Subjective Well-being Of Older Adults Research Articles

How are We Doing Today? Using Natural Speech Analysis to Assess Older Adults’ Subjective Well-Being

The research presents the development and test of a machine learning (ML) model to assess the subjective well-being of older adults based solely on natural speech. The use of such technologies can have a positive impact on healthcare delivery: the proposed ML model is patient-centric and securely uses user-generated data to provide sustainable value not only in the healthcare context but also to address the global challenge of demographic change, especially with respect to healthy aging. The developed model unobtrusively analyzes the vocal characteristics of older adults by utilizing natural language processing but without using speech recognition capabilities and adhering to the highest privacy standards. It is based on theories of subjective well-being, acoustic phonetics, and prosodic theories. The ML models were trained with voice data from volunteer participants and calibrated through the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL), a widely accepted tool for assessing the subjective well-being of human beings. Using WHOQOL scores as a proxy, the developed model provides accurate numerical estimates of individuals’ subjective well-being.Different models were tested and compared. The regression model proves beneficial for detecting unexpected shifts in subjective well-being, whereas the support vector regression model performed best and achieved a mean absolute error of 10.90 with a standard deviation of 2.17. The results enhance the understanding of the subconscious information conveyed through natural speech. This offers multiple applications in healthcare and aging, as well as new ways to collect, analyze, and interpret self-reported user data. Practitioners can use these insights to develop a wealth of innovative products and services to help seniors maintain their independence longer, and physicians can gain much greater insight into changes in their patients’ subjective well-being.

Factors contributing to subjective well-being and supporting successful aging among rural Japanese community-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional and longitudinal study.

We aimed to identify the factors contributing to subjective well-being in community-dwelling older adults in rural Japan. This study explored the relationship among physical and mental health, socioeconomic status, and activity levels with regard to the subjective well-being of older adults. In the Frail Elderly in the Sasayama-Tamba Area study, a cohort investigation of independent older adults in a rural Japanese community, 541 of 844 participants completed a 2-year follow-up survey. Subjective well-being was assessed as a binary based on three factors - "happiness," "satisfaction with life" and "meaning in life" - using a subset of the World Health Organization's Quality of Life questionnaire. The improvement group transitioned from not having subjective well-being during the baseline survey to having subjective well-being during the follow-up survey. Furthermore, we used multivariable log-Poisson regression models to calculate the prevalence ratios of subjective well-being. The cross-sectional study showed that sleep satisfaction, health services access satisfaction and having a higher-level functional capacity were positively associated with having "happiness" and "satisfaction with life." Furthermore, being aged 80 years and having financial leeway were positively associated with having "meaning in life." The longitudinal study showed that having a higher-level functional capacity was positively associated with improving "happiness" and "satisfaction with life." Being female was positively associated with improving "happiness" and "meaning in life," and health services access satisfaction and alcohol drinking were positively associated with improving "satisfaction with life" and "meaning in life," respectively. These findings offer promising avenues for enhancing the subjective well-being of older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 311-319.

Exploring non-linear effects of walking accessibility on well-being in rural older adults of Jintang County: a random forest analysis.

The global concern surrounding the aging population has brought the well-being of older individuals to the forefront of societal attention. Unfortunately, studies focusing on the well-being of older people residing in rural areas are frequently overshadowed by the developmental disparities between rural and urban regions. Thus, this study aims to delve into the non-linear impact of walking accessibility on the subjective well-being of rural older adults. The goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of this relationship, ultimately contributing to an improved quality of life and health for older adults in rural areas. In this study, the Random Forest algorithm was employed to explore the non-linear effects of demographic variables, perceived safety, subjective built environment (including perceptions and preferences of the built environment), and walking accessibility on the subjective well-being of older adults. The findings of this study underscore the pivotal role of walking accessibility in influencing the well-being of older adults, particularly in terms of access to bazaars and health centers, where non-linear and threshold effects are evident. Furthermore, community safety, road conditions, and walking preferences were identified as positive influencers on the well-being of older adults. Well-being trends varied with age, revealing noteworthy non-linear relationships for certain variables. The insights gained from this study provide crucial theoretical guidance for the development of policies tailored to the unique context of rural aging. By taking into account factors such as walking accessibility, community safety, health support, and social interaction, we can create an improved living environment for rural older adults, ultimately enhancing their happiness and overall quality of life.

Effects of workplace ageism on negative perception of aging and subjective well-being of older adults according to gender and employment status.

According to stereotype embodiment theory, workplace ageism can worsen older adults' self-perceptions of aging and subjective well-being. However, there has been little research on gender differences in this regard. This study examined the effects of workplace ageism on attitudes toward aging and subjective well-being according to gender and employment status. We carried out an online survey of 600 participants aged 60-74 years in October 2021. Participants were equally divided into women who had worked full-time, women who had worked part-time and men who had worked full-time, and further divided by current employment status, forming a total of six groups for comparison. A total of 75% of the participants perceived some form of workplace ageism. Structural equation modeling showed that, for men and women in full-time employment, workplace ageism was associated with a negative self-perception of aging and poor subjective well-being, the effect of which was strong among those currently employed and weak among those who had retired. For women working part-time, the impact of workplace ageism on subjective well-being was stronger among those who were currently unemployed. Workplace ageism exacerbates older adults' self-perception of aging and decreases their subjective well-being. Women working part-time might quit their jobs when their subjective well-being worsens due to workplace ageism. Therefore, it is necessary to create a workplace environment that is comfortable for older workers and free of ageism. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 259-265.

Social relationships and subjective wellbeing of the older adults in India: the moderating role of gender

ObjectiveSocial relationships have been extensively researched as having compelling health benefits. Nevertheless, these issues are understudied in low-income countries like India. This study investigates whether intergenerational solidarity or the social relationship developed in the household context and social participation or the social relationships developed in the community context are the critical determinants of subjective wellbeing (SWB) of older adults in India. In addition, this study also investigates whether gender moderates the association between social relationships and subjective wellbeing (SWB).MethodsThis study utilises a latent variable approach to investigate the association between social relationships and SWB among older adults (aged 60 or older, N = 9,852) based on a cross-sectional analysis of data from Building a Knowledge Base on Population Ageing in India (BKPAI) (2011). I tested the moderating effect of gender by employing a multigroup analysis in structural equation modelling that incorporated social relationships and other predictors of SWB.ResultsThe study suggests that social participation has a significant protective impact on elderlies’ SWB, and gender doesn’t moderate the relation. Intergenerational solidarity has a significant health protective impact on older adults’ SWB; there is a significant moderating impact of gender. Specifically, functional and consensual solidarity have significant moderating effects of gender. Affectional solidarity, although a significant predictor of older adults’ SWB, and gender don’t moderate the relation.ConclusionThe study suggests taking into account a variety of social relationships as well as gender roles when attempting to understand SWB at a later age. The results are discussed in terms of how gender roles impact social relationships and how men and women evaluate SWB differently based on those relationships.

A Community-Based Intervention to Enhance Subjective Well-Being in Older Adults: Study Design and Baseline Participant Profiles

Promoting subjective well-being is a crucial challenge in aging societies. In 2022, we launched a community-based intervention trial (the Chofu-Digital-Choju Movement). This initiative centered on fostering in-person and online social connections to enhance the subjective well-being of older adults. This paper describes the study design and baseline survey. This quasi-experimental study involved community-dwelling older adults aged 65–84 years in Chofu City, Tokyo, Japan. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 3742 residents (1681 men and 2061 women), and a baseline survey was conducted in January 2022. We assessed subjective well-being (primary outcome); psychosocial, physical, and dietary factors; and the use of information and communication technology variables (secondary outcomes) among the participants. After the intervention involving online classes, community hubs, and community events, a 2-year follow-up survey will be conducted to evaluate the effects of the intervention, comparing the intervention group (participants) with the control group (non-participants). We received 2503 questionnaires (66.9% response rate); of these, the analysis included 2343 questionnaires (62.6% valid response rate; mean age, 74.4 (standard deviation, 5.4) years; 43.7% male). The mean subjective well-being score was 7.2 (standard deviation, 1.9). This study will contribute to the development of a prototype subjective well-being strategy for older adults.

A study on Internet use and subjective well-being among Chinese older adults: based on CGSS (2012-2018) five-wave mixed interface survey data.

This study is designed to investigate the relationship between Internet use and subjective well-being of the older adults in China, and to analyze the mediating role of subjective social fairness in the above relationship. Based on the five-wave mixed interface survey data of China General Social Survey (CGSS) in 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2018, we select a total of 18,458 older adults aged 60 and above, and comprehensively used ordered probit regression, propensity score matching (PSM), and Karlson-Holm-Breen (KHB) mediating effect test methods. The analysis results show that (1) Internet use is significantly positively correlated with the subjective well-being of the older adults, and the higher the frequency of use, the stronger the subjective well-being. (2) Place of residence, education, and regional factors moderated the effect of Internet use on subjective well-being. The subjective well-being effect of Internet use is significant among male older adults, as well as on urban, educated, or eastern older adults. (3) Subjective social fairness plays a negative mediating role in the relationship between Internet use and subjective well-being of older adults. The findings suggest that Internet use contributes to the improvement of subjective well-being in older adults, but attenuates this effect by reducing the subjective social fairness. Future research should further consider other factors such as the purpose, specific function, intensity of Internet use, etc., to gain a deeper understanding of how the Internet can help promote well-being.

Subjective well-being patterns in older men and women without someone to confide in: a latent class analysis approach.

This study aimed to identify the latent subtypes of subjective well-being (SWB) and associated factors in older adults without a confidant in China. The data came from the most recent (seventh) wave (2018) of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). This cross-sectional study included 350 older adults who lacked a close confidant. We utilized latent class analysis and multiple logistic regression models to examine the latent SWB subtypes and associated factors. Three distinct patterns of SWB were identified: the very low SWB class (32%), the medium-low SWB class (46%), and the low evaluative and high affective SWB class (22%). The results indicated that compared to the low evaluative and high affective SWB class, respondents who self-rated their health as not good, currently drank alcohol and rated their financial status as poor/very poor were more likely to be in the very low SWB class, while those who participated in social activities were less likely to be in the very low SWB class. Respondents who had limitations in instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) and rated their financial status as poor/very poor were more likely to be in the medium-low SWB class. However, gender did not affect SWB patterns. Our findings highlight awareness of the heterogeneity of SWB in older adults without close confidants and provide valuable information for the development of tailored intervention programs to improve their well-being.

Political activism and wellbeing among older adults in Israel

Background and Objectives The aging process is characterized by encountering challenging situations and losses that may influence the subjective wellbeing of older adults. This study investigates the influence of the political-social crisis that unfolded in Israel in 2023 on the wellbeing of senior citizens. Additionally, it explores whether their participation in protests has contributed to their wellbeing. Research Design and Methods We conducted interviews with 30 older adults who were actively engaged in the protest movement against the judicial overhaul. Our sampling approach was designed to encompass a diverse range of factors, including various age groups beyond 65 years, prior involvement in protest activities, geographical distribution, religious involvement, professional backgrounds, and differing political viewpoints. Results Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed three key findings: (1) The participants reported feeling fear and anxiety due to the conflict, leading to a decrease in their wellbeing. (2) Participating in protests uplifted their spirits and provided social support, resulting in improved emotional and social wellbeing. (3) When asked about their perception of the crisis in the future, the participants expressed mixed views: Some were cautiously optimistic and others profoundly pessimistic, while the sentiments of some participants fluctuated. Discussion and Implications This qualitative study indicates the negative impact of political-social crisis on older adults’ wellbeing, as well as the limited contribution of political activism to its improvement. Equally important, the research highlights the need for stakeholders in aging and gerontology to prioritize promoting older adults’ mental health regularly and during political crises.

The impact of internet use in the digital age on the subjective well-being of older adults -- an empirical study based on CGSS2021 data

The main objective of this study is the effect of Internet use on the subjective well-being of older adults. Based on the China General Social Survey 2021 cross-sectional data, 11 variables were selected from the perspective of sociology and demography. These variables include one dependent variable, three independent variables, and seven control variables. A binary logistic model was used to study the effects of the three dimensions of Internet use in the digital age (independent variables) on the subjective well-being of the elderly (dependent variable) with the elderly as the research object (N = 1836). The results of the study revealed that Internet use (P < 0.001, Exp(B) = 1.567), information sources (P < 0.001, Exp(B) = 1.695), and frequency of Internet use (P < 0.001, Exp(B) = 0.858) of the elderly had significant effects on their subjective well-being. To improve the subjective well-being of the elderly in the digital era, this paper proposes the following suggestions and countermeasures: 1) strengthen the digital infrastructure for the elderly and create an “Internet + elderly” model; 2) formulate relevant protective policies to promote Internet use among the elderly; 3) regulate the frequency of Internet access to maintain a balance between the virtual and real world. Conclusion: A thoughtful digitalization approach for the elderly can ensure they keep up with the times, bridge the “digital divide” between generations, extend their working lives, and enhance their subjective well-being. This study has some limitations. The object of the study is only the elderly in China, while the elderly in every country in the world have certain differences in subjective or objective conditions.

Enhancing Subjective Wellbeing in Older Individuals with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Trial of a Positive Psychology Intervention.

This pilot study aims to explore the potential of a positive psychology intervention (PPI) in enhancing the subjective well-being of older individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to dementia. A randomized trial was conducted, initially recruiting 51 participants aged 65 and above from the Greek Association of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders in Thessaloniki, Greece. The study employed a control-experimental group setup. To ensure randomization, each participant was assigned a unique number, and a random number generator was used for group allocation. A total of 41 eligible participants with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were included in the study after screening. The intervention consisted of a 3-week positive psychology program (PPI) where the PERMA Profiler questionnaire was administered at three intervals: pre-intervention, post-intervention, and one month after completion. The subjective well-being of participants. The analysis, conducted mainly through mixed-measures ANOVAs, supported the study's hypotheses, revealing that the 3-week PPI led to increased PERMA model scores and overall well-being, which persisted even after one month. Conversely, non-participants experienced declines in most domains except for Positive Emotion and Meaning, which demonstrated improvement and recovery during follow-up. These findings suggest the potential of PPI in enhancing the subjective well-being of older adults with amnestic MCI, with implications for addressing dementia-related challenges. Further investigation is warranted to pinpoint PPI effects on MCI and tailor interventions for improved subjective well-being.

Generativity and Subjective Wellbeing of Malaysian Old Adults: The Role of Gender and Living Arrangement

This study examined the moderating role of gender and living arrangements in the relationship between generativity and subjective well-being among Malaysian old adults. The descriptive survey research design was utilized for this study. The target population was healthy old adults aged 60 and above in Ipoh, Malaysia with healthy cognitive ability. Using a purposive sampling technique, 441 old adults were recruited from public places to participate in the study. They responded to a validated questionnaire administered via structured interviews. Instruments include measure of generativity and subjective well-being. The study employed an independent sample t-test and Pearson correlation to find the differences and associations between understudied variables. Hayes Process was used to test the moderation effect of gender and living arrangement. The main results of the analysis show significant correlation between all variables. Specifically, the study suggests that gender and living arrangement moderate the association of generativity and old adults’ SWB. However, gender as a single variable does not moderate the association. Hence, this paper concludes that by contributing to others, the subjective well-being of older adults could be improved. The findings are useful for all relevant parties to develop necessary actions for promoting successful aging among senior citizens.

The association between quality of life and subjective wellbeing among older adults based on canonical correlation analysis.

The study explored the relationship between subjective well-being and the quality of life among older adults. It highlights the importance of understanding how these factors are interconnected in the context of an aging population. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the scores of general demographic characteristics, subjective wellbeing and quality of life. Simple correlation analysis and canonical correlation analysis were employed to analyze the relationship between subjective wellbeing and quality of life among older adults. Data from 892 older adults were collected. Canonical correlation analysis revealed four pairs of canonical variables, with the first four pairs of canonical correlation coefficients all being statistically significant (0.695, 0.179, 0.147, 0.121) (p < 0.05), and the first pair of canonical variables explaining 93.03% of the information content. From the canonical loading coefficients, Vitality and mental health contributed the most to the quality of life (U1) canonical variable. The canonical variable V1, which corresponded to subjective wellbeing, was reflected by a combination of positive affect, negative affect, positive experience and negative experience. X1 (physical functioning), X2 (role-physical), X3 (bodily pain), X4 (general health), X5 (vitality), X6 (social functioning), X7 (role-emotional) and X8 (mental health) were positively correlated with Y1 (positive affect) and Y3 (positive experience), negatively correlated with Y2 (negative affect) and Y4 (negative experience). Cross-loadings revealed that physical functioning, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning and mental health were the main factors reflecting the subjective wellbeing of older adults. As quality of life among older adults was highly correlated with subjective wellbeing, appropriate measures should be taken to account for individual characteristics of older adults, and various factors should be integrated to improve their subjective wellbeing.

Family Structure and Subjective Well-being of Older Adults in China: Impacts of Grandparent Coresidence, Grandparenting, and Family Support

Family Structure and Subjective Well-being of Older Adults in China: Impacts of Grandparent Coresidence, Grandparenting, and Family Support

Association Between Social Frailty and Life Satisfaction Among Older Adults: The Role of Functional Limitations and Depressive Symptoms.

The current study aimed to identify life satisfaction depending on the degree of social frailty and explore the mediating role of functional limitations and depressive symptoms between social frailty and life satisfaction. A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey was used. Data of 6,479 older adults were selected from the 2020 National Survey of Older Koreans. Of all participants, 2,595 (40.1%) and 1,605 (24.8%) had social prefrailty and frailty, respectively. Life satisfaction of participants with social frailty was significantly worse than those without social frailty. Social frailty negatively influenced life satisfaction. Functional limitations and depressive symptoms serially mediated the association between social frailty and life satisfaction. This mediation model provided evidence of the associations among social frailty, functional limitations, depressive symptoms, and life satisfaction in older adults. In community care settings, nurses should recognize the assessment of social frailty to enhance the subjective well-being of older adults. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 16(6), 291-300.].

Community attachment as a factor in the subjective well-being of older adults in urban and rural areas: a case study in Tokyo, Osaka, and Shikoku region in Japan

This study explored the relationship between community participation/community attachment and subjective well-being (SWB) among Japanese older adults. The study was conducted in Japanese urban (Tokyo and Osaka) and rural (Shikoku region) areas. Structural equation modelling was performed to assess the potential relationship between community participation, community attachment and SWB. Results showed that community participation and community attachment were positively associated in both areas. However, community attachment had a significant impact on SWB only in rural areas with little impact on increasing SWB in urban areas. We conclude that the role of community attachment varies according to regions with different socioeconomic properties. These findings contribute to the design of detailed region-specific initiatives to improve SWB of older adults.

Association between meaningful activities at home and subjective well-being in older adults with long-term care needs: A cross-sectional study

For this study, we examined whether engaging in meaningful activities at home is associated with subjective well-being (SWB) in older adults with long-term care needs according to their preference for going out. We distributed a self-administered questionnaire to long-term care facilities in Japan and performed a linear mixed-effects model regression analysis of the responses. The dependent variable was SWB, and the independent variables were the number of meaningful home activities, preference for going out, and the interaction between them. In our survey (n = 217), we found that both number of meaningful home activities (B = 0.43; 95%CI: 0.17, 0.70) and its interaction with preference (B = −0.43; 95%CI: −0.79, −0.08) were associated with SWB. These results suggest the importance of engaging in meaningful activities at home for older adults who do not prefer going out. We should encourage older adults to participate in activities that match their preference.

An assessment of self-rated life satisfaction and its correlates with physical, mental and social health status among older adults in India

Life satisfaction refers to the assessment of one’s own life in terms of self-perceived favourable qualities. It is an integral part of healthy and successful course of ageing. It is widely associated with the health status and social well-being. The present study attempted to determine the constructing factors of self-rated life satisfaction, such as socio-demographic, physical, social, and mental well-being of older adults. We analysed information from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI-1), the initial phase conducted during 2017–18 for the population of older adults in India. We applied descriptive statistics for prevalence assessment and association was checked using chi-square test. Further, to determine the adjusted outcome of predictor covariates on the likelihood of an individual being satisfied from life estimated by applying hierarchical multiple logistic regression models. Several noteworthy affirmations on the relationship between the socio-demographic variables and health risk behaviours with life satisfaction were observed. The results were consistent with studies showing change in life satisfaction subject to the state of physical and mental health, presence of chronic diseases, friends and family relations, dependency, and events of trauma or abuse. While comparing respondents, we found varying degrees of life satisfaction by gender, education, marital status, expenditure and other socio-economic features. We also found that besides physical and mental health, social support and well-being play a pivotal role in achieving higher life satisfaction among older adults. Overall, this work contributes to the study of the subjective well-being of older adults in India based on self-reported levels of life satisfaction and further narrows the gap in knowledge about associated behaviour. Hence, with on-going ageing scenario, there is need for multi-sectorial policy-oriented approaches at individual, family, and community level, which helps to take care of older-adults’ physical, social, and mental health for the betterment of healthy ageing.

Association Between Higher-Level Functional Capacity and Subjective Well-Being in Older Adults with Chronic Conditions: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aims The aim of the present study was to examine the associations between higher-level functional capacity and subjective well-being (SWB) in older adults with chronic conditions. Materials We used data from a self-administered questionnaire survey conducted in two day-service facilities and one home-visit nursing station. We performed multiple linear regression analyses with SWB measured by the revised Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale and higher-level functional capacity including instrumental self-maintenance, intellectual activity, and social role. Results 140 persons were included in the analyses. We did not find an association between instrumental self-maintenance and SWB (B = 0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.15, 0.75). On the other hand, intellectual activity (B = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.19, 1.34) and social role (B = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.34, 1.43) were associated with SWB. Conclusions Being intellectually active and performing social role may be important to increase SWB in older adults with chronic conditions.

Living Arrangements and Subjective Well-Being of Elderly Chinese Tibetan People: The Mediating Role of Religion.

While previous studies have found that living arrangements and religiosity can influence the subjective well-being (SWB) of older adults, they have tended to investigate each of these aspects separately. Engaging with this gap, the current study examines the relationship between living arrangements, religious attendance, and the SWB of older adults, as well as the mediating effect of religious attendance on the relationship between the other two factors. A total of 875 older adults from 40 villages or communities in a Tibetan area in China (Gannan) were surveyed. An ordinary least square regression was used to evaluate the relationship between SWB and living arrangements and/or religiousattendance. Astructural equation model was then used to test the mediating role played by religious attendance in the association between living arrangements and SWB. The results showed that older adults in the selected study areas who were co-residing with their children and/or spouse had a higher level of SWB compared to those living alone. While religious attendance was positively associated with older adults' SWB, the findings showed that living with their spouse or children decreased their frequency of attendance at religious activities. In contrast, it was found that living alone directly decreased older adults' SWB, but increased the frequency of their participation in religious events, thus indirectly promoting their SWB. A key implication of this study is its confirmation that religious attendance plays an important mediating role in the relationship between living arrangements and SWB.