Psychological Wellbeing Of Older People 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.

Effects of the Natural Environment on the Subjective and Psychological Well-Being of Older People in the Community in China

As people age, their activity radius gradually narrows, leading to increased interaction with the community environment. The natural environment (NE) within the community may influence the subjective and psychological well-being (SPWB) of older people (i.e., air quality, noise, green space, and blue space). To enhance the NE and promote the SPWB of older people, this study explored the effect of the community NE on the SPWB of older people. A questionnaire survey involving 180 older people from three communities was collected, alongside observations and measurements of the NE within the community. Finally, a NE-SPWB model was established, indicating that smell (air), ambient noise, green space areas, water landscapes, and smell (water) all positively influenced the SPWB of older people. Based on these findings, recommendations were proposed to enhance community environmental conditions, such as improving water landscapes and green spaces, to further enhance the well-being of older people.

Mental health index of the elderly population in Medellín (Colombia)-2021: a factorial analysis.

There are several risk factors associated with developing mental disorders among people over 60 years of age. Mental health encompasses multiple domains or capacities, which can comprise the psychological wellbeing of older people. Therefore, resilient coping, self-compassion, self-esteem, hopelessness, quality of life, and depression are considered the characteristics and adaptive mechanisms that bring together the main risk and protective factors for imbalance in mental wellbeing. This study aimed to establish the demographic, social, and family factors, as well as the clinical characteristics and lifestyle habits that influence the mental health of the elderly people in the city of Medellín, in the year 2021, to build a mental health index. This study adopts a quantitative approach, employs retrospective temporality, and utilizes secondary sources. A cross-sectional survey was carried out with the SABAM Project (health and mental wellbeing of older adults from five cities in Colombia in 2021 by its Spanish acronym) database (secondary source), which is part of the research group "Public Health Observatory" of CES University (Medellín, Colombia). The database comprised 500 records of people aged over 60 years from the city of Medellín in 2021. While constructing the index, a principal component analysis was used, along with the Varimax method for factor analysis rotation. The median age of the general population was 67 years (IQR 63-72); for men, the median age was 66 years (IQR 63-71) and for women, the median age was 67 years (IQR 63-72). An association was found between low socioeconomic levels, alcohol consumption, and the level of higher education (university-postgraduate) with low levels of the Mental Health Index in people over 60 years of age in Medellín during the year 2021. A quantitative model was developed to predict either a positive or negative prognosis in the mental wellbeing of the population over 60 years of age in the city of Medellín. The model was also used for the development of a sociodemographic profile highlighting the impact on mental health among people over 60 years of age with limited economic resources.

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.

Intergenerational Programs and Projects as a Proposal for Psychosocial Action in the Promotion of Active Aging

Introduction: Active aging promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) promote not only to add years to life, but also life to years. The pillars of active aging are based on health, safety, participation and education for life. To offer the possibility for older people to actively participate in society, there are different strategies, among which intergenerational programs and projects stand out. Objective: This mini-review aimed to review the value of intergenerational programs and projects in promoting active aging, through one of its fundamental pillars: the integration and participation of older adults. Method: The methodological procedure used in this paper involved a narrative approach with analysis from different sources. Different databases were consulted (WoS, PubMed, SciELO), and organizations such as the WHO and various oficial resources were used as sources of information. Results: Intergenerational programs and projects are plans coordinated and designed by educational centers, senior centers and other organizations and associations - public and private - that want to work together for the mutual benefit of older adults, children and youth. After review the benefits of intergenerational programs and projects, it stands out one of the recent and successful iniciative implemented in Spain -the intergenerational program “Adopt a Grandparent”. This iniciative is dedicated to fostering connections between different generations with the aim of alleviating situations of loneliness among older people. Discussion and Conclusions: Participation between generations brings us closer to a more intergenerational society. The social network formed through bidirectional synergies can positively impact aging, serving as a compass for the health and psychological well-being of older people. In essence, advocating for the promotion of intergenerationl programs and projects, as leading of the sphere social policies enables the construction of a society for all ages with psychosocial benefits.

MODEL OF MULTIDIMENSIONAL SOCIAL SUPPORT OF LIFE ACTIVITIES OF ELDERLY PEOPLE IN GERONTOLOGICAL CENTERS

Geriatric care plays an important role in promoting health and solving complex socio-psychological problems of older people. Its recipients are a particularly vulnerable category of citizens who need comprehensive professional support that ensures daily social activity, communication and, as a result, a proper quality of life. Nevertheless, real experience shows that the principles of working with older people are still not fully declared, are of a limited nature, especially in those countries where gerontology as a scienti™c discipline is still under development. In accordance with the traditional model of geriatric care, adopted as a basis in modern Russia, care for the elderly is carried out, primarily based on their «main complaint». is article aims to form a holistic view of the role of geriatric centers in providing social support for the life of the elderly, to summarize the main aspects and principles of providing geriatric care, considering its multidimensional nature, based on the systematization of the experience of several foreign countries. e proposed structure of the model of multidimensional social support for the life of the elderly living in geriatric centers consists of the following blocks: social networks; social exchange; social activity (involvement); social capital. e theoretical underpinning of the proposed model is potentially useful for guiding future practice, research, and policy in this area. e social environment that can be built through the implementation of these four blocks can become one of the most important and most valuable tools in ensuring the comprehensive social and psychological well-being of older people. is study was aimed primarily at ™lling a gap in the Russian scienti™c literature, helping to comprehend the concept and model of social support for the elderly in the setting of geriatric centers. All this is essential to provide optimal assistance in response to the needs and needs of the older generation.

Reply to Inzitari et al. Comment on "Blancafort Alias et al. A Multi-Domain Group-Based Intervention to Promote Physical Activity, Healthy Nutrition, and Psychological Wellbeing in Older People with Losses in Intrinsic Capacity: AMICOPE Development Study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 5979".

This is a reply to the comment by Inzitari et al [...].

Comment on Blancafort Alias et al. A Multi-Domain Group-Based Intervention to Promote Physical Activity, Healthy Nutrition, and Psychological Wellbeing in Older People with Losses in Intrinsic Capacity: AMICOPE Development Study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 5979.

We read with interest the article by Blancafort et al. [...].

PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT OF ELDERLY PEOPLE IN PANDEMIC PERIOD (features of online webinars support)

The article analyzes the features of technical organization and support of online webinars created for psychological support of the elderly and their families, their testing in social networks and use on the Internet by the target audience. The peculiarities of using the ZOOM platform, AnswerGarden and Padlet services to conduct a series of webinars created within the objectives of the project «Psychological support for the elderly in pandemic period», recommended for implementation in 2020-2021 with grant support by the National Research Foundation of Ukraine. Using online services for a series of webinars allowed participants to save time, as they do not need to spend it on the way to the venue of the webinars; most of the participants were in different cities and regions of Ukraine; Convenience was also important, as webinars participants could be in a convenient place. The results of webinars participant’s registration are covered, in particular: age category, type of employment, territorial affiliation. Here is an example of statistics on webinars views on the YouTube channel «Vik Obranyh». It is determined that the advantages of using webinars are: providing information accessible, understandable to anyone, language, taking into account the age characteristics of the elderly, reaching a large audience. The practical value of webinars lies in influencing the emotional, cog-nitive, and behavioral components of the individual's psyche to provide psychological support to older people who are in difficult life circumstances due to forced self-isolation. The social effect of webinars is that the use of the information obtained will help to improve the psychological well-being of older people in conditions of forced self-isolation. Difficulties identified during the webinar cycle were identified. The ways of high-quality provision of webinars organization, attraction of the audience with the help of advertising posts and e-mail mailings are revealed

A Comparative Study on Emotion Regulation of Older and Younger Adults

Objectives: Healthy aging is a natural human right and emotion regulation is an important factor in improving mental health promotion in different developmental ages. This study aims to compare emotion regulation in older and younger adults. Methods & Materials: This is a causal-comparative study. The study population includes all older and younger adults in Tehran in 2019. Of these, 235 were selected using a convenience sampling method. They completed Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), Mentalized Affectivity Scale (MAS), and Emotion Regulation of Others and Self (ERO and ERS) questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using multivariate analysis of variance, independent t-test, and paired t-test in SPSS v. 20 software. Results: The scores of DERS (F= 17.08, P<0.001), ERQ (F= 16.07, P<0.001), and ERS (t = -12.2, P= 0.35) were significantly higher in older adults than younger adults, while there was no significant difference between them in MAS (t = -1.29, P= 0.198) and ERO (F= 0.256, P= 0.614) scores. Conclusion: The scores of DERS, ERS, and cognitive reappraisal subscale of ERQ are higher in older adults, but there is no significant difference between older and younger adults in the scores of MAS and ERO. Mental health professionals can take effective measures at the community level based on these findings to promote emotional health and psychological well-being of older people.

A Multi-Domain Group-Based Intervention to Promote Physical Activity, Healthy Nutrition, and Psychological Wellbeing in Older People with Losses in Intrinsic Capacity: AMICOPE Development Study.

The World Health Organization has developed the Integrated Care of Older People (ICOPE) strategy, a program based on the measurement of intrinsic capacity (IC) as “the composite of all physical and mental attributes on which an individual can draw”. Multicomponent interventions appear to be the most effective approach to enhance IC and to prevent frailty and disability since adapted physical activity is the preventive intervention that has shown the most evidence in the treatment of frailty and risk of falls. Our paper describes the development of a multi-domain group-based intervention addressed to older people living in the community, aimed at improving and/or maintaining intrinsic capacity by means of promoting physical activity, healthy nutrition, and psychological wellbeing in older people. The process of intervention development is described following the Guidance for reporting intervention development studies in health research (GUIDED). The result of this study is the AMICOPE intervention (Aptitude Multi-domain group-based intervention to improve and/or maintain IC in Older PEople) built upon the ICOPE framework and described following the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) guidelines. The intervention consists of 12 face-to-face sessions held weekly for 2.5 h over three months and facilitated by a pair of health and social care professionals. This study represents the first stage of the UK Medical Research Council framework for developing and evaluating a complex intervention. The next step should be carrying out a feasibility study for the AMICOPE intervention and, at a later stage, assessing the effectiveness in a randomized controlled trial.

Psychological factors of fear of crime: an empirical study of older people in Lucknow, India

Purpose The incidents of elder victimisation and cases of victimisation, in general, are increasing fast in the society. These incidents have had negative impact on the sense of well-being and way of life of the older people. Therefore, fear of crime is being considered as a most concerning psycho-social problem amongst the older people in contemporary time. The purpose of this study is to understand the impact of crime rate on the well-being of the older people and examine the linkage between psychological factors and fear of crime amongst the older people. Design/methodology/approach The present study is based on the mixed method approach and an exploratory research designed applied to conduct the study. The field survey has been done from October 2012 to January 2013 on a sample of 220 older people of rural and urban areas of Lucknow in the state of Uttar Pradesh through purposive sampling. For the study, researcher has interviewed 137 male older people and 83 female older people through interview schedules and case studies. The data have been analysed through descriptive and narrative analysis. Findings The study finds that those older people have direct or indirect experience of victimisation, they have anxiety and feel insecurity that someone can victimise them. The study also finds that the happiness of older people is more affected due to anxiety and phobia and have higher level of feeling of fear of crime in their neighbourhood and home. The study also finds whenever anti-social elements are active in the neighbourhood and they commit crimes, fear of crime and anxiety grasp the older people to a large extent causing a fracture in their psychological well-being. Originality/value This work is the original work of researcher. This paper is related to the researcher’s PhD dissertation work. This paper talks about how the psychological well-being of older people affects due to nature of crime in neighbourhood, phobia of crime and anxiety due to criminal activities.

An integrative review of acupressure interventions for older people: A focus on sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and agitation.

This integrative review aimed to synthesize studies that investigated the effects of acupressure on sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and agitation in older people, and to describe the acupressure procedures and techniques applied in the included studies. A literature search was conducted using electronic databases including CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and MEDLINE. The inclusion criteria for the review were studies examining the effect of acupressure in older people aged 60years and above, measured the outcomes for sleep quality, depression, anxiety or agitation, applied body acupressure, and published in English language. The exclusion criteria were studies using auricular acupoints only, and articles published in any language other than English. Methodological quality of studies was assessed using the critical appraised tools developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The information about study design, findings, and description of acupressure intervention were extracted, summarized, and synthesized. A total of 255 articles were identified from the search and as well one article from cross-references. From there, a total of 19 studies were included in this review. Nine studies consistently showed positive effects of acupressure on sleep quality, and four studies consistently showed that acupressure reduced depression. The outcomes of acupressure on anxiety and agitation showed inconsistent findings, in which three studies measured anxiety and five studies measured agitation. There was also variation of acupressure techniques applied in the reviewed studies. This review found some emerging evidences that acupressure can be beneficial for older people who suffer from sleep problems and depression. Use of specific acupressure points, with standardized acupressure treatment protocols, may improve sleep quality and possibly psychological wellbeing of older people. Future research with well-designed mixed method studies are required to produce stronger evidence, as well as in-depth understanding of acupressure intervention in aged care context.

Managing emotional and psychological distress in older people

Purpose Much has been written about helping those with dementia. But what about those for whom distress is not primarily related to a neurological cause and there is no psychiatric history? The purpose of this paper is to offer a guide for allied health professionals and family carers to manage distress in older people who are able to engage in language based communication and who are experiencing significant change or loss. Design/methodology/approach This practice informed paper draws on the authors’ extensive experience working as a mental health social worker who specializes in work with older people in the community and in care, with family carers and in educating allied health professionals on how to manage presentations of distress in older people. Findings Three foundational management strategies are discussed: understand the reason for distress, implement the C.A.R.E. Plan and maximize comfort in exploration and referral. Research limitations/implications This viewpoint piece has not been substantiated through research and does not reflect training in the field of clinical geropsychology. Originality/value The ideas in this paper are original and are practical solutions to common problems that can be faced by workers or family in close contact with older people. The information can be applied immediately to whatever setting is relevant for the reader and is written in easy to understand language. Furthermore, its aim is not only to increase skill and confidence for the reader but also to promote the emotional and psychological wellbeing of older people.

Efficacy of a computer-based cognitive training program in older people with subjective memory complaints: a randomized study

ABSTRACTObjective: the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of computer-assisted cognitive training in healthy older adults with subjective memory complaints.Methods: Forty older adults, mean age (standard deviation) = 66.4 (5.6) with subjective memory complaints, were included in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to an integrated psychostimulation program (IPP) (N = 17), a computerized cognitive training (CCT) (N = 12) or a control group (N = 11). The training was applied for 8 weeks (90 min/d, 4 d/week for IPP, and 60 min/d, 4 d/week for CCT). Effectiveness was evaluated with a neuropsychological assessment battery, used before and after the implementation of the cognitive training.Results: According to the data analysis, with analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), we found a statistically significant change in the majority of the cognitive variables measured before and after the experimental conditions compared with the control group. Although, according to a paired t-test, the IPP was more effective in the improvement of cognitive functioning in the participants. Additionally, a decrease in anxiety symptoms was observed after the cognitive intervention in IPP and CCT conditions.Conclusion: Our findings suggested that cognitive training of moderate intensity, supported by a web platform, could lead to significant improvements in cognitive and psychological well-being in older people with subjective memory complaints.

Longitudinal Trajectories of Quality of Life and Depression by Housing Tenure Status.

A large body of research has demonstrated the positive effects of home ownership on well-being and health outcomes. However, most previous studies have been cross-sectional. The present study aimed to understand the long-term impact of housing tenure on the psychological wellbeing of older people in New Zealand. Data were collected between 2010 and 2014. The 2010 sample (aged from 50-85 years) comprised 2,843 participants (55.4% female). Latent growth curve modeling was used to investigate trajectories of change for home owners and tenants in quality of life and depression symptoms. Analyses also examined the additional impact of demographic and socio-economic variables. Over time, quality of life increased, while depression symptoms decreased, for home owners. For tenants, lower levels of quality of life and higher levels of depression symptoms remained stable. Economic living standard, urban versus rural residence, length of residence, ethnicity, age, and household composition emerged as significant covariates. The psychological benefits of home ownership highlight the importance of secure and sustainable housing. Policies should be designed to ensure access to safe housing solutions for all older people.

Realización de actividades y extraversión como variables predictoras del bienestar psicológico en personas mayores

IntroductionThe relationship between extraversion and wellbeing has been discussed in the literature, however, the impact that this trait has on the wellbeing of older people has been studied to a lesser extent. The relationship between extraversion, participation in activities and psychological wellbeing in older people is analysed in this study. Material and methodsThe sample comprised 139 individuals over 55 years from rural and urban areas of the province of Granada who completed the extraversion subscale of the NEO-FFI and the Ryff Scales of the Psychological Wellbeing, as well as responding to questions that evaluated their social participation. ResultsA greater social participation was found in rural areas and among women. The activities more frequently performed by the participants were educational and religious activities, walking, everyday chores, crafts, and home improvements. A low positive correlation between extraversion and wellbeing was observed. The multiple regression analysis revealed that extraversion explained 19.9% of the variance in psychological wellbeing, which increased to 25.3% when social participation, gender, and the origin of the sample were considered. ConclusionsPsychological wellbeing appears to be associated with personality traits, such as extraversion. In addition this personality trait is linked to the number and type of activities the elderly perform which also contributes to wellbeing in old age.

The effects of spending time outdoors in daylight on the psychosocial wellbeing of older people and family carers: a comprehensive systematic review protocol

Review question/objective The overall objective of this research is to undertake a systematic review of the effects of spending time outdoors in daylight on the psychosocial wellbeing of older adults and family carers. The specific objectives to be addressed are: Which aspects of psychosocial wellbeing are affected by spending time outdoors in daylight in older adults and family carers? To what extent is spending time outdoors in the daylight effective for improving aspects of psychosocial wellbeing in older adults and family carers? Inclusion criteria Types of participants This review will consider studies that include all older adults aged 55 years or more, including those living in a community setting or a residential aged care facility. In addition, this review will consider family carers, who are defined as unpaid relatives or friends of an older person, who help that individual with their activities of daily living. No further inclusion criteria will be applied. Types of intervention(s)/phenomena of interest The intervention or phenomenon of interest is spending time outdoors in daylight. ‘Outdoors in daylight’ is a broad term that encompasses all outdoor environments where participants are exposed, directly or indirectly, to daylight in a natural setting while participating in any type of outdoor activity. For our review, the definition of outdoor activity is simply ‘being outdoors’ in order to capture all types of engagement with outdoor environments. Studies will be excluded if they utilise artificial ‘bright’ light sources or modify the indoor environment to improve light exposure. An absence of activity or indoors activity with no exposure to daylight will be used as a comparator. Types of outcomes This review will consider studies that include objective and/ or subjective measures of the following outcomes: Older adults: • psychosocial well-being: o behavioural disturbances; o cognition; o mood levels; o quality of life; o satisfaction with service provision; and o social interaction. Family carer health: o carer satisfaction; and o carer stress.

The impact of the Bealtaine arts programme on the quality of life, wellbeing and social interaction of older people in Ireland

ABSTRACTThere is increasing evidence in the international literature that engagement in the arts can enhance the physical and psychological wellbeing of older people. Such engagement can increase the self-confidence and morale of older people and provide opportunities for increased social connections, leading to higher levels of social cohesion. This article is based on an evaluation of a national arts festival in Ireland called Bealtaine that celebrates creativity in older people each year during the month of May. The festival is unique in the wide range of arts-related activities it includes and the different types of organisations involved, such as local authorities, libraries, educational institutions, health and social care organisations, and voluntary bodies for older people. It includes both long-standing professionally facilitated arts programmes and one-off events at local and national levels. The evaluation used quantitative and qualitative methods to analyse two major postal surveys with organisers and consumers of the festival and face-to-face interviews with older participants, artists and organisers. The findings are overwhelmingly positive in terms of the personal and social gains arising from participation in the festival. In this context, the study provides support for the provision of enhanced and sustained funding for creative programmes for older people and, more generally, for the development of an integrated policy for older people and the arts in the country.

Therapeutic effects of an indoor gardening programme for older people living in nursing homes

To explore the activities of daily living and psychological well-being of older people living in nursing homes and also to examine the effectiveness of a gardening programme in enhancing socilaisation and life satisfaction, reducing loneliness and promoting activities of daily living for older people living in nursing homes. Life in nursing homes can mean very limited physical and social activity, leading to further decline in function for many older people. This was a quasi-experimental pre and posttest control group design. Older people from nursing homes were invited to join the eight week indoor gardening programme (experimental group), while older people in other nursing homes were treated as the control group; they received regular care without the eight week indoor gardening programme. There were 26 older people (25 female and one male; mean age 85 years) in the experimental group and 27 (20 female and seven male; mean age 82 years) in the control group. Demographic data including age, gender, educational level and financial situation were collected, in addition to information regarding life satisfaction, loneliness, physical activity and social network situation, before and after the eight week indoor gardening programme for both the experimental and control groups. Also, details of experimental group subjects' experience of the indoor gardening programme were elicited using open-ended questions. There were significant improvements in life satisfaction and social network and a significant decrease in perception of loneliness for older people in the experimental group after the eight week indoor gardening programme, while the activities of daily living were unchanged for both groups after the programme. Given the positive effects of gardening activities, it is suggested that they be promoted more widely among nursing home residents.