Showing papers in "Aging & Mental Health in 2012"
TL;DR: Reminiscence interventions affect a broad range of outcomes, and therapeutic as well as preventive effects are similar to those observed in other frequently used interventions.
Abstract: Objectives: This study integrated results from controlled trials of reminiscence interventions. Methods: Meta-analysis was used to aggregate results from 128 studies on 9 outcome variables. Results: Compared to non-specific changes in control-group members, moderate improvements were observed at posttest with regard to ego-integrity (g = 0.64) and depression (g = 0.57 standard deviation units). Small effects were found on purpose in life (g = 0.48), death preparation (g = 0.40), mastery (g = 0.40), mental health symptoms (g = 0.33), positive well-being (g = 0.33), social integration (g = 0.31), and cognitive performance (g = 0.24). Most effects were maintained at follow-up. We observed larger improvements of depressive symptoms in depressed individuals (g = 1.09) and persons with chronic physical disease (g = 0.94) than in other individuals, and in those receiving life-review therapy (g = 1.28) rather than life-review or simple reminiscence. Moderating effects of the control condition were also detected. ...
294 citations
TL;DR: As predicted by the model of subjective age as an adaptive strategy, feeling younger was related to a lower risk of MDE and a higher risk of FMH, but wanting to be younger was unrelated to MDE.
Abstract: Mental health is more than the absence of psychopathology, but few studies use positive mental health along with a measure of past year major depressive episode (MDE). This study addresses this gap by investigating the association of MDE and flourishing mental health (FMH) with chronological age and subjective (felt and ideal) age. Data are from the Midlife in the United States random digit dialing sample of adults ages 25 to 74, collected in 1995 (n = 3032). Rates of MDE were lowest, and FMH highest, among the three oldest age cohorts (45–54, 55–64, 65–74 years). Subjective age was linked with chronological age; with age, adults tend to feel younger, and want to be an age that is younger, than their actual age. As predicted by the model of subjective age as an adaptive strategy, feeling younger was related to a lower risk of MDE and a higher risk of FMH. However, wanting to be younger was related to a lower risk of FMH and unrelated to MDE
169 citations
TL;DR: Closer relationships between caregivers and care recipients with dementia are associated with positive outcomes for care recipients, but it is unclear if closeness is a risk or protective factor for the health and psychological well-being of caregivers.
Abstract: Closer relationships between caregivers and care recipients with dementia are associated with positive outcomes for care recipients, but it is unclear if closeness is a risk or protective factor for the health and psychological wellbeing of caregivers. We examined 234 care dyads from the population-based Cache County Dementia Progression Study. Caregivers included spouses (49%) and adult offspring (51%). Care recipients mostly had dementia of the Alzheimer’s type (62%). Linear mixed models tested associations between relationship closeness at baseline or changes in closeness prior to versus after dementia onset, with baseline levels and changes over time in caregiver affect (Affect Balance Scale, ABS), depression (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI), and mental and physical health (components of the Short-Form Health Survey, SF-12). After controlling for demographic characteristics of the caregiver, number of caregiver health conditions, and characteristics of the care recipient (type of dementia, functional ability, and behavioral disturbances), we found that higher baseline closeness predicted higher baseline SF-12 mental health scores (better mental health) and lower depression. Higher baseline closeness also predicted greater worsening over time in ABS and SF-12 mental health. In addition, caregivers who reported a loss of closeness in their relationship with the care recipient from pre- to post-dementia displayed improved scores on ABS and SF-12 mental health, but worse SF-12 physical health over the course of the study. These results suggest that closeness and loss of closeness in the care dyad may be associated with both positive and adverse outcomes for caregivers, both cross-sectionally and over time.
156 citations
TL;DR: Among 10 distinct memory strategies identified in studies, meta-analytic methods revealed that training multiple strategies was associated with larger training gains, although this association did not reach statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons.
Abstract: A systematic review and meta-analysis of memory training research was conducted to characterize the effect of memory strategies on memory performance among cognitively intact, community-dwelling older adults, and to identify characteristics of individuals and of programs associated with improved memory. The review identified 402 publications, of which 35 studies met criteria for inclusion. The overall effect size estimate, representing the mean standardized difference in pre-post change between memory-trained and control groups, was 0.31 standard deviations (SD; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.22, 0.39). The pre-post training effect for memory-trained interventions was 0.43 SD (95% CI: 0.29, 0.57) and the practice effect for control groups was 0.06 SD (95% CI: 0.05, 0.16). Among 10 distinct memory strategies identified in studies, meta-analytic methods revealed that training multiple strategies was associated with larger training gains (p=0.04), although this association did not reach statistical significance after adjusting for multiple comparisons. Treatment gains among memory-trained individuals were not better after training in any particular strategy, or by the average age of participants, session length, or type of control condition. These findings can inform the design of future memory training programs for older adults.
156 citations
TL;DR: PwD are well able to express their needs and should be included in research since they can provide valuable findings, and those findings should be implemented in applied dementia care.
Abstract: Objectives: Including the perspectives of persons with dementia (PwD) is essential in order to organize care structures for them. With this systematic review, we set out to screen the existing scientific evidence on self-expressions of community-dwelling individuals with dementia in order to provide a research base for developing an intervention for persons in early stages of the disease. The leading research questions for this review are: What needs do PwD living at home express? What are their subjective demands? What do they do to cope with their situation? Methods: We performed a systematic literature review of review publications on subjective experiences of PwD. The publications were analysed using MAXQDA 10 to perform a thematic analysis. Results: We identified 41 relevant reviews, of which 6 met our inclusion criteria. PwD experience the whole range of human emotions. Their needs and demands do not differ significantly from those of other groups of patients with chronic conditions. Coming to terms...
147 citations
TL;DR: Three measures showed psychometric properties sufficient to justify the use of these instruments when assessing anxiety in older adults, and two measures developed specifically for older adults were found to be appropriate for use with older adults.
Abstract: Objectives: The authors set out to systematically review the research literature in order to identify the anxiety measures most commonly used in the assessment of older adults. Once identified, the literature was reviewed to determine the extent to which these instruments had age-relevant norms and psychometric data supporting their use with older adults. Method: Literature searches were conducted in PsycINFO and PubMed to identify research articles in which anxiety measures were completed by older adults. After screening for suitability, a total of 213 articles were reviewed to determine the most commonly used anxiety measures with older adults to examine the psychometric properties of these instruments and to evaluate whether the instruments are appropriate for use with older adults. Results: A total of 91 different anxiety measures were used in the 213 included articles. Twelve anxiety measures were most commonly used in the literature and of those three were specifically developed for older adults. Co...
145 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that high self-efficacy relates to caregivers’ perception of positive aspects of the caregiving experience, which may buffer caregivers from the many negative psychological and physical consequences of caregiving.
Abstract: Objectives: Positive aspects of the caregiving experience may buffer caregivers from the many negative psychological and physical consequences of caregiving. Understanding what factors relate to the recognition of positive aspects of caregiving is important for the enhancement of caregiver well-being. Self-efficacy is a potentially modifiable psychological construct that has been associated with positive thinking, improved control of negative affect, and enhanced motivation. Methods: This study examined the relationship between positive aspects of caregiving and self-efficacy among 57 family members caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. Participant data was gathered through individual interviews conducted as a part of a larger randomized controlled trial of a caregiver intervention. Results: We found that self-efficacy accounted for a significant percentage of the variance in positive aspects of caregiving after controlling for other factors commonly associated with positive aspects of caregivi...
129 citations
TL;DR: Findings suggest that older adults can maintain successful aging even in the face of health-related and social stressors by invoking accumulated resources to deal actively with the challenges of aging.
Abstract: Objectives: Using the Proactivity Model of Successful Aging, we examined how internal and external resources contribute to the maintenance of psychological well-being and social activities among older adults who experience normative stressors of aging. Outcome variables in this study are collectively referred to as quality of life (QOL). We also examined the mediating role of proactive adaptations between internal and external resources and QOL indicators. Method: Based on five annual interviews of a sample of 1000 community-dwelling older adults in Florida (effective N = 561), we tested the lagged effects of stressors on two indicators of QOL, four years later. In the full longitudinal model, using structural equations, we estimated the direct effects of internal and external resources on QOL, along with indirect effects through proactive adaptations. Results: Stressors negatively influenced QOL four years later. Internal and external resources led to better QOL four years later, both directly and indire...
124 citations
TL;DR: Lack of choice is an independent risk factor for the negative effects of caregiving, and clinicians should be vigilant to lack of choice as a marker of caregiver distress.
Abstract: Objectives: Using data from a national sample of informal caregivers to older adults, we identify predictors of lack of choice and the consequences of lack of choice in taking on the caregiving role. Methods: A national telephone survey with 1397 caregivers was carried out to assess whether respondents had a choice in taking on the caregiving role, their demographic characteristics, the nature and duration of their caregiving experience, and its impact on their physical and psychological well-being. We compare caregivers who felt they had no choice in taking on the caregiving role to those who did. Results: In total, 44% of caregivers reported a lack of choice in taking on the caregiving role. Highly educated, older caregivers caring for a younger care recipient with emotional or behavioral problems were most likely to report that they had no choice in taking on the caregiving role. Lack of choice is associated with higher levels of emotional stress, physical strain, and negative health impacts, after con...
113 citations
TL;DR: The findings underline the connection between adequate levels of both structural and cognitive individual social capital and mental health in later life and suggest that the connection differs depending on various network types.
Abstract: Objective: To study the association between structural and cognitive aspects of social capital and depression among older adults in two Nordic regions. Method: Data were retrieved from a postal survey targeting older adults aged 65, 70, 75 and 80 years (N = 6 838, response rate = 64%) residing in the Vasterbotten region (Sweden), and the Osterbotten region (Finland) in 2010. The associations between structural (measured by frequency of social contact with friends and neighbours) and cognitive (measured by experienced trust in friends and neighbours) aspects of social capital and depression (measured by Geriatric Depression Scale, GDS-4) were tested by logistic regression analyses. Results: Both low structural and cognitive social capital as defined in the study showed statistically significant associations with depression in older adults. Only experienced trust in neighbours failed to show significant association with depression. In addition, being single and being 80 years of age indicated a higher risk ...
111 citations
TL;DR: A latent variable measuring resilient coping is able to predict a significant and large part of the variance in well-being, without the need of including coping strategies.
Abstract: Objectives: The aims of this article are: (a) to test for the validity of the three constructs involved in the structural model; (b) to test for the effects of both coping strategies and resilient coping on well-being in a sample of elderly, by means of a structural model with latent variables; (c) to empirically study whether a brief scale of resilient coping could predict well-being over and above that predicted by the coping resources. Methods: The research is a survey design. The sample consisted of 225 non-institutionalized elderly people living in the city of Valencia (Spain). The three constructs measured were: well-being, resilient coping, and coping strategies. Results: The analyses consist of a series of alternative structural models with latent variables with resilience, problem-focused coping, and emotion-focused coping as the potential predictors of well-being as measured by Ryff's well-being scales. Due to parsimony reasons, the model retained is that with a single predictor of well-being: r...
TL;DR: The GPS device used in this study seems to be promising for people in early stages of dementia and their informal caregivers and a next step is to carry out a randomized controlled trial.
Abstract: Objectives: Caregivers and clinicians may be confronted with the dilemma whether to allow people in early stages of dementia to go outside independently with the risk of getting lost, or to limit their autonomy and mobility. Newly available technology may offer a solution. This pilot study is focused on the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a three-month use of Global Positioning System (GPS) by care receivers and caregivers. Method: Numbers and percentages of participants with positive responses to self-report questions were calculated. Differences between the pre- and post-test scores of role-overload and worry were tested with paired t-tests and effect-sizes were calculated. Results: Of the 33 dyads of care receivers and caregivers, 28 remained in the study (dropout rate 15%). The majority of the caregivers was able to use the technology and integrate the use into their daily routines and would recommend the use of GPS. Almost half of the participants with dementia experienced more freedom and were less worried when they were outside unaccompanied, a quarter mentioned that they were more outside independently and a fifth that they had less conflicts with their caregiver after three months. Caregivers showed a trend to feel less worried, especially caregivers who could reach their relative using the telephone connection. No changes in caregivers’ feelings of role-overload were found. Conclusion: The GPS device used in this study seems to be promising for people in early stages of dementia and their informal caregivers. A next step is to carry out a randomized controlled trial.
TL;DR: Multiple pathways by which both primary and secondary caregiver stresses may be associated with increased depressive symptoms are suggested, and may argue for multiple treatment targets for caregiver interventions.
Abstract: Objective: This study tested a model for explaining how stress is associated with depressive symptoms in a sample of spouse caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease. It was hypothesized that more depressive symptoms would be significantly correlated with both ‘primary’ caregiver stressors (i.e., care recipient problem behaviors) and ‘secondary’ stress (i.e., role overload), but that this relationship would be significantly mediated by four variables: (1) personal mastery, (2) coping self-efficacy, (3) activity restriction, and (4) avoidance coping. Method: We used an asymptotic and resampling strategy for simultaneously testing multiple mediators of the stress-to-depressive symptoms pathway. Results: Greater stress was significantly related to more depressive symptoms. Increased stress was also associated with reduced personal mastery and self-efficacy, as well as increased activity restriction and avoidance coping. Finally, these four mediators accounted for a significant amount of the relationshi...
TL;DR: Loneliness was significantly associated with impaired global cognition independent of social networks and depression and the domains of psychomotor processing speed and delayed visual memory were specifically associated with self-reported loneliness.
Abstract: Introduction: While several studies have found a link between impaired cognition and social isolation, few have examined the relationship between cognition and loneliness. Loneliness has been thought to increase the risk of development of Alzheimer's dementia. Aim: The aims of this study were to explore the relationship between loneliness and cognition and to determine whether specific cognitive domains are associated with loneliness. Design: Cross-sectional community-based study. Participants: This study included 466 community-dwelling subjects with mean age 75.45 (SD 6.06) years, of which 208(44%) were males. Results: Loneliness was significantly associated with impaired global cognition independent of social networks and depression. The domains of psychomotor processing speed and delayed visual memory were specifically associated with self-reported loneliness. Conclusion: This cross-sectional study demonstrated an association between loneliness and specific aspects of cognition independent of depressio...
TL;DR: Grandfathers who provided four or more hours per week of help to grandchildren had better life satisfaction two years later and those providing material help had higher SF36 MCS scores at follow-up.
Abstract: Objectives: To investigate factors associated with Chilean grandparents’ provision of help to grandchildren and associations between provision of such help and grandparents’ mental well-being two years later.
Methods: Data are drawn from a representative sample of 2000 people aged 66–68 resident in low- or middle-income areas of Santiago who were surveyed in 2005 and re-interviewed two years later. Multivariable analyses were used to investigate factors associated with provision of help to grandchildren at baseline and associations between providing such help and life satisfaction, SF36-Mental Component Summary scores, and depression two years later.
Results: 41% of grandparents lived with one or more grandchildren and over half provided four or more hours per week of help to grandchildren. Models controlling for baseline mental health, grandchild characteristics, marital and household characteristics, socio-economic status and functional health showed that grandfathers who provided four or more hours per week of help to grandchildren had better life satisfaction two years later and that those providing material help had higher SF36 MCS scores at follow-up. Grandmothers providing four or more hours of help a week had lower risks of depression.
Conclusion: Older Chileans make important contributions to their families through the provision of help to grandchildren and these appear to have some benefits for their own psychosocial health. Gender differences in the pattern of associations may reflect differences in overall family responsibilities and merit further investigation.
TL;DR: The evaluation showed that persons with dementia and carers valued theCDN overall as user-friendly and useful, and with the suggested adaptations, the CDN is expected to be a useful tool for supporting community-dwelling persons with mild dementia and their carers.
Abstract: Objective: To evaluate a newly developed integrated digital prosthetic, the COGKNOW Day Navigator (CDN), to support persons with mild dementia in their daily lives, with memory, social contacts, daily activities and safety.Methods: A user participatory method was applied in the development process, which consisted of three iterative 1-year cycles with field tests in Amsterdam, Belfast and Lulea . In the successive cycles 16, 14 and 12 persons with dementia and their carers participated. Data on usability were collected by means of interviews, observations, questionnaires, logging and diaries. The CDN prototype consists of a touch screen, a mobile device, sensors and actuators.Results: The evaluation showed that persons with dementia and carers valued the CDN overall as user-friendly and useful. Conclusions regarding the effectiveness of the system in daily life were limited due to insufficient duration of the testing period caused by delays in development and some instability of the final prototype. Conclusion: With the suggested adaptations, the CDN is expected to be a useful tool for supporting community- dwelling persons with mild dementia and their carers.
TL;DR: These results characterise the biopsychosocial risk factors of emotional loneliness, social loneliness and social support and identify key pathways by which social support influences emotional and social loneliness.
Abstract: Objectives: To develop biopsychosocial models of loneliness and social support thereby identifying their key risk factors in an Irish sample of community-dwelling older adults. Additionally, to investigate indirect effects of social support on loneliness through mediating risk factors. Methods: A total of 579 participants (400 females; 179 males) were given a battery of biopsychosocial assessments with the primary measures being the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and the Lubben Social Network Scale along with a broad range of secondary measures. Analysis: Bivariate correlation analyses identified items to be included in separate psychosocial, cognitive, biological and demographic multiple regression analyses. The resulting model items were then entered into further multiple regression analyses to obtain overall models. Following this, bootstrapping mediation analyses was conducted to examine indirect effects of social support on the subtypes (emotional and social) of loneliness. Results: The overall mo...
TL;DR: Regression analyses demonstrated that depression diagnosis at baseline predicted decrease in right (but not left) hippocampal volume over a four-year period, which would be consistent with depression as a causal factor in subsequent cognitive decline.
Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to develop and test a model of depression, hippocampal changes, and cognitive decline. Method: Participants were 248 community-dwelling, depressed patients and 147 healthy, non-depressed individuals 60 years and older. Participants received a structured interview assessing current depressive symptoms and past depressive episodes, completed cognitive testing with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and underwent structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain. For up to 10 years, assessment of depressive symptoms and MMSE administration was repeated at least annually, and MRI was repeated every two years. Results: Regression analyses demonstrated that depression diagnosis at baseline predicted decrease in right (but not left) hippocampal volume over a four-year period. Analyses using structural equation modeling demonstrated that a decrease in left and right hippocampal volumes predicted decrease in MMSE score over four years. Conclusion: Results provide ...
TL;DR: A draft programme has been constructed building upon the framework of identified priorities for a self-management programme based on views from people with dementia and carers and the significant ramifications of such a programme for services.
Abstract: Objectives: First, to use participative research methods to obtain views from people with dementia and carers about their experiences and the interventions that they consider can assist in facilita...
TL;DR: Elderly Korean immigrants who had high social network support and were highly acculturated exhibited lower levels of depression compared to those who had low support and been highly accULTurated, calling attention to the role of social networkSupport in the mental health of elderly Korean immigrants.
Abstract: Objective: Acculturation and social network support have been identified as predictors of mental health for immigrant and elderly populations. The present study examined both independent and interactive effects of acculturation and social network support on depressive symptomatology among elderly Korean immigrants. Method: Self-reported measures included sociodemographic characteristics, acculturation, social network support, and depressive symptoms. This study used cross-sectional analysis of a community-based cohort. Results: After controlling for the effects of demographic variables, a robust hierarchical regression model indicated that social network support was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Also, the interaction between acculturation and social network was significantly associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms (β = −0.29, p < 0.05). In other words, elderly Korean immigrants who had high social network support and were highly acculturated exhibited lower levels of depressi...
TL;DR: The findings underscore the plausibility of disability already in people with MCI, as the use of ET strongly correlates to involvement in activities, and it is therefore important that professionals who meet older adults with cognitive impairment take this aspect of function into account in assessments and targeted interventions.
Abstract: Objectives and methods: Earlier research indicates that the ability to use everyday technology (ET) may be sensitive to subtle functional change. People with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have been identified as significantly more disabled in ET use compared to controls, albeit less disabled than people with dementia. The aim of this study was to investigate the replicability of these findings using an improved version of the Everyday Technology Use Questionnaire (ETUQ) to compare perceptions of relevance and difficulty in ET use in participants with MCI or Alzheimer's disease (AD) and controls. Additional aims were to explore the validity of ETUQ, and the relationships between perceived difficulty in ET use and cognitive status, mood state, and involvement in everyday life activities. In total, 118 participants were included, 37 with AD, 37 with MCI, and 44 controls. Results: Analyses confirmed that the rating scale of the ETUQ functioned well. The three groups overlapped but differed significantly in ...
TL;DR: The results indicated that the clinical variables could not predict burden in caregivers significantly; however, beliefs in personal abilities (self-efficacy) and internal locus of control (contingency) explained up to 32% of the variance in the ZBI scores.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the predictors of burden for informal caregivers of patients with dementia. Based on a multidimensional approach of the optimism model proposed by Palenzuela, we assessed the moderating role of generalized expectancies of control (GEC) between caregiver stress and burden. A total of 130 patients with dementia and their main family caregivers were assessed from different rural areas of the province of Salamanca (Spain). Patients with dementia underwent a protocol to assess dementia stage, cognitive–functional impairment and behavioural symptoms. Meanwhile, the 20-item Battery of Generalized Expectancies of Control Scales of Palenzuela was completed by the family caregivers. Clinical variables of patients with dementia (progression and behavioural disorders) and GEC (success, self-efficacy, contingency, helplessness and luck) were considered as potential predictors of burden in the hierarchical regression analysis. The Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) Scale was used as a...
TL;DR: Characteristics of people with dementia are identified that improve the probability of completing a self rating QoL instrument on the ‘Quality of Life – Alzheimers’ Disease’ (QoL-AD) to suggest the usefulness of performing self-ratings whenever possible.
Abstract: Objectives Quality of life (QoL) is a major outcome parameter in dementia care. Self-ratings are considered the best way to evaluate QoL, but staff-ratings also provide valid results. In particular, the discrepancies between self-ratings and staff-ratings are underrepresented. The aim was to identify characteristics of people with dementia that improve the probability of completing a self rating QoL instrument on the 'Quality of Life - Alzheimers' Disease' (QoL-AD). Additionally, a level of agreement was set between self-rated and staff-rated QoL-AD and possible influencing factors. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2010 in Berlin. Using the instrument QoL-AD, the self- and staff-rated QoL of people with dementia was assessed. Results 104 residents (73.1% female, mean age: 79.0 years, mean cognitive function (MMSE): 11.5) were included in this research project. 49 (47.1%) residents were able to complete the QoL-AD questionnaire. A predictor to complete the QoL-AD was the MMSE-part 'language'. Residents rated their QoL as significantly higher than the nursing staff did. If the primary nurse rated the QoL, a significantly better agreement was identified. Conclusion The study generated new findings concerning a better understanding of QoL measurements. The results suggest the usefulness of performing self-ratings whenever possible. If proxy-ratings have to be used, these should be performed by primary nurses only in order to get reliable results.
TL;DR: Empirically supported treatments for late-life depression could be adapted to focus on perceptions of burdensomeness and its connections with meaning in life, as suggested by the findings.
Abstract: Background: Identification of risk factors for the loss of meaning in life among older adults is needed. In this article, we test hypotheses derived from the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide concerning the role of perceptions that one is a burden on others as a risk factor for lower meaning in life. Methods: A prospective design was used to examine the temporal associations between perceptions of burdensomeness on others and perceived meaning in life among older adults (n = 65) seeking mental health treatment (primarily for depression and/or anxiety) at an outpatient geriatric mental health clinic. Participants completed self-report questionnaires within a month following intake. Follow-up questionnaires were completed over the phone two months later. Results: Perceived burdensomeness predicted lack of meaning in life two months later, while accounting for depression severity. In contrast, baseline levels of meaning in life did not significantly predict the levels of burdensomeness at two months. Conclusio...
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that family-oriented and relationship-focused resilience at the cognitive, self and personality, and social relations levels played significant roles in helping the Chinese older adults overcome their high risk of loneliness.
Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate resilience factors that help Chinese older adults living alone cope with senses of loneliness. Method: Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted on 13 older adults living alone in the community who did not show severe loneliness. Trained research assistants conducted interviews guided by semi-structured interview guidelines. The analysis followed a five-step interpretive approach. Results: The primary theme of resilience was found in cognitive competence, self and personality, and social relations. The secondary theme of resilience showed a family-oriented, relationship-focused resilience coping, which is in line with Chinese culture. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that family-oriented and relationship-focused resilience at the cognitive, self and personality, and social relations levels played significant roles in helping the Chinese older adults overcome their high risk of loneliness. Developing and maintaining dynamic daily rhythms that ...
TL;DR: Five papers in this issue expand on the understanding of how positive experiences and emotions may contribute to improving the circumstances of many caregivers, and examine how generalized experiences of control might buffer the effects of behavioral stressors and disease progression in dementia.
Abstract: Positive aspects of caregiving have secured an increasing place in the research literature and clinical applications. Though much of the focus remains on stressors, their consequences, and their ma...
TL;DR: Results indicate that the life-review therapy in this combined setting with computer supplements from the e-mental health Butler system could be recommended for depressive older adults.
Abstract: Life-review therapy has been recognized as an effective therapeutic approach for depression in older adults. Additionally, the use of new media is becoming increasingly common in psychological interventions. The aim of this study was to investigate a life-review therapy in a face-to-face setting with additional computer use. This study explored whether a six-week life-review therapy with computer supplements from the e-mental health Butler system constitutes an effective approach to treat depression in older adults aged 65 and over. A total of 36 participants with elevated levels of depressive symptoms were randomized to a treatment group or a waiting-list control group and completed the post-assessment. Fourteen individuals in the intervention group completed the follow-up assessment. Analyses revealed significant changes from pre- to post-treatment or follow-up for depression, well-being, self-esteem, and obsessive reminiscence, but not for integrative reminiscence and life satisfaction. Depressive symptoms decreased significantly over time until the three-month follow-up in the intervention group compared to the control group (pre to post: d = 1.13; pre to follow-up: d = 1.27; and group × time effect pre to post: d = 0.72). Furthermore, the therapy led to an increase in well-being and a decrease in obsessive reminiscence among the participants in the intervention group from pre-treatment to follow-up (well-being: d = 0.70; obsessive reminiscence: d = 0.93). Analyses further revealed a significant but small group × time effect regarding self-esteem (d = 0.19). By and large, the results indicate that the life-review therapy in this combined setting could be recommended for depressive older adults.
TL;DR: Coping with loneliness by actively removing the stressor is less often seen as an option for and by the people who could benefit most from it, which underlines the difficulty of combating loneliness.
Abstract: Objectives: A limited amount of information is available on how older adults cope with loneliness. Two ways of coping are distinguished here, i.e., active coping by improving relationships and regulative coping by lowering expectations about relationships. We explore how often older adults suggest these options to their lonely peers in various situations and to what extent individual resources influence their suggestions. Method: After introducing them to four vignettes of lonely individuals, discriminating with regard to age, partner status, and health, 1187 respondents aged 62–100 from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam were asked whether this loneliness can be alleviated by using various ways of coping. Results: In general, both ways of coping were often suggested. However, regression analyses revealed that active coping was suggested less often to people who are older, in poor health, or lonely and by older adults who were employed in midlife and have high self-esteem. Regulative coping was sugges...
TL;DR: Results indicate that spirituality is positively related to PAC and may partially mediate the effect of subjective stress on PAC, and gerontological practitioners should adopt a proactive stance to ensure Latino AD CGs can operationalize their spiritual strengths.
Abstract: This study used structural equation modeling to examine the effects of spirituality on positive aspects of caregiving (PAC) among a sample of American Latino family members caring for a relative with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Participants consisted of 209 Latino caregivers (CGs) drawn from baseline data from the Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregivers Health II study. The findings indicate that spirituality is positively related to PAC and may partially mediate the effect of subjective stress on PAC. AD CGs typically provide better care when they perceive the caregiving experience to be satisfying and rewarding. Toward this end, gerontological practitioners should adopt a proactive stance to ensure Latino AD CGs can operationalize their spiritual strengths.
TL;DR: The results show that older American adults embedded in family network types are at risk of limited physical activity, and interventions aimed to increase their engagement in physical activity might help to reduce depressive symptoms within this group.
Abstract: Objectives: To clarify whether physical activity among older Americans is associated with depressive symptoms, beyond the effects of social network type, physical health, and sociodemographic characteristics. Method: The analysis used data from a sub-sample, aged 65–85, from the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (N = 1349). Hierarchical regressions examined the respective effects of selected network types and extent of engagement in physical activity on depressive symptoms, controlling for physical health and sociodemographic background. Results: The findings showed that physical activity was correlated inversely with late life depressive symptoms. However, when interaction terms for the selected social network types and the extent of physical activity were also considered, the main effect of social network on depressive symptoms increased, while that of physical activity was eliminated. Conclusions: The results show that older American adults embedded in family network types are at risk of l...