Own attitude toward aging among nursing home residents: results of the SENIOR cohort

Behavioural and psychological factors associated with pre-frailty in community-dwelling adults aged 40 and over: a cross-sectional study

Frailty and pre-frailty are major public health concerns. While frailty is typically associated with older adults, evidence suggests that pre-frailty commonly starts in middle-age. This study examined associations between behavioural and psychological correlates of pre-frailty and frailty in adults from 40 years to help identify at-risk individuals and inform interventions. Participants (N = 321, mean age = 56 (10.55), 83% female) completed questionnaires on frailty status, physical activity, co-morbidities, quality of life, loneliness, social isolation, and attitudes towards ageing. Participants were classified as non-frail (35%), pre-frail (60%), or frail (5%). One-way ANCOVAs, controlling for age, BMI, and co-morbidities, found that pre-frail participants reported feeling older than their chronological age (F = 2.37, p < .014, η2 = .398); and pre-frail and frail participants reported greater loneliness (F = 6.31, p = .022, η2 = .073) and negative attitudes toward ageing (F = 2.41, p = .004, η2 = .210) compared to non-frail participants. These findings indicate the need for targeted holistic interventions in middle age to prevent or delay frailty.

Longitudinal analysis of the mediating role of self-perception of aging in the relationship between frailty and intrinsic capacity: A cross-lagged mediation model

OBJECTIVES

The causal relationship between intrinsic capacity and frailty in older adults, as well as the underlying temporal mechanisms, remained poorly understood. The study aimed to investigate the causal association between intrinsic capacity and frailty while exploring the potential mediating role of self-perception of aging.

MEASUREMENTS

A survey was conducted with a sample of 429 participants who completed measures of intrinsic capacity, self-perception of aging, and frailty at baseline and were followed for one year. The relationships between these variables were assessed using an autoregressive cross-lagged model.

RESULTS

The study found reciprocal associations between intrinsic capacity and frailty (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the results indicated that self-perception of aging partially mediated the effect of frailty at baseline (T1) on intrinsic capacity at one-year follow-up (T2) (β = -0.02, confidence interval: [-0.055, -0.004]). However, the reverse causation was not observed.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

This study demonstrates a bidirectional causal relationship between intrinsic capacity and frailty in older adults. Self-perception of aging plays a significant mediating role in this relationship. Older adults with a worse level of frailty should be made aware of the potentially vicious cycle related to self-perception of aging, which can negatively affect their intrinsic capacity. Maintaining a positive self-perception of aging may help preserve physical and psychological reserves, maintain intrinsic capacity, and slow the decline of frailty.

Predictors of attitudes towards aging in elderly living in community care

BACKGROUND

Due to the aging of the population, the promotion of healthy aging is an important part of public health. Healthy aging of the population can be influenced by the attitudes of the elderly themselves towards old age and aging. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to find out the attitudes of older people living in a community environment toward old age and the predictors that influence these attitudes.

METHODS

The evaluation of attitudes towards old age using the WHO AAQ (Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire) questionnaire involved 1,174 elderly people living in the community. Age, sex, marital status, education, subjective health assessment, social support, depression (GDS-15), anxiety (GAI), sense of coherence (SOC-13) and self-esteem (RSES) were used to evaluate related factors.

RESULTS

As part of the exploratory factor analysis, a three-factor model (Psychosocial Loss, Physical Change, and Psychological Growth) was confirmed. The Cronbach alpha was found to be acceptable (α = 0.835). The predictors of better AAQ in the Psychological Loss domain were: subjective health, age, quality of life, self-esteem, sense of coherence, life satisfaction, anxiety, and social support; in the Physical Change domain: subjective health, quality of life, self-esteem, life satisfaction, cohabitation, and depression; and in the Psychological Growth domain: age, self-esteem, sense of coherence, life satisfaction, and social support.

CONCLUSION

Preventive and policy measures should aim to increase the satisfaction and self-assessment of the elderly, which can help them evaluate the period of old age more positively. It is also important to create a positive perspective of ageing and elderly in society.

Unveiling the multifaceted nexus of subjective aging, biological aging, and chronological age: Findings from a nationally representative cohort study

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate how subjective aging influences the psychological and behavioral responses of older individuals, specifically focusing on the associations between subjective aging and longitudinal changes in biological age.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study retrieving data from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging (TLSA), over a 4-year follow-up period. Subjective aging is assessed by asking participants if they perceive themselves as old, while frailty is measured using a frailty index comprising 34 deficits from various domains. Participants are categorized into three groups based on their chronological age. The association between subjective aging and transition of biological age (as indicated by an increased frailty index) from 2011 to 2015 is examined using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

The study consisted of 2412 participants, who were categorized into middle-age (n = 1,082), young-old (n = 779), and old-old (n = 551) groups. Among them, individuals exhibiting subjective aging at baseline were more likely to be older in chronological age, female, illiterate, and unemployed, compared to those without subjective aging. The adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for the association between subjective aging and an increased biological age were 1.72 [95% CI: 0.88-3.34], 1.61 [0.77-3.37], and 1.08 [0.65-1.80], in the middle-age, young-old, and old-old groups, respectively.

DISCUSSIONS

No significant associations were found between changes in biological age and subjective aging across various chronological age groups. Notably, within the younger age group, a discernible trend towards an association was observed, indicating the potential age-related nuances in the complex interrelation between subjective age, biological aging, and chronological aging.

Suitability of the Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire Short Form for Use among Adults in Their 50s: A Cross-Sectional e-Survey Study

This cross-sectional e-survey study examines the suitability (reliability and validity) of the 12-item Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire Short Form (AAQ-SF) for use among adults in their 50s. The AAQ-SF instrument was originally designed to capture subjective perceptions of physical change, psychosocial loss, and psychological growth by asking people aged 60 and beyond how they feel about growing older. Our sample comprised 517 people residing in three Canadian provinces. Respondents completed the Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire Short Form, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and a short sociodemographic profile. Our findings replicate the original AAQ-SF structure for physical change, psychosocial loss, and psychological growth, with a promising internal consistency range for the third subscale. In our sample, psychological growth is best represented as 'Self' and 'Generativity', with a particularly greater capacity to explain variations in scores for item 18 and item 21. Physical change and psychosocial loss scores strongly differed based on perceived health and chronic illness presence. Psychosocial loss and psychological growth were moderately correlated with two aspects of self-esteem. We relate these patterns of findings within the context of prevailing growth and development theory and their perceived implications within the context of COVID-19 and post-pandemic life.

Quality of Life and Health Determinants of Informal Caregivers Aged 65 Years and Over

Informal caregivers' own quality of life, health status, and determinants are poorly understood despite their concern for the health of the individuals they assist. To compare the quality of life and the health determinants of older informal caregivers with those of older adults without caregiving responsibilities. An online survey was designed to investigate the quality of life and the health determinants of people aged 65 years and over, with a focus on informal caregivers. In addition to socio-demographic data, the number of informal caregivers was ascertained and the Zarit scale of caregiver burden was applied. Quality of life (SF-12) and health determinants (access to technology and level of physical activity (IPAQ)) were assessed and compared between informal caregivers and non-caregivers. A total of 111 participants were included in the study (70 ± 3.83 years, 71.2% women). The majority of respondents (91.8%) were Belgian. One-third of the respondents identified themselves as informal caregivers and declared themselves as having a severe burden (61.9 ± 15.2/88). Socio-demographic characteristics and access to technology were similar between informal caregivers and non-caregivers (p > 0.05). However, informal caregivers had a lower SF-12 score in the mental score domain (44.3 ± 10.2 vs. 50.7 ± 7.0; p = 0.004) and a lower level of physical activity (434 ± 312 METS/min/week vs. 1126 ± 815 METS/min/week; p = 0.01) than their peers. Informal caregivers reported a lower quality of life and a lower level of physical activity than their peers. Given the recognized importance of physical activity for overall health, this survey highlights the need to promote physical activity among older informal caregivers.

[If dependency makes vulnerable: Nursing home residents' claims for dignity-conserving nursing care - A narrative literature review]

If dependency makes vulnerable: Nursing home residents' claims for dignity-conserving nursing care - A narrative literature review Abstract. Introduction: Due to an increase in the very old population, it is important to know what is needed in order to support older people's needs regarding dignity-conserving nursing care when living in a nursing home. Aim: The aim of this article is to gather information on how nursing home residents feel respected and protected in regards of their dignity. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted in the databases CINAHL Complete and PubMed. Six qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria and were compared regarding similarities. Results: The protection of dignity is jeopardized not only by the residents' dependency, but also by nurses, social environment, and society. To protect their own dignity, residents wanted to be perceived as individuals and be treated with respect. Additionally, they wanted to be as independent as possible and take part in meaningful activities. Discussion: Facilitation of staff members as well as flat, peripheral leadership structures are important in order to protect the residents' dignity. The residents' needs regarding social and societal participation has been additionally challenged due to the Covid-19 pandemic. At the same time, the pandemic enforced innovations that may help protect nursing home residents' dignity. Conclusions: These findings can help nurses to protect the dignity of nursing home residents in their daily lives and in the implementation of care measures.

What’s Keeping Residents “Out of the Mainstream”: Challenges to Participation in the News Media for Older People Living in Residential Care

The voices of older people living in residential care are often excluded from news articles about residential care, and this exclusion was especially apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study is to identify and understand the barriers which may be obstructing the news media participation of older residents. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 journalists, 7 administrators, and 12 residents. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a thematic analysis, which resulted in the following themes: (1) residents are physically separated from their communities; (2) journalists do not consider residents to be official sources for news stories; (3) administrators feel they must manage their care home’s reputation and control access to residents; and (4) journalists and administrators are not equipped to handle issues of consent and privacy. The role of ableism and ageism in the news reporting process is discussed.

Relationship between negative stereotypes toward aging and multidimensional variables in older people living in two different social environments

BACKGROUND

Ageism is studied extensively in community-dwelling older adults, but remains poorly understood in institutionalized older adults. Here, we compared the physical, psychological, and social variables associated with self-reported age-based biases in community-dwelling older adults and in those living in nursing homes (NHs).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Participants (n = 272) in this descriptive cross-sectional study lived in NHs (n = 126) or in their homes (n = 146), were 60 years or older, and had no cognitive or serious functional impairments. Those in NHs had been institutionalized for at least six months. The dependent variable was negative stereotypes toward aging (CENVE). We developed generalized linear models (GLMs) by place of residence and sex following the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment´s (CGA) methodology.

RESULTS

There is a statistically significant relationship between negative stereotypes of aging and different multidimensional variables. These variables differ between institutionalized and non-institutionalized adults and between men and women. While some variables are non-modifiable (age and sex) others are potentially modifiable (educational level, participation in activities, length of NH stay, hand strength, autonomy, and depression).

CONCLUSIONS

This study compared, for the first time, levels of ageism in older people living in two different social environments. Because most of the significant variables are modifiable in both environments, our results provide a framework to combat this type of discrimination. Promising strategies include anti-ageism policies and laws, educational interventions, and increased intergenerational contact.

Bidirectional relationship between subjective age and frailty: a prospective cohort study

Background

Subjective age refers to how young or old individuals experience themselves to be and is associated with health status, behavioral, cognitive, and biological processes that influence frailty. However, little research has examined the relationship between subjective age and frailty among older adults. This study examined the bidirectional association between subjective age and frailty among community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

We used data from the 2011 to 2015 waves of the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Our sample consists of 2,592 community-dwelling older adults with complete data on main outcome variables. Subjective age was measured by asking participants, “What age do you feel most of the time?” Based on the five phenotypic criteria: exhaustion, unintentional weight loss, low physical activity, slow gait, and weak grip strength, frailty was categorized into robust = 0, pre-frailty = 1 or 2; frailty = 3 or more criteria met. Generalized estimating equation models were used to examine the concurrent and lagged association between subjective age and frailty.

Results

Participants were, on average, 75.2 ± 6.8 years old, non-Hispanic whites (76 %), female (58 %). 77 % of the participants felt younger, 18 % felt the same, and 5 % felt older than their chronological age. About 45 %, 46 %, and 9 % of the participants were robust, pre-frailty and frailty in the first wave, respectively. Generalized estimating equations revealed that an “older” subjective age predicted a higher likelihood of pre-frailty and frailty (OR, 95 % CI = 1.93, 1.45–2.56).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that people with older subjective age are more likely to be pre-frail/frail. Subjective age could be used as a quick and economical screening for those who are potentially frailty or at risk for frailty.

Volunteer service and positive attitudes toward aging among Chinese older adults: The mediating role of health

OBJECTIVE

Attitude toward aging is an important indicator for measuring the wellbeing of older people, and a vital part of active and healthy aging. We aimed to assess the relationship between volunteer service and attitudes toward aging held by older people and to determine the mediating role of health.

METHOD

We analyzed the data of 10,792 Chinese people over age 60 from the 2014 Chinese Longitudinal Aging Social Survey. We used multiple linear regression models and the two-stage least-squares model to explore the correlation between volunteer service and attitudes toward aging. Furthermore, we applied structural equation modeling to test for mediation effects of different aspects of health.

RESULTS

We found that volunteer service was significantly associated with attitudes toward aging (β = 0.335, p < 0.001), while self-assessed health, physical health, and mental health played a mediating role between volunteer service and attitudes toward aging held by older adults.

CONCLUSIONS

In exploring ways to cope with the challenges brought about by the aging of the population, we found that participating in volunteer services not only improves older people's self-assessed physical, and mental health, but also improves their positive attitudes toward aging. Therefore, under the framework of active and healthy aging, volunteer service and participation in social activities can enhance social vitality and welfare, reduce social burden, and improve quality of life.

Friendship-related social isolation is a potential risk factor for the transition from robust to prefrailty among healthy older adults: a 1-year follow-up study

PURPOSE

Social factors are often overlooked when considering physical frailty. The purpose of this study was to determine whether social isolation is associated with new onset of physical frailty among healthy Japanese older adults.

METHODS

This was a 1-year prospective cohort study conducted in Japan from August 2014 to August 2015. The participants were 229 Japanese older people (106 men, 123 women, mean age = 69.3 ± 4.2 years) who did not have prefrailty or frailty at baseline and who were current students or graduates of a community college for older people in Japan. Social isolation was assessed using the Lubben Social Network Scale-6 in terms of overall social isolation, family-related social isolation, and friendship-related social isolation. Frailty was categorized using the Fried frailty criteria. The association between new onset of physical frailty and baseline characteristics, including social isolation, was investigated.

RESULTS

At 1-year follow-up, 180 (78.6%) of the participants remained robust, while 49 (21.4%) were identified as prefrail; no participants were identified as frail. Prefrailty was only associated with friendship-related social isolation (odds ratio: 4.58, 95% confidence interval 2.11-9.92, P < 0.001) at baseline. No significant associations were observed for any other baseline characteristics, including overall social isolation, family-related social isolation, comorbidities, body composition, and physical function.

CONCLUSION

Older adults with friendship-related social isolation are four times more likely to develop prefrailty from robust during the 1-year follow-up. The results suggest that friendship-related social isolation increases the risk of healthy older adults transitioning from robust to prefrail.