How public interactions via WeChat moments predict the emotional well-being of Chinese seniors and emerging seniors: The moderating roles of perceived self-network discrepancy and age

The present study examined how engaging in public interactions via WeChat Moments (i.e., interactions all WeChat contacts can access) was related to the emotional well-being of Chinese seniors and emerging seniors (50 years or older). Results of an online survey (N = 506) demonstrated that perceived educational self-network discrepancy of WeChat network moderated the relationship between public interactions and emotional well-being such that only at a high level of perceived educational self-network discrepancy public interactions exhibited a significant negative relationship with emotional well-being. Additionally, the interaction between public interactions and perceived educational/social class self-network discrepancy on emotional well-being was further moderated by the participants’ age. Specifically, the relationship between public interactions and emotional well-being was only significant and negative at high levels of perceived educational/social class self-network discrepancy among older Chinese seniors and emerging seniors, whereas this relationship was not significant at any level of perceived educational/social class self-network discrepancy among their younger counterparts. This study develops the scholarship on social networking services and well-being by suggesting that the responses one receives from their online network can have a critical impact on their well-being and provides implications about extending socioemotional selectivity theory.

Long-term Effects of Alcohol Consumption on Cognitive Function in Seniors: A Cohort Study in China

Background In the context of increasing global aging, the long-term effects of alcohol consumption on cognitive function in older adults were analyzed in order to provide rationalization recommendations and data support. Methods 5,354 Chinese seniors aged 65–112 years were selected as the subjects, and their participation in the survey covered the time span from 1998–2018. Data cleaning and preprocessing was implemented by R software. The dynamic Cox model was applied for model construction and data analysis. Results The results of the dynamic Cox model suggested that seniors who drank alcohol were at higher risk of cognitive decline compared to those who never drank, and the effect was long-term. The risk was similarly exacerbated by perennial drinking habits. Compared to the liquor (≥ 38°), seniors who consumed liquors (< 38°) and rice wine had a relatively lower risk of cognitive decline. In addition, associations between marital status, frequency of food intake, activity participation and cognitive performance in seniors were also confirmed. Conclusions Alcohol consumption has a negative and long-term effects on cognitive function in seniors. For the elderly, we suggested that alcohol intake should be avoided as much as possible.

Are need for affect and cognition culture dependent? Implications for global public health campaigns: a cross-sectional study

Background Cultural differences in affective and cognitive intrinsic motivation could pose challenges for global public health campaigns, which use cognitive or affective goals to evoke desired attitudes and proactive health-promoting actions. This study aimed to identify cross-cultural differences in affective and cognitive intrinsic motivation and discuss the potential value of this information for public health promotion. Methods A cross-sectional survey using cross-culturally validated need for affect (NFA) and need for cognition (NFC) scales was carried out among 1166 Chinese participants, and the results were compared with published data from 980 American participants. Additionally, we assessed a highly prevalent symbolic geriatric health condition, hearing loss, in 500 Chinese community-dwelling seniors. The Chinese NFA scale was developed following the translation-back translation procedure, and the psychometric evaluation was performed by applying confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM), correlation analysis and multigroup invariance test. MANOVA and Hedge’s g statistic were employed to compare the NFA and NFC levels between individuals from different countries and between Chinese seniors with and without hearing loss. The relation of early hearing intervention intention to NFA and NFC was also explored in the Chinese sample. Results A basic two-factor model of NFA adequately fit the sample data from Chinese and American cultures. The questionnaire demonstrated reasonable invariance of the factor structure and factor loadings across the groups. Those in the primary Chinese sample had lower NFA and NFC than their American peers. This difference held in the senior sample. Moreover, Chinese seniors with hearing loss had even lower NFA and NFC than those without hearing loss. Their early hearing intervention intention was low but was associated with intrinsic motivation. Conclusions The Need for Affect (NFA) construct may be generalized beyond its Western origins. There was a general lack of affective and cognitive intrinsic motivation in Chinese individuals, particularly in seniors with hearing loss, compared with their American peers. These differences point to a potential challenge in framing effective messages for some cultures in the geriatric public health domain. Ideally, recognizing and understanding this challenge will inspire the consideration of novel persuasive strategies for these audiences.

Motivation-based segmentation of Chinese senior travelers: The role of preferences, sociodemographic, and travel-related features

This study was designed to investigate factors associated with Mainland China’s senior overseas travel motivations and the role in explaining preferences, sociodemographic and travel features. The study was conducted with 496 seniors. The statistical analyses included factor analysis, cluster analysis, one-way analysis of variance, and chi-square test. Result showed that eight domains defined the overseas travel motivations of Mainland Chinese seniors. Cluster analysis produced a five-cluster solution based on motivations. The cluster with lowest motivations were older, primary school graduates with lowest income and generally low set of preferences. Ultimately, understanding motivation can effectively promote travel among the aging population.

A Conceptual Guideline to Age-Friendly Outdoor Space Development in China: How Do Chinese Seniors Use the Urban Comprehensive Park? A Focus on Time, Place, and Activities

The aim of this paper is to narrow the gap between the theoretical findings from past studies and current open space development through evaluating the behavior pattern and landscape preferences of seniors in urban parks in China. Combining an on-site observational approach with a questionnaire, the research has taken place in two successful traditional comprehensive parks in Xi’an, Shaanxi, China. The results for time, place, and activities were analyzed and depicted in figures. Design guidelines have been provided based on the analysis; new perspectives for further investigations have been pointed out for landscape architects and urban planners to carry on exploring the process of establishing a successful age-friendly outdoor space.