Heterogeneous Trajectory Classes of Social Engagement and Sex Differences for Older Adults in China

This study aimed to identify the heterogeneous trajectory classes of social engagement among older adults in China and examine sex differences to determine how sociodemographic characteristics and health status impact these trajectory classes. A sample of 8117 participants aged ≥65 years from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey was included. Growth mixture modeling was conducted to estimate the trajectory classes of social engagement. Logistic regression was adopted to analyze the associations between individual characteristics and trajectory classes. Three trajectory classes of social engagement were identified: the high-decline (35.3%), medium-decline (57.6%), and low-increase (7.1%). Men were less likely to be in the medium-decline and low-increase classes than women. Older men benefited from economic factors more than women. Education exhibited a stronger protective effect on the high-decline class for older women. High physical functioning might enable older adults with the lowest initial level of social engagement to make efforts to engage in social activities, which was stronger for older men than women. For both men and women, a proper cognitive state and positive emotions were in favor of social engagement. These findings are valuable for achieving sex equity in social engagement development for healthy and active aging.

Download Full-text

Sex differences in the association between latent class of lifestyle and disability among older adults in China

BMC Geriatrics ◽

10.1186/s12877-021-02087-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Zaixing Shi ◽

Jianlin Lin ◽

Jian Xiao ◽

Ya Fang

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Sex Differences ◽

Older Women ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Latent Class ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Three Dimensions ◽

Women Health ◽

Healthy Longevity ◽

Health Promoting

Abstract Background A healthy lifestyle may prevent disability for older adults. But research to date is limited to a single lifestyle behavior and ignore sex difference in the lifestyle-disability association. This study aimed at identifying sex-specific latent classes of lifestyle and their relationship with disability among older Chinese adults. Methods Data were obtained from adults aged 65 years or above in the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, a nationally representative sample of older adults in China. We used latent class analysis to categorize participants into subgroups based on three dimensions of lifestyle factors: health behaviors, psychological wellbeing, and social engagement. Disability was assessed by the activities of daily living (ADL). Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations between the latent lifestyle classes and disability. Results A total of 15,771 older adults were included in this analysis, of whom 56% were women and 66% aged 80 years or above. We identified four latent lifestyle classes among older women: “Health Promoting” (28%), “Isolated and Health Harming” (34%), “Restless and Dismal” (21%), and “Restless” (17%). A different set of four lifestyle classes were identified in older men: “Health Promoting” (21%), “Isolated and Health Harming” (26%), “Restless and Dismal” (20%), and “Discordant” (33%). Compared with the “Health Promoting” class, the “Isolated and Health Harming” class (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.46–2.43) and the “Restless and Dismal” class (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.27–2.20) had higher risk of disability in women. The “Discordant” class had lower risk of disability in men (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.37–0.72). Conclusions Our analyses revealed different lifestyle patterns for older women and men in China. Sex differences in the associations between lifestyle and disability need to be considered when formulating interventions to prevent disability.

Download Full-text

IDENTIFYING THE TRAJECTORIES OF MULTIMORBIDITY AND THEIR CORRELATES AMONG KOREAN OLDER ADULTS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.2565 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S697-S697

Author(s):

Sun Ah Lee ◽

Hey Jung Jun ◽

Susanna Joo ◽

Hye Won Chai

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽

Growth Mixture Modeling ◽

Older Adulthood ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Nationally Representative

Abstract Multimorbidity, the co-existence of two or more chronic diseases, has become prevalent among the older population. This study focused on identifying different patterns of multimorbidity trajectories across older adulthood and examining their predictors. We used six waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA), a nationally representative longitudinal data collected every two years from 2006 to 2016. The sample was older adults aged 65 years and older in 2006 (N=1,668). Multimorbidity was measured as the self-reported number of medically-diagnosed chronic diseases, and Growth Mixture Modeling was used to examine multimorbidity trajectories. Identified patterns of multimorbidity trajectories were then used as outcome variables in multinomial logistic regression models. Independent variables were socio-demographic, psychological, health-related behavioral and interpersonal factors at baseline. At Wave1, 76% of the sample had no or one chronic disease and 24% had two or more. At Wave6, 49% had none or one and 51% had two or more. Results identified four patterns of multimorbidity trajectory: “maintaining-low” (59.1%; reference), “maintaining-high” (7.3%), “moderately increasing”(26.4%), and “rapidly increasing” (7.2%). In terms of the correlates of these patterns, female older adults and respondents with higher depressive symptoms were more likely to be in the “maintaining-high” group. In addition, respondents who had less frequent meetings with friends, neighbors or relatives were more likely to be in the “rapidly increasing” group. The findings suggest that there are distinct patterns of multimorbidity trajectories across older adulthood, and interventions focusing on depressive symptoms or social engagement may be useful in preventing the increase in multimorbidity.

Download Full-text

The experiences of older male adults throughout their involvement in a community programme for men

Ageing and Society ◽

10.1017/s0144686x13000858 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 35 (3) ◽

pp. 531-551 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

KRISTIN A. REYNOLDS ◽

COREY S. MACKENZIE ◽

MARIA MEDVED ◽

KERSTIN ROGER

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Older Men ◽

Active Ageing ◽

Potential Utility ◽

Social And Emotional ◽

Community Organisations ◽

Programme Participation ◽

Community Programmes ◽

Community Programme

ABSTRACTCommunity programmes have been shown to provide social and emotional benefits for older adults. The vast majority of community programmes for older adults are either mixed-sex or female-oriented in their activities and composition. As such, there is a scarcity of both opportunities for, and research focusing on older male adults’ participation in community programmes geared towards men. The present study describes the experiences of older male adults throughout their involvement in a male-oriented community programme. Participants described their involvement in the community programme on the basis of their characteristics and experiences that preceded their involvement, the characteristics of their current involvement, and aspects of the programme and their participation that promoted their continued involvement. The findings of this study have potential utility for community organisations aiming to increase the involvement of older men in their programmes. Furthermore, the findings indicate that community programme participation has the potential to promote social engagement and healthy, active ageing among older men.

Download Full-text

Self-rated health and depressive symptoms in older adults: A growth mixture modeling approach

Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics ◽

10.1016/j.archger.2018.08.012 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 79 ◽

pp. 137-144 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Joseph W. Jones ◽

Thomas Ledermann ◽

Elizabeth B. Fauth

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Growth Mixture Modeling ◽

Mixture Modeling ◽

Self Rated Health ◽

Modeling Approach ◽

Growth Mixture ◽

Mixture Modeling Approach

Download Full-text

Determinants of Subjective Wellbeing Trajectories in Older Adults: A Growth Mixture Modeling Approach

Journal of Happiness Studies ◽

10.1007/s10902-020-00248-2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Darío Moreno-Agostino ◽

Alejandro de la Torre-Luque ◽

Javier de la Fuente ◽

Elvira Lara ◽

Natalia Martín-María ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Subjective Wellbeing ◽

Growth Mixture Modeling ◽

Mixture Modeling ◽

Modeling Approach ◽

Growth Mixture ◽

Mixture Modeling Approach

Download Full-text

Older men's perceptions of the need for and access to male-focused community programmes such as Men's Sheds

Ageing and Society ◽

10.1017/s0144686x16001331 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 38 (4) ◽

pp. 794-816 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

MARY ANNE NURMI ◽

COREY S. MACKENZIE ◽

KERSTIN ROGER ◽

KRISTIN REYNOLDS ◽

JAMES URQUHART

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Older Men ◽

Retirement Age ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Community Programmes ◽

Continued Learning ◽

Community Programme

ABSTRACTAlthough participating in community social programming is associated with positive physical and mental health outcomes for older adults, older men participate less often than women. Men's Sheds is a community programme used primarily by older men that originated in Australia and is well established there. The goal of the current study was to explore men's perceptions of the need for Men's Sheds and issues concerning access to them in Canada, a country with a small but growing Men's Sheds movement. We conducted focus groups with 64 men aged 55 years and older, including Men's Sheds members and men from the community who were unfamiliar with this programme, and analysed the data using the framework analytic approach. The data revealed two primary themes concerning: (a) the need for male-focused community programmes, including the sub-themes reducing isolation, forming friendships and engaging in continued learning; and (b) access to programmes, including the sub-themes points of contact, sustaining attendance and barriers. Findings suggest that in order to reduce the likelihood of isolation and increase opportunities for social engagement, exposure to the concept of male-focused programming should begin before retirement age. In addition, such programmes should be mindful of how they are branded and marketed in order to create spaces that are welcoming to new and diverse members.

Download Full-text

Cardiovascular consequences of the inspiratory muscle metaboreflex: effects of age and sex

AJP Heart and Circulatory Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajpheart.00818.2016 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 312 (5) ◽

pp. H1013-H1020 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Joshua R. Smith ◽

Andrew M. Alexander ◽

Shane M. Hammer ◽

Kaylin D. Didier ◽

Stephanie P. Kurti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Sex Differences ◽

Older Women ◽

Young Men ◽

Premenopausal Women ◽

Older Men ◽

Inspiratory Muscle ◽

Muscle Metaboreflex ◽

Resistive Breathing ◽

Younger Men

With inspiratory muscle metaboreflex activation, we hypothesized that, compared with their younger counterparts, older men and women would exhibit greater 1) increases in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and limb vascular resistance (LVR) and 2) decreases in limb blood flow (Q̇L) but 3) no sex differences would be present in older adults. Sixteen young adults [8 young men (YM) and 8 young women (YW), 18–24 yr] and 16 older adults [8 older men (OM) and 8 older women (OW), 60–73 yr] performed inspiratory resistive breathing tasks (IRBTs) at 2% and 65% of their maximal inspiratory pressure. During the IRBTs, breathing frequency was 20 breaths/min with a 50% duty cycle. At baseline and during the IRBTs, MAP was measured via automated oscillometry, Q̇L was determined via Doppler ultrasound, and LVR was calculated. The 65% IRBT led to significantly greater increases in MAP in OW (15.9 ± 8.1 mmHg) compared with YW (6.9 ± 1.4 mmHg) but not ( P > 0.05) between OM (12.3 ± 5.7 mmHg) and YM (10.8 ± 5.7 mmHg). OW (−20.2 ± 7.2%) had greater ( P < 0.05) decreases in Q̇L compared with YW (−9.4 ± 10.2%), but no significant differences were present between OM (−22.8 ± 9.7%) and YM (−22.7 ± 11.3%) during the 65% IRBT. The 65% IRBT led to greater ( P < 0.05) increases in LVR in OW (48.2 ± 25.5%) compared with YW (19.7 ± 15.0%), but no differences ( P > 0.05) existed among OM (54.4 ± 17.8%) and YM (47.1 ± 23.3%). No significant differences were present in MAP, Q̇L, or LVR between OM and OW. These data suggest that OW exhibit a greater inspiratory muscle metaboreflex compared with YW, whereas no differences between OM and YM existed. Finally, sex differences in the inspiratory muscle metaboreflex are not present in older adults. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Premenopausal women exhibit an attenuated inspiratory muscle metaboreflex compared with young men; however, it is unknown whether these sex differences are present in older adults. Older women exhibited a greater inspiratory muscle metaboreflex compared with premenopausal women, whereas no differences were present between older and younger men.

Download Full-text

Hypothetical Interventions on Risk Factors for Cognitive Impairment among Chinese Older Adults: An Application of the Parametric G-Formula

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17031021 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

pp. 1021

Author(s):

Zi Zhou ◽

Lun Cai ◽

Jian Fu ◽

Yaofeng Han ◽

Ya Fang

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Psychosocial Factors ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Well Being ◽

Dietary Interventions ◽

Chinese Older Adults ◽

Healthy Longevity

The effects of psychosocial and dietary interventions on risk of cognitive impairment is not known. The aim of this study was to estimate the 10-year risks of cognitive impairment under hypothetical interventions of psychosocial factors and dietary intake among Chinese older adults. A sample of 7377 respondents aged 65 and over was drawn from the last four waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey from 2002 to 2011/2012. The parametric g-formula was used to estimate the risk of cognitive impairment under independent hypothetical interventions of social engagement, psychological well-being (PWB), dietary intake, and the joint interventions of their different combination. The observed risk of cognitive impairment was 20.08% (95% confidence interval (CI): 18.81, 21.07). The risk ratios (RR) of cognitive impairment under the hypothetical interventions on higher social engagement, eating fruits at least sometimes, eating vegetables at least sometimes, positive PWB were 0.72 (95% CI: 0.65, 0.82), 0.93 (95% CI: 0.89, 0.95), 0.98 (95% CI: 0.89, 1.00) and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.98, 0.99), respectively. The RR of joint intervention was 0.64 (95% CI: 0.58, 0.73). Hypothetical interventions on psychosocial factors such as social engagement and PWB, as well as fruits and vegetable intake, were beneficial to protect older adults from cognitive impairment.

Download Full-text

Abstract 17438: Sex Differences and Temporal Trends in Revascularization and Outcomes of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Older Adults in the United States

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.142.suppl_3.17438 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

Varun Pattisapu ◽

Hua Hao

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Older Adults ◽

Sex Differences ◽

Hospital Mortality ◽

Older Women ◽

Temporal Trends ◽

Older Men ◽

St Elevation Myocardial Infarction ◽

St Elevation ◽

To Receive

Background: Prior studies have suggested that women with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have higher in-hospital mortality risk than younger men with STEMI. However, there is a significant STEMI risk in older patients. We analyzed temporal trends and sex differences in revascularization and other in-hospital outcomes in older STEMI patients. Methods: National Inpatient Sample databases from 2005 to 2014 were utilized to identify all STEMI patients with age greater than 60 years old. We studied the temporal trends and sex differences in revascularization therapies and in-hospital mortality. Results: There were N=192,204 older adults diagnosed with STEMI. Older women with STEMI were less likely to undergo coronary angiography (adjusted OR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.88 to 0.93) and receive reperfusion (percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) adjusted OR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.87 to 0.92) compared to older men. Also, the adjusted odds ratio comparing the likelihood of receiving PCI between women and men decreased by an annual average of 0.9% (P=0.028). Older men were more likely to receive PCI on Hospital Day 0 compared to older women. There was a decreasing trend in both sexes for use of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), though older men consistently underwent CABG more often than older women (Figure). Older women had higher in-hospital mortality than men (adjusted OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.17). However, the differences decreased with increasing patient age. There was no significant change in adjusted in-hospital mortality in both genders (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Older women were less likely to receive revascularization for STEMI than men, and this gap increased over the study period. Older women had higher in-hospital mortality compared with older men, but there was no significant temporal change for both genders. Further research is needed to identify the reasons why older women receive less revascularization.

Download Full-text

What Saves the Day?: Identifying Protective Factors That Buffer the Negative Effects of Daily Stressors

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2185 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 637-638

Author(s):

Joanna Hong ◽

Meng Huo ◽

Christiane Hoppmann

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Marital Status ◽

Positive Emotions ◽

Negative Mood ◽

Well Being ◽

Individual Characteristics ◽

Future Research ◽

Daily Stressors ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Wide Range

Abstract Older adults frequently experience daily stressors and are at increased risk of adverse health consequences. Emerging studies have focused on factors that may buffer older adults’ well-being and strengthen their resilience to stress. This symposium adds to this burgeoning literature and presents studies that identify a wide range of such stress-buffering factors, including individual characteristics and daily social and emotional experiences. Huo et al. considered older adults’ empathy and found that more empathic individuals tended to use constructive strategies but not destructive strategies when coping with interpersonal tensions. When daily tensions occurred, more empathic individuals were also better at maintaining their mood. Kim et al. showed that older adults’ marital status influenced their irritable encounters with grown children. Although irritable encounters were associated with increased daily negative mood, this link varied by parents’ marital status. Hong et al. assessed the link between daily stressors and negative affect among older adults with varying levels of loneliness. They found that positive interpersonal encounters were particularly protective for lonely older adults’ daily affect. Leger et al. further examined the buffering effects of trait level and same-day positive emotions during times of stress. Higher trait and same-day levels of positive emotions reduced negative emotions on the day following a stressor. Together, findings might inform future interventions aimed at increasing the daily experience of older adults. Dr. Hoppmann will serve as the Discussant and summarize the theoretical and methodological contributions of these studies. She will discuss challenges in this field and directions for future research.

Download Full-text