Well-being Of Adults Research Articles

Quality of Life and Well-Being in Adults With Fontan Physiology: Findings From the Australian and New Zealand Fontan Registry Quality of Life Study.

To characterize global and health-related quality of life (QOL) among adults with Fontan physiology enrolled in the Australian and New Zealand Fontan Registry (ANZFR), and identify sociodemographic, clinical, psychological, and relational factors associated with outcomes. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 66 adults with Fontan physiology (58% women; mean age, 29.6±7.7 years; range, 18-50 years) completed validated self-report measures. Health-related QOL was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, and global QOL was assessed using a visual analog scale (0-10). Participants reported lower total health-related QOL (P<0.001), as well as lower physical (P<0.001) and social (P=0.002) functioning compared with normative data. Median global QOL was 7.0 (interquartile range: 5.0-8.0) and most participants (71%) rated their QOL ≥6. For health-related QOL, age, sex, university education, and length of hospital stay in the past 12 months explained 27% of the variance in scores, while general psychological stress, medical traumatic stress, communication problems, and access to emotional support explained a further 44% of variance (final model: 71% of variance explained). For global QOL, sociodemographic and clinical factors explained 20% of the variance in scores, while psychological stress and sense of coherence explained a further 24% (final model: 44% of variance explained). Adults with Fontan physiology reported lower overall health-related QOL compared with community-based norms. Variance in QOL outcomes were predominantly attributable to psychological and relational factors. Tailored screening and assessment to identify Fontan patients at greatest risk of lower QOL, and a proactive approach to supportive care, are needed.

Social-Ecological Correlates of Social Well-Being in Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults in the USA: Implications for Policy, Theory, and Research

Abstract Introduction Emerging transgender and gender diverse (TGD) health models focus on social well-being. The present study contributes to this movement through investigation of hate crime statutes, state-level political and anti-TGD attitudes, and multiple marginalized identities as correlates of social well-being (i.e., outness, community connection, and workplace and familial support). Methods The current study merged data from three sources: (a) the 2015 United States Transgender Survey (USTS), (b) the 2014 and 2018 Cooperative Congressional Election Studies (CCES), and (c) the 2018 Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Hate Crime Map. Bivariate (e.g., chi-square) and regression analyses were used to identify correlates of social well-being among TGD adults in the USA. Results All types of hate crime laws showed bivariate protective associations for outness and family support. Regression models showed that several marginalized identities (e.g., having a disability) were the most consistent and largest correlates of social well-being. Higher state-level anti-TGD attitudes were linked with lower familial support and outness. The presence of state-level hate crime law civil action and police training statutes was positively associated with outness. Conclusions The results extend the limited research on correlates of TGD social well-being. Findings support TGD health models addressing resilience and social safety. Future research should address hate crime law policy analysis, police training evaluation, and prospective testing of TGD social well-being. Policy Implications Hate crime laws, in particular civil action and police training statutes, may be associated with better outcomes for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) persons. Evaluation of hate crime law effectiveness may need to focus on implementation as opposed to mere presence of laws. Policies specific to police training should include guidelines for training content and rigorous evaluation.

Development of a Japanese Version of the Brief Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire and Its Validity and Reliability

Background: Self-perceptions of aging are important predictors of physical and mental health, longevity, and quality of life. The Brief Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire (B-APQ) is the most promising scale of self-perceptions about aging and has been translated into many languages. This study aimed to develop a Japanese version of the B-APQ and examine its validity and reliability. Methods: A web-based survey of 1500 people aged 65 and older was conducted in Japan. Of the participants, 651 were men and 849 were women. The average age was 72.97 years. Results: No significant distributional biases were found for any items of the Japanese version of the B-APQ. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted using the same model as the previous studies. The results of CFA showed that the goodness of fit indices met the acceptability criteria. Two-tailed Pearson correlations showed significant relationships between each factor of the Japanese version of the B-APQ as well as the cognitive and physical functioning, depression, and well-being of older adults. Conclusions: The Japanese version of the B-APQ has high internal consistency and significant factorial and construct-related validity. The Japanese version of the B-APQ is expected to be used to measure the self-perceptions of aging for further study in Japan.

Comprehensive Study of Residential Environment Preferences and Characteristics among Older Adults: Empirical Evidence from China

Aging in a suitable residential environment is essential for the health and well-being of older adults. This study aims to analyze the residential environment preferences (REPs) of older people in China to create a residential environment suitable for their physical and mental health, enhancing their life satisfaction. This study used a sample questionnaire to identify relevant characteristics and analyze preferences, which were validated using non-parametric tests and Pearson’s correlation coefficient tests. The questionnaire consisted of 33 questions on characteristics of the residential environment on a 7-point Likert scale and was administered to 433 older adults aged 60 and over in 28 provinces in China. The results showed that “community safety” was the most important environmental characteristic, with an average importance rating of 5.77 out of 6. Accessible building design (average rating of 4.91), emergency response systems (average rating of 4.49), and indoor thermal comfort (average rating of 4.45) were also key factors in promoting aging in place. There was a positive correlation between the community environment and the indoor environment (e.g., community safety and indoor sound insulation, r = 0.209, p &lt; 0.01), and both were, to some extent, negatively correlated with building features (e.g., public toilets and private courtyards, r = −0.278, p &lt; 0.01; indoor thermal comfort and green building design, r = −0.165, p &lt; 0.01). Age and physical health had a strong influence on preferences, but gender had little influence. This study paves the way for future research and policy development on age-friendly housing to ensure sustainable and supportive residential environments for the aging population.

Music and Quaility of Life

This paper explores the role of music in mitigating the negative effects of the pandemic on older adults. The findings indicate that music has a positive impact on older adults, alleviating anxiety, improving quality of life, and enhancing social connections. However, the pandemic exacerbated the digital divide among older adults, limiting their access to virtual music experiences and aggravating social isolation. Practical music activities tailored for older adults, incorporating traditional and digital approaches, are proposed. Key recommendations include developing accessible musical activities, bridging the digital gap, and advocating for policies that support music-based interventions. The paper concludes that music can be a powerful tool for promoting the well-being of older adults.

National Institute on Aging's 50th Anniversary: Advancing Cognitive Aging Research and the Cognitive Health of Older Adults.

In celebration of the National Institute on Aging's (NIA) 50th anniversary, this paper highlights the significant advances in cognitive aging research and the promotion of cognitive health among older adults. Since its inception in 1974, the NIA has played a pivotal role in understanding cognitive aging, including cognitive epidemiology, interventions, and methods, for measuring cognitive change. Key milestones include the shift toward understanding cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD), the development of large-scale longitudinal studies, and the incorporation of AD/ADRD-related biomarkers in cognitive aging cohorts. Additionally, NIA has championed diversifying the scientific workforce through initiatives, such as the Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research and the Butler-Williams Scholars Program. The next 50 years will continue to emphasize the importance of inclusion, innovation, and impactful research to enhance the cognitive health and well-being of older adults.

A Pilot Study of Resilience, Stress, and Well-Being in Adults With and Without Children in the Home in Ukraine

A Pilot Study of Resilience, Stress, and Well-Being in Adults With and Without Children in the Home in Ukraine

Validation of the Ukrainian versions of two life purpose scales: Revised sense of purpose in life scale (SOPS-2U) and specific purpose orientations (SPO-U)

This work focused on the translation and evaluation of the psychometric properties of two widely used scales for assessing sense of purpose in life – the Revised Sense of Purpose Scale (SOPS-2) and the Specific Purpose Orientations (SPO) scale – in the Ukrainian language. The SOPS-2 consisted of 14 items measuring three dimensions of purpose: awakening to purpose, awareness of purpose, and altruistic purpose. Meanwhile, the SPO included 12 items assessing three types of purpose: others-growth, self-growth, and career-focused purpose orientations. Renamed as the Revised Sense of Purpose Scale – Ukrainian Version (SOPS-2U) and the Specific Purpose Orientations – Ukrainian Version (SPO-U), these two scales underwent a thorough translation process by two multilingual scholars proficient in both Ukrainian and English languages, employing the committee approach. Then through analyses of two datasets, the factorial validity, construct validity, and reliability of the SOPS-2U and SPO-U were established. These translated scales provide reliable and valid tools for assessing life purpose among Ukrainian-speaking adults.•Recognizing the profound impact of life purpose on adult wellbeing, the availability of a psychometrically robust measurement tool for assessing this construct in the Ukrainian language becomes crucial; thus, we translated and validated two such tools.•The Revised Sense of Purpose Scale – Ukrainian Version (SOPS-2U) is valid for assessing awakening to purpose, awareness of purpose, and altruistic purpose dimensions in Ukrainian adults.•The Specific Purpose Orientations – Ukrainian Version (SPO-U) can be used with Ukrainian adults to further examine the specific types of purpose, such as others-growth, self-growth, and career-focused purpose orientations.

Nostalgia, authenticity and wellbeing in autistic and non-autistic young adults

Research in the general population has shown that nostalgia is associated with greater wellbeing through increased authenticity. It is well documented that autistic versus non-autistic individuals experience reduced wellbeing. This is the first study to explore nostalgia in autistic people and whether nostalgia might support the wellbeing of autistic people in the same way as non-autistic. This study had two aims: (i) to explore the autistic experience of nostalgia (proneness, triggers of nostalgia, related affect) and (ii) to examine the interrelationships at trait level between nostalgia, authenticity and wellbeing in autistic and non-autistic young adults. Participants (n = 230) completed an online questionnaire and reported about their nostalgic experiences, wellbeing, authenticity and autistic traits. Participants also wrote about either a nostalgic oran ordinary memory and rated how happy they felt after reflecting on the memory. With regards to the interrelationships at trait level within the whole cohort, nostalgia was not associated with increased authenticity or wellbeing. In contrast, authenticity was associated with increased wellbeing. However, nostalgia was not associated with greater wellbeing through increased authenticity. Differences in these interrelationships between autistic and non-autistic individuals are also discussed. The autistic experience of nostalgia was similar to the non-autistic, with the exception that autistic participants were less prone to nostalgia. At state level, findings also suggested that reflecting on nostalgic memories may boost positive affect in autistic as well as non-autistic individuals. This study may have implications for boosting wellbeing in autistic people.

Evaluating the impact of a peer-education digital literacy course on older adults' digital skills and wellbeing: a mixed-methods study protocol.

The digital transition poses relevant challenges and opportunities for older adults in aging European societies. To unleash the potential of the digital transition in old age and avoid the risk of exclusion, digital education for older adults seems to be a valuable solution. One of the most suitable approaches to digital education for older adults appears to be the peer-to-peer approach. However, not much literature is available on this topic. Within the ACTIVE-IT project, we aimed to design, implement, and evaluate a digital peer education course for older adults, focusing specifically on the use of smartphones and daily utility apps, such as mailing, e-Gov, and e-commerce. The purpose of this contribution is to document the protocol adopted to evaluate the course. The course involved 32 participants aged 65 or older, who, between March 2024 and June 2024, divided into three groups, attended a 10-lesson weekly course taught by a peer. We aim to measure the effect of the course on participants' digital skills and their perceived wellbeing. To do so, we will adopt a mixed methods approach, employing: digital methods by collecting and analyzing data on participants' smartphone use (i.e., log data on smartphone use before/during/after the intervention); a quasi-experiment, collecting information on course participants' wellbeing before/after the course attendance using a questionnaire survey; ethnographic observation conducted during the course, observing interactions between subjects during the course. The study has been approved by the Ethic Committee of the University of Milano Bicocca (prot.nr. 167541/2024).

Improving the wellbeing of older adults through community-based music and movement programs

Improving the wellbeing of older adults through community-based music and movement programs Find out here about a geriatric psychiatry program at the Music and Mental Health Research Clinic that improves the wellbeing of older adults. How do music and movement affect the mental wellbeing of older adults? The Music and Mental Health Research Clinic at the University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at the Royal will explore this question with a new geriatric psychiatry program that aims to design and carry on community-based music and movement (COMM) interventions with older adults (55+). The program will examine the benefits of these interventions on the psycho-social conditions of older adults with dementia or experiencing mental illness, including, among others, depression and anxiety. The learnings will support the integration of evidence-informed music interventions into older adults’ social and healthcare.

Social Participation and Loneliness in Older Adults in a Rural Australian Context: Individual and Organizational Perspectives.

A rise in aging populations globally calls attention to factors that influence the well-being and health of older adults, including social participation. In Australia, rural older adults face cultural, social, and physical challenges that place them at risk for isolation. Thus, research surrounding social participation and healthy aging is increasingly relevant, especially in rural areas. This qualitative study in a remote town in Western Australia explores barriers and facilitators to older adults' social participation. To investigate multiple perspectives, 23 adults aged 50+ and 19 organizations from a rural town were interviewed. A stakeholder reference group was engaged to refine the research design and validate the findings. Feedback from early interviews was used to refine the data collection process, thus enhancing the validity of the findings. Thematic analysis showed that health and mobility issues, inadequate infrastructure, poor sustainability, and cultural tensions commonly impacted social participation. Themes of rural town culture, cultural power dynamics, and rural stoicism were identified as cultural aspects that inhibited participation. Based on results of this study and the supporting literature, recommendations for inclusive activities include supporting community-designed programs, utilizing culturally sensitive language and personnel, expanding services using existing community resources, and diversifying older adults' roles in existing groups.

Changes in subjective well-being and stress of older adults before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal study in Switzerland.

Despite the concerns about older adults' overall quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic, they often demonstrated better resilience, adaptability, and subjective well-being (SWB) than younger individuals. However, longer-term trends remain unclear. This study aims to describe older adults' trajectories in SWB dimensions before, during, and after the pandemic spanning 2017-2022. This study used piecewise growth curve analysis on a subsample of the Swiss Household Panel to investigate the population-average (n individuals = 3086; n = observations = 13,780) trajectories of SWB dimensions and stress among adults aged 65 and older between 2017 and 2022. We also tested whether these trajectories differed by age, gender, and household income. Life satisfaction and positive affect remained stable among older people during the pandemic (2019-2021) but declined after. Negative affect increased during the pandemic and decreased afterward, while stress levels increased slightly before and significantly after the pandemic. The trajectories did not differ by gender or household income, but the oldest-old (> 75-year-old) had a more significant decline in positive affect and life satisfaction pre-pandemic (2017-2019) and stress during the pandemic (2020-2021). Research shows that older adults possess adaptation skills and emotional competencies, which enable them to navigate pandemic challenges. However, we show that the post-pandemic era presents more substantial challenges for this older population, who perhaps face more difficulties adapting to the new uncertain post-pandemic world. Further research needs to examine if these findings replicate in other contexts, for instance, where pandemic containment measures have been more stringent.

Adolescent behavioral problems, preterm/low birth weight children and adult life success in a prospective Australian birth cohort study

BackgroundPreterm and/or low birthweight (PT/LBW) is predictive of a range of adverse adult outcomes, including lower employment, educational attainment, and mental wellbeing, and higher welfare receipt. Existing studies, however, on PT/LBW and adult psychosocial risks are often limited by low statistical power. Studies also fail to examine potential child or adolescent pathways leading to later adult adversity. Using a life course framework, we examine how adolescent problem behaviors may moderate the association between PT/LBW and a multidimensional measure of life success at age 30 to potentially address these limitations. MethodsWe analyze 2044 respondents from a Brisbane, Australia cohort followed from birth in1981–1984 through age 30. We examine moderation patterns using obstetric birth outcomes for weight and gestation, measures of problem behaviors from the Child Behavioral Checklist at age 14, and measures of educational attainment and life success at 30 using multivariable normal and ordered logistic regression. ResultsAssociations between PT/LBW and life success was found to be moderated by adolescent problem behaviors in six scales, including CBCL internalizing, externalizing, and total problems (all p < 0.01). In comparison, associations between LBW and educational attainment illustrate how a single-dimensional measure may yield null results. ConclusionFor PT/LBW, adolescent problem behaviors increase risk of lower life success at age 30. Compared to analysis of singular outcomes, the incorporation of multidimensional measures of adult wellbeing, paired with identification of risk and protective factors for adult life success as children develop over the lifespan, may further advance existing research and interventions for PT/LBW children.

A Qualitative Study of Adult Protective Services Practitioners Responding to Allegations of Elder Abuse and Self-Neglect

ABSTRACT Adult Protective Services (APS) practitioners play an essential role in supporting older adults experiencing elder abuse and self-neglect (EASN), however, very little research has examined their experiences, from their perspectives. The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of APS practitioners responding to allegations of EASN. Qualitative interviews were conducted with APS practitioners (n = 14) from the state of Maine. A descriptive phenomenological approach involving two independent assessors was used to code transcripts into themes. Two domains, each with various subthemes, were identified: (1) rewarding elements of role and (2) challenging aspects of role. The findings of this study emphasize how APS practitioners are motivated by their capacity to help elicit positive change in the lives of their clients and support the well-being of older adults experiencing EASN. However, APS practitioners must navigate numerous challenges and barriers in their role, including time constraints, high and complex caseloads, limited resources, and broader misconceptions on APS. These findings highlight the importance of addressing these stressors to support the well-being of APS practitioners, which, in turn, can help support the vulnerable older adults they serve.

Gratitude and Mortality Among Older US Female Nurses

Supporting healthy aging is a US public health priority, and gratitude is a potentially modifiable psychological factor that may enhance health and well-being in older adults. However, the association between gratitude and mortality has not been studied. To examine the association of gratitude with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in later life. This population-based prospective cohort study used data from self-reported questionnaires and medical records of 49 275 US older female registered nurses who participated in the Nurses' Health Study (2016 questionnaire wave to December 2019). Cox proportional hazards regression models estimated the hazard ratio (HR) of deaths by self-reported levels of gratitude at baseline. These models adjusted for baseline sociodemographic characteristics, social participation, physical health, lifestyle factors, cognitive function, and mental health. Data analysis was conducted from December 2022 to April 2024. Gratitude was assessed with the 6-item Gratitude Questionnaire, a validated and widely used measure of one's tendency to experience grateful affect. Deaths were identified from the National Death Index, state statistics records, reports by next of kin, and the postal system. Causes of death were ascertained by physicians through reviewing death certificates and medical records. Among the 49 275 participants (all female; mean [SD] age at baseline, 79 [6.16] years), 4608 incident deaths were identified over 151 496 person-years of follow-up. Greater gratitude at baseline was associated with a lower hazard of mortality in a monotonic fashion. For instance, the highest tertile of gratitude, compared with the lowest tertile, was associated with a lower hazard of all-cause deaths (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.84-0.99) after adjusting for baseline sociodemographic characteristics, social participation, religious involvement, physical health, lifestyle factors, cognitive function, and mental health. When considering cause-specific deaths, death from cardiovascular disease was inversely associated with gratitude (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.73-0.995). This study provides the first empirical evidence suggesting that experiencing grateful affect is associated with increased longevity among older adults. The findings will need to be replicated in future studies with more representative samples.

Ameliorative Effects of Television Watching Behavior and Motivation on the Fear of COVID-19 in Older Chinese Adults During the Pandemic.

The aim of this study was to investigate the television (TV) consumption patterns (viewing behavior and motivation) of older adults in Wuhan, China, during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on older adults' mental health, particularly in relation to COVID-19-induced fear. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 405 older adults in Wuhan, China. The data were analyzed using a structural equation model to understand the relationship between TV viewing behavior, motivation, and fear related to COVID-19. The findings indicate that the motivation to watch TV has a positive influence on viewing behavior among older adults during the pandemic. However, this motivation negatively impacts their COVID-19-related fear. Furthermore, a negative correlation was observed between viewing behavior and fear. The primary motivations for TV viewing among older adults during the pandemic were identified as social interaction and emotion management, followed by information seeking and value expression. The findings suggest that TV viewing plays a significant role in the mental well-being of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. By addressing the motivations of social interaction, emotion management, information seeking, and value expression, public health organizations and TV stations can contribute to the mental health of this vulnerable population.

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

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

Does Consuming Mushrooms With a Healthy Mediterranean-Style Dietary Pattern Affect Subjective Indexes of Brain Health and Well-Being in Middle-Aged and Older Adults?

Does Consuming Mushrooms With a Healthy Mediterranean-Style Dietary Pattern Affect Subjective Indexes of Brain Health and Well-Being in Middle-Aged and Older Adults?

Aquatic Cognitive–Motor Exercise for Cognition, Balance, and Functional Mobility in Older Adults

ABSTRACT Introduction Cognitive declines and mobility challenges in older adults often hinder exercise, leading to a sedentary lifestyle. Addressing both cognitive and physical health is crucial for enhancing overall well-being in older adults. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of aquatic cognitive–motor exercise on cognition, balance, and functional mobility in older adults. Methods This pilot randomized controlled study included 25 participants from two retirement communities who were randomly assigned to a control (n = 12, 81 ± 8 yr old) or aquatic exercise group (n = 13, 83 ± 7 yr old). The aquatic exercise group received 45 min of moderate-intensity cognitive–motor exercise three times per week for 8 wk. The control group received one fall prevention education class. Results The session attendance rate for the aquatic exercise program was 95%. Between-group comparisons showed that 8 wk of aquatic exercise improved various measures of cognition with a medium effect size, as assessed by the Stroop Color and Word Test (∆ 2.8, d = 0.51) and the Trail Making Test part B (∆ −19.2 s, d = −0.59). Gait speeds while walking forward (∆ 0.04 m·s−1, d = 0.43) and counting backward by serial 7s (∆ 0.05 m·s−1, d = 0.43) were improved with a small effect size in the aquatic exercise intervention. This change was recognized as a clinically meaningful improvement in older adults. The aquatic intervention group had a medium to large effect size improvement in speed with the Four Square Step Test (∆ −0.6 s, d = −0.42), Timed Up and Go test (∆ −1.1 s, d = −0.50), and Timed Up and Go cognitive test (∆ −1.0 s, d = −0.56), whereas only negligible to small changes were noted with single-leg balance measures. Conclusions The aquatic cognitive–motor exercise program is feasible and enhanced cognition and functional mobility in older adults.