Defining Successful Aging: Perceptions From Elderly Chinese in Hawai'i

Successful aging and its relationship with mindfulness, self-compassion factors, and subjective well-being in older adults

OBJECTIVES

Aimed to test an association model for Successful Aging (SA), with mindfulness and self-compassion factors as predictor variables, and components of subjective well-being (SWB) as mediating variables in older adults.

METHOD

This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted using the Google Forms platform and printed questionnaires, applied in an interview format with older adult participants from the Brazilian states of Bahia and Sergipe. A total of 233 older adults participated, residing in the states of Bahia (34.8%) and Sergipe (65.2%), with a mean age of 69.2 years (SD = 7.33).

RESULTS

The multiple linear regression (MLR) results indicated that SA was associated with mindfulness, the positive factor of self-compassion, and positive affect (PA). Subsequently, structural equation modeling (SEM) suggested that both mindfulness and self-compassion, which positively correlated with each other, were significantly and positively associated with PA, while PA was positively and significantly associated with SA.

CONCLUSION

Mindfulness and the positive facet of self-compassion, mediated by PA, were indirectly associated with SA, while PA was significantly and more strongly associated with SA. Finally, mindfulness and the positive facet of self-compassion were positively correlated with each other.

Perceptions of Successful Aging among Asian Americans

The current study explored Asian Americans' lay perceptions of successful aging and examined the differences and similarities between Asian Americans and White/Caucasian Americans. One hundred forty-five Asian American adults and 86 White/Caucasian adults were asked how they view successful aging. Open-ended responses were coded for recurring themes. The theme most often mentioned by Asian Americans was health, followed by quality of life, activities/interests, and social resources. Compared to White/Caucasian participants, Asian Americans' meaning of successful aging in the current study did not differ greatly in terms of major themes mentioned, but Asian Americans were more likely to mention certain themes, such as physical appearance and youthful look. In sum, the findings suggest that Asian Americans have a multifaceted understanding of successful aging, and reinforce the importance of cultural variations of the perceptions of successful aging.

Is Use of Psychedelic Drugs a Risk or Protective Factor for Late-Life Cognitive Decline?

Objectives: Common age-related health conditions can lead to poor mental health outcomes and deteriorate cognition. Additionally, commonly prescribed medications for various mental/physical health conditions may cause adverse reactions, especially among older adults. Psychedelic therapy has shown positive impacts on cognition and has been successful in treating various mental health problems without long-lasting adversities. The current study examines the association between psychedelic drug usage and cognitive functions in middle-aged and older adults. Methods: Data were from wave 3 (2013-2014) of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. We used multiple linear regression models examining associations between psychedelic usage and cognitive functions, controlling for covariates of sociodemographic and health factors. Results: We included 2,503 individuals (Mage = 64 ± 11). After controlling for covariates, the finding revealed that psychedelic usage was independently associated with more favorable changes in executive function (β = .102, SE = 0.047, p = .031) and less depressive symptoms (β = -.090, SE = 0.021, p < .001). The same effect was not found for episodic memory (β = .039, SE = 0.066, p = .553). Discussion: Addressing the mental health implications of physical health conditions in older adults are vital for preventing neurocognitive deterioration, prolonging independence, and improving the quality of life. More longitudinal research is essential utilizing psychedelics as an alternative therapy examining late-life cognitive benefits.

"You Need to Set a Daily Schedule": Understanding Successful Aging via Three-Sided Viewpoints

This study aimed to identify the constructs related to successful aging in the context of engagement in social and productive activities. A qualitative design was used to explore three viewpoints on the aging period with 9 focus groups (3 each for adults 65 years or older, older adults' family members, and health professionals) and 18 interviews with older adults (older adults Mage = 71.7 years, Standard Deviation = 4.62). The transcripts were analyzed using constructivist grounded theory principles. Three categories were identified for successful aging: (a) engagement with life, including social participation, fixed/flexible schedule, time, and meaningful occupation; (b) self-management abilities, including producing daily schedules, independence, and initiation/striving toward goals; and (c) diversity among older adults, including their views on retirement, being active or not, and their dreams/values/goals. Considering the diverse nature of older adults, recognizing the importance of life engagement and self-management abilities emphasizes the necessity for an occupation-based, self-tailored approach to enable successful aging.

The Role of Psychological Time in Late Socialization. A SEM Analysis

Background

Psychological time, a subjective reflection of the objective passage of time, has age specific characteristics and can be considered a resource for adaptation to difficult life situations (Pultz, & Hviid, 2016). We assume that the components of psychological time are also a resource for adaptation to retirement, smoothing out undesirable social and biological changes in retirees' lives.

Objective

This study explores this hypothesis by identifying the contribution of the cognitive component of psychological time - temporal focus and subjective age - to the effectiveness of late socialization.

Design

The developed theoretical model was verified by the SEM method on the sample of retirees from Chelyabinsk, Russia (N = 291). To collect the empirical data we used the Temporal Focus Scale (Shipp et al., 2009), the Age of Me (Barak, 2009), the Life Satisfaction Scale (Diener & Lucas, 1999), the Income Satisfaction Scale (Deyneka, 2000), and questionnaire variables.

Results

Temporal focus and subjective age mediated the influence of biological and social variables on the retirees' subjective well-being. A younger subjective age smoothed the contribution of educational level, working status, and disability, whilst the current and future focuses mediated the association between religiosity and various parameters of satisfaction.

Conclusion

The results of the study broaden the understanding of psychological time in the late socialization process. A pronounced focus on the present, along with younger subjective age, can be seen as psychological resources, allowing for better adaptation to the social status of a retiree; that is, increasing the effectiveness of late socialization.

The effect of rumination and elder abuse level on successful aging in elderly individuals: Analysis with a machine learning approach

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the effect of rumination and elder abuse levels on successful aging in elderly individuals.

METHODS

This descriptive-correlational study was conducted with older individuals (n = 297) in Ağrı, Turkey, between October 2021 and May 2022. SPSS-22 and R v.4.1.3 were used in the study. Analysis was done with machine learning and artificial neural networks.

RESULTS

In the study, the mean age of the older individuals was 67.49 ± 3.04. Statistical estimates showed the regression model to be significant and usable, F(2,294) = 116.659, P = 0.001. Elder abuse and ruminative thought levels together explained 43.9% of the total variance (R²  = 0.439) of successful aging. The regression model indicated that increases in both the elder abuse level (t = -3.672, P < 0.001) and the ruminative thought level (t = -12.771, P < 0.001) of participants caused a statistically significant decrease in the successful aging level. The combined elder abuse and ruminative thought levels had a greater effect on successful aging (Model 1: F = 45.321, Model 2: F = 116.659, R² Change = 0.309). The R² value of the Random Forest regression model was 0.529, showing that the independent variables could explain 52.92% of the variation in the dependent variable. According to the SHapley Additive exPlanation values, which show the contribution or importance of each variable in the estimation of the model, it was determined that the most important variables for estimating the Successful Aging Scale variable were ruminative thought style and elder abuse screening.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that a decrease in the levels of rumination and elder abuse could lead to improvement in successful aging. Longitudinal studies on successful aging in older individuals are recommended.

Using a factorial survey to estimate the relative importance of well-being dimensions according to older people: Insights from a repeated survey experiment in Flanders

Background and Objectives

Although it has become standard to include the views of older people when assessing their well-being, most existing methods are ill-suited to estimate the relative importance of well-being dimensions. This article investigates the potential of the factorial survey method to estimate the relative importance of six well-being dimensions (health, income, social relations, leisure, engaging activities, and religion) based on the views of older people themselves.

Research Design and Methods

We implemented a factorial survey in a repeated survey experiment among 800 older adults in Flanders (the Dutch-speaking northern part of Belgium). We performed several within-sample test–retests to investigate the consistency of the estimated coefficients over time (i.e., temporal reliability). In addition, we tested the feasibility of the factorial survey by studying two indicators of cognitive load: response time and response consistency.

Results

We estimated the relative importance of increases in six well-being dimensions. Increases from the lowest level to the highest level in the dimensions of health, income, and social relations had the highest effect on well-being—followed by leisure, engaging activities, and religion. The results proved to be consistent in most of the test–retest analyses. Furthermore, we found that respondents produced a high level of response consistency within an acceptable amount of response time.

Discussion and Implications

The findings suggest that the factorial survey method offers a promising way forward to elicit older people’s views on well-being and, hence, in developing tailored policies that matter to them.

Evaluation of the measurement properties of the self-rated successful aging inventory: A COSMIN systematic review

This study aimed to systematically review studies of the psychometric properties of the self-rated successful aging inventory (SAI). The literature was rigorously searched from July 2018 to February 2021 and relevant studies were selected and evaluated following the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments guidelines. A total of 23 studies were included, in which 19 instruments were identified. Due to the quality of the studies, only preliminary conclusions could be drawn. Seven instruments were graded "A" and recommended for use based on the available psychometric evidence. The remaining 12 SAI instruments were graded "B" and more research is required before they can be recommended. Based on this review, seven different types of the SAI could be considered for use. To improve the quality of evidence, the SAI requires more rigorous research and precise reports. When using the SAI, it is important to consider cultural characteristics.

The Importance of Social Support, Positive Identity, and Resilience in the Successful Aging of Older Sexual Minority Men

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between social support, positive identity, and resilience and the successful aging of older sexual minority men. The study involved having 210 self-identified gay and bisexual men aged between 50 and 80 years complete a cross-sectional online survey comprised of sociodemographic information; the Portuguese version of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support; the Lesbian, Gay, and multifactor Bisexual Positive Identity Measure; the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale 10; and the Successful Aging Perceptions Scale. The results showed that self-identified gay participants showed higher levels of positive identity, while bisexual participants scored higher for resilience, mental health, and successful aging. Higher levels of social support, resilience, and positive identity were significant predictors of mental health (28%), physical health (18%), and successful aging (10%) in our sample. These results offer similarities with the growing body of literature on the positive factors of successful aging in the gay and bisexual men communities, which is an important step in the development of aging and health preventive initiatives among this population.