Mental Health In Old Age Research Articles

Older and heavier: How obesity is experienced by older adults?

ABSTRACT The interplay between obesity and mental health in old age is complex and widely impacted by different biological, psychological, and social factors. The primary objectives of this qualitative research study are: a) To explore the influence of obesity on older adults’ well-being; b) to understand emotional experiences related to obesity in old age and; c) to explore how obesity influences the mental health of older adults. This study included 692 participants aged 65 to 84 years (M = 73.9; SD = 5.61) from three different nationalities (English, Spanish, and Portuguese). The study involved in-depth interviews conducted via telephone or online, with questions designed to elicit detailed narratives about participants’ experiences, and the data were analyzed using content analysis to identify key themes and patterns. This study identified four main themes regarding the influence of obesity on older adults’ well-being: (1) Body image dissatisfaction (66%); (2) Fat shaming (65%); (3) Increased isolation (57%); and (4) Loss of opportunities (46%). Three main themes for emotional experiences were frequently verbalized by the participants: (1) Shame (81%); (2) Guilt (78%); and (2) Worthlessness (76%). Finally, three main influences in mental health due to obesity were reported: (1) Self-esteem (88%); (2) Distress (78%); and (3) Depression (63%). These results highlighted that obesity negatively influences older adults’ well-being and emotional experiences and has serious mental health-related negative outcomes for older adults. Interventions like community-based weight loss programs can be effective in controlling weight and improving the social interaction of obese older adults.

Sosialiasi Mengenai Masa Tua yang Sehat dengan Mengenal Manfaat Teh Bunga Telang untuk Tubuh pada Masyarakat Desa Sojomerto

The decline in physical and mental abilities is an inevitable sign of the aging phase. Maintaining health in old age involves not only physical activity and a balanced diet but also utilizing natural ingredients that can support overall body health. One such natural ingredient with significant potential to support health in old age is butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea), known for its numerous health benefits, including stress reduction and cognitive function support. To raise awareness of the importance of preparing for healthy aging, the KKN MIT-18 Posko 57 Sojomerto Village team organized a seminar and workshop titled "Towards Healthy Aging and Knowing the Benefits of Butterfly Pea Flower." This event involved PKK cadres from Sojomerto Village and aimed to educate the community about the benefits of butterfly pea tea. The results of this activity showed an increased understanding among the community regarding the importance of maintaining physical and mental health in old age, as well as their enthusiasm for utilizing butterfly pea flower as a natural solution to support their health.

The effect of education level on depressive symptoms in Chinese older adults–parallel mediating effects of economic security level and subjective memory ability

BackgroundDepression in older adults needs urgent attention. Increased education level may reduce depressive symptoms in older adults, and that economic security level and subjective memory ability may also have an impact on depressive symptoms in older adults, but the mechanisms between education level and depressive symptoms in older adults are unclear. This study endeavors to investigate the parallel mediating roles of economic security level and subjective memory ability between education level and depressive symptoms in older adults.MethodsA total of 4325 older adults people aged 60 years and above were selected from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) as the study population, and all data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 software. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between the variables. Model 4 from the SPSS macro was used to assess the parallel mediating role of economic security level and subjective memory ability in the relationship between education level and depressive symptoms in older adults.ResultsEducation level, economic security level, and subjective memory ability were significantly associated with depressive symptoms in older adults (p < 0.01). Educational level was a negative predictor of depressive symptoms (β=-0.134, P < 0.001). Education level was a positive predictor of economic security level (β = 0.467, P < 0.001) and subjective memory ability (β = 0.224, P < 0.001). Education level, economic security level, and subjective memory ability were significant negative predictors of depressive symptoms (β= -0.039, P < 0.05; β= -0.122, P < 0.001; β= -0.169, P < 0.001). Education level influenced depressive symptoms through parallel mediating effects of economic security level and subjective memory ability, with mediating effects accounting for 42.70% and 28.30% of the total effect, respectively.ConclusionsEducation level not only directly influences depressive symptoms in older adults, but also indirectly through the economic security level and subjective memory ability. Educational level can reduce depressive symptoms in older adults by increasing their economic security level and enhancing their subjective memory ability. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of improving the educational level of the population as it affects people’s mental health in old age.

Perceptions of Obesity in Old Age: A Qualitative Study

IntroductionThe relationship between obesity and mental health in old age is complex and widely impacted by different biological, psychological, and social factors.ObjectivesThe primary objectives of this qualitative research study are: a) To understand the influence of obesity on older adults’ well-being; b) to assess emotional experiences related to obesity in old age and; c) to explore how obesity influences the mental health of older adults.MethodsThis study included 346 participants aged 65 to 84 years (M=73.9; SD=5.61) from three different nationalities (English, Spanish, and Portuguese). All interviews went through content analysis.Results This study identified four main themes regarding the influence of obesity on older adults’ well-being: (1) Insatisfaction with Body Image (66%); (2) Feeling embarrassed (65%); (3) Feeling Social Isolated (57%); and (4) Lost Opportunities (46%)Three main themes for emotional experiences were frequently verbalized by the participants: (1) Shame (81%); (2) Guilt (78%); and (2) Incompetence (76%). Finally, three main influences in mental health due to obesity were reported: (1) Self-concept (88%); (2) Stress (78%); and (3) Melancholia (63%).ConclusionsThese results highlighted that obesity negatively influences older adults’ well-being and emotional experiences and has serious mental health-related negative outcomes for older adults. Interventions like community-based weight loss programs can be effective in controlling weight and improving the social interaction of obese older adults.Keywords: Emotional experiences; mental health; obesity; older adults; well-being.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Impact of early work start on mental health outcomes in older adults: A cross-sectional study from Ecuador.

This study assesses the impact of the age at which individuals first begin working on the odds of developing mental health disorders among older adults in Ecuador. Data from the 2009 Survey of Health, Well-being, and Aging (SABE) encompassing 3093 elderly participants from mainland Ecuador were analyzed. We employed binary logistic regression to explore the association between the age at which individuals started working and their subsequent mental health status. Participants who started working between ages 5-12 and 26-35 had lower odds of mental health disorders compared to those who began at ages 18-25, while those who started working between ages 13-17 and 36-80 exhibited higher odds compared to the same baseline group. These associations are net of various demographic and health-related factors. The results indicate mixed associations between the age at which individuals started working and their mental health outcomes in older age. While some age groups demonstrate lower odds of mental health disorders, others do not, suggesting a complex relationship that warrants further investigation. This research supports the development of healthcare policies aimed at providing mental health education and services tailored to populations affected by early labor, to mitigate the enduring impacts of child labor on mental health in older age.

영화 &lt;버킷리스트&gt;를 통해 본 액티브 시니어와 웰다잉 고찰

Purpose The purpose of this study is to present awareness of the importance of ending life effectively through preparation for death as well as physical and mental health in old age.&#x0D; Methods The research method of this study is to discuss the concept of active seniors, the need for well-dying, and aspects of acceptance of death and positive attitude recognition through analysis of key scenes from the movie &lt;Bucket List&gt; that depicts the lives of seniors along with research on related literature.&#x0D; Results Active seniors need friends in old age with whom they can communicate with each other and need to reflect on their lives rather than material greed. And in order to end life well, active seniors need to secure positivity for the rest of their lives by implementing their personal bucket list as part of their efforts to minimize past regrets.&#x0D; Conclusion It can be said that active seniors in modern society are able to live a vibrant life while securing positivity in life through active participation and are highly likely to die a happy death. The implications of this study are that the characteristics of active seniors and the importance of well-dying are presented in detail through related films. On the other hand, a limitation of this study is that discussions related to active seniors are limited to specific film media.

Effects of Wisdom on Mental Health in Old Age: Exploring the Pathways Through Developmental Tasks Attainment and Self-Rated Health.

A number of studies indicate a relationship between wisdom and mental health in older adults, which can be explained by different pathways. However, the role of developmental task accomplishment, and of self-rated health in the relationships between wisdom and mental health in later life remain unclear. The aim of the current study is to explore the structure of the relationships between wisdom, developmental task attainment, self-rated health, and positive and negative mental health outcomes (viz. wellbeing and depressive symptoms) in older adults. The study included 381 Polish older adults aged 60-86 (M= 67.33; SD = 5.08). The respondents completed the Personal Wellbeing Index, Geriatric Depression Scale, Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale, Developmental Tasks Attainment Questionnaire for Seniors, self-rated health scale and sociodemographic survey. Three-dimensional wisdom, developmental task attainment and self-rated health scores were positive predictors of personal wellbeing and negative predictors of depressive symptoms in older adults. Structural equation modelling revealed that developmental tasks attainment and self-rated health partially mediated the relations between wisdom and mental health in older adults. It can be assumed that wise older adults implement developmental tasks more efficiently and assess their subjective health more favorably, which may strengthen their personal wellbeing and prevent depression. The findings suggest that wisdom plays an important role in healthy aging.

2.P. Workshop: Mental health in old age

Abstract Mental health conditions affect people throughout the world, at all ages. Additionally, mental health conditions are associated with social health and with physical health. Applying a body - mind concept of health framework to mental health conditions can add to existing knowledge on mental health conditions in old age. We organized this workshop based on the understanding that mental health and mental health conditions differ according to individual and community factors. The data presented propose that mental health plays a critical role in old age, and as such, deserves greater attention to further understand how who might be at risk for mental health conditions in old age. More specifically, we focus attention on physical health, socio-economic and environmental factors that affecting mental health in old age. First, based on the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), the author examines a reciprocal relationship between functional disability and depression over time and further proposes the potential role of social participation in alleviating depression in old age. Second, mental health of older persons with migrant children will be analyzed across different European regions. Third, based on data from the SHARE study, retirement as a major life event with long term consequences on depression risk is identified. Fourth, the study examines how financial adversity in old age is associated with mental health among older adults who are living in a rural area in Germany. Finally, the associations between loneliness and mental health among Spanish older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic are presented. Based on the presentations, research gaps and promising areas of research, practice, and policy focused on promoting mental health in old age and across the lifespan will be discussed with participants. Key messages • Migration of children, functional disability and financial adversity are related to old age depression. • Loneliness in old age is associated with mental health conditions.

Has the UK Campaign to End Loneliness Reduced Loneliness and Improved Mental Health in Older Age? A Difference-in-Differences Design

ObjectiveTo estimate the impact of the UK nationwide campaign to End loneliness on loneliness and mental health outcomes among older people in England. DesignQuasi-experimental design, namely, a difference-in-differences approach. SettingLocal authorities across England. ParticipantsOlder adults aged 65 and over participating in waves 4–8 (2008–2017) of the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA) and waves 1–9 (2009–2019) of the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS). Main outcome measuresLoneliness was measured through the UCLA Loneliness scale. A social isolation scale with components of household composition, social contact and participation was constructed. Mental health was measured by The Centre for Epidemiological Studies of Depression (CES-D) score, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) score, and the Short-Form-12 Mental Component Summary (SF-12 MCS) score. ResultsThere was no evidence of change in loneliness scores over the study period. Difference-in-differences estimates suggest that explicitly developed and implemented antiloneliness strategies led to no change in loneliness scores (estimate = 0.044, SE = 0.085), social isolation caseness (estimate = 0.038, SE = 0.020) or levels of depressive symptoms (estimate = 0.130, SE = 0.165). Heterogeneity analyses indicate that antiloneliness strategies produced little impact on loneliness or mental health overall, despite small reductions in loneliness and increases in social engagement among well-educated and higher-income older adults. The results were robust to various sensitivity and robustness analyses. ConclusionsAntiloneliness strategies implemented by local authorities have not generated a significant change in loneliness or mental health in older adults in England. Generating changes in loneliness in the older population might require longer periods of exposure, larger scope of intervention or more targeted strategies.

Public knowledge and attitudes about mental health in older age in Germany – Focus on dementia and late-life depression

Older people with mental disorders represent a particularly vulnerable group in the health care system. Despite this, mental disorders in this group often remain undiagnosed or are not treated in accordance with guidelines, potentially due to a lack of knowledge or unfavorable attitudes regarding mental disorders in older individuals. Therefore, in an anonymous online survey of 1,284 participants (71.8% female, mean age 52.3 ± 18.0 years), we assessed knowledge and attitudes regarding mental health in old age in general and regarding dementia and late-life depression in particular. Regression analyses were conducted to determine predictors of higher knowledge and more favorable attitudes based on sociodemographic data. On average, participants answered 11 ± 2 out of 15 of the knowledge questions correctly. Items on the prevention of dementia, late-life depression symptoms, and associated suicide risk were most likely to be answered incorrectly. Participants showed less favorable attitudes towards people living with dementia than towards people with late-life depression, and higher knowledge scores were associated with more favorable attitudes. Our findings highlight a clear need for psychoeducation in the field of dementia and late-life depression, with a special emphasis on prevention-related knowledge. Fostering knowledge in this area is highly relevant, as it might positively influence attitudes towards older people with mental disorders, in turn facilitating health care and health-promoting behavior among older people.

Long-term functional ability trajectories and mental health among older people before and after the COVID-19 pandemic onset in Chile

Objectives Despite the advances in understanding the complex association between functional abilities and mental health in old age, studies have overlooked two important aspects. First, traditionally, research has employed cross-sectional designs, measuring limitations at a single time point. Second, most gerontological studies on this field have been conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic onset. This study aims to explore the association between diverse long-term functional ability trajectories across late adulthood and old age, and older people’s mental health in Chile, before and after the COVID-19 pandemic onset. Methods We use data from the population-representative and longitudinal ‘Chilean Social Protection Survey’, sequence analysis to reconstruct functional ability trajectory types from 2004 to 2018, and bivariate and multivariate analyses to measure their association with depressive symptoms in early 2020 (N = 891) and late 2020 (N = 672). We analyzed four age groups defined by their age at baseline (2004): people aged 46–50, 51–55, 56–60, and 61–65. Results Our findings indicate that erratic or equivocal patterns of functional limitations across time (with people transiting back and forth between low and high levels of limitations) show the worst mental health outcomes, both before and after the pandemic onset. Prevalence of people with depression increased after the COVID-19 onset in most groups, being particularly high among those with previous equivocal functional ability trajectories. Conclusions The relationship between functional ability trajectories and mental health calls for a new paradigm, moving away from age as the main policy guide, and highlighting the need to adopt strategies to improve population-level functional status as an efficient policy to address the challenges of population aging.

A Conceptual Study on Role of Rasayana in Geriatric Health Care

Introduction-Aging refers to degeneration at tissue level. It leads to a gradual decrease in physical and mental capacity. The concept of antiaging is described in Ayurveda as Rasayana, which aims at maintaining excellent physical and mental health in old age through a combination of nourishing diet, wholesome activities and gentle herbs. Material &amp; methods –All classical texts and modern texts including paper, articles were reviewed. Results-The fundamental tissues like Dhātu, Agni, Srotas etc. of human body leading to prevention of aging, improvement in bodily strength, mental ability and hence providing resistance against diseases. One can attain not only longevity alone through Rasayana but also memory, intelligence, youthfulness, excellence of lusture, complexion, mastery over phonetics, resistance and immunity against diseases. Discussion- As elderly people are more susceptible to several chronic diseases also, therefore it is need of study on rasayana therapy for improving the expectancy and quality of life in geriatric health.

Adulthood Employment Trajectories and Later Life Mental Health before and after the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This life course study has two aims. First, to explore how diverse employment trajectories across adulthood are related to older people's mental health in Chile, a country with no research in this field, and second, to analyze these associations before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We use data from the nationally-representative and longitudinal 'Chilean Social Protection Survey' sequence analysis to reconstruct employment trajectory types, and bivariate and multivariate analyses to measure their association with depressive symptoms. Our findings indicate that formal labor force patterns in adulthood show the lowest burden of depressive symptomology before and after the onset of the overwhelming COVID-19 pandemic when controlling for traditional risk factors. We emphasize that policymakers in both the labor market and public health domains must consider the relationship between informal employment pathways in adulthood and poorer mental health in old age. Public policies should improve the conditions and quality of jobs during adulthood and promote more formalization in the labor market to address the high uncertainty involving low social protection, which is strongly associated with severe mental health problems in later life.

Primary mental health care in India for older people: stigmatization and community-orientation

Abstract Background In India, older persons are among the fastest growing population groups that are particularly vulnerable to an impaired mental health. Strengthening public primary mental health care (PMHC) has been one of the political priorities in recent years, including efforts to provide more old age-inclusive care. Many factors play a role in shaping equitable access to PMHC. In this study, we focus on how social norms and perceptions of mental health in old age on the community-level facilitate or hamper access to inclusive PMHC. Methods Semi-structured interviews with key informants (n = 14) from the fields of mental health and old age policy and practice have been conducted and analyzed. Results The interviewees describe barriers and opportunities towards old-age inclusive and community-oriented PMHC that go beyond the availability of services. The stigmatization of mental health - especially in old age - is a major barrier that is deeply rooted within the family and community care system. While experts stress the relevance of relatives in fostering mental health of older people, a lack of awareness of facets of mental health and a fear of stigmatization within communities prevents older persons and their family caregivers to seek formal mental healthcare. Moreover, experts describe an increasing disintegration of family support systems in rural and urban areas. Therefore, a more prominent role for outreach-support provided by community health workers (CHWs) is suggested. However, according to experts, transforming the scope of practice of CHWs to include mental healthcare for older persons is still predicted to be a major challenge. Conclusions To improve equitable access to and participation of older persons and their families in PMHC, the perceptions and attitudes towards mental health and old age need to be considered.

Big Five Personality Traits, Social Networks, and Depression Among Older Adults in Japan: A Multiple Mediation Analysis.

This study examines the mediating effect of social network size on depression among older adults in Japan in association with the Big Five personality traits: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness. Cross-sectional data were obtained from 739 older adults (Mean age = 75.13, SD = 6.86) residing in Tokyo. Multiple mediation analyses estimated total, indirect, and direct effects between personality and depression. Extraversion was associated with the number of kin and friend networks and agreeableness with the number of kin networks. Moreover, these social networks partially mediated the effects of extraversion and agreeableness on depression. The findings show that personality traits such as extraversion and agreeableness are associated with social network size, which contributes to better mental health in old age.

The couple in old age

With longer life, many people reach ages that were rarely achieved even a generation ago. But psychology and psychoanalysis have not fully engaged with the travails of old age. This article describes the difficulties many couples and individuals have facing the loss of physical and mental health in old age. By examining three clinical cases, it explores the difficulties couples have facing their inevitable losses, the particular difficulties for a couple when one partner has dementia, and the pain of an elderly patient facing the inevitability of her own death whilst full of regret for a compromised marriage and loss of opportunities in her life. The article describes how psychotherapy for couples and individuals lessens the sense of being alone and inscribes a sense of "being accompanied" externally and internally that soothes the pain of loss.

Neuroimaging-derived brain age is associated with life satisfaction in cognitively unimpaired elderly: A community-based study

With the widespread increase in elderly populations, the quality of life and mental health in old age are issues of great interest. The human brain changes with age, and the brain aging process is biologically complex and varies widely among individuals. In this cross-sectional study, to clarify the effects of mental health, as well as common metabolic factors (e.g., diabetes) on healthy brain aging in late life, we analyzed structural brain MRI findings to examine the relationship between predicted brain age and life satisfaction, depressive symptoms, resilience, and lifestyle-related factors in elderly community-living individuals with unimpaired cognitive function. We extracted data from a community-based cohort study in Arakawa Ward, Tokyo. T1-weighted images of 773 elderly participants aged ≥65 years were analyzed, and the predicted brain age of each subject was calculated by machine learning from anatomically standardized gray-matter images. Specifically, we examined the relationships between the brain-predicted age difference (Brain-PAD: real age subtracted from predicted age) and life satisfaction, depressive symptoms, resilience, alcohol consumption, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Brain-PAD showed significant negative correlations with life satisfaction (Spearman’s rs= −0.102, p = 0.005) and resilience (rs= −0.105, p = 0.004). In a multiple regression analysis, life satisfaction (p = 0.038), alcohol use (p = 0.040), and diabetes (p = 0.002) were independently correlated with Brain-PAD. Thus, in the cognitively unimpaired elderly, higher life satisfaction was associated with a ‘younger’ brain, whereas diabetes and alcohol use had negative impacts on life satisfaction. Subjective life satisfaction, as well as the prevention of diabetes and alcohol use, may protect the brain from accelerated aging.

Family Approach of Older People with Major Neurocognitive Disorder: Experiences and Perceptions from the Psychogerontological Clinical Practice

The approach to older adults with major neurocognitive disorder constitutes a challenge for families, this due to the lack of information to carry out this type of specialized care, and the scarcity of health professionals trained to facilitate an approach and Professional guidance on mental health in old age. In this sense, psychogerontological clinical practice is established today as an interdisciplinary field of study, due to the exhaustive knowledge about the sciences of aging and clinical psychology, for the evaluation, detection, rehabilitation, orientation and promotion of mental health with older people, family members and caregivers. Objective: To understand the experiences and perceptions of family members who care for older adults diagnosed with major neurocognitive disorder. In such a way, it allows to explore, understand and interpret about the knowledge about the appropriate approach, the risks of patient care and decision-making for coping. Materials and methods: a phenomenological-oriented qualitative study was carried out in an integral medicine unit, through the design and application of semi-structured interviews and observations of ten caregivers who attended the Psychogerontology service. Results: The informants stated that they did not have the necessary information to carry out adequate care for their relatives. However, the need for more professionals and social institutions to receive information is necessary. In this sense, they perceive their quality of life as poor, since they present the signs and symptoms of caregiver syndrome. Conclusions: Psychogerontological clinical care favors effective intervention in the approach to major neurocognitive disorder.

Population-Based Studies in Dementia and Ageing Research: A Local and National Experience in Cambridgeshire and the UK.

Dementia has been recognised as a key challenge in many ageing societies across the world. Several population-based studies have been developed to investigate dementia and cognitive ageing from perspectives of biology, health, psychology and social sciences. However, there is a need to provide a better understanding of 'contexts', the circumstance where these ageing populations existed, and heterogeneity within and across the populations in different time and places. In this article, we summarise some examples of earlier population-based studies undertaken by our research groups in England and Wales and their contribution to the epidemiology of dementia, neuropathology, cognitive and mental health in older age. We also describe how these studies illustrated variation among ageing populations and changes in their health conditions across time and place. These findings highlight the contribution that population-based studies can make, along with the vital to incorporate contexts in ageing research. A lifecourse approach within social context is needed to integrate life experiences, social circumstances, and multiple dimensions of cognition, functioning, physical health and wellbeing over the ageing process. We also discuss how evidence from population-based studies can support various international initiatives on dementia, healthy ageing and Sustainable Development Goals and facilitate tailored approaches for diverse populations across global societies.

Chronic Conditions and Psychological Distress in Older Asian Americans: The Mediating Role of Subjective Health Perception

ABSTRACT Given the importance of understanding the connection between physical and mental health in old age, the study examined the mediating role of subjective health perception in the relationship between chronic conditions and psychological distress among older Asian Americans. Using data from 533 Asian Americans aged 60 and over in the 2016 Asian American Quality of Life Study, the direct and indirect effect models were tested with multivariate linear regressions and the PROCESS macro. Results show that chronic conditions pose significant risks to psychological distress and that subjective health perception mediates their association. The observed role of subjective health perception as an intervening step between physical and mental health offers implications for gerontological social work research and practice by highlighting the importance of positive self-appraisals for the health and well-being in later years of life.