"Are Filipinos Aging Well?": Determinants of Subjective Well-Being among Senior Citizens of the Community-Based ENGAGE Study

Factors affecting seeking psychological and psychiatric support for Turkish society

The increase in mental health issues and awareness among individuals, compared to previous times, has contributed to recognizing this as a significant public health issue. The necessity to explore potential factors behind mental health problems has become paramount and served as the primary impetus for the current research endeavor. This study aims to explore if there is a relationship between attitudes toward seeking psychological and psychiatric support. a significant relationship between sociodemographic factors and individuals' tendency to seek psychological and psychiatric help, and if so, in what direction are these relationships? and a significant relationship between individual and social factors and individuals' tendency to seek psychological and psychiatric help, and if so, in what direction are these relationships? Microdata from the Turkey Health Survey, conducted by the Turkish Statistical Institute and representative of Turkey, was used as the dataset. Increased the representative power of the data set over the universe by weighting the data set, and the Bivariate Probit Model was used to address the research questions. As a result of the study, various sociodemographic (gender, age, employment status, et al.), individual and social factors (general health status, participation in social activities, alcohol use et al.) may influence individuals' inclinations toward seeking psychological and psychiatric assistance. The research offers valuable insights for social policymakers and researchers into the behavioral tendencies of individuals seeking professional psychiatric help.

What Does It Mean to "Age Well" Among British and Javanese Older Adults? A Cross-Cultural Qualitative Study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate perceptions of what it means to "age well" and to explore similarities and differences between a Western and non-Western culture (Britain and Java).

METHODS

Qualitative interviews explored how Javanese and British older adults defined aging well, establishing the similarities and differences between cultures. Javanese (n = 14) and British (n = 15) adults aged 61-80 (mean age = 68) participated. The data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and organized with NVivo.

RESULTS

Four themes were identified that captured what it means to age well across cultures: (a) good health is a springboard for aging well; (b) holding a positive outlook is a decisive factor in aging well; (c) "having enough" and "feeling safe" provide peace of mind; and (d) spirituality and religiosity provide tranquility. Although both cultures mentioned similar factors, there were variations in the interpretations and emphasis within themes. For example, Javanese participants emphasized the importance of the social environment whereas British participants highlighted the physical environment.

DISCUSSION

Differences between cultures are important for understanding how best to support people as they age. For example, in Java, aging well may be best supported by providing a vibrant social environment. For people in Britain, having a safe and secure physical environment may be more important.

The impact of social participation on Subjective Wellbeing in the older adult: the mediating role of anxiety and the moderating role of education

Introduction

The study aims to examine the mediating role of anxiety in the relationship between social participation and Subjective Wellbeing among Chinese older adults. Additionally, it investigates the moderating ed of education in this relationship.

Methods

The data came from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) published by peking University, with a sample size of 10,626 individuals aged 60 years and above. SPSS 21.0 was used for the statistical analysis of the data, and Mplus 8.0 was used for the statistical processing of the mediating and moderating effects analysis.

Results

(1) The social participation significantly and positively predicated Subjective Wellbeing; (2) Anxiety partially mediated the eect between social participation and Subjective Wellbeing. The mediating eect value was 0.103; (3) Education plays a moderating role in the impact of social participation on subjective Wellbeing.

Discussion

In summary, social participation can reduce the anxiety and enhance their Subjective Wellbeing. Meanwhile, the eet of social participation on Subjective Wellbeing was the greatest for the older adult with high education. The findings suggest that community-led activities can be initiated to improve social participation in the older adult. Furthermore, educational courses could be to support the healthy aging of older adults in China.

Health Care Access and Quality of Life of Community-Dwelling Senior Citizens in Pampanga, Philippines

This study examined the association between healthcare access and quality of life (QOL) among senior citizens in Pampanga, Philippines. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 410 community-dwelling senior citizens aged 60 and above. Using validated scales, we assessed both healthcare access and QOL. Descriptive statistics were employed to characterize the senior citizens, and multiple linear regression was used to examine the association between healthcare access and QOL. Senior citizens, averaging 69 years old, were predominantly women, single/widowed, and with comorbidities. They reported high healthcare access (mean = 120.13) and moderate QOL (mean = 70.79). Environmental health scored highest in QOL domains, while social relationships scored lowest. Overall healthcare access was positively associated with overall QOL (B [unstandardized beta] = .22, 95% CI [confidence interval] 0.10, 0.33) and its domains. Significant associations with overall QOL were observed for accessibility (B = 1.95, 95% CI 0.98, 2.91) and affordability (B = -1.60, 95% CI -2.46, -0.74). Filipino senior citizens in Pampanga demonstrated high healthcare access and moderate QOL. The study highlights the importance of healthcare access in enhancing senior citizens' QOL, particularly regarding accessibility and affordability. Further research is needed to explore the nuanced relationships between healthcare access subscales and specific QOL domains.

Mindfulness and loneliness in retired older adults in China: mediation effects of positive and negative affect

Objectives: Drawing from the mindfulness framework and the broaden-and-build theory, this study investigates the extent to which mindfulness influences loneliness and whether the relation is mediated by positive and negative affect.Method: Data were collected from 748 retired older adults aged 60 and above in Chengdu, China in 2022. Loneliness and mindfulness were measured by the UCLA loneliness scale and by the short-form version of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, while the positive and negative affect was assessed by the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule.Results: The results of this study show that mindfulness was positively associated with positive affect (β = 0.37, p<.001), negatively related to negative affect (β=-0.21, p<.001) and loneliness (β=-0.13, p<.001), and had an indirect effect on loneliness via positive and negative affect (β=-0.20, p<.001).Conclusion: The findings suggest that mindfulness could be a positive resource for improving mental health and reducing loneliness among retired older adults in China.

Community engagement and loneliness in older adults in China: mediation effects of social support in the wake of COVID-19

Introduction

Loneliness is a key indicator of well-being in older adults. Drawing from the ecological model of aging, the active aging perspective, and the convoy model of social relations, this study investigates the extent community engagement influences loneliness and whether the relationship is mediated by social support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Data was collected from 1,067 retired older adults in a cross-sectional design in Chengdu, China in 2022. Structural equation modeling was conducted to examine the direct and indirect effects of community engagement on loneliness through the hypothesized mediator of social support.

Results

The results show community engagement was positively associated with social support (β = 0.26, p < 0.001) and social support was negatively related to loneliness (β = -0.41, p < 0.001). Social support fully mediated the relationship between community engagement and loneliness. Additionally, community engagement had an indirect effect on loneliness via social support (β = -0.11, p < 0.001).

Discussion

The findings from the moderation analysis suggests community engagement and social support are likely to have large effects on loneliness for older adults over the age of 70 and who have low educational attainment. The findings suggest community engagement could be an important factor for improving social support and reducing loneliness amongst retired, older adults in China, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic where millions of individuals were isolated for extended periods of time.

The Relationship between Social Participation and Subjective Well-Being among Older People in the Chinese Culture Context: The Mediating Effect of Reciprocity Beliefs

It is demonstrated that the subjective well-being (SWB) of older people greatly relies on their social participation. However, there are few studies on reciprocity beliefs as a mediating mechanism between social participation and SWB. In this study, 297 participants aged 60 and over in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, completed a questionnaire of social participation, reciprocity beliefs, and SWB. We used multiple linear regression and mediation analyses to verify the mediating effect of reciprocity beliefs. Results showed that social participation was positively relative to SWB and reciprocity beliefs, and reciprocity beliefs played an intermediary role in social participation and SWB. These findings suggest the importance of social participation for SWB, with reciprocity beliefs (behaviors) playing a positive mediating role, particularly in China. In conclusion, analysis of the mediating effect of reciprocity beliefs provides us with knowledge that could help in achieving a healthy old age. Additionally, this study opens up new perspectives of research.

Internet Use and Subjective Well-Being of the Elderly: An Analysis of the Mediating Effect Based on Social Capital

At present, the Internet has a profound impact on the lifestyle and ideas of the elderly and has an important impact on the subjective well-being of the elderly. Based on the data of 2020 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), 4463 elderly people aged 60 years and above were selected in the empirical research, including 2321 males and 2142 females. The average age was 68.07 (SD = 5.75). The ordinary least square regression (OLS) model was used to test the effect of Internet use on the subjective well-being of the elderly; the structural equation model was used to analyze the influence path of social capital in the process of Internet use affecting the subjective well-being of the elderly, and the Sobel test is used to further verify the mediating effect of social capital. The results indicated the important positive effect of Internet use on the improvement of the subjective well-being of the elderly and confirms the mediating role of social capital in the process of Internet use affecting the subjective well-being of the elderly. Among them, the mediating effects of bonding social capital and bridging social capital accounted for 18.69% and 28.17%, respectively. It can be seen that the mediating effect of bridging social capital is significantly higher than that of bonding social capital. Marital status moderates the latter half of the mediation mechanism of "Internet use-bridging social capital-subjective well-being of the elderly", that is, "bridging social capital-subjective well-being of the elderly."

Optimism and subjective well-being in nursing home older adults: The mediating roles of gratitude and social support

OBJECTIVES

To examine the level of subjective well-being (SWB) and the mediating roles of gratitude and social support in the relationship between optimism and SWB amongst older Chinese people in nursing homes.

METHODS

A total of 354 older adults in Chinese nursing homes completed the World Health Organization's well-being index, Life Orientation Test-Revised, Gratitude Questionnaire-Six-Item Form, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the relationships between optimism, gratitude, social support and SWB.

RESULTS

The mean SWB score of the older people was (63.14 ±15.31), with 21.0% of subjects reporting low SWB. Gratitude and social support in serial partially mediated the relationship of optimism with SWB (total indirect effect: Standardized β = 0.157, 95% CI [0.109,0.216], p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

These findings provide good evidence for the inter-relationship mechanism amongst the protective factors of SWB, suggesting the need to prioritize positive psychological nursing interventions to promote SWB in older people in residential care.

Associations of sleep quality, anxiety symptoms and social support with subjective well-being among Chinese perimenopausal women

BACKGROUND

Few studies have explored the internal pathway of the association between sleep quality and subjective well-being among perimenopausal women.

METHODS

A survey was performed of 1063 perimenopausal women aged 40 to 60 years who participated in a regular health examination conducted at the First Hospital of Jilin University, China. Participants were asked to complete a study questionnaire. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale and Subjective Well-being Scale for Chinese Citizens were used to assess sleep quality, anxiety symptoms, social support and subjective well-being, respectively. The data were analyzed using t-tests, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis, multiple linear regression analysis and the PROCESS macro.

RESULTS

The mean total subjective well-being score was 90.14 ± 12.80. The correlation analyzes showed that sleep quality (r = -0.341, P < 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (r = -0.490, P < 0.001) were negatively correlated with subjective well-being. Social support was positively correlated with subjective well-being (r = 0.480, P < 0.001). The effect of sleep quality on subjective well-being was partially mediated by anxiety symptoms (Effect = -0.462, 95% CI = [-0.577, -0.363]). In addition, social support moderated the association between anxiety symptoms and subjective well-being (Index = -0.006, 95% CI = [-0.012, -0.001]).

LIMITATIONS

This was a cross-sectional study.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of sleep quality on subjective well-being was partially mediated by anxiety symptoms, and social support moderated the association between anxiety symptoms and subjective well-being among perimenopausal women.

Aging-related Resiliency Theory Development

As a dynamic developmental process, the older population further displays the capacity to resist change over time, improve resilience, and keep a basis for the continuity working and progress over positive management of detrimental consequences of life risks and difficulties. This study aims at developing a theory that endeavors to explore the process of developing aging-related resiliency in people's later in life that can lead to a successful aging experience. In the development of a theory, this study utilized a deductive reasoning approach specifically, using the axiomatic approach. Aging-related Resiliency Theory was efficaciously developed by three propositions generated from four axioms that were derived after reviewing several sets of literature and studies. This developed theory implies that various deleterious events in life activate older persons to respond, adapt, and recover effectively. Acceptance emerges as they acknowledge the natural effects of aging while taking adaptive strategies and supportive resources to be resilient to one's environment. In this sense, it impacts their optimistic outlook towards successful aging. Based on the extraction of axioms, such propositions denoted those older adults call to respond with their total capacity to accept, adapt, recover, and continuously resist deleterious life experiences while using enriched coping strategies and resources towards an optimistic outlook in achieving successful aging. Therefore, emphasizing to improve their capacity to respond to natural decline to essential processes could benefit them at promoting a healthier life span.

Relationship of Coping Strategies and Quality of Life: Parallel and Serial Mediating Role of Resilience and Social Participation among Older Adults in Western Philippines

Growing old is frequently linked with various challenges. Hence, it is important to understand how to age successfully. Drawing on the concept that an individual's quality of life (QOL) is influenced by their demographics, coping strategies, resilience, and social participation, the current study reports on the findings of these variables among older adults in the Western Philippines. A total of 392 volunteer older adults were surveyed. Aside from the demographics such as age, gender, marital status, average monthly income, educational attainment, and health status, the data collected also included the 30-item coping strategies for the elderly, 14-item resilience scale, 12-item social participation scale, and 35-item older people's QOL scale. Structural equation modeling was used to verify the parallel and serial mediating role of resilience and social participation within the relationship between coping strategies and QOL. Findings show that coping strategies alone are not enough to improve QOL. The only way to improve QOL is through resiliency, as well as the ability to participate in social activities. In essence, the QOL of older adults can be improved by encouraging them to have more social participation, and at the same time, understand how it takes to become resilient.

Investigating Self-Care Agency and Well-Being of Elderly People

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between self-care agency and well-being perceptions of elderly people and to reveal whether or not self-care agency and well-being differ based on some socio-demographic characteristics. In the study, the data were collected by using Self-Care Agency Scale and WHO-5 Well-Being Scale from 394 elderly individuals residing in the city center of Burdur province between November and December 2019. In data analysis, descriptive statistical methods, one-way analysis of variance, two independent groups t-test, reliability analysis, correlation analysis and regression analysis were used. The correlation analysis results of the study indicated that there was a positive and moderate correlation between self-care agency and well-being of the participants (r = 0.41). According to the regression analysis, participants' perception on self-care agency accounted for 17.3% of total variance on well-being. According to this, increasing perceptions on self-care agency statistically increased well-being perceptions (t = 9.069; p < .001). In addition to, it was determined in the study, while participants' well-being scores showed significant differences in terms of age groups, and their' self-care agency and well-being scores showed statistically significant differences according to the educational level.