bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perspectives of Productive Aging: How Occupations Affect Health and Well-Being of Older Adults in Retirement
Authors: Cole Marilyn , Macdonald Karen C
Published: December 2020

A predicted surge in the aging population presents a major challenge for public health in the USA. As occupational therapy researchers, we wondered how continued engagement in productive occupations affected the health and well-being of older Americans. Today’s retirees already understand the basics of successful aging, such as maintaining physical and mental fitness, and continuing an active lifestyle. Productive aging represents the next step: choosing roles and occupations that keep them engaged with others and their communities. As suggested by Clark (Jackson, Carlson, et al., 2012), occupations have the potential to provide a protective barrier to declining health, thereby lowering health care costs for the older population. Our Productive Aging qualitative studies (1 & 2) explore the lived experiences of life transitions, challenges, and adaptive skills implemented by participants (ages 65-80) in their own productive occupations. The findings of this follow-up study confirm and enhance themes of our first study (Cole & Macdonald, 2015): 1) prominence of the self-manager role, 2) intentionally maintaining social connections, and 3) engaging in self-fulfilling activities. Additional findings reflect current technology effects and elaborate how participants have met health challenges by adapting activities and environments (self-management), and using social resources (connections) to help them remain engaged in the occupations that give their lives meaning. Cole, M., & Macdonald, K. (2015). Productive aging: An occupational perspective. Thorofare, NJ: Slack, Inc. Clark, F., Jackson, Carlson, et al. (2012). Effectiveness of Lifestyle Intervention in promoting well-being of independently living older adults. Journal of Epidemiology and Community health.
Day-to-Day Variability in Loneliness: Associations With Age, Sleep Duration, and Health Symptoms
Authors: Witzel Dakota , Turner Shelbie , Stawski Robert
Published: December 2020

Research has suggested that high day-to-day intraindividual variability (IIV) in positive emotions has negative impacts on well-being. Little research has explored the impact of IIV in negative emotions, particularly loneliness - a known risk-factor for poorer health in old age. With an estimated 25-29% of older adults reporting feelings of loneliness, it is imperative to examine age differences in the presence of IIV in loneliness and how this relates to sleep and physical health symptoms. Using data from the National Study of Daily Experiences (N=2022, Mage=56.24, Range=33-84), we examined whether (1) age was associated with IIV in loneliness, (2) greater IIV in loneliness was associated with lower average sleep duration and more physical health symptoms, and (3) age differences moderate the extent to which IIV in loneliness impacted the previous outcomes. Preliminary results indicated that age was associated with decreased IIV in loneliness (p<.001). Additionally, increased IIV in loneliness and age was associated with significantly fewer physical health symptoms (ps<.05) but was not reliably associated with sleep duration. Finally, age and IIV in loneliness did not interact to predict either physical health symptoms or sleep duration. Older participants diminished IIV in loneliness – and lack of differential vulnerability to IIV in loneliness – is consistent with theoretical models of older adults’ socioemotional regulation (i.e., socioemotional selectivity theory). Contrary to expectations, a higher variability in loneliness was related to lower average physical health symptoms. Discussion will focus on the meaning and importance of IIV in loneliness for older adults’ health.
Low Frequency Extension Filter and ActiGraph-Calculated Sleep Intervals in Older Adults
Authors: Hicks Hilary , Laffer Alex , Losinski Genna , Watts Amber
Published: December 2020

Actigraphy has become a popular, non-invasive means of continuously monitoring physical activity and sleep. One optional setting, the low frequency extension (LFE) filter, reduces the movement threshold to capture low acceleration activity that is common in older adults. This filter significantly alters physical activity outcomes (e.g., step counts), but it is unclear if this has implications for sleep interval calculations that rely upon accurate differentiation between physical activity and sleep. We investigated the effects of the LFE filter on wrist-worn sleep estimates in older adults. Participants were 9 older adults who wore the ActiGraph GT9X on their non-dominant wrist for 7 days in a free-living environment. Raw data was processed with and without the LFE filter enabled, and sleep intervals were calculated by a proprietary ActiGraph algorithm. Paired samples t-tests demonstrated that the LFE filter generated significantly later bedtimes, fewer minutes spent in bed, shorter sleep duration, and fewer awakenings during the night compared to when the filter was disabled (all p < .043). Use of the LFE filter did not lead to differences in arise time, sleep latency, efficiency, or wake after sleep onset (all p > .052). While the LFE filter was designed to improve accuracy of physical activity estimates in more sedentary populations, these findings suggest that the LFE filter also has the potential to impact sleep estimates of older adults. Researchers using ActiGraph-calculated sleep would benefit from careful consideration of this software-dependent impact.
Examining Cardiovascular Disease Risk Profiles Among Older Adults With and Without Fibromyalgia
Authors: Serpas Dylan , Cherry Barbara , Zettel-Watson Laura
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Preexisting chronic health conditions may be confer increased CVD risk, specifically fibromyalgia (FM), a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, stiffness, and concentration problems. CVD risk increases with normal aging; however, characteristics of FM are suggested to exacerbate health profiles in normal aging processes that may contribute to increased CVD risk. Method: The sample included 221 older adults (M=63.40, SD=8.86; 82% female; 88% White/European American) and 55% reported an FM diagnosis. CVD risk factors were entered separately in a five-block hierarchical binary logistic regression model as predictors and included: cardiorespiratory fitness using the six-minute walk, BMI, standing and lying mean arterial pressure (MAP), and depression using the Beck Depression Inventory. Results: Logistic regression analyses revealed that poorer cardiorespiratory fitness (OR=.99, 95% CI=.99-1.00, p=.001), greater depressive symptoms (OR=1.35, 95% CI=1.19-1.53, p< .001) and lower standing MAP (OR=.98, 95% CI=.96-1.00, p=.036) were associated with higher odds of an FM diagnosis. However, no differences in lying MAP (OR=1.02, 95% CI=1.00-1.04, p=.137) or BMI (OR=1.02, 95% CI=.95-1.10, p=.644) for an FM diagnosis emerged. Discussion: These data support the importance of examining the health profiles of persons with FM in the context of CVD risk. Experiences of FM may produce distinct health profiles with characteristics that serve as both protective and risk factors in the context of CVD.
Factors Associated With Pain Interference Among Black and White Older Adults
Authors: Fullwood Dottington , Fillingim Roger , Johnson Alisa , Gell Nancy
Published: December 2020

Pain interference (PI) is an indicator of pain impact and is associated with physical performance (PP). However, factors associated with PI among older adults are not well described, including associations with PP and racial differences. This study explored PI among older adults by race. Data were obtained from the 2013 Pain Supplement of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (N= 1,202; 59.9% female, 23.0% Black non-Hispanic). Interviews included questions on sociodemographics, multi-morbidities, pain intensity (0-10 scale), and PI overall. Participants were also asked “In the last month, how much did pain interfere with ADLs, household activities, going outside, shopping, social activities and walking, which was used to create a PI index (Range 0-18). Physical performance measures assessed balance, gait speed, and chair stands (Short physical performance battery; SPPB). Logistic and multivariable regression analyses were conducted to determine associations among PI with PP, pain intensity, and race. Older Black adults experienced higher pain intensity (3.90 vs. 3.03) and demonstrated greater PP limitations (5.4 vs. 7.1 SPPB score) compared to older White adults (p<0.001). Higher scores on the PI index were associated with worse PP, higher pain intensity, depression, multi-morbidity, and White race (p <0.001), independent of confounders. Similarly, more PI overall was associated with White race, higher pain intensity, worse PP, and multi-morbidity (p<0.001). Despite higher pain intensity and worse physical performance, older Black adults reported lower PI than White older adults. Additional exploration is needed to discern the paradoxically lower PI among older Black adults, including potential resilience factors.
Good, Bad, and Ugly: Partner Support and Quality of Life Among Couples Facing Skin Cancer
Authors: Butner-Kozimor Laura , Savla Jyoti
Published: December 2020

When older adults in partnered relationships face a skin cancer diagnosis of one partner, couples may rely on one another for support. Previous studies have found that perceived support can influence one’s adjustment to the stressors associated with the skin cancer diagnosis, as well as influence the overall quality of life. Using dyadic data from 30 older couples (Mage = 70; SD = 7.25), this study examined positive and negative relationship-focused support strategies each partner provided and effects on the dyad’s quality of life. Dyadic path analyses simultaneously examined the impact of support received by one’s partner and its association with their own quality of life (actor effects) and their partner’s quality of life (partner effects). Positive support received by either partner, in the form of active engagement, was not associated with quality of life. In contrast, negative support in the form of protective buffering received from supporting partners was associated with poorer quality of life for themselves (β = -.37, p = .05) as well as for partners with skin cancer (β = -.43, p = .01). Similarly, overprotection, also a negative support strategy, by supporting partners was associated with poorer quality of life for partners with skin cancer (β = -.63, p < .001). Findings illustrate that not all types of support are beneficial for the overall couple relationship and couple outcomes. Implications for practice and interventions for older couples facing a cancer diagnosis will be discussed.
Investigating Head and Neck Cancer Survivors’ Experience of Survivorship Care
Authors: Seaman Aaron , Saeidzadeh Seyedehtanaz , Kendell Nicholas , Christensen Alan , Thomsen Timothy , Reisinger Heather , Pagedar Nitin
Published: December 2020

Head and neck cancer (HNC) accounts for 4% of all cancers diagnosed in the US, with 75% in adults over 55 years of age. HNC survivors must deal with the long-term consequences of the cancer and its treatments, which can have significant long-term physical, psychosocial, and financial consequences, dramatically impacting survivors’ lives. While research has identified the unmet needs of HNC survivors, there has been little examination of HNC survivors’ experiences living with a cancer history and engaging in survivorship care. To explore survivors’ experiences and their attitudes toward their survivorship care, we conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 22 HNC survivors whose survivorship care was managed within the HNC program of an academic tertiary care institution. Participants’ mean age was 65 years old, ranging from 33 to 86. The majority of the participants were male (68%), white (96%), married (81%), and had some college education or a higher degree (81%). One third of participants (n=7) had rural residence, as defined by the Rural-Urban Continuum Codes. Participants reported a wide range of experiences based on multiple factors: cancer site, staging, and treatment; their expectations prior to treatment; and personal and social context. They varied in their approaches toward understanding and incorporating the impacts of their cancer experience, from physical side effects of treatment to social impacts. They described the importance of survivorship care both in physical and social terms. We discuss the implications of these results for future interventions to improve HNC survivorship care delivery.
Perception of Neighborhood Characteristics During Childhood and Cognitive Health Among Older Adults in China
Authors: Peng Changmin , Han Sae Hwang , Burr Jeffrey
Published: December 2020

Neighborhood environments shape the availability of resources for social engagement and social interaction, which are associated with better health outcomes. However, these contextual factors are also considered sources of potential social distress and tension, increasing the risk of subsequent health deficits, including cognitive decline. Our understanding of the linkage between childhood neighborhood environments and cognitive functioning in later life is limited. This study employed three waves of nationally representative data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011-2015; N = 11,105) to investigate the relationship between self-reported neighborhood social cohesion during childhood (i.e., neighborhood safety, neighbors willing to help, and close-knit neighborhood) and cognitive functioning (Chinese version of TICS). We employed latent growth curve modeling to test hypotheses relating to life course models of childhood conditions and later life cognitive functioning (the long arm of childhood). The results showed that perceptions regarding the willingness of neighbors to help and close-knit neighborhood characteristics during childhood were positively associated with levels of later life cognitive function. Further, growing up in a neighborhood characterized by the willingness of neighbors to help others was negatively associated with the rate of cognitive decline, net of childhood and adulthood covariates. Self-report of neighborhood safety during childhood was unrelated to cognitive function (level and change). These findings underscored the long-term ramifications of childhood conditions as potential risk factors for later-life cognitive health. Social cohesion at the neighborhood level as experienced during childhood may be a protective factor for healthy cognitive aging among older Chinese adults.
Personal Support Networks of Older Adults in Relation to Their Perceptions About Disaster Management
Authors: Ashida Sato , Thompson Lena , Hejna Emily , Obot Sefonobong , Schneider Haley
Published: December 2020

Personal support networks are essential in ensuring the health and well-being of older adults especially in handling disaster situations. This study assessed the characteristics of personal support networks of older adults in relation to their perceptions about disaster management. Adults between ages 63 and 88 from Eastern Iowa participated in a survey prior to receiving a disaster preparedness education program. About half (47%) were living alone, 66% were female, and 53% had a high school diploma or fewer years of education. Forty-seven participants identified 308 support network members, with an average network size of 6.55 members ranging from 2 to 17. A greater number of network members with whom participants discussed disaster/emergency plans was associated with higher perceived response efficacy (preparation/planning “will help handle the situation better”; r=0.45, p=0.002), lower perceived barriers (preparation is “difficult to do”; r=-0.34, p=0.021), and higher self-efficacy to handle disaster situations (r=0.32, p=0.030). Having more members who would help “if something went wrong” was associated with higher self-efficacy to prepare (r=0.44, p=0.002) and to handle disaster situations (r=0.34, p=0.021). Fatalistic perception that nothing can help handle disaster situations was associated with having fewer people who provide emotional support (r=-0.559, p=.003) and who participants trust (r=-0.46, p=.018). Older adults’ social support network members may partly determine their perceptions regarding the importance of and their ability to prepare for emergency and disaster situations. Future studies may evaluate whether activating network member support and discussion would lead to increased motivation and preparedness among older adults.
Physical and Social Neighborhood Environments and Well-Being
Authors: Takayama Midori , Ishioka Yoshiko , Sugawara Ikuko
Published: December 2020

Existing research has found effects of neighborhood environment on well-being. However, it is still not clear what features of neighborhood environments affect well-being for older adults and whether the impact of the environment varies depending on the health and economic conditions. In this study, we examined the relations between 4 physical and social neighborhood-context factors, that is, the availability of neighborhood physical resources (e.g. community centers and libraries), the walkability and accessibility, the availability of social resources (e.g. culture and recreation programs, and social care services), and the social inclusion (e.g. participation in decision making, and positive social attitude toward older adults), and individual-level well-being. Moreover, we examined the health and economic disparities of effect of neighborhood environments on well-being. We used data from locally representative longitudinal study of older Japanese aged 74 to 86 (N = 1388). Results from multi-level linear regression showed that after controlling individual variables having inhibitory/facilitatory effects of well-being, the availability of physical resources was associated with higher well-being score. Especially among older adults who had financial strains, the availability of physical environment had a positive effect on well-being more strongly. For older adults who had better physical functions, accessibility and walkability were associated with higher well-being score. The social inclusiveness was associated with higher well-being score among those who had no financial strain. These important findings demonstrate the need for more research exploring the underlying mechanisms. The potential benefits of this approach provide a basis for developing models of maintaining well-being for older adults.
Social Participation and Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese Retirees
Authors: Xu Ziyao , Sun Na
Published: December 2020

With the rapid growth of the older population in China, the number of retirees is expanding. The retirement transition can lead to the loss of roles/challenge self-identity, increasing the risk of depression. Social participation may have a protective role in the context of retirement. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between social participation and depressive symptoms among Chinese retirees. Using cross-sectional data from the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS), we investigated 1949 retirees (Mean age = 66.11, SD=0.37). Social engagement was measured by summing participation in 10 social activities (e.g., interacting with friends, volunteering). Depressive symptoms were measured using the CESD-10; a score ≥ 10 was used to define depression. Participants, on average, engaged in 1.42 (SD=0.06) social activities and 16.8% of them had depression. Results of logistic regression indicate a significant relationship between social participation and depressive symptoms (p=0.014). For every additional social activity, the odds of depression decreased by 17%, holding age, gender, marital status, education, total income, and numbers of chronic diseases constant. Social activity is associated with depression among Chinese retirees. Future studies should explore the effects of specific types of activities on the mental health of Chinese retirees.
Long-Term Effects of Abuse in Later Life Perpetrated by Family Members
Authors: Meinertz Naomi , Liu Pi-Ju , Acierno Ron
Published: December 2020

Abuse in later life could potentially lead to lower levels of social support, especially when perpetrated by family members who are charged with protecting the older adult in their care. Using both waves of the National Elder Mistreatment longitudinal data (wave one collected in 2008 and wave two in 2015; N=774), long-term effects of abuse (i.e., physical, emotional, sexual, and financial) on levels of social support, physical health, and clinical depressive symptoms for respondents at or above the age of 60 years were analyzed. A multivariate analysis of variance showed that respondents abused at wave one (n=261) by a family member (B=-0.55, p≤0.001), a spouse or ex-partner (B=-0.349, p=0.02), or a non-relative or stranger (B=-0.301, p=0.026) had lower levels of social support eight years later at wave two. Those abused by a family member at wave one also experienced higher levels of depressive symptoms at wave two (B=-0.187, p=0.01). Perpetrator type did not predict general health at wave two. These results emphasize the long-term impact of abuse on the lives of older adults and highlight the importance trusted relationships, such as with family members, have on older adult health and wellbeing.
Retirement Preparedness: How Important Is Being Financially Literate?
Authors: Wang Mengya , Bartholomae Suzanne
Published: December 2020

Financial security in retirement is a major concern for many Americans. Numerous studies document that Americans are not prepared for retirement, with financial illiteracy cited as one reason Americans fail to plan. Employing data from the 2018 National Financial Capability Study (N=27,091), this study investigates actual financial literacy (AFL) and perceived financial literacy (PFL) and how combinations of this measure influences retirement planning, and varies based on years from retirement. This study found relatively low financial literacy and retirement preparedness levels among the US sample, even for those pre-retirees ages 55 to 64. Individually, PFL and AFL increased as one approached retirement. When combined, adults nearing retirement (55 to 64) comprised the greatest proportion of the high AFL and high PFL (29.9%) group compared to adults 20 years or more from retirement (18-44) who largely made up the low AFL and PFL (48%) group. Based on a logistic regression, adults closest to retirement (ages 55 to 64) are more likely to be planning compared to the other groups, as are adults who were financially confident, risk takers, highly educated, males, and white. Compared to adults with high AFL and high PFL, adults with low AFL and low PFL, or a combination (low PFL and high AFL, high PFL and low AFL) have lower odds of preparing for retirement. Both PFL and AFL influences retirement planning, and PFL may be as important as AFL. Our highlight the importance of policies and programs to support Americans with retirement planning.
Vulnerability to Financial Scams Among Older Adults: Cognitive and Psychosocial Factors
Authors: Beach Scott , Czaja Sara , Schulz Richard , Loewenstein David , Lichtenberg Peter
Published: December 2020

This paper presents baseline results from a longitudinal study funded by National Institute on Aging examining financial exploitation (FE) among 720 White, African-American, and Hispanic adults age 60 and older. Our proposed conceptual model links socio-demographics, cognitive function, financial skills, and psychosocial factors to both scam exposure and vulnerability, which increases risk for experienced FE. This paper focuses on correlates of scam vulnerability, using a novel measure in which participants read six randomly ordered “scam” scenarios (investment opportunity; Medicare phishing and prescription drug fraud; health product; sweepstakes; telemarketing) and provide credibility ratings for each (1 = Not at all credible; 10 = Extremely credible). Ratings are coded “0” (credibility rating 1); “1” (ratings 2-4); “2” (ratings 5-10) and summed, with total “vulnerability” scores ranging from 0-12. Preliminary results from ~500 participants (Mean age = 73.6) show support for the proposed model. Older adults with poorer cognitive function in multiple domains (memory; reasoning ability; processing speed; other aspects of executive function; and crystallized intelligence); lower financial literacy; lower numeracy; those reporting difficulty with day-to-day financial management; and those performing worse on web-based banking skills tests were more vulnerable to scams. Scam vulnerability was a also higher among those with lower social integration; higher social isolation and loneliness; higher impulsivity; and higher ratings of depression. Use of “scam scenario” credibility ratings shows promise as a simple assessment approach for FE vulnerability. Understanding multiple pathways to FE is important to advance theory and for development of interventions to minimize risk among older adults.
Culture, Age, and Self-Continuity: Old Chinese Showed Lower Continuity With Their Past and Future Self Than Americans
Authors: Lu Yi , Cong Lu , Loeckenhoff Corinna , Zhang Xin
Published: December 2020

As culture shapes the way people think and reason, it may also influence their perception of self-continuity, the psychological proximity to the past and the future, across the lifespan. Meanwhile, previous studies in America indicated that advancing age was associated with greater self-continuity. The present research is the first to simultaneously examine how age and culture interact with each other on individuals’ continuity with past and future self. Using Ersner-Hershfield’s visual scale, we assessed participants’ temporal self-continuity at 3 past and 3 future time points (1 year vs. 5 years vs. 10 years) in a sample of 375 Chinese and 91 Americans. A 2(age: young vs. old) x 2(temporal direction: past vs. future) x 2(culture: Chinese vs. American) multilevel analysis was conducted. A significant interaction of age and culture was found, and such interaction revealed that younger Chinese and Americans shared a similar pattern on self-continuity at different temporal distances. However, older Chinese, compared with older Americans, presented a lower level of self-continuity and less variance across temporal distances, suggesting that older Chinese felt less connected with their recent self than both Americans and younger Chinese, and less connected with their remote self than older Americans. These findings fill the gaps in current research by revealing an opposite trend on self-continuity between older Chinese and Americans, and suggest more concern on country differences in this area.
Emotional and Situational Acceptance Across the Lifespan: A Novel Scale
Authors: Wolfe Hannah , Isaacowitz Derek
Published: December 2020

Self-reported emotional well-being tends to increase with age (Charles & Carstensen, 2007), but evidence for age differences in emotion regulation strategies is mixed (Livingstone & Isaacowitz, 2019), and the strategy of acceptance, in particular, is relatively understudied. Acceptance involves the deliberate decision to not alter a situation or one’s emotional response to it, and older adults report greater use of general acceptance (Shallcross, Ford, Floerke, & Mauss, 2013). Yet, no current scale distinguishes between situational and emotional acceptance; general acceptance is typically measured using a subscale of the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS; Baer, Smith, & Allen, 2004), which assesses judgments of emotions and thoughts. Therefore, a 6-item measure of situational acceptance was developed and administered to 24 younger adults (age 18-25) and 30 older adults (age 55+) on Amazon Mechanical Turk, along with the KIMS accepting subscale and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS; Brown & Ryan, 2003). The situational acceptance scale achieved good reliability (α=.721) and significantly correlated with the MAAS (r= .301, p=.027) and KIMS (r= .466, p<.001). Older adults tended to rate themselves as significantly higher on situational acceptance (M=29.83, SD=5.17) than younger adults (M=25.13, SD=5.72; t=-3.171, p=.003), and this pattern held for the MAAS and KIMS. These results confirm prior work suggesting older adults engage in acceptance more often than younger adults and expand this finding to situational, not just emotional, acceptance. Furthermore, skills related to mindfulness and acceptance appear to greatly overlap and may increase over the lifespan.
Moderation of Physical Health on Emotional Health Among Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Authors: Jiao Yuqin , Riggs Nathaniel , Yancura Loriena , Fox Aimee , Fruhauf Christine
Published: December 2020

An estimated 69.5 million older adults in the United States report being grandparents. It is also evident that the number of grandparents raising grandchildren among them is increasing. Although caring for their grandchildren often provides grandparents a sense of purpose and increased life satisfaction, unexpected responsibilities of parenting worsen the already challenging experience of aging (e.g., potential for poor physical and mental health). Thus, it is essential to study the well-being of grandparents raising grandchildren. Links between depressive symptoms and emotional health have been widely studied in previous research. However, limited research has focused on physical health as a potential moderator, despite indirect evidence shown that more depressive symptoms may be observed among those with worse physical health conditions. To address this, we used Optum® SF-36v2® Health Survey to collect physical- and mental-health data and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10) to collect information on depressive symptoms in 137 grandparents raising grandchildren (age 40-83) before, immediately after, and six months after a six-week intervention focused on self-care practices. The presence of more depressive symptoms indicated worse emotional health. Physical health moderated these associations at all three time points, such that depressive symptoms were less strongly related to emotional health if grandparents self-reported better physical-health scores. These findings have important implications for future intervention studies. The importance of good physical health practices for grandparents raising grandchildren is evident, including increased physical engagement and better pain management.
The Life Orientation Test: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis Across Three Age Groups
Authors: Intrieri Robert , Goodwin Paige
Published: December 2020

The Life Orientation Test (LOT; Scheier & Carver, 1985) was developed as a measure of dispositional optimism. Optimism has been linked to positive life outcomes and is associated with psychological (Carver & Gaines, 1987; Scheier & Carver, 1985) and physical (Scheier & Carver, 1987; Scheier et al. 1989) well-being. The current study assessed 520 people placed into three age groups: young adult (n =149), middle-age adult (n = 252), and older adult (n = 119). The mean age for the young group was 19.24 (SD = 2.01), middle-aged (47.68 (SD = 4.75), and old was 71.99 (SD = 7.21). Data were submitted for a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) which tested for invariance across the age groups. Previous factor analyses have identified two distinct factors representing optimism and pessimism. Results from the CFA showed that both Configural and Metric invariance models demonstrated acceptable fit for the two factor model (□2(df=57) = 61.92, p = 0.3047; □2(df=69) = 78.77, p = 0.1974). In contrast, Scalar invariance resulted in a poor fit across the three age groups (□2(df=81) = 139.288, p < 0.0001). Model comparisons revealed no significant differences between Configural and Metric models (□2(df=12) = 16.996, p = 0.1498). Model comparisons between Configural and Scalar and Metric and Scalar were (□2(df=24) = 78.947, p < 0.0001; □2(df=12) = 61.764, p < 0.0001). These results confirm previous research that shows a correlated two factor model consistent with the concept that optimism and pessimism are correlated elements rather than two ends of a continuum.
Cognitive Functioning When Retiring: Findings From a Swedish Population-Based Longitudinal Study
Authors: Zulka Linn Elena , Hansson Isabelle , Thorvaldsson Valgeir , Hassing Linda B
Published: December 2020

The effects of retirement on cognition are still unclear and empirical evidence is conflicting. Especially for retirement from cognitively demanding jobs, positive as well as negative effects have been reported. Leisure activity engagement has been hypothesized to play an important role in explaining the mixed evidence. In this study, we examine the interplay between job demands before retirement and changes in leisure activities before and after retirement and their relation to post-retirement cognitive functioning. Using data from the HEalth, Aging and Retirement in Sweden (HEARTS) study, cognitive trajectories before and after retirement were modeled in a multi-level piecewise model (N = 2688 observations). Post-retirement memory and reasoning ability were predicted by self-reported work demands and changes in leisure activity engagement. Results imply a stable increase in memory over the retirement transition and less steep increase in abstract reasoning after retirement. Work demands and leisure activity participation were not related to post-retirement cognitive change. Job demands and leisure activity engagement may not play an important role for short-term post-retirement cognitive functioning. These findings support the conclusion that retirement, independent of prior work demands, does not affect cognitive functioning negatively.
Driving Cessation and Social Participation in Late Life: A Systematic Review
Authors: Qin Weidi
Published: December 2020

Driving cessation is a major life transition in late life, and can affect the quality of social life in older adults. The present study aims to systematically review the literature on how driving cessation affects social participation among older adults in the US. The study selection followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Extant literature published from 1990 to 2019 that examined driving cessation and social participation or social engagement among older adults in the US was searched using eight search engines: PsycINFO, CINAHL, SocIndex, AgeLine, MedLine, Scopus, Transportation Research Board Publication Index, and Cochrane Library. Quantitative studies that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The assessment of methodological quality was also conducted for included studies. In total, seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Six of the included studies found significant relationships between driving cessation and at least one domain of social participation, such as volunteering, employment, leisure-time activities, and the frequency of contacts. However, the measures of social participation were inconsistent across studies, which might explain that no effects of driving cessation were found on the structure of social network, such as contacts with friends and extended family. There is a need to assist older adults in successfully transitioning to driving cessation and maintaining the social participation. The overall quality of included studies is moderate based on the assessment of risk of bias and confounding.
I Do Help: Older Adults as Digital Media Support Providers for Their Peers
Authors: Hunsaker Amanda , Nguyen Minh Hao , Fuchs Jaelle , Karaoglu Gökçe , Djukaric Teodora , Hargittai Eszter
Published: December 2020

Older adults include highly sophisticated digital media users among their numbers for whom diverse methods of using online technology are a daily occurrence. Given that some older adults are quite tech-savvy, it follows that they may also provide digital media support to others. This study examines technological support-giving abilities and experiences of older adults. We completed in-depth qualitative interviews with older adults (ages 59+) in Hungary, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Turkey (N=63) exploring: (1) whether older adults give digital media support and reasons for (not) doing so; (2) how older adults provide support and to whom; and (3) experiences of providing support with IT security specifically. The research team conducted consensus meetings to identify themes and coding schemes, and memo writing to share findings and ensure reliability across and within coders. Overall, a large number of our participants reported giving digital media support, primarily within their social circles. The kinds of help provided highly varied from navigating the Internet to choosing devices and managing security settings. We also find mutual support – support given to each other – an important domain for how people in this age group share assistance for technical problems. While some participants did not provide help with digital technology because they lacked confidence to do so, others believed they could, but were never asked. That such a prominent amount of support providers exist in this age group implies that peer-led technical support approaches may be especially salient and effective in helping older adults use digital media.
Are Differences in Bedtimes Bad for Relationships? Associations With Attachment and Conflict in Middle-Aged Couples
Authors: Novak Joshua , Wilson Stephanie
Published: December 2020

A robust body of literature has found birdirectional associations between sleep quality and marital quality in couple relationships (Hasler & Troxel, 2010; Pearlin, 2010). Additionally, dyadic research shows that differences in couples’ bed time routines and habits is associated with mental health outcomes (Chen, 2018), however the literature has not connected them with other marital processes that are mutable and clinically relevant. Attachment theory provides a clinically relevant framework that captures both interpersonal marital processes such as relationship conflict as well intrapersonal processes of individual emotional safety—essentially individuals’ personal strategies to balance closeness and distance in a relationship (Feeney, 2002; Rhodes et al., 2001). The two main attachment styles related to sleep processes are attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety (Collins et al., 2002; Gun, 2015; Troxel, 2007). Utilizing data from 234 couple dyads, we investigated if differences in partners’ bed times is associated with conflict frequency and attachment avoidance using a structural equation modeling approach. We controlled for a number of important factors and tested our hypothesized model against two plausible alternative models. Results revealed that greater difference in partners’ bed times was associated with higher conflict frequency for both husbands and wives through higher men’s attachment avoidance. Our findings highlight previous research on matched vs. unmatched couples on sleep routines, habits, and chronotypes (both morning or night vs. different; Larson et al., 1991) but highlight mutable and clinically relevant constructs for intervention. Implications for health promotion and marital therapy will be discussed.
Urban Environmental Barriers and Facilities to Mobility and Participation for Older Mobility Device Users
Authors: Mortenson W Ben , Miller Bill , Mahmood Atiya , Routhier Francois , Labbe Delphine
Published: December 2020

Many people use mobility devices to get around. Unfortunately, these mobility device users frequently encounter environmental features and social practices that restrict mobility and social participation. For example, barriers in the built environment can exclude mobility devices users from certain spaces. They also report experiencing discrimination and stigma in the community. However, much of the research in this area has not examined the experiences of older mobility device users in a holistic manner. The purpose of our study was to explore the barriers and facilitators of mobility and participation among people who use wheeled mobility devices. This mixed-methods project used multiple participatory research methods including qualitative interviews, participant-led, community environmental audits, photovoice, mobility tracking using global positioning satellite data and building accessibility audits of participant nominated buildings. We used standardized tools to measure participants’ perceived, physical functioning, anxiety and depression, mobility and mobility device confidence among device users living. The study included 104 participants (64 from the Metro Vancouver and 41 from Quebec City). The primary mobility devices used included manual and power wheelchairs, mobility scooters, canes, crutches and walkers. On average, participants were 58 years of age and 53% were female. Our analysis revealed four main themes: 1) wayfinding challenges; 2) barriers and facilitators in the built environment; 3) the influence of social practices; and 4) temporal and climatic fluctuations. Our findings identified policies and changeable features in the built and social environment that restrict accessibility, which could be remedied by working collaboratively with municipalities and service providers.
Care2Caregiver: A Peer Support Helpline for Caregivers of Persons Living With Dementia
Authors: Zechner Michelle , Swarbrick Margaret , Lundquist Mary-Catherine
Published: December 2020

Caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and Related Dementia (CADRD) provide a significant amount of support to their family members, however, experience many challenges and stress that impacts their quality of life, emotional and physical well-being. They also have difficulty accessing services. Peers supporters, or CADRD with specialized training, are an important resource to help alleviate stress related to caregiving and focus on wellbeing, yet few studies have examined peer support. Our retrospective cohort study examined four years of data collected from a peer support helpline for CADRD in a northeastern state. Data included: demographics, presenting issues, services provided to assess for changes across time and call frequency. The Peer Specialists were CADRD who received specialized training and supervision to provide telephonic peer support. Caregivers were primarily female, and the average age of caller increased significantly over time. Issues related to personal emotional wellbeing was the primary reason for the call. The primary type of support provided was peer support interactions, follow-up calls, and links to resources focused on caregiver well-being. Callers reported distress from offering care to multiple recipients. Electronic follow-up (e.g. email and chat) increased over time. Peer support helpline programs have the potential to address the practical, physical, social and emotional needs of CADRD in the location of the caregiver choice. This model has potential to reach the growing number CADRDs via an array of web-based services including chat, email and online support, which can help overcome transportation and other logistical barriers to support.
Implementation of the FL-REACH Caregiver Intervention: Translation in an Outpatient Memory Disorders Clinic
Authors: Wharton Tracy , Paulson Daniel , James Nicholas , Laird Rosemary , Campos Barbara Mendez , Shepherd Gayle
Published: December 2020

The REACH II intervention is the gold-standard in dementia caregiver interventions. The FL-REACH translation is a novel adaptation offered in both English and Spanish to an outpatient memory disorder clinic at an urban, Southeastern healthcare system. This pre-post feasibility trial involves 6 sessions (4 in person at the clinic and 2 by phone) with the identified caregiver and any other family who wish to attend, which may also include the person living with dementia. The program is focused on early stage post-diagnosis, and is structured around building rapport, empowering families to build support networks, and teaching skills and knowledge-based material. Twenty four of the 60-participant target sample have consented to participate in this ongoing study. Change on the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale is significant (t=3.03, p=.001, Cohen’s d=2.49). Means for the Zarit Burden 12-item scale went from 24.5 to 13.17 (t=-6.65, p=.03, Cohen’s d=3.53). Access by care recipients to dangerous objects decreased (67% to 14%). Confidence in ability to use behavioral strategies in caregiving increased from 8% at baseline to 72% at study completion. Satisfaction surveys indicate high satisfaction with all elements of the intervention. These outcomes are consistent with existing data regarding utility of the REACH framework and reflect feasibility of delivering an adapted program model in an outpatient clinic environment. A future randomized controlled trial should examine whether early intervention and training reduces utilization of emergency care over time and improves quality of life for families.
Challenging and Dismantling Ageist Attitudes, Beliefs, and Behaviors Through Intergenerational Programs
Authors: Rogers-Jarrell Tia , Meisner Brad
Published: December 2020

Age stereotypes are complex and multifaceted: individuals can demonstrate and embody numerous and varied positive and negative stereotypes. Therefore, solutions to combat age stereotypes must also be complex and multifaceted. Additionally, both social and physical forms of age segregation are common in our society. This causes fewer and fewer opportunities for younger and older people to interact. Intergroup Contact Theory suggests age stereotypes can be reduced through increased intergenerational contact. One way to encourage contact between younger and older populations is through intergenerational programming. However, there is a lack of literature investigating the effects of intergenerational programs on perceptions of aging. The purpose of this paper was to critically review and explore literature on intergenerational programs to understand how they influence age stereotypes and ageist attitudes. The available literature suggests that intergenerational programs involving young children (ages 4-8), adolescents (ages 11-18), or emerging adults (ages 19-26) interacting with older adults (ages 65+) can significantly reduce age stereotypes towards older adults. Additionally, older adults (ages 65+) negative beliefs and attitudes towards younger people (ages 4-26) can also be deconstructed after participation in intergenerational programs. Intergenerational programs act to break down age barriers and promote connections and understandings between generations. These programs challenge the belief that older and younger people should live and participate in spaces that are separate from one another. Providing opportunities for younger and older people to participate in intergenerational programs is one way to promote respectful relationships and enhance the quality of life and health of all generations.