Association of intergenerational relationship and supports with cognitive performance in older adults: A systematic review

Association Between Intergenerational Support, Technology Perception and Trust, and Intention to Seek Medical Care on the Internet Among Chinese Older Adults: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study

BACKGROUND

Avoiding technological innovation does not simplify life. In fact, using internet-based medical services can enhance the quality of life for older adults. In the context of an aging population and the growing integration of information technology, the demand for internet-based medical services among older adults is gaining increased attention. While scholars have highlighted the important role of intergenerational support in promoting digital inclusion for older adults, research on the relationship between intergenerational support and older adults' intentions to seek online care remains limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims (1) to explore the association between intergenerational support, online medical information, and older adults' intention to seek medical care online, and (2) to examine the mediating role of technology perception and trust, as well as the moderating role of eHealth literacy.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in China, collecting 958 valid responses from older adults aged 60 years and above. A vast majority of participants were between the ages of 60 and 75 years (771/958, 80.5%). Of the 958 participants, 559 (58.4%) resided in rural areas, while 399 (41.6%) lived in urban areas. The survey included questions on intergenerational support, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, trust, online medical information, eHealth literacy, and the intention to seek medical care online. Structural equation modeling and linear regression analysis were applied to explore the relationship between intergenerational support and the intention to seek medical care on the internet.

RESULTS

Intergenerational support was positively associated with perceived ease of use (β=.292, P<.001), perceived usefulness (β=.437, P<.001), trust (β=.322, P<.001), and the intention to seek medical care online (β=.354, P<.001). Online medical information also positively affected the intention to seek medical care online among older adults (β=.109, P<.001). Perceived ease of use (β=.029, 95% CI 0.009-0.054), perceived usefulness (β=.089, 95% CI 0.050-0.130), and trust (β=.063, 95% CI 0.036-0.099) partially mediated the association between intergenerational support and the intention to seek medical care online. Further analysis found that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and trust played a chain mediating role between intergenerational support and the intention to seek medical care online (β=.015, 95% CI 0.008-0.027; β=.022, 95% CI 0.012-0.036). Additionally, eHealth literacy played a moderating role in the relationship between intergenerational support and perceived ease of use (β=.177, P<.001), perceived usefulness (β=.073, P<.05), trust (β=.090, P<.01), and the intention to seek medical care online (β=.124, P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

An integrated model of health communication effects was constructed and validated, providing empirical support for the intention to seek medical care online and for the impact of health communication. This model also helps promote the role of technology in empowering the lives of seniors.

Effects of major air pollutants on cognitive function in middle-aged and elderly adults: Panel data evidence from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

Background

Although numerous studies have discussed about the impact of air pollution on cognitive function, a consensus has yet to be reached, necessitating further exploration of their relationship. The aim of this study is to reveal the effects of major air pollutants on cognitive function in Chinese middle-aged and older adults, while considering the lagged effects of pollution.

Methods

Panel data were constructed by integrating the air pollutants concentration (particulate matter diameter ≤1 µm (μm) (PM1), PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3)) among 28 provinces in China and the personal characteristics from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study participants during the period of 2011-2015. To explore the effects of single pollutants and their interactions on cognitive function, panel linear regression using ordinary least squares method was employed, and first-order lag effects (two-year interval) of air pollution were introduced into the models.

Results

Our study revealed that, after adjusting for confounding factors, higher levels of particulate matter (PM1, coefficient (Coef.) = -0.093, P = 0.001; PM2.5, Coef. = -0.051, P = 0.001; PM10, Coef. = -0.030, P = 0.001) and NO2 (Coef. = -0.094, P = 0.006) were associated with lower cognitive function scores among the participants. Moreover, the interaction between the five major pollutants exhibited a negative effect on cognitive function(Coef. = -2.89, P = 0.004).

Conclusions

PM1, PM2.5, PM10 have detrimental effects on the cognitive function of middle-aged and elderly adults in China, where increasing particle diameter correlates with a less negative impacts, providing theoretical underpinnings for the formulation of environmental protection policies.

The relationship between insomnia and multidimensional frailty in community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationship between insomnia and multidimensional frailty among community-dwelling older adults.

METHOD

We conducted a comprehensive search in the Pubmed, Web of Science, and Embase databases up to May 15, 2024. The included cross-sectional studies were using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Evidence-Based Health Care Center's checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies; the longitudinal study used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for risk of bias assessment.

RESULTS

Out of 1571 studies, 14 were selected. The results indicate a positive relationship between insomnia and cognitive frailty, social frailty, and psychological frailty in community-dwelling older adults. However, the relationship between insomnia and total or physical frailty is unclear.

CONCLUSION

This study made an association between insomnia and cognitive frailty, social frailty, and psychological frailty in community-dwelling older adults. Due to the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality cohort studies are required to verify the above conclusion.

The association between intergenerational relationships and depression among older adults: A comprehensive systematic literature review

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to comprehensively examine the relationship between intergenerational relationships and depression among older adults in Eastern Asian countries.

METHODS

For this research, a systematic search was conducted on several electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar search engine up until June 2023.

RESULTS

Out of 953 articles initially identified, 33 met the inclusion criteria. Emotional support and financial support emerged as crucial factors that can significantly reduce depressive symptoms among older individuals. However, there are diverse and sometimes contradictory results regarding the impact of intergenerational instrumental support on depression in older adults.

CONCLUSION

Promoting positive intergenerational relationships and enhancing support systems can greatly benefit the mental health of older adults by addressing depression within this population. This review enhances our understanding of the complex relationship between intergenerational relationships and depression among older adults. The diverse findings on intergenerational instrumental support and depression in older adults suggest the need for further research to clarify this relationship and its nuances. This research may have practical implications for policies and interventions aimed at improving the mental well-being of older adults in Eastern Asian countries.

Barriers and facilitators to older adult participation in intergenerational physical activity program: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The intergenerational physical activity program aims to promote the health, social engagement, and well-being of older adults. It is essential to comprehend the barriers and facilitators that affect their involvement to develop successful intervention strategies. This systematic review critically examines available research to identify the factors that impact the participation of older adults in intergenerational physical activity programs.

METHODS

This study retrieved 13 electronic databases (from January 2000 to March 2023) and used a social-ecological model to classify and analyze the identified facilitators and barriers.

RESULTS

A total of 12 articles were included, which identified 73 facilitators and 37 barriers. These factors were condensed into 7 primary themes and 14 sub-themes in total.

CONCLUSIONS

The factors influencing the participation of older adults in intergenerational physical activities are multifaceted. These factors guide project developers, policymakers, and practitioners in developing and implementing intergenerational physical activity programs to help address global aging issues and promote intergenerational connections.

TRIAL REGISTRY

PROSPERO ID: CRD42023420758.