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Sutan R, Alavi K, Sallahuddin SN, Abdul Manaf MR, Jaafar MH, Shahar S, Abdul Maulud KN, Embong Z, Keliwon KB, Markom R. Factors associated with community volunteering among adults over the age of 50 in Malaysia. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302220. [PMID: 38753828 PMCID: PMC11098473 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community volunteering is defined as voluntary participation in activities and services to benefit the local community. It has potential benefits to promote social, physical, and mental well-being, and it enhances productive, healthy, and active aging. The tendency to volunteer varies across individuals and communities. There is limited knowledge of contributing factors influencing volunteering among Malaysian adults over the age of 50. AIMS The present study aims to assess the association of demographic, cultural, and social factors with volunteering among Malaysian adults over the age of 50. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 involving 3,034 Malaysians aged 50 years and above across Malaysia, selected using a multi-stratified random sampling technique based on National Census 2020 data. A validated survey questionnaire to determine the demographic factor (age, sex, education level, employment status, health status, physical disability, and location of residence), cultural factor (ethnicity and religion), and social factor (social support, marital status, living arrangement, mode of transportation) that influence voluntary participation was distributed and collected. The association between these factors and volunteer participation was analysed using logistic regression models to identify significant predictors of voluntary participation among Malaysian adults over the age of 50. RESULTS A regression model indicates that living in rural areas (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.63-2.53), having higher education level (Tertiary level: OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.86-4.13), being employed (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.10-1.56), differences in ethnicity background (Chinese: OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.39-0.86) and ease of transportation (Driving private transport: OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.19-1.32; Public transport: OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.00-1.154) were significantly associated with volunteering with R2 Nagelkerke of 0.147. CONCLUSION Recognising various factors towards community volunteering should be addressed by policymakers and volunteer organisations to increase volunteer participation from potential adults over the age of 50 in promoting healthy and active ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosnah Sutan
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Khadijah Alavi
- Centre for Research in Psychology and Human Well-being, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Norain Sallahuddin
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Rizal Abdul Manaf
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hasni Jaafar
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Suzana Shahar
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Khairul Nizam Abdul Maulud
- Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zaini Embong
- Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kamarul Baraini Keliwon
- Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ruzian Markom
- Centre of International Law and Siyar (CILAS), Faculty of Law, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
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von Humboldt S, Costa A, Ilyas N, Leal I. Older adults, perceived ageism, civic participation and mental health: a qualitative study. Aging Ment Health 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38709682 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2024.2348611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study has three objectives: A) To investigate the relationship of ageism on older adults' civic activities; B) To analyze the influence of ageism on mental health; and C) To explore the impact of civic participation on older adults' mental health. METHOD This qualitative study included 782 older people from three different nationalities (Portuguese, Brazilian, and English) ranging in age from 65 to 88. All the interviews went through the process of content analysis. RESULTS For the first objective, the findings encompass one high-level theme (Social and individual incompetence), which included social rejection (86%), reduced competence (84%), expectations of failure (83%), and not being able to contribute (77%). For the second objective, findings indicated two overarching categories: Perceived inability, including frustration and impotence (89%), incompetence (77%) and irrelevance (71%); and Perceived distress, including anger (81%), feelings of anxiety (68%); and emotional bursts (63%). For the third objective, the following two high-level themes emerged: Ego-oriented resources, which comprised the development of a sense of purpose (81%), learning cognitive skills (71%), and (A3) practising sense of agency (67%); and Social-oriented resources, encompassing feeling socially integrated (80%); and expressing emotionally (54%). Findings indicated that the most verbalized themes for the three objectives were the same across the three nationalities. CONCLUSIONS Ageism made it difficult for people to participate in civic life, which has been linked to better mental health. These findings emphasize the need to encourage inclusive civic involvement to improve older individuals' mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia von Humboldt
- William James Center for Research, ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andrea Costa
- William James Center for Research, ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Namrah Ilyas
- Center for Clinical Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Isabel Leal
- William James Center for Research, ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, Portugal
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Sharifi S, Babaei Khorzoughi K, Rahmati M. The relationship between volunteering and cognitive performance in older adults: A systematic review. Geriatr Nurs 2024; 55:89-96. [PMID: 37976560 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2023.10.020] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This systematic review aims to examine the relationship between cognition and volunteering in older adults, with a specific focus on domain-specific outcomes. METHODS In April 2023, a comprehensive search was conducted across multiple electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus. The inclusion criteria for the study were limited to longitudinal studies or randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The quality and risk of bias of the included articles were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT). RESULTS Out of 3575 articles retrieved, 17 studies were eligible for inclusion in this review. The majority of these studies were conducted in high-income countries. Of the 17 studies reviewed, 16 found a positive association between volunteering and cognitive benefits. CONCLUSION The analysis of seventeen studies meeting the predefined inclusion criteria suggests a potential positive correlation between volunteering and cognitive function among older adults. Some demographic factors such as gender and education level were observed to have an influence on this relationship. It was found that older adults who engage in volunteering may exhibit better episodic memory, working memory, and verbal fluency compared to non-volunteers. However, due to limitations in the existing research and variations across studies, further investigation is needed to establish definitive conclusions.
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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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Fazeli PL, Hopkins C, Vance DE, Wadley V, Li P, Turan B, Wang DH, Bowen PG, Clay OJ. Cognitive prescriptions for reducing dementia risk factors among Black/African Americans: feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2024; 29:1-24. [PMID: 37463839 PMCID: PMC11232533 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2023.2231669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Black/African Americans (B/AAs) have double the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia than Whites, which is largely driven by health behaviors. This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a pilot randomized clinical trial of an individualized multidomain health behavior intervention among middle-aged and older B/AAs (dubbed Cognitive Prescriptions [CogRx]). DESIGN Thirty-nine community-dwelling B/AA participants aged 45-65 without significant cognitive impairment were randomized to one of three groups: CogRx, Psychoeducation, or no-contact control. The Psychoeducation and CogRx groups received material on dementia prevalence, prognosis, and risk factors, while the CogRx group additionally received information on their risk factor profile across the five CogRx domains (physical, cognitive, and social activity, diet, sleep). This information was used for developing tailored 3-month goals in their suboptimal areas. RESULTS The CogRx program had high retention (all 13 CogRx participants completed the 3-month program and 97% of the full sample completed at least 1 follow-up) and was well-received as exhibited by qualitative and quantitative feedback. Themes identified in the positive feedback provided by participants on the program included: increased knowledge, goal-setting, personalization, and motivation. The COVID-19 pandemic was a consistent theme that emerged regarding barriers of adherence to the program. All three groups improved on dementia knowledge, with the largest effects observed in CogRx and Psychoeducation groups. Increases in cognitive, physical, and overall leisure activities favored the CogRx group, whereas improvements in sleep outcomes favored Psychoeducation and CogRx groups as compared to the control group. CONCLUSION The CogRx program demonstrated feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy in increasing dementia knowledge and targeted health behaviors. Further refinement and testing of the implementation and effectiveness of similar person-centered dementia prevention approaches are needed on a larger scale in diverse populations. Such findings may have implications for clinical and public health recommendations. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03864536.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pariya L. Fazeli
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Cierra Hopkins
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - David E. Vance
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Virginia Wadley
- School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Peng Li
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Bulent Turan
- Department of Psychology, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Danny H. Wang
- College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Pamela G. Bowen
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Olivio J. Clay
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Griep Y, Hanson LM, Leineweber C, Geurts SA. Feeling stressed and depressed? A three-wave follow-up study of the beneficial effects of voluntary work. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2023; 23:100363. [PMID: 36605772 PMCID: PMC9800247 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2022.100363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
While symptoms of stress are a major risk factor in the onset of depressive symptoms and major depression, a better understanding of intervening mechanisms in breaking down this positive association is urgently required. It is within this literature that we investigate (1) how symptoms of stress are associated with depressive symptoms and the onset of major depression, and (2) the buffering effect of hours spent on voluntary work on the stress-depression relationship. Using 3-wave longitudinal data, we estimated a direct and reverse auto-regressive path model. We found both cross-sectional and longitudinal support for the positive association between symptoms of stress and depressive symptoms. Next, we found that individuals who experienced more symptoms of stress at T1, T2, and T3 were 1.64 (95%CI [1.46;1.91]), 1.49 (95%CI [1.24;1.74]), and 1.40 (95%CI [1.21;1.60]) times more likely to be prescribed an anti-depression treatment at T3, respectively. Moreover, we found that the number of hours spent volunteering mitigated the (1) longitudinal-but not cross-sectional-stress-depression relationship, and (2) cross-sectional-but not the longitudinal-association between symptoms of stress at T3 and the likelihood of being prescribed an anti-depression treatment. These results point toward the pivotal role of voluntary work in reducing the development of depressive symptoms and major depression in relation to the experience of symptoms of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Griep
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Sabine A.E. Geurts
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Bell TR, Beck A, Gillespie NA, Reynolds CA, Elman JA, Williams ME, Gustavson DE, Lyons MJ, Neale MC, Kremen WS, Franz CE. A Traitlike Dimension of Subjective Memory Concern Over 30 Years Among Adult Male Twins. JAMA Psychiatry 2023; 80:718-727. [PMID: 37163244 PMCID: PMC10173101 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.1004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Importance Subjective memory concern has long been considered a state-related indicator of impending cognitive decline or dementia. The possibility that subjective memory concern may itself be a heritable trait is largely ignored, yet such an association would substantially confound its use in clinical or research settings. Objective To assess the heritability and traitlike dimensions of subjective memory concern and its clinical correlates. Design, Setting, and Participants This longitudinal twin cohort study was conducted from 1967 to 2019 among male adults with a mean (SD) age of 37.75 (2.52) years to follow-up at mean ages of 56.15 (2.72), 61.50 (2.43), and 67.35 (2.57) years (hereafter, 38, 56, 62, and 67 years, respectively) in the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging. The study included a national community-dwelling sample with health, education, and lifestyle characteristics comparable to a general sample of US men in this age cohort. Participants were monozygotic and dizygotic twins randomly recruited from the Vietnam Era Twin Registry. Data were analyzed from May 2021 to December 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures Measures included subjective memory concern at 4 time points; objective memory, depressive symptoms, and anxiety at the last 3 time points; negative emotionality (trait neuroticism) at age 56 years; polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for neuroticism, depression, and Alzheimer disease; APOE genotype; and parental history of dementia. Primary outcomes were heritability and correlations between subjective memory concern and other measures. Results The sample included 1555 male adults examined at age 38 years, 520 at age 56 years (due to late introduction of subjective memory concern questions), 1199 at age 62 years, and 1192 at age 67 years. Phenotypically, subjective memory concerns were relatively stable over time. At age 56 years, subjective memory concern had larger correlations with depressive symptoms (r, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.42), anxiety (r, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.18 to 0.51), and neuroticism (r, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.41) than with objective memory (r, -0.24; 95% CI, -0.33 to -0.13). Phenotypic results were similar at ages 62 and 67 years. A best-fitting autoregressive twin model indicated that genetic influences on subjective memory concern accumulated and persisted over time (h2 = 0.26-0.34 from age 38-67 years). At age 56 years, genetic influences for subjective memory concern were moderately correlated with genetic influences for anxiety (r, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.18 to 0.51), negative emotionality (r, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.44-0.57), and depressive symptoms (r, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.29) as well as objective memory (r, -0.22; 95% CI, -0.30 to -0.14). Similar genetic correlations were seen at ages 62 and 67 years. The neuroticism PRS was associated with subjective memory concern at age 38 years (r, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.03. to 0.18) and age 67 years (r, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.16). Subjective memory concern was not associated with any Alzheimer disease risk measures. Conclusions and Relevance This cohort study found stable genetic influences underlying subjective memory concern dating back to age 38 years. Subjective memory concern had larger correlations with affect-related measures than with memory-related measures. Improving the utility of subjective memory concern as an indicator of impending cognitive decline and dementia may depend on isolating its statelike component from its traitlike component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler R. Bell
- Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Asad Beck
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Nathan A. Gillespie
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond
| | | | - Jeremy A. Elman
- Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | - McKenna E. Williams
- Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
- Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego
| | | | - Michael J. Lyons
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael C. Neale
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond
| | - William S. Kremen
- Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Carol E. Franz
- Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
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Mettler M, Stanikić M, Schwegler U, Sieber C, Ajdacic-Gross V, Rodgers S, Haag C, Zecca C, Calabrese P, Kägi S, Rapold I, von Wyl V. Engagement in volunteering activities by persons with multiple sclerosis in Switzerland. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 69:104427. [PMID: 36470169 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104427] [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: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Informal and formal volunteering engagement is a proxy for social integration and may have beneficial effects for physical and mental well-being in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). As literature on the topic among the pwMS is lacking, this study aimed to determine frequency and type of volunteering performed by pwMS and to identify factors associated with volunteering. METHODS Cross-sectional, self-reported data of 615 pwMS participating in the Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Registry were analyzed using descriptive statistics to determine frequency and type of volunteering engagement. Univariable and multivariable generalized linear models with binomial distribution and log link function were used to identify factors associated with volunteering. Age, sex, employment status and gait disability were added to the multivariable model as fixed confounders. Sociodemographic, health-, work- and daily activity-related factors were included in the analysis. RESULTS About one third (29.4%) of participants reported engagement in volunteering activities, most often through charities (16.02%) and cultural organizations (14.36%). In the multivariable model, participants who had a university degree were more likely to volunteer than those with lower level of education (RR = 1.48 95% CI [1.14; 1.91]). The ability to pursue daily activities (as measured by the EQ-5D subscale) was strongly associated with participation in volunteering among pwMS. Compared with pwMS who had no or only slight limitations in daily activities, those with severe problems were markedly less likely to engage in volunteering (RR = 0.41, 95% CI [0.21; 0.80]) . Finally, pwMS who reported caring for and supporting their family (i.e., being a homemaker) were more likely to engage in volunteering activities than those who did not (RR = 1.52, 95% CI [1.15; 2.01]). CONCLUSION Nearly one in three pwMS engaged in diverse volunteering activities. Having a university degree, being less limited in daily activities and being a homemaker increased the probability of pursuing volunteering activities. Contingent on individual-level motivations, resources or physical abilities, pwMS who experience challenges in performing daily activities or social barriers should be made aware of barrier-free offers of socially inclusive and volunteering activities, often provided by the national MS societies and health leagues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Mettler
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mina Stanikić
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland; Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Urban Schwegler
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zäch Institute, Nottwil, Switzerland; Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Chloé Sieber
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland; Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vladeta Ajdacic-Gross
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Rodgers
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christina Haag
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland; Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Zecca
- Department of Neurology, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, EOC, Lugano, Switzerland; Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Pasquale Calabrese
- Neuropsychology and Behavioral Neurology Unit, Division of Cognitive and Molecular Neuroscience, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Kägi
- Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Society, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Irene Rapold
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Viktor von Wyl
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland; Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland.
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Wion RK, Hill NL, Bell TR, Mogle J, Yates J, Bhang I. The Role of Cognitive Self-Report Measure Type in Predicting Cognitive Decline Among Older Adults: A Systematic Review. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2022; 35:487-511. [PMID: 34151643 PMCID: PMC8688580 DOI: 10.1177/08919887211023591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Many types of items are used to measure self-reported cognition, resulting in heterogeneity across studies. Certain cognitive self-report measure types may be more predictive of future decline. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to compare whether specific types of cognitive self-report measures better predict risk for cognitive decline over time when measures are directly compared within the same study. The PRISMA criteria guided the review. Eligibility criteria included: longitudinal studies, outcome of cognitive decline, at least 2 different cognitive self-report measures, and no cognitive impairment at baseline. Nineteen studies were included in the final review. A narrative synthesis of results was completed, resulting in 3 thematic groups of comparisons across self-reported measure types. Self-reported memory decline with worry and peer perceptions of memory were associated with the highest risk for cognitive decline. Future longitudinal investigations of self-reported cognitive problems should focus on using measures that may be most sensitive to predicting cognitive decline risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikki L. Hill
- College of Nursing++, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Tyler R. Bell
- Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | - Jacqueline Mogle
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Jennifer Yates
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Iris Bhang
- College of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
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Veal B, Sadeq NA, Atkinson TJ, Andel R. Who Volunteers? Results From an Internet-Based Cognitive Monitoring Study of Community-Based Older Adults. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2022; 50:359-368. [PMID: 35703406 DOI: 10.1177/10901981221101355] [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: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. Volunteering promotes well-being and may provide added purpose to life after retirement. Limited evidence exists regarding the characteristics and study adherence among those who participate in longitudinal studies while also volunteering outside the study. We assessed characteristics and adherence of older adults who volunteered outside of participation in a regular monthly cognitive monitoring study. Method. All 124 participants with complete data were included. Participants were from a regular cognitive monitoring study that required completion of a 15-min monthly online cognitive assessment. Analysis of covariance and logistic regression analysis were performed to examine differences between volunteers and nonvolunteers. Results. Those who volunteered outside the study were significantly less likely to be college-educated (although all participants were highly educated) but the two groups were cognitively similar. Volunteers had significantly lower scores for neuroticism. Those who volunteered also were significantly less likely to drop out but had poorer study adherence. The most frequent type of volunteering was religious activities. Volunteers were motivated mainly by altruism, although most reported multiple reasons. Conclusion. Older adults who enroll in a longitudinal research study and volunteer outside the study have similar personal characteristics as those who opt out of additional volunteering, with somewhat less education and more favorable personality traits. However, they may be more likely to drop out and need more reminders. Therefore, those who volunteer outside a study may need more attention from study administrators and potentially a more individualized schedule that works around their volunteer obligations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ross Andel
- University of South Florida, Tampa, FL,USA
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10
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Corrêa JC, Ávila MPW, Lucchetti ALG, Lucchetti G. Altruism, Volunteering and Cognitive Performance Among Older Adults: A 2-Year Longitudinal Study. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2022; 35:66-77. [PMID: 33021137 DOI: 10.1177/0891988720964260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate whether altruism and volunteering are associated differently with cognitive functioning in community-dwelling older adults. A 2-year longitudinal study of 291 Brazilian older adults was conducted. In the baseline analysis, altruism, but not volunteering, was associated with higher scores for the composite cognitive score, the Mini-Mental State Examination, the verbal fluency and the CERAD Recall. Concerning the longitudinal analyses, volunteering at baseline, but not altruism, was associated with verbal fluency and CERAD Word List Recall after 2 years of follow up. Same results were obtained while investigating changes in score. Altruism and volunteering were associated with cognitive tests, albeit in different ways. Volunteering, but not altruism, was associated with lower cognitive decline. However, altruism, but not volunteering, was associated with higher absolute score on these tests. These findings can further understanding of this new field of health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimilly Caputo Corrêa
- Division of Geriatrics, School of Medicine, 28113Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Giancarlo Lucchetti
- Division of Geriatrics, School of Medicine, 28113Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Fazeli PL, Hopkins C, Vance DE, Wadley V, Li P, Turan B, Bowen PG, Clay OJ. Rationale and protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial of a cognitive prescription intervention for reducing dementia risk factors among African Americans. NURSING (AUCKLAND, N.Z.) 2022; 12:1-15. [PMID: 35079596 PMCID: PMC8783962 DOI: 10.2147/nrr.s339200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & PURPOSE African Americans (AAs) are twice as likely to develop dementia than Whites, which may be driven by poorer dementia knowledge and lifestyle factors. This article provides the rationale and protocol for a pilot clinical trial examining a tailored multi-domain lifestyle modification intervention in middle-aged and older AAs. This study will explore the feasibility and efficacy of individualized Cognitive Prescriptions (CogRx) which target five domains: physical activity, cognitive activity, diet, sleep, and social activity. Theoretical underpinnings include Social Cognitive Theory and the Health Belief Model, which suggest that tailored risk factor information, goal-setting, and outcome expectations along with addressing self-efficacy and barriers will promote behavior change. STUDY DESIGN This study plans to enroll 150 community-dwelling AA participants aged 45-65 without significant cognitive impairment. After baseline assessment including data-driven assessment of deficiencies in each of the five CogRx domains, participants are randomized with equal allocation to either: psychoeducation + CogRx, psychoeducation only, or no-contact control. The psychoeducation and CogRx groups receive general psychoeducation on dementia prevalence, prognosis, and risk factors, while the CogRx group also receives information on their risk factor profile and develops a tailored 3-month intervention plan, consisting of simple evidence-based strategies to implement. The CogRx condition receives text-messaging reminders and adherence queries and provides feedback on this program. CONCLUSION This study tests a novel multi-domain dementia prevention intervention and has several strengths, including enrolling middle-aged AAs with a focus on prevention, assessing adherence and self-efficacy, tailoring the intervention, and examining dementia knowledge. The goal is to yield new perspectives on person-centered dementia prevention approaches in diverse populations, and ultimately impact clinical and public health recommendations for maintaining cognitive health, thereby reducing disparities in dementia. Modifications to study design due to COVID-19 and future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pariya L. Fazeli
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Cierra Hopkins
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - David E. Vance
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Virginia Wadley
- School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Peng Li
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Bulent Turan
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Pamela G. Bowen
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Olivio J. Clay
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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12
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Williams CR, Burnell SM, Rogers M, Flies EJ, Baldock KL. Nature-Based Citizen Science as a Mechanism to Improve Human Health in Urban Areas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:68. [PMID: 35010326 PMCID: PMC8751081 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The world is becoming increasingly urbanised, impacting human interactions with natural environments (NEs). NEs take a number of forms, ranging from pristine, modified, to built NEs, which are common in many urban areas. NEs may include nature-based solutions, such as introducing nature elements and biological processes into cities that are used to solve problems created by urbanisation. Whilst urbanisation has negative impacts on human health, impacting mental and physical wellbeing through a number of mechanisms, exposure to NEs may improve human health and wellbeing. Here, we review the mechanisms by which health can be improved by exposure to NEs, as explained by Stress Reduction Theory, Attention Restoration Theory, and the 'Old Friends'/biodiversity hypothesis. Such exposures may have physiological and immunological benefits, mediated through endocrine pathways and altered microbiota. Citizen Science, which often causes exposure to NEs and social activity, is being increasingly used to not only collect scientific data but also to engage individuals and communities. Despite being a named component of scientific and environmental strategies of governments, to our knowledge, the intrinsic health benefits of Citizen Science in NEs do not form part of public health policy. We contend that Citizen Science programs that facilitate exposure to NEs in urban areas may represent an important public health policy advance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig R. Williams
- UniSA Clinical and Health Science, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia; (S.M.B.); (M.R.)
| | - Sophie M. Burnell
- UniSA Clinical and Health Science, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia; (S.M.B.); (M.R.)
| | - Michelle Rogers
- UniSA Clinical and Health Science, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia; (S.M.B.); (M.R.)
| | - Emily J. Flies
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia;
| | - Katherine L. Baldock
- UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia;
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13
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Cattagni Kleiner A, Henchoz Y, Fustinoni S, Seematter-Bagnoud L. Volunteering transitions and change in quality of life among older adults: A mixed methods research. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2021; 98:104556. [PMID: 34678646 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2021.104556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The activity theory posits that productive activities are beneficial to older people's well-being. This study examined how quality of life (QoL), globally and in its different dimensions, may be affected by stopping or initiating volunteering, and which psychosocial mechanisms might be at work in such associations. METHOD This study used an explicative sequential mixed method design: analyses of 2011 and 2016 data from participants to the Lausanne cohort 65+ (n = 1,976, age 68-77 years in 2011) were followed by qualitative analyses of focus groups made of volunteers participating in the same cohort. Quantitative and qualitative results were then integrated to search for explanations of the former by the latter. RESULTS Stopping (versus maintaining) volunteering was independently associated with higher odds of a decrease in global QoL and in the "self-esteem and recognition" and "autonomy" dimensions. Observed associations were mediated by the satisfaction of transmitting skills and knowledge, of witnessing the progress of the people being helped, and of feeling useful. Volunteering gave participants a sense of structure and taught them new skills. Initiating volunteering (versus not participating) was independently associated with lower odds of a decrease in the "material resources" dimension and experiencing financial problems was believed to hinder volunteering. CONCLUSION Our findings show a positive impact of volunteering on the self-esteem and autonomy of older adults, suggesting that they should be supported in maintaining their volunteer activities. Further exploration of the relationship between material resources and opportunities to volunteer is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Cattagni Kleiner
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yves Henchoz
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Fustinoni
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laurence Seematter-Bagnoud
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, University of Lausanne, Switzerland; Service of Geriatric medicine and geriatric rehabilitation, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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14
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Costenoble A, Rossi G, Knoop V, Debain A, Smeys C, Bautmans I, Verté D, De Vriendt P, Gorus E. Does psychological resilience mediate the relation between daily functioning and prefrailty status? Int Psychogeriatr 2021; 34:1-10. [PMID: 34629136 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610221001058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Understanding of prefrailty's relationship with limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) moderated by psychological resilience is needed, as resilience might support ADLs' maintenance and thus protect against frailty. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the influence of psychological resilience (using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale; CD-RISC) on the relation between ADLs and frailty status of older individuals (i.e. prefrail versus robust). DESIGN Cross-sectional design. SETTING UZ Brussels, Belgium. PARTICIPANTS Robust (Fried 0/4;n = 214; Age = 82.3 ± 2.1yrs) and prefrail (Fried 1-2/4; n = 191; Age = 83.8 ±3.2yrs) community-dwelling older individuals were included. MEASUREMENTS Frailty scores were obtained from weight loss, exhaustion, gait speed, and grip strength. A total Disability Index (DI) expressed dependency for basic (b-), instrumental (i-), and advanced (a-)ADLs. Mediation was investigated by estimating direct and indirect effects of all levels of ADLs and CD-RISC total score on prefrailty/robustness using a stepwise multiple regression approach. RESULTS Prefrailty/robustness significantly correlated with a-ADL-DI (point-biserial correlation (rpb) = 0.098; p<0.05). Adjusted for age and gender, the a-ADL-DI (p<0.05) had a significant protective direct effect against prefrailty. No effects were found with the CD-RISC total score. CONCLUSIONS Less limitation in a-ADLs is a directly correlated factor of prefrailty and might represent a higher likelihood of robustness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axelle Costenoble
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
- Gerontology Department, VUB, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gina Rossi
- Personality and Psychopathology Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, VUB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Veerle Knoop
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
- Gerontology Department, VUB, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aziz Debain
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
- Gerontology Department, VUB, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
- Geriatrics Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
| | - Celeste Smeys
- Geriatrics Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ivan Bautmans
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
- Gerontology Department, VUB, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
- Geriatrics Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dominique Verté
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
- Belgian Ageing Studies Research Group, VUB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Patricia De Vriendt
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
- Gerontology Department, VUB, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
- Arteveldehogeschool, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ellen Gorus
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
- Gerontology Department, VUB, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
- Geriatrics Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
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15
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Hill NL, Mogle J, Bhargava S, Bratlee-Whitaker E, Wion RK, Sweeder L, Sliwinski M, Barnes LL. Within-Person Associations Among Self-Perceptions of Memory, Depressive Symptoms, and Activity Participation in Older Adults. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2021; 61:1107-1117. [PMID: 33326557 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnaa208] [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: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Self-perceptions of memory problems may impact older adults' mood as well as their activity participation, thereby negatively affecting health and well-being. We examined within-person associations among self-reported memory, depressive symptoms, as well as physical, social, and cognitive activity participation in older adults without cognitive impairment. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Samples were drawn from the Einstein Aging Study (EAS), National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), Rush Memory and Aging Project (MAP), and Minority Aging Research Study (MARS), with over 8,000 participants (65+ years) included across data sets. In a series of coordinated analyses, multilevel structural equation modeling was used to examine within-person relationships over periods of up to 20 years. RESULTS Across EAS, NHATS, and MAP/MARS samples, we found that older adults' self-perceptions of memory did not directly covary with activity participation over time. However, we did find an indirect association in NHATS such that within-person changes in depressive symptoms were associated with changes in self-reported memory, and these contributed to lower physical as well as social activity participation. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Older adults' activity participation is important for health, but maximizing engagement requires understanding potentially impeding factors. We found some evidence that as self-perceptions of memory change over time, associated depressive symptoms may contribute to lower activity participation. Inconsistent findings across data sets, however, suggest future research is needed to understand individual characteristics that may influence these relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki L Hill
- College of Nursing, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA
| | - Jacqueline Mogle
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA
| | - Sakshi Bhargava
- College of Nursing, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA
| | | | - Rachel K Wion
- School of Nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis, USA
| | - Logan Sweeder
- College of Nursing, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA
| | - Martin Sliwinski
- College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA
| | - Lisa L Barnes
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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16
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Interventions against Social Isolation of Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Existing Literature and Interventions. Geriatrics (Basel) 2021; 6:geriatrics6030082. [PMID: 34449636 PMCID: PMC8395923 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics6030082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Social isolation is widespread among older adults, especially those confined to living in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. We completed a systematic review evaluating the effectiveness of 20 interventions used to combat social isolation in older adults. A scoring mechanism based on the Joanna Briggs Appraisal Checklist was utilized to determine the quality of the studies. Searches were conducted in "MedLine", "PubMed", "PsycINFO" and "Aging and Mental Health". Studies completed on group and person-centered interventions against social isolation were the highest quality as the social isolation experienced by older adults decreased after the intervention, and this effect continued in follow-up studies. Other interventions such as volunteering-based interventions also alleviated isolation; however, follow-up studies were not completed to determine long-term efficacy. Given the increase in social isolation faced by older persons during the pandemic, our review can be utilized to create effective interventions to reduce social isolation.
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17
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Forward C, Khan HTA, Fox P. Older Women Living Alone in the UK: Does Their Health and Wellbeing Differ from Those Who Cohabit? JOURNAL OF POPULATION AGEING 2021; 16:103-119. [PMID: 34394768 PMCID: PMC8349464 DOI: 10.1007/s12062-021-09344-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
With an increased prevalence of people living alone in later life, understanding the health and wellbeing of older women living alone in the UK is an important area of research. Little is known about health and wellbeing in this population and whether they differ from those who cohabit. This paper fills this research gap. Analysis was undertaken of Wave 8 of the Understanding Society Household Panel Survey, including variables such as internet use and volunteering. Differences were found between those who live alone and cohabit. Volunteering was a predictor of better health outcomes for those who lived alone but not for those who cohabit, despite similar rates of volunteering. Internet use predicted some better health outcome for those who cohabit but poorer for those who live alone. This suggests lifestyle factors vary in how they affect the health and wellbeing of older women, depending on cohabitation status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Forward
- College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare, University of West London, England, UK
| | - Hafiz T. A. Khan
- Public Health Group, College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare, University of West London, England, UK
| | - Pauline Fox
- The Graduate Centre, University of West London, London, England UK
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18
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Factors Favoring and Hindering Volunteering by Older Adults and Their Relationship with Subjective Well-Being: A Mixed-Method Approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18136704. [PMID: 34206359 PMCID: PMC8297242 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18136704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A mixed methodology was used through the triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data to determine older adults’ perspectives regarding volunteering and identify what factors can contribute to promoting it, with special emphasis on the role that their own well-being plays in this behavior. The results reveal that satisfaction with life as a whole contributes positively to volunteer behavior and satisfaction with the groups one belongs to contributes negatively. The volunteers were less satisfied than non-volunteers with interpersonal relationships and with the groups they belong to. Knowing the opinion of the older adults with regard to volunteering and understanding how this prosocial behavior relates to their own well-being is very useful for developing strategic plans that allow future volunteers to be captured.
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19
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Abstract
Abstract
The physical, mental and social benefits for older adults who volunteer are well-documented. Absent from this area of research is an understanding of volunteer motivations among ethnoculturally diverse older adults. This paper addresses this research gap by examining motivations to volunteer related to cultural generativity among Jewish older adults, a group that remains underexplored in research. Cultural generativity is defined as an impulse to pass down one's culture to the next generation, and thus to outlive the self. The Jewish community is notable for possessing high levels of social capital, indicated by close community ties and the large number of faith and culturally based organisations, and therefore makes them an important ethnocultural group to study. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 adult volunteers age 65 and over. The guiding research questions for this study are: What are the motivations to volunteer among older Jewish adults? and Do these motivations align with the concept of generativity applied to Jewish culture? Data analysis identified three themes related to cultural generativity: volunteering to preserve and pass down Jewish traditions and teachings; a Jewish ethic of giving back perceived as a duty; and experiences of anti-Semitism and discrimination motivating Jewish participants to volunteer. Findings suggest the ways in which cultural generativity may be expressed through volunteerism.
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20
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Lu Y, Matsuyama S, Tanji F, Otsuka T, Tomata Y, Tsuji I. Social Participation and Healthy Aging among the Elderly Japanese: the Ohsaki Cohort 2006 Study. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2021; 77:106-113. [PMID: 33837413 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glab101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our study examined the association between social participation and healthy aging using a community-based cohort study among Japanese elderly. METHODS This prospective study was conducted in Ohsaki City, Japan, and included 7,226 subjects aged ≥65 years at the baseline survey in 2006. We obtained information on frequency of participation in three types of community activities (i.e. neighborhood activities, hobbies, and volunteer activities) at baseline. Exposure was measured by the number of types of community activities participated in and subjects were categorized into four groups (i.e. none, one type, two types, and three types). The primary outcome was healthy aging as assessed by a questionnaire survey conducted in 2017, and was defined as meeting the following four criteria: free of disability, free of depression, high health-related quality of life, and high life satisfaction. We used multiple logistic regression models to calculate the corresponding odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs). RESULTS During 11 years of follow-up, 574 (7.9%) subjects attained healthy aging. Compared with subjects not participating in any activity, the multivariable-adjusted ORs (95%CIs) were 1.90 (1.40, 2.59) for those participating in one type, 2.49 (1.84, 3.38) for two types, and 3.06 (2.30, 4.07) for three types (P for trend <.0001). Furthermore, for each type of community activity, a higher frequency of participation was related to higher probability of healthy aging. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that social participation is associated with the promotion of healthy aging, and that the benefits were observed across different types of community activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukai Lu
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Informatics and Public Health, Tohoku University School of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Sanae Matsuyama
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Informatics and Public Health, Tohoku University School of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Fumiya Tanji
- Faculty of Nursing, Japanese Red Cross Akita College of Nursing, Akita, Japan
| | - Tatsui Otsuka
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Informatics and Public Health, Tohoku University School of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yasutake Tomata
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Informatics and Public Health, Tohoku University School of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ichiro Tsuji
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Informatics and Public Health, Tohoku University School of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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21
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Costenoble A, Knoop V, Debain A, Vermeiren S, Vella Azzopardi R, Rossi G, Smeys C, Baltazar KD, Bautmans I, Verté D, Gorus E, De Vriendt P. Prefrailty: The Relationship Between Daily Activities and Social Participation in Older Persons. J Appl Gerontol 2021; 41:430-440. [PMID: 33554735 DOI: 10.1177/0733464821991007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To analyze prefrailty's relationship with limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) and restrictions in social participation. METHOD Robust (Fried 0/4; n = 214; Mage = 82.3 years [SD ±2.1]) and prefrail (Fried 1-2/4; n = 191; Mage = 83.8 years [SD ±3.2]) community-dwelling older individuals were included. Frailty scores were obtained from weight loss, exhaustion, gait speed, and grip strength. A total disability index (DI) expressed dependency for basic (b-), instrumental (i-), and advanced (a-)ADLs. Total participation score, being a member, total number of memberships, being a board member, level of participation, membership over time, volunteering, and formal participation represented social participation. RESULTS Logistic regression retained age (OR = 1.224; 95% CI = [1.122, 1.335]), sex (OR = 3.818; 95% CI = [2.437, 5.982]), and a-ADL-DI (OR = 1.230; 95% CI = [1.018, 1.486]) as variables significantly related to prefrailty (68.3%; χ2 = 68.25; df = 3; p < .001). DISCUSSION Subtle limitations in a-ADLs, higher age, and being a man were associated with prefrailty, revealing the possible role of personal and culturally related a-ADLs as red flags for (pre)frailty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axelle Costenoble
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.,Gerontology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
| | - Veerle Knoop
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.,Gerontology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
| | - Aziz Debain
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.,Gerontology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.,Geriatrics Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium
| | - Sofie Vermeiren
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.,Gerontology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
| | - Roberta Vella Azzopardi
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.,Gerontology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
| | - Gina Rossi
- Personality and Psychopathology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
| | - Celeste Smeys
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.,Geriatrics Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium
| | - Kéren Duarte Baltazar
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.,Geriatrics Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium
| | - Ivan Bautmans
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.,Gerontology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.,Geriatrics Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium
| | - Dominique Verté
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.,Belgian Ageing Studies Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
| | - Ellen Gorus
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.,Gerontology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.,Geriatrics Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium
| | - Patricia De Vriendt
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.,Gerontology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.,Arteveldehogeschool, Ghent, Belgium
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22
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Filges T, Siren A, Fridberg T, Nielsen BCV. Voluntary work for the physical and mental health of older volunteers: A systematic review. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2020; 16:e1124. [PMID: 37016617 PMCID: PMC8356337 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Background The increasing imbalance between the number of older adults not working and the number of adults in the age range of labour force participation (age range 20-64) has long been a fundamental public policy challenge in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development member countries. At a societal level, this growing imbalance raises serious concerns about the viability and funding of social security, pensions and health programmes. At an individual level, the concern is probably more that of aging well with the prospect of many years in retirement. Some research suggests that retiring for some carries the risk of a fast decline in health. Volunteering can play a significant role in people's lives as they transition from work to retirement, as it offers a "structured" means of making a meaningful contribution in society once the opportunity to do so through work has been cut off. Some older people consider voluntary work as a way to replicate aspects of paid work lost upon retirement, such as organisational structure and time discipline. In many countries, volunteering of the older adults is increasing and programmes designed specifically for this subpopulation are emerging. Volunteering may contribute to both individuals aging well and society aging well, as volunteering by the older adults at the same time relieves the societal burden if it helps maintain health and functionality for those who volunteer. It thus remains to be established to what extent volunteering impacts on the physical and mental health of those who volunteer. Objectives The main objective of this review is to answer the following research question: what are the effects of volunteering on the physical and mental health of people aged 65 years or older? Search Strategy Relevant studies were identified through electronic searches of bibliographic databases, governmental and grey literature repositories, hand search in specific targeted journals, citation tracking, contact to international experts and internet search engines. The database searches were carried out to December 2018 and other resources were searched in September 2019 and October 2019. We searched to identify both published and unpublished literature. The searches were international in scope. Reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews were also searched. Selection Criteria The intervention of interest was formal volunteering which can be described as voluntary, on-going, planned, helping behaviour that intend to increase the well-being of strangers, offers no monetary compensation and typically occurs within an organisational context. We included older people aged 65 or over who are engaged in formal voluntary work. The primary focus was on measures of physical and mental health. All study designs that used a well-defined control group were eligible for inclusion. Studies that utilised qualitative approaches were not included. Data Collection and Analysis The total number of potential relevant studies constituted 17,046 hits. A total of 90 studies, met the inclusion criteria and were critically appraised by the review authors. The 90 studies analysed 47 different populations. Only 26 studies (analysing 19 different populations) could be used in the data synthesis. Forty-six studies could not be used in the data synthesis as they were judged to have too high risk of bias and, in accordance with the protocol, were excluded from the meta-analysis on the basis that they would be more likely to mislead than inform. Eighteen studies did not provide enough information enabling us to calculate an effects size and standard error or did not provide results in a form enabling us to use it in the data synthesis. Finally, of the 26 studies that could be used in the data synthesis, two pairs of studies used the same two data sets and reported on the same outcome(s), thus in addition two studies were not used in the data synthesis.Meta-analysis of both physical health outcomes and mental health outcomes were conducted on each metric separately. All analyses were inverse variance weighted using random effects statistical models that incorporate both the sampling variance and between study variance components into the study level weights. Random effects weighted mean effect sizes were calculated using 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Sensitivity analysis was carried out by restricting the meta-analysis to a subset of all studies included in the original meta-analysis and was used to evaluate whether the pooled effect sizes were robust across components of risk of bias. Results The 24 studies (analysing 19 different populations), used for meta analysis were from Australia, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Korea and United States, three were a randomised controlled trial and 21 were NRS. The baseline time period (the year the voluntary work that was analysed was measured) spanned by the included studies is 30 years, from 1984 to 2014 and on average the baseline year was 2001. On average the number of follow up years was 5, although with great variation from 0 to 25 years. The average number of volunteers analysed (not reported in four studies) was 2,369, ranging from 15 to 27,131 and the average number of controls was 13,581, ranging from 13 to 217.297. In total the average number of participants analysed was 14,566, ranging from 28 to 244.428.Ten studies analysed the effect of voluntary work on mortality, however, eight studies reported a hazard ratio and two studies reported an odds ratio. We analysed these two types of effect sizes separately. A hazard ratio <1 indicates that the treated, the volunteers is favoured. That is, the conditional mortality rate is lower for volunteers. All reported results indicated an effect favouring the volunteers, primary study effect sizes lied in the range 0.67-0.91. The random effects weighted mean hazard ratio was 0.76 (95% CI, 0.72-0.80) and statistically significant. The two studies that reported odds ratios of mortality supported this result. There was no heterogeneity between the studies in either of the meta analyses.Three studies analysed the effect of voluntary work on incident functional disability, using a hazard ratio as effect measure. All reported results indicated an effect favouring the volunteers, primary study effect sizes lied in the range 0.70-0.99. The random effects weighted mean hazard ratio was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.72-0.97) and statistically significant. There was a small amount of heterogeneity between the studies.Two studies analysed the effect of voluntary work on decline in instrumental activities of daily living, using an odds ratio as effect measure. Both reported results indicated an effect favouring the volunteers (0.63 and 0.83). The random effects weighted mean odds ratio was 0.73 (95% CI, 0.53-1.01) and not statistically significant. There is no heterogeneity between the two studies.Three studies analysed the effect of voluntary work on maintenance of functional competence, using an odds ratio as effect measure. All reported results indicated an effect favouring the volunteers, primary study effect sizes lied in the range 0.67-0.83. The random effects weighted mean odds ratio was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.70-0.94) and statistically significant. There is no heterogeneity between the studies.In addition a number of other physical outcomes were reported in a single study only.Three studies analysed the effect of voluntary work on depression, and reported results that enabled the calculation of standardised mean difference (SMD) and variance. The effect sizes are measured such that a positive effect size favours the volunteers. All reported results indicated an effect favouring the volunteers, primary study effect sizes lied in the range 0.05-0.66. The random effects weighted SMD was 0.12 (95% CI, 0.00-0.23) and statistically significant. There is a very small amount of heterogeneity between the studies.In addition, a number of other mental health outcomes were reported in a single study only.We did not find any adverse effects.There were no appreciable changes in the results across components of risk of bias as indicated by the sensitivity analysis. Authors' Conclusions The review aimed to examine effects on all types of physical and mental health outcomes. With the exception of mortality, there was insufficient evidence available. The available evidence, however, does suggest that there is an effect on the mortality of volunteers, although the effect is small. We found evidence that voluntary work reduces the mortality hazard of the volunteers aged 65 and above. The effect corresponds to a 43% chance of the volunteers dying first which should be compared to a fifty-fifty chance (50%) of dying first if the intervention had no effect. The evidence seems robust in the sense that we did not find any heterogeneity between the studies. As the intervention, unlike most other interventions in the social welfare area, is not costly, it could be prescribed to more older adults. In fact as the intervention in contrary to carrying a cost is a productive activity contributing directly to community well-being and has a positive effect on the volunteers it probably should be prescribed universally. However, due to the very nature of the intervention, it is voluntary and it cannot be prescribed. But more people could be encouraged to take up voluntary work if the opportunity was immediately available and visible.
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Same A, McBride H, Liddelow C, Mullan B, Harris C. Motivations for volunteering time with older adults: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232718. [PMID: 32365081 PMCID: PMC7197773 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Improved health, wellbeing and quality of life are associated with older adults living well at home. Enabling older adults to remain at home requires organisations to consider different workforce models to support these initiatives. Volunteers are often used by organisations providing such services. However, given the changing nature of the volunteer industry, volunteer recruitment and retention practices must be better understood. This study sought to understand individuals’ motivations to volunteer in aged care home support. Eighteen volunteers were recruited from not-for-profit aged support organisations in Perth, Western Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and five themes were thematically interpreted: What’s Important to Me?, Learning and Growth, Somewhere to Belong, Meet Me in the Middle, and Not Just a Number. Fulfilling volunteers’ desires for interest, social connection, self-growth, recognition, and support appeared conducive to positive volunteering experiences. These findings may suggest avenues to capture and retain volunteers in aged care home support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Same
- School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work, and Speech Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Hannah McBride
- School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work, and Speech Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Caitlin Liddelow
- School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work, and Speech Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Barbara Mullan
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Courtenay Harris
- School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work, and Speech Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Han SH, Roberts JS, Mutchler JE, Burr JA. Volunteering, polygenic risk for Alzheimer's disease, and cognitive functioning among older adults. Soc Sci Med 2020; 253:112970. [PMID: 32278238 PMCID: PMC7527033 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.112970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In the context of the public health burden posed by increases in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) prevalence around the globe and the related research efforts to identify modifiable risk factors for the disease, we sought to provide an empirical test of earlier claims that volunteering may be considered as a health intervention that could help to prevent or delay the onset of AD. METHOD Using nine waves of panel data from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study (n=9,697), we examined whether volunteering conferred cognitive health benefits in later life and whether volunteering served a gene-regulatory function to help alleviate cognitive decline associated with polygenic risk for AD. Multilevel models were used to estimate associations between volunteering, polygenic risk for AD, and cognitive functioning over time. RESULTS We found robust within-person associations between volunteering (assessed as volunteer status and time commitment) and cognitive functioning over time, such that volunteering was associated with higher levels of cognitive functioning and slower cognitive decline. The findings also provided evidence that the within-person associations for volunteering and cognitive decline were more pronounced for older adults at higher genetic risk for developing AD. CONCLUSIONS Our findings are in line with a growing body of theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence suggesting that prosocial behaviors are directly associated with biological systems and may modify gene regulation to confer health benefits. The analytic approach taken in this study also provided a useful framework for investigating the effectiveness of other modifiable risk factors that vary over time in the context of cognitive decline related to genetic risk for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae Hwang Han
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, 108 E. Dean Keeton St., Stop A2702, Austin, TX, 78712-1248, United States.
| | - J Scott Roberts
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-2029, United States.
| | - Jan E Mutchler
- Department of Gerontology, McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA, 02125, United States.
| | - Jeffrey A Burr
- Department of Gerontology, McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA, 02125, United States.
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25
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Guiney H, Keall M, Machado L. Volunteering in older adulthood is associated with activity engagement and cognitive functioning. AGING NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2020; 28:253-269. [PMID: 32223513 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2020.1743230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Given evidence that activity engagement in older adulthood can have protective effects on the aging brain, we investigated the idea that volunteering in the community, which often encompasses social, cognitive, and physical activity, might benefit cognition. Method: Ninety-one retired 65- to 75-year-olds reported their sociodemographic characteristics, wellbeing, volunteering, and activity engagement. They also completed computerized cognitive tests that tapped specific functions known to decline disproportionately with age. Results: Volunteering at least monthly was associated with better working memory and more social and cognitive activity. Mediation analyses indicated that volunteering was indirectly related to switching performance via cognitive activity. However, the volunteering-working memory association did not depend on activity engagement, leaving the underpinning mechanisms unclear. Conclusions: These findings provide new insight into positive associations between older people's volunteering, activity engagement, and cognitive functioning. However, further work is needed to understand the mechanisms that drive volunteering-cognition links, and to establish causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley Guiney
- Department of Psychology and Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago , Dunedin, New Zealand.,Brain Research New Zealand , Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael Keall
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago , Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Liana Machado
- Department of Psychology and Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago , Dunedin, New Zealand.,Brain Research New Zealand , Auckland, New Zealand
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26
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Penninkilampi R, Casey AN, Singh MF, Brodaty H. The Association between Social Engagement, Loneliness, and Risk of Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 66:1619-1633. [PMID: 30452410 DOI: 10.3233/jad-180439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
It has been reported that social engagement may be associated with dementia risk. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, LILACS, Biomed Central, Scopus, and Web of Science from January 2012 - May 2017, supplemented by extraction from previous reviews. We included cohort and case-control studies examining the association between social engagement or loneliness and dementia risk, pooling data using a random-effects model. Registered: PROSPERO (CRD42017067074). We included 31 cohort and 2 case-control studies comprising 2,370,452 participants. Poor social engagement indices were associated with increased dementia risk, including having a poor social network (RR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.31-1.96; I2 = 0.00%) and poor social support (RR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.01-1.62; I2 = 55.51%). In long-term studies (≥10 years), good social engagement was modestly protective (RR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.80-0.96; I2 = 0.00%). Loneliness was non-significantly associated with increased risk (RR = 1.38, 95% CI 0.98-1.94; I2 = 45.32). Our findings encourage interventions targeting social isolation and disengagement for dementia prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Penninkilampi
- Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anne-Nicole Casey
- Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maria Fiatarone Singh
- The University of Sydney, faculty of Health Sciences and Sydney Medical School Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Hebrew SeniorLife and Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Henry Brodaty
- Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Academic Department for Old Age Psychiatry, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Australia
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27
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Jongenelis MI, Jackson B, Warburton J, Newton RU, Pettigrew S. Improving Attitudes to Volunteering Among Older Adults: A Randomized Trial Approach. Res Aging 2019; 42:51-61. [DOI: 10.1177/0164027519877476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Promoting engagement in formal volunteering represents a potential means of facilitating healthy aging. Given reluctance to participate in volunteering has been partially attributed to negative perceptions of various aspects of this activity, this study assessed whether trialing volunteering can improve perceptions among older people. Using a parallel-group design, Australians aged 60+ years ( n = 445) were randomly assigned to one of two conditions, one in which they were encouraged to trial volunteering and one in which they were asked to continue their usual activities. Perceptions and attitudes among those in the volunteering condition became significantly more favorable over 6 months relative to those in the control condition, with this change predicted by several aspects of the volunteering experience (e.g., acquisition of skills, increased social connectedness). Providing access to roles that cater to the learning and social needs of older adults appears to be important for improving attitudes toward engaging in volunteer work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle I. Jongenelis
- School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ben Jackson
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Jeni Warburton
- John Richards Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robert U. Newton
- Exercise Medicine Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
| | - Simone Pettigrew
- School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia
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28
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Wion RK, Hill NL, DePasquale N, Mogle J, Whitaker EB. The Relationship between Subjective Cognitive Impairment and Activity Participation: A Systematic Review. ACTIVITIES ADAPTATION & AGING 2019; 44:225-245. [PMID: 33790489 DOI: 10.1080/01924788.2019.1651188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This systematic review synthesizes current evidence to determine how subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) relates to physical, cognitive, and social activity participation in older adults. Nine peer-reviewed articles were reviewed and appraised for evidence quality. Most were cross-sectional and had high methodological quality. Higher levels of SCI were almost universally associated with lower levels of physical and social activity participation. These findings suggest that older adults who report higher SCI engage in fewer activities. Examining these relationships longitudinally is an important next step to determine whether SCI precedes withdrawing from activities in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel K Wion
- Pennsylvania State University College of Nursing, 201 Nursing Science Building, University Park, PA 16802
| | - Nikki L Hill
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Nursing, 201 Nursing Sciences Building, University Park, PA 16802
| | - Nicole DePasquale
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, 200 Morris Street, Durham, NC 27701
| | - Jacqueline Mogle
- The Pennsylvania State University, Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, 320D Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA 16802
| | - Emily B Whitaker
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Nursing, 201 Nursing Sciences Building, University Park, PA 16802
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29
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Kempermann G. Making DEEP Sense of Lifestyle Risk and Resilience. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:171. [PMID: 31379556 PMCID: PMC6651944 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
To effectively promote life-long health and resilience against – for example – neurodegenerative diseases, evidence-based recommendations must acknowledge the complex multidimensionality not only of the diseases but also of personal lifestyle. In a straightforward descriptive and heuristic framework, more than 50 potential lifestyle factors cluster around diet (D), education (E), exercise (E), and purpose (P), unveiling their many relationships across domains and scales. The resulting systematics and its visualization might be a small but helpful step toward the development of more comprehensive, interdisciplinary models of lifestyle-dependent risk and resilience and a means to explain the opportunities and limitations of preventive measures to the public and other stakeholders. Most importantly, this perspective onto the subject implies that not all lifestyle factors are created equal but that there is a hierarchy of values and needs that influences the success of lifestyle-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerd Kempermann
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany.,Center for Regenerative Therapies (CRTD) TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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30
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Guiney H, Machado L. Volunteering in the Community: Potential Benefits for Cognitive Aging. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2019; 73:399-408. [PMID: 29161431 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbx134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This review aims to advance understanding of the potential benefits of volunteering in the community for older adults' cognitive functioning by taking an in-depth look at the relevant evidence to date. Method This review describes the main pathways through which volunteering could plausibly benefit cognitive functioning and critically examines research that has specifically investigated links between volunteering and cognition. Fifteen articles that assessed in adults aged ≥ 55 years the relationship between volunteering (predictor) and cognitive functioning (outcome) were identified via literature database searches. Results On balance, evidence from the small number of relevant studies to date supports the idea that volunteering can protect against cognitive aging with respect to global functioning and at least some specific cognitive domains. Studies that used robust designs and assessed domain-specific cognitive functioning produced the largest effect sizes. Discussion To help advance the field, this review puts forward recommendations for future research, with an emphasis on the need for robust study designs and specific investigations into the nature and extent of the cognitive benefits of volunteering. Through that work, researchers can determine how a simple and accessible activity like volunteering can best be used to help reduce the burden of age-related cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley Guiney
- Department of Psychology and Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago and Brain Research New Zealand, Dunedin
| | - Liana Machado
- Department of Psychology and Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago and Brain Research New Zealand, Dunedin
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31
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Hwang J, Park S, Kim S. Effects of Participation in Social Activities on Cognitive Function Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Korea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15102315. [PMID: 30347887 PMCID: PMC6210154 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15102315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive function is a critical health issue in later life, the decline of which disrupts well-being and daily life function. Cognitive decline in older ages can also be understood in the context of the social environment such as social connectedness and engagement in personal life. This study aimed to examine: (1) whether participation in social activities contributes to preventing cognitive decline, and (2) what type of social activities are beneficial to maintaining cognitive function. Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLOSA) 2006–2014, a longitudinal survey of the household-dwelling population aged 45 and older in Korea were used. The results revealed that Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores decreased with increasing age, at a rate of approximately 0.18 units across all age-gender groups, and the decrease was steeper for adults aged 65 and over. Participation in social gatherings was likely to delay the decline in cognitive function after the age of 65. In a gender-stratified model, social activity may not have an impact on the decline of cognitive function for men, whereas participation in social gatherings was negatively related to the decline of MMSE scores in women. This study suggests the need for a gender-stratified policy for preventing the decline of cognitive function while promoting engagement in social activities in Korean older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongnam Hwang
- Division of Social Welfare and Health Administration, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Korea.
| | - Sangmin Park
- Department of Family Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea.
| | - Sujin Kim
- Department of Health Care Policy Research, Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, Sejong 30147, Korea.
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Magnusson Hanson LL, Leineweber C, Persson V, Hyde M, Theorell T, Westerlund H. Cohort Profile: The Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health (SLOSH). Int J Epidemiol 2018; 47:691-692i. [PMID: 29340637 PMCID: PMC6005080 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyx260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Viktor Persson
- Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Hyde
- Centre for Innovative Ageing, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Töres Theorell
- Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hugo Westerlund
- Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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