Successful Aging from the Viewpoint of Older Adults: Development of a Brief Successful Aging Inventory (SAI)

Gerontology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 359-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeong Eun Lee ◽  
Boaz Kahana ◽  
Eva Kahana
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Panel Study ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Psychometric Evaluation ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Retirement Community ◽  
Older Individuals

Objective: Researcher-defined criteria for successful aging (SA) have been criticized for their limited perspective and failure to acknowledge subjective perceptions of older individuals. We assessed the extent to which older individuals consider specific factors, which they had suggested, to be important in defining SA. The present study had 2 objectives: (a) to develop a brief multidimensional questionnaire for assessing SA and to evaluate its psychometric properties; and (b) to examine age associations with each dimension of SA. Methods: A survey was conducted with 550 participants in a panel study of older adult residents of an elderly retirement community and with community-dwelling older adults, regarding factors that they considered to be important for SA. The psychometric evaluation involved exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, reliability and validity analyses, and measurement invariance testing. Partial correlations were used to examine the association of age with SA. Results: The 4-factor solution provided a satisfactory fit to the data: proactive engagement, wellness resources, positive spirit, and valued relationships. Metric measurement invariance for this factor structure was confirmed across 2 age groups. The findings also suggest that the Successful Aging Inventory (SAI) scale might be a useful predictor of SA. Discussion: Our findings highlight the value of considering more comprehensive models of SA that include social relationships and proactive engagement.

scholarly journals THE TRUTH ABOUT AGE DIFFERENCES IN PERFORMANCE ON VARYING LENGTHS OF LIKERT-TYPE TEST ITEMS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S707-S707
Author(s):  
Julie Lutz ◽  
Aaron Metzger ◽  
Nicholas A Turiano ◽  
Rachael Spalding ◽  
Emma Katz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Amazon Mechanical Turk ◽  
Response Scale ◽  
Type Response ◽  
Scale Length

Abstract Guidelines for self-report assessment with older adults emphasize the use of shorter Likert-type or agree/disagree response formats to reduce cognitive load (e.g., Yesavage et al., 1983). However, these suggestions are not founded on empirical studies directly comparing younger and older adults’ responses on different scales. Thus, the current study tested differential responding on varying Likert-type response scale lengths between younger, middle-aged, and older adults. Participants completed three versions of the International Personality Item Pool (IPIP) Neuroticism scale with 3, 5, and 7 Likert-type response scale lengths in counterbalanced orders with other questionnaires between versions. Six multi-group confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) assessed measurement invariance across scale lengths and age groups. Invariance of convergent validity networks was also assessed with multi-group CFAs of the associations between the IPIP and measures of depression, anxiety, anger, worry, and affect. The final sample consisted of 835 adults (327 18-44; 279 45-64; and 229 65 or older) via Amazon Mechanical Turk. Measurement invariance was supported in analyses by age within each scale length and by scale length within each age group, indicating that response patterns across all scale lengths and age groups did not significantly differ. Analyses of convergent validity also supported invariance, suggesting that responses across all scale lengths and age groups reflect the same underlying construct. This study indicates that, among community-dwelling adults, shortened response scale lengths do not yield significantly different or more valid responses for older adults compared to younger adults.

scholarly journals Effect of Age on the Touchscreen Manipulation Ability of Community-Dwelling Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 2094
Author(s):  
Michal Elboim-Gabyzon ◽  
Patrice L. Weiss ◽  
Alexandra Danial-Saad
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Usability Assessment ◽  
System Usability Scale ◽  
Middle Aged Adults

Assessment of touchscreen manipulation skills is essential for determining the abilities of older individuals and the extent to which they may benefit from this technology as a means to enhance participation, self-esteem, and quality of life. The aim of this study was to compare the touchscreen manipulation ability between community-dwelling older adults and middle-aged adults using a newly developed Touchscreen Assessment Tool (TATOO) and to determine the usability of this instrument. Convenience samples of two age groups were considered, one including 28 independent community-living older adults aged 81.9 ± 4.2 years with intact or corrected vision and with the abilities to walk independently with or without a walking aid and to understand and follow simple commands, and the other including 25 healthy middle-age adults aged 53.4 ± 5.9 years. The usability assessment was conducted during a single session using the System Usability Scale (SUS). Older adults demonstrated poorer touchscreen skills compared to middle-aged adults. Previous experience in manipulating a smartphone by the older adults did not affect their performance. The SUS results indicated good usability of the TATOO by both age groups. The TATOO shows promise as a user-friendly tool for assessing the specific skills needed to operate touchscreens. The outcomes of this study support the suitability of touchscreen devices and applications as well as the need for adapted accessibility for older adults. Researchers and clinicians will benefit from the availability of a rapid, low-cost, and objective tool to assess the skills required for touchscreen use.

scholarly journals Compromised Vision Impairs Successful Aging Among Assisted Living Residents

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 530-530
Author(s):  
Judith Scott ◽  
Ann Mayo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cognitive Screening ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Community dwelling independent older adults’ successful aging is known to be hampered by sensory and cognitive impairments. However, little is known about to what degree these impairments affect successful aging among assisted living (AL) residents. The purpose of this quantitative study, conducted in three (AL) facilities, was to describe factors affecting successful aging. A total of 88 older adults (M=89.0, SD=7.54), mostly women (n=68), completed hearing (CALFRAST-Strong procedure at 75cm, 35cm, and 2cm), vision (Jaeger reading [proximate], Snellen Acuity [visual acuity]), and cognitive screening (MiniCog, Borson et al), as well as the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) and Successful Aging Inventory (SAI, Troutman et al, 2011). Most (68%) demonstrated hearing loss >25DB, with a significant difference demonstrated between age groups (age 65-89; n=38) (90-100; n=49) with the older group demonstrating worse hearing (F(1,80)=5.9, p=.017). Some vision compromise was noted for both reading (14.3%) and visual acuity (10.8%). Over one third of participants (34.1%) demonstrated compromised cognition. The SAI results indicated most participants were managing IADLs well (M=6.11, SD=1.42) and aging successfully (M=63.39, SD=9.04). Hearing, cognition and IADLs were not significantly related to successful aging. However, when compared to those without vision issues, participants with compromised vision, both reading and visual acuity, scored significantly lower on the SAI (reading F(1,75)= 24.9,p=.000; visual acuity F(1,28)=4.31, p=000). The infrastructure provided by AL settings may compensate for hearing, cognition, and IADL problems, but not as well for vision problems. Interventions supporting AL residents’ vision should be a priority to improve successful aging.

Perceived Voice Disorders in Older Adults and Impact on Social Interactions

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Connie K. Porcaro ◽  
Clare Singer ◽  
Boris Djokic ◽  
Ali A. Danesh ◽  
Ruth Tappen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Voice Disorders ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Vocal Performance ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Cross Sectional

Purpose Many aging individuals, even those who are healthy, report voice changes that can impact their ability to communicate as they once did. While this is commonly reported, most do not seek evaluation or management for this issue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and differences in voice disorders in older adults, along with the effect of fatigue on their social interactions. Method This is a cross-sectional investigation of a community-dwelling sample of individuals aged 60 years or older. Participants completed the Questionnaire on Vocal Performance, the Social Engagement Index subset “Engagement in Social or Leisure Activities,” and the Fatigue Severity Scale. Results Results indicated 32.5% of the 332 participants reported symptoms of voice problems with no difference found between male and female respondents. A slight increase in report of voice problems was noted with each year of age. Participants who self-reported voice problems indicated less interaction in social activities involving communication than those who did not. Finally, as severity of self-reported voice problems increased, an increase was reported by the same individuals for signs of fatigue. Conclusions Voice problems and resulting decreased social interaction are commonly experienced by older individuals. Voice symptoms in older adults have been found to benefit from evidence-based treatment strategies. It is critical to provide education to encourage older individuals to seek appropriate evaluation and management for voice issues through a speech-language pathologist or medical professional.

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 Prediction of 11-year incidence of psychophysically dependent status or death among community-dwelling younger elderlies: from an age-specified community-based cohort study (the NISSIN project)

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Satoe Okabayashi ◽  
Takashi Kawamura ◽  
Hisashi Noma ◽  
Kenji Wakai ◽  
Masahiko Ando ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Prediction Model ◽  
Nursing Care ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Limited Resource ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Regression Analyses

Abstract Background Predicting adverse health events and implementing preventative measures are a necessary challenge. It is important for healthcare planners and policymakers to allocate the limited resource to high-risk persons. Prediction is also important for older individuals, their family members, and clinicians to prepare mentally and financially. The aim of this study is to develop a prediction model for within 11-year dependent status requiring long-term nursing care or death in older adults for each sex. Methods We carried out age-specified cohort study of community dwellers in Nisshin City, Japan. The older adults aged 64 years who underwent medical check-up between 1996 and 2005 were included in the study. The primary outcome was the incidence of the psychophysically dependent status or death or by the end of the year of age 75 years. Univariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between candidate predictors and the outcome. Using the variables with p-values less than 0.1, multivariable logistic regression analyses were then performed with backward stepwise elimination to determine the final predictors for the model. Results Of the 1525 female participants at baseline, 105 had an incidence of the study outcome. The final prediction model consisted of 15 variables, and the c-statistics for predicting the outcome was 0.763 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.714–0.813). Of the 1548 male participants at baseline, 211 had incidence of the study outcome. The final prediction model consisted of 16 variables, and the c-statistics for predicting the outcome was 0.735 (95% CI 0.699–0.771). Conclusions We developed a prediction model for older adults to forecast 11-year incidence of dependent status requiring nursing care or death in each sex. The predictability was fair, but we could not evaluate the external validity of this model. It could be of some help for healthcare planners, policy makers, clinicians, older individuals, and their family members to weigh the priority of support.

scholarly journals Quality of Life in European Older Adults of SHARE Wave 7: Comparing the Old and the Oldest-Old

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (13) ◽  
pp. 2850
Author(s):  
Amparo Oliver ◽  
Trinidad Sentandreu-Mañó ◽  
José M. Tomás ◽  
Irene Fernández ◽  
Patricia Sancho
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
External Validity ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Scalar Invariant

CASP-12 (Control, Autonomy, Self-realization, and Pleasure scale) is one of the most common internationally used measures for quality of life in older adults, although its structure is not clearly established. Current research aims to test the factor structure of the CASP-12, so as to provide evidence on reliability and external validity, and to test for measurement invariance across age groups. Data from 61,355 Europeans (≥60 years old) from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe wave 7 were used. CASP-12, EURO-D (European depression scale), self-perceived health, and life satisfaction measurements were included. Reliability and validity coefficients, competing confirmatory factor models, and standard measurement invariance routine were estimated. A second-order factor model with the original factor structure was retained. The scale showed adequate reliability coefficients except for the autonomy dimension. The correlation coefficients for external validity were all statistically significant. Finally, CASP-12 is scalar invariant across age. We conclude that the best-fitting factor structure retained allows using CASP-12 either by factors, or as an overall score, depending on the research interests. Findings related to CASP-12 measurement invariance encourage its use in the oldest-old too. When comparing the dimensions across age groups, as people age, autonomy slightly increases and the rest of the dimensions decline.

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