Well-being Of Adults Research Articles

Effects of Multisensory Virtual Forest Bathing on Stress and Well-Being in Young Adults: Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial

Effects of Multisensory Virtual Forest Bathing on Stress and Well-Being in Young Adults: Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial

Life and Quality of Life of Older Adults in Residential Centers in Spain: A Focus Group Analysis Based on Center Quality from the Perspective of Management Stakeholders.

New residential models for older adults highlight the need for both public and private institutions to adopt new governance and management approaches. These approaches focus on strategic frameworks that guide decision-making, daily operations, and processes aimed at addressing and resolving the economic and social challenges faced by our society while promoting quality standards that serve the public good. The primary objective of this research is to identify and analyze the quality of residential centers and their impact on improving the quality of life of older adult residents from the perspective of management stakeholders; Methods: This study employed a qualitative methodology, involving systematic literature reviews and the analysis of focus groups. The participants were professionals from various fields working with older adults in Spanish residential centers; Results: The results reveal widespread dissatisfaction among participants regarding the need for change to improve both the quality of the centers and the quality of life for older adult residents; Conclusions: This study suggests that the well-being of older adults residing in these centers requires regulatory changes that focus on person-centered care and are tailored to the specific needs of the residents.

Pain and the risk of social isolation and loneliness in older Chinese adults: Do gender, age, and education make a difference?

ObjectivePain has long been known to affect the health and well-being of older adults. However, no longitudinal study has examined the associations between pain, social isolation, and loneliness among older adults in China. This study aims to explore the relationships between pain and older Chinese adults’ social isolation (family isolation and friend isolation) and loneliness, and whether these associations are moderated by gender, age, and education groups. MethodData derived from the four waves of the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS, 2014-2020). The sample included 18,692 respondents (aged 60 years and older), and mixed-effects logistic models were used. ResultsPain is not significantly associated with family isolation. In contrast, pain increases the risk of friend isolation and loneliness. Regarding the moderating roles of gender, age, and education, the results show that the relationship between pain and friend isolation is stronger among older women compared to their male counterparts. The association between pain and the risk of friend isolation is stronger among young-old adults (60-69 years) than among their older counterparts (70 years and older). Conversely, the oldest old adults (80+ years) are more likely to experience loneliness combined with pain than their younger counterparts. In addition, the negative effect of pain on the risk of loneliness is stronger among the more educated than among the less educated older adults. ConclusionsThe findings underscore the pivotal role of pain in shaping the social well-being of older adults, and highlight the need to consider sociodemographics and socioeconomic status when developing pain prevention and management strategies.

Association between Active Use of Urban Green Spaces and Well-Being in Adults Aged 18–65 Years: A Systematic Review

Association between Active Use of Urban Green Spaces and Well-Being in Adults Aged 18–65 Years: A Systematic Review

Subgroup learning for multiple mixed-type outcomes with block-structured covariates

The increasing interest is survey research focuses on inferring grouped association patterns between risk factors and questionnaire responses, with grouping shared across multiple response variables that jointly capture one's underlying status. Aiming to identify important risk factors that are simultaneously associated with the health and well-being of senior adults, a study based on the China Health and Retirement Survey (CHRS) is conducted. Previous studies have identified several known risk factors, yet heterogeneity in the outcome-risk factor association exists, prompting the use of subgroup analysis. A subgroup analysis procedure is devised to model a multiple mixed-type outcome which describes one's general health and well-being, while tackling additional challenges including collinearity and weak signals within block-structured covariates. Computationally, an efficient algorithm that alternately updates a set of estimating equations and likelihood functions is proposed. Theoretical results establish the asymptotic consistency and normality of the proposed estimators. The validity of the proposed method is corroborated by simulation experiments. An application of the proposed method to the CHRS data identifies caring for grandchildren as a new risk factor for poor physical and mental health.

Applying Concepts of Successful Aging in Measuring and Promoting Whole Person Health.

Countries around the world have large aging adult populations. There is wide public health concern about the health and well-being of aging adults, and a movement to transform healthcare systems to become age-friendly. The concept of "successful aging" recognizes the importance of aging and expands the goal beyond the absence of disease to functioning and well-being. In this perspective, we discuss aging as a part of life that should be considered in whole person health and cite work with the US veteran population as an example of how successful aging and age-friendly practices can be incorporated into whole person health for adult populations. We also review studies of successful aging that may offer important ways to define and measure whole person health and discuss how it might be instructive to assess successful aging with multiple indicators across the adult life span, particularly in underserved populations at-risk of premature aging and poor health. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of the "life course perspective" that may serve as a useful model for the interplay between successful aging and whole person health.

The protective role of siblings in sexual diverse emerging adult well-being

Close sibling relationships can serve as a salient source of support, particularly for individuals navigating stressors associated with emerging adulthood and minoritized identities. Using attachment theory and the temporal intersectional minority stress model as guiding frameworks, mixed-methods data were collected from 939 emerging adult college students to examine the role that siblings play in sexually diverse individual well-being. Sexually diverse emerging adults who perceived close sibling ties did not exhibit a negative effect of prospective anxiety on their self-esteem, but did experience an elevation in positive affect in the face of prospective anxiety, whereas sexually diverse individuals who had poor sibling relationships and heterosexual emerging adults did not show these protective effects. Interactions were not significant for negative affect. Sexually diverse emerging adults shared their lived experiences of how their siblings contribute to their well-being, including themes of affect, sibling interactions, sibling qualities, and coping within the relationship. Most sexually diverse individuals appeared to view a positive effect of siblings on their well-being despite less proximity to the family of origin.

Sexual Well-Being in Old Age: Effectiveness of an Intervention Program to Promote Sexual Well-Being in Older Community-Dwelling Adults

Objectives: While many people strive for a fulfilling sexual life as they age, the inevitable changes that come with aging can present significant challenges concerning their sexual well-being (SWB). This study aims to present a comparative analysis of the scores in the variables of sexual satisfaction, adjustment to aging (AtA), and satisfaction with life (SwL) before and after the implementation of an intervention program to promote SWB among older adults. Methods: A convenience sample of 117 older community-dwelling adults (M = 72.31; SD = 5.752) were included in this study, and an ex post facto longitudinal design was applied. A six-week intervention program aimed at improving older adults’ understanding and exchanging their experiences of SWB was performed. The following measures were utilized: (1) a sociodemographic, health and lifestyle questionnaire; (2) Adjustment to Aging Scale (AtAS); (3) Satisfaction with Life Scale (SwLS); (4) New Sexual Satisfaction Scale (NSSS-S); and (5) Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE). The specified assessment time points in this study were as follows: baseline and after intervention. A follow-up assessment was conducted 6 months and 12 months after the baseline measurement. Results: The results indicated an increase in the scores in sexual satisfaction, AtA, and SwL from before to after the intervention among the intervention group. Conclusions: The development of intervention programs in older communities is necessary to contribute to the enhancing older adults’ SWB and to explore the best practices for implementing tailored interventions within community settings.

Exploring the occupational engagement and its impact on the well-being of young adults with self-identified anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the normality of occupation, health, and well-being and caused a shift in the overall experience of occupational engagement, beyond the act of doing an occupation. The current study aimed to explore occupational engagement and its impact on the well-being of post-secondary young adults with anxiety and/or depression symptoms in Canada during the pandemic. Using interpretive description methodology, 10 students’ perspectives on their occupational engagement and mental health during the pandemic were explored. Data were gathered from September 2022 to January 2023 through semi-structured online interviews and analyzed using the analytical processes in interpretive description and reflexive thematic analysis. The findings showed (a) occupations “were not lived to their full potential”, (b) experiencing mixed emotional states, (c) increased self-awareness, and (d) lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The affects on participants’ occupational choices, identity, and adaptation, and the perceived value, consequences, and dimensions of occupations influenced their overall health and well-being. Recognizing the impact of the pandemic on the occupational engagement of young adults can help to better understand the value of occupational science in health promotion.

Exploring Music-Based Interventions for Executive Functioning and Emotional Well-Being in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review

Purpose: Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability with life-long implications requiring assessment and treatment of several functional domains. This review identifies the results from research into music-based interventions (MBIs), including music therapy (MT), for executive functions (EFs) and emotional well-being (EWB) in adults with stroke and highlights opportunities for clinical practice and future research. Methods: APA PsycInfo (EBSCOhost), and CINAHL (EBSCOhost) were searched, in addition to grey literature. Results: A total of 49 studies were included and encompassed experimental, analytic, and descriptive observational studies, and case reports, involving a total of 1663 participants. In total, 32 studies included MT interventions, and 17 were MBIs. EFs were an outcome in 20.41%, and EWB in 61.22% of studies, for which active interventions were the most utilized. Overall, 73.47% of the studies reported positive results. Conclusions: This scoping review indicates that music interventions can be beneficial for the improvement of different aspects of EFs and EWB at different stages of stroke recovery. Further research may benefit clinical practice by including standardized protocols, outcome and self-reported measures, and brain imaging data to determine the effects of interventions and support evidence-based decisions for treatment policies for stroke survivors.

Livin' La Vida Sola: Network Diversity and Well-Being in Middle-Aged Adults Living Alone.

For individuals living alone, having a diverse personal network is considered crucial for mitigating the risk of social isolation and enhancing well-being. Although a reciprocal dynamic between network diversity and well-being is likely, longitudinal evidence supporting reciprocal effects is limited. This study investigates dynamic transactions between network diversity and well-being (life satisfaction, loneliness, and depressiveness) in a community-based sample of middle-aged adults from Germany. It also explores moderations by the duration of living alone. Data were drawn from the three-wave RIKSCHA (Risks and Chances of Living Alone) project, which includes N = 389 middle-aged adults living alone. Cross-lagged panel models revealed high rank-order stabilities and correlated changes in network diversity and well-being. Random-intercept cross-lagged panel models and dynamic panel models indicated that unobserved traits accounted for these high stabilities. Correlated changes disappeared when accounting for the trait-like stability of variables. Across all models, no evidence of reciprocal associations between network diversity and well-being was found. All results remained consistent regardless of the duration of living alone. The study discusses trait factors accounting for the high stabilities observed in network diversity and well-being among middle-aged adults living alone. Future research should further explore the traits impacting successful adaptation to living alone within the context of personal networks.

Research on Religion and Aging among Black Americans and Mexican Americans: The Impact of the National Institute on Aging.

For 50 years, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) has supported and promoted research on religious involvement among older adult populations. This article discusses the ways that NIA funding has 1) broadened our understanding of how religious involvement is conceptualized and measured; 2) explored the important role of social networks and interactions within religious communities in relation to congregants' health; 3) supported research on national samples of the U.S. population to explore demographic variability in religious practices and beliefs, as well as their social correlates; and 4) examined health-relevant frameworks and topics in relation to religion's association with physical and mental health and well-being. The article focuses on research on African Americans and Mexican Americans as well as work that compares these populations to non-Latino Whites and Black Caribbeans. In this article, we provide an overview of selected research topics in the area of religion and aging, including Conceptualization and Measurement of Religious Participation; Religion and Mental Health; Religion and Physical Health; Church-Based Informal Support; Church Support and Mental and Physical Health; Religious Coping, and the Use of Clergy for Serious Problems. Scholarship and research supported by the NIA have fundamentally contributed to a deepening understanding of why and how religion matters for the health and social well-being of African American, Black Caribbean, and Mexican American older adults.

Machine learning insights on activities of daily living disorders in Chinese older adults

ObjectiveThis study on the aged population in China first used a large-scale longitudinal survey database to explore how different life factors affect their ability to engage in daily activities. We select and integrate multiple machine models to obtain an excellent model for analyzing relationships. Based on the identified factors, our goal is to help them maintain a good daily life and quality of life. MethodWe analyzed data from 13,220 older individuals participating in the China Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey (CLHLS) from 2002 to 2018. ADL was measured based on participants' self-reported results. Nine machine learning algorithms, including neural networks and an ensemble model, were employed with a 2/3 training and 1/3 testing split. Model performance was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity, while logistic regression assessed the relationship between lifestyle changes and ADL disorders. ResultThe K-nearest neighbors (KNN) and decision tree algorithms showed the best performance, with AUCs of 0.8598 and 0.8322, respectively. Combining results from all models improved the AUC to 0.8619. Activities, such as playing mahjong, engaging in outdoor work, and reducing TV time, were linked to lower ADL decline, with greater participation in social activities and pet care also being beneficial. ConclusionMachine learning algorithms, especially ensemble models, can effectively identify older adults at risk for ADL disorders. Increased outdoor activity, social engagement, and dietary adjustments are associated with a decreased risk of ADL deterioration. Translational significance1)The primary question addressed by this study is: What modifiable risk factors can impact Activities of Daily Living (ADL) in older adults?2)The main finding of this study is that specific daily activities, such as playing mahjong and engaging in outdoor activities, significantly reduce the risk of future ADL disorders in older adults. Additionally, a robust predictive model was developed using longitudinal data from 13,220 individuals, improving the accuracy of ADL disorder risk predictions.3)The meaning of the finding is that incorporating behavioral interventions into community care strategies can effectively enhance the well-being of older adults by minimizing their risk of ADL dysfunction.

Color as a Key Factor in Creating Sustainable Living Spaces for Seniors

Color as a feature of interior spaces is a fundamental component of human interaction with the built environment. Therefore, planning the design concept of an interior space with attention to color choices is extremely important, especially when the users of a given space include individuals who require additional support and care, such as the elderly. The colors used in architecture and interiors play a crucial role in the well-being of older adults, influencing their spatial perception, behavior, and activity. With age, color perception changes due to the effects of the aging process on vision. Visual deficits lead to shifts in sensory perception, which can, in turn, affect the sense of well-being, often creating a heightened sense of uncertainty. These changes in color perception due to aging may impact the color preferences of older people within their living environments. To create supportive environments for seniors, it is necessary to investigate which colors are most easily recognized, which colors are easiest to distinguish, and which colors are preferred by older adults. Based on a review of the literature and research findings on age-related changes in chromatic and spatial perception, design recommendations and guidelines have been developed. To supplement this knowledge, a survey was conducted among seniors to gather insights on their color preferences. Observations and analyzes of the survey results point to strategies for color use and underscore the importance of color in designing sustainable living spaces for seniors.

Self-employment and inflammation in older adults: Examining biomarkers in the survey of health, ageing and retirement in Europe

Previous studies using SHARE data explored self-employment and perceived well-being in older adults, and extending this line of prior studies, this study examines the link between self-employment and inflammation, a key biological pathway related to health and well-being. Incorporating C-reactive protein (CRP) levels from SHARE biomarker data assesses whether perceived self-reports correlate with longer-term biomarkers of well-being. Accounting for demographic, socioeconomic, health, and other biomarker variables, our findings show a non-significant relationship between self-employment and CRP levels, with no evidence of heterogeneity in effects across participants.

The relationships between race, employment, and self-rated health among older South Africans: exploring the mediating role of generalized anxiety.

This study explores the impact of race and employment status on self-rated health among older adults in South Africa. It reveals new insights by examining the mediating role of generalized anxiety. The findings highlight the importance of addressing these factors to improve the wellbeing of older adults. Drawing from Wave 5 of the National Income Dynamics Study-Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey, a cross-sectional survey encompassing a nationally representative cohort of South African adults, this research employs a sophisticated blend of logistic regression and structural equation modeling techniques. The study reveals that race is strongly linked to self-rated health. Individuals of Colored and White backgrounds have lower odds of favorable self-rated health. Retirement has a positive impact on self-rated health. Generalized anxiety mediates the complex relationship between race and self-rated health. Addressing the imperative need to mitigate racial disparities in self-rated health and advance equitable healthcare access for older adults, targeted interventions are undeniably warranted.

What’s Your Aging Story? How Digital Storytelling Can Change the Way We Look at Aging.

Ageism has far-reaching consequences on the health of older individuals, affecting multiple dimensions of well-being. It not only reduces life expectancy but also has detrimental effects on physical and mental health. Furthermore, ageism amplifies feelings of social isolation and loneliness while restricting older people's access to employment, education, and healthcare services, all of which play a significant role in determining overall health. As the global population ages, addressing ageism becomes increasingly important. Digital storytelling can be a powerful tool to dismantle ageism by amplifying stories of aging, challenging stereotypes, and increasing education and awareness while reaching a large audience. The Age Collective, an online platform, was developed to share diverse stories of aging, encompassing both challenges and triumphs across different age groups in order to raise awareness of and dismantle ageism. We recruited participants through word of mouth in Edmonton, Alberta and the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario. We conducted interviews using audio or video equipment. Interview questions were tailored to the participant to reveal their unique story. Participants were also photographed. These interviews were condensed into short stories or videos with participant input and published on the project’s Instagram page (@theagecollective), YouTube (@TheAgeCollective) and website (theagecollective.com). Educational infographics on aging and ageism were also created and shared on Instagram. From Feb 2022 - Aug 2024, we have shared stories from 33 participants and created 27 educational infographics. We have 930 followers and received 4,272 likes on the Instagram page. The website, established in June 2023, has achieved a unique viewership of 1,562 in the past 30 days. In the digital age, initiatives like digital storytelling can reach global audiences, crossing cultural barriers and sparking international movements. By sharing personal aging stories, digital storytelling can humanize aging, dismantle ageism, and foster connections across generations in order to positively affect the health and well-being of older adults.

The association between sibling ambivalence and well-being in older adulthood: The role of sibling gender composition

Family scholarship has documented negative associations between ambivalence and well-being in the context of parent-adult child relationships. As sibling ties remain salient throughout later life, ambivalence experienced in sibling relationships might also be related to older adult well-being. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between sibling ambivalence and both psychological and physical well-being of older adults, as well as differences in these links by sibling gender composition. Data came from 702 older adults (392 women) who were 64.58 years old on average ( SD = 4.51). Structural equation modeling using FIML revealed that participants who felt more ambivalence toward their siblings reported poorer psychological well-being. However, a multiple group analysis showed that this association was only significant for brother-brother pairs. Findings suggest the need to further investigate the implication of sibling ambivalence for psychological well-being in later life, especially for brothers.

The impact of labor participation on older adults' well-being in active aging: A cross-sectional study in Hebei Province, China

The active aging model has sparked discussions about improving the participation of older adults in the workforce and their overall well-being. This has led to a greater emphasis on providing continuous learning opportunities, offering flexible work arrangements, and creating health programs specifically tailored for this demographic. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to investigate the association between labor participation and subjective well-being and to identify important factors that influence subjective well-being in older adults. The measurement of subjective well-being encompassed two key dimensions (i.e., life satisfaction and depression). The study recruited 202 elderly individuals in Hebei Province, China, through a cross-sectional method. Our findings revealed that the percentage of elderly individuals participating in the workforce was relatively low. There was a notable positive association between labor participation and life satisfaction. Additionally, labor participation and educational attainment are found to be significantly associated with life satisfaction among older adults. In summary, the findings of this study are essential for providing ideas to promote healthy aging and optimize the allocation of human resources.

Subjective well-being of parents and childless adults in Chile

Subjective well-being of parents and childless adults in Chile