Journal of Aging and Health最新文献

ObjectivesSocial isolation has negative health implications for older adults and caregivers. We examine the interdependency of social isolation among community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries and their primary caregivers.MethodsUsing data from the National Study of Caregiving and the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2015-2017, N = 522 dyads), we conducted actor-partner interdependence models to examine the dyadic associations between baseline social isolation and social isolation at 2-year follow-up among older adults and caregivers. We also tested for effect modification by dementia status and relationship type.ResultsThere was a low but significant correlation of baseline social isolation levels within dyads. Older adults' baseline social isolation was positively associated with caregivers' social isolation at follow-up but not vice versa. No evidence of effect modification was found.ConclusionReducing social isolation among older adults may benefit their caregivers. Future investigation of relationship quality and shared social activities of caregiving dyads is warranted.

ObjectivesThis study examined the role of education, acculturation, and network characteristics (size and diversity) in the cognitive function of older Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese Americans.MethodsData were drawn from 158 participants aged 60 or older in the DREAMS study-a study on Asian Americans' sleep and health conducted in Southern California.ResultsMultivariate models of cognitive function showed significant effects of education (B [SE] = 0.28 [0.07], p < .001), acculturation (B [SE] = 0.17 [0.06], p < .01), and network diversity (B [SE] = 0.26 [0.12], p < .05).ConclusionsOur findings support the role of education as a general cognitive reserve factor and acculturation as an immigrant-specific one. We also observed cognitive health benefits associated with diverse social networks, underscoring the importance of fostering opportunities for varied social interactions.

Using data from the 2022 and 2023 U.S. National Aging and Health Trends Studies (N = 4,942 sample persons interviewed in both years), we examined cross-sectional and one-year lagged bidirectional relationships between the severity of cognitive impairment and depressive/anxiety symptoms. We fitted multinomial logistic and linear regression models for cross-sectional associations and a path model for one-year cross-lagged associations. Depressive/anxiety symptoms were cross-sectionally associated with a higher likelihood of both possible (mild) and probable (advanced) dementia compared to no dementia, with an even greater likelihood for probable dementia. Depressive/anxiety symptoms in 2022 were significantly associated with 2023 probable dementia, and probable dementia in 2022 was significantly associated with depressive/anxiety symptoms in 2023. The findings underscore the importance of early identification and concurrent management of both cognitive decline and depressive/anxiety symptoms in older adults.

ObjectivesSensory loss is associated with increased dementia risk, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This longitudinal study examined the association between self-reported sensory difficulty (vision, hearing, dual), social and physical activity, and dementia risk among older U.S. adults.MethodsData were drawn from the 2015-2020 National Health and Aging Trends Study (N = 6,295). Discrete-time survival mediation models with a structural equation modeling-based approach were estimated to examine the associations.ResultsDementia incidence was highest among those with dual sensory difficulty (21.8%), followed by visual (18.8%) and hearing (13.2%) difficulties. Visual difficulty and dual sensory difficulty were associated with decreased social activities and incident dementia in subsequent waves. Social activity, but not physical activity, significantly mediated the visual difficulty-dementia link and the dual sensory difficulty-dementia link.DiscussionOlder adults with sensory difficulty were at a higher risk of incident dementia. Future research should investigate other factors underlying the sensory loss-dementia link.

ObjectivesIndigenous populations in Mexico, comprising roughly one-fifth of the population, face significant unique cognitive health challenges in older adulthood. This study examines cognitive performance differences between Indigenous and non-Indigenous language speakers and evaluates whether the cognitive benefits of educational attainment differs between these populations.MethodsWe analyzed the 2018 Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS, n = 16,199), a nationally representative study of Mexicans 50+. We assessed the association between educational attainment and cognitive performance, both general and domain-specific, for Indigenous and non-Indigenous language speakers.FindingsWhile Indigenous language speakers scored lower overall, they experienced significantly greater improvement with more years of education in Verbal Learning, Visual Scanning, and Visuospatial Ability.ConclusionsIncreasing educational attainment may improve cognitive functioning in Mexico, but especially for Indigenous populations. Further research is needed to explore mechanisms driving these stronger returns for Indigenous populations and to inform culturally responsive interventions and policies.

ObjectivesUnited States (U.S.) immigrants are rapidly aging, although little is known on how acculturation influences their disability risk.MethodsWe pooled 2000-2018 data (n = 50,075) from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to examine odds of activities of daily living (ADL) disability among middle aged (40-64) and older (65+) immigrants based on three acculturation indicators while accounting for various measures.ResultsAmong middle aged immigrants, citizenship was associated with higher odds of ADL disability after accounting for socioeconomic factors. Among both middle aged and older immigrants, English proficiency was associated with lower odds of ADL disability until accounting for socioeconomic factors. Among older immigrants, lower ADL disability odds were observed among those with English proficiency and greater U.S. duration.DiscussionAcculturation had heterogenous influences on ADL disability risk among aging U.S. immigrants, while the interplay of these mechanisms shaped varied outcomes.

ObjectiveOur study examines racial/ethnic differences in loneliness and social isolation among older adults with hearing loss.MethodsData were drawn from the 2022 Health and Retirement Study, including participants ages ≥50 with objectively determined hearing loss (N = 1817). Linear models were employed to analyze the association between race/ethnicity and both loneliness and social isolation.ResultsInitially, Black adults reported higher loneliness scores than White adults, but this trend reversed after controlling for contextual factors. Hispanic adults consistently showed lower loneliness scores across all models compared to both Black and White adults. Black adults reported significantly lower levels of social isolation compared to White adults, whereas Hispanic adults consistently exhibited higher levels than Black adults throughout the analysis.ConclusionThese findings reveal distinct patterns of loneliness and social isolation across racial/ethnic groups among adults with hearing loss, highlighting the interplay between these outcomes and social, cultural, and societal factors.

Racial discrimination against Chinese immigrants to various countries worldwide has risen sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, but limited research exists regarding the pathways through which racial discrimination impacts older immigrants' mental health. This study explored the relationship of perceived discrimination to depression among older Chinese immigrants living in Aotearoa New Zealand, through pathways of chronic health conditions, language barriers, and COVID-19 risks while taking into account the effects of anxiety and loneliness. Descriptive and regression analysis was conducted from a convenience sample of 1159 older Chinese immigrants aged between 55 and 80. While there was no significant direct effect of perceived discrimination to depression, the results showed a significant indirect effect of perceived discrimination, chronic illnesses, COVID-19 risks, and language barriers on depression, which was mediated by anxiety and loneliness. Ageing policies and interventions must address anti-racism to reduce the social and health inequalities faced by older ethnic people.

BackgroundRetirement often increases time availability, promoting unpaid activities. Reforms delaying retirement may unintentionally reduce such contributions, with social and public health implications. This study examines how the retirement transition affects unpaid caregiving, grandparenting, and volunteering, with attention to sex differences.MethodsWe used 5-year panel data from the Italian Survey on Participation, Employment and Unemployment, focusing on individuals aged 55-65, employed at baseline. Adjusted logistic regression and propensity score matching were applied. Analyses included 4180 participants for caregiving, 658 for grandparenting, and 1026 for volunteering.ResultsRetirement was associated with increased grandparenting (OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.40-3.10) and volunteering (OR = 2.87, 95% CI: 1.75-4.70). No association was found with caregiving for people with disabilities. No significant sex differences emerged. Robustness checks supported the main findings.ConclusionRetirement is associated to greater involvement in grandparenting and volunteering. Policymakers should consider the potential social and health costs of reduced unpaid care when designing pension reforms.

ObjectivesThis study investigates whether neighborhood disorder has indirect effects on inflammation via health behaviors and whether the pathways vary by race and ethnicity.MethodsThe study sample came from the Health and Retirement Study in 2014 and 2016. Inflammation level was assessed with C-reactive protein. Neighborhood disorder and health behaviors were self-reported. Structural equation modeling was conducted to test the objectives.ResultsFindings revealed significant direct effects of neighborhood disorder on inflammation (B = 0.034, 95% CI: 0.009, 0.058) and indirect effects via physical activity (B = 0.010, 95% CI: 0.006, 0.014). Neighborhood disorder was linked to inflammation through physical activity among older White adults, but not among older Black and Hispanic adults.DiscussionInterventions to provide opportunities for physical activity may reduce inflammation levels among older adults living in neighborhoods with disorders. Future research may consider unique social experiences influencing inflammation among older Black and Hispanic adults.