Subjective Well-being Of Older Adults Research Articles

Confidants and Caregivers: Network Multiplexity and Subjective Well-Being of Older Adults.

Older adults rely on personal networks for different types of support. Given shifts in family composition in later adulthood, more work is needed to map network members who can provide multiple aspects of support and the implications for older adults. We explore the phenomenon of having the same network members as both a confidant and a caregiver (multiplexity) and its implications for the well-being of older adults. Using the 2011 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), we describe the prevalence of having someone as both a confidant and a caregiver (henceforth "multiplex helper") for older adults and examine its association with subjective well-being. We also investigate the differences by having whom as multiplex helpers. About three-quarters (76%) of older adults with at least one confidant and one caregiver have at least one multiplex helper. Partnered older adults are more likely to have any multiplex helpers than unpartnered counterparts and usually nominate their partner as a multiplex helper, whereas the unpartnered are more likely to rely on their children to serve multiple roles, especially for widowed older adults. Having a multiplex helper is associated with better subjective well-being. Network multiplexity is prevalent and positively associated with the subjective well-being of older adults who have at least one confidant and one caregiver, above and beyond having any confidants or caregivers separately. The baseline patterns established in this study lay the groundwork for future research to further explore support dynamics in older adults' networks.

Subjective well-being of older adults and its relationship with depression, educational level and economic dependence

Subjective well-being of older adults and its relationship with depression, educational level and economic dependence

Successful aging and its relationship with mindfulness, self-compassion factors, and subjective well-being in older adults

Objectives Aimed to test an association model for Successful Aging (SA), with mindfulness and self-compassion factors as predictor variables, and components of subjective well-being (SWB) as mediating variables in older adults. Method This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted using the Google Forms platform and printed questionnaires, applied in an interview format with older adult participants from the Brazilian states of Bahia and Sergipe. A total of 233 older adults participated, residing in the states of Bahia (34.8%) and Sergipe (65.2%), with a mean age of 69.2 years (SD = 7.33). Results The multiple linear regression (MLR) results indicated that SA was associated with mindfulness, the positive factor of self-compassion, and positive affect (PA). Subsequently, structural equation modeling (SEM) suggested that both mindfulness and self-compassion, which positively correlated with each other, were significantly and positively associated with PA, while PA was positively and significantly associated with SA. Conclusion Mindfulness and the positive facet of self-compassion, mediated by PA, were indirectly associated with SA, while PA was significantly and more strongly associated with SA. Finally, mindfulness and the positive facet of self-compassion were positively correlated with each other.

Utilizing regression model to characterize the impact of urban green space features on the subjective well-being of older adults

Based on the background of rapid global ageing, research exploring urban green spaces and the subjective well-being of urban residents has become one of the key research interests. However, the evidence for assessing the real benefits of urban green spaces on the subjective well-being of older adults by comprehensively examining the features of urban green spaces is limited. We surveyed older urban green space users (n = 536) aged 60 years and older in Nanjing, China, and evaluated the impacts of spatial, green, and grey features of urban green spaces on older people's overall satisfaction with urban green spaces and subjective well-being. The results of the multiple linear regression model showed a strong association between the three types of urban green space features, overall satisfaction with urban green space, and subjective well-being of older adults. The study results indicated that the grey feature of urban green spaces emerged as the most influential factor (p = 0.004) among the three features of urban green spaces in relation to their effect on the subjective well-being of older adults. This implies that it is essential to focus on the importance of grey s of urban green spaces in the planning and design of urban green spaces for older adults' use of different urban green spaces and their sense of well-being. These results contribute to the development of healthy ageing policies and age-friendly urban green space management strategies in rapid ageing countries around the world.

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.

Gender differences in the subjective wellbeing of the older adults and the determinant factors: a case study of Nanjing.

This paper aims to examine the gendered differences in the subjective wellbeing of older adults and underlying determinant factors which contribute to these differences in China where the unique social and cultural systems, the consequent concept of filial piety and the perceptions towards different living arrangements in later life provide an excellent laboratory for studying the topic. Hierarchical linear models are employed to analyze the impacts of household structure and built environment on the subjective wellbeing of older adults based on a survey conducted in Nanjing in 2021. There are significant gender differences in the subjective wellbeing of older adults, with older women reporting higher levels of subjective wellbeing (4.95 vs.4.69). Gender differences also exist in how the built environment affects the subjective wellbeing of older adults, with a greater impact on older adult women (33.68% vs. 28.50%). Household structure impacts the subjective wellbeing of older adults through the division of housework and the company of family members. There are three major mechanisms through which gender affects the subjective wellbeing of older adults, including structural mechanisms, socio-cultural mechanisms, and physiological mechanisms. Targeted environmental interventions and urban planning policies are recommended to promote the subjective wellbeing of older adults.

Psychosocial factors associated with the subjective well-being of older adults

Introduction. Subjective well-being is evaluated by the individual and refers to how you feel about your life. It depends on many psychosocial factors such as age, gender, education, degree of social integration, income, support networks, among others. The importance of its study lies in the increase in aging and the need to provide quality of life to this age group. Objective. To determine the association between psychosocial factors and subjective well-being in the elderly. Methods. Observational, descriptive, prospective longitudinal study with 296 elderly people from the Usicayos de Ayaviri Health Center in Peru. Patients with physical/mental conditions that prevented them from answering the applied instruments were excluded. Results. The mean age of the patients was 71 years, 57.4% were women, and 38.4% were married or lived with their partner. 25.7% of the patients reported low subjective well-being and 32.8% were depressed. The presence of depression, a low level of education and economic dependence on family members are significantly associated with low subjective well-being in older adults. Conclusions. One in four older adults perceives that they have low subjective well-being and their profile is characterized by the presence of depression, a low level of education and economic dependence on family members

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