Journal of Aging and Health current issue

The Role of Coping Resources on Change in Well-Being During Persistent Health Decline

Jonker, A. A. G. C., Comijs, H. C., Knipscheer, K. C. P. M., Deeg, D. J. H. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:10:11 PST

Objectives: Research in older persons with deteriorative health shows a decrease in well-being. The aim of this study was to examine the role of psychological coping resources in the association between health decline and well-being, in a longitudinal design. Method: Data were used from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA). Health decline was defined as persistent deterioration of functioning (PDF), persistent decline in cognitive functioning and/or physical functioning, and/or increase of chronic diseases. Measurements of well-being included life satisfaction and positive affect. Measurements of coping resources included self-esteem, mastery, and self-efficacy. Results: Multivariate linear regression analyses showed that self-efficacy, mastery, and self-esteem mediated the association between PDF and change in well-being. Mastery also was a moderator of the association between PDF and life satisfaction. In older persons with a decreasing mastery, PDF was associated with a significant decrease on life satisfaction; this effect was not observed in older persons with stable or increasing mastery. Discussion: This study suggests that coping resources are of importance in explaining associations between persistent health decline and decreasing well-being. Stable or improving mastery even proves to protect older persons with PDF from decreasing well-being.Therefore, it may be of importance to develop interventions for older persons aimed at maintaining or improving psychological coping resources when health declines.

Cognition of Social Capital in Older Japanese Men and Women

Aihara, Y., Minai, J., Kikuchi, Y., Aoyama, A., Shimanouchi, S. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:10:11 PST

Objective: This study explored factors related to cognition of social capital among Japanese older people. Method: Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were gathered from 940 people aged over 65 years. Cognition of social capital was compared by gender, and it was regressed on participation in community activities and health behaviors of middle age and current health status. Results: Men had higher cognitive social capital than women (p = .004). Multiple regression analysis shows that men who rested for health during middle age had high cognition of social capital. Cognition of social capital was also related to self-rated health, depression, and cognitive difficulties for both men and women. Daily activity was included among women. Discussion: Participation in community activities and health behaviors during middle age were associated factors for cognition of social capital among the older people, and encouraging cognition of social capital was important for active aging.

The Health Impact of a Hearing Disability on Older People in Australia

Hogan, A., O'Loughlin, K., Miller, P., Kendig, H. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:10:11 PST

Objectives: A series of studies has proposed that hearing loss has adverse effects for other aspects of health. This article examines the health effects associated with self-reported hearing disability on older people. Methods: The study utilized the 2003 Australian Survey of Disability, Ageing, and Carers (n = 43,233), a weighted population-based survey providing data on self-reported disability and quality of life, to examine hearing disability among older Australians (55 years plus). Results: Of the estimated 654,113 people reporting hearing disability, 71% experienced limited communication and 60% used hearing aids. Compared with population norms, hearing disability at all levels was associated with poorer physical and mental health scores on the SF-12 measure, especially for people with severe or profound hearing loss, thus suggesting a threshold effect at advanced levels of disability. Discussion: Data support emerging literature suggesting a causal relationship between hearing disability and quality of life. Prospective studies to further examine this relationship are indicated.

The Adult Body: How Age, Gender, and Body Mass Index Are Related to Body Image

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:10:11 PST

Objectives: Body image and perceived attractiveness were examined, and the impact of age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) was analyzed and discussed from an evolutionary and a sociocultural perspective. Method: The population-based sample consisted of 11,468 Finnish men and women aged 18 to 49 years. Results: Both age-related decrease and increase in body satisfaction was detected as well as interactions between age and gender. Some effects were nonlinear. Women were generally less satisfied with their bodies than men. BMI had a stronger influence on women’s body image than men’s. Discussion: It was proposed that it is insufficient to merely study how age affects general body image because adults might become more satisfied with some aspects of their bodies as a function of age and less satisfied with other aspects. Body satisfaction might also fluctuate during different phases of the adult life, and the patterns possibly differ between men and women.

Perceived Autonomy and Activity Choices Among Physically Disabled Older People in Nursing Home Settings: A Randomized Trial

Andresen, M., Runge, U., Hoff, M., Puggaard, L. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:10:11 PST

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of individually tailored programs on perceived autonomy in institutionalized physically disabled older people and to describe participants’ activity wishes and content of the programs. Method: This blinded randomized trial with follow up included a total of nine nursing homes and 50 nursing home residents who were randomized into either a control group or an intervention group. Perceived autonomy was measured at baseline (T1), after 12 weeks (T2) of intervention and after 24 weeks (T3) Wishes for daily activities was identified at T1. Weekly reports of individual programs were drawn up. Results: Both groups perceived autonomy as average at baseline and increased their mean score at T2 to high or close to high. At T3, both groups scored average but exceeded the level of T1. Activity wishes and the content of the programs indicate incoherence. Discussion: Although the correspondence between the individual wishes for activities and the concrete content of the programs was not obvious, results indicate potential for enabling the perception of autonomy among physically disabled older nursing home residents. The clinical consequences may suggest a focus on existing traditions, methods, and tools in the nursing home practice.

The Relationship Between Obesity, Physical Activity, and Physical Function in Older Adults

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:10:11 PST

Objective: This study investigated the relationship between overweight and obesity, age, and gender with physical activity and physical function in community-dwelling older men and women. Method: Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to analyze differences between normal weight, overweight, and obese adults (n = 821) above the age of 60 years. Results: Obesity but not overweight was associated with lower levels of physical activity and physical function. Within BMI groups, individuals who were physically active were less likely to have abnormal physical function scores compared to those who were sedentary. Compared to men, obese women had lower physical function scores, placing them at higher risk for future disability. Aging was associated with lower levels of physical activity and physical function. Discussion: The study illustrates the importance of avoiding obesity and participating in regular physical activity to prevent or slow down the loss of functioning in older age.

The Effects of Developing a Dual Sensory Loss on Depression in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study

Capella McDonnall, M. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:10:11 PST

Objectives: To determine the effect of developing a dual sensory loss (DSL) on depression over time and evaluate the impact of preexisting single sensory loss on this effect. Method: Multilevel modeling was used to analyze data (N = 2,689) from the Health and Retirement Study. Results: A significant increase in depression at the first report of DSL occurred, and depression increased at a significantly faster rate following DSL, in a curvilinear pattern. In addition, persons who eventually developed DSL began the study with a depression score significantly higher than persons who did not experience sensory loss. A preexisting single sensory loss did not alter the effect of DSL on depression. Discussion: Two sources of disparity in depression between persons with and without DSL were identified: preexisting differences and differences that occurred due to the DSL. The relationship exhibited between depression and developing a DSL indicated an adjustment process.