Well-being Of Elderly Research Articles

Landscape Design Strategies for Healthy Aging-in-Place in Communities: Case Studies from Suzhou, China

As the global population ages, the World Health Organization promotes “Healthy Aging” to enhance the quality of life for the elderly. In China, with its substantial aging population, the “9073” elderly care mode, which prioritizes community-based care, was implemented in 2011. However, the specific needs of elderly residents in different climatic and cultural contexts are often overlooked. This study addresses this gap by examining how community green space design can support healthy aging, using Suzhou as a case study due to its significant elderly population. This research examines the relationship between community environments, elderly needs, and behaviors. Our findings reveal that elderly residents have complex needs, seeking safety, comfort, health, social interaction, and spiritual richness simultaneously. A mismatch was observed between their stated preferences for features like seating and shade and their actual usage patterns, suggesting that existing green spaces may not fully meet their needs. This study underscores the importance of incorporating both expressed preferences and proactive design strategies to enhance the healthy benefit of community green spaces. These insights support the “Healthy China 2030” strategy and promote the well-being of elders, contributing to sustainable urban regeneration.

Qualitative Analysis of Responses in Estimating Older Adults Cognitive Functioning in Spontaneous Speech: Comparison of Questions Asked by AI Agents and Humans

Background/Objectives: Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is gaining attention for its potential in cognitive function assessment and intervention. AI robots and agents can offer continuous dialogue with the elderly, helping to prevent social isolation and support cognitive health. Speech-based evaluation methods are promising as they reduce the burden on elderly participants. AI agents could replace human questioners, offering efficient and consistent assessments. However, existing research lacks sufficient comparisons of elderly speech content when interacting with AI versus human partners, and detailed analyses of factors like cognitive function levels and dialogue partner effects on speech elements such as proper nouns and fillers. Methods: This study investigates how elderly individuals’ cognitive functions influence their communication patterns with both human and AI conversational partners. A total of 34 older people (12 men and 22 women) living in the community were selected from a silver human resource centre and day service centre in Tokyo. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and participants engaged in semi-structured daily conversations with both human and AI partners. Results: The study examined the frequency of fillers, proper nouns, and “listen back” in conversations with AI and humans. Results showed that participants used more fillers in human conversations, especially those with lower cognitive function. In contrast, proper nouns were used more in AI conversations, particularly by those with higher cognitive function. Participants also asked for explanations more often in AI conversations, especially those with lower cognitive function. These findings highlight differences in conversation patterns based on cognitive function and the conversation partner being either AI or human. Conclusions: These results suggest that there are differences in conversation patterns depending on the cognitive function of the participants and whether the conversation partner is a human or an AI. This study aims to provide new insights into the effective use of AI agents in dialogue with the elderly, contributing to the improvement of elderly welfare.

Satisfaction with Life Among Elderly Participants in Active Maturity Groups: A Comparative Study with Institutionalized and Community Elderly Individuals

Objective: To compare levels of life satisfaction among three distinct groups of elderly individuals: those residing within the community, those in institutional care, and those engaged in an active aging program. Additionally, to explore the factors associated with this measure of well-being within each group. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to May 2023. Participants aged 60 years or older were recruited from three groups: community-dwelling individuals, those in institutional settings, and participants in an active aging program. Data collection included sociodemographic variables, self-rated general health status, duration of sedentary behavior, levels of intrinsic religiosity, feelings of hope, and degrees of social isolation. The primary outcome assessed was life satisfaction. Results: The study included 305 elderly individuals: 115 (37.7%) from the active aging program, 119 (39.0%) from the community, and 71 (23.3%) institutionalized individuals. Institutionalized participants were older, engaged in longer durations of sedentary behavior, had lower educational attainment, and reported poorer health perceptions. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that hope, social isolation, and self-rated health were significantly associated with life satisfaction. Conclusion: The findings highlighted the importance of hope, social support, and self-rated health as primary determinants of life satisfaction among the elderly. Contrary to the initial hypothesis, group affiliation (community, active aging program, or institutionalized) did not emerge as a significant factor, suggesting the need for personalized, person-centered approaches to optimize elderly well-being.

노인복지시설종사자의 감정노동과 돌봄서비스 질의 관계에서 직무스트레스의 매개효과

Objectives This study seeks to verify the effect of job stress on the impact of emotional labor of workers at elderly welfare facilities on the quality of care services. Through this, the purpose was to provide basic data for the development and intervention of education and counseling programs to reduce emotional labor and job stress that affect the quality of care services. Methods For this purpose, 94 workers at elderly welfare facilities in the Daegu area were selected as research subjects and data were collected. The collected data were subjected to reliability analysis, frequency analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, and correlation analysis using SPSS 23 0. Regression analysis and Sobel Test were conducted to verify the mediation effect. Results First, the average of emotional labor was 3.004 out of 5, the average of care service quality was 3.898 out of 5, and the average of job stress was 2.667 out of 5. Second, emotional labor was found to have a significant negative effect on the quality of care services and a positive effect on job stress, and job stress was found to have a negative effect on the quality of care services. Third, job stress was found to mediate the relationship between emotional labor and quality of care services. Conclusions This study proved that job stress is an important mediating factor in the relationship between the emotional labor of elderly welfare facility workers and the quality of care services. By verifying the major variables that affect the quality of care services for workers at elderly welfare facilities, we provided implications for the development of education and counseling programs to reduce emotional labor and job stress that can increase the quality of care services.

Improvement of Elderly Welfare Through Food Program

The general background increasing number of elderly in society requires effective welfare programs to meet their specific needs. Specific background in Indonesia, the Food Program of the Ministry of Social Affairs aims to provide essential nutritional support for this demographic group. Knowledge gap although this program has been implemented, there is still a lack of comprehensive analysis regarding its effectiveness and reach, especially in the Sidoarjo District. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by evaluating the program through descriptive qualitative methods, including observation and interviews. Results findings indicate that the implementers' understanding of the program has improved due to socialization activities. Positive changes have been recorded among beneficiaries, demonstrating the program's potential to improve the welfare of the elderly. The novelty of this study lies in the comprehensive assessment of the components of the Food Program. Implications these findings can serve as a guide for improving and adapting social welfare programs in the future, emphasizing the importance of addressing the welfare of the elderly in community development initiatives. Highlights: Improved understanding of the Food Program through socialization activities. Need to increase the number of eligible elderly beneficiaries. Program meets health standards, indicating successful food provision. Keywords: Program, Food, Social, Effectiveness, Welfare

Enhancing Elderly Well-Being: Exploring Interactions between Neighborhood-Built Environment and Outdoor Activities in Old Urban Area

China has the world’s largest and fastest-growing elderly population, primarily living in outdated urban residential communities. These aging populations face challenges in outdoor activities (OA) and quality of life (QoL) due to deteriorating neighborhood-built environments (NBE). While upgrading these environments is essential for urban renewal, the specific NBE factors affecting OA and QoL for the elderly are not well understood, creating a gap in existing research. This study addresses this gap by investigating how NBE elements influence the OA and QoL of elderly residents in these communities. This study investigates these interactions by conducting a comprehensive literature review, followed by a questionnaire survey, with data analyzed using factor analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. The results reveal that supermarkets and subways significantly impact the physical health of older adults. Psychological health is primarily shaped by daily activities, social relationships, and self-care ability, with roads, hospitals, and bus stops further affecting daily activities. Social relationships are largely influenced by social activities, which are impacted by grocery markets, subways, and parks. Additionally, self-care ability is affected by leisure and daily activities, as well as the accessibility of supermarkets, grocery markets, subways, and buses. These findings offer valuable insights for government-led initiatives aimed at implementing age-friendly retrofitting of NBEs, ultimately enhancing the OA and QoL of the elderly population.

디지털 헬스케어를 활용한 수원특례시 노인복지시스템 구축 연구

The pace of aging in Korea is the highest in the world, and Suwon City is also expected to enter a super-aged society in 2030, so preparations for the medical and welfare sectors for the elderly are urgent. In addition, interest in digital healthcare, which focuses on non-face-to-face treatment, has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in 2019. In this study aimed to propose a plan to build an elderly welfare system for Suwon based on previous studies through literature review and expert focus group interviews As a result of literature survey, in developed countries, digital healthcare services have been developed mainly in the U.S., Japan, and Israel. In particular, the U.S., which has been promoting non-face-to-face telemedicine since early on due to its large land area, has developed a business centered on private companies, but has also been able to grow into a digital health powerhouse due to government support such as deregulation. In Korea, the development of the digital healthcare industry has been limited due to problems such as the regulation of telemedicine practices and unclear core. In addition, according to the results of the expert group interviews, those involved in the mobile healthcare project at the Suwon City Health Center pointed out errors in the system app and difficult input methods as the main factors for negative participation in the project. Therefore, it is expected that for self-healthcare through digital healthcare to be actively implemented, it is necessary not only for the right understanding and participation of the project targets, but also for the active cooperation of the government and private companies.

Emotional Connectivity: The Influence of Intergenerational Digital Communication on Subjective Well-being of Chinese Elderly

Emotional Connectivity: The Influence of Intergenerational Digital Communication on Subjective Well-being of Chinese Elderly

The Relationship between Social Support and Coping Strategies on the Quality of Life of the Elderly in North Jakarta, Indonesia

One of the developmental stages known for diminishing social, psychological, and physical abilities is the elderly. This decline in function may result in a worse quality of life for the elderly. To improve the quality of life for senior adults, social support and appropriate coping methods are necessary when confronting challenges. Investigating the level of life quality and the factors—social support and coping mechanisms, in particular—that affect the quality of life of Indonesia's older population is the aim of this study. This research employs a quantitative methodology. To determine the association between factors, correlational research, conducted in North Jakarta, Indonesia, included 136 participants at least 55 years old. Purposive sampling was used to choose the research sample. Three aspects were assessed: quality of life, social support, and coping mechanisms. To analyze the data, Pearson Product Moment was employed. Findings: More women than men made up the study's elderly responders, primarily between 55 and 69. The data analysis's findings indicate a connection between senior citizens' quality of life and social assistance. Furthermore, there is no connection between coping mechanisms and senior citizen's quality of life. The research's small sample size of 136 elderly respondents, comprising 100 women and 36 men, may limit its generalizability to the entire elderly population in North Jakarta, and its unequal gender distribution may impact its validity. This study explores the relationship between social support, coping strategies, and quality of life among older adults in North Jakarta, contributing to the literature on elderly well-being and serving as a foundation for effective interventions and future research.

Evaluation of Physical well-being in Elderly: A Survey-Based Study

Introduction: This study investigates the physical health status and problems of the elderly. With increasing life expectancy, the prevalence of chronic diseases and conditions is also increasing, which particularly affects the elderly in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Aim: To assess the physical well-being of the elderly. Materials and Methods: 400 cases were collected by using structured questionnaire from Old age home population and door-to-door survey Results: Hypertension was the most common disease affecting about 45%. About 35% of respondents suffer from diabetes. More than 30% reported osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. About 25% reported respiratory problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Conclusions: These findings highlight the urgent need for individualized health interventions to address the complex physical health challenges faced by older adults.

"BrainHeart": Pilot Study on a Novel Application for Elderly Well-Being Based on Mindfulness Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

The rising prevalence of mental illness is straining global mental health systems, particularly affecting older adults who often face deteriorating physical health and decreased autonomy and quality of life. Early detection and targeted rehabilitation are crucial in mitigating these challenges. Mindfulness acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) holds promise for enhancing motivation and well-being among the elderly, although delivering such psychological interventions is hindered by limited access to services, prompting exploration of remote delivery options like mobile applications. In this paper, we introduce the BrainHeart App (v.1.1.8), a mobile application tailored to improve physical and mental well-being in seniors. The app features a 10-day ACT program and other sections promoting healthy lifestyle. In a pilot study involving twenty participants, individuals engaged in daily mental exercises for 10 days using the app. Clinical evaluations, including assessments of psychological flexibility, overall cognitive profile, mindfulness disposition, cognitive fusion, and heart rate collected with Polar H10, were conducted at baseline (T0) and one month post-intervention (T1). Analysis revealed significant improvements in almost all neuropsychological scores, with high usability reported (system usability scale average score: 82.3 ± 9.31). Additionally, a negative correlation was found between usability and experiential avoidance (r = -0.51; p = 0.026), and a notable difference in heart rate was observed between baseline and post-intervention (F-value = 3.06; p-value = 0.09). These findings suggest that mindfulness-ACT exercises delivered via the BrainHeart App can enhance the well-being of elderly individuals, highlighting the potential of remote interventions in addressing mental health needs in this population.

Social support and elder mistreatment in Brazil: exploring relationships and moderating effects

ABSTRACT Prior literature has demonstrated a negative association between social support and elder mistreatment. Furthermore, social support may moderate the negative relationship between health-related indicators and elder mistreatment. This study is the first to investigate these assertions in Brazil using nationally representative data. We employ the 2019 National Health Survey and a series of binary logistic regressions. Overall, increased social support from stronger ties, like family and close friends, reduces the likelihood of elder mistreatment. However, increased participation in broader and more distant social networks and circles of sociability may increase the risk of mistreatment. Moreover, the negative relationship between health-related indicators and elder mistreatment is partially moderated by increased social support. While findings on other support dimensions vary, family support appears crucial in mitigating elder mistreatment. This study contributes by underscoring the intricate interplay of social support, health, and mistreatment, advocating for family-centered interventions to improve elder well-being in Brazil.

Analysis of Factors Affecting The Welfare of Non-Working Elderly in Denpasar City

Elderly people who do not work have the right to receive welfare just like the rest of the population, so an understanding of the factors that influence the welfare of the elderly is needed. This research aims (1) to analyze the influence of health, old age benefits and social support simultaneously on the welfare of unemployed elderly in Denpasar City; (2) to analyze the partial influence of health, old age benefits and social support on the welfare of the elderlydoes not work in Denpasar City. The research on elderly people in Denpasar City took samples from four sub-districts, namely West Denpasar, East Denpasar, South Denpasar and North Denpasar. The elderly population was 72,680 people and the sample size was 100 people. Sampling was carried out using purposive sampling and data analysis using confirmatory factor analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. Based on the research results, information was obtained that health, old age benefits and social support have a significant simultaneous and partial influence on the welfare of elderly people who do not work in Denpasar City. This means that as the health, old age benefits and social support of the elderly who do not work improve, the welfare of the elderly who do not work in Denpasar City will increase.

Street redesign, active mobility and well-being for Pacific elders

ABSTRACT This qualitative study uses Talanoa methodologies to explore the everyday experiences of Pacific elders travelling around Māngere Central, Aotearoa New Zealand. A suite of street infrastructure changes for walking and cycling took place in the area between 2015 and 2017. While the evidence linking attributes of urban street design to physical activity behaviour is strong, there is little research on the impact of the built environment on Pacific elders’ active mobility. The study seeks to address this knowledge gap by focusing on the impacts of streetscape changes on the active travel and social connectivity of this group of residents. Findings indicate that post-intervention, elders feel significantly safer while walking, with active travel increasing for some. All elders in the study feel that important amenities are now more accessible, with some of significant cultural and social importance. As such, opportunities for social connection appear to have increased. Furthermore, the enhanced look and feel of the local environment is important to the elders interviewed, enhancing feelings of community pride and well-being for some. Further desired changes to support active mobility are discussed, and a logic model highlighting factors theorised to be particularly important for achieving mode shift among Pacific elders is proposed.

Analysis of determinants of elderly welfare in Karangasem District, Karangasem Regency, Bali

Increasing population mobility has resulted in many elderly individuals being left alone. This study aims to: 1) analyze the simultaneous and partial effects of income, health access, environmental conditions, and the perception of menama braya activities on the well-being of the elderly; 2) analyze the role of the perception of menama braya activities in moderating the influence of environmental conditions on the well-being of the elderly. This study uses a quantitative approach with an associative explanatory level. The population in this study consists of residents aged 60 and above in the Karangasem District, totaling 100 individuals. The sampling technique was conducted using accidental sampling combined with snowball sampling, with data collection methods including observation, structured interviews, and in-depth interviews. Data analysis was performed using moderated regression analysis. The results of the study show that: 1) income, health access, environmental conditions, and the perception of menama braya activities simultaneously have a significant effect on the well-being of the elderly; 2) income, health access, environmental conditions, and the perception of equalizing activities partially have a significant positive effect on the well-being of the elderly; 3) the perception of equalizing activities moderates (weakens) the influence of environmental conditions on the well-being of the elderly.

Implementation of the Rantang Kasih Program in Ensuring the Welfare of Poor Elderly Alone

The elderly are a vulnerable group who cannot carry out productive activities in their lives. Decreased physical condition, loss of social influence and function, and increased dependence on others, encourage the Elderly group as a target in social protection programs. Social protection serves as a guardian of the welfare of the elderly from poverty and hunger. The Rantang Kasih Program of Banyuwangi Regency is a food program for the elderly. This research aims to explain how the implementation of the Rantang Kasih policy/program in Pengatigan Village, Rogojampi District, Banyuwangi Regency. This research uses a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. It was carried out for one month (May) by involving village officials and program target communities as informants, and literature study activities. This research is measured by Merilee S. Grindle's policy implementation theory. The results showed that the implementation of the Rantang Kasih program in Pengatigan Village in the year used funding sources from the Pengatigan Village budget (APBDes). The amount/ration of rantang food is once a day, the food is made from stalls closest to the homes of the elderly program recipients, and delivered by village officials and / or stall managers. The implementation of the Rantang Kasih program in Pengatigan Village has been in accordance with the guidelines regulated through the Regent Regulation.

The Effect of Family Social Support, Physical Health, and Religiosity on the Quality of Life and Happiness of the Elderly in Tabanan Regency

This research aimed to explore the impact of family social support, physical health, and religiosity on the quality of life and happiness among elderly individuals in Tabanan Regency. Employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches, primary and secondary data were collected using a questionnaire as the main instrument. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was utilised in order to test the research hypotheses. The study utilised a non-probability sampling method employing accidental sampling to gather data from a cohort of 203 elderly individuals aged 60 years and older residing in Tabanan Regency. The independent variables were family social support, physical health, and religiosity, with quality of life serving as the mediating variable, and happiness as the dependent variable. Descriptive statistical techniques and differential analysis were applied to examine the relationships among these variables. The results revealed that family social support significantly influenced the quality of life and happiness of the elderly. Physical health also positively contributed to both quality of life and happiness. While religiosity has a significant relationship with the quality of life and happiness of the elderly, its impact is less pronounced compared to the other factors. The scientific novelty of this research stems from its integrated approach in analysing multidimensional factors - family social support, physical health, and religiosity - and their collective impact, thereby offering fresh perspectives on the mediating role of quality of life. Practically, the study offers valuable information for policymakers and practitioners to develop targeted interventions that enhance elderly well-being. The use of SEM further provides a robust methodological framework for future research.

Examine the advantages of social dance instruction in elder people for both mental and physical health, as well as its function in fostering general well-being

The global increase in the elderly population poses challenges in physical, mental, and social aspects. This study explores the potential of social dance instruction as an innovative approach to improve the overall well-being of older adults. Drawing on previous research, our investigation focuses on the long-term effects of social dance on mental and physical health, emphasizing social, emotional, and cognitive benefits. Importance of this study lies in contributing to innovative approaches for elderly well-being, offering insights to healthcare professionals, caregivers, and policymakers. The literature review highlights the positive impact of social dance on physical health, cognitive abilities, and social and emotional aspects. However, gaps exist in understanding the interplay between these dimensions. By means of the quantitative research, employing surveys and assessments, reveals statistically significant improvements in physical health, cognitive abilities, social interactions, and emotional well-being among participants engaged in social dance. Despite limitations, the findings support the integration of social dance into health promotion programs for the elderly.

활동적 노화가 노년기의 우울 및 인지에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to analyze how active aging affects depression and cognition in old age. For this purpose, the raw data from the 『2020 Survey on the Status of the Elderly』 were reanalyzed using descriptive statistics, t-Test, Pearson correlation analysis, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The main results were as follows : 1) The average depression score of the subjects was 3.37, the average cognition score was 24.32, and the average active aging score was 2.01. 2) The participating group in social activities had lower depression and higher cognitive function than the non-participating group. 3) As a result of hierarchical multiple regression analysis of depression, in Model 1, gender, education, health status, household income, and marital status were significant factors affecting depression, and the explanatory power of the model was 19.4%. In Model 2, gender, education, health status, household income, marital status, and active aging were significant factors of depression in old age, and the explanatory power of Model 2 was 19.8%, 0.4% more than Model 1. 4) In the hierarchical multiple regression analysis of cognition, age, education, health status, household income, and household type were significant factors affecting cognition in Model 1, and the explanatory power of the model was 17.4%. In Model 2, age, education, health status, household income, household type, and active aging were significant factors, and the explanatory power was 18.9%, 1.5% higher than Model 1. Based on the above results, several suggestions were added for elderly welfare policies and practices.

활동적 노화가 노년기의 우울 및 인지에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to analyze how active aging affects depression and cognition in old age. For this purpose, the raw data from the 『2020 Survey on the Status of the Elderly』 were reanalyzed using descriptive statistics, t-Test, Pearson correlation analysis, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The main results were as follows : 1) The average depression score of the subjects was 3.37, the average cognition score was 24.32, and the average active aging score was 2.01. 2) The participating group in social activities had lower depression and higher cognitive function than the non-participating group. 3) As a result of hierarchical multiple regression analysis of depression, in Model 1, gender, education, health status, household income, and marital status were significant factors affecting depression, and the explanatory power of the model was 19.4%. In Model 2, gender, education, health status, household income, marital status, and active aging were significant factors of depression in old age, and the explanatory power of Model 2 was 19.8%, 0.4% more than Model 1. 4) In the hierarchical multiple regression analysis of cognition, age, education, health status, household income, and household type were significant factors affecting cognition in Model 1, and the explanatory power of the model was 17.4%. In Model 2, age, education, health status, household income, household type, and active aging were significant factors, and the explanatory power was 18.9%, 1.5% higher than Model 1. Based on the above results, several suggestions were added for elderly welfare policies and practices.