Research on Aging最新文献

Accessing long-term care can be challenging due to complex care systems. This study aimed to identify evidence on interventions designed to improve access to long-term care for community-dwelling older adults. A systematic search of five databases identified 16 studies published between 2013 and 2023. Interventions were categorized into four types: early identification (n = 6), integrated care (n = 5), partnership (n = 2), and other (n = 3). Common strategies included providing information, making referrals, and providing coordinated care. Most interventions were delivered by healthcare professionals, targeted high-risk older adults, and focused on nursing home admissions, with less attention to other long-term care services. Interventions could target older adults with advanced age or specific health conditions and identify unmet needs at early stages. Future research could document intervention length, explore its impact on service access, and evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of involving non-healthcare professionals in delivering interventions.

Using a nationally representative sample of older adults (age 65+, N = 7,547) and a path model, we examined the direct effects of dementia on social engagement, loneliness, and depressive/anxiety symptoms, and the mediation effects of loneliness and social engagement on the associations between dementia and depressive/anxiety symptoms. Of the study population, 7.7% and 5.5% had possible and probable dementia, respectively; 14.3% and 21.9% of those with possible and probable dementia had moderate to severe depressive/anxiety symptoms. The ratios of the indirect effects of social engagement and loneliness on a possible dementia to the total effect of possible dementia on depressive/anxiety symptoms were 0.26 and 0.28, respectively. The ratios in probable dementia were 0.11 and 0.21. The lack of social engagement and loneliness contribute substantially to depressive/anxiety symptoms in dementia. Strategies to increase social engagement and reduce social isolation are necessary to improve the psychological well-being of people living with dementia.

Despite a growing body of literature linking social activities to cognitive function, studies specifically examining the potential cognitive benefits of friendships and neighbors remain limited. Drawing on eight waves of nationally representative data from the Health and Retirement Study (1998-2012; N = 29,777), we investigated whether two distinct forms of social activities with friends and neighbors-(1) getting together for a social visit and (2) providing informal helping-were associated with cognitive function, which was assessed with a modified version of the Telephone Interview for Cognition Status (m-TICS). Multilevel models provided evidence of within-person associations between both types of social activities (with friends and neighbors) and better cognitive function, with informal helping showing more robust associations. This study highlights the value of an adequate level of contact with friends and neighbors, emphasizing the importance of accessible and meaningful social activities for older adults' cognitive health.

Objectives: This study examined how Korean American older immigrants recall, integrate, and complete their life reviews through a 15-week psychoeducation class. The class aimed to encourage participants to reflect on and reminisce about their life journeys by interacting with companion robots named "Hyodol." Method: Ten Korean American older adults participated in the psychoeducation classes designed to facilitate life reminiscence. The study employed a bottom-up approach, allowing themes and insights to emerge inductively from the raw data collected. Results: The primary themes merged ere: (1) cultural adaptation for older immigrants, (2) integrating past and present experiences, (3) progression toward peaceful conclusion, and (4) robot-assisted life review. The findings highlighted the previously unheard voices of older Korean American immigrants as they revisited life courses marked by hardship and unresolved family conflicts. Discussion: Gerontologists can play a pivotal role in supporting socially isolated older immigrants through culturally sensitive life review and reminiscence work.

Despite growing attention to the social isolation crisis in the U.S., it remains unclear whether Americans experience a decline in social connection with age. Given the complex nature of social connections, this study argues that we need to ask a different question - which domains of social connections decline with age. Using representative egocentric network data (Person-to-Person Health Interview; N = 2,603) to measure core discussion networks and representative time-diary data (American Time Use Survey; N = 35,900) to measure daily social interactions, we find diverging age differences across two dimensions of social connections. These results present a complex picture of social connections. Specifically, people maintain a consistent core discussion network of confidants across all ages. However, daily social interactions decline with age. Additionally, we find that social roles have a sizable impact on daily social interactions but little impact on core discussion networks across the life course.

Stress theories propose that the mental health consequences of physical health problems are buffered by social support and amplified by relationship strain, yet it is unclear how older adults' friendships moderate these associations. Using data from 2016 and 2018 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (N = 8,558), we evaluate whether associations between number of physical limitations and depressive symptoms (CES-D) are moderated by friend support and strain, and whether these patterns differ by gender and partnership status. Multivariable OLS regressions show friend strain amplifies and friend support mutes the association between having 3+ physical limitations and depressive symptoms. Protective effects of friend support are larger for unpartnered versus partnered persons, although patterns do not differ by gender. The egalitarian nature of supportive friendships may make them particularly protective for older adults with physical limitations. Health problems may undermine equity in friendships, intensifying the psychological consequences of friend strain.

For Asian American family caregivers, transitioning loved ones with dementia into a U.S. nursing home can be particularly challenging due to cultural expectations and the scarcity of linguistically and culturally appropriate care. This qualitative study, focusing on the largest Asian American community, examined the experiences of Chinese family caregivers navigating this transition, using thematic analysis of twelve semi-structured interviews conducted in Mandarin Chinese or English. Filial piety profoundly influenced caregiving decisions. Caregivers reported significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens, with challenges including limited access to culturally and linguistically appropriate nursing home care, concerns about care quality, and difficulties in family discussions about the transition. The findings underscore the need for greater awareness within the Chinese community about dementia care options and for nursing homes to improve culturally sensitive care. Addressing these gaps could ease the transition process and better support caregivers and their loved ones.

Dementia-friendly communities (DFCs) have gained global prominence as a key strategy to enable older adults living with dementia to live with dignity and without stigma. However, there is little understanding about how community stakeholders beyond those working directly with people affected by dementia can be effectively mobilized and contribute to the creation of DFCs. This study explores the underlying facilitators that enable community stakeholders' engagement and contribution towards DFC development. A dementia-friendly initiative underpinned by principles of asset-based community development was implemented in Hong Kong. We conducted three focus groups comprising 23 participants from five local stakeholder groups. Five themes, including leveraging university-community partnership, capacity building and mobilization of older adult volunteers, enhancing institutional functions through asset building, fostering cross-institutional collaboration, and engendering a culture of collective efficacy, are discussed, underscoring the importance of harnessing inherent community assets to inform the design and implementation of dementia-friendly initiatives.

Friendships in later life play a crucial role in providing emotional support, social interaction, and a sense of belonging, particularly for older adults who lack family support. Traditionally, friendships were maintained through face-to-face interactions, phone calls, and written letters. However, with the advent of digital technology, virtual networks have emerged as vital tools in sustaining these connections, particularly for older adults with limited mobility or geographical separation. This study examined the advantages, challenges, and emotional impact of virtual friendships in later life through qualitative interviews with eight older women aged 75 to 100 from two cultural groups: Korean American and White American. It emphasized how digital connectivity shapes social relationships and offered strategies to blend virtual and in-person interactions to enhance the social well-being of aging populations.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted older adult volunteering. It is important to understand if prior relationships between volunteering and health remain consistent in a post-pandemic context. We surveyed Oasis tutors aged 51 and older before and after two years of volunteering and matched them with a comparison group of non-volunteers in the 2016 and 2018 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. G-computation was then used on the merged sample (N = 518) to estimate the effect of volunteering on depression, functional limitations, and self-rated health. With all three matching algorithms, Oasis tutors experienced lower levels of depression and fewer functional limitations, compared to the HRS group of non-volunteers. When using nearest-neighbor matching, Oasis tutors had better self-rated health than the HRS comparison group. The Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring Program is positively associated with older adults' health, supporting the social model of health promotion.