1
|
Park MSA, Badham S, Vizcaino-Vickers S, Fino E. Exploring Older Adults' Subjective Views on Aging Positively: Development and Validation of the Positive Aging Scale. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2024; 64:gnae088. [PMID: 39051130 PMCID: PMC11374880 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnae088] [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: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Historically, aging research has focused primarily on health deterioration and negative aspects associated with aging. This has limited the scope of our understanding of the experience of aging and the relationships between aging and well-being from an integrative biopsychosocial perspective. In the same vein, there is a lack of reliable and valid assessments of aging that capture the positive aspects that characterize and improve the subjective experience of this period of life, particularly one that focuses on psychosocial well-being, including meaningful experiences and activities, group memberships, and general abilities. This study presents the development and validation of the Positive Aging Scale (PAS), a novel self-report assessment. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This was an online cross-sectional study conducted on 501 UK residents aged ≥60 years. A number of self-reported items and measures of positive aging, general health, well-being, and cognitive functioning were administered to the sample. We used exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and assessed the dimensionality, reliability, and concurrent criterion-related validity of the PAS. RESULTS The results suggested that a unidimensional solution represents the data well, with the positive aging factor adequately loading on 8 items, and the solution showing factorial invariance between young-old and old participants (i.e., ≥75 years). Total PAS scores positively correlate with general health, well-being, and cognitive functioning. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS The PAS demonstrated strong psychometric properties and the findings highlight correlations between the PAS and key outcomes of positive aging, including general health. Implications for research and interventions are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen Badham
- School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Emanuele Fino
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mihaila I, Hsieh K, Acharya K. Correlates of Social Participation of Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES : JOID 2024; 28:3-16. [PMID: 36173645 DOI: 10.1177/17446295221130556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Social participation has been linked to healthy aging, yet little is known about social participation during extended periods of time for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The social participation of 777 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (aged 18-77 years), during a 4-year period, was examined. Sociodemographic, physical, and behavioral health-related correlates of engagement in social participation were investigated. Findings indicated that the majority of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities engaged in at least a moderate level of social participation during the 4-years. Employment status, physical health, and Special Olympics participation were associated with a higher level of social participation. Findings have implications for supports and services seeking to promote social participation opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iulia Mihaila
- Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kelly Hsieh
- Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kruti Acharya
- Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Alam MT, Vásquez E, Etnier JL, Echeverria S. Dietary Adherence and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults by Nativity Status: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2011-2014. Geriatrics (Basel) 2024; 9:25. [PMID: 38525742 PMCID: PMC10961773 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics9020025] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Although adherence to dietary guidelines is associated with better cognitive performance, there may be differences by nativity status. This study aimed to investigate the association between adherence to the healthy eating index (HEI) and cognitive performance (CP) among United States (US)-born and foreign-born older adults (60+ years). Data were obtained from the 2011-2014 NHANES (n = 3065). Dietary adherence was assessed with HEI quintiles. CP (adequate vs. low) was examined using word listing (CERAD), animal naming (AFT), and the digit symbol substitution test (DSST). Weighted multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine associations. The US-born participants in higher dietary quintiles had adequate CP when compared to foreign-born participants. In adjusted models, the US-born participants in the highest HEI quintile had increased odds of adequate DSST scores (odds ratio: 1.95, 95% confidence interval: 1.15-3.28) compared with those in the lowest quintile. Patterns of association were generally reversed for foreign-born participants and were non-statistically significant. Future research should consider the influence of diets in delaying or preventing decline in cognition and evaluate nutritional factors that contribute to cognitive outcomes for the foreign-born population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Towfiqul Alam
- Department of Health Sciences, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA
| | - Elizabeth Vásquez
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12144, USA
| | - Jennifer L Etnier
- Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA
| | - Sandra Echeverria
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Curtis AF, Costa AN, Musich M, Schmiedeler A, Jagannathan S, Connell M, Atkinson A, Miller MB, McCrae CS. Sex as a moderator of the sleep and cognition relationship in middle-aged and older adults: A preliminary investigation. Behav Sleep Med 2024; 22:14-27. [PMID: 36809223 DOI: 10.1080/15402002.2023.2177293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite known sex differences in the prevalence of sleep disturbance and cognitive impairment, research investigating sex differences in sleep/cognition associations is limited. We examined sex as a moderator of associations between self-reported sleep and objective cognition in middle-aged/older adults. METHODS Adults aged 50+ (32 men/31 women, Mage = 63.6 ± 7.7) completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and cognitive tasks: Stroop (processing speed, inhibition), Posner (spatial attentional orienting) and Sternberg (working memory). Multiple regressions examined whether PSQI metrics (global score, sleep quality ratings, sleep duration, sleep efficiency) were independently or interactively (with sex) associated with cognition, controlling for age and education. RESULTS Sex interacted with sleep quality ratings in its association with endogenous spatial attentional orienting (∆R2 = .10, p = .01). Worse ratings of sleep quality were associated with worse orienting in women (B = 22.73, SE = 9.53, p = .02), not men (p = .24). Sex interacted with sleep efficiency in its associations with processing speed (∆R2 = .06, p = .04). Lower sleep efficiency was associated with slower Stroop control trial performance in women (B = -15.91, SE = 7.57, p = .04), not men (p = .48). CONCLUSIONS Preliminary findings suggest middle-aged/older women are more vulnerable to associations between poor sleep quality and low sleep efficiency on spatial attentional orienting and processing speed, respectively. Future studies in larger samples investigating sex-specific prospective sleep and cognition associations are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley F Curtis
- College of Nursing, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Amy N Costa
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Madison Musich
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Anthony Schmiedeler
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Maggie Connell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Angela Atkinson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Mary Beth Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nath B, Patel P, Oremus M. The association between religious participation and memory among middle-aged and older adults: A systematic review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290279. [PMID: 37594926 PMCID: PMC10437981 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mounting evidence suggests religion plays an important role in maintaining cognition. No prior systematic review has focused on the specific association between religion and the memory domain of cognition in middle-aged and older adults. We carried out a systematic review to explore this association in depth. METHODS We searched the PsycINFO, Scopus, and PubMed databases to identify articles assessing any means of measuring religion as the exposure and memory as the outcome. Articles had to report on studies with comparison groups to be eligible for inclusion in the review. We followed the PRISMA checklist to conduct the review (PROSPERO registration # CRD42022330389). RESULTS Nine out of the 1648 citations retrieved in the literature search were included in the review. The majority of included articles had a moderate risk of bias. Most results showed positive associations between religion and memory. DISCUSSION Despite consistency in the direction of association between religion and memory, the literature contained some important research gaps: the studies were cross-sectional; a lack of information existed regarding whether different faiths, sex/gender and depression affected the association; and underpowered studies prevented us from drawing firm conclusions about the direction or magnitude of effect. Longitudinal studies avoiding these issues are needed in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bonita Nath
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Priya Patel
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mark Oremus
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang J, Gu R, Zhang L, Zhang L. How is caring for grandchildren associated with grandparents' health: the mediating effect of internet use. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1196234. [PMID: 37621608 PMCID: PMC10446841 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1196234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Prior studies showed mixed results of the association between grandchild care and grandparents' health. This research focused on the mechanisms behind the above link by studying how internet use served as a mediator through which grandchild care has impacted grandparents' health. The study aimed to draw implications to improve health of grandparents who offer care to grandchildren. Methods Using a sample of 16,829 grandparents aged 50 through 80 from the 2018 wave of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), the study relied on the KHB method to conduct the analysis. Grandparental health was measured by self-rated health (SRH), instrumental activity of daily living (IADL), life satisfaction and depression. Results Overall, grandchild care had a positive effect on grandparental health. Those who engaged in grandchild care were more likely to use internet. In addition, internet use mediated the ways in which grandchild care impacted grandparents' health. Interne use generally promoted the positive influence of grandparental caregiving on grandparents' health. Specifically, the mediating effects of watching videos and chatting through the internet were most pronounced among urban grandmothers. The mediating effects of watching news were most noticeable among both urban grandmothers and grandfathers. Conclusion Internet use served as a mediator in the association between grandchild child care and grandparental health. Promoting internet usage may be an effective way reducing the negative impact of grandchild care on grandparents' mental health. It could also increase the positive effect of caregiving on grandparents' SRH and functional independence. The study also underscored the importance of taking rural-urban context and gender role into consideration when studying intergenerational caregiving and Chinese grandparents' health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- School of Law, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Rongxing Gu
- School of Sociology, China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing, China
| | - Lanxi Zhang
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Sociology, China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bertogg A, Leist AK. Gendered life courses and cognitive functioning in later life: the role of context-specific gender norms and lifetime employment. Eur J Ageing 2023; 20:7. [PMID: 36995442 PMCID: PMC10063772 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-023-00751-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
With increasing life expectancy, dementia poses an epidemiological challenge. As a cure has not been developed, the investigation into preventive factors becomes pivotal. Previous research emphasizes the cognitively stimulating and socio-emotional benefits of lifetime employment, but research on heterogeneous patterns across social groups and societal contexts remains sparse. Sociological approaches have a promising potential to provide insights into health inequalities and can contribute to the study of this major societal challenge. We investigate the influence of previous employment biographies on cognitive functioning for men and women aged 50 to 75 in 19 European countries, using longitudinal and retrospective information from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe. We link individual information on employment biographies and cognitive functioning to contextual measures of gender norms, using aggregated agreement rates to both men's and women's role in employment and family. We find that previous employment affects cognitive functioning men and women differently. Part-time employment is beneficial for women's cognitive functioning, but not for men's. Traditional gender norms are associated with lower levels of cognitive functioning for both genders and moderate the linkage between previous employment and cognitive functioning. In contexts with more traditional gender norms, men's part-time employment is associated with lower and women's part-time employment with higher cognitive functioning. We conclude that employment and non-employment participation can, depending on characteristics of individuals and contexts, benefit or hinder the life-course accumulation of cognitive reserve, and those with norm-deviating behaviour are disadvantaged.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anja K Leist
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pelegrini LNDC, Casemiro FG, Bregola A, Ottaviani AC, Pavarini SCI. Performance of older adults in a digital change detection task: The role of heterogeneous education. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY: ADULT 2023:1-9. [DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2023.2189520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
|
9
|
Liu X, Wang S, Liu S, Yao N, Wang Q, Sun X. The Mediating Effect of Functional Health on the Relationship between Social Capital and Cognition among Chinese Older Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16123. [PMID: 36498200 PMCID: PMC9739399 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the association between cognition and social capital among Chinese older adults and analyzed the mediating role of functional health in that interaction. The baseline and follow-up data were acquired from the 2011 and 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The sample included 6291 adults aged 55 years and above in 2011. The dimensions of social capital included social trust, social support, social participation, and reciprocity. Cognition was measured based on mental state and episodic memory. The Karlson-Holm-Breen method was employed to explore the association between social capital at the baseline and cognition four years later, and the mediating role of baseline functional health. There was a positive relationship between financial support (one of the social support variables) and reciprocity, and mental state (β = 0.186, p = 0.00; β = 0.306, p = 0.012). Furthermore, a positive relationship between social participation and episodic memory (β = 0.129, p = 0.002) was observed. The mediating effect of functional health explained 7.7% of the total effect of social participation on episodic memory. These findings may contribute to research concerning the potential explanation of the association between social capital and cognition as well as interventions aimed at improving cognitive performance in older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Liu
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Shuangshuang Wang
- School of Public Administration, Southwest Jiaotong University, No. III, North Section I Second Ring Road, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Siqi Liu
- Center of Health System and Policy, Institute of Medical Information & Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Nengliang Yao
- Home Centered Care Institute, 1900 East Golf Road, Suite 480, Schaumburg, IL 60173, USA
| | - Quan Wang
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Xiaojie Sun
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cognitive and hippocampal changes weeks and years after memory training. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7877. [PMID: 35551208 PMCID: PMC9098907 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11636-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
While immediate effects of memory-training are widely reported in young and older adults, less is known regarding training-dependent hippocampal plasticity across multiple intervention phases, and long-term maintenance of such. Here, 157 healthy young and older adults underwent a training-intervention including two 10 weeks periods of episodic-memory training, separated by two 2 weeks periods of no training. Both age groups showed improvements on a criterion task, which prevailed after 3 years. When compared to the reference condition of no training, relative increases in hippocampal volume were observed after the training across age groups, which were maintained after 10 weeks periods of no training. However, there was age-group dependent temporal variation with respect to timing of effects. Hippocampal volume of the training group did not differ from that of a passive control-group 3 years after the intervention. The young showed an immediate near-transfer effect on a word-association task. We show that training-gains on memory performance can prevail for at least 3 years. Memory training can induce increases in hippocampal volume immediately after the intervention and after months. Episodic-memory training can produce transfer effects to a non-trained memory task in young adults. However, maintained effects on hippocampal volume beyond 10 weeks are uncertain, and likely require continuous training.
Collapse
|
11
|
Sandoval MH, Portaccio MA, Albala C. Social participation and 5-year all-cause mortality in older Chilean people. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2022; 38:e00124921. [DOI: 10.1590/0102-311x00124921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to examine the degree to which social participation is associated with mortality risk in older adults in Chile. We used the Chilean National Survey on Elderly Dependency, which is linked to vital statistics, in order to obtain death records. Four proportional risk regression models were estimated. Even with controlled sociodemographic, economic, family, and health variables, older adults who participate in social activities had a 22% lower risk of death than those who do not participate. We concluded that social participation is a strong and significant protective factor for mortality in Chilean older adults. Social participation should thus be promoted from a life course perspective considering its effect on mortality in older adults who maintained an active social life.
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Abstract
The active ageing approach supports a set of roles or activities that are supposed to be beneficial for older adults. This paper reassesses the benefits of activities for the quality of life by (a) analysing many activities at the same time to control each other, (b) using panel data to detect the effects of activities over time, and (c) performing separate analyses for four European regions to test the context-specificity of the effects. The effects of roles in later life are tested on panel data from three waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) project. The results of fixed-effects regression show that only some activities – volunteering, participating in a club and physical activity – increase the quality of life, and that care-giving within the household has the opposite effect. Moreover, the beneficial effects are much weaker and less stable than the other types of regression suggest; they are beneficial only in some regions, and their effect is much weaker than the effects of age, health and economic situation. Therefore, the active ageing approach and activity theory should reflect the diverse conditions and needs of older adults to formulate more-context-sensitive and less-normative policy recommendations.
Collapse
|
13
|
Hale JM, Bijlsma MJ, Lorenti A. Does postponing retirement affect cognitive function? A counterfactual experiment to disentangle life course risk factors. SSM Popul Health 2021; 15:100855. [PMID: 34258375 PMCID: PMC8255239 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that contemporaneous labor force participation affects cognitive function; however, it is unclear whether it is employment itself or endogenous factors related to individuals’ likelihood of employment that protects against cognitive decline. We exploit innovations in counterfactual causal inference to disentangle the effect of postponing retirement on later-life cognitive function from the effects of other life-course factors. With the U.S. Health and Retirement Study (1996–2014, n = 20,469), we use the parametric g-formula to estimate the effect of postponing retirement to age 67. We also study whether the benefit of postponing retirement is affected by gender, education, and/or occupation, and whether retirement affects cognitive function through depressive symptoms or comorbidities. We find that postponing retirement is protective against cognitive decline, accounting for other life-course factors (population: 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.20,0.47; individual: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.26,0.60). The extent of the protective effect depends on subgroup, with the highest educated experiencing the greatest mitigation of cognitive decline (individual: 50%, 95% CI: 32%,71%). By using innovative models that better reflect the empirical reality of interconnected life-course processes, this work makes progress in understanding how retirement affects cognitive function. Research is inconclusive as to employments' protection against cognitive decline. Causal inference models can better reflect interconnected life-course processes. The parametric g-formula shows a substantial protective effect of ongoing employment. Protective effect holds for all subgroups, but is greatest for the highest educated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jo Mhairi Hale
- School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St Andrews, Scotland, UK.,Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
| | - Maarten J Bijlsma
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany.,Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Unit Pharmacotherapy, Epidemiology & Economics (PTEE), University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Angelo Lorenti
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kronschnabl JM, Kneip T, Weiss LM, Bergmann M. Bodyweight change and cognitive performance in the older population. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249651. [PMID: 33882068 PMCID: PMC8059803 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Preservation of cognitive function is one of the major concerns in contemporary ageing societies. At the same time, overweight and obesity, which have been identified as risk factors for poor health development, have been increasing in many countries all over the world. This study examines the relationship between bodyweight change and cognitive decline in old age and it aims to determine whether and how changes in body mass index (BMI) affect the development of cognitive functioning in old age. Using longitudinal data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), covering four waves between 2006 and 2016 with 58,389 participants from 15 countries aged 50+, we estimated asymmetric fixed effects models by gender, adding possible confounding variables such as age, grip strength, health conditions, and physical activity. Additionally, we investigated possible heterogeneity in the BMI-cognition relation. We found a positive association between BMI change and change in cognitive performance, which was dominantly driven by BMI decrease. Weight loss was typically negatively related to cognition, particularly at low levels of BMI and mainly due to health conditions affecting both bodyweight and cognitive performance. Weight gain was, on average, not significantly related to cognitive performance; only respondents with preceding weight loss profited from small increases in BMI. Our analyses provide no support for an “obesity paradox” in cognition, according to which higher weight preserves cognition in old age. The association between weight change and cognitive performance in older age is based on weight changes being related to illness and recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith M. Kronschnabl
- Munich Center for the Economics of Aging (MEA), Max Planck Institute for Social Law and Social Policy, Munich, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Thorsten Kneip
- Munich Center for the Economics of Aging (MEA), Max Planck Institute for Social Law and Social Policy, Munich, Germany
| | - Luzia M. Weiss
- Munich Center for the Economics of Aging (MEA), Max Planck Institute for Social Law and Social Policy, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Bergmann
- Munich Center for the Economics of Aging (MEA), Max Planck Institute for Social Law and Social Policy, Munich, Germany
- Technical University of Munich (TUM), Chair for the Economics of Aging, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Does grandparental child-care provision affect number, satisfaction and with whom leisure activities are done? AGEING & SOCIETY 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x2100009x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of non-intensive and intensive supplementary grandparental child care on grandparents’ involvement in leisure activities. Three aspects of leisure activities are investigated: the number/frequency of activities, with whom they are carried out and the subjective satisfaction with them. Beside the possibility of a cumulation effect, the literature suggests that providing grandparental child care might compete with other activities, especially for women. Thus, we consider role enhancement and role strain theories to derive our hypotheses. We use longitudinal data from the German Ageing Survey (DEAS) which contains rich information on the leisure activities of people aged 40 and older. To account for selection into the provision of grandparental child care, we use a within-unit estimation approach (fixed-effects panel models). Our results show that both grandfathers and grandmothers tend to engage in more leisure activities when they provide grandparental child care. While care-giving grandfathers become more likely to engage in activities with family members without changing their engagement outside the family, we found no effect for women in this respect. Nevertheless, grandparental child-care provision modifies satisfaction with leisure activities only for women, reducing it, independently from with whom leisure activities are carried out. These findings suggest that a higher quantity of leisure activities does not necessarily imply higher quality.
Collapse
|
16
|
COVID-19 Isolation in Healthy Population in Israel: Challenges in Daily Life, Mental Health, Resilience, and Quality of Life. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18030999. [PMID: 33498662 PMCID: PMC7908389 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18030999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: Pandemics produce long-lasting secondary impacts on health, with a significant burden on people and society. Until now, the secondary impact of COVID-19 has been little estimated. Our aim was to investigate factors underlying quality of life (QOL) during COVID-19 lockdown among a healthy population, while QOL reduction expands vulnerability to the pandemic secondary impact. Methods: During the spring lockdown in Israel, 571 healthy adults completed a survey that included standard measurements for psychological distress, participation in daily life activities, a sense of social connectedness, resilience, and QOL. Results: We found a high level of psychological distress, significant reduction in participation dimensions, and in QOL (psychical, psychological, and social). These indices were even lower among women, younger adults, and the unemployed. Path analysis demonstrated that psychological distress, participation dimensions, social connectedness, and self-efficacy explained QOL, while participation dimensions were found to be the mediators. Conclusions: The COVID-19 has had a wide impact on the general population, with the potential for negative secondary impacts. Women, young adults, and the unemployed are at high risk for secondary effects. Public health strategies should address the reported factors and populations in order to improve QOL in a healthy population and limit the impact of the pandemic.
Collapse
|
17
|
Roystonn K, Abdin E, Shahwan S, Zhang Y, Sambasivam R, Vaingankar JA, Mahendran R, Chua HC, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. Living arrangements and cognitive abilities of community-dwelling older adults in Singapore. Psychogeriatrics 2020; 20:625-635. [PMID: 32141156 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.12532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM Dementia is a growing public health concern. It is necessary to focus on factors that may help preserve cognitive function in late life. Limited research has examined how living arrangements are associated with cognitive function in older adults. This study aims to further our understanding of this association in community-dwelling older adults in a multi-ethnic Asian population. METHODS Data were obtained from a cross-sectional population survey of 2548 adults aged 60 and older with standardized instruments. Living arrangements were classified as living with adult children and grandchildren, living with adult children only, living with a spouse/partner only, living alone, living with other relatives, and living with non-relatives. RESULTS Cognitive function was significantly predicted by living arrangements among community-dwelling older adults. Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that older adults in multigenerational family households had significantly poorer cognitive function than those living with a spouse/partner (β = 0.54, P < 0.02) and those living with non-relatives (β = 1.08, P < 0.02). This association was independent of the influence of age, gender, ethnicity, education, employment status, marital status, depression, disability, chronic health conditions, and self-reported health. CONCLUSION Older adults living in multigenerational households seem to be disadvantaged in their cognitive function. However, we cannot conclude this based on the evidence because of the cross-sectional nature of the data. Further research is needed to reasonably determine the relationship between living arrangements and cognitive function. Regardless, these findings add to the growing understanding of the complex relationship between living arrangements and cognition in older adults and could provide a basis to design effective strategies to delay cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Edimansyah Abdin
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shazana Shahwan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yunjue Zhang
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | - Rathi Mahendran
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Life after death: Widowhood and volunteering gendered pathways among older adults. DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.4054/demres.2020.43.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
|
19
|
Christelis D, Dobrescu LI. The causal effect of social activities on cognition: Evidence from 20 European countries. Soc Sci Med 2020; 247:112783. [PMID: 32028145 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.112783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Christelis
- University of Glasgow, CSEF, CFS and Netspar, Adam Smith Business School, Gilbert Scott Building, University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom.
| | - Loretti I Dobrescu
- University of New South Wales and CEPAR, School of Economics, Australian School of Business, University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
A multi-dimensional perspective on the gender gap in health among older adults in India and China: application of a new ageing measure. AGEING & SOCIETY 2019. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x19001521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractA continuous rise of female life expectancy above that of males among older adults in India and China may give the impression that the relative gender gap in health in these countries is decreasing. However, given the systemic gender bias against older females in these countries across multiple dimensions of health, a fuller understanding of the gender gap in health calls for a multi-dimensional perspective. We estimate a multi-dimensional old-age threshold (MOAT) that specifies different old-age thresholds for female and male populations which accommodates multiple dimensions related to physical, intellectual and general health. We use the MOAT to evaluate the multi-dimensional gender gap in India and China by differencing the MOAT for females with that of males. Females in both countries have a lower MOAT than their male counterparts, indicating an earlier advent of ‘old age’ for females. The multi-dimensional estimates of the gender gap are also higher than the estimates based on only one dimension of health. A considerable level of variation is also observed in the gender gap across provinces. The study illustrates the need to understand the gender gap in health in India and China from a multi-dimensional perspective and provides an innovative way to quantify such a gap. Province-specific as well as health dimension-specific interventions are vital in reducing the gender gap among older adults in these countries.
Collapse
|
21
|
Balachandran A, de Beer J, James KS, van Wissen L, Janssen F. Comparison of Population Aging in Europe and Asia Using a Time-Consistent and Comparative Aging Measure. J Aging Health 2019; 32:340-351. [PMID: 30651037 PMCID: PMC7322980 DOI: 10.1177/0898264318824180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Objective: We compare population aging in Europe and Asia using a measure that is both consistent over time and appropriate for cross-country comparison. Method: Sanderson and Scherbov proposed to estimate the old-age threshold by the age at which the remaining life expectancy (RLE) equals 15 years. We propose an adjustment of this measure, taking into account cross-national differences in the exceptionality of reaching that age. Results: Our old-age threshold was lower than 65 years in 2012 in Central Asia, Southern Asia, Southeastern Asia, and many Eastern European countries. These populations also experienced a higher share of elderly compared with the RLE15 method. Our method revealed more geographical diversity in the shares of elderly. Both methods exhibited similar time trends for the old-age thresholds and the shares of elderly. Discussion: Our prospective and comparative measure reveals higher population aging estimates in most Asian and Eastern European countries and more diversity in aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arun Balachandran
- University of Groningen, The Netherlands
- Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bengaluru, India
| | - Joop de Beer
- University of Groningen, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - K. S. James
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Leo van Wissen
- University of Groningen, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Fanny Janssen
- University of Groningen, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
The relation of close friends to cognitive performance in old age: the mediating role of leisure activities. Int Psychogeriatr 2018; 30:1753-1758. [PMID: 29852881 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610218000789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED ABSTRACTBackground:From a conceptual point of view, close friends are an important resource for promoting activity engagement in old age. Leisure activity engagement in turn is a key predictor of cognitive performance. Empirically, it remains unclear so far whether leisure activity engagement mediates between having close friends on the one hand and cognitive performance on the other, which we investigated in a large sample of older adults. METHODS We assessed cognitive performance (Mill Hill vocabulary scale and Trail Making Test (TMT) parts A and B) in 2,812 older adults. Participants reported information on leisure activity engagement and close friends. RESULTS A larger number of leisure activities and a larger number of close friends were significantly related to better cognitive performance in the Mill Hill vocabulary scale and TMT parts A and B. A larger number of close friends were significantly related to a larger number of leisure activities. The number of leisure activities mediated more than half of the relation of the number of close friends to performance in all three cognitive measures. CONCLUSIONS Having close friends may be helpful to stimulate and promote activity participation in old age. By enhancing individuals' cognitive reserve, this may finally preserve their cognitive performance level in old age.
Collapse
|
23
|
Dare J, Wilkinson C, Marquis R, Donovan RJ. "The people make it fun, the activities we do just make sure we turn up on time." Factors influencing older adults' participation in community-based group programmes in Perth, Western Australia. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2018; 26:871-881. [PMID: 30027632 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Rapid ageing in western societies is placing increasing strain on health and social care services. In response, governments and health agencies have sought to promote healthy ageing through a range of interventions, many of which aim to enhance social engagement and participation among older people. Such interventions are based on evidence that being socially engaged through participation in various activities leads to better physical, mental and psychosocial health outcomes. The research reported here employed focus groups and individual interviews to address research aims: (a) identify enablers and barriers to participation in community-based group activities among a sample of older people (n = 35, median age 71 years) living in a local government area in the northern suburbs of Perth, Western Australia, and (b) examine how these factors differ between those who regularly participate and those who do not. Our research highlighted four themes: Friendship and Function; Availability and Accessibility; Competing Responsibilities and Priorities; and Changing of the Guard. In particular, this research highlighted the importance of group activities in offering social support as a platform to develop friendships. The findings also indicated that opportunities for social interaction should be embedded in the structure of the group, beyond that which may occur incidentally during activities. This is important, given that while interest may motivate older people to join a group, a sense of belonging and connectedness generated through the group is more likely to maintain their attendance. Barriers included limited availability of local programmes, limited accessibility related to programme scheduling, and lack of programmes relevant to those who do not find traditional seniors' centres appealing. Recommendations include incorporating social engagement as an outcome measure when evaluating the efficacy of programmes targeting older people, and encouraging local governments to work with seniors' centres in developing activities attractive to a broader cohort of older people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Dare
- Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Celia Wilkinson
- Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Ruth Marquis
- Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Adjei NK, Jonsson KR, Brand T. Time spent on work-related activities, social activities and time pressure as intermediary determinants of health disparities among elderly women and men in 5 European countries: a structural equation model. Int J Equity Health 2018; 17:121. [PMID: 30115073 PMCID: PMC6097401 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-018-0840-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychosocial factors shape the health of older adults through complex inter-relating pathways. Besides socioeconomic factors, time use activities may explain gender inequality in self-reported health. This study investigated the role of work-related and social time use activities as determinants of health in old age. Specifically, we analysed whether the impact of stress in terms of time pressure on health mediated the relationship between work-related time use activities (i.e. housework and paid work) on self-reported health. METHODS We applied structural equation models and a maximum-likelihood function to estimate the direct and indirect effects of psychosocial factors on health using pooled data from the Multinational Time Use Study on 11,168 men and 14,295 women aged 65+ from Italy, Spain, UK, France and the Netherlands. RESULTS The fit indices for the conceptual model indicated an acceptable fit for both men and women. The results showed that socioeconomic status (SES), demographic factors, stress and work-related time use activities after retirement had a significant direct influence on self-reported health among the elderly, but the magnitude of the effects varied by gender. Social activities had a positive impact on self-reported health but had no significant impact on stress among older men and women. The indirect standardized effects of work-related activities on self-reported health was statistically significant for housework (β = - 0.006; P < 0.001 among men and β = - 0.008; P < 0.001 among women) and paid work (β = 0.012; P < 0.01 among men and β = 0.000; P > 0.05 among women), which implied that the paths from paid work and housework on self-reported health via stress (mediator) was very weak because their indirect effects were close to zero. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that although stress in terms of time pressure has a direct negative effect on health, it does not indirectly influence the positive effects of work-related time use activities on self-reported health among elderly men and women. The results support the time availability hypothesis that the elderly may not have the same time pressure as younger adults after retirement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Kofi Adjei
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology – BIPS, Unit Social Epidemiology, Achterstrasse 30, D-28359 Bremen, Germany
- Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Department of Health Sciences, Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Tilman Brand
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology – BIPS, Unit Social Epidemiology, Achterstrasse 30, D-28359 Bremen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ihle A, Mons U, Perna L, Oris M, Fagot D, Gabriel R, Kliegel M. The Relation of Obesity to Performance in Verbal Abilities, Processing Speed, and Cognitive Flexibility in Old Age: The Role of Cognitive Reserve. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2018; 42:117-26. [PMID: 27632695 DOI: 10.1159/000448916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The present study set out to investigate the relation of obesity to performance in verbal abilities, processing speed, and cognitive flexibility and its interplay with key correlates of cognitive reserve in a large sample of older adults. METHODS A total of 2,812 older adults served as a sample for the present study. Psychometric tests on verbal abilities, processing speed, and cognitive flexibility were administered. In addition, individuals were interviewed on their weight and height (to calculate body mass index; BMI), educational attainment, occupation, and engaging in different activities throughout adulthood. RESULTS Obesity (BMI ≥30) was significantly associated with a lower performance in verbal abilities, processing speed, and cognitive flexibility. Moderation analyses showed that obesity was related to lower processing speed and cognitive flexibility only in individuals with low engagement in activities and low education. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that obesity was not related to any of the three investigated cognitive performance measures when cognitive reserve in early and midlife was taken into account. CONCLUSION Present data suggest that cognitive reserve accumulated during the life course may reduce the detrimental influences of obesity on cognitive functioning in old age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Ihle
- Department of Psychology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Curvers N, Pavlova M, Hajema K, Groot W, Angeli F. Social participation among older adults (55+): Results of a survey in the region of South Limburg in the Netherlands. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2018; 26:e85-e93. [PMID: 28714221 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Social participation may improve the health and well-being of older adults, and may increase the social and human capacity of their communities. This study investigates the level and forms of social participation among older adults (aged 55 years or older) in the region of South Limburg, the Netherlands, and their association with socio-demographic and health-related characteristics. The study provides evidence that can be used by policy makers to enhance social participation in the region. We use cross-sectional data collected in a survey in 2012 among a sample of older adults (aged 55 years or older) representative for the region of South Limburg. The results indicate that 56% (N = 16,291/weighted sample N = 213,332) of the older adults in the region participate in social activities. Specifically, 25.5% perform paid labour, 20% give informal care and 25% participate in volunteer work. Older adults with a higher education (OR = 2.49 for the highest education group) or higher income (OR = 1.70 for the highest income group) are significantly more likely to participate in social activities compared with the respective reference categories. Increased age (OR = 0.23 for the oldest age group), female gender (OR = 0.83), loneliness (OR = 0.75 for severe loneliness) and restrictions (OR = 0.78 for restrictions on the OECD scale, OR = 0.68 for restrictions on the HDL scale, OR = 0.52 for transportation restrictions) significantly hinder social participation. The lower social participation rate among older adults that we observe compared with the national statistics can be explained by the relatively higher proportion of people with low or average socioeconomic status in South Limburg. And as South Limburg is the unhealthiest region of the Netherlands, this also contributes to the low social participation. Prevention of poor physical and mental health, and provision of care services are important to encourage social participation among the older adults in South Limburg.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Curvers
- Department K&I, GGD Zuid Limburg, Geleen, The Netherlands
- Department Health Services Research, CAPHRI, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Science, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Milena Pavlova
- Department Health Services Research, CAPHRI, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Science, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Wim Groot
- Department Health Services Research, CAPHRI, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Science, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Top Institute Evidence-Based Education Research (TIER), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Federica Angeli
- Department Health Services Research, CAPHRI, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Science, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Godin J, Armstrong JJ, Rockwood K, Andrew MK. Dynamics of Frailty and Cognition After Age 50: Why It Matters that Cognitive Decline is Mostly Seen in Old Age. J Alzheimers Dis 2017; 58:231-242. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-161280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
28
|
Portellano-Ortiz C, Garre-Olmo J, Calvó-Perxas L, Conde-Sala JL. Depression and associated variables in people over 50 years in Spain. REVISTA DE PSIQUIATRIA Y SALUD MENTAL 2016; 11:216-226. [PMID: 27939026 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpsm.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Depression is a common and disabling psychiatric disorder in adulthood and is associated with higher mortality and functional disability. OBJECTIVES To determine the association between clinical and sociodemographic variables with depression in a sample of people over 50 years old living in Spain, and compare the prevalence of depression with the other Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement (SHARE) countries. MATERIAL AND METHODS There were 5,830 participants in the Spanish sample of the Wave 5, 2013, of SHARE. Tools used: EURO-D (Depression) and CASP-12 (Quality of Life). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Bivariate, and binary logistic. RESULTS The variables associated with depression in the binary logistic regression (EURO-D ≥4) were poor self-perceived physical health (OR=13.34; 95% CI: 9.74-18.27), having more than 2 difficulties in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (OR=4.46; 95% CI: 3.13-6.34) and female gender (OR=2.16; 95% CI: 1.83-2.56). Depression was more common among participants with Alzheimer (76.4%), emotional disorders (73.9%), Parkinson (57.4%), hip fracture (55.4%), and rheumatism (50.9%). Compared with other European countries, Spain had a percentage of people with depression (29.3%) that was higher than the European average (27.9%). CONCLUSIONS The most important variables associated with depression were poor perceived physical health, presence of difficulties in ADL, and female gender.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Josep Garre-Olmo
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Girona (IdIBGI), IAS Unidad de Investigación, Salt, Girona, España; Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Girona, Girona, España
| | - Laia Calvó-Perxas
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Girona (IdIBGI), IAS Unidad de Investigación, Salt, Girona, España
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Bowling A, Pikhartova J, Dodgeon B. Is mid-life social participation associated with cognitive function at age 50? Results from the British National Child Development Study (NCDS). BMC Psychol 2016; 4:58. [PMID: 27908287 PMCID: PMC5134123 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-016-0164-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Some studies have indicated that social engagement is associated with better cognitive outcomes. This study aimed to investigate associations between life-course social engagement (civic participation) and cognitive status at age 50, adjusting for social networks and support, behavioural, health, social and socio-economic characteristics. Methods The vehicle for the study was the National Child Development Study (1958 Birth Cohort Study), which is a general population sample in England, Scotland and Wales (9119: 4497 men and 4622 women) participating in nationally representative, prospective birth cohort surveys. The primary outcome variable was cognitive status at age 50, measured by memory test (immediate and delayed word recall test) and executive functioning test (word fluency and letter cancelation tests). The influence of hypothesised predictor variables was analysed using linear multiple regression analysis. Results Cognitive ability at age 11 (β = 0.19;95% CI = 0.17 to 0.21), participation in civic activities at ages 33 (0.12; 0.02 to 0.22) and 50 (0.13; 0.07 to 0.20), frequent engagement in physical activity (sport) (β from 0.15 to 0.18), achieving higher level qualifications (β from 0.23 to 1.08), and female gender (β = 0.49;95% CI = 0.38 to 0.60) were positively, significantly and independently associated with cognitive status at age 50. Having low socio-economic status at ages 11 (β from -0.22 to -0.27) and 42 (β from -0.28 to -0.38), and manifesting worse mental well-being at age 42 (β = -0.18; 95% CI = -0.33 to -0.02) were inversely associated with cognitive status at age 50. The proportion of explained variance in the multiple regression model (18%), while modest, is impressive given the multi-faceted causal nature of cognitive status. Conclusions The results indicate that modest associations between adult social engagement and cognitive function at age 50 persist after adjusting for covariates which included health, socio-economic status and gender, supporting theories of neuroplasticity. In addition to the continuing emphasis on physical activity, the encouragement of civic participation, at least as early as mid-life, should be a targeted policy to potentially promote and protect cognitive function in later mid-life. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40359-016-0164-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann Bowling
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton, SO171BJ, UK.
| | - Jitka Pikhartova
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton, SO171BJ, UK.,Brunel University London, College of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences, London, UK
| | - Brian Dodgeon
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies, UCL Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0AL20, UK
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Peer volunteer perspectives following a complex social cognitive intervention: a qualitative investigation. Int Psychogeriatr 2016; 28:1545-54. [PMID: 26888653 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610216000144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peer volunteers can be key to delivering effective social cognitive interventions due to increased potential for social modeling. We consulted peer volunteers who had just taken part in an 8-week social and nutritional mealtime intervention with older adults living alone, to seek their evaluation of the intervention. METHODS Semi-structured focus groups were used with a total of 21 volunteers (17 female) and two facilitators. Thematic analysis was used to interrogate the data. RESULTS Six themes (16 sub-themes) are discussed. Peer volunteers described the importance of the socializing aspect of the intervention, of pairing considerations and compatibility in peer interventions, of considering the needs of the participant, of benefits to the volunteers, and of the practical considerations of conducting an intervention. Volunteers also discussed considerations for future research and services for older adults living alone. CONCLUSIONS Volunteers found their involvement in the intervention to be personally beneficial, and revealed some valuable considerations for the researchers to take forward to future research. Results are pertinent to intervention design and could inform future social cognitive and other peer-oriented interventions for older adults living alone.
Collapse
|
31
|
The effects of old-age stereotypes on organizational productivity (part three). INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL TRAINING 2016. [DOI: 10.1108/ict-02-2015-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine common stereotypes regarding old-age workers and the effect of these stereotypes on organizational productivity, as well as to suggest practical solutions for accommodating old-age workers and increasing productivity in all employees.
Design/methodology/approach
– This three part paper will present a thorough review of relevant literature (1991-2014, with the exception of two studies from 1976) that were conducted on the topics of old-age stereotyping, the effect of old-age stereotyping on organizational productivity, and methods for adequately motivating and managing old-age workers. Studies concerning psychology theories are also examined in order to provide a framework for practical solutions, as well as demographic statistics on population age and employment trends.
Findings
– This paper identifies a number of old-age stereotypes that have decreased organizational productivity in empirical studies, including reluctance to change, decreased learning ability, intelligence and memory, poor health and accidents, higher organizational costs, decreased motivation, and low innovation and productivity. Findings also suggest that old-age workers can positively affect productivity, and that low productivity is often a result of stereotyping.
Research limitations/implications
– The prevalence of old-age stereotyping and its impact on organizational productivity may differ by culture, industry, type of employment, education level, and other factors, and thus further research may be necessary. The literature reviewed may not adequately represent worldwide organizational trends, as the literature is largely comprised of studies performed in North America and Europe.
Practical implications
– Solutions based on these findings are taken directly from the literature or derived from literature on psychology theories, which include self-determination theory, socio-emotional selectivity theory, and selective optimization and compensation theory. The practical solutions proposed address work environment, motivation, rewards, flexibility, and the loss and gain of resources in old-age workers.
Social implications
– The proportion of old-age workers is increasing and it is therefore necessary to determine ways to adequately integrate old-age workers in the workforce. Furthermore, this can raise productivity in all employees.
Originality/value
– This paper demonstrates that old-age stereotyping is both prevalent and detrimental within an organizational context. These findings and solutions can potentially be used by organizations in order to increase individual and overall productivity.
Collapse
|
32
|
The Implications of Cognitive Aging for Listening and the Framework for Understanding Effortful Listening (FUEL). Ear Hear 2016; 37 Suppl 1:44S-51S. [DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000000309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
33
|
Appelbaum SH, Wenger R, Buitrago CP, Kaur R. The effects of old-age stereotypes on organizational productivity (part two). INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL TRAINING 2016. [DOI: 10.1108/ict-02-2015-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine common stereotypes regarding old-age workers and the effect of these stereotypes on organizational productivity, as well as to suggest practical solutions for accommodating old-age workers and increasing productivity in all employees.
Design/methodology/approach
– This three part paper will present a thorough review of relevant literature (1991-2014, with the exception of two studies from 1976) that were conducted on the topics of old-age stereotyping, the effect of old-age stereotyping on organizational productivity, and methods for adequately motivating and managing old-age workers. Studies concerning psychology theories are also examined in order to provide a framework for practical solutions, as well as demographic statistics on population age and employment trends.
Findings
– This paper identifies a number of old-age stereotypes that have decreased organizational productivity in empirical studies, including reluctance to change, decreased learning ability, intelligence and memory, poor health and accidents, higher organizational costs, decreased motivation, and low innovation and productivity. Findings also suggest that old-age workers can positively affect productivity, and that low productivity is often a result of stereotyping.
Research limitations/implications
– The prevalence of old-age stereotyping and its impact on organizational productivity may differ by culture, industry, type of employment, education level, and other factors, and thus further research may be necessary. The literature reviewed may not adequately represent worldwide organizational trends, as the literature is largely comprised of studies performed in North America and Europe.
Practical implications
– Solutions based on these findings are taken directly from the literature or derived from literature on psychology theories, which include self-determination theory, socioemotional selectivity theory, and selective optimization and compensation theory. The practical solutions proposed address work environment, motivation, rewards, flexibility, and the loss and gain of resources in old-age workers.
Social implications
– The proportion of old-age workers is increasing and it is therefore necessary to determine ways to adequately integrate old-age workers in the workforce. Furthermore, this can raise productivity in all employees.
Originality/value
– This paper demonstrates that old-age stereotyping is both prevalent and detrimental within an organizational context. These findings and solutions can potentially be used by organizations in order to increase individual and overall productivity.
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
ABSTRACTFamily resources may play an important role in the wellbeing of older people. In this paper, we examine the association between living arrangement and cognitive decline among people over 65 living in different European countries. The underlined hypothesis is that living with others (i.e. spouse or/and children) vis-à-vis living alone may have a positive role in maintaining cognitive functioning, but also that such beneficial influence varies according to the circumstances. To this end, we used data from the first two waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), which provides indicators of several cognitive functions: orientation, immediate recall, delayed recall, verbal fluency and numeracy. Net of both the potential biases due to the selective attrition and the re-test effects, the evidence shows that the association between living arrangement and cognitive decline depends on the geographical area and on the starting level of cognitive function.
Collapse
|
35
|
The effects of old-age stereotypes on organizational productivity (part one). INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL TRAINING 2016. [DOI: 10.1108/ict-02-2015-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine common stereotypes regarding old-age workers and the effect of these stereotypes on organizational productivity, as well as to suggest practical solutions for accommodating old-age workers and increasing productivity in all employees.
Design/methodology/approach
– This three part paper will present a thorough review of relevant literature (1991-2014, with the exception of two studies from 1976) that were conducted on the topics of old-age stereotyping, the effect of old-age stereotyping on organizational productivity, and methods for adequately motivating and managing old-age workers. Studies concerning psychology theories are also examined in order to provide a framework for practical solutions, as well as demographic statistics on population age and employment trends.
Findings
– This paper identifies a number of old-age stereotypes that have decreased organizational productivity in empirical studies, including reluctance to change, decreased learning ability, intelligence and memory, poor health and accidents, higher organizational costs, decreased motivation, and low innovation and productivity. Findings also suggest that old-age workers can positively affect productivity, and that low productivity is often a result of stereotyping.
Research limitations/implications
– The prevalence of old-age stereotyping and its impact on organizational productivity may differ by culture, industry, type of employment, education level, and other factors, and thus further research may be necessary. The literature reviewed may not adequately represent worldwide organizational trends, as the literature is largely comprised of studies performed in North America and Europe.
Practical implications
– Solutions based on these findings are taken directly from the literature or derived from literature on psychology theories, which include self-determination theory, socio-emotional selectivity theory, and selective optimization and compensation theory. The practical solutions proposed address work environment, motivation, rewards, flexibility, and the loss and gain of resources in old-age workers.
Social implications
– The proportion of old-age workers is increasing and it is therefore necessary to determine ways to adequately integrate old-age workers in the workforce. Furthermore, this can raise productivity in all employees.
Originality/value
– This paper demonstrates that old-age stereotyping is both prevalent and detrimental within an organizational context. These findings and solutions can potentially be used by organizations in order to increase individual and overall productivity.
Collapse
|
36
|
The Short- and Long-Term Effects of Psychobehavioral Correlates in Buffering Diabetes-Related Cognitive Decline. Ann Behav Med 2016; 50:436-44. [DOI: 10.1007/s12160-016-9770-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
|
37
|
Thordardottir B, Chiatti C, Ekstam L, Malmgren Fänge A. Heterogeneity of Characteristics among Housing Adaptation Clients in Sweden--Relationship to Participation and Self-Rated Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 13:ijerph13010091. [PMID: 26729145 PMCID: PMC4730482 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13010091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the paper was to explore the heterogeneity among housing adaptation clients. Cluster analysis was performed using baseline data from applicants in three Swedish municipalities. The analysis identified six main groups: “adults at risk of disability”, “young old with disabilities”, “well-functioning older adults”, “frail older adults”, “frail older with moderate cognitive impairments” and “resilient oldest old”. The clusters differed significantly in terms of participation frequency and satisfaction in and outside the home as well as in terms of self-rated health. The identification of clusters in a heterogeneous sample served the purpose of finding groups with different characteristics, including participation and self-rated health which could be used to facilitate targeted home-based interventions. The findings indicate that housing adaptions should take person/environment/activity specific characteristics into consideration so that they may fully serve the purpose of facilitating independent living, as well as enhancing participation and health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Björg Thordardottir
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Box 157, Lund 221 00, Sweden.
| | - Carlos Chiatti
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Box 157, Lund 221 00, Sweden.
- Italian National Research Center on Aging, Via S. Margherita 5, Ancona 60124, Italy.
| | - Lisa Ekstam
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Box 157, Lund 221 00, Sweden.
| | - Agneta Malmgren Fänge
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Box 157, Lund 221 00, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Weir D, Lay M, Langa K. Economic development and gender inequality in cognition: a comparison of China and India, and of SAGE and the HRS sister studies. JOURNAL OF THE ECONOMICS OF AGEING 2014; 4:114-125. [PMID: 25506546 PMCID: PMC4260415 DOI: 10.1016/j.jeoa.2014.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
This paper examines cognition measures by age and gender from two types of studies in China and India. It finds that despite some notable differences in samples and measures, a general strong association of cognition in older ages with education emerges as a potential explanation for gender gaps and cohort differences. Female disadvantage in cognition is greater in India, both before and after controlling for education. The process of rural-urban migration draws more cognitively able women to cities in China but not in India. The advent of modern longitudinal studies of aging in these developing countries holds great promise for future work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Weir
- Survey Research Center, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48104
| | - Margaret Lay
- Survey Research Center, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48104
| | - Kenneth Langa
- Survey Research Center, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48104
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Minagawa Y, Saito Y. Active Social Participation and Mortality Risk Among Older People in Japan. Res Aging 2014; 37:481-99. [DOI: 10.1177/0164027514545238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A large literature suggests that active social participation contributes to the well-being of older people. Japan provides a compelling context to test this hypothesis due to its rapidly growing elderly population and the phenomenal health of the population. Using the Nihon University Japanese Longitudinal Study of Aging, this study examines how social participation, measured by group membership, is related to the risk of overall mortality among Japanese elders aged 65 and older. Results from Cox proportional hazards models show that group affiliation confers advantages against mortality risk, even after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, physical health measures, and family relationship variables. In particular, activities geared more toward self-development, such as postretirement employment and lifelong learning, are strongly associated with lower levels of mortality. Findings suggest that continued social participation at advanced ages produces positive health consequences, highlighting the importance of active aging in achieving successful aging in the Japanese context.
Collapse
|
40
|
Schneeweis N, Skirbekk V, Winter-Ebmer R. Does education improve cognitive performance four decades after school completion? Demography 2014; 51:619-43. [PMID: 24578168 DOI: 10.1007/s13524-014-0281-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We study the effect of secondary education on cognitive performance toward the end of working age. We exploit the exogenous variation in years of schooling arising from compulsory schooling reforms implemented in six European countries during the 1950s and 1960s. Using data of individuals, approximately age 60, from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), we assess the causal effect of education on memory, fluency, numeracy, and orientation-to-date. Furthermore, we study education effects on cognitive decline. We find a positive impact of schooling on memory scores. One year of education increases the memory score approximately four decades later by about 0.2, which amounts to 10 % of a standard deviation. Furthermore, we find some evidence for a protective effect of schooling on cognitive decline in terms of verbal fluency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Schneeweis
- Department of Economics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenbergerstr. 69, 4040, Linz, Austria,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
A cross-country comparison of math achievement at teen age and cognitive performance 40 years later. DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH 2014. [DOI: 10.4054/demres.2014.31.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
|
42
|
Wilkinson C, Dare J. Shades of Grey: The Need for a Multi-disciplinary Approach to Research Investigating Alcohol and Ageing. J Public Health Res 2014; 3:180. [PMID: 25170507 PMCID: PMC4140383 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2014.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Revised: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper calls for an increase in multi-disciplinary research on the issue of alcohol and ageing, to ensure public health interventions reflect the complex and diverse needs of older drinkers. Older people (65+ years) represent a unique segment of the population; compared to adolescents and younger people, they are more likely to have a range of co-morbid conditions and be taking prescribed medication, and are more physiologically vulnerable to the effects of alcohol. This suggests that from a public health perspective, alcohol use by older people is problematic. However, as with younger people, alcohol use is closely associated with socialisation and social engagement. While social engagement is important at all stages of life, it is particularly critical as people age, when many of the formal social roles which provide a catalyst for social integration shift or are lost. Currently, however, there is little evidence of an integrated public health response to the complex issue of alcohol and ageing. That is, what is needed is a concurrent acknowledgement of the health problems that may be associated with contraindicated alcohol use, versus the potential health benefits that can accrue from social drinking. This will require a holistic rather than reductionist approach that integrates biomedical and social science insights to develop a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the implications of alcohol use amongst diverse populations of older people. Significance for public healthWith the rapid ageing of the global population and concerns about recent increases in the consumption of alcohol amongst older people, the issue of alcohol and ageing is becoming an important public health issue. However, there remains little research that adopts a holistic multi-disciplinary perspective. Such research is important and may offer the best way forward in terms of unravelling the complexity of competing risks and benefits associated with low to moderate drinking amongst older people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Celia Wilkinson
- Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Julie Dare
- Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Bowen CE, Skirbekk V. National stereotypes of older people's competence are related to older adults' participation in paid and volunteer work. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2013; 68:974-83. [PMID: 24150178 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbt101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Why are older people perceived as more competent in some countries relative to others? In the current study, we investigate the extent to which national variation in perceptions of older people's competence is systematically related to national variation in the extent to which older people participate in paid and volunteer work. METHOD We used multilevel regression to analyze data from the European Social Survey and test the relationship between perceptions of older people's competence and older people's participation in paid and volunteer work across 28 countries. We controlled for a number of potentially confounding variables, including life expectancy as well as the gender ratio and average education of the older population in each country. We controlled for the average objective cognitive abilities of the older population in a subsample of 11 countries. RESULTS Older people were perceived as more competent in countries in which more older people participated in paid or volunteer work, independent of life expectancy and the average education, gender makeup, and average cognitive abilities of the older population. DISCUSSION The results suggest that older people's participation in paid and volunteer work is related to perceptions of older people's competence independent of older people's actual competence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Bowen
- Correspondence should be addressed to Catherine E. Bowen, Jacobs Center on Lifelong Learning and Institutional Development, Jacobs University Bremen, Campus Ring 1, 28759 Bremen, Germany. E-mail:
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Tamosiunas A, Baceviciene M, Reklaitiene R, Radisauskas R, Jureniene K, Azaraviciene A, Luksiene D, Malinauskiene V, Daugeliene E, Sapranaviciute-Zabazlajeva L. Cardiovascular risk factors and cognitive function in middle aged and elderly Lithuanian urban population: results from the HAPIEE study. BMC Neurol 2012. [PMID: 23199035 PMCID: PMC3517768 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2377-12-149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of this study was to examine associations between cardiovascular risk factors and cognitive ability in middle aged and elderly Lithuanian urban population. Methods Data from the survey performed in the framework of the HAPIEE (Health, Alcohol, Psychosocial Factors in Eastern Europe) study were presented. A random sample of 7,087 individuals aged 45–72 years was screened in 2006–2008. Results The scores of immediate recall and delayed verbal recall, cognitive speed and attention were significantly lower in men than in women; yet numerical ability scores were higher in men. Significant associations between lowered cognitive functions and previous stroke (in male OR = 2.52; 95% CI = 1.75-3.64; in female OR = 2.45; 95% CI = 1.75, 3.64) as well as ischemic heart disease history (among male OR = 1.28; 95% CI = 1.03-1.60) have been determined. Higher level of physical activity in leisure time (among female OR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.03-1.69), poor self-rated health (among male OR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.15-2.14) and poor quality of life (in male OR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.07-2.61; in female OR = 2.81; 95% CI = 1.92-4.11) were related to lowered cognitive function. Conclusions The findings of the study suggest that associations between cardiovascular risk factors and lowered cognitive function among healthy middle-aged and elderly adults strongly depend on gender.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdonas Tamosiunas
- Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Academy of Medicine, Institute of Cardiology, Sukileliu 17, 50009, Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
La interacción del sistema social y el sanitario. Informe SESPAS 2012. GACETA SANITARIA 2012; 26 Suppl 1:124-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2011.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2011] [Revised: 06/11/2011] [Accepted: 06/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
46
|
Skirbekk V, Loichinger E, Weber D. Variation in cognitive functioning as a refined approach to comparing aging across countries. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:770-4. [PMID: 22184241 PMCID: PMC3271876 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1112173109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Comparing the burden of aging across countries hinges on the availability of valid and comparable indicators. The Old Age Dependency Ratio allows only a limited assessment of the challenges of aging, because it does not include information on any individual characteristics except age itself. Existing alternative indicators based on health or economic activity suffer from measurement and comparability problems. We propose an indicator based on age variation in cognitive functioning. We use newly released data from standardized tests of seniors' cognitive abilities for countries from different world regions. In the wake of long-term advances in countries' industrial composition, and technological advances, the ability to handle new job procedures is now of high and growing importance, which increases the importance of cognition for work performance over time. In several countries with older populations, we find better cognitive performance on the part of populations aged 50+ than in countries with chronologically younger populations. This variation in cognitive functioning levels may be explained by the fact that seniors in some regions of the world experienced better conditions during childhood and adult life, including nutrition, duration and quality of schooling, lower exposure to disease, and physical and social activity patterns. Because of the slow process of cohort replacement, those countries whose seniors already have higher cognitive levels today are likely to continue to be at an advantage for several decades to come.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vegard Skirbekk
- World Population Program, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, 2361 Laxenburg, Austria.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|