Comparison of life quality in older adults living in traditional family versus nursing home: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Self-neglect as a mediator between family functioning and healthy aging in older adults living alone in rural China: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the mediating role of self-neglect among older adults in the relationship between family functioning and healthy aging.

METHODS

A questionnaire survey was conducted between June and September 2023, involving 255 older adults living alone in rural China. The healthy ageing, self-neglect, and family functioning was assessed using the Healthy Aging Instrument;the Elderly Self-neglect Assessment (Rural);and Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve (APGAR) scale.

RESULTS

Positive correlations were found between family functioning and healthy aging (r = 0.363, p < 0.05). Moreover, self-neglect was identified as a significant mediator, explaining 40.84 % of the total effect.

CONCLUSION

Among older adults living alone in rural China, family functioning is significantly associated with healthy aging, with self-neglect mediating this relationship. These findings suggest that community-based interventions aimed at improving family functioning and addressing self-neglect behaviors might be beneficial for promoting healthy aging in this population.

The effect of positive thinking training on anxiety and happiness among older adults: A quasi-experimental study

BACKGROUND

Anxiety and depression are the most prevalent mental disorders associated with aging. Positive thinking training is a way to help older adults cope with anxiety and depression and increase their happiness. This study aimed to determine the effect of positive thinking training on anxiety and happiness among older adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This quasi-experimental study was conducted with 48 older adults referred to two comprehensive health service facilities in the southeastern Iranian province of Kerman. The intervention (n = 24) and control (n = 24) groups were randomly assigned from a convenience sample of older adults. The intervention group attended eight two-hour training sessions on positive thinking. Data were collected before and one month after the positive thinking training using Beck Anxiety Inventory and Oxford Happiness Inventory. All statistical procedures were performed in SPSS software (version 22), with the significance level set to P = 0.05.

RESULTS

Before the positive thinking program was delivered, the mean anxiety scores in the intervention and control groups were 13.98 ± 8.61 and 19.25 ± 11.67, respectively. After the intervention was completed, the mean scores for the intervention and control groups were 4.50 ± 4.07 and 15.54 ± 9.04, indicating a significant reduction in anxiety among intervention group participants (t = -5.45, P < 0.001). The mean baseline happiness scores in the intervention and control groups were 26.58 ± 12.40 and 37.91 ± 5.57, respectively, which changed to 62.91 ± 4.66 and 35.62 ± 10.62 at the post-test. Positive thinking training improved happiness in a significant manner (t = -4.08, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Results revealed that positive thinking training decreased anxiety and enhanced happiness among older adults. Given the growing elderly population, clinical managers, clinical specialists, nurses in health care centers, and those involved in elderly care facilities can benefit from this non-pharmacological treatment program for older adults suffering from anxiety and depression. It is suggested that preventive programs based on positive psychology be developed to aid in the prevention of people's declining happiness and increasing anxiety as they age.

Quality of Life Health Outcomes Among People Who Lived in a Nursing Home Prior to and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The purpose of the current study was to compare quality of life health outcomes during the year prior to and first year of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic among people who lived in a nursing home. This study used quarterly cross-sectional data from Minimum Data Sets between March 2019 and March 2021 among 96 people who resided in a nursing home. Health outcomes were cognitive function, transfer ability, depression, rejecting care, falls, urinary tract infections, physical conflict, and verbal conflict. Data were analyzed using Stuart-Maxwell test to compare differences in health outcomes in the year prior to and first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were statistically significant differences between the two time periods for the worsening of health outcomes related to transfer ability, rejecting care, physical conflict, and verbal conflict. Understanding the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on health outcomes among people who live in nursing homes is critical for improving individual health and health system preparedness. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(12), 41-48.].

Self-Esteem, Anxiety, and Depression in Older People in Nursing Homes

Background: Social environment and type of care may influence mental health in late life. The aim of this study was to assess the associations between depression, anxiety, and self-esteem in older people. Methods: The study evaluated mental health in people older than 65 years of age in Zadar County, Croatia. The participants were interviewed using the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Multiple linear regressions were used to assess the correlations between depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. Results: Compared with elderly people living in their own homes, elderly people in nursing homes reported lower self-esteem, higher depression, and higher anxiety. The level of self-esteem decreased with increased levels of depression. Anxiety was significantly associated with depression, while depression strongly increased with an increase in anxiety. Older age was associated with depression, while widowhood was a negative predictor of self-esteem. Institutionalization was borderline significantly associated with anxiety, while gender was associated with anxiety. Conclusions: The study found associations between self-esteem, anxiety, and depression in the elderly. The strategy of humanization in nursing care for older people should be applied equally in nursing homes and in community-dwelling states. Public health programs aimed at maintaining the mental health of older people are needed.