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Zhang K, Burr JA, Mutchler JE, Lu J. Internet Use and Loneliness Among Urban and Non-Urban Chinese Older Adults: The Roles of Family Support, Friend Support, and Social Participation. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2024; 79:gbae081. [PMID: 38742464 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbae081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated the association between internet use and loneliness among older Chinese adults, and the mediating effects of family support, friend support, and social participation. These associations were evaluated in the context of urban and non-urban geographic settings. METHODS This study used data from the 2018 wave of the China Longitudinal Ageing Social Survey (N = 10,126), examining samples of urban (n = 3,917) and non-urban (n = 6,209) older adults separately. Linear regression and path analysis within a structural equation modeling framework were employed. RESULTS Internet use was negatively associated with loneliness for both urban and non-urban residing older adults. Family support and social participation mediated the association between internet use and loneliness for both urban and non-urban residing older Chinese adults, but friend support mediated this association only for urban older residents. DISCUSSION This study shed light on our understanding of the relationship between internet use and loneliness among older adults in the Chinese context. Also, these findings suggested that digital interventions for loneliness should pay special attention to the different characteristics of urban and non-urban dwelling older Chinese adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunyu Zhang
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Burr
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jan E Mutchler
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jiehua Lu
- Institute for National Strategic Studies on Ageing, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Chen J, Chen M. Trajectories of Intergenerational Emotional Closeness in Multi-Child Aging Families in China. Res Aging 2024; 46:314-326. [PMID: 38243368 DOI: 10.1177/01640275241229683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Intergenerational emotional closeness (IEC) in multi-child families manifests not only in the overall parent-child relationship but also by the extent of its within-family differentiation. This study aimed to identify distinct trajectories of collective IEC in multi-child families and to examine its potential associated factors. The study used four waves of the China Family Panel Studies (2010-2018). Based on a sample of 3474 older adults (age >60), growth mixture modelling and logistic regression were conducted. Two latent trajectory patterns of IEC were identified: increasingly tight-knit (93%) and persistently collectively ambivalent (7%). Compared to the latter trajectory, older adults who had a married/cohabiting partner, had better health and received support from all children, were more likely to have increasingly tight-knit trajectories of IEC. The study tells a story more about emotional cohesion between Chinese older adults and multiple offspring over time. Aging families experiencing persistently collectively ambivalent IEC deserve more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Chen
- Department of Social Work, School of Sociology and Political Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengni Chen
- Department of Sociology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Park S, Kwak M, Lee H. COVID-19 Imposed Closure of Rural Co-Housing and Loneliness in Older Adults Living Alone: Longitudinal Evidence From South Korea. Res Aging 2024:1640275241248773. [PMID: 38657141 DOI: 10.1177/01640275241248773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the impact of COVID-19 on loneliness among rural older women in senior cohousing in Korea. Using a natural experimental study design, we investigated how the pandemic-induced closure of cohousing affected the former residents' loneliness. The sample comprised 84 cohousing residents and 51 individuals in conventional homes. The dependent variable is loneliness, and the independent variables include housing transition, social contact, and support from neighbors and friends. Our findings from fixed effect regression models showed former cohousing residents were less likely to experience loneliness when they had more contact with their friends and neighbors, while negative relationships exacerbated feelings of loneliness. Sharing meals and participating in activities with friends and neighbors in cohousing helped the residents develop effective coping strategies. Senior cohousing in rural areas has the potential to strengthen social ties and protect the most vulnerable subgroup of older adults from social isolation and loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sojung Park
- Brown School at Washington University in St.Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Minyoung Kwak
- Department of Social Welfare, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, Korea
| | - Hyunjoo Lee
- Department of Social Welfare, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, Korea
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Sharifi S, Babaei Khorzoughi K, Rahmati M. The association between intergenerational relationships and depression among older adults: A comprehensive systematic literature review. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 119:105313. [PMID: 38101113 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.105313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review aims to comprehensively examine the relationship between intergenerational relationships and depression among older adults in Eastern Asian countries. METHODS For this research, a systematic search was conducted on several electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar search engine up until June 2023. RESULTS Out of 953 articles initially identified, 33 met the inclusion criteria. Emotional support and financial support emerged as crucial factors that can significantly reduce depressive symptoms among older individuals. However, there are diverse and sometimes contradictory results regarding the impact of intergenerational instrumental support on depression in older adults. CONCLUSION Promoting positive intergenerational relationships and enhancing support systems can greatly benefit the mental health of older adults by addressing depression within this population. This review enhances our understanding of the complex relationship between intergenerational relationships and depression among older adults. The diverse findings on intergenerational instrumental support and depression in older adults suggest the need for further research to clarify this relationship and its nuances. This research may have practical implications for policies and interventions aimed at improving the mental well-being of older adults in Eastern Asian countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Sharifi
- Department of geriatric and psychiatric nursing, School of nursing and midwifery, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Kimia Babaei Khorzoughi
- Faculty of education and psychology, Islamic Azad University Isfahan (khorasgan) branch, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Rahmati
- Department of geriatric and psychiatric nursing, School of nursing and midwifery, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah, Iran
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Deng R, Yan S, Zhang L, Hou Y, Wang H, Zhang W, Yao J. How is intergenerational emotional cohesion linked to depression among older internal migrants in China: the mediating roles of loneliness and perceived stress. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:92. [PMID: 38395928 PMCID: PMC10893609 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01579-y] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Late-life internal migration is frequently associated with a higher risk of depression in older parents. This research delves into the impact of intergenerational emotional cohesion (IEC) on depression in older internal migrants and the underlying mechanisms within the contemporary Chinese context. METHODS Obtained from a cross-sectional survey in Nanjing, China, the research involved 654 older internal migrants (66.97% female; mean age = 66.05 years; SD = 4.67). Variables were assessed using the Intergenerational Solidarity Inventory, 3-item R-UCLA Loneliness Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). For mediation exploration, a serial mediation model was utilized, and the Bootstrap method was employed to test the signifcance of these mediation effects. RESULTS IEC demonstrates a negative correlation with depression. Through IEC, three significant mediation pathways were identified that directly affect depression: (1) loneliness (β=-0.06; Ratio=17.14%), (2) perceived stress (β=-0.09; Ratio=25.71%), and (3) loneliness and perceived stress (β=-0.03; Ratio=8.57%). CONCLUSIONS IEC can impact the depression of older internal migrants by mitigating negative psychological emotions during the migration process. This finding provides valuable theoretical insights for the prevention of mental health problems among this demographic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyue Deng
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shiyuan Yan
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanjie Hou
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Wang
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Yao
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
- Institute of Healthy Jiangsu Development, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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Zhang Y, Guo Y, Li M. The moderating effect of intergenerational relationships on the association between Internet engagement and mental well-being. Aging Ment Health 2024; 28:36-44. [PMID: 37139965 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2207479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the moderating effect of intergenerational relationships on the association between Internet engagement and older Chinese adults' mental well-being and whether this relationship and the moderating role of intergenerational relationships differs by age. METHODS We collected survey data from 1,162 participants aged 60 and older. Using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) to measure life satisfaction, the Chinese version of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale to evaluate loneliness, and the Intergenerational Relationship Quality Scale for Aging Chinese Parents (IRQS-AP) to assess intergenerational relationship quality. Two-stage least squares regression with interaction terms was used to examine the moderating effect of intergenerational relationships on the association between Internet engagement and mental well-being in different age groups. RESULTS Higher levels of Internet engagement were significantly associated with better life satisfaction and lower loneliness in older adults, particularly for the young-old. Furthermore, the positive association between Internet engagement and mental well-being was stronger for older adults with conflicted or detached intergenerational relationships. CONCLUSIONS Encouraging and training older adults to use the Internet to shrink the digital divide, developing a sound Internet infrastructure, providing low-cost Internet services, particularly for the young-old with conflicted or detached intergenerational relationships, and the old-old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinkai Zhang
- Department of Social Work & Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yu Guo
- School of Labor and Human Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Mengting Li
- School of Labor and Human Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
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Zhao L. China's aging population: A review of living arrangement, intergenerational support, and wellbeing. HEALTH CARE SCIENCE 2023; 2:317-327. [PMID: 38938584 PMCID: PMC11080716 DOI: 10.1002/hcs2.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
China's rapid population aging and remarkable family-level changes have raised concerns about the weakening of its family-based elderly care. The last decade indeed has seen a clear departure from multigenerational living to alternative living arrangements such as living with spouse only and solo living. However, ample evidence suggests that Chinese families have demonstrated considerable resilience amidst profound sociodemographic changes. This review article highlights the importance of government-society cooperation in meeting the social challenges of population aging. A key factor is the persistient filial piety norms, which enable children living far or close, migrant or nonmigrant, to rearrange financial, instrumental, and emotional support to aging parents. Equally important is the step-in of the government to share elderly care responsibilities, provide support through deepening pension and healthcare reforms, and implement the active and healthy aging agenda. How the two factors play out over the next decade and beyond will have profound implications on the living arrangement, intergenerational support, and wellbeing of older adults in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Litao Zhao
- National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
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Kashyap V, Francis Z. Who believes in cross-age friendship? Predictors of the belief in intergenerational friendship scale in young adults. J Aging Stud 2023; 66:101157. [PMID: 37704275 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2023.101157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Intergenerational contact is beneficial for both younger and older adults, but friendships that span across generations are uncommon. While this is partially due to situational factors, people's beliefs about the possibility of intergenerational friendship may also affect how they approach potential intergenerational interactions. In a sample of 209 students from a Canadian university, we validate the Beliefs in Intergenerational Friendship (BIGF) scale. Young adults were more likely to believe in intergenerational friendship if they had less ageist attitudes and if they were more conscientious, open, agreeable, and emotionally stable. Number of non-kin intergenerational social contacts (but not number of kin contacts) and closeness of an existing relationship with an older adult also predicted greater belief in intergenerational friendship. BIGF scores predicted willingness to regularly spend time with older adults and were a better predictor than either hostile or benevolent ageism. While not everyone believes that intergenerational friendships are possible, this novel scale may uniquely capture people's willingness to form relationships across generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varshaa Kashyap
- Department of Psychology, University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, Canada
| | - Zoë Francis
- Department of Psychology, University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, Canada.
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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.
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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
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Wang H, Yang M, Fang X, Hou Y, Zhang L, Deng R, Yao J. How is grandparenting linked to life satisfaction among community-dwelling older migrants in Nanjing, China: The mediating role of loneliness and self-esteem. Geriatr Nurs 2023; 50:152-157. [PMID: 36791541 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2023.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Grandparenting is a crucial part of family child care. This study aims to examine the effect of grandparenting on the life satisfaction of community-dwelling older migrants, and attempts to explore the psychological mechanisms linking them. A total of 723 participants were recruited. The PROCESS Model 6 was used to complete the mediation analysis. The mediating effect was significant if the 95%CI did not contain zero. Results indicated that grandparenting was positively associated with migrants' life satisfaction (r=0.223, p<0.001). Loneliness and self-esteem significantly mediated this relationship, with mediating effects of 0.287 (95%CI: 0.072, 0.563) and 1.127 (95%CI: 0.648, 1.622), respectively. Grandparenting affects life satisfaction either directly, or indirectly by reducing loneliness and enhancing self-esteem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Man Yang
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoya Fang
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanjie Hou
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruyue Deng
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Yao
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China; School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China; Institute of Healthy Jiangsu Development, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China.
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Liu C, Zhou S, Bai X. Intergenerational relationship quality, sense of loneliness, and attitude toward later life among aging Chinese adults in Hong Kong. Front Psychol 2022; 13:930857. [PMID: 36017420 PMCID: PMC9397484 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.930857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A positive attitude toward later life is crucial for wellbeing among older adults. Maintaining a healthy relationship with adult children can help reduce older parents’ sense of loneliness and nurture a positive life attitude. This study aimed to investigate the associations between multidimensional intergenerational relationship quality and attitudes toward later life among aging Chinese adults in Hong Kong and examine the mediating effects of a sense of loneliness. Representative survey data were collected from 801 participants (aged 50 years and over) with at least one adult child. Multiple linear regression was employed to investigate the associations between overall intergenerational relationship quality with a sense of loneliness as well as the attitude toward later life. To examine the mediating effects of a sense of loneliness, causal mediational analyses were performed. Results demonstrated that overall intergenerational relationship quality was positively associated with aging parents’ attitude toward later life, and this relationship could be partially mediated by a sense of loneliness. Among the four subdomains of intergenerational relationship quality, the influences of structural-associational solidarity and intergenerational conflict on attitude toward later life were almost fully mediated by a sense of loneliness, whereas the influences of consensual-normative solidarity and affectual closeness were partially mediated. These findings contributed to an improved understanding of the relationship between intergenerational relationship quality, sense of loneliness, and attitude toward later life, and could inform future policies and service programs that promote aging adults’ social integration and positive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shuai Zhou
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Shuai Zhou,
| | - Xue Bai
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Institute of Active Ageing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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