scholarly journals Feasibility of Virtual Tablet-Based Group Exercise Among Older Adults in Siberia: Findings From Two Pilot Trials (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Svetlana Nikitina ◽  
Daniele Didino ◽  
Marcos Baez ◽  
Fabio Casati
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Group Cohesion ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Regular Physical Activity ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Pilot Trials ◽  
Online Group

BACKGROUND Regular physical activity has a positive effect on physical health, well-being, and life satisfaction of older adults. However, engaging in regular physical activity can be challenging for the elderly population because of reduced mobility, low motivation, or lack of the proper infrastructures in their communities. OBJECTIVE The objective of this paper was to study the feasibility of home-based online group training—under different group cohesion settings—and its effects on adherence and well-being among Russian older adults. We focused particularly on the technology usability and usage and on the adherence to the training (in light of premeasures of social support, enjoyment of physical activity, and leg muscle strength). As a secondary objective, we also explored the effects of the technology-supported intervention on subjective well-being and loneliness. METHODS Two pilot trials were carried out exploring two different group cohesion settings (weak cohesion and strong cohesion) in the period from 2015 to 2016 in Tomsk, Russian Federation. A total of 44 older adults (59-83 years) participated in the two pilots and followed a strength and balance training program (Otago) for 8 weeks with the help of a tablet-based virtual gym app. Participants in each pilot were assigned to an interaction condition, representing the online group exercising, and an individual condition, representing a home-based individual training. Both conditions featured persuasion strategies but differed in the ability to socialize and train together. RESULTS Both interaction and individual groups reported a high usability of the technology. Trainees showed a high level of technology acceptance and, particularly, a high score in intention to future use (4.2-5.0 on a 5-point Likert scale). Private texting (short service message [SMS]) was used more than public texting, and the strong cohesion condition resulted in more messages per user. Joint participations to training sessions (copresence) were higher for the social group with higher cohesion. The overall adherence to the training was 74% (SD 27%). Higher levels of social support at baseline were associated with higher adherence in the low cohesion condition (F1,18=5.23, P=.03), whereas in the high cohesion, such association was not found. Overall improvement in the satisfaction with life score was observed between pre and post measures (F1,31=5.85, P=.02), but no decrease in loneliness. CONCLUSIONS Online group exercising was proven feasible among healthy independently living older adults in Russia. The pilots suggest that a physical training performed in a virtual environment positively affect the life satisfaction of the trainees, but it does not provide support for a decrease in loneliness. High cohesion groups are preferable for group exercising, especially to mitigate effects of low social support on adherence. Further research in motivating group interactions in training settings is needed.

A Meta-Study of Qualitative Research on Social Support Related to Physical Activity Among Older Adults

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
L. Jayne Beselt ◽  
Michelle C. Patterson ◽  
Meghan H. McDonough ◽  
Jennifer Hewson ◽  
Scott MacKay
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Supportive Behaviors ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Barriers And Challenges

Physical activity (PA) and social support have known benefits for the well-being and health of older adults, and social support is associated with PA behavior and positive affective experiences in PA contexts. The aim of this study was to synthesize qualitative research conducted on the experiences of social support related to PA among older adults (age ≥55 years). Following meta-study methodology, the authors searched nine databases and extracted information from 31 studies. Results were synthesized in terms of common themes and in light of theoretical and methodological perspectives used. The qualitative literature identifies supportive behaviors and social network outcomes which may be useful for informing how best to support older adults to be physically active. This literature rarely reflected the experiences of vulnerable populations, and future research should aim to further understand supportive behaviors which enable older adults to overcome barriers and challenges to being physically active.

scholarly journals Correlations of Subjective and Social Well-Being With Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity in Older Adults—A Population-Based Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuyun Chen ◽  
Amaia Calderón-Larrañaga ◽  
Marguerita Saadeh ◽  
Ing-Mari Dohrn ◽  
Anna-Karin Welmer
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
National Study

Abstract Background Subjective and social well-being, avoiding sedentary behavior (SB), and engaging in physical activity (PA) are important factors for health in older adults, but the extent to which they are related to each other remains unclear. We aimed to investigate these correlations, and whether they differ by age. Method A cross-sectional study was carried out in 595 people aged 66 years and older, from the Swedish National study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen. Subjective and social well-being (life satisfaction, positive and negative affect, social connections, social support, and social participation) were assessed through validated questionnaires and activPAL3 accelerometers provided information on SB and PA. Data were analyzed using multi-adjusted quantile regression models. Results Higher positive affect was significantly associated with less daily sitting time (β = −27.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −47.77, −6.39) and higher levels of light PA (LPA) (β = 40.67, 95% CI: 21.06, 60.28). Higher levels of social support and social participation were associated with less daily sitting time (β = −22.79, 95% CI: −39.97, −5.62; and β = −21.22, 95% CI: −39.99, −2.44) and more time in LPA (β = 23.86, 95% CI: 4.91, 42.81; and β = 25.37, 95% CI: 6.27, 44.47). Stratified analyses suggested that the associations of positive affect and social participation were strongest for individuals aged 80 years and older. Conclusions Our results suggest that older adults with higher levels of subjective and social well-being spend less time sitting and engage more in PA. This was especially evident among the oldest-old individuals. Future research should longitudinally investigate the directionality of these correlations.

scholarly journals Satisfaction with Life, Subjective Well-Being and Functional Skills in Active Older Adults Based on Their Level of Physical Activity Practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 1299 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Antonia Parra-Rizo ◽  
Gema Sanchis-Soler
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Functional Skills ◽  
Physically Active

Studies about the influence of physical activity on life satisfaction, functional ability and subjective well-being in physically active older adults without cognitive impairment are very few for the moment. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the life satisfaction, functional skills and subjective well-being of physically active older adults based on the level of activity practiced. The IPAQ (International Physical Activity), CUBRECAVI and LSIA (Life Satisfaction Index) scales were tested for a sample of 397 Spanish older adults between 61 and 93 years of age (M = 69.65; SD = 4.71). The results showed that those who performed high physical activity obtained higher scores in functional skills (p < 0.01) and in the activities of daily living (p < 0.01). In addition, subjective well-being (p < 0.01) and the functional autonomy of older adults (p < 0.01) were related to the level of physical activity that they practiced. In conclusion, it could be said that the older adults with a high level of physical activity have more functional skills and less difficulties performing the activities of daily living, and that they value their autonomy and health better.

scholarly journals What Role Do Different Types of Social Support Play in Life Satisfaction Among Korean Older Adults in Retirement?

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 30-30
Author(s):  
Jihee Woo ◽  
Hyojin Choi
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Economic Stress ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Instrumental Support ◽  
Appraisal Support ◽  
Different Types

Abstract Individuals are taking more responsibility for their retirement. However, economic stress generated by inadequate planning may pose a grave threat to well-being in retirement. Drawing on stress theory, this study examined how different types of social support mediate the relationship between economic stress and life satisfaction. We used the data from the 2013 and 2014 Korean Retirement and Income Study. Our sample was restricted to older Korean adults in retirement 55 to 96 years of age who were head of household (N=1,672). Confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate the measurement model for six latent constructs: 1) economic stress; 2) emotional support; 3) informational support; 4) instrumental support; 5) appraisal support; 6) life satisfaction. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test this hypothesized model. The results revealed that both measurement model (CFI=0.985, TLI=0.983, RMSEA=0.036, SRMR=0.035) and structural model (CFI=0.978, TLI=0.984, RMSEA=0.030, SRMR=0.039) fit the data well. Standardized results from the SEM model adjusting for sociodemographic variables showed that economic stress directly predicted life satisfaction (β=-0.39, p&lt;0.001) and two of four social support types directly predicted life satisfaction (instrumental support β=0.29, p&lt;0.001; appraisal support β=0.25, p=0.004). Analyses demonstrated that economic stress may lead to lower levels of life satisfaction directly and indirectly through its effect on instrumental (β=-0.07, p&lt;0.001) and appraisal support (β=-0.04, p=0.013). These findings will help inform policymakers and institutions of the need to alleviate economic stress and increase particular types of support with potentially more serious impact on the well-being of older adults in retirement.

Risk of Psychological Distress Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults Experiencing Spousal Loss in Ghana

2019 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 416-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Razak M Gyasi ◽  
David R Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Full Sample ◽  
Spousal Loss

Abstract Background Spousal loss, common in older age, has been linked to negative mental health outcomes and well-being, yet the mechanisms linking spousal loss and mental health are still unclear. Objective To investigate whether physical activity, social support, and gender modify the psychological distress effects of marital loss among community-dwelling older persons in Ghana. Methods Data from a 2016/2017 Ageing, Health, Psychological Well-being, and Health-seeking Behavior Study (N = 1,200) were examined. OLS regression models examined associations between spousal loss and psychological distress outcomes and interaction terms. Results Spousal loss (widowhood and divorce/separation) was associated with psychological distress (measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale [KPDS-10]) for the full sample (β = .798, p &lt; .001), women (β = .831, p &lt; .001) and for men (β = .533, p &lt; .05). After adjusting for potential confounders, the associations between spousal loss and psychological distress persisted for the full sample (β = .727, p &lt; .001) and females only (β = .730, p &lt; .001). In particular, when experiencing spousal loss, those with meaningful social support (β = −.856, p &lt; .005) and engaged in physical activity (β = −.258, p &lt; .001) were less likely to be psychologically distressed. Conclusions Spousal loss precipitates an independent risk of psychological distress in older age particularly among women, but social support and physical activity engagements moderate the relationship. These findings support the premise that providing opportunities to improve social support and regular physical activity may buffer the effects of psychological distress among older persons experiencing spousal loss. Providing support for older adults in times of divorce and widowhood, and working towards changes in social attitudes towards divorce are important considerations.

The Impact of Perceived Stress, Social Support, and Home-Based Physical Activity on Mental Health among Older Adults

2011 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyung Hwa Kwag ◽  
Peter Martin ◽  
Daniel Russell ◽  
Warren Franke ◽  
Marian Kohut
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Home Based ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Daily Steps Buffer the Impact of Daily Stress on Mood in Youth and Middle-aged/Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 845-846
Author(s):  
Daniel Fleming ◽  
Yin Liu ◽  
Myles Maxey ◽  
Elizabeth Braungart Fauth ◽  
Troy Beckert
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Step Count ◽  
Developmental Phase ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Daily Stress ◽  
Age Cohorts ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Physical activity has known associations with lower stress and improved well-being. These studies often include samples from one developmental phase at a time, which is helpful for researchers in those developmental areas, but less informative for identifying predictors of health and well-being across the lifespan. The current study examined whether protective aspects of physical activity (steps) on stress and mood worked similarly in widely different age cohorts. We also examined these relationships at the daily level, as opposed to global/macro levels. Participants (n = 119, 67% female) were 44 adolescents between 13-18 years (Mage (SD) = 15.73 (1.48) years, 57% female) and 77 middle-aged/older adults between 55-76 years (Mage (4.97) = 59.67, 74% female). They self-reported global life satisfaction and demographic characteristics at baseline and completed ecological momentary assessments (three per day for three consecutive days, across six measurement bursts, each spaced two weeks apart) via smart phones, reporting on their mood, stressor exposures/types, and end-of-day pedometer step count. Multilevel models showed that daily steps had protective effects against social network stressors on both daily mood and life satisfaction, such that more steps weakened the negative relationship between network-related stressors, mood, and life satisfaction. This protective effect was uniform for both older and younger adults, and across boys/men and girls/women. Overall, the present study suggested the importance of physical activity, even that of general step count, on buffering daily stress on daily mood and general life satisfaction for participants at multiple phases of the lifespan.

scholarly journals SOCIAL CAPITAL AND THE PET EFFECT

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S530-S530
Author(s):  
Judith Robertson R Phillips ◽  
Edith Jimenez ◽  
Heather Nicholson
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Significant Other ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Increasing Trend ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Social capital such as positive relationships and social support play an important role in older adults’ well-being. Typically, researchers have investigated family and friends as providers of interpersonal resources to older adults but there has been an increasing trend to explore companion pets as providers of social capital and to investigate the impact of pet companionship on older adults’ psychological well-being. Inconsistencies have appeared in the literature though as to whether there is a “pet effect,” the positive benefit of companion pets on older adults’ psychological health. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether having a companion pet would provide greater social connection and better psychological well-being among 83 community-residing older adults (meanage = 62.87 years; males = 38; females = 45) who owned a companion pet, a dog (n= 53) , cat, (n= 21) or both (n= 9), versus 42 community-residing older adults (meanage = 65.69 years; males = 25; females = 17) who didn’t own companion pets. Analyses revealed that no “pet effect” was found for any measure of psychological well-being: self-reported loneliness, happiness, life satisfaction, or mental health. This was especially true for cat owners in that the more one viewed a cat as a family member, the lower one’s life satisfaction and happiness. In addition, as the number of cats in the household increased, the perceived social support from a significant other, family, and friends lowered. Discussion will focus on the implications of these results for pets as providers of social capital.

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