scholarly journals Baseline Body Mass Predicts Average Depressive Symptoms over the Next Two Decades for White but Not Black Older Adults

Geriatrics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shervin Assari
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Racial Differences ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
The United States ◽  
Bidirectional Association ◽  
National Cohort ◽  
Baseline Bmi

Background: Although obesity and depression have a bidirectional association, this link may vary based on race. The current study tested racial variation in bidirectional links between depressive symptoms and body mass index (BMI) over 24 years of follow-up in older adults over the age of 50 in the United States. We hypothesized weaker bidirectional links in Blacks compared to Whites. Methods: Data came from waves 1 to 12 (1990 to 2014) of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), an ongoing state-of-the-art national cohort. The study followed a representative sample of Americans (n = 15,194; 2,200 Blacks and 12,994 Whites) over the age of 50. Dependent variables were average depressive symptoms and BMI over 24 years, based on measurements every other year, from 1990 to 2014. Independent variables included baseline depressive symptoms and BMI. Covariates included age, gender, marital status, veteran status, and activities of daily living. Structural equation models were fitted to the data for data analysis. Results: In the pooled sample, bidirectional associations were found between BMI and depressive symptoms as baseline BMI predicted average depressive symptoms over time and baseline depressive symptoms predicted average BMI over 24 years. Racial differences were found in the bidirectional association between BMI and depressive symptoms, with both directions of the associations being absent for Blacks. For Whites, baseline BMI predicted average depressive symptoms over the next 24 years. Conclusion: Reciprocal associations between BMI and depressive symptoms over a 24-year period among individuals over the age of 50 vary for Blacks and Whites. As these associations are stronger for Whites than Blacks, clinical and public health programs that simultaneously target comorbid obesity and depression may be more appropriate for Whites than Blacks.

scholarly journals Longitudinal Associations Between Loneliness and Self-Rated Health

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 588-588
Author(s):  
Simon Brauer ◽  
Toni Antonucci ◽  
Ketlyne Sol
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Bidirectional Association ◽  
Longitudinal Associations

Abstract Cross-lagged structural equation models examined the bidirectional association between loneliness and self rated health over three time points. We adjusted for age, gender, network size, and depressive symptoms at baseline. At baseline, the sample was 28% Black and 40% male. Average age at time 1 was 46 years, 56 years at time 2, and 63 years at time 3. Results indicated that loneliness at time 1 was associated with loneliness at time 2; loneliness at time 2 was associated with loneliness at time 3. We had similar findings for associations among self rated health. However, only one of the cross-lagged paths was significant. Specifically, more loneliness at time 2 was associated with worse self rated health at time 3. These associations did not vary across black and white race. Findings indicate that loneliness at later midlife may be detrimental to later life health, regardless of race.

scholarly journals The mediating roles of functional limitations and social support on the relationship between vision impairment and depressive symptoms in older adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 465-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiuquan Gong ◽  
Zhao Ni ◽  
Bei Wu
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Vision Impairment ◽  
Structural Relationships ◽  
Mediating Mechanisms ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractVision impairment is prevalent and it is strongly associated with depressive symptoms in older adults. This study aimed to investigate the mediating roles of functional limitations and social support on the relationship between vision impairment and depressive symptoms in older adults. This study used data from a probability-based sample of 1,093 adults aged 60 and older in Shanghai, China. Structural equation models were used to examine the structural relationships among sets of variables simultaneously, including vision impairment, activities of daily living ADLs, instrumental ADLs (IADLs), friends support, family support, relatives support and depressive symptoms. The bootstrapping method and the program PRODCLIN were used to test the indirect effects of these variables. This study found that vision impairment was directly associated with a higher level of depressive symptoms, and the association was partially mediated by functional limitations (IADLs) and social support (friends support). The study demonstrates that improving social support from friends and enhancing social participation for visually impaired older adults can reduce depressive symptoms. More importantly, this study contributes to the knowledge of mediating mechanisms between vision impairment and depressive symptoms.

scholarly journals Literacy Skills, Immigration, and Motivation to Learn Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in the United States

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 330-330
Author(s):  
Shalini Sahoo ◽  
Roberto Millar ◽  
Taka Yamashita ◽  
Phyllis Cummins
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Lifelong Learning ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
The United States ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Motivation To Learn ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
And Training

Abstract Education and training over the life course or lifelong learning has become critical in the fast-changing U.S. society. Foundation skills (e.g., literacy), motivation, curiosity, as well as access to learning opportunities are essential to promote lifelong learning. Despite the importance of these promoting factors, empirical research focusing on complex relationships between literacy skills, immigration and motivation to learn (MtL) among middle-aged and older adults is scarce. The objective of this study is to examine how literacy skills and immigration (vs. U.S. born) are associated with MtL among middle-aged and older adults in the U.S. Nationally representative data (n = 8,670) of adults aged 45 years and older were obtained from the 2012/2014 Program for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). Structural equation models were constructed to examine the formerly tested and validated latent MtL construct based on four 5-point Likert-type scale items among the sub-population of interest. Results showed that higher literacy skills (0-500 points; b = 0.002, p < 0.05) was associated with greater MtL. Additionally, immigrants were less likely (b = -0.114, p < 0.05) to have greater MtL than those who are non-immigrants (i.e. U.S. born). Higher literacy skills may indicate positive experiences in previous adult education and training and greater readiness for further learning. Findings from this study provide new empirical evidence of lifelong learning determinants. Educators and researchers should be aware of limited literacy and being an immigrant as potential barriers to knowledge-seeking in later life.

scholarly journals Sleep and Loneliness as Mechanisms Through Which Marital Quality Predicts Depression Among Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 34-35
Author(s):  
Christina Marini ◽  
Lynn Martire ◽  
Orfeu Buxton
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Marital Quality ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Latent Variable ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being

Abstract Pathways through which spousal support and strain influence older adults’ well-being are poorly understood. We examined sleep quality and loneliness as mechanisms through which support and strain predict depressive symptoms across ten years utilizing National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project data. Our sample included partnered participants at waves 1 and 2 (N = 1,293; 39% female, M age = 66, SD = 6.93). Support (e.g., rely on spouse) and strain (e.g., spouse criticizes you) were measured at W1, loneliness (UCLA) and sleep quality (restless sleep) were measured at W2, and depression (CES-D) was measured at W3. We estimated latent-variable structural equation models, controlling for age, gender, and W1 depression. Indirect effects of support and strain on depressive symptoms through loneliness were significant. There was an additional trend-level indirect effect of spousal strain on depressive symptoms through restless sleep. Findings highlight multiple pathways through which marital quality predicts later-life well-being.

scholarly journals Subjective Social Status Predicts Late-Life Memory Trajectories through Both Mental and Physical Health Pathways

Gerontology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
pp. 466-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura B. Zahodne ◽  
A. Zarina Kraal ◽  
Afsara Zaheed ◽  
Ketlyne Sol
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Social Status ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Late Life ◽  
The United States ◽  
Subjective Social Status ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

Background: Subjective social status (SSS) is associated with mental and physical health, independent of objective socioeconomic status (SES), but its association with late-life cognitive decline is unknown. Objective: This study characterizes the association between SSS and late-life memory trajectories in a large, nationally representative sample of older adults in the United States. Methods: Using data from 8,530 participants aged 65 years and older in the Health and Retirement Study, structural equation models tested associations between SSS, objective SES (i.e., educational attainment, occupation, income, and wealth), physical and mental health, and 6-year memory trajectories, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Independent of objective SES, lower SSS was associated with worse initial memory but not subsequent memory decline. The association between SSS and initial memory was separately mediated by chronic diseases, stroke, and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Results provide preliminary behavioral evidence for the deleterious effects of social stress on cognitive aging. These results may help inform the development of policies and interventions to reduce cognitive morbidity among older adults who perceive a low position on the social hierarchy.

scholarly journals A comparison of the influencing factors of chronic pain and quality of life between older Koreans and Korean–Americans with chronic pain: a correlational study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sun Ju Chang ◽  
Hee Jun Kim ◽  
Hee-Soon Juon ◽  
Hyunjeong Park ◽  
Seung Woo Choi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Korean Americans

Abstract Background Chronic pain is one of the most common health problems for older adults worldwide and is likely to result in lower quality of life. Living in a different culture may also influence chronic pain and quality of life in older adults. The purpose of this study was to explore how multifaceted elements affect chronic pain and quality of life in older Koreans living in Korea and in older Korean–Americans (KAs) living in the USA. Methods We conducted a secondary data analysis of data from 270 adults aged 65 years or over (138 Koreans and 132 KAs). We compared the effects of multifaceted elements on pain and quality of life by testing structural equation models (SEMs) for each group, using a maximum likelihood estimation and bootstrapping. Results SEMs for both Korean and KAs showed that age and depressive symptoms directly affected quality of life. The number of comorbidities and depressive symptoms had mediating effects on quality of life through chronic pain in both groups. In older Koreans only, perceived financial status directly affected quality of life. In older KAs only, sleep quality indirectly affected quality of life through chronic pain. Conclusion The data showed that multimorbidity and depressive symptoms play critical roles for explaining chronic pain in older Koreans and KAs and ultimately negatively influence quality of life. Future intervention program to improve quality of life in older adults with chronic pain should consider the different cultural aspects affecting quality of life for Koreans and KAs.

Psychological vulnerability of widowhood: financial strain, social engagement and worry about having no care-giver as mediators and moderators

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (11) ◽  
pp. 2356-2375 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOOHONG MIN ◽  
YAWEN LI ◽  
LING XU ◽  
IRIS CHI
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Financial Strain ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Care Giver ◽  
Moderating Effects

ABSTRACTThis study examined how financial strain, worry about having no care-giver and social engagement modify the association between widowhood and depressive symptoms among older adults in China. Using national representative data from older adults in China in 2006, we ran structural equation models and ordinary least square regressions to investigate the mediating and moderating effects of financial strain, worry about having no care-giver and social engagement on the association between widowhood and depressive symptoms. All three variables significantly mediated the association between widowhood and depressive symptoms. Compared to their married counterparts, widowed older adults showed more worry about having no care-giver, increased financial strain and lower social engagement, which were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Higher level of worry about having no care-giver and lower social engagement significantly exacerbated the adverse effects of widowhood on depressive symptoms in the moderation analyses. Our finding of mediating effects suggests that widowhood is negatively related to psychological wellbeing via financial strain, social engagement and care resources. The results regarding moderating effects suggest that alleviating worry about having no care-giver and increasing social engagement may buffer the deleterious effect of widowhood on psychological wellbeing in later life.

Suicidal Ideation Among International Students: The Role of Cultural, Academic, and Interpersonal Factors

2021 ◽  
pp. 001100002110024
Author(s):  
Andrés E. Pérez Rojas ◽  
Na-Yeun Choi ◽  
Minji Yang ◽  
Theodore T. Bartholomew ◽  
Giovanna M. Pérez
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Thwarted Belongingness ◽  
Perceived Burdensomeness ◽  
Using Data

We examined two structural equation models of international students’ suicidal ideation using data from 595 international students in two public universities in the United States. The models represented competing hypotheses about the relationships among discrimination, cross-cultural loss, academic distress, thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and suicidal ideation. The findings indicated there were direct, positive links between discrimination, cross-cultural loss, and academic distress to perceived burdensomeness; a direct, positive link between perceived burdensomeness and suicidal ideation; and indirect, positive links between discrimination, cross-cultural loss, and academic distress to suicidal ideation via perceived burdensomeness. The only predictors that related to thwarted belongingness were cross-cultural loss and academic distress, and there were no indirect links to suicidal ideation via thwarted belongingness. In fact, with all other variables in the model, thwarted belongingness was unrelated to suicidal ideation. Finally, academic distress was directly related to suicidal ideation. We discuss implications of the findings.

scholarly journals Challenging the “jolly fat” hypothesis among older adults: High body mass index predicts increases in depressive symptoms over a 5-year period

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Joseph Dearborn ◽  
Michael A Robbins ◽  
Merrill F Elias
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
High Body Mass Index ◽  
Obesity Prevalence ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Objectively Measured

Several investigators have observed lowered risk of depression among obese older adults, coining the “jolly fat” hypothesis. We examined this hypothesis using baseline and a 5-year follow-up body mass index, depressive symptoms, and covariates from 638 community-based older adults. High objectively measured body mass index and functional limitations predicted increased future depressive symptoms. However, symptoms did not predict future body mass index. Self-reported body mass index showed similar associations despite underestimating obesity prevalence. Results did not differ on the basis of gender. Results for this study, the first longitudinal reciprocal risk analysis between objectively measured body mass index and depressive symptoms among older adults, do not support the “jolly fat” hypothesis.

scholarly journals Body Mass Index and Depressive Symptoms: Testing for Adverse and Protective Associations in Two Twin Cohort Studies

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 306-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus Jokela ◽  
Venla Berg ◽  
Karri Silventoinen ◽  
G. David Batty ◽  
Archana Singh-Manoux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cohort Studies ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Genetic Model ◽  
The United States ◽  
Population Based ◽  
The Us ◽  
Mz Twins ◽  
Pair Analysis

Studies have suggested both adverse and protective associations of obesity with depressive symptoms. We examined the contribution of environmental and heritable factors in this association. Participants were same-sex twin pairs from two population-based twin cohort studies, the Older Finnish Twin Cohort (n = 8,215; mean age = 44.1) and the US Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS; n = 1,105; mean age = 45.1). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from self-reported height and weight. Depressive symptoms were assessed using Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI; Finnish Twin Cohort), and by negative and positive affect scales (MIDUS). In the Finnish Twin Cohort, higher BMI was associated with higher depressive symptoms in monozygotic (MZ) twins (B = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.0, 3.0) and dizygotic (DZ) twins (B = 1.17, 0.5, 1.9) with BMI >22. This association was observed in within-pair analysis in DZ twins (B = 1.47, CI = 0.4, 2.6) but not in within-pair analysis of MZ twins (B = 0.03, CI = -1.9, 2.0). Consistent with the latter result, a bivariate genetic model indicated that the association between higher BMI and higher depressive symptoms was largely mediated by genetic factors. The results of twin-pair analysis and bivariate genetic model were replicated in the MIDUS sample. These findings suggest an association between obesity and higher depressive symptoms, which is largely explained by shared heritable biological mechanisms.

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