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Stahlhofen L, Hartung J, Schilling O, Wahl HW, Hülür G. The relevance of perceived work environment and work activities for personality trajectories in midlife. J Pers 2024; 92:278-297. [PMID: 36131683 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Work is an important developmental context in adulthood, yet little is known about how it contributes to personality trajectories in midlife. The present study examines how subjectively perceived work environment (autonomy, innovation, social integration, stress) and objectively measured work activities (activities related to information and people, physical/manual activities) are related to levels of Big Five personality traits at age 44 and to change over 20 years. METHODS We analyzed four-wave longitudinal data from N = 374 participants (born 1950-1952; Mage T1 = 44 years, SD = 1; 44% women) from the Interdisciplinary Longitudinal Study of Adult Development and Aging (ILSE) within the structural equation modeling framework. RESULTS At baseline, subjective perceptions of work environments showed a higher number of significant associations with personality than objective work activities. Over time, small declines in neuroticism and extraversion and small increases in agreeableness and conscientiousness were observed, which were largely independent of work characteristics. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show slight changes in most Big Five traits from age 44 to 64, which were mostly unrelated to work characteristics. More research is needed to uncover the sources and dynamics of personality trait change in midlife and the role of work for personality trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Oliver Schilling
- Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Werner Wahl
- Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gizem Hülür
- Department of Psychology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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2
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Cao N, Zeng X, Wang P. Decomposing the change in the cognitive function gap between older men and women over time in China: The Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. J Glob Health 2023; 13:04143. [PMID: 37988354 PMCID: PMC10662781 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.13.04143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study explored how modifiable social determinants of cognitive function can influence these gender gaps. Methods We utilized six waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), including 56,127 individuals aged 65+. The Kitagawa-Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition approach was used for the analysis. Results Older women consistently had lower average levels of cognitive function than men in each period, but the gap is narrowing. From 2002 to 2018, the gender gap in cognitive function decreased by 1.45 (95% confidence interval (CI) = -1.843, -1.097) points. The coefficients for the endowment effects decreased from 0.387 (95% CI = -0.563, -0.211) to 1.789 (95% CI = -2.471, -1.107) from 2005 to 2018. Lifestyle changes, social participation, and physical health factors significantly contributed to explaining the changes in gender gaps in cognitive function. Conclusions Among these contributing factors, lifestyle, social participation, and physical health have emerged as pivotal elements in reducing the gender gap in cognitive function. Targeted interventions for these variables are essential among older women to narrow the cognitive gender gaps effectively.
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Wu-Chung EL, Brandt AK, Bonomo ME, Denny BT, Karmonik C, Frazier JT, Blench K, Fagundes CP. Feasibility and acceptability of a group music creativity intervention for adults with varying cognitive function. CREATIVITY RESEARCH JOURNAL 2023; 36:451-468. [PMID: 39238932 PMCID: PMC11374102 DOI: 10.1080/10400419.2023.2272105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Maintaining healthy cognitive functioning and delaying cognitive decline in cognitively intact and cognitive impaired adults are major research initiatives for addressing dementia disease burden. Music interventions are promising, non-pharmaceutical treatment options for preserving cognitive function and psychological health in older adults with varying levels of cognitive function. While passive, music interventions have attracted considerable attention in the abnormal cognitive aging literature, active, music interventions such as music creativity are less well-studied. Among 58 older adults with different levels of cognitive function (cognitively healthy to mild cognitive impairment), we examined the feasibility and acceptability of Project CHROMA, a Stage 1 clinical trial developed to assess the effects of a novel, music creativity curriculum on various health outcomes. Music intervention participation (93%), overall study retention (78%), and intervention satisfaction (100%) rates were comparable to other similarly designed clinical trials. Exploratory analyses using mixed-level modeling tested the efficacy of the intervention on cognitive and psychological outcomes. Compared to those in the control condition, participants in the music condition showed some improvements in cognitive functioning and socioemotional well-being. Findings suggest that a 6-week music creativity clinical trial with several multi-modal health assessments can be feasibly implemented within a sample of varying cognitive ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Lydia Wu-Chung
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Melia E Bonomo
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bryan T Denny
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christof Karmonik
- Translational Imaging Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Performing Arts Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - J Todd Frazier
- Center for Performing Arts Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Karl Blench
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christopher P Fagundes
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Gajewski PD, Stahn C, Zülch J, Wascher E, Getzmann S, Falkenstein M. Effects of cognitive and stress management training in middle-aged and older industrial workers in different socioeconomic settings: a randomized controlled study. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1229503. [PMID: 37771815 PMCID: PMC10523316 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1229503] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The demographic change requires longer working lifetime. However, fear of job loss may lead to chronic stress whereas aging and unchallenging work may accelerate cognitive decline and early retirement. Long-time repetitive work led to impairments of cognitive functions in middle-aged and older employees, as demonstrated in a previous study conducted in a large car manufacturer. In the present study, a training concept was implemented to enhance the cognitive and emotional competence of these employees. Methods A first group of employees received a trainer-guided cognitive training only, whereas a wait list control group received a cognitive training and stress management training. This design was applied in two independent samples separated by one year either during or after a socioeconomically tense situation of the factory. Results In sample 1, with a tense occupational situation, the cognitive training effects occurred with a delay of three months. In contrast, in sample 2, with less critical socioeconomic situation, the training effects occurred immediately and persisted three months later. Stress management training showed reduction of subjectively and objectively measured stress level. Discussion The results indicate that effects of cognitive interventions are diminished under chronic stress which can be reduced after a short stress management training. This leads also to enhanced attention and memory in daily life. In contrast, in Sample 2 with less chronic stress, effects of cognitive training were stronger and persisted at least three months later, whereas stress management training had less impact. This suggests that cognitive learning in occupational settings is only efficient at lower stress levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D. Gajewski
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany
| | - Catharina Stahn
- Ifaa – Institute of Applied Industrial Engineering and Ergonomics, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Joachim Zülch
- Industrial Sales Engineering, Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB), Bochum, Germany
| | - Edmund Wascher
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany
| | - Stephan Getzmann
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany
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Klimecki OM, Liebscher M, Gaubert M, Hayek D, Zarucha A, Dyrba M, Bartels C, Buerger K, Butryn M, Dechent P, Dobisch L, Ewers M, Fliessbach K, Freiesleben SD, Glanz W, Hetzer S, Janowitz D, Kilimann I, Kleineidam L, Laske C, Maier F, Munk MH, Perneczky R, Peters O, Priller J, Rauchmann BS, Roy N, Scheffler K, Schneider A, Spruth EJ, Spottke A, Teipel SJ, Wiltfang J, Wolfsgruber S, Yakupov R, Düzel E, Jessen F, Wagner M, Roeske S, Wirth M. Long-term environmental enrichment is associated with better fornix microstructure in older adults. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1170879. [PMID: 37711996 PMCID: PMC10498282 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1170879] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sustained environmental enrichment (EE) through a variety of leisure activities may decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. This cross-sectional cohort study investigated the association between long-term EE in young adulthood through middle life and microstructure of fiber tracts associated with the memory system in older adults. Methods N = 201 cognitively unimpaired participants (≥ 60 years of age) from the DZNE-Longitudinal Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Study (DELCODE) baseline cohort were included. Two groups of participants with higher (n = 104) or lower (n = 97) long-term EE were identified, using the self-reported frequency of diverse physical, intellectual, and social leisure activities between the ages 13 to 65. White matter (WM) microstructure was measured by fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) in the fornix, uncinate fasciculus, and parahippocampal cingulum using diffusion tensor imaging. Long-term EE groups (lower/higher) were compared with adjustment for potential confounders, such as education, crystallized intelligence, and socio-economic status. Results Reported participation in higher long-term EE was associated with greater fornix microstructure, as indicated by higher FA (standardized β = 0.117, p = 0.033) and lower MD (β = -0.147, p = 0.015). Greater fornix microstructure was indirectly associated (FA: unstandardized B = 0.619, p = 0.038; MD: B = -0.035, p = 0.026) with better memory function through higher long-term EE. No significant effects were found for the other WM tracts. Conclusion Our findings suggest that sustained participation in a greater variety of leisure activities relates to preserved WM microstructure in the memory system in older adults. This could be facilitated by the multimodal stimulation associated with the engagement in a physically, intellectually, and socially enriched lifestyle. Longitudinal studies will be needed to support this assumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga M Klimecki
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Maxie Liebscher
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Malo Gaubert
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
- Department of Neuroradiology, Rennes University Hospital Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU), Rennes, France
| | - Dayana Hayek
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Alexis Zarucha
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Dyrba
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Rostock, Germany
| | - Claudia Bartels
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Katharina Buerger
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michaela Butryn
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Peter Dechent
- Magnetic Resonance (MR)-Research in Neurosciences, Department of Cognitive Neurology, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Laura Dobisch
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Michael Ewers
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Klaus Fliessbach
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Silka Dawn Freiesleben
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
| | - Wenzel Glanz
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Hetzer
- Berlin Center for Advanced Neuroimaging, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Janowitz
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ingo Kilimann
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Rostock, Germany
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Luca Kleineidam
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christoph Laske
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
- Section for Dementia Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Franziska Maier
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Matthias H Munk
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Robert Perneczky
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
- Ageing Epidemiology Research Unit (AGE), School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Peters
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
| | - Josef Priller
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- University of Edinburgh and United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Boris-Stephan Rauchmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nina Roy
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Klaus Scheffler
- Department for Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anja Schneider
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Eike Jakob Spruth
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
| | - Annika Spottke
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan J Teipel
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Rostock, Germany
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
- Neurosciences and Signaling Group, Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Steffen Wolfsgruber
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Renat Yakupov
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Emrah Düzel
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
- Institute of Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Research (IKND), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Frank Jessen
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Wagner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sandra Roeske
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Miranka Wirth
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
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Neural Contributions to Reduced Fluid Intelligence across the Adult Lifespan. J Neurosci 2023; 43:293-307. [PMID: 36639907 PMCID: PMC9838706 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0148-22.2022] [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: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluid intelligence, the ability to solve novel, complex problems, declines steeply during healthy human aging. Using fMRI, fluid intelligence has been repeatedly associated with activation of a frontoparietal brain network, and impairment following focal damage to these regions suggests that fluid intelligence depends on their integrity. It is therefore possible that age-related functional differences in frontoparietal activity contribute to the reduction in fluid intelligence. This paper reports on analysis of the Cambridge Center for Ageing and Neuroscience data, a large, population-based cohort of healthy males and females across the adult lifespan. The data support a model in which age-related differences in fluid intelligence are partially mediated by the responsiveness of frontoparietal regions to novel problem-solving. We first replicate a prior finding of such mediation using an independent sample. We then precisely localize the mediating brain regions, and show that mediation is specifically associated with voxels most activated by cognitive demand, but not with voxels suppressed by cognitive demand. We quantify the robustness of this result to potential unmodeled confounders, and estimate the causal direction of the effects. Finally, exploratory analyses suggest that neural mediation of age-related differences in fluid intelligence is moderated by the variety of regular physical activities, more reliably than by their frequency or duration. An additional moderating role of the variety of nonphysical activities emerged when controlling for head motion. A better understanding of the mechanisms that link healthy aging with lower fluid intelligence may suggest strategies for mitigating such decline.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Global populations are living longer, driving urgency to understand age-related cognitive declines. Fluid intelligence is of prime importance because it reflects performance across many domains, and declines especially steeply during healthy aging. Despite consensus that fluid intelligence is associated with particular frontoparietal brain regions, little research has investigated suggestions that under-responsiveness of these regions mediates age-related decline. We replicate a recent demonstration of such mediation, showing specific association with brain regions most activated by cognitive demand, and robustness to moderate confounding by unmodeled variables. By showing that this mediation model is moderated by the variety of regular physical activities, more reliably than by their frequency or duration, we identify a potential modifiable lifestyle factor that may help promote successful aging.
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Zülke AE, Luppa M, Röhr S, Weißenborn M, Bauer A, Samos FAZ, Kühne F, Zöllinger I, Döhring J, Brettschneider C, Oey A, Czock D, Frese T, Gensichen J, Haefeli WE, Hoffmann W, Kaduszkiewicz H, König HH, Thyrian JR, Wiese B, Riedel-Heller SG. Association of mental demands in the workplace with cognitive function in older adults at increased risk for dementia. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:688. [PMID: 34893023 PMCID: PMC8665567 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02653-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Growing evidence suggests a protective effect of high mental demands at work on cognitive function in later life. However, evidence on corresponding associations in older adults at increased risk for dementia is currently lacking. This study investigates the association between mental demands at work and cognitive functioning in the population of the AgeWell.de-trial. Methods Cross-sectional investigation of the association between global cognitive functioning (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) and mental demands at work in older individuals at increased risk for dementia (Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia (CAIDE)score ≥ 9; n = 941, age: 60–77 years). Occupational information was matched to Occupational Information Network (O*NET)-descriptors. Associations between cognitive function and O*NET-indices executive, verbal and novelty were investigated using generalized linear models. Results Higher values of index verbal (b = .69, p = .002) were associated with better cognitive function when adjusting for covariates. No association was observed for indices executive (b = .37, p = .062) and novelty (b = .45, p = .119). Higher education, younger age, and employment were linked to better cognitive function, while preexisting medical conditions did not change the associations. Higher levels of depressive symptomatology were associated with worse cognitive function. Conclusions Higher levels of verbal demands at work were associated with better cognitive function for older adults with increased dementia risk. This suggests an advantage for older persons in jobs with high mental demands even after retirement and despite prevalent risk factors. Longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these results and evaluate the potential of workplaces to prevent cognitive decline through increased mental demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea E Zülke
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health (ISAP), Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Melanie Luppa
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health (ISAP), Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Susanne Röhr
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health (ISAP), Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.,Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Marina Weißenborn
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Bauer
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Franziska-Antonia Zora Samos
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Flora Kühne
- Institute of General Practice/Family Medicine, University Hospital of LMU Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Isabel Zöllinger
- Institute of General Practice/Family Medicine, University Hospital of LMU Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Juliane Döhring
- Institute of General Practice, University of Kiel, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christian Brettschneider
- Department of Health Economics and Health Service Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anke Oey
- Institute for General Practice, Work Group Medical Statistics and IT-Infrastructure, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - David Czock
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Frese
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jochen Gensichen
- Institute of General Practice/Family Medicine, University Hospital of LMU Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Walter E Haefeli
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hoffmann
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), site Rostock/ Greifswald, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.,Institute of Community Medicine, Dept. of Epidemiology of Health Care and Community Health, University Medicine Greifswald, 17487, Greifswald, Germany
| | | | - Hans-Helmut König
- Department of Health Economics and Health Service Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jochen René Thyrian
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), site Rostock/ Greifswald, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.,Institute of Community Medicine, Dept. of Epidemiology of Health Care and Community Health, University Medicine Greifswald, 17487, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Birgitt Wiese
- Institute for General Practice, Work Group Medical Statistics and IT-Infrastructure, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Steffi G Riedel-Heller
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health (ISAP), Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
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Turcotte V, Potvin O, Dadar M, Hudon C, Duchesne S. Birth Cohorts and Cognitive Reserve Influence Cognitive Performances in Older Adults. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 85:587-604. [PMID: 34864667 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests birth cohort differences in cognitive performance of older adults. Proxies of cognitive reserve (CR), such as educational attainment and occupational complexity, could also partly account for these differences as they are influenced by the sociocultural environment of the birth cohorts. OBJECTIVE To predict cognitive performance using birth cohorts and CR and examine the moderating influence of CR on cognitive performance and structural brain health association. METHODS Using ADNI data (n = 1628), four birth cohorts were defined (1915-1928; 1929-1938; 1939-1945; 1946-1964). CR proxies were education, occupational complexity, and verbal IQ. We predicted baseline cognitive performances (verbal episodic memory; language and semantic memory; attention capacities; executive functions) using multiple linear regressions with CR, birth cohorts, age, structural brain health (total brain volume; total white matter hyperintensities volume) and vascular risk factors burden as predictors. Sex and CR interactions were also explored. RESULTS Recent birth cohorts, higher CR, and healthier brain structures predicted better performance in verbal episodic memory, language and semantic memory, and attention capacities, with large effect sizes. Better performance in executive functions was predicted by a higher CR and a larger total brain volume, with a small effect size. With equal score of CR, women outperformed men in verbal episodic memory and language and semantic memory in all cohorts. Higher level of CR predicted better performance in verbal episodic memory, only when total brain volume was lower. CONCLUSION Cohort differences in cognitive performance favor more recent birth cohorts and suggests that this association may be partly explained by proxies of CR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Turcotte
- École de psychologie, Faculté des SciencesSociales, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,CERVO Brain Research Centre, Centre Intégré Universitaire en Santé et Services Sociaux de laCapitale Nationale, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Olivier Potvin
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Centre Intégré Universitaire en Santé et Services Sociaux de laCapitale Nationale, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Mahsa Dadar
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Centre Intégré Universitaire en Santé et Services Sociaux de laCapitale Nationale, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Radiologie et MédecineNucléaire, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Carol Hudon
- École de psychologie, Faculté des SciencesSociales, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,CERVO Brain Research Centre, Centre Intégré Universitaire en Santé et Services Sociaux de laCapitale Nationale, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Simon Duchesne
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Centre Intégré Universitaire en Santé et Services Sociaux de laCapitale Nationale, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Radiologie et MédecineNucléaire, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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Mizuochi M, Raymo JM. Retirement type and cognitive functioning in Japan. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 77:759-768. [PMID: 34626107 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbab187] [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: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A growing literature examines the effect of retirement on cognitive function, but pays little attention to how this relationship may depend upon the nature of retirement. Of particular importance is the growing prevalence of gradual retirement characterized by continued employment - either with a new employer or with the same employer - after retiring from a career job. METHODS We use data from men and women aged 50 or older in the Japanese Study of Aging and Retirement to examine the effects of full retirement, partial retirement with the same employer, and partial retirement with a new employer on cognitive function. Our analyses consider the moderating role of career job complexity and exploit distinctive features of the Japanese public pension and mandatory retirement systems to estimate the causal effect of retirement type on cognition. RESULTS Results indicate that partial retirement with the same employer has a significant and adverse effect on cognitive function (relative to those not yet retired). In contrast, those who experienced either full retirement or partial retirement with a new employer were, on average, no different from those still in their career job. Partial retirement with a new employer has a beneficial effect on cognition among those who had a high complexity career job. DISCUSSION Results are consistent with the idea that novel work exposures and experiences have a beneficial effect on cognition. They also suggest that ongoing policy efforts to promote partial retirement with the same employer may have unexpected adverse implications for cognitive health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James M Raymo
- Department of Sociology and Office of Population Research, Princeton University, USA
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10
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Rodriguez FS, Hussenoeder FS, Spilski J, Conrad I, Riedel-Heller SG. Evaluation of a multidisciplinary concept of mental demands at work on cognitive functioning in old age. Aging Ment Health 2021; 25:1649-1658. [PMID: 32347107 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2020.1758918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Previous work has shown that high mental demands are associated with better cognitive functioning in old age. As there is a lack of a general conceptual framework for this association, the aim of the study was to investigate how mental demands and other work-related factors relate to cognitive functioning as a foundation for developing such a framework. METHODS An expert panel discussion was conducted with the aim of determining relevant work-related factors, which were then tested in a survey with 346 employees aged 50+ years, who were actively working. Assessment of cognitive functioning comprised complex attention, executive function, learning/memory, language, perceptual-motor, and social cognition. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to confirm factor belonging. Associations with cognitive functioning were analyzed using structure equation modelling to confirm associations and to identify additional direct and indirect paths. RESULTS Only 42.3% (22/52) of the work-related factors and 19.0% (4/21) of the mediating paths suggested by the experts were significant with respect to cognitive functioning. Factor analysis and structural equation modeling indicated that high mental demands are only associated with better cognitive functioning in old age to the extent that they are intellectually stimulating and this effect is embedded in individual capacities and the social context. CONCLUSION Based on the panel discussion and the empirical testing, we propose the Conceptual Framework of Social Dependency of Intellectual Stimulation on Cognitive Health. We recommend researchers and workplace health experts to pay attention to the component of this theory when assessing workplace risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca S Rodriguez
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health (ISAP), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Greifswald, Germany.,Center for Cognitive Science, University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Felix S Hussenoeder
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health (ISAP), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jan Spilski
- Center for Cognitive Science, University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Ines Conrad
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health (ISAP), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Steffi G Riedel-Heller
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health (ISAP), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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11
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Alvarez JA, Medford A, Strozza C, Thinggaard M, Christensen K. Stratification in health and survival after age 100: evidence from Danish centenarians. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:406. [PMID: 34210289 PMCID: PMC8252309 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02326-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The existence of a super-select group of centenarians that demonstrates increased survivorship has been hypothesized. However, it is unknown if this super-select group possesses similar characteristics apart from extreme longevity. METHODS In this study, we analyse high-quality health and survival data of Danish centenarians born in 1895, 1905 and 1910. We use Latent Class Analysis to identify unobserved health classes and to test whether these super-select lives share similar health characteristics. RESULTS We find that, even after age 100, a clear and distinct gradient in health exists and that this gradient is remarkably similar across different birth cohorts of centenarians. Based on the level of health, we identify three clusters of centenarians - robust, frail and intermediate - and show that these groups have different survival prospects. The most distinctive characteristic of the robust centenarians is the outperformance in different health dimensions (physical, functional and cognitive). Finally, we show that our health class categorizations are good predictors of the survival prospects of centenarians. CONCLUSIONS There is a clear stratification in health and functioning among those over 100 years of age and these differences are associated with survival beyond age 100.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús-Adrián Alvarez
- Interdisciplinary Centre on Population Dynamics, University of Southern Denmark, 5000, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Anthony Medford
- Interdisciplinary Centre on Population Dynamics, University of Southern Denmark, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Cosmo Strozza
- Interdisciplinary Centre on Population Dynamics, University of Southern Denmark, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mikael Thinggaard
- Danish Aging Research Center, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Kaare Christensen
- Danish Aging Research Center, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Genetics and Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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12
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Lee YJ, Gonzales E, Andel R. Multifaceted Demands of Work and Their Associations with Cognitive Functioning: Findings From the Health and Retirement Study. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 77:351-361. [PMID: 33979436 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbab087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present study examines the associations among mental, social, and physical demands of work with cognitive functioning among older adults in the United States. METHODS Data from 3,176 respondents in the Health and Retirement Study were analyzed using growth curve modeling (2004-2014). The study investigated differences by gender, race, ethnicity, and education. RESULTS Higher mental and social demands of work were associated with higher levels of initial cognitive functioning, but not significantly associated with slower cognitive decline over time. Physical demands of work were negatively associated with initial cognitive functioning and also marginally associated with a slower rate of decline in cognitive functioning going into older adulthood. In stratified analyses, results varied by sociodemographic characteristics. DISCUSSION The results partially support the environmental complexity hypothesis and the productive aging framework in that higher mental and social demands and lower physical demands relate to better cognitive functioning at baseline, with the differences appearing stable throughout older adulthood. The stratified results shed light on addressing disparities in cognitive aging and work environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonjung Jane Lee
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health, HI
| | | | - Ross Andel
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, FL.,Department of Neurology, Motol University Hospital and Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
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13
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Computerized Cognitive Training: A Review of Mechanisms, Methodological Considerations, and Application to Research in Depression. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s41465-021-00209-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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14
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Wu R, Zhao J, Cheung C, Natsuaki M, Rebok G, Strickland-Hughes C. Learning as an Important Privilege: A Life Span Perspective with Implications for Successful Aging. Hum Dev 2021. [DOI: 10.1159/000514554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Research has demonstrated the cognitive and mental health benefits of learning new skills and content across the life span, enhancing knowledge as well as cognitive performance. We argue that the importance of this learning – which is not available equally to all – goes beyond the cognitive and mental health benefits. Learning is important for not only the maintenance, but also enhancement of functional independence in a dynamic environment, such as changes induced by the COVID-19 pandemic and technological advances. Learning difficult skills and content is a privilege because the opportunities for learning are neither guaranteed nor universal, and it requires personal and social engagement, time, motivation, and societal support. This paper highlights the importance of considering learning new skills and content as an <i>important privilege</i> across the life span and argues that this privilege becomes increasingly exclusionary as individuals age, when social and infrastructural support for learning decreases. We highlight research on the potential positive and negative impacts of retirement, when accessibility to learning opportunities may vary, and research on learning barriers due to low expectations and limited resources from poverty. We conclude that addressing barriers to lifelong learning would advance theories on life span cognitive development and raise the bar for successful aging. In doing so, our society might imagine and achieve previously unrealized gains in life span cognitive development, through late adulthood.
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15
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Weber D, Loichinger E. Live longer, retire later? Developments of healthy life expectancies and working life expectancies between age 50–59 and age 60–69 in Europe. Eur J Ageing 2020; 19:75-93. [PMID: 35241999 PMCID: PMC8881563 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-020-00592-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractEurope’s population is ageing. Statutory retirement ages are commonly raised to account for continuous increases in life expectancy. In order to estimate the potential to increase statutory and consequently effective retirement ages further, in this study, we investigate the relationship between partial working life expectancy (WLE) and three health expectancies that represent health aspects important for work ability and employability between ages 50 and 59 as well as 60 and 69 for women and men in Europe. We also explore the association between these four indicators and the highest level of educational attainment. We apply Sullivan’s method to estimate WLE and three selected measures that capture general, physical, and cognitive health status of older adults for 26 European countries since 2004. Over time, WLEs increased significantly in the younger age group for women and in the older age group for both sexes. The expected number of years in good physical health have continuously been higher than any of the other three indicators, while the expected number of years in good cognitive health have shown a noticeable increase over time. The investigation of the relationship between education and each life expectancy confirms the well-established positive correlation between education and economic activity as well as good health. Our results indicate potential to extend working lives beyond current levels. However, significant differences in the expected number of years in good health between persons with different levels of education require policies that account for this heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Weber
- Wittgenstein Centre for Demography and Global Human Capital (IIASA, VID/OEAW, WU), International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), 2361 Laxenburg, Austria
- Health Economics and Policy Division, Vienna University of Economics and Business, Welthandelsplatz 1, 1020 Vienna, Austria
| | - Elke Loichinger
- Federal Institute for Population Research, 65185 Wiesbaden, Germany
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16
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Oi K. Disuse as time away from a cognitively demanding job; how does it temporally or developmentally impact late-life cognition? INTELLIGENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2020.101484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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17
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Burzynska AZ, Ganster DC, Fanning J, Salerno EA, Gothe NP, Voss MW, McAuley E, Kramer AF. Occupational Physical Stress Is Negatively Associated With Hippocampal Volume and Memory in Older Adults. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:266. [PMID: 32765239 PMCID: PMC7381137 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Our jobs can provide intellectually and socially enriched environments but also be the source of major psychological and physical stressors. As the average full-time worker spends >8 h at work per weekday and remains in the workforce for about 40 years, occupational experiences must be important factors in cognitive and brain aging. Therefore, we studied whether occupational complexity and stress are associated with hippocampal volume and cognitive ability in 99 cognitively normal older adults. We estimated occupational complexity, physical stress, and psychological stress using the Work Design Questionnaire (Morgeson and Humphrey, 2006), Quantitative Workload Inventory and Interpersonal Conflict at Work Scale (Spector and Jex, 1998). We found that physical stress, comprising physical demands and work conditions, was associated with smaller hippocampal volume and poorer memory performance. These associations were independent of age, gender, brain size, socioeconomic factors (education, income, and job title), duration of the job, employment status, leisure physical activity and general stress. This suggests that physical demands at work and leisure physical activity may have largely independent and opposite effects on brain and cognitive health. Our findings highlight the importance of considering midlife occupational experiences, such as work physical stress, in understanding individual trajectories of cognitive and brain aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Z. Burzynska
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences Graduate Interdisciplinary Studies Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Daniel C. Ganster
- Department of Management, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Jason Fanning
- Department of Health & Exercise Sciences, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Elizabeth A. Salerno
- Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program, Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Neha P. Gothe
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Michelle W. Voss
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Edward McAuley
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science & Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Arthur F. Kramer
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science & Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
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18
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Hussenoeder FS, Conrad I, Roehr S, Glaesmer H, Hinz A, Enzenbach C, Engel C, Witte V, Schroeter ML, Loeffler M, Thiery J, Villringer A, Riedel-Heller SG, Rodriguez FS. The association between mental demands at the workplace and cognitive functioning: the role of the big five personality traits. Aging Ment Health 2020; 24:1064-1070. [PMID: 31129995 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2019.1617244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Mental demands at the workplace can be preventive against cognitive decline. However, personality shapes the way information is processed and we therefore assume that Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness, would moderate the beneficial effects of workplace stimulation on cognitive outcomes.Methods: We analyzed data from the population-based LIFE-Adult-Study (n = 6529). Cognitive outcomes were assessed via the Trail-Making Test (TMTA, TMTB) and the Verbal Fluency Test. Personality was assessed via the Personality Adjective List (16 AM). Mental demands were classified with the indices Verbal and Executive based on the O*NET database.Results: Multivariate regression analyses showed only two significant moderation effects of personality, i.e. in individuals with low scores on Conscientiousness/Openness, index Verbal was connected to better TMTB performance, while this effect disappeared for individuals with high values on the personality trait. However, the additional explained variance remained marginal.Conclusion: The findings suggest that personality does not modify associations between high mental demands at work and better cognitive functioning in old age; however, there is a tendency that high levels of Openness and Conscientiousness may offset effects of mental demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix S Hussenoeder
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ines Conrad
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Susanne Roehr
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Heide Glaesmer
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Hinz
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Cornelia Enzenbach
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology (IMISE), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christoph Engel
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology (IMISE), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Veronika Witte
- Max-Planck-Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Matthias L Schroeter
- Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, Max-Planck-Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences and University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Markus Loeffler
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology (IMISE), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Joachim Thiery
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Arno Villringer
- Max-Planck-Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Steffi G Riedel-Heller
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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19
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Hamm JM, Heckhausen J, Shane J, Lachman ME. Risk of cognitive declines with retirement: Who declines and why? Psychol Aging 2020; 35:449-457. [PMID: 32175753 PMCID: PMC7165065 DOI: 10.1037/pag0000453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Retiring is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline (e.g., Bonsang, Adam, & Perelman, 2012; Wickrama, O'Neal, Kwag, & Lee, 2013). However, little is known about the moderating role of motivational and demographic factors that are implicated in adaptive development and the retirement transition process. We used data from the Midlife in the United States Study (n = 732, Mage = 57, SD = 5.76, 50% female) to examine whether the association between retirement and cognitive decline depended on a key motivation factor (goal disengagement) in propensity score matched samples of older retirees and employees. We explored whether these effects were further moderated by gender. Results showed that those who retired (vs. remained employed) experienced steeper 9-year declines in episodic memory (b = -.41, p = .001) only if they were high in goal disengagement and female. Findings are consistent with theories of lifespan development and cognitive aging and provide initial evidence that retirement may be associated with increased cognitive declines for only certain individuals prone to disengage from highly challenging activities and goal pursuits. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy M Hamm
- Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University
| | - Jutta Heckhausen
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine
| | - Jacob Shane
- Department of Psychology, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York
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20
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Carr DC, Willis R, Kail BL, Carstensen LL. Alternative Retirement Paths and Cognitive Performance: Exploring the Role of Preretirement Job Complexity. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2020; 60:460-471. [PMID: 31289823 PMCID: PMC7117620 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnz079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Recent research suggests that working longer may be protective of cognitive functioning in later life, especially for workers in low complexity jobs. As postretirement work becomes increasingly popular, it is important to understand how various retirement pathways influence cognitive function. The present study examines cognitive changes as a function of job complexity in the context of different types of retirement transitions. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We use data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to examine change in cognitive function for workers who have held low, moderate, and high complexity jobs and move through distinct retirement pathways-retiring and returning to work, partial retirement-compared with those who fully retire or remain full-time workers. Inverse probability weighted regression adjustment (a propensity score method) is used to adjust for selection effects. RESULTS There are systematic variations in the relationships between work and cognitive performance as a function of job complexity and retirement pathways. All retirement pathways were associated with accelerated cognitive decline for workers in low complexity jobs. In contrast, for high complexity workers retirement was not associated with accelerated cognitive decline and retiring and returning to work was associated with modest improvement in cognitive functioning. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Both policy makers and individuals are beginning to embrace longer working lives which offer variety of potential benefits. Our findings suggest that continued full-time work also may be protective for cognitive health in workers who hold low complexity jobs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn C Carr
- Department of Sociology, Florida State University, Tallahassee
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21
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Biel D, Steiger TK, Volkmann T, Jochems N, Bunzeck N. The gains of a 4-week cognitive training are not modulated by novelty. Hum Brain Mapp 2020; 41:2596-2610. [PMID: 32180305 PMCID: PMC7294066 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive training should not only improve performance of the trained task, but also untrained abilities. Exposure to novelty can improve subsequent memory performance, suggesting that novelty exposure might be a critical factor to promote the effects of cognitive training. Therefore, we combined a 4‐week working memory training with novelty exposure. Neuropsychological tests and MRI data were acquired before and after training to analyze behavior and changes in gray matter volume, myelination, and iron levels. In total, 83 healthy older humans participated in one of three groups: Two groups completed a 4‐week computerized cognitive training of a two‐back working memory task, either in combination with novel or with familiarized nature movies. A third group did not receive any training. As expected, both training groups showed improvements in task specific working memory performance and reaction times. However, there were no transfer or novelty effects on fluid intelligence, verbal memory, digit‐span, and executive functions. At the neural level, no significant micro‐ or macrostructural changes emerged in either group. Our findings suggest that working memory training in healthy older adults is associated with task‐specific improvements, but these gains do not transfer to other cognitive domains, and it does not lead to structural brain changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davina Biel
- Institute of Psychology I, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Tineke K Steiger
- Institute of Psychology I, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Torben Volkmann
- Institute for Multimedia and Interactive Systems, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Nicole Jochems
- Institute for Multimedia and Interactive Systems, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Nico Bunzeck
- Institute of Psychology I, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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22
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Mental Demands at the Workplace-Are Information Load, Time Control, and Exploration Associated With Depressiveness? J Occup Environ Med 2020; 62:383-387. [PMID: 32049874 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE According to self-determination theory, autonomy and competence are two essential basic human needs. It is the aim of this study to show that mental demands at the workplace (WPMDs) that address those basic needs can protect employees against depressiveness. METHODS Using a sample of 346 working participants (average age 56.2), we derived three WPMDs (Information Load, Time Control, and Exploration) via principal component analysis. We then analyzed how far they predict depressiveness, and how far this mechanism is mediated by perceived fit between job and person (PJF). RESULTS Time Control and Exploration significantly reduced depressiveness, and the relationship between exploration and depressiveness was mediated by PJF. CONCLUSIONS Our results emphasize the importance of addressing basic human needs at the workplace, and the relevance of PJF for employee mental health.
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23
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Jäncke L, Liem F, Merillat S. Weak correlations between body height and several brain metrics in healthy elderly subjects. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 50:3578-3589. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lutz Jäncke
- Division Neuropsychology Institute of Psychology University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
- University Research Priority Program (URPP) “Dynamics of Healthy Aging” University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Franz Liem
- Division Neuropsychology Institute of Psychology University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
- University Research Priority Program (URPP) “Dynamics of Healthy Aging” University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Susan Merillat
- Division Neuropsychology Institute of Psychology University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
- University Research Priority Program (URPP) “Dynamics of Healthy Aging” University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
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24
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Hussenoeder FS, Riedel-Heller SG, Conrad I, Rodriguez FS. Concepts of Mental Demands at Work That Protect Against Cognitive Decline and Dementia: A Systematic Review. Am J Health Promot 2019; 33:1200-1208. [DOI: 10.1177/0890117119861309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Workplace-related mental demands (WPMDs) are considered to be protective factors for cognitive health in old age and are linked to delayed onset of dementia. Yet, what exactly is meant by WPMDs differs greatly between studies, putting an enormous challenge on researchers and practitioners. Aim of our study was thus to create a systematic overview on WPMD concepts and to depict their associations with dementia and cognitive decline. Thereby, we want to create a solid basis for further work and implementation. Data Source: PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science. Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria: We included observational studies with populations older than 18 that addressed the association between WPMDs and dementia/cognitive functioning and that were published as journal articles. We excluded studies with emotional and physical demands, stress, and organizational frameworks such as exposure variables and quality of life, depressive symptoms, burnout, and Parkinson as outcome. Furthermore, we excluded study populations younger than 18 and students. Data Extraction: Standardized search string. Data Synthesis: Based on theoretical concepts. Results: Thirty-four studies that employed concepts of WPMDs in 5 different categories: complexity with people/data/things, cognitive demands, job control, novelty, and mental workload. Discussion: Challenges associated with categorizing WPMDs as well as theoretical and measurement-related implications are discussed. Conclusion: This review helps to better understand how workplaces can contribute to later life cognitive fitness, and it offers a conceptual overview for practitioners that want to create more protective working environments or improve existing ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix S. Hussenoeder
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Steffi G. Riedel-Heller
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ines Conrad
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Francisca S. Rodriguez
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Center for Cognitive Science, University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
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Zhu QB, Bao AM, Swaab D. Activation of the Brain to Postpone Dementia: A Concept Originating from Postmortem Human Brain Studies. Neurosci Bull 2019; 35:253-266. [PMID: 30721394 PMCID: PMC6426905 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00340-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by decreased neuronal activity and atrophy, while hyperactivity of neurons seems to make them resistant to aging and neurodegeneration, a phenomenon which we have paraphrased as 'use it or lose it'. Our hypothesis proposes that (1) during their functioning, neurons are damaged; (2) accumulation of damage that is not repaired is the basis of aging; (3) the vulnerability to AD is determined by the genetic background and the balance between the amount of damage and the efficiency of repair, and (4) by stimulating the brain, repair mechanisms are stimulated and cognitive reserve is increased, resulting in a decreased rate of aging and risk for AD. Environmental stimulating factors such as bilingualism/multilingualism, education, occupation, musical experience, physical exercise, and leisure activities have been reported to reduce the risk of dementia and decrease the rate of cognitive decline, although methodological problems are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong-Bin Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310020, China
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ai-Min Bao
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Dick Swaab
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Wu R, Strickland-Hughes C. Adaptation for growth as a common goal throughout the lifespan: Why and how. PSYCHOLOGY OF LEARNING AND MOTIVATION 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.plm.2019.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Nemoto Y, Sato S, Takahashi M, Takeda N, Matsushita M, Kitabatake Y, Maruo K, Arao T. The association of single and combined factors of sedentary behavior and physical activity with subjective cognitive complaints among community-dwelling older adults: Cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195384. [PMID: 29659622 PMCID: PMC5901918 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) might be a meaningful indicator of dementia onset or mild cognitive impairment, and identifying the related factors of SCC could contribute to preventing these diseases. However, the relationship between SCC and lifestyle factors remains largely unproven. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of type of sedentary behavior, physical activity, or their combination with SCC among community-dwelling older adults. In 2016, 6677 community-living elderly were recruited to participate in a survey investigating cognition, physical activity, and sedentary behavior. In total, 5328 participants responded to the questionnaire (79.8% valid response rate). SCC was assessed using the National Functional Survey Questionnaire (Kihon checklist). The relationships between SCC and physical activity, sedentary behavior (reading books or newspapers, and television viewing), or combined physical activity and sedentary behavior were examined via multiple logistic regression analysis. The analysis revealed that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (≥150 min/week) was significantly related with a lower risk of SCC (odds ratio [OR] = 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.74–0.97), and that reading behavior showed a dose-response relationship with SCC (OR for 10–20 min/day = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.53–0.75; OR for 20–30 min/day = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.49–0.71; OR for ≥30 min/day = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.39–0.57). In addition, among those reporting high physical activity and ≥30 min/day for reading time, the OR for SCC was 0.40 (95% CI = 0.32–0.50) compared with the combined group reporting lower physical activity and non-readers. The present study shows that increased physical activity and reading time may be related to a reduced risk for SCC among community-dwelling older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Nemoto
- Graduate School of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Sato
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Human Arts and Sciences, Saitama, Japan
| | - Masaki Takahashi
- Organization for University Research Initiatives, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noriko Takeda
- Division of Liberal Arts, Kogakuin University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Kazushi Maruo
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takashi Arao
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Saitama, Japan
- * E-mail:
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29
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Topa G, Depolo M, Alcover CM. Early Retirement: A Meta-Analysis of Its Antecedent and Subsequent Correlates. Front Psychol 2018; 8:2157. [PMID: 29354075 PMCID: PMC5759094 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Early or voluntary retirement (ER) can be defined as the full exit from an organizational job or career path of long duration, decided by individuals of a certain age at the mid or late career before mandatory retirement age, with the aim of reducing their attachment to work and closing a process of gradual psychological disengagement from working life. Given the swinging movements that characterize employment policies, the potential effects of ER-both for individuals and society-are still controversial. This meta-analysis examined the relationships between ER and its antecedent and subsequent correlates. Our review of the literature was generated with 151 empirical studies, containing a total number of 706,937 participants, with a wide range of sample sizes (from N = 27 to N = 127,384 participants) and 380 independent effect sizes (ESs), which included 171 independent samples. A negligible ES value for antecedent correlates of early retirement (family pull, job stress, job satisfaction, and income) was obtained (which ranged from r = -0.13 to 0.19), while a fair ES was obtained for workplace timing for retirement, organizational pressures, financial security, and poor physical and mental health, (ranging from r = 0.28 to 0.25). Regarding ER subsequent correlates, poor ESs were obtained, ranging from r = 0.08 to 0.18 for the relationships with subsequent correlates, and fair ESs only for social engagement (r = -0.25). Examination of the potential moderator variables has been conducted. Only a reduced percentage of variability of primary studies has been explained by moderators. Although potential moderator factors were examined, there are several unknown or not measurable factors which contribute to ER and about which there are very little data available. The discussion is aimed to offer theoretical and empirical implications suggestion in order to improve employee's well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Topa
- Social and Organizational Psychology, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marco Depolo
- Psychology, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlos-Maria Alcover
- Medicine and Surgery, Psychology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Immunology and Medical Microbiology, Nursing, and Stomatology, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
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Bonsang E, Skirbekk V, Staudinger UM. As You Sow, So Shall You Reap: Gender-Role Attitudes and Late-Life Cognition. Psychol Sci 2017; 28:1201-1213. [DOI: 10.1177/0956797617708634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Some studies have found that women outperform men in episodic memory after midlife. But is this finding universal, and what are the reasons? Gender differences in cognition are the result of biopsychosocial interactions throughout the life course. Social-cognitive theory of gender development posits that gender roles may play an important mediating role in these interactions. We analyzed country differences in the gender differential in cognition after midlife using data from individuals age 50 and above ( N = 226,661) from 27 countries. As expected, older women performed relatively better in countries characterized by more equal gender-role attitudes. This result was robust to cohort differences as well as reverse causality. The effect was partially mediated by education and labor-force participation. Cognition in later life thus cannot be fully understood without reference to the opportunity structures that sociocultural environments do (or do not) provide. Global population aging raises the importance of understanding that gender roles affect old-age cognition and productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Bonsang
- Laboratoire d’Economie de Dauphine, Université Paris-Dauphine, PSL Research University
- Department of Living Conditions, Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
| | - Vegard Skirbekk
- Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ursula M. Staudinger
- Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
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