

Britteny Howell ◽

Samantha Wanner

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Older Women ◽

Social Relationships ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Local Community ◽

Social Supports ◽

Thick Description ◽

Fitness Centers ◽

The Social ◽

Water Based

Abstract Research shows that participants, especially older women, are more likely to adhere to a fitness program when they have social supports. Gerontology research also demonstrates that the social relationships forged by older women at community and fitness centers can be long-lasting and provide a variety of supportive functions. Older adults respond well to pool- or water-based aerobic exercises that are safe on the joints and provide a comfortable environment away from the intimidating nature of the gym. Therefore, water-based classes provided at community fitness centers are well positioned to provide ample social opportunities to further reinforce continued physical activity for older women, resulting in health and quality-of-life improvements. This project is a 5-month ethnographic exploration of the social relationships created and maintained in the context of water-based fitness classes (water aerobics) at a local community center (YMCA) that is attended by a culturally diverse group of older adults. The friendships forged by women in the pool at the YMCA provide a variety of social supports that help to maintain healthy aging outcomes among participants. Drawing on components of Activity Theory and Social Support Theory, this presentation utilizes participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and questionnaires (N=35) to provide an anthropological “thick description” of the important role that fitness center friendships can form in the social lives of older women in the U.S.

Download Full-text

Gendered leisure time-use and its impact on cognitive function among older adults in rural China

Ageing and Society ◽

10.1017/s0144686x21000118 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-23

Author(s):

Huijun Liu ◽

Yaolin Pei ◽

Bei Wu

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Gender Differences ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Older Women ◽

Leisure Time ◽

Rural China ◽

Leisure Activities ◽

Older Men ◽

Physical Activities ◽

Cognitive Activities

Abstract Increasing evidence has shown that an active, socially engaged lifestyle in leisure time might protect older adults against the decline of cognitive function. It remains unclear, however, which types of leisure activities are more beneficial to maintain cognitive function, and whether there are gender differences in the association between leisure activities and cognitive function. We used a two-wave of panel data from 1,018 older adults aged 60 and older in rural China to examine the lag effects of different types of leisure activities on cognitive functioning and to identify the gender differences in their impacts on cognition in rural China. Ordinary least-squares regression models showed that high physical activities were associated with better cognitive function. High intensity of cognitive activities and engaging in physical activities have a protective effect on cognitive function among older men rather than older women. Further, we found that cognitive activities had a stronger effect on cognitive function among older men than older women. It is important to consider gender-specific intervention in leisure activities to maintain cognitive function among older adults.

Download Full-text

Amount of Protein Required to Improve Muscle Mass in Older Adults

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12061700 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 1700

Author(s):

Doyeon Kim ◽

Yongsoon Park

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Older Women ◽

Muscle Mass ◽

Gait Speed ◽

Protein Intake ◽

Older Men ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Age Related ◽

And Function ◽

Habitual Protein Intake

Increased protein intake has been suggested as an effective strategy to treat age-related loss of muscle mass and function, but the amount of protein required to improve muscle and function without exercise in older adults remains unclear. Thus, this secondary data analysis aimed to assess what amount of protein from habitual protein intake was positively associated with changes in muscle mass and gait speed in older women and men. Ninety-six community-dwelling older adults consumed 0.8, 1.2, or 1.5 g/kg/day of protein and maintained their usual physical activity for 12 weeks. Increased protein intake of >0.54 g/kg/day was positively associated with changes in appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM)/weight (B = 0.591, p = 0.026), ASM/body mass index (B = 0.615, p = 0.023), and ASM:fat ratio (B = 0.509, p = 0.030) in older men. However, change in protein intake was not associated with change in muscle mass in older women. Additionally, change in protein intake was not associated with change in gait speed in older women and men. The present study suggested that an increased absolute protein amount of >0.54 g/kg/day from habitual protein intake was positively associated with change in muscle mass in older men.

Download Full-text