scholarly journals Loneliness and Health in Older Adults: A Mini-Review and Synthesis

Gerontology ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 443-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony D. Ong ◽  
Bert N. Uchino ◽  
Elaine Wethington
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Key Concepts ◽  
The Status ◽  
Perceived Social Isolation

Increasing evidence suggests that perceived social isolation or loneliness is a major risk factor for physical and mental illness in later life. This review assesses the status of research on loneliness and health in older adults. Key concepts and definitions of loneliness are identified, and the prevalence, correlates, and health effects of loneliness in older individuals are reviewed. Theoretical mechanisms that underlie the association between loneliness and health are also described, and illustrative studies examining these mechanisms are summarized. Intervention approaches to reduce loneliness in old age are highlighted, and priority recommendations for future research are presented.

Refining Evidence-Based Treatments for Late-Life Depression

GeroPsych ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-76
Author(s):  
Grace C. Niu ◽  
Patricia A. Arean
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Brain Plasticity ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Aging Population ◽  
The United States ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Late Life Depression ◽  
Evidence Based Treatments

The recent increase in the aging population, specifically in the United States, has raised concerns regarding treatment for mental illness among older adults. Late-life depression (LLD) is a complex condition that has become widespread among the aging population. Despite the availability of behavioral interventions and psychotherapies, few depressed older adults actually receive treatment. In this paper we review the research on refining treatments for LLD. We first identify evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for LLD and the problems associated with efficacy and dissemination, then review approaches to conceptualizing mental illness, specifically concepts related to brain plasticity and the Research Domain Criteria (RDoc). Finally, we introduce ENGAGE as a streamlined treatment for LLD and discuss implications for future research.

scholarly journals Changes in Health Behaviors, Mental and Physical Health among Older Adults under Severe Lockdown Restrictions during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 7067
Author(s):  
Esther García-Esquinas ◽  
Rosario Ortolá ◽  
Iago Gine-Vázquez ◽  
José A. Carnicero ◽  
Asier Mañas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Housing Conditions ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Lifestyle Risk Factors ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Lifestyle Risk

We used data from 3041 participants in four cohorts of community-dwelling individuals aged ≥65 years in Spain collected through a pre-pandemic face-to-face interview and a telephone interview conducted between weeks 7 to 15 after the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown. On average, the confinement was not associated with a deterioration in lifestyle risk factors (smoking, alcohol intake, diet, or weight), except for a decreased physical activity and increased sedentary time, which reversed with the end of confinement. However, chronic pain worsened, and moderate declines in mental health, that did not seem to reverse after restrictions were lifted, were observed. Males, older adults with greater social isolation or greater feelings of loneliness, those with poorer housing conditions, as well as those with a higher prevalence of chronic morbidities were at increased risk of developing unhealthier lifestyles or mental health declines with confinement. On the other hand, previously having a greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet and doing more physical activity protected older adults from developing unhealthier lifestyles with confinement. If another lockdown were imposed during this or future pandemics, public health programs should specially address the needs of older individuals with male sex, greater social isolation, sub-optimal housing conditions, and chronic morbidities because of their greater vulnerability to the enacted movement restrictions.

scholarly journals Gaps in social support resources in later life: An adaptational challenge in need of further research

2009 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen S. Rook
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Support Needs ◽  
Adaptive Responses ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Support Resources ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Social Support Resources

Gaps in social support resources in later life may arise when older adults lose social network members due to illness, death, or residential relocation. Gaps also may arise when social networks remain intact but are not well suited to meet older adults' intensifying support needs, such as needs for extended or highly personal instrumental support. Significant gaps in support resources are likely to require adaptive responses by older adults. This discussion highlights theoretical perspectives and illustrates empirical findings regarding the nature and effectiveness of older adults' responses to gaps in their social support resources. The literature examining these issues is relatively small and, as a result, is ripe for further development. Promising directions for future research are suggested.

Effects of perceived social isolation, fear of social isolation and gratitude during COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety in Malaysia (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cher Yi Tan ◽  
Jia Yi Ng ◽  
Mei-Hua Lin ◽  
Min Hooi Yong
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Indirect Effect ◽  
Moderating Effect ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Mediation Model ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Perceived Social Isolation

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic compelled many countries including Malaysia to impose movement restrictions to curb spreading the virus. Evidence shows that prolonged isolation has negative effects on both physical and mental health. OBJECTIVE Our aims were to examine (1) the mediating effect of perceived social isolation (SI) and fear of social isolation (FSI) on the relationship between gratitude and anxiety, and (2) to explore the moderating effect of age, education and socioeconomic status on the mediation model. METHODS We collected data from 427 participants currently living in Malaysia during the movement restriction order (Mage = 37.90, SD = 16.51, 313 females) from an online survey containing questions pertaining to isolation and gratitude. RESULTS Our mediation analysis showed that gratitude has a positive effect on overcoming anxiety as it also lowers feelings of SI and FSI (B = -.229, β = .128, bootstrap SE = .049, 95% bootstrap CI = [-.332, -.138]). The moderated mediation analyses revealed the indirect effect of gratitude on anxiety through SI was significant for young adults (B = -.148, β = .083, 95% bootstrap CI [-.274, -.042]) and middle-aged (B = -.099, β = -.055, 95% bootstrap CI [-.177, -.033]) but not for older adults (B = -.026, β = -.015, 95% bootstrap CI [-.129, .047]). Results were similar for FSI in that it was significant for middle aged and not significant for older adults (all CIs does not include zero). However the mediation effect was not significant for young adults (B = -.020, β = -.011, 95% bootstrap CI [-.066, .016]). When we examined the moderating effect of education and SES in the parallel mediation model, results showed that the mediation effect of SI and FSI for those with lower levels of education was significant for all SES levels (all CIs did not contain zero). As for those with medium levels of education, the conditional indirect effect of SI and FSI was significant only for low and medium levels of SES but not for high SES. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the importance of having some coping mechanism and social connection during the pandemic to have higher wellbeing and quality of life, especially for middle-aged sample and people from low education and SES background. CLINICALTRIAL None

scholarly journals Reducing Isolation and Loneliness Through Membership in a Fitness Program for Older Adults: Implications for Health

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Brady ◽  
Lisa A. D’Ambrosio ◽  
Adam Felts ◽  
Elizabeth Y. Rula ◽  
Kenneth P. Kell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Indirect Effect ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Direct Effects ◽  
Fitness Program ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Independent Effects ◽  
Survey Responses

Objectives: To explore the effects of membership in a fitness program for older adults on social isolation, loneliness, and health. Method: Using survey responses from SilverSneakers members and matched nonmembers, regression path analysis was used to examine the influence of SilverSneakers membership on physical activity, social isolation, loneliness, and health, and the interrelationships among these concepts. Results: SilverSneakers membership directly increased physical activity and self-rated health, directly decreased social isolation, and indirectly decreased loneliness. Decreased social isolation and loneliness were associated with better self-rated health: social isolation and loneliness had independent direct effects on health, while social isolation also had an indirect effect on health mediated through loneliness. Discussion: Members of SilverSneakers experienced better health through increased physical activity, reduced social isolation, and reduced loneliness. Future research should explore independent effects of social isolation and loneliness on health and the mechanisms by which membership reduces social isolation and loneliness.

scholarly journals AGE-BASED STEREOTYPE THREAT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF PRIMING TECHNIQUES AND THEIR EFFECTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S455-S456
Author(s):  
Francesco Vailati Riboni ◽  
Francesco Pagnini
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Stereotype Threat ◽  
Functional Performance ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Experimental Methods ◽  
Experimental Manipulation ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Age Related

Abstract Age-based stereotype threat (ABST) occurs when older adults are influenced by negative stereotypes about age-related decline and functional losses and ironically behave in disengaging and self-defeating ways that confirm the stereotype (Steele & Aronson, 1995). Aging stereotypes are found to be strong predictors of health and illness outcomes in later life, and are associated with performance in specific areas, mainly in cognitive and physical domains. The current study reviewed the experimental methods and their reported effects previously published in the literature to determine if there were different ABST methods were associated with different types of age-related outcomes. We conducted a systematic review, screening the scientific literature for papers that included experimental manipulation of age-related stereotypes as an independent variable, focusing on samples of older adults (1113 articles, most published after 2003). Through a classification of the common and distinctive characteristics of the different stereotype manipulation techniques, we were able to identify three specific types of experimental methods: by instruction, tests, and interpersonal exposure. Although the mechanism by which stereotypes are associated with functional outcomes in older adults remains unclear, our review suggests it is possible to experimentally control the activation of the stereotype by manipulating its specific characteristics and the way older participants are exposed to it. Findings also highlight the possibility that specific experimental methods used to induce ABST in older individuals may lead to unique and different consequences on functional performance variation.

scholarly journals DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY NOW, PET OWNERS: THE RELATION BETWEEN PET OWNERSHIP AND ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN LATE LIFE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S165-S165
Author(s):  
Courtney J Bolstad ◽  
Carolyn E Adams-Price ◽  
Michael R Nadorff
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Pet Ownership ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
Reported Health

Abstract Pets can provide older adults a means of social support, which can combat problems faced in later life including loneliness, anxiety, and depression. However, current research findings in this area are mixed. The current study explored the differences in anxiety and depression between pet owners and non-pet owners and how pet ownership was associated with these symptoms after accounting for other established correlates. We hypothesized pet owners would endorse fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression than non-pet owners and owning a pet would be associated with these symptoms even after accounting for other common correlates. Participants included 608 older adults aged 70 to 95 that were included in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging. As hypothesized, results indicated that pet owners endorsed significantly fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression than non-pet owners. Hierarchical regressions indicated that owning a pet explained a significant amount of variance in anxiety symptoms even after controlling for depression, self-reported health, and demographics. However, owning a pet did not have a significant association with depressive symptoms after accounting for anxiety, self-reported health, and demographics. These results suggest that lower rates of anxiety and depression are related to owning a pet and that pet ownership is associated with fewer anxiety symptoms, but not depressive symptoms, independent of several established correlates of anxiety. Future research is needed to determine the specific mechanisms of pet ownership that comprise this relationship as well as whether pet ownership may longitudinally reduce or buffer against anxiety in late life.

scholarly journals THE MODERATING EFFECT OF RAISING ONE’S GRANDCHILDREN ON THE RELATION BETWEEN SLEEP AND DEPRESSION

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S678-S678
Author(s):  
Melanie Stearns ◽  
Danielle K Nadorff
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Poor Sleep Quality ◽  
Custodial Grandparents

Abstract Recent evidence has shown that poor quality sleep is associated with depression, particularly among older individuals (Bao et al., 2017; Nadorff, Fiske, Sperry, & Petts, 2012). Moreover, given the high prevalence of depressive symptoms among older adults, it is important to identify possible risk factors of poor sleep quality. One possible risk factor is being a custodial grandparent (raising one’s grandchildren), as increased caregiving responsivities are associated with increased depressive symptoms (Brand-Winterstein, Edelstein, & Bachner, 2018). Based upon these previous findings, the current study examines the effect of custodial status on the relation between sleep quality and depressive symptoms. The sample (N = 466) was a subset of individuals recruited in the second wave of the MIDUS biomarkers project completed in 2009 who answered the sleep, caregiving, and depressive symptoms variables of interest. Measures included the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and a question regarding custodial grandparent status. The current study aimed to examine whether poor sleep quality might serve as a risk factor for experiencing depressive symptoms and how custodial grandparents might differ from other older adults. Moderation analyses were conducted using SPSS’ Process macro on the sample. The interaction between global sleep quality and custodial grandparent status was significant in predicting depressive symptoms, t (1, 465) = 3.90, p = .04, such that custodial grandparents reported a stronger positive correlation between greater global sleep problems and depressive symptoms than non-custodial grandparents. Implications, future directions, and limitations are discussed.

scholarly journals SOCIAL ISOLATION AND FALLS RISK AMONG COMMUNITY DWELLING OLDER ADULTS: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF DEPRESSION

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S293-S293
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Burr ◽  
Lien Quach
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Falls Risk ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Perceived Social Isolation

Abstract Relatively little is known about the relationship between social isolation and the risk of falls among older adults. Yet, a considerable amount of research demonstrates that lack of sufficient social relationships, broadly defined, represents a modifiable risk factor for many indicators of well-being in later life. This study examines the association between two types of social isolation and the risk of falls. The study also examines whether depression mediates the association between social isolation and risk of falls. Longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (2006-2012) were collected from community-dwelling participants aged 65 and older (N=8,464). The outcome variable was number of falls self-reported over the observation period. Independent variables included perceived isolation (feeling lonely, perceptions of social support), social disconnectedness (e.g., having no friends or relatives living nearby, living alone), and number of depressive symptoms. Results from regression models indicated that social disconnectedness was associated with a 5% increase in the risk of falls (IRR=1.05, 95% CI=1.01-1.09). Perceived social support was associated with a 21% increase in the risk of falls; when examined together, perceived social support and loneliness were associated with a combined 37% increase in falls risk. Depression was associated with a 47% increase in falls. Depression mediated the association between perceived isolation and falls. Further, perceived isolation mediated the association between social disconnectedness and falls. Reducing perceived social isolation and social disconnectedness may be an avenue for designing interventions to reduce the risk of falls, especially for older adults with depression.

scholarly journals STRESS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS PREDICT CLUSTERED HEALTH TRAJECTORIES IN OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S271-S271
Author(s):  
Myriam V Thoma ◽  
Jan Höltge ◽  
Shauna L Mc Gee ◽  
Andreas Maercker ◽  
Mareike Augsburger
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Stress ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Psychological Characteristics ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Applied Machine Learning ◽  
Health Trajectories ◽  
One Year

Abstract The first aim of this study was the empirical identification of clustered health trajectories in older individuals, including an expected, more favorable or successful aging (SA) trajectory. The second aim was the identification and analysis of determinants useful for subgroup membership prediction. Particular focus was on early-life and chronic stress, as well as on a broad set of psychological characteristics, such as resilience, personality traits and general affect. A longitudinal survey study with two assessments one year apart has been conducted with older adults (N=224; mean age = 68 years; 72% women). The clustered health trajectories were identified using a longitudinal variant of k-means. For the prediction of subgroup allocation, random forests with conditional interferences were used. The applied machine learning-based approach revealed two latent clustered health trajectories: a ‘constant high health’ (66% of the sample) and a ‘maintaining low health’ trajectory (34%). Chronic stress and positive affect were found to be the most important predictors. Further predictors and their interactions were found to be important for predicting subgroup belonging, including resilience, self-esteem, social support, optimism, as well as negative affect and pessimism. Also, childhood adversities have to be included to predict subgroup belonging. With this study, we were able to show that individuals can be empirically allocated to two separate joint health trajectories in later life over the observation period of one year. In order to understand the current heterogeneity in health in older age, previous and current stress exposure and psychological characteristics have to be taken into account.

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