Reducing loneliness among older adults through providing free travel access: A population-based assessment of social isolation and free bus travel in older adults in England

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lower Odds ◽  
The Past ◽  
Frequency Of Use

Objective: To investigate associations of ownership and use of concessionary bus passes (CBP) with social isolation and loneliness among older adults in England.Methods: In 2012/13, participants (n=4,726, age ≥62y) reported whether they had a CBP and if yes, frequency of use in the past month (0/1-5/≥6 times). Social isolation and loneliness were assessed in 2012/13 and 2016/17. Logistic regression tested cross-sectional and prospective associations, adjusted for socio-demographics.Results: CBP ownership was cross-sectionally associated with reduced odds of social isolation (OR=0.68, 95% CI 0.55-0.84) and loneliness (OR=0.73, 95% CI 0.58-0.91). Among CBP owners, those who had used it ≥6 times had lower odds of being isolated than those who hadn’t used it at all (OR=0.73, 95% CI 0.60-0.89). Longitudinally, CBP ownership was associated with reduced odds of loneliness (OR=0.68, 95% CI 0.49-0.94) at four-year follow-up. A similar effect size was observed for social isolation (OR=0.69, 95% CI 0.46-1.04) but this did not reach significance (p=0.074). Frequency of use was not significantly associated with isolation or loneliness.Conclusion: The CBP scheme in England facilitates social interaction for older adults. CBPs may present a promising initiative for tackling social isolation which is currently a particularly prominent issue in this population group.

The relationship between disability and suicide: prospective evidence from the Ten to Men cohort

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 707-713 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison Milner ◽  
Anne-Marie Bollier ◽  
Eric Emerson ◽  
Anne Kavanagh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Logistic Regression Model ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Longitudinal Cohort ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background People with disabilities often face a range of social and economic adversities. Evidence suggests that these disadvantages result in poorer mental health. Some research also indicates that people with disabilities are more likely experience thoughts about suicide than people without disability, although most of this research is based on small cross-sectional samples. Methods We explored the relationship between self-reported disability (measured at baseline) and likelihood of reporting thoughts of suicide (measured at follow up) using a large longitudinal cohort of Australian males. A logistic regression model was conducted with thoughts of suicide within the past 12 months (yes or no) as the outcome and disability as the exposure. The models adjusted for relevant confounders, including mental health using the SF-12 MCS, and excluded males who reported thoughts of suicide at baseline. Results After adjustment, there was a 1.48 (95% CI: 0.98–2.23, P = 0.063) increase in the odds of thoughts of suicide among men who also reported a disability. The size of association was similar to that of being unemployed. Conclusions Males reporting disability may also suffer from thoughts of suicide. We speculate that discrimination may be one explanation for the observed association. More research on this topic is needed.

scholarly journals Drug Use Changes at the Individual Level: Results from a Longitudinal, Multisite Survey in Young Europeans Frequenting the Nightlife Scene

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Meryem Grabski ◽  
Jon Waldron ◽  
Tom P. Freeman ◽  
Claire Mokrysz ◽  
Ruben J.J. van Beek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Prescription Opioids ◽  
Alkyl Nitrates ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The Past ◽  
Frequency Of Use ◽  
The Individual

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Monitoring emerging trends in the increasingly dynamic European drug market is vital; however, information on change at the individual level is scarce. In the current study, we investigated changes in drug use over 12 months in European nightlife attendees. <b><i>Method:</i></b> In this longitudinal online survey, changes in substances used, use frequency in continued users, and relative initiation of use at follow-up were assessed for 20 different substances. To take part, participants had to be aged 18–34 years; be from Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, or the UK; and have attended at least 6 electronic music events in the past 12 months at baseline. Of 8,045 volunteers at baseline, 2,897 completed the survey at both time points (36% follow-up rate), in 2017 and 2018. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The number of people using ketamine increased by 21% (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001), and logarithmized frequency of use in those continuing use increased by 15% (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001; 95% CI: 0.07–0.23). 4-Fluoroamphetamine use decreased by 27% (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001), and logarithmized frequency of use in continuing users decreased by 15% (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001, 95% CI: −0.48 to −0.23). The drugs with the greatest proportion of relative initiation at follow-up were synthetic cannabinoids (73%, <i>N</i> = 30), mephedrone (44%, <i>N</i> = 18), alkyl nitrites (42%, <i>N</i> = 147), synthetic dissociatives (41%, <i>N</i> = 15), and prescription opioids (40%, <i>N</i> = 48). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> In this European nightlife sample, ketamine was found to have the biggest increase in the past 12 months, which occurred alongside an increase in frequency of use in continuing users. The patterns of uptake and discontinuation of alkyl nitrates, novel psychoactive substances, and prescription opioids provide new information that has not been captured by existing cross-sectional surveys. These findings demonstrate the importance of longitudinal assessments of drug use and highlight the dynamic nature of the European drug landscape.

scholarly journals Older adults experiences of technology use for socialization during the COVID-19 pandemic: A random cross-sectional survey (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen R. Haase ◽  
Theodore Cosco ◽  
Lucy Kervin ◽  
Indira Riadi ◽  
Megan E. O'Connell
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
British Columbia ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Random Sampling ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Critical Approach ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

BACKGROUND Technology has become the most critical approach to maintain social connectedness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Older adults (over age 65) are perceived as most physiologically vulnerable to COVID-19 and at risk of secondary mental health challenges related to social isolation imposed by virus containment strategies. To mitigate concerns regarding sampling bias we used a random sampling of older adults to understand uptake and acceptance of technologies to support socialization during the pandemic. OBJECTIVE To conduct a random population-based assessment of the barriers and facilitators to engaging in technology use for virtual socialization amongst older adults in the Canadian province of British Columbia during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional population-based survey using random-digit dialing to participants over age 65 living in British Columbia. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with open-text responses analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Respondents included 400 older adults with an average age of 72 years old and 63.7% female. Most respondents (89.5%) were aware of how to use technology to connect with others and slightly more than half (56%) reported using technology differently to connect with others during the pandemic. 55.9% of respondents reported adopting new technology since the beginning of the pandemic. Older adults reported key barriers to using technology including: (1) lack of access (including finance, knowledge, and age); (2) lack of interest (including a preference for telephone, and a general lack of interest in computers); and (3) physical barriers (resultant of cognitive impairments, stroke, and arthritis). Older adults reported numerous facilitators, including: (1) knowledge of technologies (whether self-taught or via external courses); (2) reliance on others (family, friends, and general internet searching); (3) technology accessibility (including environments, user-friendly technology, and receiving clear instructions); and (4) social motivation (because everyone else is doing it). CONCLUSIONS Much data on older adults use of technology is limited by sampling biases, but the current study that used random sampling demonstrated that older adults used technology to mitigate social isolation during the pandemic. Virtual socialization is most promising to mitigate potential mental health effects related to virus containment strategies. Addressing barriers by mobilizing telephone training and task lists, and mobilizing facilitators described by participants such as facilitated socialization activities are important strategies that can be implemented within and beyond the pandemic to bolster the mental health needs of older adults.

scholarly journals Apathy and cognitive and functional decline in community-dwelling older adults: results from the Baltimore ECA longitudinal study

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 819-829 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana E. Clarke ◽  
Jean Y. Ko ◽  
Constantine Lyketsos ◽  
George W. Rebok ◽  
William W. Eaton
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Functional Decline ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevalence Estimates

ABSTRACTBackground: Apathy, a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome, commonly affects patients with Alzheimer's disease. Prevalence estimates for apathy range widely and are based on cross-sectional data and/or clinic samples. This study examines the relationships between apathy and cognitive and functional declines in non-depressed community-based older adults.Methods: Data on 1,136 community-dwelling adults aged 50 years and older from the Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) study, with 1 and 13 years of follow-up, were used. Apathy was assessed with a subscale of items from the General Health Questionnaire. Logistic regression, t-tests, χ2 and Generalized Estimating Equations were used to accomplish the study's objectives.Results: The prevalence of apathy at Wave 1 was 23.7%. Compared to those without, individuals with apathy were on average older, more likely to be female, and have lower Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) scores and impairments in basic and instrumental functioning at baseline. Apathy was significantly associated with cognitive decline (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.06, 2.60) and declines in instrumental (OR = 4.42; 95% CI = 2.65, 7.38) and basic (OR = 2.74; 95%CI = 1.35, 5.57) function at 1-year follow-up, even after adjustment for baseline age, level of education, race, and depression at follow-up. At 13 years of follow-up, apathetic individuals were not at greater risk for cognitive decline but were twice as likely to have functional decline. Incidence of apathy at 1-year follow up and 13-year follow-up was 22.6% and 29.4%, respectively.Conclusions: These results underline the public health importance of apathy and the need for further population-based studies in this area.

Life satisfaction and frailty in community-based older adults: cross-sectional and prospective analyses

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (10) ◽  
pp. 1709-1716 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip D. St John ◽  
Suzanne L. Tyas ◽  
Patrick R. Montgomery
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Gender Education ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
Prospective Analyses

ABSTRACTBackground:Frailty may be associated with reduced life satisfaction (LS). The objectives of this paper are to determine if (1) frailty is associated with LS in community-dwelling older adults in cross-sectional analyses; (2) frailty predicts LS five years later; and (3) specific domains of LS are preferentially associated with frailty.Methods:This paper presents analysis of an existing population-based cohort study of 1,751 persons aged 65+ who were assessed in 1991, with follow-up five years later. LS was measured using the terrible–delightful scale, which measures overall LS and LS in specific domains. Frailty was measured using the Brief Frailty Instrument. Analyses were adjusted for age, gender, education, and marital status.Results:Frailty was associated with overall LS at time 1 and predicted overall LS at time 2. This was seen in unadjusted analyses and after adjusting for confounding factors. Frailty was associated with all domains of LS at time 1, and predicted LS at time 2 in all domains except housing and self-esteem. However, the effect was stronger for LS with health than with other domains for both times 1 and 2.Conclusions:Frailty is associated with LS, and the effect is strongest for LS with health.

scholarly journals Internet use, social isolation and loneliness in older adults

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Stephanie Stockwell ◽  
Brendon Stubbs ◽  
Sarah E. Jackson ◽  
Abi Fisher ◽  
Lin Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
English Longitudinal Study

Abstract The aim of this study was to explore associations between internet/email use in a large sample of older English adults with their social isolation and loneliness. Data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing Wave 8 were used, with complete data available for 4,492 men and women aged ⩾ 50 years (mean age = 64.3, standard deviation = 13.3; 51.7% males). Binomial logistic regression was used to analyse cross-sectional associations between internet/email use and social isolation and loneliness. The majority of older adults reported using the internet/email every day (69.3%), fewer participants reported once a week (8.5%), once a month (2.6%), once every three months (0.7%), less than every three months (1.5%) and never (17.4%). No significant associations were found between internet/email use and loneliness, however, non-linear associations were found for social isolation. Older adults using the internet/email either once a week (odds ratio (OR) = 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.49–0.72) or once a month (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.45–0.80) were significantly less likely to be socially isolated than every day users; those using internet/email less than once every three months were significantly more likely to be socially isolated than every day users (OR = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.28–6.40). Once every three months and never users showed no difference in social isolation compared with every day users. Weak associations were found between different online activities and loneliness, and strong associations were found with social isolation. The study updated knowledge of older adults’ internet/email habits, devices used and activities engaged in online. Findings may be important for the design of digital behaviour change interventions in older adults, particularly in groups at risk of or interventions targeting loneliness and/or social isolation.

scholarly journals Awareness of ParticipACTION among Canadian adults: a seven-year cross-sectional follow-up

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 179-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
John C. Spence ◽  
Guy Faulkner ◽  
Eun-Young Lee ◽  
Tanya Berry ◽  
Christine Cameron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Logistic Models ◽  
Outcome Expectations ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Past ◽  
Communication Goals ◽  
Population Based Survey

Introduction In this cross-sectional follow-up study, we explored Canadian’s awareness of ParticipACTION and their levels of physical activity (PA) after seven years of campaigns. Methods A population-based survey was conducted with 7282 adults over a period of 14 months from February 2014 to May 2015. The survey consisted of questions on the 2014-2015 Physical Activity Monitor relating to awareness and knowledge of ParticipACTION. Weighted logistic models were constructed to examine whether awareness was associated with PA-related beliefs, intentions, and leisure time physical activity (LTPA). Results Approximately 20% of Canadians reported unprompted awareness of ParticipACTION and 82% reported prompted awareness. Education, income, and having children were significant correlates of awareness among Canadians. The adjusted odds of people being aware of ParticipACTION (prompted and unprompted) were greater if they were more educated (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.04–2.39; OR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.24–3.24), reported higher income (OR = 3.92, 95% CI: 2.35–6.53; OR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.44–3.62), and had children (OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.40–2.66; OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.26–2.30). Furthermore, awareness of ParticipACTION was positively associated with outcome expectations and self-efficacy, and negatively associated with LTPA status. Conclusion Levels of unprompted awareness of ParticipACTION are higher than previously reported and, in comparison to active Canadians, inactive Canadians are more likely to be aware of the organization. Given that it had primarily targeted parents of inactive children over the past seven years, it appears the organization has been partially effective in achieving its communication goals.

scholarly journals Telephone Quitline Use and Effectiveness Among Young Adults

2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Zhang ◽  
Ann Malarcher ◽  
Jennifer M. Bombard ◽  
Vance Rabius
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Smoking Prevalence ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Effective Population ◽  
The Past ◽  
Age Related

Introduction: Although smoking prevalence has declined dramatically among adults in the past 40 years, 19.3% of adults still smoke, including 20.1% of adults aged 18–24 years. Quitlines are effective, population-based interventions that increase successful cessation.Aims: This study aims to describe the characteristics of young adult smokers aged 18–24 years who used telephone cessation counselling for assistance with quitting, to assess self-reported quit rates, and to examine predictors of quitting, compared to older adults.Methods: We examined data from 4,542 young adult smokers aged 18–24 years and 46,094 smokers aged ≥25 years who enrolled in the American Cancer Society's quitline services during 2006–2008.Results: Young adult smokers aged 18–24 years who called quitlines differed slightly from older adults in demographics and tobacco-use behaviours. There were no age-related differences in self-reported seven-day quit rates or 30-day quit rates at the seven-month follow-up. Predictors of quitting were mostly similar for the young adults and the older adults, although the odds of quitting were lower among young adults for living with vs. not living with a smoker.Conclusions: Although young adult smokers under-utilise telephone cessation quitlines for assistance with quitting, those who do use these services have quit rates similar to older adults.

scholarly journals Associations between diet and mental health using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire: cross-sectional and prospective analyses from the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naoki Choda ◽  
Kenji Wakai ◽  
Mariko Naito ◽  
Nahomi Imaeda ◽  
Chiho Goto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Dairy Products ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Past

Abstract Background Mental health has become a major public health issue worldwide. Biological and epidemiological studies suggest diet has a role in the prevention or cure of mental disorders. However, further research is required to elucidate the relationship between diet and mental health. This study aimed to investigate associations between dietary intake of nutrients (macronutrients, vitamins, calcium, and fatty acids) and food groups (fish, meat and chicken, dairy products, and vegetables) and mental health among middle-aged Japanese in cross-sectional and prospective studies. Methods In total, 9298 men and women that participated in two areas of the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Study were eligible for analysis at the baseline (cross-sectional) survey. Of these, 4701 participants were followed for about 5 years and included in the follow-up (prospective) analysis. The 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) was used to assess participants’ general mental health status over the past several weeks. The average intake of 46 foods over the past year was assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire. We also evaluated lifestyle and medical factors using a self-administered questionnaire. A cross-sectional logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate odds ratios for a GHQ score ≥ 4 (poor mental health) according to dietary intake of foods/nutrients at baseline. The prospective study used baseline dietary and lifestyle factors and GHQ scores at follow-up. Results The cross-sectional logistic regression analysis showed vegetables, protein, calcium, vitamin D, carotene and n-3 highly-polyunsaturated fatty acids were inversely associated with a GHQ score ≥ 4. On the other hand, mono-unsaturated fatty acids showed a positive association with higher GHQ score. The prospective logistic regression analysis found dairy products, calcium, vitamin B2, and saturated fatty acids were inversely correlated with a GHQ score ≥ 4. Calcium was associated with GHQ scores in both the cross-sectional and follow-up studies. In the follow-up study, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio for a GHQ score ≥ 4 was 0.71 (95% confidence interval, 0.55–0.92) for the highest versus lowest quartiles of calorie-adjusted dietary calcium intake. Conclusion Consuming particular nutrients and foods, especially calcium and dairy products, may lead to better mental health in Japanese adults.

scholarly journals Social isolation, rather than loneliness, is associated with cognitive decline in older adults: the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Bin Yu ◽  
Andrew Steptoe ◽  
Yongjie Chen ◽  
Xiaohua Jia
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Mental Status ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Confounding Variables

Abstract Background Social isolation and loneliness have each been associated with cognitive decline, but most previous research is limited to Western populations. This study examined the relationships of social isolation and loneliness on cognitive function among Chinese older adults. Methods This study used two waves of data (2011 and 2015) from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study and analyses were restricted to those respondents aged 50 and older. Social isolation, loneliness, and cognitive function were measured at baseline. Follow-up measures on cognitive function were obtained for 7761 participants (mean age = 60.97, s.d. = 7.31; male, 50.8%). Lagged dependent variable models adjusted for confounding factors were used to evaluate the association between baseline isolation, loneliness, and cognitive function at follow-up. Results Loneliness was significantly associated with the cognitive decline at follow-up (episodic memory: β = −0.03, p < 0.01; mental status: β = −0.03, p < 0.01) in the partially adjusted models. These associations became insignificant after additional confounding variables (chronic diseases, health behaviors, disabilities, and depressive symptoms) were taken into account (all p > 0.05). By contrast, social isolation was significantly associated with decreases in all cognitive function measures at follow-up (episodic memory: β = −0.05, p < 0.001; mental status: β = −0.03, p < 0.01) even after controlling for loneliness and all confounding variables. Conclusions Social isolation is associated with cognitive decline in Chinese older adults, and the relationships are independent of loneliness. These findings expand our knowledge about the links between social relationships and the cognitive function in non-Western populations.

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