scholarly journals Effects of Educational Attainment and Housing Condition on Self-Rated Health in Old Age: Heterogeneity and Tendency in China

2022 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Yao ◽  
Shun Zhang ◽  
Aihong Li
Keyword(s):  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Later Life ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Housing Condition ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Chinese Elders

In China, the health of the elderly has long been discussed, but few have investigated the diversity of the aging pattern in later life of this population. Although a large body of literature has approved the positive association between socioeconomic status (SES) and health, it still remains controversial regarding whether the association becomes convergent or divergent in old ages. Using data from China's 2010 and 2015 Inter-census Survey (1‰ sample), this paper explored the role of two key SES indicators, educational attainment and housing condition in modifying the self-rated health of Chinese elders aged 60 and above. We observed the diversified patterns of how educational attainment and housing condition have made an impact on the health of these elders in their old age and the temporal changes of the two SES indicators. We found higher educational attainment and better housing condition can lead to higher self-rated health. This positive significance however diminished with age over time, as we observed from 2010 to 2015, indicating the convergent effects of SES on health in old age. We also found that although educational attainment and housing condition were both positively correlated with health, their effects were differentiated. The influence of educational attainment on health waxed, whereas on housing conditions waned over time. These findings suggested the heterogeneity of health and SES effects among Chinese elders.

Still Feeling Better? Trends in Self-Rated Health of Older Adults in the U.S

2020 ◽  
pp. 016402752096365
Author(s):  
Esther O. Lamidi
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Later Life ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Health Trends ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Middle Aged Adults ◽  
Over Time

Previous analyses showed an overall pattern of improvement in self-rated health of U.S. older adults in the 1980s and the 1990s, but it was uncertain if the declining shares of elderly persons reporting fair or poor health would continue over the next decades. Using the 2000–2018 pooled data from the National Health Interview Survey, this study examined recent trends in self-rated health of adults aged 45 and older. The results showed important variations in self-rated health trends across age groups. Between 2000 and 2018, the shares of adults aged 60 and above reporting fair or poor health declined significantly while self-rated health trends for middle-aged adults worsened over time. Educational and racial/ethnic differentials in self-rated health persisted over time but there were important group variations. To further improve the health of the elderly population, it is important to consider changing health disparities in later life.

Perceived Stress Predicts Subsequent Self-Reported Problems With Vision and Hearing: Longitudinal Findings From the German Ageing Survey

2021 ◽  
pp. 016402752110273
Author(s):  
Markus Wettstein ◽  
Hans-Werner Wahl ◽  
Vera Heyl
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Chronological Age ◽  
Middle Adulthood ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Demographic Indicators ◽  
German Ageing Survey

Although stress is a risk factor for various diseases in later life, its role for sensory abilities in the second half of life has rarely been empirically addressed. We examined if perceived stress at baseline predicts self-reported difficulties with vision and hearing 3 years later. We also explored whether chronological age is a moderator of associations between stress and sensory difficulties. Our sample was derived from the German Ageing Survey and consisted of n = 5,085 individuals aged 40–95 years ( M = 64.01 years, SD = 10.84 years). Controlling for baseline self-reported sensory functioning, socio-demographic indicators, self-rated health and chronic diseases, greater perceived stress at baseline predicted greater self-reported difficulties with vision and hearing 3 years later. The effect of stress did not vary by age. Our findings suggest that, from middle adulthood to advanced old age, stress is a risk factor for increases in self-perceived problems with vision and hearing.

The Association between Hearing Loss, Postural Control, and Mobility in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (06) ◽  
pp. 575-588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maayan Agmon ◽  
Limor Lavie ◽  
Michail Doumas
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Postural Control ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Objective Measures ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Risk Of Falls

Background: Degraded hearing in older adults has been associated with reduced postural control and higher risk of falls. Both hearing loss (HL) and falls have dramatic effects on older persons’ quality of life (QoL). A large body of research explored the comorbidity between the two domains. Purpose: The aim of the current review is to describe the comorbidity between HL and objective measures of postural control, to offer potential mechanisms underlying this relationship, and to discuss the clinical implications of this comorbidity. Data Collection and Analysis: PubMed and Google Scholar were systematically searched for articles published in English up until October 15, 2015, using combinations of the following strings and search words: for hearing: Hearing loss, “Hearing loss,” hearing, presbycusis; for postural control: postural control, gait, postural balance, fall, walking; and for age: elderly, older adults. Results: Of 211 screened articles, 7 were included in the systematic review. A significant, positive association between HL and several objective measures of postural control was found in all seven studies, even after controlling for major covariates. Severity of hearing impairment was connected to higher prevalence of difficulties in walking and falls. Physiological, cognitive, and behavioral processes that may influence auditory system and postural control were suggested as potential explanations for the association between HL and postural control. Conclusions: There is evidence for the independent relationship between HL and objective measures of postural control in the elderly. However, a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying this relationship is yet to be elucidated. Concurrent diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of these two modalities may reduce falls and increase QoL in older adults.

Ageing and Mental Health

2021 ◽  
pp. 549-572
Author(s):  
Neelam Verma
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Later Life ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Psychological Services ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Conditions ◽  
Treatment Services ◽  
Research Findings

Estimated research findings suggest that almost two-thirds of adults with psychiatric conditions do not receive the required treatment services. This chapter enables readers to understand various aspects of ageing, how physical and mental health aspects are correlated, and which mental health conditions are most common in later life. The chapter also discusses major models of mental health in the context of ageing. Major psychiatric and psychological conditions that are most common in old age are outlined along with a major milestone of old age (i.e., retirement: a major lifestyle change that pushes older people towards psychological problems and adjustment issues with a new phase of life). A brief description is presented on the current status of psychiatric and psychological services for mental health issues of the elderly. The chapter concludes by summarizing the contents of discussed areas. Studies are presented throughout the chapter to accompany and enrich the discussion and validate the chapter content.

scholarly journals Myten om eldrebølgen

2018 ◽  
pp. 75-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Christensen
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Elderly Care ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
The Public ◽  
Demographic Challenges ◽  
The World ◽  
Working Age ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Over Time

Title: The myth of the “Elder Boom”. Summary: The ageing population represents today one of the most central demographic challenges in many countries of the world, including Norway. In the public debate about the ageing population, the metaphor “Elder Boom” is increasingly being used. This article gives insight into the discussion in Norway and shows that the metaphor “Elder Boom” does not represent a constructive contribution to the ageing-population debate. The article provides arguments against two implications of the “Boom” metaphor: that ageing people are unwanted in society, and that older people represent a huge and increasing amount of welfare dependency. It shows how society over time has strived to control diseases (such as tuberculosis) in order to increase life expectancy. Society does, in fact, see old age as one of its major achievements, not as a problem as implied in the “Elder Boom” metaphor. The article also demonstrates how social policies implemented in the elderly-care sector in Norway have increasingly reduced services to elderly people while increasing allocation to younger people still of working age. By pointing out these changes in old age and elderly care over time, the article is a contribution to put an end to the myth of an “Elder Boom”. Overall, it contributes to the understanding of how this myth, bolstered by the Western world’s ideal of (welfare) independence, both stigmatizes and misconstrues elderly people’s dependency on the welfare state, which is in fact decreasing for various reasons.

scholarly journals Dinacharya: The Essential Daily Routine for Geriatric Care

AYUSHDHARA ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 3581-3584
Author(s):  
Priya Pathak
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
The Body ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
External Appearance ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Happy Life ◽  
National Statistical Office

The term Geriatrics is made by union of two Greek word first ‘geras’ (old age) and second ‘iatros’ (physician) and derived from Greek root “gergero- geronto” meaning old age or the aged or especially one receiving special care. Geriatrics is the branch of medicine that focuses on health promotion and prevention and treatment of disease and disability in later life. In India population of the elderly has been increasing steadily since 1961 as it touched 13.8 crore in 2021, growing faster due to decrease in death rate, according to a study by National Statistical Office (NSO). Ageing is the process in which structural and functional changes occur with passage of time. Thus study of all aspects of ageing including physiological, pathological, psychological, economical and sociological problems is termed as Geriatrics. With advancing age, several changes take place in the body, in the external appearance as well as in Dosha, Dhatu, Mala, Agni, Oja level, also on the mental functions. In Ayurvedic texts, there are many ways given for prevention and promotion of health, one of them is Dinacharya (daily regimen), which is most important part to maintain a healthy and happy life. The importance of appropriate daily routine cannot be underestimated. It set the wheels in motion for entire day, bringing a sense of calm and well-being. It gives the body, mind and spirit the chance to start afresh.

scholarly journals Lifecourse transitions, gender and drinking in later life

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 462-494 ◽  
Author(s):  
CLARE HOLDSWORTH ◽  
MARTIN FRISHER ◽  
MARINA MENDONÇA ◽  
CESAR DE OLIVEIRIA ◽  
HYNEK PIKHART ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Older People ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Later Life ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Adult Age ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Frequent Consumption ◽  
Over Time

ABSTRACTOlder people consume less alcohol than any other adult age group. However, in recent years survey data on alcohol consumption in the United Kingdom have shown that while younger age groups have experienced a decline in alcohol consumption, drinking behaviours among the elderly have not reduced in the same way. This paper uses data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing to analyse both the frequency and quantity of older adult's alcohol consumption using a lifecourse approach over a ten-year period. Overall drinking declined over time and the analysis examined how socio-economic characteristics, partnership, employment and health statuses were associated with differences in drinking behaviours and how these changed over time. Higher wealth and level of education were associated with drinking more and drinking more frequently for men and women. Poorer self-rated health was associated with less frequent consumption and older people with poor and deteriorating health reported a steeper decline in the frequency of alcohol consumption over time. Men who were not in a partnership drank more than other men. For women, loss of a partner was associated with a steeper decline in drinking behaviours. These findings have implications for programmes to promote responsible drinking among older adults as they suggest that, for the most part, characteristics associated with sustaining wellbeing in later life are also linked to consuming more alcohol.

Ageing and Mental Health

2018 ◽  
pp. 369-392
Author(s):  
Neelam Verma
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Later Life ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Psychological Services ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Conditions ◽  
Treatment Services ◽  
Research Findings

Estimated research findings suggest that almost two-thirds of adults with psychiatric conditions do not receive the required treatment services. This chapter enables readers to understand various aspects of ageing, how physical and mental health aspects are correlated, and which mental health conditions are most common in later life. The chapter also discusses major models of mental health in the context of ageing. Major psychiatric and psychological conditions that are most common in old age are outlined along with a major milestone of old age (i.e., retirement: a major lifestyle change that pushes older people towards psychological problems and adjustment issues with a new phase of life). A brief description is presented on the current status of psychiatric and psychological services for mental health issues of the elderly. The chapter concludes by summarizing the contents of discussed areas. Studies are presented throughout the chapter to accompany and enrich the discussion and validate the chapter content.

scholarly journals LATER-LIFE LIVING ARRANGEMENTS OF CHILDLESS AMERICANS: A LIFETABLE APPROACH

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S625-S625
Author(s):  
James Raymo ◽  
Xiao Xu ◽  
Jersey Liang ◽  
BoRin Kim ◽  
Mary Beth Ofstedal
Keyword(s):  
Life Expectancy ◽  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Living Arrangement ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Older Americans ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Racial Ethnic

Abstract The large body of research on living arrangements at older ages pays little attention to the growing population of childless men and women. We begin to fill this gap by using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) over a period of 14 years (2000-2014) to describe the number of years between ages 65-90 that childless Americans live in four different living arrangements: alone, with spouse, with others, and in a nursing home. Because the number of childless HRS respondents is not large (n = 835 in 2000), we first estimate sex-specific single decrement life tables by race/ethnicity and by educational attainment. We then use Sullivan’s method to calculate living arrangement-specific life expectancy for each group, thus providing a comprehensive descriptive portrait of sociodemographic differences in living arrangements across older ages for childless Americans. Preliminary results show that differences in living arrangement-specific life expectancy by race/ethnicity and educational attainment primarily reflect group differences in mortality. The proportion of later life spent in different living arrangements is generally similar across racial/ethnic groups and education levels. This stands in contrast to large racial/ethnic and educational differences documented in earlier studies of older Americans with at least one living child. Results also show that the proportion (and years) of later life spent living alone is substantial, especially for women (over 50%). We discuss the potential implications of these findings with reference to both projected trends in the childless population and research on associations between living arrangements and health of childless older Americans.

scholarly journals Impacts of Social Participation on Self-Rated Health of Aging Women in China: With a Mediating Role of Caring for Grandchildren

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 5790
Author(s):  
Shuliu Tian ◽  
Lei Xu ◽  
Xiangling Wu
Keyword(s):  
Social Participation ◽  
Population Aging ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Aging Women ◽  
The Government

Population aging is a global challenge and the degree of population aging is continuing to deepen in China. Under the active aging policy framework by WHO, great importance has been attached to aging women and participation is emphasized for the well-being of the elderly. This study aimed to investigate the relation between social participation and self-rated health status of aging women in China and whether caring for grandchildren mediated such an association. Adopting data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), this study used Oprobit regression, propensity score matching (PSM), and instrument variable regression to estimate the effects. The result showed that there was a positive association between social participation and self-rated health among aging women in China, and social activities that directly made contributions to others had the most significant impacts on self-rated health. Furthermore, the mediator analysis confirmed that caring for grandchildren played a role between social participation and self-rated health. In conclusion, to deal with population aging challenges, the society should recognize the value of intergenerational care for aging women and the government need to strengthen policy supports to guarantee platforms and opportunities for the elderly to participate in social activities.

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