1
|
Sun J, Zhou N, Zhang H, Wu H, Wang F, Luo Y. Longitudinal analysis of the mediating role of self-perception of aging in the relationship between frailty and intrinsic capacity: A cross-lagged mediation model. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 120:105336. [PMID: 38301318 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2024.105336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The causal relationship between intrinsic capacity and frailty in older adults, as well as the underlying temporal mechanisms, remained poorly understood. The study aimed to investigate the causal association between intrinsic capacity and frailty while exploring the potential mediating role of self-perception of aging. MEASUREMENTS A survey was conducted with a sample of 429 participants who completed measures of intrinsic capacity, self-perception of aging, and frailty at baseline and were followed for one year. The relationships between these variables were assessed using an autoregressive cross-lagged model. RESULTS The study found reciprocal associations between intrinsic capacity and frailty (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the results indicated that self-perception of aging partially mediated the effect of frailty at baseline (T1) on intrinsic capacity at one-year follow-up (T2) (β = -0.02, confidence interval: [-0.055, -0.004]). However, the reverse causation was not observed. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This study demonstrates a bidirectional causal relationship between intrinsic capacity and frailty in older adults. Self-perception of aging plays a significant mediating role in this relationship. Older adults with a worse level of frailty should be made aware of the potentially vicious cycle related to self-perception of aging, which can negatively affect their intrinsic capacity. Maintaining a positive self-perception of aging may help preserve physical and psychological reserves, maintain intrinsic capacity, and slow the decline of frailty.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Sun
- School of Nursing, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Ning Zhou
- School of Nursing, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- School of Nursing, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Huimin Wu
- School of Nursing, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Feifei Wang
- School of Nursing, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yanyan Luo
- School of Nursing, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bužgová R, Kozáková R, Bobčíková K. Predictors of attitudes towards aging in elderly living in community care. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:266. [PMID: 38500061 PMCID: PMC10949648 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-04840-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the aging of the population, the promotion of healthy aging is an important part of public health. Healthy aging of the population can be influenced by the attitudes of the elderly themselves towards old age and aging. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to find out the attitudes of older people living in a community environment toward old age and the predictors that influence these attitudes. METHODS The evaluation of attitudes towards old age using the WHO AAQ (Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire) questionnaire involved 1,174 elderly people living in the community. Age, sex, marital status, education, subjective health assessment, social support, depression (GDS-15), anxiety (GAI), sense of coherence (SOC-13) and self-esteem (RSES) were used to evaluate related factors. RESULTS As part of the exploratory factor analysis, a three-factor model (Psychosocial Loss, Physical Change, and Psychological Growth) was confirmed. The Cronbach alpha was found to be acceptable (α = 0.835). The predictors of better AAQ in the Psychological Loss domain were: subjective health, age, quality of life, self-esteem, sense of coherence, life satisfaction, anxiety, and social support; in the Physical Change domain: subjective health, quality of life, self-esteem, life satisfaction, cohabitation, and depression; and in the Psychological Growth domain: age, self-esteem, sense of coherence, life satisfaction, and social support. CONCLUSION Preventive and policy measures should aim to increase the satisfaction and self-assessment of the elderly, which can help them evaluate the period of old age more positively. It is also important to create a positive perspective of ageing and elderly in society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Radka Bužgová
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic.
| | - Radka Kozáková
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Katka Bobčíková
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lin YC, Lin HY, Chen LK, Hsiao FY. Unveiling the multifaceted nexus of subjective aging, biological aging, and chronological age: Findings from a nationally representative cohort study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 117:105164. [PMID: 37708578 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.105164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate how subjective aging influences the psychological and behavioral responses of older individuals, specifically focusing on the associations between subjective aging and longitudinal changes in biological age. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study retrieving data from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging (TLSA), over a 4-year follow-up period. Subjective aging is assessed by asking participants if they perceive themselves as old, while frailty is measured using a frailty index comprising 34 deficits from various domains. Participants are categorized into three groups based on their chronological age. The association between subjective aging and transition of biological age (as indicated by an increased frailty index) from 2011 to 2015 is examined using logistic regression models. RESULTS The study consisted of 2412 participants, who were categorized into middle-age (n = 1,082), young-old (n = 779), and old-old (n = 551) groups. Among them, individuals exhibiting subjective aging at baseline were more likely to be older in chronological age, female, illiterate, and unemployed, compared to those without subjective aging. The adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for the association between subjective aging and an increased biological age were 1.72 [95% CI: 0.88-3.34], 1.61 [0.77-3.37], and 1.08 [0.65-1.80], in the middle-age, young-old, and old-old groups, respectively. DISCUSSIONS No significant associations were found between changes in biological age and subjective aging across various chronological age groups. Notably, within the younger age group, a discernible trend towards an association was observed, indicating the potential age-related nuances in the complex interrelation between subjective age, biological aging, and chronological aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chin Lin
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yu Lin
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Kung Chen
- Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for Healthy Longevity and Aging Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Taipei Municipal Gan-Dau Hospital (Managed by Taipei Veterans General Hospital), Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Fei-Yuan Hsiao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pharmacy, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Low G, França AB, Wilson DM, Gutman G, von Humboldt S. Suitability of the Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire Short Form for Use among Adults in Their 50s: A Cross-Sectional e-Survey Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7035. [PMID: 37998266 PMCID: PMC10671007 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20227035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
This cross-sectional e-survey study examines the suitability (reliability and validity) of the 12-item Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire Short Form (AAQ-SF) for use among adults in their 50s. The AAQ-SF instrument was originally designed to capture subjective perceptions of physical change, psychosocial loss, and psychological growth by asking people aged 60 and beyond how they feel about growing older. Our sample comprised 517 people residing in three Canadian provinces. Respondents completed the Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire Short Form, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and a short sociodemographic profile. Our findings replicate the original AAQ-SF structure for physical change, psychosocial loss, and psychological growth, with a promising internal consistency range for the third subscale. In our sample, psychological growth is best represented as 'Self' and 'Generativity', with a particularly greater capacity to explain variations in scores for item 18 and item 21. Physical change and psychosocial loss scores strongly differed based on perceived health and chronic illness presence. Psychosocial loss and psychological growth were moderately correlated with two aspects of self-esteem. We relate these patterns of findings within the context of prevailing growth and development theory and their perceived implications within the context of COVID-19 and post-pandemic life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gail Low
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Alex Bacadini França
- Laboratory of Human Development and Cognition, Federal University of São Carlos, São Paulo 13566-590, Brazil
| | - Donna M Wilson
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Gloria Gutman
- Gerontology Research Centre, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3, Canada
| | - Sofia von Humboldt
- William James Center for Research, ISPA-Instituto Universitário, 1149-041 Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Buckinx F, Adam S, Aubertin-Leheudre M, De Saint Hubert M, Mouton A, Potier F, Reginster JY, Bruyere O. Quality of Life and Health Determinants of Informal Caregivers Aged 65 Years and Over. EPIDEMIOLOGIA 2023; 4:464-482. [PMID: 37987311 PMCID: PMC10660726 DOI: 10.3390/epidemiologia4040039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Informal caregivers' own quality of life, health status, and determinants are poorly understood despite their concern for the health of the individuals they assist. To compare the quality of life and the health determinants of older informal caregivers with those of older adults without caregiving responsibilities. An online survey was designed to investigate the quality of life and the health determinants of people aged 65 years and over, with a focus on informal caregivers. In addition to socio-demographic data, the number of informal caregivers was ascertained and the Zarit scale of caregiver burden was applied. Quality of life (SF-12) and health determinants (access to technology and level of physical activity (IPAQ)) were assessed and compared between informal caregivers and non-caregivers. A total of 111 participants were included in the study (70 ± 3.83 years, 71.2% women). The majority of respondents (91.8%) were Belgian. One-third of the respondents identified themselves as informal caregivers and declared themselves as having a severe burden (61.9 ± 15.2/88). Socio-demographic characteristics and access to technology were similar between informal caregivers and non-caregivers (p > 0.05). However, informal caregivers had a lower SF-12 score in the mental score domain (44.3 ± 10.2 vs. 50.7 ± 7.0; p = 0.004) and a lower level of physical activity (434 ± 312 METS/min/week vs. 1126 ± 815 METS/min/week; p = 0.01) than their peers. Informal caregivers reported a lower quality of life and a lower level of physical activity than their peers. Given the recognized importance of physical activity for overall health, this survey highlights the need to promote physical activity among older informal caregivers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Buckinx
- WHO Collaborating Center for Public Health Aspects of Musculo-Skeletal Health and Ageing, Division of Public Health, Epidemiology and Health Economics, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Stéphane Adam
- Psychology of Aging Unit, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Mylène Aubertin-Leheudre
- Département des Sciences de L'activité Physique & Centre de Recherche de L'institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Faculté des Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3W 1W5, Canada
| | - Marie De Saint Hubert
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, CHU UCL Namur, Institut de Recherche Santé Société, UCLouvain, 5530 Yvoir, Belgium
| | - Alexandre Mouton
- Research Unit for a Life-Course Perspective on Health & Education-RUCHE, Department of Sports Sciences, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Florence Potier
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, CHU UCL Namur, Institut de Recherche Santé Société, UCLouvain, 5530 Yvoir, Belgium
| | - Jean-Yves Reginster
- WHO Collaborating Center for Public Health Aspects of Musculo-Skeletal Health and Ageing, Division of Public Health, Epidemiology and Health Economics, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Olivier Bruyere
- WHO Collaborating Center for Public Health Aspects of Musculo-Skeletal Health and Ageing, Division of Public Health, Epidemiology and Health Economics, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Research Unit for a Life-Course Perspective on Health & Education-RUCHE, Department of Sports Sciences, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Widmer A, Wiegand K, Huber E. [If dependency makes vulnerable: Nursing home residents' claims for dignity-conserving nursing care - A narrative literature review]. Pflege 2023; 36:277-285. [PMID: 36715654 DOI: 10.1024/1012-5302/a000929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
If dependency makes vulnerable: Nursing home residents' claims for dignity-conserving nursing care - A narrative literature review Abstract. Introduction: Due to an increase in the very old population, it is important to know what is needed in order to support older people's needs regarding dignity-conserving nursing care when living in a nursing home. Aim: The aim of this article is to gather information on how nursing home residents feel respected and protected in regards of their dignity. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted in the databases CINAHL Complete and PubMed. Six qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria and were compared regarding similarities. Results: The protection of dignity is jeopardized not only by the residents' dependency, but also by nurses, social environment, and society. To protect their own dignity, residents wanted to be perceived as individuals and be treated with respect. Additionally, they wanted to be as independent as possible and take part in meaningful activities. Discussion: Facilitation of staff members as well as flat, peripheral leadership structures are important in order to protect the residents' dignity. The residents' needs regarding social and societal participation has been additionally challenged due to the Covid-19 pandemic. At the same time, the pandemic enforced innovations that may help protect nursing home residents' dignity. Conclusions: These findings can help nurses to protect the dignity of nursing home residents in their daily lives and in the implementation of care measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurelia Widmer
- Institut für Pflege, Department Gesundheit, Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften ZHAW, Winterthur, Schweiz
| | - Kim Wiegand
- Institut für Pflege, Department Gesundheit, Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften ZHAW, Winterthur, Schweiz
| | - Evelyn Huber
- Institut für Pflege, Department Gesundheit, Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften ZHAW, Winterthur, Schweiz
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
What’s Keeping Residents “Out of the Mainstream”: Challenges to Participation in the News Media for Older People Living in Residential Care. J Appl Gerontol 2022; 42:1313-1323. [DOI: 10.1177/07334648221143619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The voices of older people living in residential care are often excluded from news articles about residential care, and this exclusion was especially apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study is to identify and understand the barriers which may be obstructing the news media participation of older residents. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 journalists, 7 administrators, and 12 residents. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a thematic analysis, which resulted in the following themes: (1) residents are physically separated from their communities; (2) journalists do not consider residents to be official sources for news stories; (3) administrators feel they must manage their care home’s reputation and control access to residents; and (4) journalists and administrators are not equipped to handle issues of consent and privacy. The role of ableism and ageism in the news reporting process is discussed.
Collapse
|
8
|
Doncel-García B, Mosquera-Lajas Á, Fernández-Gutiérrez N, Fernández-Atutxa A, Lizaso I, Irazusta J. Relationship between negative stereotypes toward aging and multidimensional variables in older people living in two different social environments. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2021; 98:104567. [PMID: 34781189 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2021.104567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ageism is studied extensively in community-dwelling older adults, but remains poorly understood in institutionalized older adults. Here, we compared the physical, psychological, and social variables associated with self-reported age-based biases in community-dwelling older adults and in those living in nursing homes (NHs). MATERIAL AND METHODS Participants (n = 272) in this descriptive cross-sectional study lived in NHs (n = 126) or in their homes (n = 146), were 60 years or older, and had no cognitive or serious functional impairments. Those in NHs had been institutionalized for at least six months. The dependent variable was negative stereotypes toward aging (CENVE). We developed generalized linear models (GLMs) by place of residence and sex following the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment´s (CGA) methodology. RESULTS There is a statistically significant relationship between negative stereotypes of aging and different multidimensional variables. These variables differ between institutionalized and non-institutionalized adults and between men and women. While some variables are non-modifiable (age and sex) others are potentially modifiable (educational level, participation in activities, length of NH stay, hand strength, autonomy, and depression). CONCLUSIONS This study compared, for the first time, levels of ageism in older people living in two different social environments. Because most of the significant variables are modifiable in both environments, our results provide a framework to combat this type of discrimination. Promising strategies include anti-ageism policies and laws, educational interventions, and increased intergenerational contact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Borja Doncel-García
- OSI Bilbao-Basurto, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Montevideo Etorb. 18, Bilbao E-48013, Spain.
| | - Álvaro Mosquera-Lajas
- Aspaldiko´s Psychosocial Service and Municipal Community Centers, Barrio Kanpanzar auzoa 7, Portugalete E-48920, Spain
| | - Naiara Fernández-Gutiérrez
- Geriatric Department, Igurco Servicios Socio-Sanitarios, Grupo IMQ, Máximo Aguirre 18 Bis, Floor 6, Bilbao E-48011, Spain.
| | - Ainhoa Fernández-Atutxa
- Department of Nursing I, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena, Leioa E-48940, Spain.
| | - Izarne Lizaso
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and their Development, Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Tolosa Hiribidea 70, San Sebastián E-20018, Spain.
| | - Jon Irazusta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena, Leioa E-48940, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li Y, Liu M, Miyawaki CE, Sun X, Hou T, Tang S, Szanton SL. Bidirectional relationship between subjective age and frailty: a prospective cohort study. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:395. [PMID: 34187378 PMCID: PMC8244193 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02344-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Subjective age refers to how young or old individuals experience themselves to be and is associated with health status, behavioral, cognitive, and biological processes that influence frailty. However, little research has examined the relationship between subjective age and frailty among older adults. This study examined the bidirectional association between subjective age and frailty among community-dwelling older adults. Methods We used data from the 2011 to 2015 waves of the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Our sample consists of 2,592 community-dwelling older adults with complete data on main outcome variables. Subjective age was measured by asking participants, “What age do you feel most of the time?” Based on the five phenotypic criteria: exhaustion, unintentional weight loss, low physical activity, slow gait, and weak grip strength, frailty was categorized into robust = 0, pre-frailty = 1 or 2; frailty = 3 or more criteria met. Generalized estimating equation models were used to examine the concurrent and lagged association between subjective age and frailty. Results Participants were, on average, 75.2 ± 6.8 years old, non-Hispanic whites (76 %), female (58 %). 77 % of the participants felt younger, 18 % felt the same, and 5 % felt older than their chronological age. About 45 %, 46 %, and 9 % of the participants were robust, pre-frailty and frailty in the first wave, respectively. Generalized estimating equations revealed that an “older” subjective age predicted a higher likelihood of pre-frailty and frailty (OR, 95 % CI = 1.93, 1.45–2.56). Conclusions These findings suggest that people with older subjective age are more likely to be pre-frail/frail. Subjective age could be used as a quick and economical screening for those who are potentially frailty or at risk for frailty.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiao Li
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, 172 Tongzipo Road of Yuelu District, Hunan, 410013, Changsha, China
| | - Minhui Liu
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, 172 Tongzipo Road of Yuelu District, Hunan, 410013, Changsha, China. .,School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | | | - Xiaocao Sun
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, 172 Tongzipo Road of Yuelu District, Hunan, 410013, Changsha, China
| | - Tianxue Hou
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, 172 Tongzipo Road of Yuelu District, Hunan, 410013, Changsha, China
| | - Siyuan Tang
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, 172 Tongzipo Road of Yuelu District, Hunan, 410013, Changsha, China
| | - Sarah L Szanton
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Volunteer service and positive attitudes toward aging among Chinese older adults: The mediating role of health. Soc Sci Med 2020; 265:113535. [PMID: 33243525 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Attitude toward aging is an important indicator for measuring the wellbeing of older people, and a vital part of active and healthy aging. We aimed to assess the relationship between volunteer service and attitudes toward aging held by older people and to determine the mediating role of health. METHOD We analyzed the data of 10,792 Chinese people over age 60 from the 2014 Chinese Longitudinal Aging Social Survey. We used multiple linear regression models and the two-stage least-squares model to explore the correlation between volunteer service and attitudes toward aging. Furthermore, we applied structural equation modeling to test for mediation effects of different aspects of health. RESULTS We found that volunteer service was significantly associated with attitudes toward aging (β = 0.335, p < 0.001), while self-assessed health, physical health, and mental health played a mediating role between volunteer service and attitudes toward aging held by older adults. CONCLUSIONS In exploring ways to cope with the challenges brought about by the aging of the population, we found that participating in volunteer services not only improves older people's self-assessed physical, and mental health, but also improves their positive attitudes toward aging. Therefore, under the framework of active and healthy aging, volunteer service and participation in social activities can enhance social vitality and welfare, reduce social burden, and improve quality of life.
Collapse
|
11
|
Friendship-related social isolation is a potential risk factor for the transition from robust to prefrailty among healthy older adults: a 1-year follow-up study. Eur Geriatr Med 2020; 12:285-293. [PMID: 33128225 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-020-00422-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Social factors are often overlooked when considering physical frailty. The purpose of this study was to determine whether social isolation is associated with new onset of physical frailty among healthy Japanese older adults. METHODS This was a 1-year prospective cohort study conducted in Japan from August 2014 to August 2015. The participants were 229 Japanese older people (106 men, 123 women, mean age = 69.3 ± 4.2 years) who did not have prefrailty or frailty at baseline and who were current students or graduates of a community college for older people in Japan. Social isolation was assessed using the Lubben Social Network Scale-6 in terms of overall social isolation, family-related social isolation, and friendship-related social isolation. Frailty was categorized using the Fried frailty criteria. The association between new onset of physical frailty and baseline characteristics, including social isolation, was investigated. RESULTS At 1-year follow-up, 180 (78.6%) of the participants remained robust, while 49 (21.4%) were identified as prefrail; no participants were identified as frail. Prefrailty was only associated with friendship-related social isolation (odds ratio: 4.58, 95% confidence interval 2.11-9.92, P < 0.001) at baseline. No significant associations were observed for any other baseline characteristics, including overall social isolation, family-related social isolation, comorbidities, body composition, and physical function. CONCLUSION Older adults with friendship-related social isolation are four times more likely to develop prefrailty from robust during the 1-year follow-up. The results suggest that friendship-related social isolation increases the risk of healthy older adults transitioning from robust to prefrail.
Collapse
|