Relationship between social participation and life satisfaction in community-dwelling older adults: Multiple mediating roles of depression and cognitive function

The impact of information technology applications on the quality of life of disabled older adults in nursing homes in China: a qualitative study

Objective

China's smart aging policy system has been evolving to become more comprehensive, continuously promoting the application of information technology in nursing homes. This study explores the adaptation process and experiences of disabled older adults with the use of information technology in nursing homes from four perspectives: physiological, psychological, social, and environmental, and examines its impact on their quality of life.

Methods

An interpretative phenomenological approach was adopted, with purposive sampling used to recruit participants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 disabled older adults, and the data were analyzed using Van Manen's phenomenology of practice method.

Results

Four main themes and 16 sub-themes were identified: Physical Health and Functional Capacity: subjective health perception, physical functioning, chronic disease management, sleep quality, and nutritional status; Psychological Wellbeing and Emotional Support: attitudes toward aging, negative emotions, emotional companionship, and sense of meaning in life; Social Relationships and Social Engagement: interactions with family and friends, participation in social activities, social roles, and social support; and Environmental Adaptation and Digital Challenges: safety and comfort of the living environment, ease of independent mobility, the 'digital divide', and protection of personal privacy and data.

Conclusion

The application of information technology in nursing homes in China has partially resolved longstanding issues in traditional older adults care, such as inaccurate health management, lack of personalized and diverse services, and inefficient resource allocation. These advancements have contributed to improving the quality of life for older adults in nursing homes. However, new challenges have emerged, including the 'digital divide,' data misuse, and privacy breaches. To fully leverage the benefits of information technology, it is crucial to enhance the digital literacy of disabled older adults, provide robust technical support during implementation, and prioritize data security and privacy protection. These measures will help maximize the positive effects of information technology on the quality of life of disabled older adults.

Social Participation and Life Satisfaction Among Rural Older Adults in China: The Mediating Roles of Social Networks and Loneliness

Research has shown that social participation is related to life satisfaction. However, there is no study that simultaneously examines the mediating role of social networks and loneliness in this association. This study uses data from the Well-being of Older Adults in Anhui Province (2021, n = 1534). Parallel mediation analysis was employed to examine whether social networks and loneliness mediate the relationship between social participation and life satisfaction. Social participation had a positive effect on life satisfaction among rural older adults (β = 0.155, p < .001). Parallel mediation analysis showed that both social networks and loneliness independently mediated the relationship between social participation and life satisfaction (β = 0.011, 95%CI = [0.002, 0.022]; β = 0.032, 95%CI = [0.002, 0.060]), with the proportions of the total effect mediated being 5.56% and 16.16%, respectively. Diversified channels for social participation should be recommended to enhance the engagement of rural older adults, expand their social networks, and alleviate loneliness, ultimately improving their quality of life.

Internet use and life satisfaction among empty nesters in rural areas of Yangzhou: based on propensity score matching and mediating effect model

BACKGROUND

Empty nesters represent a unique group that deserves focused attention. Internet usage is becoming increasingly prevalent among older people. This study preliminarily discussed the differences in life satisfaction between empty nesters who used the Internet and those who did not. This study also provided insight into how Internet use interacted with social participation to improve their life satisfaction.

METHODS

A face-to-face survey was conducted in Yangzhou City, China, from July to August 2022. Covariates related to life satisfaction, such as sociodemographic characteristics and participants' health behaviors, were collected. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was used to match Internet users with non-Internet users. Binomial logistic regression was employed to analyze the association between Internet use and life satisfaction, and the KHB method was used to examine the mediating effect.

RESULTS

1,177 respondents aged 60 and above were ultimately matched for analysis in this study. The results showed that Internet use was significantly correlated with higher levels of both social participation (β = 0.276, P < 0.05) and life satisfaction (β = 0.433, P < 0.05). Social participation partially mediated the relationship between Internet use and life satisfaction, with a mediating effect of 0.112 accounting for 21% of the total effect. Further analysis of group heterogeneity indicated that the positive association between Internet use and life satisfaction was more prominent among participants who were younger, male, unemployed, had an income, and were in relatively healthy conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Internet use was crucial in promoting social participation and enhancing life satisfaction among rural empty nesters. Interventions aimed at improving their life satisfaction should prioritize the creation of inclusive and supportive environments, encouraging social participation, and enhancing digital literacy.

Effectiveness of Robot-Assisted Board Games on Cognitive Function and Mental Health for Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Cluster Randomized Trial

The effectiveness of robot-assisted board games targeting older adults with mild cognitive impairment was investigated to improve their cognitive function, general self-efficacy, and life satisfaction and reduce depression. A quasiexperimental research design was adopted with 109 older adults from 8 long-term care facilities and day-care centers assigned to the experimental (n = 52) and comparison groups (n = 57). The experimental group underwent a 12-week cognitive training program. Both groups completed before-and-after and 3-month follow-up measurements for outcome variables, including cognitive function (scores of mini-mental state examination [MMSE] and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale Cognitive Subscale [ADAS-Cog]), depression, general self-efficacy, and life satisfaction. The data were analyzed using the generalized estimating equation (GEE). The program's usability was assessed using the system usability scale (SUS). The GEE analyses revealed significant postintervention improvements in the experimental group's MMSE, ADAS-Cog, depression, general self-efficacy, and satisfaction with life scores. These effects persisted for the 3-month follow-up. The mean SUS score was 87.50, indicating the feasibility of robot-assisted interventions among older adults. These findings confirmed that interactive robot-assisted board games can improve cognitive function, general self-efficacy, and life satisfaction and reduce depression among older adults. The administration of long-term care facilities or day-care centers can adopt robot-assisted board games as a training tool to supplement health promotion activities to prevent cognitive deterioration and enhance mental health among older adults.

Social participation and mental well-being: Does purpose in life mediate the association among older adults?

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the association of social participation with mental well-being among older people and whether purpose in life mediates the potential association.

METHOD

Cross-sectional (n = 1014) and longitudinal (n = 660, four-year follow-up) data comprised of three age cohorts (75, 80, and 85 years) of community-dwelling people. Life satisfaction was measured with the Satisfaction with Life Scale, depressive symptoms with the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and purpose in life with the Scales of Psychological Well-Being purpose in life subscale. Social participation was assessed with questions concerning the frequency of meeting close friends and acquaintances, and volunteering. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

RESULTS

Higher social participation was associated with higher life satisfaction and fewer depressive symptoms both cross-sectionally and after a four-year follow-up. Higher purpose in life mediated the associations of more social participation with higher life satisfaction and fewer depressive symptoms cross-sectionally. In the longitudinal data, the mediation effect was not observed.

CONCLUSION

Older people with frequent social participation who had a sense of purpose in their lives will likely have higher mental well-being than those with less social participation. Enabling and supporting them to conduct purposeful actions in social contexts may help maintain their mental well-being.

Does internet use promote the health of empty-nest older adults in rural China? The mediating role of social participation using a propensity score matching approach

Background

The rapid growth of internet use among older adults in rural China offers a unique opportunity to examine its potential impact on their health. This study seeks to explore the relationship between internet use and the emotional, physical, and cognitive health of empty-nest older adults in rural China, while also considering the mediating role of social participation in this relationship.

Methods

A total of 3,478 empty-nest older adults were selected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS) in 2020. Among them, 820 individuals were included in the study using a propensity score matching (PSM) method to reduce the impact of selection bias. The participants' depression, physical health, and cognitive health were measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale, and a composite cognition score, respectively. Social participation was assessed based on engagement in various activities over the past month.

Results

After controlling for confounding factors through PSM, it was found that older adults who used the internet exhibited significantly lower level of depression and higher physical health compared to older adults who did not use the internet. However, there was no significant difference in cognitive health between the two groups. The mediating effect analysis revealed that social participation partially mediated the relationship between internet use and physical health, but not emotional health.

Conclusion

The study suggests that internet use can improve emotional and physical health of older adults living in rural China without children at home, with social participation being a mediator in the relationship between internet use and physical health. Future research should explore the underlying mechanisms and develop targeted interventions to promote internet use and social engagement in this population.

Longitudinal relationships between smart wearables, social interaction, and cognitive function: A cross-lagged panel model

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the longitudinal relationship between the possession of smart wearables (smartwatch/smart wristband) and cognitive function while exploring the mediating role of social interaction.

METHODS

We utilized two waves of data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, including 9,164 participants aged 60 and above. A cross-lagged model was constructed to estimate the relationships among variables, with Sobel tests assessing mediating effects.

RESULTS

Smart wearables at T1 positively predicted social interaction at T2 (β=0.016, p<0.05), while social interaction at T1 positively predicted cognitive function at T2 (β=0.035, p<0.001). The longitudinal mediating effect of social interaction was significant (p<0.05). Heterogeneity analysis revealed gender differences and varying impacts on fluid and crystallized intelligence.

CONCLUSION

A cross-lagged relationship exists among smart wearables, social interaction, and cognitive function, with social interaction serving as a mediator. This study verifies the health effects of smart products, providing insights for gerontechnology development.

The impact of social activities on mental health among older adults in China

Background

Understand the current situation of social activities among older adults and its impact on mental health, providing policy basis and intervention measures to improve the mental health of the older adult.

Method

Collect relevant data from 8,181 older adults aged ≥ 60 years old from the 2020 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), constructing an analysis framework for social activities of older adults in China from three aspects: participation in social activities, number of social activities, frequency of social activities, and describe them, then analyzing the impact of social activities on their mental health using OLS and 2SLS regression models. This study also discusses the impact of eight social activities on the mental health of older adult people through subgroup.

Result

Among 8,181 older adults aged 60 and above, 3,808 participated in social activities (56.24%), average number of social activities is 0.71, and average frequency of social activities is 1.31 times. The average score of mental health level measured by CES-D is 15.24 points. Participate in social activities can reduce the depression level of the older adult (β = -0.352, 95%CI: -0.547~-0.158); the more social activities the older adult participate in, the lower the depression level of the older adult (β = -0.214, 95%CI: -0.313~-0.115); the higher the frequency of participating in social activities, the lower the depression level of the older adult (β = -0.133, 95%CI: -0.182~-0.083). In summary, social activities can improve the mental health level of the older adults in China. As for different types of social activities, visiting and socializing with friends, participating in club organization activities, playing mahjong, chess, cards, or going to community activity rooms and attending school or training courses can improve the mental health of the older adult.

Discussion

The social activities in three dimensions among older adults in China need to be further improved, and participating in social activities can help improve their mental health. The conclusion provides important policy implications for encouraging and supporting older adults to participate in various social activities, increasing the number and frequency of older adult social activities, then help improving the mental health level of older adults.

Heterogeneity of social participation in patients three months after total knee arthroplasty: a latent profile analysis

BACKGROUND

Social participation is an important index of rehabilitation and social reintegration in patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, most existing studies focus on improving patients' functioning and activities, with only a few examining the social participation among patients after TKA. Therefore, the study aims to investigate the heterogeneity of social participation in patients three months after TKA and analyze subgroup influencing factors, to promote functional exercise and postoperative follow-up in specific patients.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study recruited 255 patients who underwent TKA in a Tertiary Hospital in Jinan City, China, from March to July 2022. Three months after having undergone TKA, participants' data were collected using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, the Chinese version of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Hospital for Special Surgery Knee-rating Scale, and Impact on Participation and Autonomy Questionnaire. Latent profile analysis was used to identify categories of patients' social participation. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of the different subgroups.

RESULTS

Three months after TKA, the patients were divided into three subgroups: low social participation group (17.9%), moderate social participation group (40.8%), and high social participation group (41.3%). The vast majority of patients who underwent TKA exhibited moderate-to-high level of social participation. The multiple logistic regression analysis results showed that age, degree of pain, knee function, and kinesiophobia were the influencing factors of the potential profiles of social participation in patients three months after TKA (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These results support a distinct categorical feature of social participation among patients three months after undergoing TKA. Medical staff need to provide targeted guidance according to the potential classification characteristics of social participation to improve the level of social participation and promote rehabilitation of patients.

Functional teeth and cognitive function among the Chinese elderly: The chain mediating effect of depressive symptoms and social participation

The objective of this study was to investigate the chain mediating effects of depressive symptoms and social participation between functional teeth and cognitive function based on the biopsychosocial model. Data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were analyzed. The findings revealed a favorable connection between the lack of edentulism and cognitive function, persisting even when accounting for the mediating factors of denture usage, depressive symptoms, and social participation. Furthermore, the study identified six indirect pathways in this relationship. The present study has substantiated the correlation between edentulism and cognitive function, thereby proposing that interventions aimed at denture usage, depressive symptoms, and social participation could potentially serve as preventive measures against cognitive decline in elderly individuals afflicted with edentulism. This underscores the significance of addressing these factors to alleviate cognitive decline.

The Positive Association between Melatonin-Containing Food Consumption and Older Adult Life Satisfaction, Psychoemotional State, and Cognitive Function

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that melatonin-containing food (FMT) consumption is associated with a better sleep schedule and cognitive and psychoemotional state in older adults. A cross-sectional study of 557 (79% females) older adults living in the community with a mean age of 68.9 ± 7.7, ranging from 50 to 90 years, was conducted. The study, conducted in May and September 2023 using a face-to-face interview, collected personal data and assessed FMT intake during the day (FMTday) and for dinner (FMTdinner), life satisfaction, positive and negative affect, depression severity, cognitive functions, and sleep characteristics. Multiple regression and logistic regression analysis, adjusted for co-factors, were used to assess the association between the studied indicators. Multiple regression analysis showed that older adults with higher FMT consumption are more satisfied with life (FMTdinner: β = 0.107; ∆R2 = 0.011; p = 0.020), have a lower level of depression (FMTday: β = -0.124; ∆R2 = 0.015; p = 0.003), and higher scores in positive affect (FMTday: β = 0.169; ∆R2 = 0.016; p = 0.007; FMTdinner: β = 0.136; ∆R2 = 0.019; p = 0.003). Logistic regression analysis showed that older adults with higher FMT consumption are less likely to have depression (FMTday: OR, 0.614; 95% CI, 0.436-0.864; p = 0.005; FMTdinner: OR, 0.671; 95% CI, 0.476-0.945; p = 0.023), and they perform better on logical thinking tests (FMTday: OR, 2.066; 95% CI, 1.131-2.204; p = 0.013; FMTdinner: OR, 1.887; 95% CI, 1.183-2.138; p = 0.033). A greater life satisfaction as well as a decrease in the cognitive impairment and psychoemotional state of older adults is associated with a higher consumption of melatonin-containing foods.