scholarly journals Are Sleep Problems Related to Psychological Distress in Healthy Aging during the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (20) ◽  
pp. 10676
Author(s):  
Giuseppina Elena Cipriani ◽  
Massimo Bartoli ◽  
Martina Amanzio
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Online Databases ◽  
Restrictive Measures ◽  
Sleep Alterations

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, characterized by home confinement and other restrictive measures to reduce the spread of the infection, led to significant changes in people's habits and lifestyle. One of the most common problems is the worsening of sleep quality or quantity, which could have negative effects on psychological wellbeing, particularly in older adults. The purposes of the present literature review considering healthy aging subjects are (a) to examine the existing research on sleep alterations during the current pandemic and (b) to highlight possible relationships between sleep problems and psychological distress. A systematic search strategy was implemented according to PRISMA guidelines in the international literature online databases, up to 1 July 2021. After identification and screening phases, 11 articles were included in this review. The studies found possible associations between sleep problems and mood changes—particularly in terms of depression and anxiety. In addition, altered sleep patterns seemed to be related to changes in individual aspects, lifestyle, and attitudes adopted by older adults during the COVID-19 lockdown. Thus, the pandemic could affect the sleep and psychological wellbeing of the older population, even in healthy aging.

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.

Home-Based Physical Activity Program Improves Depression and Anxiety in Older Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 692-696 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Aguiñaga ◽  
Diane K. Ehlers ◽  
Elizabeth A. Salerno ◽  
Jason Fanning ◽  
Robert W. Motl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Self Worth

Background: Late-life depression and anxiety among older adults is an important public health concern. This study examined the effect of a DVD-delivered exercise intervention on the secondary outcomes of depression and anxiety in older adults and the extent to which physical self-worth mediated the relationship between leisure-time physical activity and depression and anxiety. Methods: Older adults (N = 307) were randomized to a 6-month flexibility, toning, and balance DVD (FlexToBa™, FTB) or healthy aging DVD control. Self-reported physical activity and questionnaires were administered at baseline and postintervention. Statistical analyses were conducted in the total sample and in a subsample of participants with elevated levels of depression or anxiety. Results: FTB participants with elevated depression and anxiety symptoms at baseline had significantly greater reductions in depression and anxiety (d = 1.66 and 2.90) than the control condition (d = 0.77 and 0.73). The effect of physical activity on depression and anxiety was partially mediated by increases in physical self-worth in the total sample but not in those with elevated depression or anxiety. Conclusion: A home-based physical activity intervention may be a viable treatment for reducing depression and anxiety in older adults with elevated baseline scores.

scholarly journals Stress, Trauma, and Resilience Among U.S. Asian Older Adults: Findings From the Rutgers Asian RCMAR

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 623-624
Author(s):  
XinQi Dong ◽  
Melissa Simon ◽  
Bei Wu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Coping Resources ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Intimate Violence ◽  
Environment And Health ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Diverse Groups

Abstract U.S. Asians are the fastest growing group of older adults in the nation, increasing by 68% from 2000-2018. However, research on the psychological wellbeing of this population is limited. Drawing on the research of Rutgers Asian RCMAR Scientists, this symposium will address the impacts of stress, trauma and resilience on the psychological wellbeing of diverse groups of U.S. Asian older adults. Session 1 will assess the prevalence of psychological distress among older LGBT and non-LGBT U.S. Asian older adults, and the role of discrimination in medical care and intimate violence on psychological distress. Session 2 will take a mixed-methods approach to examining caregiver burden and depressive symptoms of Chinese American spouses and adult-children who provided care for their spouse or parents with dementia. Session 3 will explore the risk and protective factors for the mental health of sexual minority U.S. Asian older adults using data from the Research Program on Genes, Environment and Health. Session 4 will identify different patterns of coping repertoires of older immigrants, based on a combination of individual, family, and community coping resources, and the optimal coping repertoire that is associated with the best psychological outcomes. In summation, this symposium describes the psychological wellbeing of diverse groups of U.S. Asian older adults, including sexual minority, caregiver and immigrant groups. The symposium addresses both risk factors and the protective factors and coping mechanisms that mediate and mitigate psychological wellbeing and aims to inform interventions to improve psychological wellbeing outcomes in U.S. Asian older adults.

The Experiences and Determinants of Sleep Problems of Immigrant and Canadian-Born Older Adults—Analysis of Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging Baseline Data

2021 ◽  
pp. 084456212110094
Author(s):  
Souraya Sidani ◽  
Sepali Guruge ◽  
Kandasamy Illanko
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Sleep Problem ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Sleep Latency ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Baseline Data ◽  
Chi Square

Background Although prevalent, limited knowledge is available on the experience of sleep problems (i.e., disturbance in sleep latency and in sleep maintenance) and their determinants in immigrant older adults. Purpose To compare immigrant and Canadian-born older adults’ experiences of: 1) sleep problems, 2) determinants of sleep problems, categorized into precipitating and perpetuating factors, and 3) determinants most significantly contributing to each sleep problem. Methods Baseline data obtained by the comprehensive cohort of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging were analyzed. Participants 55+ years of age and with complete data on their country of birth comprised the sample, with 18,245 Canadian-born and 4,257 immigrant older adults. Single or multiple items were used to assess the precipitating (chronic condition, sleep disorders, pain, depressive symptoms, psychological distress, education, marital and socio-economic status) and perpetuating (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity) factors. Chi-square test and independent sample t-test were used in the comparison and multiple regression was applied to determine the most significant determinant of each sleep problem in each group of older adults. Results Despite differences in a few determinants of sleep problems, the set of factors contributing to disturbance in sleep latency and maintenance was comparable for Canadian-born and immigrant older adults, and included: having a sleep disorder and high level of depressive symptoms and psychological distress. Conclusion The findings highlight the importance of public health campaigns to increase older adults’ awareness of sleep problems, the factors that may contribute to disturbance in sleep, and strategies to prevent and/or manage sleep problems.

scholarly journals Factors Related to Women’s Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from a Two-Wave Longitudinal Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11656
Author(s):  
Maria Di Blasi ◽  
Gaia Albano ◽  
Giulia Bassi ◽  
Elisa Mancinelli ◽  
Cecilia Giordano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Social Stability ◽  
Psychological Resilience ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Psychological Variables ◽  
Female Population ◽  
Restrictive Measures

Background. A growing body of research has highlighted the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on women’s mental health. Previous studies showed that women have higher levels of depression, anxiety and PTSD, and worse psychological adjustment than men, which also persisted after the earlier phase of the pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate changes in women’s psychological distress during the pandemic and to evaluate the factors that have a more significant impact in predicting women’s psychological distress. Methods. This two-wave longitudinal study (T1 = Italian first lockdown, and T2 = second phase, when the restrictive measures were eased) involved 893 women (Mage = 36.45, SD = 14.48). Participants provided demographic and health data as well as measures of psychological distress, emotion regulation processes, and ability to tolerate uncertainty. Results. No significant changes were found in women’s psychological distress between T1 and T2, i.e., during and after the first lockdown. Lower social stability status and higher maladaptive emotional coping predicted high psychological distress. Conclusions. Results showed that modifiable psychological variables play a central role in predicting distress and indicated that emotion regulation interventions might be helpful in increasing psychological resilience and mitigating the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic within the female population.

scholarly journals Policy Series: The Impact of Ageism on Health and Efforts to Address It Through Reframing Aging

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 722-722
Author(s):  
Erica Solway
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Research Education ◽  
National Poll ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Ageism can manifest in a variety of ways including in institutional policies and practices, interpersonal interactions, older adults’ internalization of ageist stereotypes, and through the media. While major incidents of age-based discrimination and their negative effects on health are more recognized, older adults also experience less momentous, but still harmful ageism in their day-to-day lives. These types of everyday ageism are also harmful to health. This symposium will highlight recent research from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging on self-reported experiences of everyday ageism among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults age50-80 and its connections to physical and mental health outcomes. Next, another researcher also using data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging will explore the prevalence of positive attributes of aging, its relationships to health, and ways in which it may buffer older adults from the adverse health consequences of ageism. Then speakers will highlight the Reframing Aging initiative and the ways in which GSA and other organizations are leading a national effort to address ageism through education and dissemination of research-based resources. This session will feature research, education, and advocacy efforts and will focus on the policy implications of efforts to better understand the prevalence of and strategies to counter the effects of ageism.

Subjective Sleep Problems and Cognitive Functioning in Nondemented Older Adults

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy J. Schmutte ◽  
Shelby Harris ◽  
Ross Levin ◽  
Richard Zweig ◽  
Mindy Katz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Subjective Sleep

The measurement of psychological wellbeing and its relationship to psychological distress

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Winefield ◽  
Tiffany Gill ◽  
Anne Taylor ◽  
Carmen Koster
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing

scholarly journals The Relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Sleep Problems among Adolescent Students: Mediation by Depression or Anxiety

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 236
Author(s):  
E-Jin Park ◽  
Shin-Young Kim ◽  
Yeeun Kim ◽  
Dajung Sung ◽  
Bora Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Childhood Experiences ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Adverse Childhood ◽  
The Relationship

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are known to be closely related to depression, anxiety and sleep problems. However, it remains unclear whether adolescents with ACEs have sleep problems regardless of depression or anxiety or under a mediating effect from depression or anxiety. Therefore, our aim was to examine whether depression or anxiety mediates the relationship between ACEs and sleep problems in adolescents by using a community sample. The Early Trauma Inventory Self Report–Short Form (ETISR-SF) and List of Threatening Experiences Questionnaire (LTE-Q) were used to assess traumatic ACEs. Ultimately, data from 737 students (M = 448, F = 289, 15.1 ± 1.4 years old) were included in the statistical analysis. A total of 576 (78.1%) participants reported that they had experienced one or more ACEs. Adolescents with ACEs had higher levels of depression, anxiety and sleep problems than did adolescents without ACEs, and boys tended to experience more trauma than girls. Depression and anxiety partially mediated the relationship between ACEs and sleep problems. The results of this study suggest the need for depression and anxiety interventions for adolescents with ACEs to reduce the long-term consequences, including sleep problems and physical health problems.

Lighting and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias: Spotlight on sleep and depression

2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (5) ◽  
pp. 405-422
Author(s):  
MG Figueiro ◽  
HC Kales
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disease ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Pharmacological Intervention ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Positive Results

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias is the collective term for a progressive neurodegenerative disease for which there is presently no cure. This paper focuses on two symptoms of the disease, sleep disturbances and depression, and discusses how light can be used as a non-pharmacological intervention to mitigate their negative effects. Bright days and dark nights are needed for health and well-being, but the present components of the built environment, especially those places where older adults spend most of their days, are too dimly illuminated during the day and too bright at night. To be effective light needs to be correctly specified, implemented and measured. Yet, without the appropriate specification and measurement of the stimulus, researchers will not be able to successfully demonstrate positive results in the field, nor will lighting designers and specifiers have the confidence to implement lighting solutions for promoting better sleep and mood in this population.

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