scholarly journals Loneliness of Older Adults: Social Network and the Living Environment

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Astrid Kemperman ◽  
Pauline van den Berg ◽  
Minou Weijs-Perrée ◽  
Kevin Uijtdewillegen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Life Cycle Stage ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Mobility Limitations ◽  
Perceived Safety ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Comprehensive Framework

The social participation and integration of older adults are important aspects of healthy aging. However, in general, older adults have smaller social networks than their younger counterparts due to changes in their life cycle stage, such as retirement or age-related losses, along with a declining health and increasing mobility limitations. Consequently, with increasing age, an increasing proportion of older people experience feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Previous studies that have analyzed the relationships between loneliness, social networks, and the living environment have often been based on bivariate relationships or included only a limited number of variables. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze multiple relationships in a more comprehensive framework. Data were collected using a survey among 182 adults aged 65 years and over in the Netherlands. A Bayesian belief network (BBN) modeling approach was used that derives all direct and indirect relationships between the variables. The results showed that feelings of loneliness are directly related to satisfaction with one’s social network and neighborhood attachment and are indirectly related to perceived safety and satisfaction with local amenities and services. This knowledge is relevant to urban planners and policy makers who focus on creating livable and healthy social neighborhoods for the aging population.

scholarly journals Enriching hippocampal memory function in older adults through video games

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory D. Clemenson ◽  
Shauna M. Stark ◽  
Samantha M. Rutledge ◽  
Craig E.L. Stark
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Video Games ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Age Related Cognitive Decline

AbstractHealthy aging is accompanied by a steady cognitive decline with clear losses in memory. Animal studies have consistently demonstrated that simply modifying an animal’s living environment (known as environmental enrichment) can have a positive influence on age-related cognitive decline in the hippocampus. Previously, we showed that playing immersive 3D video games can improve hippocampal-based memory in young healthy adults, suggesting that the exploration of the large open worlds of modern-day video games may act as proxy for environmental enrichment in humans. Here, we replicated our previous video game study in older adults and showing that playing video games for 4 weeks can improve hippocampal-based memory in a population that is already experiencing age-related decline in this memory. Furthermore, we showed that the improvements last for up to 4 weeks past the intervention, highlighting the potential of video games as intervention for age-related cognitive decline.

scholarly journals Effects of social network diversity in the disablement process: a comparison of causal inference methods and an outcome-wide approach to the Indonesian Family Life Surveys, 2007–2015

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Schröders ◽  
Fatwa Sari Tetra Dewi ◽  
Maria Nilsson ◽  
Mark Nichter ◽  
Miguel San Sebastian
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Family Life ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Disablement Process ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract Background Social networks (SN) have been proven to be instrumental for healthy aging and function as important safety nets, particular for older adults in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite the importance of interpreting health outcomes in terms of SN, in many LMICs – including Indonesia – epidemiological studies and policy responses on the health effects of SN for aging populations are still uncommon. Using outcome-wide multi-method approaches to longitudinal panel data, this study aims to outline more clearly the role of SN diversity in the aging process in Indonesia. We explore whether and to what degree there is an association of SN diversity with adult health outcomes and investigate potential gender differences, heterogeneous treatment effects, and effect gradients along disablement processes. Methods Data came from the fourth and fifth waves of the Indonesian Family Life Survey fielded in 2007–08 and 2014–15. The analytic sample consisted of 3060 adults aged 50+ years. The primary exposure variable was the diversity of respondents’ SN at baseline. This was measured through a social network index (SNI), conjoining information about household size together with a range of social ties with whom respondents had active contact across six different types of role relationships. Guided by the disablement process model, a battery of 19 outcomes (8 pathologies, 5 impairments, 4 functional limitations, 2 disabilities) were included into analyses. Evidence for causal effects of SN diversity on health was evaluated using outcome-wide multivariable regression adjustment (RA), propensity score matching (PSM), and instrumental variable (IV) analyses. Results At baseline, 60% of respondents had a low SNI. Results from the RA and PSM models showed greatest concordance and that among women a diverse SN was positively associated with pulmonary outcomes and upper and lower body functions. Both men and women with a high SNI reported less limitations in performing activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL) tasks. A high SNI was negatively associated with C-reactive protein levels in women. The IV analyses yielded positive associations with cognitive functions for both men and women. Conclusions Diverse SN confer a wide range of strong and heterogeneous long-term health effects, particularly for older women. In settings with limited formal welfare protection, intervening in the SN of older adults and safeguarding their access to diverse networks can be an investment in population health, with manifold implications for health and public policy.

scholarly journals EXPANDING SOCIAL TIES AS A GOAL IN LATER LIFE: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL NETWORK CHARACTERISTICS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S175-S175
Author(s):  
Danielle Oleskiewicz ◽  
Karen Rook
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Provision ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Network Composition

Abstract Older adults often winnow their social ties to focus on emotionally rewarding ties (Charles & Carstensen, 2010). Some older adults, however, have small social networks that preclude much winnowing or aversive social ties from which disengagement is difficult. These individuals might be motivated to expand, rather than contract, their social ties. The current study sought to extend knowledge regarding potential links between social network characteristics and older adults’ interest, effort, and success in creating new social ties. We expected that small social networks and negative social ties might motivate interest and effort directed toward forming new social ties but that positive social ties might foster success in efforts to form new ties. In-person interviews were conducted with participants (N = 351, Mean age = 74.16) in a larger study of older adults’ social networks and well-being. The interviews assessed participants’ social networks, as well as their interest, effort, and success in making new social ties. Participants’ social network composition, rather than size, was associated with greater motivation to establish new social ties. Negative social ties were associated with greater interest and effort directed toward forming new social ties. Positive social ties were related to greater success (due, in part, to their support provision) and, unexpectedly, were also related to greater interest and effort directed toward forming new ties. Older adults sometimes seek to expand, rather than contract, their social ties, and characteristics of their social networks appear to play a role in fueling and influencing the success of such efforts.

scholarly journals A-03 The Brain–Body Connection in Aging Neurological Populations: Examining the Impact of Exercise and Sedentary Behavior on Brain Structure and Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults with Multiple Sclerosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 776-776
Author(s):  
C Roman ◽  
P Arnett
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Graph Theory ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Moderate Activity ◽  
Subcortical Structures ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective Advancements in treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) have led to an increase in the number of older adults living with the disease. Exercise has been shown to be remarkably beneficial for “healthy aging,” while sedentary behavior has proved to have more deleterious effects. Despite evidence for the impact of these factors, their influence on older adults with MS is largely unknown. The current study utilizes volumetric measures and graph theory to investigate the relationship between physical activity/sedentary behavior, structural brain indices, and cognition in older adults with MS. Method Twenty-seven older adults (55+) with MS were scanned during a structural MRI protocol and cognitively evaluated using the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite and Symbol Digit Modalities Test. Graph theory metrics were calculated to examine white matter network properties. FreeSurfer was used to calculate volumes for subcortical structures. Exercise was quantified as the ‘days per week engaged in moderate activity,’ while sedentary behavior was measured as ‘hours per day sitting.’ Results Multiple regression interaction analyses were conducted. Results showed an exercise by age interaction, such that exercise protected against the negative effects of age on thalamic volume and assortivity. Hours sitting per day was shown to add to the negative effects of aging on structural networks even after controlling for exercise. Lastly, exercise was observed to be protective against age-related cognitive decline in this sample. Conclusions This is one of the first studies to examine exercise/sedentariness and brain indices in older adults with MS, pointing to possible brain altering and protective interventions for this group.

scholarly journals INTEREST GROUP SESSION—DISASTERS AND OLDER ADULTS: HARNESSING THE POWER OF SOCIAL NETWORKS DURING DISASTERS TO FACILITATE PREPARATION AND RECOVERY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S390-S390
Author(s):  
Judith Robertson R Phillips ◽  
Katie E Cherry
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Voluntary Organizations ◽  
Formal Groups ◽  
Psychological Recovery ◽  
Relief Efforts

Abstract With the increasing occurrences of disasters throughout the world, researchers, communities, and organizations have become interested in how the use of social networks during and after a disaster can ease the psychological recovery of older adults who are affected by traumatic disaster events such as hurricanes and wildfires. This symposium will focus on the power of social networks and highlight the importance of preparedness, informal and formal groups, and interventions to assist recovery of older adults. First, Dr. Judith Phillips will present data on how informal and formal social network groups affected the psychological well-being of older adults who experienced exposure to multiple wildfires. Second, Dr. Denise Eldemire-Shearer will address how both formal and informal social network groups in Jamaica are informed and mobilized to provide support to older adults on the island during hurricanes and other water-related disasters. Third, Dr. Lisa Brown will introduce the Skills for Psychological Recovery intervention and provide an overview and modifications needed when using with older adults; she will also demonstrate an exercise. Fourth, Dr. Debra Dobbs will present themes examining the role of community engagement in hurricane preparedness which were gathered from focus groups and interviews with assisted living administrators in Florida. Lastly, Dr. Mary Helen McSweeney-Feld will address how voluntary organizations active during disasters aid older adults with disaster relief efforts. Together these presenters will provide evidence of the power of various social networks that will lessen the vulnerability of older adults after disasters.

scholarly journals Age-related Neural Changes during Memory Conjunction Errors

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 1348-1361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly S. Giovanello ◽  
Elizabeth A. Kensinger ◽  
Alana T. Wong ◽  
Daniel L. Schacter
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Parahippocampal Gyrus ◽  
Neural Basis ◽  
Laboratory Procedure ◽  
Conjunction Errors ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Memory Distortions ◽  
Memory Conjunction Errors

Human behavioral studies demonstrate that healthy aging is often accompanied by increases in memory distortions or errors. Here we used event-related fMRI to examine the neural basis of age-related memory distortions. We used the memory conjunction error paradigm, a laboratory procedure known to elicit high levels of memory errors. For older adults, right parahippocampal gyrus showed significantly greater activity during false than during accurate retrieval. We observed no regions in which activity was greater during false than during accurate retrieval for young adults. Young adults, however, showed significantly greater activity than old adults during accurate retrieval in right hippocampus. By contrast, older adults demonstrated greater activity than young adults during accurate retrieval in right inferior and middle prefrontal cortex. These data are consistent with the notion that age-related memory conjunction errors arise from dysfunction of hippocampal system mechanisms, rather than impairments in frontally mediated monitoring processes.

scholarly journals Associations Between Social Support, Social Networks, and Financial Exploitation in Older Adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (8) ◽  
pp. 990-1011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott R. Beach ◽  
Richard Schulz ◽  
Rodlescia Sneed
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Social Network Size ◽  
Financial Exploitation ◽  
The Social

Social support and social networks are important correlates of elder mistreatment. This study tests hypothesized associations between perceived social support, social network size, and financial exploitation (FE). A population-based survey of 903 older adults (60+) in Allegheny County (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) found that lower perceived social support and larger social networks were simultaneously associated with higher risk for FE since age 60, controlling for known risk factors. The same associations were found for FE in the last 6 months. Older adults with larger social networks combined with lower perceived social support were most likely to report FE. When it comes to the role of social relationships and risk for FE, “more may not always be better.” Encouragement to widen the social network by “making new friends” should be stressed less than making sure these new network members will truly be supportive of the older adult.

Translating knowledge into dietetic practice: a Functional Foods for Healthy Aging Toolkit

2014 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 600-603
Author(s):  
Alison M. Duncan ◽  
Hilary A. Dunn ◽  
Laura M. Stratton ◽  
Meagan N. Vella
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Functional Food ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Functional Foods ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Food Product ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Demand For Health

The advance of functional foods has evolved because of research linking functional foods to health, a regulatory environment that allows health claims on foods, and consumer demand for health-promoting food products. Among consumers, the rapidly growing older adult segment is poised to benefit from functional foods because of age-related health issues that are linked to food and health. Registered Dietitians (RDs) are recognized as food and nutrition experts and are well positioned to communicate the benefits of functional foods. The Functional Foods for Healthy Aging Toolkit was developed to provide guidance and resource materials to assist RDs in communicating with older adults about functional foods. The toolkit provides background on functional foods, including definitions, regulations, and case studies of functional food product labels. The role of functional foods in Canada’s aging demographic is examined and the relevance to disease risk is discussed. The toolkit is appended with educational resource sheets on common functional food bioactives, including antioxidants, dietary fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, plant sterols, prebiotics, and probiotics. This publicly available toolkit can help RDs and other healthcare professionals in their interactions with older adults to maximize the value and health benefits that dietary inclusion of functional foods can offer.

scholarly journals The Roles of the Gut Microbiota and Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation in Older Adults With Frailty

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
YuShuang Xu ◽  
XiangJie Liu ◽  
XiaoXia Liu ◽  
Di Chen ◽  
MengMeng Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Chronic Inflammation ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Composition Structure ◽  
Low Grade Inflammation

Frailty is a major public issue that affects the physical health and quality of life of older adults, especially as the population ages. Chronic low-grade inflammation has been speculated to accelerate the aging process as well as the development of age-related diseases such as frailty. Intestinal homeostasis plays a crucial role in healthy aging. The interaction between the microbiome and the host regulates the inflammatory response. Emerging evidence indicates that in older adults with frailty, the diversity and composition structure of gut microbiota are altered. Age-associated changes in gut microbiota composition and in their metabolites contribute to increased gut permeability and imbalances in immune function. In this review, we aim to: identify gut microbiota changes in the aging and frail populations; summarize the role of chronic low-grade inflammation in the development of frailty; and outline how gut microbiota may be related to the pathogenesis of frailty, more specifically, in the regulation of gut-derived chronic inflammation. Although additional research is needed, the regulation of gut microbiota may represent a safe, easy, and inexpensive intervention to counteract the chronic inflammation leading to frailty.

scholarly journals Fronto-striatal Functional Connectivity Supports Reward-Enhanced Memory in Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holly J. Bowen ◽  
Jaclyn H. Ford ◽  
Cheryl L. Grady ◽  
Julia Spaniol
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Inferior Frontal Gyrus ◽  
Neural Mechanisms ◽  
Neural Activation ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Age Related ◽  
High Reward ◽  
Neural Underpinnings

AbstractBoth younger and older adults prioritize reward-associated stimuli in memory, but there has been little research on possible age differences in the neural mechanisms mediating this effect. In the current study, we examine neural activation and functional connectivity in healthy younger and older adults to test the hypothesis that older adults would engage prefrontal regions to a greater extent in the service of reward-enhanced memory. While undergoing MRI, target stimuli were presented after high or low-reward cues. The cues indicated the reward value for successfully recognizing the stimulus on a memory test 24-hours later. We replicated prior findings that both older and younger and adults had better memory for high compared to low-reward stimuli. Critically, in older, but not younger adults, this enhanced subsequent memory for high-reward items was supported by greater connectivity between the caudate and bilateral inferior frontal gyrus. The findings add to the growing literature on motivation-cognition interactions in healthy aging, and provide novel evidence of an age-related shift in the neural underpinnings of reward-motivated encoding.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document