Journal of Applied Gerontology最新文献

Loneliness is common among older adults and may adversely influence their wellbeing. However, its relations with bereavement-related grief are underexamined. This study utilized network analysis to examine the symptom structures of grief reactions and loneliness and the relations among the symptoms by using secondary survey data from 300 Chinese bereaved older adults in Hong Kong. Centrality analysis revealed that bitterness, disbelief over the death, and upsetting memories were found to be the most central grief symptoms were the most central grief symptoms while not having enough people to feel close to or trust completely was most central for loneliness. The strongest bridge strengths between indicators of loneliness and grief were symptoms of emptiness, feeling lonely, and perceived rejection from others. These findings highlight potential symptoms for working with bereaved older adults. In addition, the results underscore the need for older adult-specific research and tailored bereavement and grief interventions.

The literature does not adequately examine the relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and risk in handgrip strength (HGS) among community-dwelling older adults in India. The study aimed to investigate this relationship, considering sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical variables. A cross-sectional study involving 31,001 individuals aged ≥60 assessed HGS in kilograms using a handheld Smedley Hand Dynamometer and self-reported CVD status. Participants were classified into two groups: with (n = 2291) and without CVD (n = 28,710). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed a significant odds ratio (OR) of HGS among older adults with CVD, adjusted for age, gender, education, marital status, place of residence (sociodemographic), alcohol consumption, smoking, activity, body mass index (lifestyle), hypertension, diabetes, and chronic bone/joint diseases (clinical) (right-handed: OR = 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09-1.38; left-handed: OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.04-1.30). CVD is associated with an increased risk of reduced HGS in older Indians, underscoring that improving HGS may help reduce death rates in this population.

In contemporary society, where digital literacy is an essential skill, older adults can face disadvantages because they frequently have lower levels of digital literacy than younger cohorts. This research evaluated the effectiveness of a smartphone course developed by Age Concern Otago (a New Zealand non-government organization), with the aim of improving digital literacy among older adults. This was achieved using a pre- and post-course survey study design. A total of 98 participants, aged above 60, from thirteen SilverTech courses (four two-hourly sessions) completed pre-surveys in the first session and post-surveys in the last session of each course. The results showed that participants' smartphone digital literacy was improved across all evaluated indices, and feedback for the courses was positive. These findings illustrate that the SilverTech courses are an effective means of improving the digital literacy of older adults and thus fostering digital inclusion in New Zealand.

We sought to understand the impact of multimorbidity (MM) on the trajectories of functional decline in the last three years of life among older people in Japan. We used nationwide longitudinal cohort data with 6-year follow-up and analyzed 3731 functionally independent residents aged 65 years and older. The primary outcome was the five trajectory groups of functional disability in the last three years of life, defined by group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM). The explanatory variable was two alternative definitions of MM: basic MM (BMM; two or more comorbid diseases) versus complex MM (CMM; three or more body system disorders due to disease). A multinomial logistic regression analysis showed both MMs were associated with earlier trajectories of functional decline (maximum odds ratio: BMM 1.12 [0.99-1.27]; CMM 1.29 [1.16-1.44]). Preventing MMs, especially CMM, by providing appropriate care and support could contribute to healthy longevity by delaying the onset of functional disability.

To compare lighting levels in care facilities with local recommendations and determine their cross-sectional association with fall rate, we recruited residents (n = 126) from 12 long-term care facilities (mean ± SD age 85.1 ± 7.9 years; 64.3% female). Lighting levels were measured at different times in various areas within facilities, according to each resident's movements and habitual use of light. Lighting fell short of focused activity recommendations in 57.7% of bedrooms and 68.5% of bathrooms (bathing and toileting areas); 22.8% and 41.9%, respectively, were also below general activity recommendations. Lower bedroom and overall lighting correlated with higher fall rates (all p < .05). Covariate-adjusted negative binomial models showed lighting in dining rooms (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.92 (95% CI 0.87-0.98; p = .005) for 100 lux increase), bathrooms (IRR = 0.87 [0.78-0.98]; p = .016), and overall (IRR = 0.91 [0.83-1.00]; p = .03-.04) predicted lower fall rates. Areas used by care facility residents commonly have lower than recommended lighting levels, which increases fall risk.

Quality of life outcomes are associated with the transition to non-driving and depend on effective coping. We examined the relationship between internal factors associated with effective coping and longitudinal changes in travel behavior among drivers aged ≥70 using data from a randomized controlled trial evaluating a driving decision aid. We measured attitudes using the Assessment of Readiness for Mobility Transition (ARMT) and personality using the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI). We analyzed associations between attitudes and personality with drivers' change in a) alternative transportation use and b) driving behavior over time. Older drivers with high versus low attitudinal readiness for mobility transition were more likely to use alternative transportation over time (adjusted odds ratio = 6.37; 95% confidence interval: 1.45-28.1). We found no association between personality characteristics and alternative transportation use or driving behavior over time. Attitudinal readiness may be a key predictor of effective coping during the transition to non-driving.

The digital divide has become a growing source of inequality, as older adults face challenges in adopting and using digital technologies in daily life. Few studies have explored how different types of digital technology usage in various life domains among older adults impact their overall well-being. This study addresses this gap by suggesting effective directions for reducing the cross-generational digital divide. To this end, it analyzed de-identified secondary data from 864 South Korean adults above 65 years, surveyed by the National Information Society Agency (NIA). The findings show that digital efficacy positively affects older adults' life satisfaction, mediated by their perceptions of digital technology. Additionally, social networking through digital technology positively influences their life satisfaction through the same mediation. Our findings suggest that policymakers should prioritize the development of educational programs to improve digital efficacy and social networking, which will ultimately enhance older adults' well-being.

Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) can appear not only in Alzheimer's disease dementia (ADD) but in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study examined the association of BPSD with caregiver relationship, using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q) score. The cognitive function of 419 new outpatients with ADD or MCI was evaluated using the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale (HDS-R) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Caregiver relationship was significantly associated with patient age, sex, duration of education, cohabitation status, total NPI-Q score, and number of NPI-Q domains. Caregiver (oldest daughter), duration of school education, age, and total HDS-R and MMSE scores were significantly associated with NPI-Q total score and number of NPI-Q domains. The delusions, dysphoria/depression, irritability/lability, and aberrant motor behaviors domains were significantly associated with caregiver relationship. The dysphoria/depression and irritability/lability domain score were scored significantly higher by female caregivers. The delusion domain was significantly associated with cohabitation.

Home and community-based physical activity (HCBPA) has been extensively utilized among older adults. Nevertheless, the varying types of HCBPA, including different duration, intensity, and frequency, have sparked controversy regarding their impact on the quality of life in older adults. This study aims to explore the effects of HCBPA on QoL in older adults. We conducted a systematic review and retrieved studies published from January 2000 to April 2023 from multiple databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and the Web of Science Library). Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria for this study. Long-term HCBPA interventions may have a more pronounced positive impact on older adults' quality of life than short-term ones, with the intervention's intensity and frequency playing a key role in its effectiveness. The results of the meta-analyses showed significant differences in PCS but not in MCS, both with low certainty of evidence. Policymakers should prioritize the importance of promoting HCBPA interventions with appropriate duration, intensity, and frequency to create a more age-inclusive society.

This study focuses on the experiences of older parents who have an adult child with intellectual disabilities (ID), specifically exploring their overall experiences and relationships with their offspring. A qualitative methodology incorporating semi-structured interviews was employed. Participants comprised sixteen older parents to an adult child with mild to moderate ID living in a residential village. Participants described various challenges, including physical and health-related difficulties and loneliness. Interviewees also expressed positive life experiences, such as engaging in new activities and pursuits. Parents noted a newfound balance in their parent-child relationships, affording them more time for personal interests in older adulthood, which they found to be unique opportunities distinct from their earlier years. It is recommended that interactions between older and younger parents of children with ID be fostered, facilitating opportunities for the younger generation to benefit from the experiences of their more seasoned counterparts.