Journal of Aging and Health最新文献

ObjectiveDifferences in cognitive outcomes for two home-based 16-week interventions after usual rehabilitative care post-hip fracture were examined.MethodsCommunity Ambulation Project randomized controlled trial included 210 hip fracture participants. Interventions: Specific multi-component (PUSH) included strength-, balance-, function-, and endurance-based exercises; non-specific active control (PULSE) included seated range-of-motion exercises and sensory transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation. Cognitive measures: Modified Mini-Mental State Examination, plus Hooper Visual Organization Test and Trails A/B in an ancillary study (CAP-MP, n = 40), assessed pre-randomization and 16 and 40 weeks post-randomization.ResultsOver 16 weeks, PUSH-assigned participants became faster on Trails A (Δ = -6.3, 95% CI: -16.7, 4.2); those in PULSE became slower (Δ = 9.3, 95% CI: -1.7, 20.3, p = .04). At 40 weeks, PUSH-assigned participants became faster on Trails B (Δ = -21.5, 95% CI: -46.2, 3.3) while those in PULSE became slower (Δ = 15.2, 95% CI: -11.9, 42.3, p = .04). No other significant differences were found.DiscussionResults suggest that multi-component exercise interventions like PUSH may prevent/delay decline or improve attention and psychomotor speed in patients with recent hip fracture.

PurposePain and depression are linked to higher mortality risk and lower subjective survival probabilities (SSPs). We examine if SSPs for individuals with pain and depression match their actual lifespans.MethodsUsing data on 12,745 Health and Retirement Study respondents aged 57-89 in 2000 with follow-up through 2018, we assessed whether respondents' SSPs were "correct," "underestimated," or "overestimated" relative to their lifespans. Adjusted multinomial logistic regressions predicted SSP accuracy based on pain interference, depression, and their interaction.ResultsSevere or interfering pain (i.e., high impact pain) was associated with a 25% higher risk of underestimating SSPs (RRR = 1.25, p = .04), and depression increased the risk by 49% (RRR = 1.49, p < .001). High impact pain and depression also corresponded with lower average SSPs and higher mortality risk.ConclusionHigh impact pain and depression increase the risk of underestimating longevity. Future research should explore the impact on health and financial decisions in older adults.

ObjectivesThis study investigated the association between functional limitations and depressive symptoms among older adults in South Korea, focusing on gender differences in the moderating roles of relationship satisfaction with family, friends, and neighbors.MethodsFixed-effect models were applied to five waves of data from the Korean Retirement and Income Study, encompassing 19,180 observations.ResultsIncreases in functional limitations were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, regardless of gender. However, the moderating effects of relationship satisfaction differed by gender: For older women, satisfaction with family moderated the association, whereas for older men, satisfaction with friends played a moderating role.DiscussionThe findings suggest tailoring interventions to improve family relationships for women and friendships for men in mitigating depressive symptoms among functionally vulnerable older adults in Korea, where rapid population aging poses significant challenges to protect functional and mental health among older adults.

This study aimed to document the typology of social participation and network among older Canadians and examine their associations with health. Using 2011-2015 cross-sectional data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, a latent profile analysis was conducted to identify patterns of social participation and network, and multinomial logistic regressions examined associations with self-rated health. Four types of social participation and networks characterized older Canadians: diverse (74.0%), childless (12.1%), restricted (9.7%), and very socially active (4.3%). Compared to the diverse group and excellent/very good health, belonging to the restricted group was associated with higher probabilities of reporting fair or poor health, both general (1.95; p < .001) and mental (2.18; p < .001). Still comparing to the diverse group and excellent/very good health, the very socially active group presented lower likelihood of reporting good general health (0.82; p = .03). These results suggest that the social participation and network are associated with health inequalities in older Canadians. Future studies should look at the role of virtual interactions in the health of older adults.

ObjectiveAlthough research has demonstrated the long-term health consequences of childhood adversities, less is known about the long-term impact of positive childhood experiences, such as parental affection.MethodUsing longitudinal data (1995-2014) from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study, we analyze structural equation models estimating direct and indirect pathways from early-life parental affection to changes in later-life cognitive function through relationship quality in adulthood among Black and White older adults (N = 1983).ResultsAnalyses revealed significant indirect effects of parental affection on better cognitive function through higher levels of social support (both average social support and family social support) in adulthood in the full sample and among Black respondents. Indirect pathways through relationship strain and through friend support were not significant.DiscussionThis work elevates the importance of promoting positive parental relationships during childhood, with implications for better social relationships in adulthood and cognitive function in later life.

IntroductionPhysical Activity (PA) and its links to frailty, quality of life (QoL), and other comorbidities in older Ugandans living with HIV remain under-explored.MethodsWe analyzed data from three annual assessments of older people living with HIV (PLWH) and age- and sex-similar people not living with HIV (PnLWH). We fitted linear generalized estimating equations (GEE) regression models to estimate the correlates of PA, including demographics, frailty, QoL, HIV, and other comorbidities.ResultsWe enrolled 297 PLWH and 302 PnLWH. Older age (b = -157.34, 95% CI [-222.84, -91.83]), living with HIV (b = -979.88 [95% CI: -1878.48, -81.28]), frailty (b = -3011.14 [95% CI: -4665.84, -1356.45]), and comorbidities (b = -2501.75 [95% CI: -3357.44, -1646.07]) were associated with lower overall PA. Higher general QoL (b = 89.96 [95% CI: 40.99, 138.94]) was associated with higher PA.ConclusionPA interventions may support wellbeing of older people in the region, and tailored interventions should be explored.

Background: The ability to age healthily is highly dependent on individual characteristics that include gender, social class, a range of biological and contextual factors, and migrant background. Indeed, immigration has changed the demographic composition and social structure of many European countries, generating an increasing interest in how societies, and immigrants in particular, are aging. Research Design: This paper compares the age-related trajectories of health decline in three health measures (activity limitation indicator, self-perceived health, and chronic conditions) among 7,429 immigrants and 81,424 native-born populations aged 50 years old and over using longitudinal data from seven waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) (2004-2020). Analysis: We use descriptive and multivariate models (random-effects regression models) to analyze the association between migration status and each health outcome. We are particularly interested in determining the age-related trajectory of this association across three levels of education, exploring at the same time the effect of the interaction between immigration status and age on health. Results: Our results highlight potential gaps in health between immigrants and native-born people that are particularly large for the low-educated group. In other words, the health decline is more marked for low-educated immigrants compared to native-born populations in particular for activity limitation indicator and self-perceived health, while it is less pronounced with the accumulation of chronic conditions. Conclusions: Our findings should serve to enhance the design of the provision of social services and support and the promotion of equal opportunities.

ObjectivesTo examine the association of social connections with blood leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and all-cause mortality in older Costa Ricans.MethodsUtilizing data from the Costa Rican Longevity and Healthy Aging Study (CRELES), a prospective cohort of 2827 individuals aged 60 and above followed since 2004, we constructed a Social Network Index (SNI) based on marital status, household size, interaction with non-cohabitating adult children, and church attendance. We used linear regression to assess SNI's association with baseline LTL (N = 1113), and Cox proportional-hazard models to examine SNI's relationship with all-cause mortality (N = 2735).ResultsHigher SNI levels were associated with longer telomeres and decreased all-cause mortality during follow-up. Being married and regular church attendance were associated with 23% and 24% reductions of the all-cause mortality, respectively.DiscussionThese findings underscore the importance of social engagement in promoting longevity among older Costa Ricans, suggesting broader implications for aging populations globally.

ObjectiveTo determine the associations between muscle-strengthening activity (MSA) and cognitive function among middle-aged and older adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 2973 participants aged ≥55 in the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study. Participants self-reported leisure-time physical activity. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The associations of reported MSA frequency (0-1 vs. ≥2 sessions/week) and volume (zero, low: ≤250, medium: 250-420, high: >420 MET minutes/week) with mild cognitive impairment (MCI, defined as MoCA<26) and MoCA total score were examined using logistic and linear regression.ResultsIndividuals who participated in ≥2 MSA sessions/week had a significantly higher MoCA total score. Participants with medium MSA volume were significantly associated with lower odds of being classified as MCI and associated with a higher MoCA total score than those with zero volume.ConclusionsEngaging in MSA is associated with cognitive health among middle-aged and older adults independent of aerobic exercise.

ObjectivesThis study examines whether social engagement at the time of retirement is associated with better cognitive function and slower cognitive decline.MethodsData come from 10 waves of the Health and Retirement Study, linked with data from the Consumption and Activities Mail Survey (CAMS). Respondents included those who had transitioned from working full-time to partial or full retirement. Social engagement was measured across 5 social activities and grouped into 4 categories.ResultsIn fully adjusted regression models, higher frequency of participation in social activities was associated with higher cognitive function at the time of retirement but not with slower cognitive decline after retirement. An increase in social activities after retirement was not associated with better cognitive function or slower cognitive decline.DiscussionThese findings do not offer evidence that higher frequency of social engagement or increases in social engagement after retirement protect against post-retirement cognitive decline.