Moderating effect of intrinsic religiosity on the relationship between depression and cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults

Role of intergenerational connections in cognitive aging: Evidence from a Chinese longitudinal study

Objective

To explore the impact of intergenerational connections on cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults (45-60 years and over 60 years, respectively) and analyze the urban-rural and sex differences in the effects of intergenerational connections on cognitive function.

Method

Based on China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study data (CHARLS), this study conducted ID matching for four waves of data from 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018. Cognitive function was measured via Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-modified (TICS-m), word recall, and imitation drawing. Using a combination of cross-sectional and longitudinal research, we constructed the cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) with a sample of 1,480 participants to explore the relationship between intergenerational connections and cognitive function.

Results

This study examines the impact of intergenerational connections on cognitive function in middle-aged (45-60 years) and older adults (over 60 years) using data from the CHARLS. It identifies urban-rural and sex differences, with notable effects among rural female participants. The frequency of meeting with one child negatively predicts cognitive function (β = -0.040, p = 0.041), and the frequency of communication with one child positively predicts cognitive function (β = 0.102, 0.068, 0.041, p < 0.001, p = 0.001, 0.045). Meanwhile, intergenerational connections with multiple children positively predicts cognitive function (β = 0.044, p = 0.031), (β = 0.128, 0.084, and 0.056, p < 0.001, 0.001, p = 0.008). There are urban-rural and sex differences in the effects of intergenerational connections on cognitive function; additionally, the effects of intergenerational connections on cognitive function are significant in rural female middle-aged and older adults.

Discussion

This study proposes the theory of skewed intergenerational support, which suggests that as middle-aged and older adults age, the responsibility for intergenerational support is skewed toward one child. This leads to conflicts between middle-aged and older parents and the child, which further affects cognitive function. In addition, this study put forward the boat-carrying theory of intergenerational relations and "to hold a bowl of water level" is the art of dealing with intergenerational relationships.

Religious Involvement and Cognitive Function Among White, Black, and Hispanic Older Adults

We examined whether religious involvement was associated with cognitive function among older adults in the 2006-2020 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Using growth curve analysis, we found the association between religious involvement and cognition varied by facet of religious involvement and race and Hispanic ethnicity. Attending religious services with friends was associated with higher initial levels of cognitive function (b = 0.22, p < .05). For Hispanic older adults, frequent attendance at religious services was associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline (b = 0.16, p < .01). Stratified models by race and Hispanic ethnicity demonstrated that religious salience was associated with lower initial levels of cognitive function among non-Hispanic White adults (b = -0.19, p < .01). We found no association between religious involvement and cognitive function among non-Hispanic Black respondents. In sum, elements of religious involvement are positively or negatively related to cognitive function in later life and vary by race and ethnicity.

Religiosity, Aging in the Homeland, and Growing Old in the Diaspora: A Longitudinal Study of Two Cohorts of Indian Older Adults

This article reports a longitudinal study comparing religiosity among two cohorts of Indian older adults-those who age in the homeland of India (AIH cohort) and immigrants (to the USA) or diaspora older adults (DOA). Results indicated that AIH and DOA cohorts' religiosity outcomes were comparable at baseline but there was a statistically significant increase in all outcomes of the DOA cohort at subsequent time points. Women and single older adults in both the cohorts had higher religiosity scores at baseline. Religiosity scores were higher among those in the DOA cohort who migrated following marital disruption (widowhood, divorce) or grandchild birth and lived with adult immigrant children and their families. The immigration process can have an impact on religious orientation of older adults and place is a significant variable impacting religiosity possibly for augmenting the sense of self, acquire social capital and preserve cultural identity in the foreign land.

The Moderating Roles of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Religiosity on the Relationship between Social Networks and Flourishing: A Study on Community-Dwelling Widowed Older Adults in Malaysia

Widowhood affects the social networks and well-being of older adults. Religion might moderate the relationship between a stressor and well-being. This study aimed to identify the moderating roles of intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity on the relationship between social networks and flourishing among widowed older people and whether this relationship varied across gender. This study involved 655 community-dwelling widowed older Malaysians from Wave 1 (2012-2013) of "Identifying Psychosocial Risks and Quantifying the Economic Costs of Age-Related Cognitive Decline among Older Malaysians" in Peninsula Malaysia. The moderated hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the moderating roles of religiosity. Results showed that the moderating effect of religiosity on the relationship between social networks and flourishing was only observed for extrinsic religiosity, not intrinsic religiosity. In terms of gender differences, extrinsic religiosity moderated the relationship between social networks, flourishing only among widows but not widowers. Widows with low levels of extrinsic religiosity should join activities or programs that could expand their social networks to promote higher well-being despite widowhood.

Social networks moderate the association between physical fitness and cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Physical fitness declines with age. Low levels of physical fitness appear to be a risk factor of cognitive impairment. Literature elucidates social networking as a potential moderator for the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive impairment. Present study aimed to examine the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive function among community-dwelling older Malaysians, and if social network moderates said relationship.

METHODS

Data of 2322 representative community-dwelling older adults were obtained from the first wave of the "Longitudinal Study on Neuroprotective Model for Healthy Longevity" national survey. Cognitive function, physical fitness and social network was assessed through Malay-version of Mini-Mental State Examination, 2-min step test and Lubben Social Network Scale-6 respectively. Moderated hierarchical multiple regression was employed to investigate if social networks moderate the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive function.

RESULTS

A positive association between physical fitness and cognitive function were found upon controlling for covariates. Moderated hierarchical multiple regression revealed social networks to be a moderator of the association between physical fitness and cognitive function. When physical fitness was low, those with small social network revealed lowest cognitive function.

CONCLUSIONS

Social networks moderated the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive function as older adults with low levels of physical fitness and small social networks revealed lowest cognitive function. Therefore, community support or peer-based interventions among physically unfit older adults should be implemented to promote cognitive function.

Mini-mental state examination trajectories after age 50 by religious affiliation and practice in Ireland

Religious attendance is sometimes associated with better health outcomes, although the link between religion and cognitive ageing is inconclusive. We aimed to assess differences in cognitive performance trajectories by religious affiliation and religious attendance. We further sought to test possible mechanisms for an association.Data from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), a nationally representative study of the over 50 s population in Ireland, was used. We identified latent class trajectories of Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) performance over five waves using Latent Growth Class Analysis (LGCA) on data from 7325 individuals. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate the likelihood of membership to each trajectory class by religious affiliation or non-affiliation, and by religious attendance and importance. Finally, we tested possible behavioural, psychological and social mechanisms. LGCA identified three trajectory classes, a 'high start' class, a 'medium start' class and a 'low start' class. There were no differences in class membership by religious affiliation or non-affiliation. Women who attended religious services were less likely to be in the low declining MMSE class. This effect was mediated by depressive symptoms, social network and smoking. Women who said religion was very important were more likely to be in the medium performing class, and this was not mediated. The cognitive trajectories of the over 50 s in Ireland vary. Variation was not influenced by religious affiliation. Religious attendance and importance had mixed effects on women's cognition trajectories.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10433-020-00597-0.

Relationship between financial well-being, life satisfaction, and cognitive function among low-income community-dwelling older adults: the moderating role of sex

BACKGROUND

Low financial well-being is a common predicament among older adults living in poverty. The existing literature suggests a correlation between financial well-being and mental health in old age. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the relationships among financial well-being, life satisfaction, and cognitive function among low-income older adults and to examine the moderating effect of sex on these relationships.

METHODS

This study involved 2004 nationally representative community-dwelling older Malaysians from the bottom 40% household income group. Financial well-being was assessed by the four-item financial satisfaction scale, while life satisfaction was measured by the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Cognitive function was measured by using the Malay version of the Mini-Mental State Examination. Hierarchical multiple regression was used as the prime method for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Financial well-being was positively associated with life satisfaction and cognitive function. Sex moderated the relationship between financial well-being and life satisfaction but not between financial well-being and cognitive function.

CONCLUSIONS

Financial well-being and life satisfaction were strongly correlated among older women, although no gender difference was found for the relationship between financial well-being and cognitive function. It appears financial well-being strongly predicts mental health. As such, poverty eradication initiatives targeting low-income older adults should be implemented to sustain life satisfaction and cognitive function.

Impact of religiosity on purchase intentions towards counterfeit products: investigating the mediating role of attitude and moderating role of hedonic benefits

This study was aimed at exploring the impact of religiosity on purchase intention towards counterfeit products by investigating the mediating role of consumer attitude. This study investigated religiosity as an independent variable, attitude towards counterfeit as a mediator while predicting the purchase intentions of the consumers. A self-administered questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale was used to collect data from the sample of 420 respondents who were from twin cities (Rawalpindi and Islamabad) of Pakistan. Structural equation modeling technique was used to achieve the set objectives. The results reveal a statistically significant effect of religiosity along with the significant mediating role of consumer attitude and the significant moderating role of hedonic benefits while predicting the purchase intentions of the consumers. This study also provides important insights for the researchers and the practitioners.

The association between religious orientation and life satisfaction in older adults living with morbidity and multimorbidity: a gender perspective in Malaysia

BACKGROUND

Little is known about gender differences in the relationship between religious orientation and life satisfaction in older adults living with chronic disease(s). Therefore, the purpose of this article was to examine the moderating effect of gender on the association between religious orientation and life satisfaction in older adults living with morbidity and multimorbidity.

METHODS

The study involved 1790 community-dwelling older adults aged 60 and above living with at least one chronic medical condition. The Satisfaction with Life Scale and Revised Intrinsic/Extrinsic Religious Orientation Scale were used to measure life satisfaction and religious orientation. Moderated hierarchical multiple regression was used to test the moderation effect.

RESULTS

Results showed that while intrinsic religiosity was positively associated with life satisfaction, extrinsic religiosity was found to have a negative relationship with life satisfaction. Gender moderated the association between intrinsic religiosity and life satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggested that the positive impact of intrinsic religiosity on life satisfaction was stronger in older women living with morbidity and multimorbidity. Healthcare practitioners can help disadvantaged older women in identifying their religious values and practices to improve their subjective wellbeing.

[The influence of religiosity on depressive disorders and suicidal behavior]

This review of the literature is focused on the positive influence of religiosity on recovery after depression and on the protective role of religiosity against suicidal activity. Despite the inconsistent results on the role of religiosity in treatment of mental diseases, to date there is a sufficiently large body of literature showing the beneficial effect of religiosity and describing specific therapeutic approaches and suicide prevention programs.

Specific Association Between Religiosity and Cognitive Functions in Alzheimer's Disease

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to identify the specific relationship between subdomains of religious variables and cognitive functions in outpatients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS

We recruited 325 patients with AD from a psychiatry outpatient clinic. The Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease and the Duke University Religion Index were used to assess cognitive functions and religiosity. We performed structural equation modeling and partial correlation analysis after controlling for demographic data.

RESULTS

The model in which religiosity beneficially affects cognitive functions showed acceptable model fit (root-mean-square error of approximation = 0.076, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.921, comparative fit index = 0.947). In the partial correlation analysis, organizational religious activity demonstrated positive relationships with memory ( r = 0.144, P = .010), language ( r = 0.149, P = .007), and constructional ability ( r = 0.191 P = .001). Nonorganizational religious activity and intrinsic religiosity were positively associated with memory ( r = 0.115, P = .040; r = 0.140, P = .012) and constructional ability ( r = 0.207, P = .000; r = 0.136, P = .015).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that religiosity positively affects cognitive functions and that each religious variable is related differently to the subdomains of cognitive functions in patients with AD.