Does social participation make Thai psychologically abused elders happier? a stress-buffering effect hypothesis

This study investigates the influence of psychological elder abuse on life satisfaction levels in Thailand. This study also analyses the stress-buffering effect of social participation on the life satisfaction levels of Thai mentally abused elderly. Elder abuse has been proven to dramatically reduce Thai elders' levels of life satisfaction as their function in society shrinks owing to ageism. As a result, individuals are more likely to lose their independence and status and be forced to rely on others, increasing the danger of abuse. Elder abuse has a more significant negative impact on life satisfaction levels among Thai older women. Nonetheless, the mentally abused elderly who participate in social activities are happier than those who do not. Thai elders who live with their daughters are more satisfied in life than those who do not, but living with adult offspring does not assist psychologically abused elders in escaping their psychological suffering.

Middle-aged preparation for healthy aging: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Preparing for aging is investing resources in preparing to cope with the challenges that are expected to happen in older age. This will lead to an increase in the quality and well-being in aging. The present study was conducted to elucidate the preparation of the middle-aged people for healthy older age in Tehran, Iran.

METHODS

The present study was performed with a qualitative approach and using semi-structured interviews with 23 Iranian middle-aged people (45 to 59 years old), selected by purposive sampling, and the interviews continued until theoretical saturation. Data were analyzed using the content analysis technique with MAXQDA ₁₀ software.

RESULTS

The preparation of the middle-aged people was examined in four main categories including staying healthy, financial perspective for the future, outlook on aging, and planning for use time productively. The middle-aged people paid more attention to Staying healthy than other dimensions and the saw their future financially as very dark. Outlook on aging and planning for use time productively dimensions were less considered by the subjects.

DISCUSSION

Preparing for healthy aging is a multidimensional concept. The results of the study showed that the middle-aged studied in Iranian society rarely had the necessary preparation and planning to have healthy aging, also preparation is outside the individual behavioral factors and is more affected by the economic situation of the society. So, interventions and the country's macro-policy are needed to plan for healthy aging these people.

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.

Life Restoration and Future Care Preparation Among Older Parents in Shanghai Who Have Lost Their Only Adult Child

The combination of aging and losing their only adult child challenges an increasing number of older adults in China. Current literature primarily focuses on older parents' bereavement but seldom examines their effort to cope with subsequent life changes brought about by only-child loss. This study explores how older parents in Shanghai who lost their only adult child restore their lives and prepare for future care. Twenty-four older adults were purposively sampled and participated in face-to-face, in-depth interviews. The findings suggest that participants tried to restore their lives by rationalizing grief and expanding their social networks. Despite their losses, participants remained in favor of family caregiving and reluctantly prepared for future care. Their ambivalent attitudes toward government support call for caution in approaches to service delivery.