Journal of Aging and Health最新文献

BackgroundGait speed is an important predictor of older adults' well-being. We estimated the influence of sociodemographic factors on the gait speed decline of community-dwelling older Nigerians.MethodsUsing the Ibadan Study of Ageing (2007, 2008, and 2009 cycles), we completed a gender disaggregate analysis of sociodemographic influences on participants' gait speed trajectory using mixed-design ANOVA and growth curve analysis.ResultsAt baseline, 53.2% of participants were female, 61.9% were married, with an average age of 75.5 ± 6.8 years and gait speed of 0.96 ± 0.32 m/s. Gender-specific models showed slower gait speed decline in men (β = -0.05, p < .001) compared to women (β = -0.09, p < .001). Widowhood (β = -0.07, p = .001) for women, high socioeconomic status (β = -0.01, p = .009) for men, and chronic disease burden for women (β = -0.02, p = .010) and men (β = -0.03, p = .008) were significant predictors of gait speed decline.ConclusionAddressing culture-related widowhood and women's vulnerabilities, improving health coverage, and promoting lifestyle modifications may mitigate mobility decline among older Nigerians.

Evidenced-based community falls prevention programs can reduce falls in older adults. We sought to (1) describe the characteristics of program participants who met completion criteria by receiving the full program dose (completers) versus those who did not (non-completers), and (2) determine the differences in outcomes (falls, fear of falling and physical function) between the two groups. Data from ten programs from 2014-2019 were evaluated. Completers were older and reported more fear of falling and lower perceived health at baseline. A higher proportion of completers had reduced falls, decreased fear of falling, and were more likely to take actions to reduce fall risk. Both groups improved in physical function with no evidence of a difference between groups. While completers gained a greater benefit, both groups demonstrated a fall risk reduction. A larger loss of non-completers to follow-up may have impacted results. Targeting programs for individuals may improve completion rates.

ObjectivesThis study investigated the associations between Five-Factor Model personality traits and balance impairment and lower limb strength.MethodsMiddle-aged and older adults (Age range: 34-104 years; N >27,000) from six large samples from the US and England were assessed for standing balance, lower limb strength, personality traits, sociodemographic, and health-related variables.ResultsHigher extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness were related to lower balance impairment risk and better lower limb strength. Higher neuroticism was associated with higher risk of balance impairment and with weaker lower limb strength. Biological, clinical, behavioral, and psychological factors partially accounted for these associations between personality and risk of balance impairment. Depressive symptoms and physical activity partially mediated the associations between personality traits and limb strength.DiscussionPersonality traits have replicable associations with lower extremity functions. The study identifies potential moderators and mediators of these associations.

Objective: To characterize aging-related health in women with past CLSI and compare with women with no-CLSI.

Method: Health and Retirement Study Wave 11 and 12 data from women age >50 with CLSI were compared with data from women age >50 with no-CLSI. Generalized linear models were estimated for aging-related health outcomes.

Results: The group with CLSI (n = 230) was significantly younger than the no-CLSI group (n = 8035) yet had more physical, functional, and mental health challenges and fewer resources. Incarceration significantly predicted aging-related outcomes of multimorbidity, polypharmacy, mortality, frailty, and depression.

Discussion: Earlier onset of physical and functional health conditions in women with past CLSI has implications for health education and promotion, clinical practice, and intervention design.

Objectives: Changes in socioeconomic status (SES) during life may impact health in old age. We investigated whether social mobility and childhood and adulthood SES are associated with trajectories of health-related quality of life (HrQoL) over a 17-year period.

Methods: We used data from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study (n = 2003, 46% men, mean age 61.5 years). Social mobility was derived from childhood SES, obtained from healthcare records, and register-based adulthood SES.

Results: Logistic regression models showed that lower adulthood SES was associated with lower physical HrQoL trajectories. Among men low (OR 3.95, p < .001), middle (OR 2.20, p = .006), and declining lifetime SES (OR 2.41, p = .001) were associated with lower physical HrQoL trajectories compared to men with high SES. Socioeconomic status was not associated with mental HrQoL trajectories.

Discussion: Declining SES during life course may have negative health consequences, while improving SES is potentially as beneficial as high SES to later-life health among men.

Objectives: This study examines the associations of ethnicity, caregiver burden, familism, and physical and mental health among Mexican Americans (MAs) and non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs).

Methods: We recruited adults 65+ years with possible cognitive impairment (using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score<26), and their caregivers living in Nueces County, Texas. We used weighted path analysis to test effects of ethnicity, familism, and caregiver burden on caregiver's mental and physical health.

Results: 516 caregivers and care-receivers participated. MA caregivers were younger, more likely female, and less educated compared to NHWs. Increased caregiver burden was associated with worse mental (B = -0.53; p < .001) and physical health (B = -0.15; p = .002). Familism was associated with lower burden (B = -0.14; p = .001). MA caregivers had stronger familism scores (B = 0.49; p < .001).

Discussion: Increased burden is associated with worse caregiver mental and physical health. MA caregivers had stronger familism resulting in better health. Findings can contribute to early identification, intervention, and coordination of services to help reduce caregiver burden.

Objectives: This study aims to establish the effects of ACEs on multimorbidity through sleep quality and investigate whether lifestyle factors (e.g., eating habits and exercise) may influence this relationship among middle-aged and older adults.

Methods: Participants were drawn from a cross-sectional sample of community dwelling older adults (N = 276, 55+) and three waves of data from the Midlife in the United States study (MIDUS, N = 843). We examined the direct and indirect effects of ACEs, sleep quality, and health conditions, as well as the conditional effects of physical activity and eating habits.

Results: Across both samples, sleep quality mediated the relationship between ACEs and chronic health conditions. Moderating effects of unhealthy eating and physical activity differed between samples.

Discussion: Sleep quality is an important pathway connecting ACEs and adult multimorbidity, and health behaviors may provide targets for intervention particularly in older adults.

Objectives: We examine whether early-life enrichment, involving varied and stimulating activities to enhance cognitive function during childhood and adolescence, is associated with cognitive function in later life and whether the benefits persist over time. Methods: Growth curve models were used to examine up to five waves of data from the Health and Retirement Study-a nationally representative survey of adults 50 years and older (N = 10,070). We constructed separate measures of early-life enrichment to distinguish sources of influence (i.e., enriched home environment and enriched school environment). Global cognitive function was assessed with a modified version of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. Results: Greater enrichment in each environment was incrementally associated with better cognitive function at baseline, but enrichment was not associated with change in cognitive function over time. Discussion: Receiving enrichment from multiple environments during sensitive periods of cognitive development may be advantageous for cognitive functioning in later life.

Objectives: To examine the extent to which older adults' perceived balance, a balance performance test, and fear of falling (FOF) were associated with falls in the last month. Methods: The Health Belief Model served as the theoretical framework. A retrospective, cross-sectional, secondary analysis using data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study was conducted (N = 7499). Results: Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of reporting a fall in the past month were 3.3 times (p < .001) greater for participants who self-reported having a balance problem compared to those who did not. The Short Physical Performance Battery and FOF were not uniquely associated with falls. Discussion: Our findings support limited evidence suggesting that older adults' perceived balance is a better predictor of falls than balance performance. Assessing older adults' perceived balance may be a new way to assess older adults' fall risk to prevent future falls.

Objectives: To identify correlates of hearing aid use in people with dementia and age-related hearing loss.

Methods: Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses of predictor variables from 239 participants with dementia and hearing loss in the European SENSE-Cog Randomized Controlled Trial (Cyprus, England, France, Greece, and Ireland).

Results: In multivariate analysis, four variables were significantly associated with hearing aid use: greater self-perceived hearing difficulties (OR 2.61 [CI 1.04-6.55]), lower hearing acuity (OR .39 [CI .2-.56]), higher cognitive ability (OR 1.19 [CI 1.08-1.31]), and country of residence. Participants in England had significantly increased odds of use compared to Cyprus (OR .36 [CI .14-.96]), France (OR .12 [CI .04-.34]) or Ireland (OR .05 [CI .01-.56]) but not Greece (OR 1.13 [CI .42-3.00]).

Conclusions: Adapting interventions to account for cognitive ability, country of residence, self-perceived hearing difficulties, and hearing acuity may support hearing aid use in people with dementia.