Journal of Aging and Health最新文献

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.

Background: This study investigates how dyadic coping interacts with gender identity and within-couple gender ideology (dis)similarity to influence marital satisfaction in 202 heterosexual married couples with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Research Design: We utilized cross-sectional dyadic data and actor-partner interdependence moderation models to examine the interactions between dyadic coping, gender ideology (dis)similarity, and gender identity. Results: The results revealed positive associations between dyadic coping and marital satisfaction for both persons with mild cognitive impairment (PwMCIs) and their spouse care partners (SCPs). Two-way interactions indicated that: (1) the association between a SCP's dyadic coping and their own marital satisfaction was moderated by the couple's gender composition; and (2) the association between a PwMCI's dyadic coping and their own marital satisfaction was moderated by ideological dissimilarity with their spouse. Conclusions: These findings inform culturally sensitive interventions and extend dyadic health theory in non-Western contexts.

ObjectiveTo ascertain the barriers and facilitators to physical activity (PA) for older adults in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs), from the perspective of residents, staff, and family.MethodsA mixed-methods systematic review, underpinned by the Social Ecological Model (SEM). Five databases were searched from inception to May 2024. Data synthesis followed a convergent integrated approach, with relevant quantitative data 'qualitised' and synthesised with qualitative data using thematic synthesis.ResultsThis review included 67 studies (40 qualitative, 16 mixed-methods, and 11 quantitative). Thematic synthesis identified 51 key themes (27 facilitators and 24 barriers), spanning all levels of the SEM. Intrapersonal factors (e.g. poor general health) were the most commonly cited barriers (n = 53 studies), and interpersonal factors (e.g. social support) the most commonly reported facilitators (n = 55 studies) to PA in RACFs.DiscussionAn interplay of multi-level factors must be addressed in the development and implementation of strategies to promote PA in RACFs.

ObjectiveDetermine how preventable causes of death contribute to the life expectancy gap between Mexico and Spain.MethodsWe used a linear integral decomposition to analyze the impact of preventable mortality on life expectancy between ages 30-75 (temporary life expectancy) between Mexico and Spain in 2018. Additionally, we computed cause-deleted life tables to estimate potential gains in temporary life expectancy. Analyses were stratified by educational attainment, sex, and age.ResultsLow-educated Mexicans showed the largest gains in temporary life expectancy from removing preventable deaths (3.4 years for males, 1.6 for females), partially explaining the gap with Spain. Removing these deaths would close the gap almost entirely due to a higher relative decrease for middle- and high-educated individuals.DiscussionWhile access to adequate healthcare is crucial for improving population health, appropriate non-medical public policies can significantly reduce mortality disparities between Mexico and Spain, especially for individuals from higher educational backgrounds.

ObjectivesTo assess whether mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) affect mental health and cognitive abilities in older adults.MethodsA systematic search was performed in PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to June 2023. Weight mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were provided as summary statistics.ResultsIn total, 26 articles were eligible. Overall, MBIs showed a statistically significant improvement in depression, anxiety, quality of life, and working memory compared to controls. However, no significant effects of MBIs on other cognitive parameters were found. In moderator analysis, less than eight weeks of MBIs showed greater improvement in anxiety and quality of life than longer periods. There was no evidence for publication bias.DiscussionMindfulness-based interventions can be an encouraging alternative in place of conventional treatments in improving depression, anxiety, quality of life and working memory in cognition among older adults. However, findings strongly recommend future research to have definite conclusion.