Psychological Well-being Of Older Adults Research Articles

Analysis of the Current Situation and Influencing Factors of Psychological Well-Being of Elderly People in the Community

Objective: To investigate the current psychological well-being of older people in the community and analyze its influencing factors. Methods: A total of 265 community-dwelling older adults aged 60 and above in Baoding City, Hebei Province, were selected through convenience sampling from November 2023 to March 2024. They were surveyed using a general information questionnaire and a comprehensive well-being questionnaire, with results analyzed statistically using SPSS 27.0. Results: Six dimensions of the psychological well-being scale for community older adults were identified: life vitality (P50 = 4.83), health concern (P50 = 4.6), self-worth (P50 = 5.6), friendly relationships (P50 = 5.33), altruistic behavior (P50 = 5.2), personality growth (P50 = 4.67), and comprehensive well-being (P50 = 161). Multivariate regression analysis showed that social isolation (β = -0.021, P < 0.001), type of work (β = -0.142, P < 0.001), chronic disease history (β = 0.004, P < 0.001), need for mobility aid (β = 0.192, P < 0.001), and monthly income (β = 0.381, P < 0.001) were factors influencing psychological well-being. Conclusion: The psychological well-being of the elderly is slightly above moderate and requires improvement. Enhancing factors such as reducing social isolation, addressing chronic disease history, and improving financial support could improve psychological well-being in older adults.

Social influences on the psychological well-being of elderly individuals

PurposeThis research aims to analyze the primary social factors influencing the mental health and happiness of older adults. Specifically, the paper identifies the elements of social influences on the psychological well-being of elderly individuals.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a quantitative research methodology, survey data were collected to examine the psychological well-being of older adults, utilizing SPSS software version 28.0 for data analysis.FindingsPsychological well-being in the elderly is intricately linked to personal, cognitive, emotional and social aspects. Seniors experiencing reduced loneliness, ample communication opportunities, active social engagement and living with family members demonstrate higher levels of psychological well-being. Surprisingly, details of daily activities in senior age showed little impact on psychological well-being.Research limitations/implicationsThe research results may lack generalizability due to the chosen approach, prompting a need for further testing of proposed propositions.Originality/valueThis study fulfills an identified need to explore how psychological well-being is established in an elderly society, shedding light on critical social determinants.

Worrying Across the Generations: The Impact of Adult Grandchildren's Problems on Grandparents' Well-Being.

The intergenerational stake hypothesis and theories of the life course posit that older generations are invested in the well-being of younger generations. Consistent with this, previous research has shown that adult children's problems are associated with worse parental well-being. Because multigenerational ties have become increasingly important in the 21st century, we propose that adult grandchildren's problems may also impact grandparents' well-being. In this paper, we test this hypothesis and investigate the moderating effects of grandparents' race and maternal/paternal status. The analytic sample includes 206 grandparents aged 65-95 who participated in the second wave of the Family Exchanges Study. Adult grandchildren's problems were operationalized as the proportions of adult grandchildren who experienced (1) physical-emotional problems and (2) lifestyle-behavioral problems. Main effects multilevel analyses suggested that adult grandchildren's problems did not predict grandparents' well-being. However, moderation analyses revealed that the association between grandparents' depressive symptoms and adult grandchildren's physical-emotional problems was larger among Black than White grandparents, and maternal than paternal grandparents. Adult grandchildren's lifestyle-behavioral problems did not predict grandparents' depression, and these effects were not conditioned by race or maternal/paternal status. These findings expand research on the importance of grandparent-adult grandchild relationships and contribute to research on multigenerational relationships and health by considering how problems experienced by members of younger generations impact the psychological well-being of older adults.

A - 92 Association of the Grit Scale with Cognitive/Emotional Symptom Endorsement in Older Former College Athletes

Abstract Objective The Grit Scale is a validated measure of trait-level perseverance, often linked with resilience, and has been associated with better cognition and psychological well-being in older adults. As the ability to respond positively to setbacks is essential for a successful athlete, investigation of the Grit Scale in former athletes may prove beneficial for further understanding the effect of resilience and its relation to brain health and psychological well-being. Method Former college athletes (N = 678, 45.9% female) aged 50–87 (m = 61.44) from the College Level Aging Athlete Study (CLEAATS) completed the Grit Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), Cognitive Function Instrument (CFI), and the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-Modified (TICS-m). Pearson’s partial correlations (r) were used to determine the relationship between scores on these measures, controlling for age and education. Results Pearson partial correlations between Grit Scale scores and scores from the other measures were modest but statistically significant: PHQ-8 (r = −0.342, p < 0.001), GAD-7 (r = −0.259, p < 0.001), CFI (r = −0.316, p < 0.001), and TICS-m (r = 0.101, p = 0.008). Conclusions Comparison of the Grit Scale with PHQ-8, GAD-7, CFI, and TICS-m indicated that greater trait-level perseverance correlated with better cognitive and emotional functioning in former college athletes. Results emphasize the need to further evaluate perseverance/resilience and its value for understanding brain health and psychological well-being in athletes and former athletes.

The association of calligraphy activities with peace of mind, stress self-management, and perceived health status in older adults.

Calligraphy, as a form of mindful practice, encourages focus, creativity, and relaxation, which collectively contribute to a more peaceful mental state. Through regular engagement in calligraphy, older adults can develop better coping mechanisms for stress, leading to more effective self-management of daily stressors. This enhanced ability to manage stress can reduce the overall burden on their mental and physical health, promoting a more positive outlook on life. This study employed convenience sampling and snowball sampling to select 246 older adults aged 60-70 from Changsha, China, in March 2024 as valid samples. AMOS v.23 was used to construct a structural equation model to validate the hypotheses. The study found a significant positive correlation between calligraphy activities and peace of mind/stress self-management. There is also a significant positive correlation between peace of mind/stress self-management and perceived health status. Additionally, peace of mind and stress self-management act as mediators between calligraphy activities and perceived health status. This indicates that calligraphy activities not only contribute to the psychological well-being of older adults but also indirectly enhance their positive perception of their own health by improving their mental state. Consequently, such activities can be an integral part of holistic health interventions aimed at enhancing the quality of life and overall health of older adults.

Measuring Self-Efficacy for Exercise among Older Adults: Psychometric Properties and Measurement Invariance of a Brief Version of the Self-Efficacy for Exercise (SEE) Scale.

(1) Background: Physical activity is known to promote health and psychological well-being in older adults, yet global inactivity rates in this population remain high. Among the factors associated with physical activity, self-efficacy for exercise represents a key predictor for developing effective interventions in older adults. This study aimed to validate the Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale (SEE) in individuals over 65. (2) Methods: A sample of 726 older adults from the USA and Italy (51.1% females; age range = 65-95 years; Mage = 72.57, SDage = 6.49) completed the SEE, along with the Godin-Shepard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (GSLTPAQ), the Big Five Inventory 2-Extra Short Form (BFI-2-XS), and the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). (3) Results: The SEE showed a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.88 and a Composite Reliability of 0.89. Moreover, it demonstrated a unidimensional factor structure and good fit indices. Full measurement invariance was achieved across gender and age, while partial scalar invariance was found across countries, suggesting minor cultural differences. Correlation with the GSLTPAQ, the BFI-2-XS, and the SF-12 support the convergent and nomological validity of the SEE. (4) Conclusions: These findings provide evidence that the SEE is a reliable and valid measure of self-efficacy for exercise among older adults and that the items are interpreted similarly across different ages, genders, and cultures.

Positive ageing: self-compassion as a mediator between forgiveness and psychological well-being in older adults

Positive ageing: self-compassion as a mediator between forgiveness and psychological well-being in older adults

The psychological conditions and social engagement in the Vietnamese older people

This study examines the psychological conditions and social engagement of older people in Vietnam. Population aging is occurring globally, including in Vietnam, necessitating an immediate supply of services to cater to the needs of the elderly. As individuals experience more significant advancements in their daily activities, the significance of mental health becomes a growing issue for the elderly population. We conducted a quantitative study on a sample of 100 senior individuals in Ben Tre province, Vietnam, to assess the psychological well-being of older adults. The findings suggest that older people frequently participate in sedentary activities such as reading newspapers, watching television programs, and listening to the radio. Additionally, older individuals expressed psychological conditions such as joy and happiness, a sense of respect, as well as feelings of helplessness, self-pity, and loneliness. In addition, older persons also expressed psychological conditions such as joy and happiness, being respectful, as well as feelings of helplessness, self-pity, and loneliness. This study emphasizes the significance of community policies and programs in consciously planning social activities to promote engagement among elderly individuals. To prevent dangerous situations, health professionals and clinicians should enhance the evaluation of psychiatric disorders in older people and direct those at risk to existing community resources.

Implementing socratic questioning techniques and the PIRLS framework in a gamified learning activity to enhance cognitive functioning and psychological well-being in older adults

Implementing socratic questioning techniques and the PIRLS framework in a gamified learning activity to enhance cognitive functioning and psychological well-being in older adults

Exploring the Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression in middle-aged and older Canadians with diabetes: Insights on incidence, recurrence, and risk factors from the Canadian longitudinal study on aging

PurposeIndividuals with diabetes have an elevated risk of depression. The occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic may have further impacted the mental health of patients living with diabetes. This study aims to examine: 1) factors associated with the development of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic among individuals with diabetes without a history of depression; and 2) factors associated with the persistence or recurrence of depression during the pandemic among those with diabetes, and a pre-pandemic history of depression. MethodsSecondary analysis of four waves of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging surveys. Canadian residents between the ages of 45–85 were recruited in 2012–2015 and subsequently completed three follow-up surveys. A total of 2,730 individuals with diabetes were included in this study. ResultsAmong those without a prior history of depression, the incidence of new depression was 12.9 % (95 % CI 11.3–14.4 %) during the pandemic. Among those with a history of depression, approximately half (48.5 %; 95 % CI 45.4–51.7 %) were depressed during the pandemic. Factors associated with increased risk of incident and recurrent depression during the pandemic among older adults with diabetes include being female, greater educational attainment, higher income/savings, functional limitations, loneliness/social isolation, chronic pain, family conflict, and difficulties accessing health care. ConclusionAmong Canadians living with diabetes, both the incidence and recurrence of depression increased during the pandemic. Continued efforts to support the psychological well-being of older adults with diabetes are needed.

Impact of a Multi-Component Physical Activity Intervention on Psychological Well-Being in Older Adults: A Pilot Study

While the positive effects of physical activity (PA) on mental health are well documented, limited research has explored its influence on the positive psychological well-being in elderly individuals. This study examined the effects of a multi-component PA intervention on various facets of psychological well-being among older adults residing in retirement homes. Fifty-eight elderly individuals (mean age = 83.8 years, 76.3% female) residing in retirement homes participated either in either a 12 week multi-component PA intervention program or in an attention control group. Those in the intervention group engaged in supervised group exercise lessons for 45 min, three times per week, and used wearable activity monitors during weekdays over 12 weeks. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention to measure happiness, life satisfaction, eudaimonic well-being, and depressive symptoms, which are four components of psychological well-being. On average, those in the intervention group attended about 86.9% of group exercise sessions and used the activity trackers for 97.5% of the designated days. Results from linear mixed models indicated that the intervention had a positive effect on happiness in the intervention group, but not in the control group. Nonetheless, no significant differences were found in terms of changes in eudaimonic well-being, life satisfaction, and depressive symptoms between the two groups. This selective impact on different dimensions of psychological well-being implies that subsequent research could explore the integration of more comprehensive components in PA interventions targeting all dimensions of psychological well-being, as each of them is a key aspect of healthy aging and independently related to a range of health outcomes amongst older adults.

A cross-sectional analysis of gender and psychological well-being among older Taiwanese adults.

Psychological well-being (PWB) facilitates good health. Few studies have taken into consideration gender and how it can affect PWB within a sociocultural context. This study aims to determine if relationships between social, health, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors on PWB among older Taiwanese adults are affected by gender. Data were obtained from the 2016 Taiwan Mental Health Survey. A representative sample, of 2,286 individuals, was created using multistage proportional probability. Participants were interviewed at their homes using a structured questionnaire. Inclusion criteria were Taiwanese citizenship, age ≥ 55 years, and the ability to provide informed consent. Participants 65 years and above were selected for the study sample n = 1,533. An 18-item version of Ryff's PWB scale was used to determine PWB. The median value was used to categorize low and high PWB. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine predictors of PWB stratified by gender. Chronic disease, unemployment, and financial dependence negatively impacted men's PWB. Satisfaction with living environment and family relationships positively impacted women's PWB. Unique characteristics of older men, women, and culture account for this. Gender-specific interventions aimed at promoting PWB in older adults are needed. Recommendations include educational programs, social support workshops, and community engagement initiatives.

Neighborhood Social Cohesion and Psychological Well-Being Among Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Home Attachment, Neighborhood Attachment, and Social Capital

This study aimed to examine the association between neighborhood social cohesion and psychological well-being among older adults in Iran in 2020. A cross-sectional design was employed, with 414 older adults recruited using a clustered sampling technique. The data collection instruments included the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, the Perceived Neighborhood Social Cohesion scale, the Place Attachment Scale for Older Adults, and the Social Capital Assessment Tool. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and the PROCESS Macro model 4 in SPSS24. Neighborhood social capital was found to completely mediate the association between neighborhood cohesion and psychological well-being among older adults. These results suggest that policymakers should consider implementing targeted policies to enhance neighborhood cohesion in order to improve the psychological well-being of older adults.

Pre-widowhood social support is linked to loneliness patterns: a growth mixture model using the health and retirement study

Objectives The first aim of the study is to compare loneliness levels between widowed and non-widowed older adults. The second aim is to identify distinct loneliness patterns among widowed individuals and explore the impact of pre-spousal loss social support on loneliness during and after bereavement. Method Data from the Health and Retirement Study were utilized to compare loneliness levels between widowed (n = 137) and non-widowed (n = 2361) older adults (M age = 69.01). T-tests and latent growth curve models were conducted to compare loneliness levels between the two groups. Growth mixture models were computed to identify distinct loneliness patterns among the widowed individuals. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine how pre-widowhood social support was associated with the obtained classes. Results The results revealed that widowed individuals reported significantly higher levels of loneliness at T2. Among widowed individuals, three distinct loneliness patterns were identified: Increased Loneliness (IL) group (n = 32); Low and Stable Loneliness (LSL) group (n = 88); and Decreased Loneliness (DL) group (n = 17). The IL and DL group were less likely to receive social support from spouse, children, and friends compared to the LSL group. Conclusion This study provides evidence of the protective effect of pre-widowhood social support on the psychological well-being of older adults after spousal loss.

The effect of a structured physical exercise program on the psychological well-being of the elderly in nursing homes

Structured physical exercise programs can have a significant influence on the psychological well-being of older people in nursing homes. Research shows that by designing an exercise program tailored to individual health conditions and needs, such as in consultation with a fitness professional or physiotherapist, older adults can reap multiple benefits, including improved mental health, enhanced emotional well-being and improved sleep. These programs can also help to increase the independence of older adults and reduce the risk of depression and other mental illnesses. However, the implementation of structured physical exercise programs in nursing homes can face challenges such as limited resources, individual health challenges, and lack of knowledge and awareness about the benefits of physical activity. Overcoming this requires a holistic approach that involves various parties, including nursing home staff, fitness experts, and the families of the elderly. With tailored program development and careful supervision, physical exercise programs can be an effective tool in improving the physical and psychological well-being of older adults in nursing homes.

Mental Health in Institutionalized Older Adults: Influence of Emotional Intelligence on Psychological Well-Being

The present research work is grounded in the question: "Is there a significant relationship between emotional intelligence and psychological well-being in older adults?" In response to this, the hypothesis posits the existence of a significant relationship between emotional intelligence and psychological well-being in older adults. Consequently, the general objective of this study was to determine if there is a significant relationship between emotional intelligence and psychological well-being in older adults residing in a nursing home. This was accomplished through a Quantitative Correlational research design, using a sample of 85 older adults, encompassing both men and women, aged 60 years and older, residing in a nursing home. The assessment tools employed included Emily Sterret's Self-Assessment Test of Emotional Intelligence, which was adapted for use in Peru by Lorena Valdez in 2018, and Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale, originally created in the United States in 1995 and subsequently adapted for use in Peru by Madelinne Pérez-Basilio in 2017. The results revealed that in the realm of emotional intelligence, the predominant level was "optimal," accounting for 51%, followed by "outstanding," at 49%. Concerning psychological well-being, there was a predominance of the "high" level, comprising 61%, with 39% falling into the "medium" category. In conclusion, there was a strong correlation coefficient between emotional intelligence and psychological well-being, with r = 0.831** and significance at p < 0.01. This implies that higher emotional intelligence corresponds to greater psychological well-being among older adults residing in a nursing home. Received: 7 September 2023 / Accepted: 9 April 2024 / Published: 5 May 2024

The Effect of Social Determinants of Health on Psychological Health Among Older Adults in Ghana

ABSTRACT This study examines the effects of various factors, including socioeconomic status, built environment, access to healthcare, educational level, social participation, and economic stability, on older adults’ psychological health. The current study analyzed a nationally representative sub-sample of 2,577 respondents aged 50 and above from the World Health Organization’s Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (WHO SAGE) Wave 2. WHO SAGE Wave 2 is cross-sectional data collected via in-person structured interviews. Ordinal least square (OLS) was used to measure the average effect of social determinants of health (SDoH), and quantile regression analysis was used to determine the effects of SDoH on older adults’ psychological health at different quantiles, specifically 10th, 50th, and 90th percentiles. Significant determinants of psychological health across all quantiles included age, healthcare access, marital status, economic stability, and neighborhood and built environment. However, the degrees of significance for residence, gender, educational level, chronic diseases, and social participation varied between quantiles, showing differing effects on older adults with high or low psychological health. Religion was insignificant across all quantiles. This study highlights the need for governments and public health agencies to develop targeted interventions and strategies that support the psychological well-being of older adults in the country.

Metaverse Life Story Museum and Reminiscence Group Therapy for Older Adults in Hong Kong

Purpose: The research project is to investigate how effective metaverse life story museum reminiscence therapy is in improving the psychological well-being of older adults, promoting positive aging, and enhancing reminiscence functions. Method: A quasi-experimental design with three metaverse reminiscence group therapy sessions were conducted with 15 older adults. Standardized measurements were taken before and after the therapy sessions. Qualitative methods were also employed to collect feedback. Results: The results indicated an increase in reminiscence functions and improvement in gerotranscendence based on the quantitative data. The qualitative findings revealed that the metaverse museum was a valuable tool for stimulating memory and helping older adults remember important life episodes. Discussion: The findings contribute to a better understanding of the utilization of metaverse in social work practice. Social workers are encouraged to introduce metaverse technology to older adults and provide them with training on how to use it safely and securely.

Prefrontal engagement predicts the effect of museum visit on psychological well-being: an fNIRS exploration.

Recent research suggests that museum visits can benefit psychological well-being by reducing symptoms of stress and anxiety. However, these reported relaxing effects remain inconsistent between studies. Shedding light on the underlying cerebral mechanisms of museum visits might support a better understanding of how it affects psychological well-being. This study aimed to investigate the prefrontal engagement evoked by artwork analysis during a museum visit and to determine if these prefrontal substrates are associated with the museum's effect on psychological well-being in older adults. Nineteen adults aged between 65 and 79, toured a Baroque-style exhibit at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts for approximately 20 minutes while equipped with a near-infrared spectroscopy system measuring the prefrontal cortex's hemodynamic activity. For each painting, participants received the instruction to either (1): analyze the painting and produce a personal interpretation of its signification (analytic condition) or (2) visualize the painting without any specific thoughts (visualization condition). Questionnaires measuring stress, anxiety, and well-being were administered before and after the visit. Sixteen older women (71.5 ± 4 years) were included in the analyses. Results showed that, at the group level, the analytic condition was associated with an increased activation pattern in the left ventrolateral prefrontal region, typically related to attentional processes (not observed in the visualization condition). The activation associated with the analytic condition predicted pre-/post-visit reductions in self-reported anxiety and stress in the sample of older women. These observations suggest that the level of engagement of attentional processes during artwork analysis may play a major role in the effect of a museum's visit on self-reported symptoms of anxiety.

Leisure Attitude, Self-Rated Health, and Psychological Well-Being in Older Adults: A Moderated Mediation Model.

A positive leisure attitude among older adults may have a beneficial effect on psychological well-being, both directly and indirectly by fostering a more positive perception of one's health. This paper presents a correlational design that explores associations among leisure attitude, self-rated health, and psychological well-being, and analyzes the potential moderating role of gender in these relationships. The sample was selected using simple random probability sampling (N= 409; 61.9% female; Mean age = 72.9; SD = 8.43¸ Range of age 53 to 93 years). Diverse sociodemographic information was collected, and leisure attitudes, self-perceived health, and psychological well-being (positive affect and emotional ties) were assessed. The results revealed a positive effect of leisure attitude on self-rated health and psychological well-being, with self-rated health fully mediating the association between the behavioral component of leisure attitude and psychological well-being. Furthermore, the moderating effect of gender on the relationship between self-rated health and psychological well-being was stronger among men. Positive cognitive and emotional perceptions of leisure among older adults seem to benefit psychological well-being and improve self-rated health, thereby contributing to healthy ageing.