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.

ObjectivesPrevious research shows a negative correlation between food insecurity and mental health, but limited exploration exists among older adults. This study examines this association in Canadian adults aged 65 and older, focusing on the mediating roles of perceived life stress and community belonging, and the moderating role of gender.MethodsCross-sectional data from the 2017-2018 Canadian Community Health Survey (n = 28,044) were analyzed using logistic regression.ResultsThe associations between food insecurity and both anxiety and mood disorders were partially mediated by high life stress and low community belonging. The adverse associations of food insecurity, high life stress, and low community belonging with an anxiety disorder were more pronounced in women than in men. Similar patterns were observed for a mood disorder.DiscussionInterventions should address food insecurity, life stress, and community belonging, with particular attention to the unique challenges faced by older women to improve mental health.

ObjectiveCognitive decline in older adults is a public health issue, with modifiable factors like obesity and sleep potentially influencing this trajectory. Previous research on their relationship with executive function has shown mixed results, particularly across older adulthood.MethodsThis study utilized time-varying effect modeling (TVEM) to assess the impact of body mass index (BMI) and sleep on executive function in older adults aged 60 to 79, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 cycles (N = 2543). Executive function was evaluated using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST).ResultsFindings indicated that while BMI did not significantly affect cognition, adequate sleep (7-8 hours) was linked to better executive function, especially in individuals aged 63 to 65.ConclusionThese results highlight sleep's importance for cognitive health and suggest interventions focusing on sleep and weight management to mitigate age-related cognitive decline.

ObjectivesTo examine lifetime experiences of employment discrimination and their association with Black older adults' employment status and well-being.MethodsWe use data from the Health and Retirement Study's leave-behind questionnaire to characterize lifetime experiences of being unfairly fired, not hired, or not promoted among Black older adults (N = 2331) and test associations with labor force status at age 62, job satisfaction among those working, and depressive symptoms.ResultsEmployment discrimination was commonly reported by Black older adults, especially among men and those with college educations. Employment discrimination was not associated with employment status at age 62 but was associated with job dissatisfaction (OR = 2.25, p = 0.016) and depressive symptoms (Beta = 0.13, p = 0.021).DiscussionFindings suggest a negative association between employment discrimination at any point in the life course and Black older adults' well-being. Employment discrimination is an obstacle to healthy aging, yet improved discrimination survey items are needed to fully capture its impact on Black Americans.

IntroductionPhysical activity (PA) is associated with better outcomes in individuals living with Alzheimer's and related dementia (ADRD). We examined environmental, intra-, and interpersonal correlates of PA for persons living with ADRD.MethodsPA (accelerometry), cognitive function, physical function, and sociodemographic factors were collected in adults with ADRD and their caregivers. Spearman's correlations and generalized linear models were used to evaluate factors associated with PA of persons living with ADRD.ResultsValid data were obtained from 65 pairs of adults living with ADRD (73.6 ± 8.4 years, 39.4% female) and caregivers (69.4 ± 9.4 years, 69.2% female, 93.8% spouse). Moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and light PA of persons living with ADRD were correlated with upper and lower body strength, aerobic fitness, and agility. MVPA and sedentary time of persons living with ADRD were associated with that of their caregiver.ConclusionPhysical function and caregiver PA may be targets for interventions in those living with ADRD.

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.

This study examines how neighborhood walkability, third place engagement, and socio-demographic characteristics affect leisure-time physical activity and social capital among older adults. It also investigates how these relationships differ between those living alone and those living with others. Data for this study were collected via an online survey administered to 638 older adults, aged 65 and above, residing in Orlando, Florida. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models were employed. Frequent visits to third places significantly increased moderate leisure-time physical activity and social capital. Neighborhood walkability also played a crucial role in promoting physical activity and social capital. The availability and condition of sidewalks also played a positive role in promoting physical activity. Enhancing neighborhood walkability and promoting third place engagement can be key strategies for improving both physical and social well-being among older adults, especially those living alone.

ObjectivesWe determined if living in historically redlined neighborhoods was associated with level and change in cognitive functioning and if this association differed for Black and White older adults.MethodsWe linked the Health and Retirement Study 1998-2018 data to redlining scores from the Historic Redlining Indicator data. Our sample included adults aged 50 years and older (24,230 respondents, 129,618 person-period observations). Using three-level linear mixed models, we estimated the relationship between living in historically redlined neighborhoods on level and change in cognitive functioning for pooled and race-stratified samples.ResultsResidents of historically redlined "Declining" and "Hazardous" neighborhoods had lower cognitive functioning scores compared to residents of "Best/Desirable" neighborhoods. Among Black adults, living in "Hazardous" neighborhoods was associated with slower declines in cognitive functioning compared to living in "Best/Desirable" neighborhoods.DiscussionHistorical redlining is associated with older adults' cognitive functioning, underscoring the importance of sociohistorical context for the neighborhood-cognition relationship.

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.

This research examined whether educational polygenic scores were associated with physical limitations among older adults with European or African ancestry. In the European ancestry sample, we found that education polygenic scores were significantly associated with physical limitations, net of age, sex, and current socioeconomic status. In the African ancestry sample, education polygenic scores were not associated with physical limitations in any of the models. Observed educational attainment was a robust predictor of physical limitations in both samples. This research demonstrates the inequalities in the predictive capacity of educational polygenic scores for physical health. We hypothesize that this disparity is a result of structural barriers to educational attainment by race, selection bias, and/or racial inequities in data collection. All of these explanations stem from structural racism and highlight the limited usefulness of polygenic scores for clinical decision-making.