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Hajek A, Gyasi RM, König HH. Factors associated with loneliness among individuals aged 80 years and over: Findings derived from the nationally representative "Old Age in Germany (D80+)" study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 123:105443. [PMID: 38631279 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2024.105443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To clarify the factors associated with loneliness in individuals aged 80 years and older in Germany (also stratified by sex). METHODS Data from the nationally representative "Old Age in Germany (D80+)" were employed. The analytic sample equaled 10,031 individuals. The D80+ study included community-dwelling and institutionalized individuals ≥ 80 years in Germany. Multiple linear regressions were used (with sociodemographic and health-related explanatory factors). The collection of data occurred between November 2020 and April 2021 (written questionnaire). RESULTS Higher loneliness was significantly associated with not being married (e.g., widowed compared to being married, β=0.37, p<.001), being institutionalized (β=0.33, p<.001), low education (high education compared to low education, β=-0.07, p<.01), a higher number of chronic conditions (β=0.02, p<.001), poor self-rated health (β=-0.19, p<.001) and greater functional impairment (β=0.15, p<.001). Sex-stratified regressions produced comparable results. However, low education was only associated with higher loneliness among men, but not women (with significant interaction: education x sex). CONCLUSION Several sociodemographic and health-related factors can contribute to loneliness among the oldest old in Germany, with sex-specific associations between education and loneliness. Overall, such knowledge can aid to address individuals with higher loneliness levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Hajek
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Razak M Gyasi
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya; National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia
| | - Hans-Helmut König
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, Hamburg, Germany
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Zhao X, Jin L, Sun SB. Bidirectional Association Between Internet Use and Episodic Memory Among Older Adults: A Longitudinal Mediation Study. J Appl Gerontol 2024; 43:829-840. [PMID: 38016114 DOI: 10.1177/07334648231214944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Using nationally representative longitudinal data from three waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), we assessed whether social participation and mental health were channels through which internet use and episodic memory mutually influenced each other. Cross-lagged panel models with multiple mediators were employed for the mediation analysis. The results reveal that social participation and depressive symptoms were mechanisms underlying the internet-cognition interplay. Among men, an increased chance of contacting friends served as a pathway connecting internet use with better episodic memory. Conversely, men with better episodic memory were more likely to use the internet partially due to their higher chances of having contact with friends and engaging in group activities. Among women, engagement in group activities and depressive symptoms were two channels through which internet use and episodic memory positively influenced each other. Our findings provide practical implications for slowing cognitive aging and narrowing the digital divide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohang Zhao
- National Institute of Social Development, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Department of Sociology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Skylar Biyang Sun
- School of International Development and Cooperation, University of International Business and Economics, Beijing, China
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Lin XY, Lachman ME. Social Media Use and Daily Well-Being: The Role of Quantity and Quality of Social Support. Res Aging 2024; 46:287-301. [PMID: 38217507 PMCID: PMC11039377 DOI: 10.1177/01640275241227575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
There have been mixed findings on whether social media use is positively or negatively related to well-being. Using the Midlife in the United States Refresher study (N = 782, age 25-75), multilevel structural equation modeling examined social support quantity (time giving and receiving) and quality of as mediators at both the within- (intraindividual) and between-person (interindividual) levels. Giving support significantly mediated at within- and between-person levels: more social media use was associated with more time giving support and worse well-being. Receiving support significantly mediated at the between-person level: more social media use was associated with more time receiving support and worse well-being. When examining social support quality as a mediator, findings showed that more social media use to contact family/friends was related to better social support quality and better well-being. Results added to our understanding of the relationship between social media use and well-being by considering the role of social support quantity/quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yao Lin
- Department of Psychology, Brandeis University
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
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Liu N, Wang Y, Li Z. Internet use, physical activity and depressive symptoms in older adults: A cross-lagged panel analysis. J Affect Disord 2024; 350:937-945. [PMID: 38278330 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing cross-sectional studies suggest a strong positive association between Internet use, physical activity, and mental health in older adults; however, longitudinal studies reporting the relationship between Internet use, physical activity, and levels of depressive symptoms in older adults are lacking. This study aimed to examine the bidirectional relationship between Internet use and depressive symptoms in older adults and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS We used two waves of follow-up data (2016 and 2018) from the China Family Panel Studies, including 5837 participants aged 60 years or above. The bidirectional relationship between Internet usage time and depressive symptoms was examined using a cross-lagged model. The mediating role of physical exercise was examined using a half-longitudinal mediation model. RESULTS The results revealed a bidirectional relationship between Internet use time, frequency of physical activity, and depressive symptoms. Longer Internet use predicted lower levels of depressive symptoms, and the frequency of physical activity mediated the longitudinal relationship between Internet use and depressive symptoms in older adults. LIMITATIONS First, our study used self-report-based variables. Second, our study did not obtain the specific timing of the application of various functions of the Internet and the intensity of physical activity among older adults. Finally, based on the availability of data, our study involved only two waves of data. This may not be sufficient for a full longitudinal mediation effect test. CONCLUSIONS Internet use and depressive symptoms were interrelated over time among older adults. The frequency of physical activity was a mediator of Internet use and depressive symptoms. This underscores the importance of Internet-based technologies to enable healthy living and prevent depression and loneliness in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Liu
- School of Public Administration, Central South University, Hunan, Room 22, Shaoshan South Road, 410083 Changsha City, Hunan Prov., China.
| | - Yumeng Wang
- School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Hunan, New Campus of Central South University, Yuelu District, 410083 Changsha City, Hunan Prov., China
| | - Zhirong Li
- School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Hunan, New Campus of Central South University, Yuelu District, 410083 Changsha City, Hunan Prov., China.
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Rennoch G, Schlomann A, Zank S. Internet Use in Very Old Age: The Role of the Social Context and Individual Characteristics. J Appl Gerontol 2024; 43:78-88. [PMID: 37807877 DOI: 10.1177/07334648231196849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The social context plays an important role in very old age. However, little is known about its relationship with internet use, whereas individual characteristics (e.g., sociodemographic variables, and health status) are better studied. Still, representative studies for the oldest old are missing. Therefore, this study analyzes the relationship between social context variables and individual characteristics with internet use in a representative sample of oldest old from North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany (N = 1,862; Mage = 85.43, SDage = 4.15). Descriptive statistics reveal differences between oldest old onliners and offliners regarding their social context and individual characteristics. Logistic regression analyses show that the significant role of the social context (family and living situation, social contacts and activities) diminishes after adding individual characteristics to the model, which appear to be significantly related to internet use. The results indicate an association of social context variables and individual characteristics with internet use in very old age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerlind Rennoch
- NRW Graduate School GROW (Gerontological Research on Well-Being), University of Cologne, Köln, Germany
| | - Anna Schlomann
- Network Aging Research (NAR), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Zank
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Rehabilitative Gerontology, University of Cologne, Köln, Germany
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Altweck L, Freund J, Hahm S, Schmidt S, Tomczyk S. Collective loneliness: The impact of the social network on loneliness and depression during the coronavirus pandemic in older Europeans. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2024; 39:e6045. [PMID: 38161288 DOI: 10.1002/gps.6045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We examined the impact of the social network before the coronavirus pandemic on loneliness and depressed mood during the pandemic in older European individuals, and how these relationships differ between different European countries. METHODS Data of N = 19,999 persons (age: M = 69.18 years; 51% female) from the pan-European longitudinal survey of health, ageing and retirement in Europe, interviewed between October 2019 and March 2020 (Wave 8) and between June and August 2020 (Corona Questionnaire 1), were used. To test the models we employed path analyses, controlling for age, gender, education, and occupational status. Models were also run separately in collectivistic (Romania, Slovenia, Croatia, and Greece) and individualistic (Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and France) country groups. RESULTS A larger social network before the pandemic reduced the probability of an increase in loneliness and depression. The negative association between social network size and increase in loneliness was stronger in collectivist countries than in individualist ones. Moreover, an increase in loneliness increased the probability of feeling depressed. CONCLUSIONS It appears that pre-pandemic social networks served as a buffer to negative mental health consequences of the pandemic in older Europeans. In fact, this association was stronger in collectivist than for individualist countries. While this underscores the importance of social connectedness, it also stresses the vulnerability of socially isolated individuals regarding loneliness and depression. Future work should thus focus on supporting social networks in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Altweck
- Department Health and Prevention, Institute of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Justus Freund
- Department Health and Prevention, Institute of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Stefanie Hahm
- Department Health and Prevention, Institute of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Silke Schmidt
- Department Health and Prevention, Institute of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Samuel Tomczyk
- Department Health and Prevention, Institute of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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Dong WL, Li YY, Zhang YM, Peng QW, Lu GL, Chen CR. Influence of childhood trauma on adolescent internet addiction: The mediating roles of loneliness and negative coping styles. World J Psychiatry 2023; 13:1133-1144. [PMID: 38186732 PMCID: PMC10768484 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v13.i12.1133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the information age, the use of the internet and multimedia tools has large effects on the life of middle school students. Improper use of the internet may result in internet addiction (IA). Thus, actively exploring the factors influencing adolescent and the mechanism of addiction as well as promoting adolescent physical and mental health and academic development are priorities that families, schools, and society urgently need to address. AIM To explore the effect of childhood trauma on adolescent IA and to consider the roles of loneliness and negative coping styles. METHODS A total of 11310 students from six junior high schools in Henan, China, completed the child trauma questionnaire, IA test, loneliness scale, and simple coping style questionnaire. In addition, data were collected from 1044 adolescents with childhood trauma for analysis with IBM SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 28.0; we examined the relationships among childhood trauma, IA, loneliness, and negative coping styles. RESULTS We found that childhood trauma not only directly affected adolescents' IA but also affected IA through loneliness and negative coping styles. CONCLUSION Therefore, this study has theoretical implications regarding adolescent mental health and may inform interventions for IA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang-Lin Dong
- College of Nursing and Health, Institute of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan Province, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Li
- College of Nursing and Health, Institute of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan Province, China
| | - Yi-Ming Zhang
- College of Nursing and Health, Institute of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan Province, China
| | - Qian-Wen Peng
- College of Nursing and Health, Institute of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan Province, China
| | - Guang-Li Lu
- School of Business, Institute of Business Administration, Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan Province, China
| | - Chao-Ran Chen
- College of Nursing and Health, Institute of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan Province, China
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