Frequency Of Social Activities Research Articles

중고령 남성 은퇴자의 은퇴만족도 변화궤적 유형과 영향 요인

The purpose of this study was to identify patterns of retirement satisfaction trajectory and their associated factors among middle-aged and older male retirees using data from the 5th (2014) to 8th (2020) waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA). To this end, a three-step approach to the Latent Class Growth Model (LCGM) and multinomial logistic regression analysis were conducted on the sample of 543 male retirees over the age of 50 who responded that they had fully retired during the 5th to 8th waves. As a result of the analysis of the Latent Class Growth Model analysis, the retirement satisfaction of middle-aged and older male retirees was derived as 'high-level of retirement satisfaction maintaining type', 'increased retirement satisfaction type', and 'low-level of retirement satisfaction maintaining type'. The results of the multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that subjective economic status, frequency of social activities, subjective health status, and age significantly predicted the trajectories of retirement satisfaction, and in particular, it was found that those with high subjective economic status were more likely to belong to the high-level of retirement satisfaction maintaining type than the low-level of retirement satisfaction maintaining type or the increased retirement satisfaction type. This study examined the patterns of retirement satisfaction trajectory among middle-aged and older male retirees by subdividing them, and in particular discussed what level of preparation would be needed to prepare for their retirement.

Dementia Risk Factors Predict Individual Differences in Cognitive Function

AbstractBackgroundTwelve modifiable risk factors have been estimated to account for 40% of dementia incidence worldwide (Livingston et al., 2020). Growing understanding of these risk factors presents the possibility that dementia risk can be partially mitigated via non‐pharmacological means, such as changes in lifestyle (e.g., alcohol consumption, social activity). We sought to provide the first systematic investigation of whether this set of risk factors also contributes to individual differences in cognitive function in a cognitively‐normal sample, and which risk factors provide the strongest contribution.MethodWe investigated cross‐sectionally the association between eight of these risk factors and cognition in 246 cognitively‐normal adults, aged 50‐90 from the Dallas Lifespan Brain Study. Risk factors included alcohol use (drinks per week), body mass index (BMI), cigarettes smoked per day, depressive symptoms (CESD scale), years of education, exercise frequency (20+ min sessions), pulse pressure, and frequency of social activity. A general measure of cognition, fluid ability, was used as the outcome variable and it was an average of six commonly used assessments of processing speed, working memory, and reasoning.ResultIn a multiple regression controlled for age and sex, 15.6% of fluid ability variance was accounted for by years of education (R 2 = .040, p = .002), frequency of social activity (R 2 = .034, p = .004), BMI (R 2 = .030, p = .008), cigarettes smoked per day (R 2 = .020, p = .032), and depressive symptoms (R 2 = .017, p = .047), as well as non‐significant contributions from alcohol use, exercise frequency, and pulse pressure. Further analysis examining cortical amyloid‐beta burden as a predictor and moderating effects of age will be discussed.ConclusionThe findings illustrate that levels of these modifiable risk factors affect cognition, even in a large sample of adults unselected for AD risk. We report differences in magnitude of effects for adults who showed cognitive decline over 10 years compared to those who were stable.

Social isolation, loneliness, and incident type 2 diabetes mellitus: results from two large prospective cohorts in Europe and East Asia and Mendelian randomization

Social isolation and loneliness pose significant public health challenges globally. The objective of this study is to investigate the association between social isolation, loneliness, and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). 423,503 UK adults from the UK Biobank (UKB) and 13,800 Chinese adults from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were analyzed. The exposures of interest were social isolation and loneliness. Social isolation was evaluated based on the number of household members, frequency of social activities, contact with others, and marriage status (CHARLS only). Loneliness was evaluated by the subjective feeling of loneliness and the willingness to confide in others (UKB only). The primary endpoint was incident T2DM. The two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was based on the genome-wide association studies of UKB (n=463,010) and the European Bioinformatics Institute (n=655,666). The UKB cohort study documented 15,072 T2DM cases during a mean follow-up of 13.5 years, and the CHARLS cohort study recorded 1,249 T2DM cases during a mean follow-up of 5.8 years. Social isolation and loneliness showed significant associations with an elevated risk of T2DM in both UKB (social isolation [most vs least]: HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.11-1.23; loneliness [yes vs no]: HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.13-1.30) and CHARLS cohorts (social isolation [yes vs no]: HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.06-1.40; loneliness [yes vs no]: HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.07-1.36). These associations remained significant after accounting for baseline glucose status and genetic susceptibility to T2DM. Two-sample MR analyses determined that feeling lonely (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.06) and engaging in fewer leisure/social activities (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.05) were associated with increased T2DM risk, whereas more contact with friends or family (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.99) was associated with reduced T2DM risk. Social isolation and loneliness are each associated with an elevated risk of T2DM, with MR analyses suggesting potential causal links. These associations remain significant after considering genetic susceptibility to T2DM. The findings highlight the importance of promoting initiatives to address social isolation and loneliness as part of T2DM prevention strategies. CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (No. 2021-I2M-1-008) and National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 72103187).

The relationship between cardiovascular risk and lifestyle activities on hippocampal volumes in normative aging.

Despite the life-course perspective of popular aging models, few studies on healthy aging to date have examined both younger and older adulthood. The current study examined how cumulative vascular risk factors and self-reported levels of physical, social, and cognitive activity are associated with differences in hippocampal volumes in healthy younger and older adults. 34 neurologically healthy participants were separated into two age cohorts: a younger adult group (age 25-35, n = 17) and an older adult group (age 65-82, n = 17). Participants underwent a 3 T T1 MRI and completed a series of questionnaires. Voxel-based morphometry examined whole-brain grey matter density differences between groups. Hippocampal volumes were computed. Analyses examined the association between hippocampal volumes, cumulative vascular risk, and self-reported levels of physical, social, and cognitive activity, both within and across groups. Between-group comparisons revealed greater cortical atrophy in older relative to young adults in regions including the left and right hippocampus and temporal fusiform cortex. Across-group analyses revealed a significant negative association between cardiovascular risk scores and bilateral hippocampal volumes across age groups. A significant negative association was identified between frequency of social activities and bilateral hippocampal volumes in older adults only. No significant associations were found between left or right hippocampal volumes and total, cognitive, or physical activities in both within- and across-group analyses. Greater cumulative vascular risk is associated with smaller hippocampal volumes across age cohorts. Findings suggest that social activities with low cognitive load may not be beneficial to structural brain outcomes in older age.

The Influence of Interpersonal Behaviors and Population Density on Grip Strength of Elderly People: An Analysis of the Direct vs. Indirect Effects via Social Participation.

The impact of social participation (SP) on the health of the elderly has been widely recognized, and urban-rural differences in social participation have attracted attention. However, few studies discussed the impact of social participation on specific health indicators and the further subdivision of urban-rural differences. This research aims to use the dimensions of interpersonal behaviors and population density rather than simple urban-rural distinctions to justify community differences and compare these differences' direct and indirect effects on grip strength. This study used 15,871 respondents aged over 50 years from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). An SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) analysis was used to explore the joint effect of interpersonal behavior and population density on social participation and the consequent impact on changes in grip strength and compare the differences among different genders, ages, wealth levels, and family relationships. The results indicated that community differences characterized by interpersonal behavior and population density have direct effects on grip strength and indirect effects on it through social participation. The conclusion is that the frequency of social activities, such as mah-jong and dancing in the Metropolitan Fringe and county-level cities is higher than that in Metropolitan centers. The high frequency of these activities has a positive and indirect impact on grip strength, and community differences have a more significant impact on women's social participation than men. However, the direct effect of community differences as defined by interpersonal communication and population density on grip strength is greater than the indirect effect of other factors through social participation.

Urban-rural differences in the association between social activities and depressive symptoms among older adults in China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundParticipation in social activities has positive health effects among older adults; however, few studies have investigated the association between social activity and depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults. This study aimed to examine the association between social activities and depressive symptoms among older adults in China regarding urban-rural differences.MethodsData were collected from 8255 respondents from the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Type and frequency of social activities were collected via a questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between social activities and depressive symptoms.ResultsIn our study, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was lower in urban older adults compared with rural older adults (25.2% vs. 40.7%). After adjustment for all covariates, our results indicated that interacting with friends almost weekly or almost daily (almost weekly: OR = 0.568, 95%CI: 0.337–0.955; almost daily: OR = 0.664, 95%CI: 0.453–0.973) and participating in community organizations almost daily were inversely associated with depressive symptoms among urban older adults (OR = 0.107, 95%CI: 0.012–0.952). Interacting with friends almost daily (OR = 0.847, 95% CI: 0.720–0.996) and participation in hobby groups either almost every week or almost daily were both inversely associated with depressive symptoms among rural older adults (almost weekly: OR = 0.683, 95%CI: 0.518–0.902; almost daily: OR = 0.567, 95%CI: 0.440–0.731). Participating in sports groups almost daily was inversely associated with depressive symptoms among both urban and rural older adults (urban: OR = 0.664, 95%CI: 0.445–0.991; rural: OR = 0.506, 95%CI: 0.366–0.700).ConclusionsOur findings indicated that there is a cross-sectional association between participation in social activities and depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults, and the association differed between urban and rural older adults. This implies that participation in social activities may be significant for alleviating depressive symptoms of older adults. When encouraging older adults to participate in social activities, the government should consider urban-rural differences and take effective measures accordingly. Longitudinal studies are needed to examine the causal relationships between social activities and depressive symptoms among older adults.

Two-year evaluation of a multifamily psychoeducational program (PROTEC) in the family burden and prognosis of bipolar patients

IntroductionBipolar disorder causes a significant burden on the lives of patients and their families. The family is one of the targets for therapeutic intervention, related to the prognosis in patients with bipolar disorder. AimTo assess the effectiveness of a multifamily psychoeducational program for people with bipolar disorder, in the family burden: objective and subjective and in the variables related to the course of the patients with bipolar disorder (symptoms, adherence, functionality, hospitalizations), comparing it with a control group (CG). Materials and methodsA total of 148 relatives of bipolar patients and 148 bipolar patients were recruited. The sample was randomized (experimental group [EG] and CG) and with single-blind evaluations (baseline, at 5 months and one year). Clinical and sociodemographic variables were collected from families and patients (family burden self-report scale, Strauss-Carpenter Scale, Global Assessment of Functioning, Morisky Green adherence Scale). Both, EG and CG received 8 multifamily sessions, applied exclusively on the relatives of patients with bipolar disorder, but in the EG a psychoeducational treatment was carried out and in the CG only playful and current topics were discussed. Bivariate and logistic regression models were used, among others. ResultsThe caregivers and patients of the EG and CG did not differ in any of the baseline variables (sociodemographic and clinical) (P>.001). In the total sample, the baseline objective burden was light (mean 0.6±0.4) and the subjective ones was medium-moderate (mean 1.1±0.3). During the follow-up, in relation to the variables of the caregivers, there was a greater reduction in the objective burden in the EG compared to the CG (5 months P=.006; one year P=.002). It was found that the objective burden (P=.006) and the subjective burden (P=.003) were significantly reduced over a year in EG but not in the CG. During the follow-up, the patients whose caregivers belonged to the EG showed a greater increase in the frequency of social activity (P=.008), in the work activity (P=.002), and global functioning (P=.002), and reduced their symptoms (P≤.001). Longitudinal analyses, over a year, showed that patients in the EG had a greater improvement in functionality compared to patients in the CG (P=.001). After the intervention, adherence to pharmacological treatment improved more in EG than in the CG (P≤.001). Regarding hospitalizations, any patients in the CG were hospitalized during the 5 months after the intervention, while 27.8% of the patients in the CG were hospitalized (P≤.001); the difference between groups remained significant in the long term (one year: P≤.001; 2 years: P≤.001). There were no significant differences between groups in the pharmacological treatment of the patients in any of the evaluations. ConclusionsThe multifamily psychoeducational intervention group improved the family burden after the intervention. Likewise, bipolar patients, whose families attended the EG, improved significantly, over a year, the functionality, the frequency of social contacts, the work status, the adherence to treatment, and reduced their symptoms. In addition, in the EG, the percentage of hospitalizations during the 2 years of follow-up was significantly reduced.

What Are the Reasons for the Different COVID-19 Situations in Different Cities of China? A Study from the Perspective of Population Migration.

Understanding the reasons for the differences in the spread of COVID-19 in different cities of China is important for future epidemic prevention and control. This study analyzed this issue from the perspective of population migration from Wuhan (the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in China). It reveals that population outflow from Wuhan to other cities in Hubei Province (the province where Wuhan is located) and metropolises and provincial capitals outside of Hubei province exceeded those to other cities. This is broadly consistent with the distribution of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Additionally, model analysis revealed that population outflow from Wuhan was the key factor that determined the COVID-19 situations. The spread of COVID-19 was positively correlated with GDP per capita and resident population and negatively correlated with the distance from Wuhan and the number of hospital beds, while population density was not a strong influential factor. Additionally, the demographic characteristics of population migration from Wuhan also affected the virus transmission. Particularly, businesspeople (who tend to have a high frequency of social activities) were more likely to spread COVID-19. This study indicated that specific measures to control population outflow from the epicenter at the early stage of the epidemic were of great significance.

Prospective association between social engagement and cognitive impairment among middle-aged and older adults: evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

ObjectivesCognitive impairment is a precursor of dementia. This study aimed to examine the association of social engagement with cognitive decline during the process of normal ageing.MethodsWe used data from the...

Effect of sociodemographic factors on quality of life of medical students in southern Vietnam: A survey using the WHOQOL-BREF assessment

Context: The quality of life (QoL) of medical students can be impacted by multifarious sociodemographic factors, but it remains an important element that powerfully affects medical training and research, as well as the practice of medicine. Aims: To obtain an in-depth understanding of the quality of life of medical students in southern Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at nine universities and schools in Southern Vietnam. The effect of various sociodemographic factors were examined on the domains of QoL using The World Health Organization Quality of Life-Biomedical Research and Education Facility (WHOQOL-BREF) scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Results: Factors affecting the QoL of Vietnamese medical students included gender, academic year, ethnicity, having relatives working in the health care sector, frequency of physical activity, financial expenditures, extent of internet usage, sleep duration, use of sleep medication, frequency of social activities, and use of stimulants. Conclusions: Factors affecting the QoL have been explained to build projects that will support medical students. This will improve communication and health care services for patients in the future.

Passion, Intimacy, and Commitment in Casual Sexual Relationships in a Canadian Sample of Emerging Adults

Research on casual sexual relationships (CSRs) among emerging adults is prevalent, yet our empirical and theoretical knowledge of relationship processes involved in these relationships is limited. The present study’s objective was to compare four CSR partner types (acquaintance, friend, non-dating partner, ex-romantic partner) on passion, intimacy, and commitment, the components of Sternberg’s triangular theory of love. A total of 441 Canadians aged 18–25 years who were not in a romantic relationship, and who reported having had more than one sexual contact with their last CSR partner, completed an online survey. Across all partner types, passion was highest, followed by intimacy and commitment. Levels of passion, intimacy, and commitment generally increased with partner familiarity. However, CSR partner type differences on the three components were partially explained by CSR components (i.e., frequency of sexual activity, frequency of social activity, whether partners saw each other with the main goal of having sex, sexual exclusivity agreement, and hopes about the relationship). Results are consistent with CSRs’ emphasis on sexuality, and, to a lesser extent, emotions. However, they challenge the mainstream and scientific conflation of CSRs with an absence of emotional bond, commitment, or love.

Towards a Theory of Medium Term Life Satisfaction: Similar Results for Australia, Britain and Germany

We analyse the Life Satisfaction trajectories of respondents in three long-running, national panel surveys: the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics Australia Survey (HILDA), the British Household Panel Survey (BHPS) and the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP). Previous research has shown that substantial minorities of respondents in all three countries recorded long term changes in LS (Fujita and Diener in J Personal Soc Psychol 88:158–64, 2005; Headey in Soc Indic Res 76:312–317, 2006; Headey et al. in Proc Natl Acad Sci 107:17922–7926, 2010; Headey et al. Soc Indic Res 112:725–48, 2013). In a recent SIR paper based on the German data (Headey and Muffels in Soc Indic Res, 2015. doi: 10.1007/s11205-015-1146-8 ), we showed graphs of LS trajectories which suggested—and subsequent statistical analysis confirmed—that respondents typically spend multiple consecutive years above and, in other periods, below their own long term mean level of LS. Here we extend the analysis to Australia and Britain, showing that results replicate in two more Western countries. It appears that most people go through relatively happy periods of life, and relatively unhappy periods. The evidence runs counter to set-point theory which views adult LS as stable, except for short term fluctuations due to life events. In the second half of the paper we try to contribute to a theory of medium term life satisfaction. We estimate structural equation models with two-way causation between LS and variables usually treated as causes of LS, including health, social support, frequency of social activities, and satisfaction with one’s work, partner and family life. In all three countries we find that there are positive feedback loops between these variables and LS, which partly account for extended periods of high or low LS. The two-way causation models are based on a modified concept of ‘Granger-causation’ (Granger in Econometrica 37(3):424–38, 1969). The main intuition behind Granger-causation is that if x can be shown to be statistically significantly related to y in a model which includes multiple lags of y, then it can be inferred that x is one cause of y.

Towards a Theory of Medium Term Life Satisfaction: Two-Way Causation Partly Explains Persistent Satisfaction or Dissatisfaction

Long term panel data enable researchers to construct trajectories of life satisfaction (LS) for individuals over time. In this paper we analyse the trajectories of respondents (N = 3689) in the German Socio-Economic Panel who recorded their LS for 20 consecutive years in 1991–2010. Previous research has shown that at least a quarter of these respondents recorded substantial long term changes in LS (Headey et al. in Proc Natl Acad Sci 107.42:17922–17926, 2010a, in Soc Indic Res 112:725–748, 2013). In this paper, graphs of LS trajectories, and subsequent statistical analysis, show that respondents tend to spend multiple consecutive years above and, in other periods, below their own 20-year mean level of LS. They experience extended ‘good times’ and extended ‘bad times’. These results are contrary to set-point theory which views LS as stable, except for short term fluctuations due to life events. In the later part of the paper we attempt to move towards a theory of medium term life satisfaction. We estimate structural equation models with two-way causation between LS and variables usually treated as causes of LS, including health, physical exercise, frequency of social activities, and satisfaction with work and leisure. Results are interpreted as showing positive feedback loops between these variables and LS, accounting for extended periods of high or low LS. The models are based on a modified concept of ‘Granger-causation’ (Granger in Econometrica 37:424–438, 1969). The main intuition behind Granger-causation is that if x can be shown to be statistically significantly related to y in a model which includes multiple lags of y, then it can be inferred that x is one cause of y.

The Relationship Between Social Activities and Self-transcendence in Older Taiwanese Adults

Introduction Self-transcendence, an indicator of spiritual well-being, refers to one’s capabilities to expand intrapersonal, interpersonal, and transpersonal self-boundaries. Studies about self-transcendence have reported a relationship between physical and mental health. Interventions including art, poetry writing, and structured reminiscence showed greater self-transcendence in elders. However, little is known about the association between social activities, which are often arranged to improve psychosocial life in long-term care facilities, and self-transcendence. Aims To describe the relationship between social activities and the level of self-transcendence in older Taiwanese adults in a long-term care community. Methods Cross-sectional, correlational study conducted in 12 long-term care facilities in western Taiwan. A purposeful sample of 176 elders was recruited. Inclusion criteria: 65 years or older, mentally alert, who spoke Mandarin or Taiwanese dialect. Exclusion criteria: any type of dementia diagnosis or lack of functional independence. Social activity was measured by the Socially Supportive Activity Inventory which included nine types of social activities and components of frequency and meaningfulness perceived by the participants (α=0.72 and 0.81 respectively). Self-transcendence was measured by 15-item Chinese Version of Self-Transcendence Scale (α=0.90). Results After controlling for functional ability, the data showed that elders who perceived higher levels of meaningfulness during social engagements in nine types of social activities had a significantly higher level of self-transcendence. There was no significant relationship between frequency of social activities and the level of self-transcendence. Conclusion Findings suggest that meaningful social activities may promote self-transcendence in those elders’ who live in long term care facilities

People Typically Experience Extended Periods of Relative Happiness or Unhappiness due to Positive Feedback Loops Between LS and Variables Which are Both Causes and Consequences of LS

Long term panel data enable researchers to construct trajectories of LS for individuals over time. Bar charts of trajectories, and subsequent statistical analysis, show that respondents typically spend multiple consecutive years above and below their own long-term mean level of LS. We attempt to explain these multi-year waves of change by estimating structural equation models with two-way causal links between LS and variables usually treated as causes of LS, including health, frequency of physical exercise and frequency of social activities. Results are interpreted as showing positive feedback loops between these variables and LS, such that gains and losses of LS tend to be reinforced over time. <italic>JEL Classification: I31</italic>

Characteristics associated with willingness to participate in a randomized controlled behavioral clinical trial using home-based personal computers and a webcam.

BackgroundTrials aimed at preventing cognitive decline through cognitive stimulation among those with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment are of significant importance in delaying the onset of dementia and reducing dementia prevalence. One challenge in these prevention trials is sample recruitment bias. Those willing to volunteer for these trials could be socially active, in relatively good health, and have high educational levels and cognitive function. These participants’ characteristics could reduce the generalizability of study results and, more importantly, mask trial effects. We developed a randomized controlled trial to examine whether conversation-based cognitive stimulation delivered through personal computers, a webcam and the internet would have a positive effect on cognitive function among older adults with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment. To examine the selectivity of samples, we conducted a mass mail-in survey distribution among community-dwelling older adults, assessing factors associated with a willingness to participate in the trial.MethodsTwo thousand mail-in surveys were distributed to retirement communities in order to collect data on demographics, the nature and frequency of social activities, personal computer use and additional health-related variables, and interest in the prevention study. We also asked for their contact information if they were interested in being contacted as potential participants in the trial.ResultsOf 1,102 surveys returned (55.1% response rate), 983 surveys had complete data for all the variables of interest. Among them, 309 showed interest in the study and provided their contact information (operationally defined as the committed with interest group), 74 provided contact information without interest in the study (committed without interest group), 66 showed interest, but provided no contact information (interest only group), and 534 showed no interest and provided no contact information (no interest group). Compared with the no interest group, the committed with interest group were more likely to be personal computer users (odds ratio (OR) = 2.78), physically active (OR = 1.03) and had higher levels of loneliness (OR = 1.16).ConclusionIncreasing potential participants’ familiarity with a personal computer and the internet before trial recruitment could increase participation rates and improve the generalizability of future studies of this type.Trial registrationThe trial was registered on 29 March 2012 at ClinicalTirals.gov (ID number NCT01571427).

Social Participation and Subjective Well-Being Among Retirees in China

The current study examined the predictive roles of social participation for subjective well-being among Chinese retirees. The Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale and the self-developed Social Participation Questionnaire were employed to assess subjective well-being and social participation, respectively. Social participation included four aspects: frequency of social activities, roles in social activities, working state, and participation in activities of former employing units (these activities often include all kinds of parties for festivals, meetings and recreations arranged by former employing units). Ultimately, 22,019 city retirees ranging in age from 50 to 99 (M = 69.7, SD = 8.1) completed the questionnaires. Results indicated that retirees tend to report positive subjective well-being; the effects of social participation, excluding work state, on subjective well-being were significant. That is, individuals with more frequent participation in social activities, more active roles in social activities, and more frequent participation in activities of former employing units reported higher subjective well-being, even when controlling for the roles of physical health, income, and other socio-demographic variables. Physical health and income were two robust factors in predicting subjective well-being in analysis models. The effects of other socio-demographic variables were also analyzed. The current study provides further empirical support for the role of social participation in quality of life of the elderly.

Social Participation and Dental Health Status among Older Japanese Adults: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundAlthough social participation is a key determinant of health among older adults, few studies have focused on the association between social participation and dental health. This study examined the associations between social participation and dental health status in community-dwelling older Japanese adults.Methods and FindingsIn 2010, self-administered postal questionnaires were distributed to all people aged ≥65 years in Iwanuma City, Japan (response rate, 59.0%). Data from 3,517 respondents were analyzed. Data on the number of remaining natural teeth, for determining the dental health status, and social participation were obtained using self-administered questionnaires. The number, type, and frequency of social activities were used to assess social participation. Social activities were political organizations or associations, industrial or professional groups, volunteer groups, senior citizens' clubs, religious groups or associations, sports groups, neighborhood community associations, and hobby clubs. Using ordinal logistic regression, we calculated the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for an increase in category of remaining teeth based on the number, type, and frequency of social activities. Sex, age, marital status, current medical history, activity of daily living, educational attainment, and annual equivalent income were used as covariates. Of the respondents, 34.2% reported having ≥20 teeth; 27.1%, 10–19 teeth; 26.3%, 1–9 teeth; and 12.4%, edentulousness. Social participation appeared to be related with an increased likelihood of having a greater number of teeth in old age, even after adjusting for covariates (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.10–1.53). Participation in sports groups, neighborhood community associations, or hobby clubs was significantly associated with having more teeth.ConclusionsOur results suggest a protective effect of social participation on dental health. In particular, participation in sports groups, neighborhood community associations, or hobby clubs might be a strong predictor for retaining more teeth in later life.

If it makes you happy: Engaging in kind acts increases positive affect in socially anxious individuals.

Social anxiety is associated with low positive affect (PA), a factor that can significantly affect psychological well-being and adaptive functioning. Despite suggestions that individuals with high levels of social anxiety would benefit from PA enhancement, the feasibility of doing so remains an unanswered question. Accordingly, in the current study, individuals with high levels of social anxiety (N = 142) were randomly assigned to conditions designed to enhance PA (Kind Acts), reduce negative affect (NA; Behavioral Experiments), or a neutral control (Activity Monitoring). All participants engaged in the required activities for 4 weeks and completed prepost questionnaires measuring mood and social goals, as well as weekly email ratings of mood, anxiety, and social activities. Both the prepost and weekly mood ratings revealed that participants who engaged in kind acts displayed significant increases in PA that were sustained over the 4 weeks of the study. No significant changes in PA were observed in the other conditions. The increase in hedonic functioning was not due to differential compliance, frequency of social activities, or an indirect effect of NA reduction. In addition, participants who engaged in kind acts displayed an increase in relationship satisfaction and a decrease in social avoidance goals, whereas no significant changes in these variables were observed in the other conditions. This study is the first to demonstrate that positive affect can be increased in individuals with high levels of social anxiety and that PA enhancement strategies may result in wider social benefits. The role of PA in producing those benefits requires further study.

노인학대에 대한 도시노인과 농촌노인의 인식

As elder abuse has become a social problem, it has drawn a great deal of attention from researchers and policy-planers. While there have been a number of studies addressing various issues related to elder abuse, the present study aims to explain whether and how the perception of elder abuse would differ among the elderly themselves. In particular, the study focuses on the differences between urban and rural areas. Family-centered culture is believed to have a stronger influence in rural areas compared to urban areas. This cultural tradition highlights the importancy of the family compared to the individuals. Thus, the elderly who experience abuse would take it as personal matter rather than publicizing it. In addition, the information and campaigns on preventing elder abuse are less prevalent in rural areas than in urban areas due to limited communication networks. For these reasons, the study suggests a hypothesis that the elderly in rural areas are less perceptive to elder abuse. Using 6,709 persons aged 65 and over from a nationwide survey conducted by the Korean Institute for Health and Social Affairs in 2009, the study ran regression analysis on 4 types of elder abuse including psychological, financial, physical and neglect. The results show that regardless of types of abuse, the elderly in rural areas have lower levels of perception than the elderly in urban areas do. In addition, the frequency of social activities is positively related to the perception of elderly abuse. This is also true for the different types of elder abuse. The findings suggest that social effort to prevent elder abuse consider the urban-rural differences and their sources.