Age Differences Research Articles

The Indirect Effect of Future Anxiety on the Relationship between Self-Efficacy and Depression in a Convenience Sample of Adults: Revisiting Social Cognitive Theory.

Background/Objectives: Depression and anxiety are prevalent disorders, particularly during emerging adulthood. Uncertainty about the future, exacerbated by unstable times, can lead to heightened future anxiety in this group. This study aimed to examine the complex associations of depression symptoms, future anxiety, and self-efficacy in adults from Poland. Additionally, we investigated age and gender differences in depression symptoms, future anxiety, and self-efficacy. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey study was performed in 2023 in Poland using snowball sampling. A convenience sample of 284 adults participated in this study, ranging in age between 18 and 65 years old (M = 32.18, SD = 11.87), including 95 men (33.45%) and 189 (66.55%) women, and also 157 (55.63%) emerging adults (18-28 years old) and 126 (44.37%) middle-aged adults (29-65 years old). The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Dark Future Scale (DFS-5), and Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) were used to measure depression, future anxiety, and self-efficacy, respectively. Results: A 2-way ANOVA showed that both emerging adults and women scored significantly higher in depression symptoms and future anxiety than middle-aged adults and men, respectively. Furthermore, women scored lower in self-efficacy than men. Analyses revealed that there was a positive correlation between depression and future anxiety. Self-efficacy was negatively correlated with depression and future anxiety. Self-efficacy and future anxiety accounted for 48% of depression variance, controlling for age and gender. Future anxiety was found to be a partial mediator of the relationship between self-efficacy and depression. Conclusions: This study significantly advances the understanding of mental health in adults, grounded in social cognitive theories, revealing that low self-efficacy heightens future anxiety, thereby exacerbating depression symptoms in the Polish adult population, independent of age and gender. Emerging adults and women need psychological support to reduce depression and future anxiety. Women, in particular, should be the main focus of interventions to boost self-efficacy. Implementing targeted preventive measures and support systems can mitigate the challenges faced by emerging adults and women.

Three-dimensional analysis of age and sex differences in femoral head asphericity in asymptomatic hips in the United States.

The sphericity of the femoral head is a metric used to evaluate hip pathologies and is associated with the development of osteoarthritis and femoral-acetabular impingement. To analyze the three-dimensional asphericity of the femoral head of asymptomatic pediatric hips. We hypothesized that femoral head asphericity will vary significantly between male and female pediatric hips and increase with age in both sexes. Computed tomography scans were obtained on 158 children and adolescents from a single institution in the United States (8-18 years; 50% male) without hip pain. Proximal femoral measurements including the femoral head diameter, femoral head volume, residual volume, asphericity index, and local diameter difference were used to evaluate femoral head sphericity. In both sexes, the residual volume increased by age (P < 0.05). Despite significantly smaller femoral head size in older ages (> 13 years) in females, there were no sex-differences in residual volume and aspherity index. There were no age-related changes in mean diameter difference in both sexes (P = 0.07) with no significant sex-differences across different age groups (P = 0.06). In contrast, there were significant increases in local aspherity (maximum diameter difference) across whole surface of the femoral head and all quadrants except the inferior regions in males (P = 0.03). There were no sex-differences in maximum diameter difference at any regions and age group (P > 0.05). Increased alpha angle was only correlated to increased mean diameter difference across overall surface of the femoral head (P = 0.024). There is a substantial localized asphericity in asymptomatic hips which increases with age in. While 2D measured alpha angle can capture overall asphericity of the femoral head, it may not be sensitive enough to represent regional asphericity patterns.

P241. Comparison of age differences in clinical outcomes of lumbar microdiscectomy

P241. Comparison of age differences in clinical outcomes of lumbar microdiscectomy

Sex- and Age-Specific Differences in Mice Fed a Ketogenic Diet.

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that results in the elevation of serum ketone bodies, known as ketosis. This metabolic consequence has been suggested as a method for treating neurological conditions, improving exercise performance, and facilitating weight loss for overweight individuals. However, since most research primarily uses male populations, little is known about the potential sex differences during the consumption of the KD. In addition, the effects of the KD on aging are relatively unexplored. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore sex- and age-specific differences in mice fed the KD. Male and female C57BL/6N mice at either 12 wks or 24 wks of age were randomly assigned to a KD (90% fat, 1% carbohydrate) or chow (13% fat, 60% carbohydrate) group for 6 wks. KD induced weight gain, increased adiposity, induced hyperlipidemia, caused lipid accumulation in the heart and liver, and led to glycogen depletion in the heart, liver, and muscle with varying degrees of changes depending on age and sex. While younger and older male mice on the KD were prone to glucose intolerance, the KD acutely improved rotarod performance in younger females. Overall, this study highlights potential sex and aging differences in the adaptation to the KD.

How Does Successful Aging Apply To Black Women?: A Latent Class Analysis.

Although prior research has identified racial/ethnic and gender differences in successful aging (SA), heterogeneity within groups has been little examined. We consequently explore the variety of aging experiences among older Black women. We used the 2010/2012 U.S. Health and Retirement Study, limiting analyses to Black women who completed the Psychosocial Leave-Behind Questionnaire (N = 1,186). We conducted latent class analysis (LCA) using indicators of physical health, psychological well-being, social support/strain, and social engagement. Six SA latent classes were identified and labeled according to their distinctive characteristics: infirm, isolated, taxed, independent, vivacious, and robust. The infirm class had uniformly poor health, while the isolated class was in poor physical health but also lacked social relations. Although both had average physical health and psychological well-being, the taxed class experienced high levels of social support and social strain compared to the high support (and unpartnered) independent class. The vivacious and robust classes exhibited high physical health and psychological well-being, high social support/low social strain, and high social engagement, but vivacious women (23% of respondents) were unpartnered and robust women (16% of respondents) were partnered. The robust class had the highest physical and psychological well-being, and best social relations across all classes. Using nationally representative data, we reveal significant heterogeneity in Black women's aging experiences. Although many face difficult aging experiences, 39% of older Black women fit the SA framework well. Future work should recognize that Black women's aging experiences are not homogenous.

Lifestyle, medication use, and age considerations with acne vulgaris: A prospective study

AbstractBackgroundLifestyle has been associated with acne, but few studies assess how the relationship changes over time. Observational studies often overlook the effects of acne medication use and participant age in relationships with lifestyle‐related factors.ObjectivesTo describe relationships between lifestyle‐related factors, medication use, and age in adolescent and young adult acne patients and acne‐free controls.MethodsThis prospective study recruited 12‐ to 24‐year‐olds with or without acne at baseline. Surveys were electronically administered at enrolment and again 6 weeks later. Analyses were conducted on all participants who had complete baseline data (N = 190) and participants who had complete baseline and follow‐up data (N = 61).ResultsAmong 190 participants who completed the baseline survey, ages ranged from 12 to 24 years, but acne cases were concentrated in the middle of this range while controls had comparably more participants with ages towards the extremes. Among 61 participants who completed both baseline and follow‐up surveys, no participants indicated worse acne over the 6 weeks, and most acne cases believed their acne improved (n = 25 [69.4%]). Acne cases who used medication daily (N = 24) saw improved emotion‐related quality of life between the two assessments (mean ± standard deviation: 43.4 ± 24.4 to 29.1 ± 23.7; p &lt; 0.001). Among acne cases who used medication daily, average fruit or vegetable consumption increased from 2.4 ± 2.0 to 3.0 ± 2.9 times per day over the preceding 7 days (p = 0.02). Among acne cases who believed their acne improved over the 6 weeks post‐dermatology visit (N = 25), average days of skin picking over the previous 7 days declined between assessments (3.9 ± 2.4 to 2.4 ± 1.9 days; p = 0.003).ConclusionsMedication use and age differences should be considered when designing future studies on acne and lifestyle‐related factors.

Prevalence of risk factors in cardiovascular patients in a Caribbean country: Age and sex differences

Background/objectivesCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, however little is known about the prevalence of risk factors in the Caribbean country of Trinidad and Tobago. This study investigates the prevalence of major cardiovascular risk factors in patients with CVD in Trinidad and Tobago between two age groups – <60 years and ≥60 years – and determines if the prevalence differed with sex. MethodsMedical records of 151 patients with CVD admitted to a private hospital in Trinidad and Tobago between January 2015 and March 2021 were analyzed. Patients were divided by sex, and into two age groups: <60 years (young) and ≥60 years (elderly). Chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze five major cardiovascular risk factors: hypertension, diabetes, smoking, hypercholesterolaemia, and family history of coronary heart disease (CHD). ResultsIt was found that the prevalence of hypertension was higher in the elderly group, while smoking, hypercholesterolaemia and family history of CHD were more common in males than in females. The prevalence of different risk factors varied with sex in the age groups: diabetes and family history of CHD in the <60 age group, and smoking and hypercholesterolaemia in the ≥60 age group. These risk factors were more prevalent in males than in females within the age groups. Additionally, the mean age of females in the ≥60 age group was found to be greater than that of males in the same age group. ConclusionsAge and sex differences were observed in the prevalence of major CVD risk factors, which may influence the management of CVD in Trinidad and Tobago. Intervention strategies, such as health education and counselling programmes that are age- and sex-specific, are recommended.

A network analysis of age and gender differences in the connection between behavioural inhibition and maternal behaviour

A network analysis of age and gender differences in the connection between behavioural inhibition and maternal behaviour

Influence of surprise on reinforcement learning in younger and older adults.

Surprise is a key component of many learning experiences, and yet its precise computational role, and how it changes with age, remain debated. One major challenge is that surprise often occurs jointly with other variables, such as uncertainty and outcome probability. To assess how humans learn from surprising events, and whether aging affects this process, we studied choices while participants learned from bandits with either Gaussian or bi-modal outcome distributions, which decoupled outcome probability, uncertainty, and surprise. A total of 102 participants (51 older, aged 50-73; 51 younger, 19-30 years) chose between three bandits, one of which had a bimodal outcome distribution. Behavioral analyses showed that both age-groups learned the average of the bimodal bandit less well. A trial-by-trial analysis indicated that participants performed choice reversals immediately following large absolute prediction errors, consistent with heightened sensitivity to surprise. This effect was stronger in older adults. Computational models indicated that learning rates in younger as well as older adults were influenced by surprise, rather than uncertainty, but also suggested large interindividual variability in the process underlying learning in our task. Our work bridges between behavioral economics research that has focused on how outcomes with low probability affect choice in older adults, and reinforcement learning work that has investigated age differences in the effects of uncertainty and suggests that older adults overly adapt to surprising events, even when accounting for probability and uncertainty effects.

Tracking the Prevalence of Obesity in Portuguese School-Aged Children: What Future to Expect?

Childhood obesity presents a significant public health concern globally, with implications for cardiovascular health and metabolic syndrome. In Portugal, approximately 31.6% of children are affected, highlighting the urgency for intervention strategies. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Portuguese school-aged children, with a focus on sex and age differences. Anthropometric measurements were conducted on 1564 children aged 6-10 years, including weight, height, and skinfold thickness. Body Mass Index (BMI) and the percentage of body fat were calculated using established methods. The results revealed significant differences in BMI (≤0.001) and body fat percentage (≤0.001) among different BMI categories, with a notable prevalence of overweight and obesity, particularly among boys. A total of 37% of the studied population is overweight or obese, among which 40.1% and 33.9% are boys and girls, respectively. This study highlights statistically significant differences in BMI and body fat percentage for both sexes in different BMI categories. A large proportion of the population is overweight or obese, with a greater prevalence in boys. In short, childhood obesity has a negative impact on body composition and is associated with significant differences in anthropometric parameters, emphasizing the importance of preventative and intervention strategies to address this health problem.

HII galaxies as standard candles: Evolutionary corrections

Over the past decade, the relation between the Balmer-line luminosity of HII galaxies and the velocity width of the emission lines, the relation, has been painstakingly calibrated as a cosmological distance indicator with seemingly spectacular results: the Hubble constant and the energy density of dark energy obtained using the indicator agree remarkably well with the values from canonical indicators. Since most of the luminosity of these young compact starburst galaxies is emitted by a few narrow emission lines, they can be observed with good precision up to redshifts of $z with JWST, making the indicator a potentially unique cosmological probe. However, the precision of the method remains too low to effectively constrain the relevant cosmological parameters, notably the equation of state of dark energy. The scatter of the relation is significantly larger than the random observational errors, so we do not have a good handle on the systematics of the method. In a previous paper, we posited that since the ionizing radiation of these young galaxies fades rapidly over timescales of only a few million years, age differences could be the main underlying cause of the scatter. In this paper, we explore several different ways of explaining the scatter of the correlation, but without success. We show that the majority of HII galaxies are powered by multiple starbursts of slightly different ages, and therefore that the equivalent widths are not reliable chronometers to correct the luminosities for evolution. Thus, it is not likely that the accuracy of the distance indicator can be improved in the near future. Since we do not fully understand either the systematics or the underlying physics of the relation, using large samples of distant HII galaxies may or may not improve the accuracy of the method.

Age-related Variation in Sleep-dependent Obstruction in Surgically Naive Children.

Little is known about age-related variations in sites and grade of sleep-dependent airway obstruction in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (oSDB). The objective was to compare sites and grade of obstruction on drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) across different age groups of surgically naïve children with OSA or oSDB. A retrospective chart review was performed for surgically naïve children aged 0-18 years with OSA/oSDB who underwent DISE from July 2021 to August 2023. Participants were categorized into: infants (aged 0-1 years), younger toddlers (aged 1-2 years), older toddlers (aged 2-3 years), preschool (aged 3-5 years), younger school-aged (aged 5-10 years), and older school-aged (aged 10-18 years). On DISE, obstruction was rated 0 = none/mild, 1 = moderate, 2 = severe for inferior turbinates, adenoid, velum, palatine tonsils/lateral pharyngeal wall, lingual tonsils, tongue base, epiglottis, and supra-arytenoid tissue. A series of multiple regression analyses were used to identify age differences in the grade of obstruction across all sites combined and at each individual site separately. The sample consisted of 252 children aged 1 month to 17 years with 57.9% males. Older patients had greater total obstruction scores (B = 0.42, SE = 0.10, p < 0.01) and greater number of sites that were severely obstructed (B = 0.11, SE = 0.05, p = 0.03). Older age groups had more obstruction at inferior turbinates (p = 0.02), adenoid (p < 0.01), palatine tonsils/lateral pharyngeal wall (p < 0.01), lingual tonsil (p < 0.01), and base of tongue (p < 0.01). Younger age groups had more obstruction at the supra-arytenoid tissue (p < 0.01). Varying patterns of sleep-dependent airway obstruction should be expected across different age groups in children with OSA or oSDB. 3 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Bidirectional association between attitudes toward own aging and quality of life in Chinese older adults: A prospective cohort study.

Although positive attitudes toward own aging (ATOA) have been shown to be associated with higher levels of quality of life (QoL) among older adults, the potential interrelationship between ATOA and QoL has not been fully explored. A sample of 2129 older adults aged 60 and above who participated in the three waves of the Chinese longitudinal healthy longevity survey was used. QoL was measured using three indicators, including self-rated health, loneliness, and life satisfaction. The cross-lagged analysis results showed that the bidirectional association between ATOA and QoL was not significant, while positive ATOA predicted better self-rated health, higher life satisfaction, and less loneliness. And there are no gender or age differences in the above relationships. In addition, economic status, sleep quality, and activity participation were common influences on self-rated health, life satisfaction, and loneliness, as well as important factors affecting ATOA. Several variables, such as demographic characteristics, health behaviors, and health status, also influenced QoL and ATOA. Measures to promote positive ATOA can help improve QoL. In addition, emphasis should be placed on improving economic status, sleep quality, and activity participation levels to enhance QoL and ATOA in older adults, with appropriate interventions targeting other factors affecting QoL and ATOA.

Lipids and α-Synuclein: adding further variables to the equation.

Aggregation of alpha-Synuclein (αSyn) has been connected to several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA), that are collected under the umbrella term synucleinopathies. The membrane binding abilities of αSyn to negatively charged phospholipids have been well described and are connected to putative physiological functions of αSyn. Consequently, αSyn-related neurodegeneration has been increasingly connected to changes in lipid metabolism and membrane lipid composition. Indeed, αSyn aggregation has been shown to be triggered by the presence of membranes in vitro, and some genetic risk factors for PD and DLB are associated with genes coding for proteins directly involved in lipid metabolism. At the same time, αSyn aggregation itself can cause alterations of cellular lipid composition and brain samples of patients also show altered lipid compositions. Thus, it is likely that there is a reciprocal influence between cellular lipid composition and αSyn aggregation, which can be further affected by environmental or genetic factors and ageing. Little is known about lipid changes during physiological ageing and regional differences of the lipid composition of the aged brain. In this review, we aim to summarise our current understanding of lipid changes in connection to αSyn and discuss open questions that need to be answered to further our knowledge of αSyn related neurodegeneration.

Easement Reform and Employment Transfer of Forest Farmers: Evidence from China’s National Parks

The easement reform of collective forest land (ERCFL) is an important part of national park system construction, which plays an important role in promoting the employment transfer of forest farmers. On the basis of survey data from forest farmers in Qianjiangyuan–Baishanzu National Park in Zhejiang Province, this paper uses the propensity score matching-difference in differences model to empirically analyze the impact of ERCFL on the transfer employment behavior and employment quality of forest farmers to provide experience for promoting the employment transfer of forest farmers and improving the ERCFL in national parks. This research shows the following: (1) The ERCFL in national parks has significantly promoted the employment transfer and improved the employment quality of forest farmers. This effect remains significant when controlling for possible endogeneity issues. (2) Three mechanisms of the ERCFL affect forest farmers’ transfer of employment, namely improving non-agricultural employment skills, expanding the scope of non-agricultural employment, and increasing non-agricultural employment opportunities. (3) Significant gender, age, and education differences exist in terms of the impact of the ERCFL on the employment transfer of forest farmers. The impact on men, middle-aged and elderly groups, and low-education groups is more significant. Finally, this paper proposed forward countermeasures and suggestions to promote the employment transfer of forest farmers.

Suicide risk in the context of relationship breakup among young adults: emotional pain and mental health indicators

ABSTRACT Objective This study examined the relationship between the experience of emotional pain and psychological distress, suicidal behaviours, and mental wellbeing following romantic relationships and interrelationship breakups among young adults from Ghana. Method This study adopted a quantitative approach. Three hundred and thirty-three (330) university students, comprising of 86 males and 239 females, with ages ranging from 18 to 24 were conveniently sampled. The sample responded to items on the Psychache Scale, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale – K10, Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire – Revised and Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. Results Analysis revealed that there were no gender and age differences in the experience of psychological distress following relationship breakup; however, differences existed in relation to the type of relationship breakup. Further, majority of the respondents experienced various suicidal behaviours following relationship breakup. Also, some of the respondents were at risk of suicide death. There was a significant positive relationship between the experience of unbearable emotional pain and suicidal behaviours and suicide risk. There was a strong positive association between unbearable emotional pain and psychological distress. Both unbearable emotional pain and psychological distress were significantly and negatively related to one’s mental wellbeing. Discussion In the midst of other socio-demographic variable and psychological distress, unbearable emotional pain only was the strongest significant predictor of suicide risk. This study highlights the importance of providing students with periodic education/information on relationships and emotional pain in formal educational setting to ensure students are well equipped to handle these experiences so it does not impact their psychosocial and academic life.

Long-Term Calendar Aging across Commercial Lithium-Ion Cell Chemistries- Part I – Exploratory Data Analysis

In this study, calendar aging is investigated across different cell chemistries, temperatures, and state of charges in a dataset spanning over 10 years. By tracking the capacity and resistance over the course of degradation, we analyze the similarities and difference in calendar aging seen across chemistries and testing conditions. We parameterize degradation curves using standard semi-empirical models to assess Arrhenius dependence, t^x fitting, and time dependent non-linearity of calendar aging across different chemistries, testing conditions, and cell to cell variability. Through this process we demonstrate the complexity of calendar aging and the difficulty of its modeling, calling for the need for more robust prediction models.

Does User Burden Matter?: Age Differences in User Behavior of Self-Service Technology

Many struggle with adapting to widespread self-service technology (SST). Existing studies overlook user difficulties and their impact, neglecting the burden experienced. Little attention has been given to understanding the relationship between user burden, dissatisfaction with SST or store, and loyalty. We investigated situational factors affecting the SST user burden and its association with dissatisfaction, reuse, and revisit intentions. Additionally, we explored potential differences in these relationships between younger and older generations. Conducting a scenario-based survey of restaurant kiosk users (with varying numbers of people waiting) and utilizing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis (484 participants), we found consistent user burden variables influencing dissatisfaction with SST, but differing variables for dissatisfaction with store between age groups. Moreover, technology experience moderates this effect only in the elderly model. Our findings contribute to understanding negative aspects, such as user burden and dissatisfaction with SST, enriching SST literature and loyalty theory.

GAMBARAN KONSEP DIRI PENYANDANG DISABILITAS FISIK TUNA DAKSA YANG BEKERJA

Work is essential for fulfilling life's needs, including for physically disabled individuals. These individuals have significant opportunities in the workforce, supported by government initiatives aimed at enabling their employment. Despite this support, their participation remains low due to internal and external factors. Internal factors include a low self-concept, while external factors involve a work environment that is not accommodating to people with disabilities.This research aims to provide an overview of self-concept and the factors influencing the self-concept of physically disabled individuals working in government companies. A qualitative approach with narrative methods was used, involving semi-structured interviews conducted twice. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data.The results indicated that all three participants had a positive self-concept. They accepted their life conditions and maintained realistic expectations based on their abilities. Influential factors shaping their self-concept included support from parents and friends. Additionally, age differences were found to be a differentiating factor.

A metabolic perspective on polyploid invasion and the emergence of life histories: Insights from a mechanistic model.

Whole-genome duplication (WGD, polyploidization) has been identified as a driver of genetic and phenotypic novelty, having pervasive consequences for the evolution of lineages. While polyploids are widespread, especially among plants, the long-term establishment of polyploids is exceedingly rare. Genome doubling commonly results in increased cell sizes and metabolic expenses, which may be sufficient to modulate polyploid establishment in environments where their diploid ancestors thrive. We developed a mechanistic simulation model of photosynthetic individuals to test whether changes in size and metabolic efficiency allow autopolyploids to coexist with, or even invade, ancestral diploid populations. Central to the model is metabolic efficiency, which determines how energy obtained from size-dependent photosynthetic production is allocated to basal metabolism as opposed to somatic and reproductive growth. We expected neopolyploids to establish successfully if they have equal or higher metabolic efficiency as diploids or to adapt their life history to offset metabolic inefficiency. Polyploid invasion was observed across a wide range of metabolic efficiency differences between polyploids and diploids. Polyploids became established in diploid populations even when they had a lower metabolic efficiency, which was facilitated by recurrent formation. Competition for nutrients is a major driver of population dynamics in this model. Perenniality did not qualitatively affect the relative metabolic efficiency from which tetraploids tended to establish. Feedback between size-dependent metabolism and energy allocation generated size and age differences between plants with different ploidies. We demonstrated that even small changes in metabolic efficiency are sufficient for the establishment of polyploids.