scholarly journals Experiencing the Unprecedented COVID-19 Lockdown: Abu Dhabi Older Adults’ Challenges and Concerns

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 13427
Author(s):  
Masood Badri ◽  
Mugheer Alkhaili ◽  
Hamad Aldhaheri ◽  
Guang Yang ◽  
Muna Albahar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Analysis Of Variance ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Abu Dhabi ◽  
Future Research ◽  
P Value ◽  
Movement Restriction ◽  
Sleeping Disorders ◽  
Screen Use

This study focused on older adults (60+ years old) of both genders in Abu Dhabi during the COVID-19 pandemic before vaccines were made available (age ranged from 60 years to 75 years). They faced more strict rules of movement restriction and isolation that might have resulted in certain psychological feelings and social reactions. The main objective was to understand Abu Dhabi older adults’ psychological feelings during the pandemic and to identify their main concerns and challenges considering the various COVID-19-related policies and restrictions. The psychological feelings focused on fear, loneliness, sadness, irritability, emotional exhaustion, depressive symptoms, sleeping disorders, overeating, and excessive screen use. The objectives also included the changes in the psychological feelings concerning time. Other objectives covered better understanding the differences in (some activities) compared to the other age categories. Data were gathered through an online survey of community members from February to July 2020 as part of government initiatives (Department of Community Development). Responses were collected from 574 older adults in Abu Dhabi (60.1% male and 39.9% female). The analysis mainly used descriptive analysis, t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and simple trend analysis. For all tests, a p-value less than 0.05 was used for significance. The results pointed to the significant rise in feelings related to excessive screen use, fear, loneliness, and stress. The most significant concerns were related to more restrictions being imposed and not being able to see the grandchildren.The impact of new technologies on their quality of life was significantly reflected by respondents. The influence of the pandemic on older adults’ health and weight was also investigated. Analysis of variance, t-tests, and regression analysis with relevant tests were employed. The relevant results showed that some negative psychological feelings were common among older adults during the pandemic. However, the psychological feelings did not portray significant changes with time, except for sleeping disorders and overeating. Overall, older adults scored significantly different from other age groups on many challenges, concerns, and views regarding new technologies during the pandemic. No significant differences were observed regarding gender and marital status for the challenges and concerns. The research summarizes some policy guidance while noting some limitations of this study and future research directions.

scholarly journals Experiencing the Unprecedented COVID-19 Lockdown: Abu Dhabi Older Adults’ Challenges and Concerns

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masood Badri ◽  
Mugheer Al Khaili ◽  
Hamad Al Dhaheri ◽  
Guang Yang ◽  
Asma Al Rashdi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Abu Dhabi ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Movement Restriction ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Sleeping Disorders ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Policy Guidance

Abstract This study focused on older adults (60 + years old) in Abu Dhabi during the COVID-19 pandemic before vaccines were made available to them. They faced more strict rules of movement restriction and isolation that might have resulted in certain psychological feelings and social reactions. Data were gathered through an online survey of community members conducted from April to July of 2020, in which 574 older adults responded. The main objective was to understand Abu Dhabi older adults’ main psychological feelings during the pandemic and to identify their main concerns and challenges considering the various COVID-19 related policies and restrictions. The influence of the pandemic on older adults’ health and weight was also investigated. Results of descriptive analyses show that some negative psychological feelings were common among older adults’ during the pandemic. However, the psychological feelings did not portray significant changes with time, except for sleeping disorders and overeating. The movement restrictions imposed on elderlies and not being able to see children and grandchildren when wanted were the two main concerns reported. The research summaries some policy guidance while noting some limitations of this study and future research directions.

scholarly journals Fostering Intergenerational Connections in the time of Covid-19: A Friendly Caller Program

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 867-867
Author(s):  
Maria Claver ◽  
Alexandra Wilkinson ◽  
Tatia Clark ◽  
Chan Park
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Premature Death ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Self Assessment

Abstract Social isolation affects one in five older adults, significantly increases the risk of premature death from all causes and is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicide. Covid-19 has exacerbated social isolation, including among older adults that reside in senior apartments. In response, a Friendly Caller Program was developed to foster intergenerational social connections among university students and residents in a large housing community that serves older adults aged 62 and older who have limited income and have mobility impairments. This study aimed to evaluate the Friendly Caller Program from the perspective of the older adult. An online survey includes questions about the participants’ demographic characteristics, physical and mental health self-assessment, social support, and ways in which the Friendly Caller Program has affected these areas of their life. An open-ended question assesses older adult participant expectations of the Friendly Caller Program. Results describe the population currently being served by this program and indicate that the program has a positive influence on participants’ feelings of safety, support and ability to function. Suggestions for future research include assessing university student perceptions about the benefits of participation as callers in the program and creating a toolkit that can guide other universities to create similar programs in partnership with housing communities that serve older adults.

Age Differences in the Use of Health Information Technology Among Adults in the United States: An Analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey

2020 ◽  
pp. 089826432096626
Author(s):  
Henry K. Onyeaka ◽  
Perla Romero ◽  
Brian C. Healy ◽  
Christopher M. Celano
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
The United States ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
National Trends

Background: Despite significant advancements in the use of health information technologies (HITs) in health care, older adults’ adoption of new technologies has consistently lagged behind that of younger adults. Objective: To compare ownership rates and preferences for utilizing technology for health information exchange among older and younger adults. Methods: Utilizing data from the 2017 and 2018 iterations of the Health Information National Trends Survey ( n = 6789), we performed multivariable logistic regression while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Older adults were less likely than younger adults to own technological devices such as smartphones, less likely to report finding these tools beneficial in monitoring their health, and less likely to use these tools in communicating with their health providers. However, these differences were substantially attenuated after adjustment for technology ownership. Discussion: Future research should aim to identify factors associated with access, usability, and adoption of HIT for managing care among older adults.

scholarly journals Intergenerational Effects on the Impacts of Technology Use in Later Life: Insights from an International, Multi-Site Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (16) ◽  
pp. 5711 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon Freeman ◽  
Hannah R. Marston ◽  
Janna Olynick ◽  
Charles Musselwhite ◽  
Cory Kulczycki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Intergenerational Relationships ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Intergenerational Support ◽  
Use Of Technology

As the use of technology becomes further integrated into the daily lives of all persons, including older adults, it is important to investigate how the perceptions and use of technology intersect with intergenerational relationships. Based on the international multi-centered study Technology In Later Life (TILL), this paper emphasizes the perceptions of older adults and the interconnection between technology and intergenerational relationships are integral to social connectedness with others. Participants from rural and urban sites in Canada and the UK (n = 37) completed an online survey and attended a focus group. Descriptive and thematic analyses suggest that older adults are not technologically adverse and leverage intergenerational relationships with family and friends to adjust to new technologies and to remain connected to adult children and grandchildren, especially when there is high geographic separation between them. Participants referenced younger family members as having introduced them to, and having taught them how to use, technologies such as digital devices, computers, and social networking sites. The intergenerational support in the adoption of new technologies has important implications for helping older persons to remain independent and to age in place, in both age-friendly cities and in rural communities. The findings contribute to the growing literature in the fields of gerontology and gerontechnology on intergenerational influences and the impacts of technology use in later life and suggest the flexibility and willingness of older persons to adopt to new technologies as well as the value of intergenerational relationships for overcoming barriers to technology adoption.

scholarly journals Experiences of the Built Environment, Falls and Fear of Falling Outdoors among Older Adults: An Exploratory Study and Future Directions

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 1224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Curl ◽  
Helen Fitt ◽  
Melanie Tomintz
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Built Environment ◽  
Urban Environment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Physical Injuries ◽  
The Impact

Falls can have serious impacts on the health, wellbeing and daily mobilities of older adults. Falls are a leading cause of injury and death amongst older adults and outdoor falls comprise a substantial proportion of pedestrian injuries. As well as physical injuries, the psychological impacts of experiencing a fall can result in older adults getting out of the house less often, resulting in lower levels of physical activity and social connection. Despite the known consequences of falls, relatively little research considers the impact of the urban built environment on falls among older adults. This research aimed to explore the experiences of older adults in the urban environment, falling and the fear of falling outdoors. We conducted an online survey with adults aged 50+ using a participatory mapping survey tool and a convenience sample. The study area was Greater Christchurch, New Zealand. Results suggest that both perceived accessibility and neighbourhood conditions are independently associated with fear of falling, after controlling for frequency of falling, gender and activities of daily living. Our findings demonstrate the need for much better understandings of the relationships between the urban environment, outdoor mobility, fear of falling and falling among older adults and we propose suggestions for future research.

scholarly journals Leveraging naturally occurring variation in financial stress to examine associations with inflammatory burden among older adults

2020 ◽  
pp. jech-2020-213807
Author(s):  
Laura Samuel ◽  
Sarah L Szanton ◽  
Neal S Fedarko ◽  
Eleanor M Simonsick
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Security ◽  
Financial Stress ◽  
Inflammatory Biomarkers ◽  
Financial Strain ◽  
Future Research ◽  
P Value ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Interaction Term

BackgroundFinancial strain is associated with earlier disability and mortality, but causal links are underexplored, partly because it is unethical to randomise people to financial stress. This study leverages naturally occurring random variation in days since monthly Social Security payment arrival among older adults to test associations with inflammatory biomarkers.MethodsBiomarker data, including tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and C reactive protein (CRP), was collected from 2155 non-working healthy adults aged 70–79 years, participating in the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study. Days since payment arrival was independent of all demographic, socioeconomic or health characteristics measured in this study. Restricted cubic spline models estimated associations separately for each week of the month, stratified by financial strain status (interaction term p value for TNF-α model <0.05).ResultsAmong financially strained older adults, more days since payment arrival was associated with higher TNF-α levels during the first week of the month (coefficient=0.102). Associations with IL-6 and CRP differed depending on the degree of financial strain (interaction term p values <0.05). Those with low, but not high, strain had lower levels of IL-6 (coefficient=−0.152) and CRP (coefficient=−0.179) during the first week.ConclusionsDays since monthly payments were associated with inflammatory cytokines among older adults who have difficulty making ends meet financially and associations depended on financial strain severity, suggesting that results are attributable to monthly variation in financial stress. Future research should examine whether more frequent Social Security disbursement would modify financial strain and inflammatory biomarkers.

scholarly journals THU0507 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS AND AUTISM

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 492.2-492
Author(s):  
R. Beesley
Keyword(s):  
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis ◽  
General Population ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Monitoring Network ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Future Research ◽  
P Value ◽  
Degree Relative ◽  
Error Bar ◽  
The Uk

Background:Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is a heterogenous group of autoimmune disorders characterised by chronic joint inflammation, diagnosed in around 1 in 1,000 children and young people (CYP) under the age of 16. Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in social communication and sensory perception, as well as restricted interests and repetitive behaviours. Recent estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that 1.68% of CYP are diagnosed with ASC, with males being more likely to be diagnosed (sex ratio of 4:1) [1]. The causes of both JIA and ASC are complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. There appears to be some evidence that ASC may be associated with certain parental autoimmune conditions [2], although research into any association between JIA and ASC is sparse with the exception of a review of clinical database information [3].Objectives:In this parent-led study, the association between JIA and ASC was explored in order to determine if children with JIA, or children who do not themselves have JIA but have at least one first-degree relative with JIA (FDR), are more likely to be diagnosed with ASC.Methods:Parents of CYP with JIA were invited to complete an online survey, giving details of each member of their family including diagnosis status for JIA and ASC, and age of diagnoses. A total of 247 responses were collated, representing 558 CYP. Overall, 202 CYP were diagnosed with JIA from 197 families. The eldest child with JIA from each family was selected (total 197; 66 male and 131 female) and the rate of ASC was compared against the general population using Fisher’s exact tests.Results:Children with JIA themselves and FDR children were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with ASC.GroupOdds Ratio (95% CI)p-valueJIA children overall6.107 (1.760, 21.190)0.0020**FDR children overall7.009 (2.033, 24.160)0.0006***Figure 1.Proportion of children diagnosed with ASC in the general population (CDC estimates), JIA group and FDR group. Error bar indicates 95% CI. Significance indicated compared to population.Conclusion:Individuals with JIA and family members of individuals with JIA are more likely to be diagnosed with ASC. The results remained unchanged in a sensitivity analysis in which JIA children who had another sibling with JIA were excluded in order to minimise the risk that these results were affected by selecting the eldest child with JIA.It is possible that we are underestimating the association between JIA and ASC in this study. The majority of children sampled were from the United Kingdom and Ireland; however, we chose to utilise the most recent CDC estimates for ASC prevalence, as the most recent estimates from the UK were from 2006 and longitudinal data suggests that ASC prevalence continues to increase, likely due to changes in diagnostic criteria and improved recognition of the condition. When using the UK prevalence estimates, JIA children and FDR children remain significantly more likely to be diagnosed with ASC than the general population as a whole.Future research should focus on confirming these findings in larger, population-based samples.References:[1]Christensen DL, Braun KV, Baio J, et al. Prevalence and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 8 Years — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 Sites, United States, 2012.MMWR Surveill Summ(2018); 65 (No. SS-13):1–23.[2]Hughes, H. K., Mills Ko, E., Rose, D. & Ashwood, P. Immune Dysfunction and Autoimmunity as Pathological Mechanisms in Autism Spectrum Disorders.Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience(2018); 12[3]Haslam, K. P16 Is there an association between paediatric rheumatological disease and autism?Rheumatology2019; 58Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals Fear of COVID-19 and religious coping mediate the associations between religiosity and distress among older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 316-322
Author(s):  
Karim Asgari Ghoncheh ◽  
Chieh-hsiu Liu ◽  
Chung-Ying Lin ◽  
Mohsen Saffari ◽  
Mark D. Griffiths ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Religious Coping ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mediation Model ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Correct Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
Religiosity And Depression

Background: A mediation model was proposed to explain how religiosity, religious coping, and fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) explained anxiety and depression among older adults. Methods: With the use of a cross-sectional design, the Integrated Health System was used to randomly invite 1000 older adults residing in Qazvin to participate in an online survey. Within the period of November 2020 to January 2021, 696 older Iranian adults (mean age=69.56years; 57.9% women) agreed to participate in the study and reported demographic information as well as measures of religiosity, fear of COVID-19, religious coping, anxiety, and depression. Results: Religiosity had direct effects on depression (B [SE]=-0.087 [0.037]; P=0.023) but not anxiety (B [SE]=-0.063 [0.036]; P=0.072). Moreover, both fear of COVID-19 and religious coping significantly mediated the association between religiosity and anxiety (B [SE]=-0.360[0.035]; p=0.002) and that between religiosity and depression (B [SE]=-0.365 [0.034];P=0.002). Conclusion: During the tough time of COVID-19 pandemic, religiosity and religious coping were protectors for older adults in developing good mental. Therefore, future research is needed to examine education programs that are effective for older adults to obtain correct knowledge concerning COVID-19, including the protective COVID-19 infection behaviors. Therefore, older adults may reduce their fear via their enhanced correct knowledge concerning COVID-19.

scholarly journals A Path Analytic Model Exploration of Determinants of Happiness of Older Adults in Abu Dhabi

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muna Al Bahar ◽  
Masood Badri ◽  
Mugheer Al Khaili ◽  
Fahad Al Neyadi ◽  
Guang Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
General Social Survey ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Abu Dhabi ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
The Social ◽  
Future Research Directions

AbstractThe objective of the study was to identify the factors associated with the subjective well-being of older adults in Abu Dhabi when happiness is taken as the dependent variable. In the present research, a framework based on theoretical models was developed in which older adult’s happiness was seen in a synergistic relationship and was associated with many other variables related to various domains in the social system. The sample consisted of 1,004 older adults aged 60 and above, who participated in the First Abu Dhabi General Social Survey administered in 2018. Many subjective well-being variables were considered. Path analysis was used to develop a model that incorporated the five following variables directly affecting the happiness of older adults: housing satisfaction, satisfaction with family life, satisfaction with friendships, life satisfaction, satisfaction with surrounding environment, and some psychological feelings. The study highlighted all direct and indirect associations. Further analysis of variance revealed the associations of gender, marital status, and education attainment. Implications of the study were highlighted along with future research directions.

scholarly journals Singing lessons as a path to well-being in later life

2021 ◽  
pp. 030573562110309
Author(s):  
Alexandra M Smith ◽  
Kay Kleinerman ◽  
Annabel J Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Musical Instrument ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Depressive Episodes

Seventy-two persons, who had begun voice lessons after 40 years of age, were invited to complete an online survey that focused on the singers’ experience, motivation, goals, health and well-being, repertoire, practice, and demographic information; 48 respondents (33 females, mean age 60.81 years, range 48.83–82.08, SD = 6.99) completed the questionnaire. Most participants indicated that enjoyment and personal growth motivated their taking lessons. Over 90% commented on benefits of singing to their physical health (e.g., breathing) and mental health (e.g., mood, less depressive episodes). Despite the solitary aspect of singing lessons, 67% reported positive changes in social relations since taking lessons. Benefits to professional relations were also reported (e.g., confidence, listening to others). Repertoire level was generally high, consistent with a high average university educational level. Cost of lessons and time demands may account for the generally high socioeconomic status of respondents. Given that the singing voice is a musical instrument available to almost everyone, results might motivate older adults to consider taking voice lessons, encourage health care professionals to consider voice lessons as interventions to benefit clients, and persuade governments to subsidize voice lessons for older adults in their jurisdictions. The study provides a foundation for future research on the relative impacts on well-being of vocal lessons versus choral singing in the context of relative investments in the two activities.

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