Optimism and well-being in older adults: the mediating role of social support and perceived control

The Role of Life Satisfaction and Optimism for Successful Aging in Mid and Late Life

Guided by the Rowe and Kahn model, the current study examined the longitudinal association of objective and subjective components of successful aging (SA) with individuals' life satisfaction and level of optimism across adulthood aiming to validate the related scanty existing research. Data were from waves 2 and 3 (2004-14) of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. Using structural equation modeling, we examined (N = 2,040) whether subjective life satisfaction (wave 2) has any effect on a composite measure of SA (wave 3) while controlling for baseline sociodemographic and health factors. We also examined the mediation effects of optimism in the above associations. Findings revealed that life satisfaction has a significant positive effect on SA; also, this effect is bidirectional. Further, high optimism positively mediated the bidirectional association between life satisfaction and SA. This study identified life satisfaction and optimism as having potentially positive impacts on achieving SA in middle-aged and older adults.

Social isolation and depressive symptoms among chinese older adults: Serial mediating roles of social support and resilience

BACKGROUND

Social isolation is a significant risk factor for depressive symptoms in older adults, with social support and resilience serving as protective factors. However, the mechanisms underlying this association are not well understood.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was performed of 1020 participants (aged ≥ 60years) in the northern, central and southern parts of Jiangsu Province, China. A general information questionnaire, the Lubben Social Network Scale-6, the Perceived Social Support Scale, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10, and the Geriatric Depression Scale-5 were used. This study investigated the complex interplay among social isolation, social support, resilience, and depressive symptoms. Using the bootstrapping approach, serial multiple mediation models were constructed to explore the potential serial mediating roles of social support and resilience in the link between social isolation and depression.

RESULTS

Lower level of social isolation scores (coefficient = -0.2441, p < 0.001), lower level of social support (coefficient = -0.2368, p < 0.001) and lower level of resilience (coefficient = -0.1594, p < 0.001), were significantly associated with higher level of depressive symptoms. Social support and resilience in serial, mediated the relationship between social isolation scores and depressive symptoms (total effect: coefficient = -0.4526, 95 % CI [-0.0351, -0.0219]; total direct effect: coefficient = -0.2441, 95 % CI [-0.0423, -0.0240]; total indirect effect: coefficient = -0.2085, 95 % CI [-0.2531, -0.1642]).

CONCLUSIONS

Greater attention should be devoted to enhancing social support for Chinese older adults facing social isolation, which could foster higher resilience to prevent the onset of depressive symptoms. It is critical in driving the progress of mental health among aging community.

Does Perceived Generativity Mediate the Association Between Optimism and Cognitive Function Over Time? Findings from Midlife in the United States Study

Cognitive function is a vital component of healthy aging. However, whether a persistently high optimism benefits late-life cognitive function is debatable. The current study examined associations between high optimism status, perceived generativity, and cognitive functions across adulthood. Data were from waves 2 and 3 (2004-14) of the Midlife in the United States study. We used structural equation modeling to examine whether participants' (N = 2,205; Mage = 65 ± 11) persistent high optimism predicts better cognitive functions over time, compared to high optimism at only one time-point or not at all while controlling for covariates; we also examined whether individuals' perceived generativity mediates the above association. The findings revealed that persistent high optimism was significantly associated with better episodic memory and executive function. Further, perceived generativity positively mediated the association between persistent high optimism and episodic memory. Future research should examine mechanisms for potential aspects of high optimism and perceived generativity on late-life cognitive performances.

The mediating roles of optimism, loneliness, and psychological distress in the association between a sense of community and meaning in life among older adults

A sense of community is known to be a protective factor for the well-being of older adults and meaning in life associated with positive mental outcomes. Nevertheless, there is a need to expand the knowledge of the role of a sense of community in meaning in life, particularly among older adults. Intending to broaden the empirical understanding from this perspective, the current study examined the mediating roles of optimism, loneliness, and psychological distress in the association between a sense of community and meaning in life. Participants included 740 community dwelling Israeli older adults (M = 71.96; SD = 5.81). Participants completed questionnaires on a sense of community, optimism, loneliness, psychological distress, meaning in life, and sociodemographic characteristics. A positive association was found between a sense of community with optimism, and a negative association with loneliness. A negative association between optimism with psychological distress and a positive link between loneliness with psychological distress was found, while a higher level of psychological distress was associated with a lower level of meaning in life. Practitioners should focus interventions with older adults on developing a sense of community, with the aim to promote optimism and, at the same time, reduce loneliness and thus decrease psychological distress while strengthening meaning in life.

The health status, social support, and subjective well-being of older individuals: evidence from the Chinese General Social Survey

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the impact of health status and social support on the subjective well-being of older individuals.

Methods

Using data from the China General Social Survey 2017, this research analyzed 5,187 Chinese citizens aged 60 years and older. The predicted effect of each variable on subjective well-being was evaluated through hierarchical regression analysis. The direct and indirect effects of social support and health status on subjective well-being are examined based on a structural equation model.

Results

The mental health and social support positively impact subjective well-being. Mental health mediates the effect of physical health on subjective well-being, and social support mediates the relationship between physical and mental health and subjective well-being.

Conclusion

The findings provide strong evidence for the interrelationship mechanisms among the factors influencing subjective well-being. Consequently, improving mental health services and social support systems is advantageous for enhancing the well-being of Chinese seniors.

Impact of Optimism on Cognitive Performance of People Living in Rural Area: Findings From a 20-Year Study in US Adults

Objectives: Mid- or early-late-life cognitive function is an indicator for developing late-life dementia. However, it is still unclear whether rural/urban living contexts provide cognitive benefits across adulthood. Further, higher optimism serves as a general protective factor for many health outcomes. The present study examines associations between rurality/urbanicity, optimism, and change in mid/late-life cognitive functions over time. Methods: Data were from waves 1 to 3 (1995-2015) of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study (N = 2,507). Structural equation models examine whether long-term rural living across both waves (1-2) or intermittent rural living at one wave is associated with better cognitive function over 20 years, compared to no rural living, while controlling for prior cognitive function and covariates (baseline socio-demographics, health, and functional status). Additionally, we assessed if optimism mediates the above associations. Results: After controlling for covariates, long-term rural living (waves 1-2) was indirectly (through less optimism) associated with significantly lower levels of cognitive executive function and episodic memory in wave 3. Conclusions: While long-term rural living and cognitive outcomes have no direct association for MIDUS middle-aged and older adults, mediating roles of optimism in these associations were evident. Future investigations could examine mechanisms that underlie these risk/protective factors on late-life cognition.

Aging alone and financial insecurity predict depression: a path analysis of objective and subjective indices

OBJECTIVES

This study draws on conservation of resources theory and transactional stress theory to guide our understanding of how social isolation, financial insecurity, and social support serve as a balance of both risk and protection for late-life depression.

METHODS

Data were from the Leave-Behind Questionnaire in the 2016 (N = 4293) and 2018 (N = 4714) waves of the Health and Retirement Study. We conducted a cross-sectional path analysis via structural equation modeling, including objective and subjective perspectives. The same model was tested in both samples.

RESULTS

Both social isolation and financial insecurity were associated with depression. We found several mediating risks and protective factors of these relationships. Objective financial status affected depression through both perceived financial insecurity and perceived social isolation, whereas objective isolation affected depression through perceived social support. This mediation model was -significant after adjusting for confounders.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the importance of investigating the balance between risk and protection for depression, in the rising number of older adults aging alone in society. Findings suggest that objective and perceived measures offer unique windows into psychological constructs. Considering both objective and subjective perspectives may provide alternative targets for subsequent interventions to improve mental health in later life.

Structural equation model of coping and life satisfaction of community-dwelling older people during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 put older individuals at high risk for morbidity and mortality, isolation, reduced coping, and lower satisfaction with life. Many older adults experienced social isolation, fear, and anxiety. We hypothesized that successful coping with these stressors would maintain or improve satisfaction with life, a crucial psychological outcome during the pandemic. Our study investigated relationships between older people's coping and life satisfaction during the pandemic and their optimism, sense of mastery, closeness with spouse, family, and friends, and vulnerabilities from frailty, comorbid diseases, memory problems, and dependencies in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL).

METHODS

The study was based on a special COVID-19 sample of 1351 community-dwelling older adults who participated in the 2020 Health and Retirement Survey. A comprehensive structural equation modeling was used to test direct and indirect effects, with life satisfaction as the main outcome and coping as a mediator between the other variables and coping.

RESULTS

Most survey respondents were female and between the ages of 65-74 years. They averaged 1.7 chronic conditions, one in seven was frail, about one-third rated their memory as fair or poor, and about one in seven reported one or more difficulties in IADL. As hypothesized-older people with increased sense of mastery and optimism were better able to cope and had greater life satisfaction. In addition, close relationships with friends and with other family members besides the spouse/partner or children contributed to more successful coping, while the interpersonal closeness of all types contributed directly to greater life satisfaction. Finally, older people with more IADL limitations reported greater difficulty coping and lower life satisfaction, and those older people who were frail or had multiple comorbid diseases reported lower life satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimism, sense of mastery and closeness with family/friends promotes coping and life satisfaction, whereas frailty and comorbidities make coping more challenging and lead to lower life satisfaction particularly during a pandemic. Our study improves on prior research because of its nationally representative sample and formal specification and testing of a comprehensive theoretical framework.

Fear of Covid-19 and perceived academic safety: the buffering role of personal resources

Purpose

The study investigates the moderating effect of personal resources, including optimism and resilience, on the link between fear of Covid-19 and perceptions of academic safety among university students in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 618 students took part in the research by completing an online self-reported questionnaire. The respondents were chosen using a simple random sample method. The data was processed and analysed using IBM SPSS version 24 and SEM-PLS, respectively.

Findings

Results reveal fear of Covid-19 positively influence students' perception of academic safety. Furthermore, both resilience and optimism mitigate the impact of fear of Covid-19 on students' perceptions of academic safety.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine personal resources as a moderator between fear of Covid-19 and students' perceptions of academic safety. Practical and theoretical implications are added to the text.

Meaning in Life among Older Adults: An Integrative Model

Meaning in life (MIL) among older adults has a significant physical and mental health impact. This study aimed to present an integrative model of factors that contribute to variability in MIL among older adults, including background characteristics (gender, age, employment status, religiosity), personality characteristics (locus of control, self-efficacy, optimism), and psycho-social factors (psychological distress and loneliness). Participants (751 older adults, M_age = 72.27, SD = 6.28; 446 female, 305 male) responded to a questionnaire in-person or online. Measures included: demographic variables, Short Scale for the Assessment of Locus of Control, New General Self-Efficacy Scale, Life Orientation Test-Revised, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, and Hughes Short Scale for Measuring Loneliness. Hierarchical regression revealed that younger and religious older adults reported higher MIL levels than older and non-religious older adults. Internal locus of control, higher self-efficacy, and higher optimism were linked to higher MIL levels. Higher psychological distress and loneliness were associated with lower MIL levels, with psychological distress contributing the most of all variables in the study model to explain the variance in MIL among older adults. Employed older old adults reported lower MIL levels than those unemployed. The study emphasizes the importance of an integrative approach in the examination of MIL among older adults.

Religiosity and social support in Polish older adults: the mediating role of wisdom. Perspectives on Lars Tornstam's theory of gerotranscendence

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine whether wisdom is a mediator in the relationships between religious meaning system and social support among older adults. According to the theory of gerotranscendence, associations of religiousness and social support are complex and suggest the existence of wisdom in their internal structures.Method: The study included 466 persons aged 50-75. Three measures were used: Religious Meaning System Scale (RMSS), Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale (3D-WS) and Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS).Results: The analyses allowed for a partial verification of the hypothesis that wisdom is a mediator in the relationship between the religious meaning system and the multidimensional social support in late adulthood. It was confirmed that wisdom mediates the relationship between the religious meaning system and three out of the five dimensions of social support (perceived available support, actually received support and protective buffering support). Conclusion: These findings suggest that wisdom is an important element of religious meaning system and social support that is used by people as a part of their maturing into gerotranscendence to cope with life's difficulties and challenges.

The Impact of Optimism and Internal Locus of Control on Workers’ Well-Being, A Multi-Group Model Analysis before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 crisis led to changes in different areas of workers’ lives, as well as repercussions in stress management, social relationships, and perception of personal and professional growth. Considering this, well-being in the workplace is crucial to carrying out effective activities and performance, and it is also essential to verifying the impact of the pandemic on the current situation of workers’ overall well-being. The study investigates the mediation of Personal Growth (PG) between two personal resources at work, Internal Locus (LOCI) and Optimism (OPT), on the Pemberton Happiness Index (PHI), an important multi-faceted indicator of well-being. This study was conducted on respondents performing professions (n = 666), both before (2019, n = 410) and during the pandemic (2020, n = 256). The relationships were tested simultaneously using a multi-group structural equation model (MPLUS7). The estimated model shows that personal resources at work increase PG (LOCI mostly during the pandemic; OPT mostly before the pandemic); OPT directly increases PHI; PG increases PHI (mostly before the pandemic); and personal resources increase through PG and PHI (LOCI more during the pandemic; OPT more before the pandemic). The study is cross-sectional, as it was not possible to compare the same workers over two years. The research offers ideas for activation of training programs, support and development of individual resources, and personal growth aimed at improving well-being and the work experience for workers.

[Chronic pain in elderly people during the COVID-19 pandemic]

Hintergrund

Internationale Studien belegen negative Auswirkungen der COVID-19-Pandemie auf Stimmung und Stresslevel befragter Personen. Auch konnten Zusammenhänge zwischen der Pandemie und höheren Schmerzstärken sowie stärkerer schmerzbedingter Beeinträchtigung nachgewiesen werden. Die Studienlage dazu, ob ältere Menschen besser oder schlechter mit der Pandemie und ihren Auswirkungen umgehen können als jüngere Personen, ist aber uneindeutig.

Methodik

Seit einigen Jahren bietet das Universitätsklinikum Würzburg ein multimodales Schmerztherapieprogramm für SeniorInnen an. Für die vorliegende Arbeit wurden retrospektiv klinische Routinedaten zum Zeitpunkt des interdisziplinären multimodalen Assessments von n = 75 TeilnehmerInnen in den Jahren 2018 und 2019 mit denen von n = 42 Patientinnen während der COVID-19-Pandemie 2020–2021 verglichen. Wir untersuchten Schmerz, psychische Belastung und körperliches Funktionsniveau mithilfe des Deutschen Schmerzfragebogens, klinischer Diagnostik und geriatrischer Funktionstests.

Ergebnisse

Die beiden Teilstichproben unterschieden sich nicht in demografischen Merkmalen. Bezüglich Schmerzintensität und Beeinträchtigung sowie der psychischen Belastung fanden sich ebenfalls keine signifikanten Unterschiede. Lediglich die Anzahl der schmerzbedingt beeinträchtigten Tage war vor Corona signifikant höher. Die geriatrischen Funktionstests zeigten signifikant bessere Werte während der Pandemie an.

Diskussion

Die vorliegenden Daten zeigen keine Verschlechterung von Schmerz und körperlichem sowie psychischem Wohlbefinden bei SeniorInnen vor dem Hintergrund der Pandemie. Weitere Studien sollten die möglichen Gründe dafür untersuchen. Diese könnten in einer höheren Resilienz der SeniorInnen basierend auf ihrer Lebenserfahrung, finanziellen Sicherheit oder einer geringeren Veränderung des Lebensalltags liegen.

Optimism and subjective well-being in nursing home older adults: The mediating roles of gratitude and social support

OBJECTIVES

To examine the level of subjective well-being (SWB) and the mediating roles of gratitude and social support in the relationship between optimism and SWB amongst older Chinese people in nursing homes.

METHODS

A total of 354 older adults in Chinese nursing homes completed the World Health Organization's well-being index, Life Orientation Test-Revised, Gratitude Questionnaire-Six-Item Form, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the relationships between optimism, gratitude, social support and SWB.

RESULTS

The mean SWB score of the older people was (63.14 ±15.31), with 21.0% of subjects reporting low SWB. Gratitude and social support in serial partially mediated the relationship of optimism with SWB (total indirect effect: Standardized β = 0.157, 95% CI [0.109,0.216], p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

These findings provide good evidence for the inter-relationship mechanism amongst the protective factors of SWB, suggesting the need to prioritize positive psychological nursing interventions to promote SWB in older people in residential care.

Coping, COVID knowledge, communication, and HBCU student's emotional well-being: Mediating role of perceived control and social connectedness

The pandemic has disproportionately affected African American college students, who have experienced significant work-related, academic, financial, and socio-emotional challenges due to COVID-19. The purpose of the study is to investigate how African American students cope with the severe impact of COVID-19 on their emotional well-being leveraging the benefits of self-care coping measures, COVID-19 knowledge, and communication with others to enhance perceived control and social connectedness. A structural equation modeling and a path analysis of 254 responses from a Historically Black College and University showed that emotional well-being was positively predicted by self-care coping strategies, feelings of being in control in life, and social connectedness. In addition, respondents who adopted mind-body balance coping strategies, those who are knowledgeable about COVID-19, and those in more constant communication with others attained a strong sense of being in control, and in turn the empowerment increased their emotional well-being.

Longitudinal Associations of Perceived Mastery and Constraints With Coping and Their Implications for Functional Health for Aging Adults

The present study examined longitudinal associations of distinct dimensions of perceived control (i.e., perceived mastery and constraints) with approach and avoidance coping relating to functional health for aging adults, which had not been well studied previously. Using data from two waves of Midlife in the United States ( N = 4,963, whose mean age was 55.4 [ SD = 12.5]), a longitudinal path model was analyzed for direct and indirect effects among perceived mastery and constraints, approach and avoidance coping, and functional limitations. Bidirectional associations were observed between perceived mastery and approach coping and between perceived constraints and avoidance coping. Moreover, perceived constraints not only were directly associated with functional limitations but also mediated the longitudinal associations of the other factors of interest with functional limitations. These findings can inform future research on perceived control and coping in the context of promoting functional health.

Positive behavioral change during the COVID‐19 crisis: The role of optimism and collective resilience

While the issue of behavioral change is of increasing interest to academics and practitioners, an understanding of its drivers remains limited. Consistent with the possibility that destabilizing events can trigger the implementation of beneficial changes in one's life, this research studies the COVID‐19 pandemic and its influence on the adoption of positive habits. More specifically, it focuses on positive health and lifestyle‐related behavioral changes observed within the confined population, as well as the antecedents of such changes. Two surveys conducted 1 month apart in an urban setting severely affected by the pandemic confirm the role of optimism toward the crisis as an antecedent to four changes: slowdown in pace of life, decluttering of personal space, reflection on consumption habits and adoption of healthy behaviors. Collective resilience, social support and anxiety are identified as determinants of optimism. Results suggest an evolution of certain relations including the increase of collective resilience effect on optimism over time.

Association of Received Intergenerational Support with Subjective Well-Being among Elderly: The Mediating Role of Optimism and Sex Differences

Even though an extensive body of previous research has examined the association between received intergenerational support and the well-being outcomes of older adults in a wide variety of contexts, few studies have been conducted to explore the impacts of intergenerational support on elders' subjective well-being, especially the intermediary mechanisms in this process. The purpose of this study is to fill this gap by exploring the mediating role of optimism in the association between received intergenerational support and subjective well-being among the elderly in China, as well as the sex differences that exist between males and females. The findings show that the intergenerational support received from adult children is positively related to subjective well-being and that this relationship is partly mediated by optimism. Meanwhile, no significant sex difference was found in the interrelations between intergenerational support, optimism, and subjective well-being.

Purpose in Life in Older Adults: A Systematic Review on Conceptualization, Measures, and Determinants

Purpose in life (PIL) is a psychological construct that reflects one’s life goals and the desire or determination to pursue them. Having a purpose provides an intrinsic motivation to adopt healthy behaviors as we age, which will help us to achieve positive health outcomes. Thus, promoting PIL is the cornerstone for successful aging and better health outcomes. This systematic review aims to identify how PIL is conceptualized, measured in the existing literature and what are the determinants of PIL in older adults (≥65 years). Electronic searches were conducted in five databases (Medline, PsychInfo, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science). A total of 44 studies were included in the review. PIL was conceptualized in six different ways: health and well-being, meaningful goals and purpose, inner strength, social relationships, mattering to others, and spirituality and religiousness. There were six main questionnaires and semi structured interviews used to capture PIL. Female gender, higher education and income, being married, ethnicity, health and well-being, inner strength, social integration and spirituality were associated with PIL. Majority of the included studies had low to moderate Risk of Bias (RoB) assuring confidence in the results. The conceptual frameworks of PIL identified in the review underscore the complexity of the construct. Several sociodemographic and other determinants of PIL were identified.

Effects of Workplace Gossip on Employee Mental Health: A Moderated Mediation Model of Psychological Capital and Developmental Job Experience

Research has demonstrated the effects of workplace gossip on employees' work attitudes and behaviors. However, little emphasis has been placed on the psychological influence of workplace gossip on employees. The present study investigated the relationships among workplace gossip, psychological capital, and individual mental health. Data were collected in three waves from 222 full-time employees of a Taiwanese tourism company to explore the effect of workplace gossip on employees' mental health. The results suggested that workplace gossip was associated with employees' mental health through psychological capital. Moreover, developmental job experience plays a moderator role in the relationships among workplace gossip, psychological capital, and mental health. A moderated mediation model was also proposed in this study.

"We Are Young, We Run Free": Predicting Factors of Life Satisfaction among Young Backpackers

Although research from a positive psychology perspective is conducted among different populations, few studies have examined the predictors of life satisfaction among young backpackers. The current study focused on young adults (ages 21-30), an age group for whom backpacking treks are a growing phenomenon, during their treks in the Far East and South America. Direct and indirect models were used to identify personal factors and environmental resources contributing to life satisfaction. After at least one month abroad, 318 young adults (M = 23.76) answered a self-report quantitative questionnaire. The findings show that personal resources, social support, and community participation were positively associated with life satisfaction, and risk-taking behaviors were negatively associated with life satisfaction. Social support and community participation partially mediated the association between risk-taking behaviors and life satisfaction and between personal resources and life satisfaction. The implications of the findings for the subjective well-being of young backpackers during their transition to adulthood include, among others, the need to help young backpackers maintain their personal and social resources as valuable assets for coping with challenges during their trips. It is also important to increase awareness of the possible wide-ranging negative effects of risk-taking behaviors during backpacking trips.

Relationship Between Perceived Risks of Using mHealth Applications and the Intention to Use Them Among Older Adults in the Netherlands: Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Considering the increasing demand for health services by older people and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, digital health is commonly viewed to offer a pathway to provide safe and affordable health services for older adults, thus enabling self-management of their health while health care systems are struggling. However, several factors cause older people to be particularly reluctant to adopt digital health technologies such as mobile health (mHealth) tools. In addition to previously studied technology acceptance factors, those related to perceived risks of mHealth use (eg, leakage of sensitive information or receiving incorrect health recommendations) may further diminish mHealth adoption by older adults.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between perceived risks of using mHealth applications and the intention to use these applications among older adults.

METHODS

We designed a cross-sectional study wherein a questionnaire was used to collect data from participants aged 65 years and older in the Netherlands. Perceived risk was divided into four constructs: privacy risk, performance risk, legal concern, and trust. Linear regression analyses were performed to determine the associations between these perceived risk constructs and the intention to use mHealth applications.

RESULTS

Linear regression per perceived risk factor showed that each of the four constructs is significantly associated with the intention to use mobile medical applications among older adults (adjusted for age, sex, education, and health status). Performance risk (β=-.266; P=<.001), legal concern (β=-.125; P=.007), and privacy risk (β=-.100; P=.03) were found to be negatively correlated to intention to use mHealth applications, whereas trust (β=.352; P=<.001) was found to be positively correlated to the intention to use mHealth applications.

CONCLUSIONS

Performance risk, legal concern, and privacy risk as perceived by older adults may substantially and significantly decrease their intention to use mHealth applications. Trust may significantly and positively affect this intention. Health care professionals, designers of mHealth applications, and policy makers can use these findings to diminish performance risks, and tailor campaigns and applications to address legal and privacy concerns and promote mHealth uptake and health care access for older adults, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Volunteering Dynamics and Life Satisfaction: Self-Perceptions of Aging as a Buffer

OBJECTIVES

Research has extensively documented the concurrent benefits of being a volunteer (versus a non-volunteer), but little is known about older adults who once served as a volunteer but then stopped at some point in their lives (i.e., former volunteers). The current study tracked changes in older adults' overall life satisfaction and compared these changes among former volunteers, continuous volunteers, and continuous non-volunteers. We also examined whether self-perceptions of aging may serve as a long-term psychological buffer and protect former volunteers' life satisfaction after they quit volunteering.

METHOD

Data were from the Health and Retirement Study (2006-2016). A pooled sample of participants age 50+ (N = 10,441) indicated volunteer behaviors every other year, and we identified volunteering dynamics based on their volunteering history across 4 waves (8 years). Participants reported on self-perceptions of aging and life satisfaction in the Leave Behind Questionnaire once every 4 years.

RESULTS

Continuous volunteers reported greater subsequent life satisfaction than former volunteers and continuous non-volunteers 4 years later, when we adjusted for their baseline life satisfaction. Yet, the difference between continuous volunteers and former volunteers was absent among participants with more positive self-perceptions of aging.

DISCUSSION

This study reveals a potential discontinuity in the benefits of volunteering as older adults transition out of their volunteer activities. Findings, however, also reveal individual differences by self-perceptions of aging, offering suggestive evidence that may refine interventions to prolong the benefits of volunteering.

Has consumer-directed care improved the quality of life of older Australians? An exploratory empirical assessment

OBJECTIVES

To assess the impact of a Consumer Directed Care (CDC) model of service delivery on the quality of life of older people receiving home care packages.

METHODS

Quality of life was assessed using validated instruments. The relationship between quality of life and length of time exposed to CDC was examined using descriptive statistical and multivariate regression analyses.

RESULTS

Consenting older adults (n = 150) in receipt of home care packages participated. Quality of life and capability scores were higher for older people in receipt of a CDC model of service delivery for <12 months compared to those receiving the model of care for longer, although this difference was not statistically significant. However, older people with more recent exposure to CDC indicated a stronger capability to do things that made them feel valued.

CONCLUSION

Extended longitudinal follow-up is needed to facilitate a detailed examination of the relationship between the evolution of CDC and its longer-term influences on quality of life.

Age-related effects on environmentally sustainable purchases at the time of COVID-19: Evidence from Italy

The present research investigates whether the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has modified consumers' spending on environmentally sustainable products by focusing on the role of age. An empirical study conducted in Italy during the first wave of the pandemic finds that consumers' age affected their reaction to the COVID-19 outbreak, and such age-related effects may have led to an increased propensity to spend on sustainable products. Indeed, the results show that consumers' age is inversely related to their negative affective reaction to the rise of contagion, which, in turn, is inversely related to their level of optimism experienced when the contagion slowed down due to public health interventions. Furthermore, this level of optimism is positively related to consumers’ pro-environmental attitude and, thus, to their tendency to increase sustainable purchases.

A longitudinal study of the negative impact of falls on health, well-being, and survival in later life: the protective role of perceived control

Objectives: Falls can have detrimental effects on older adults' psychological well-being, physical health, and survival rates. However, certain psychosocial mediators may lessen the negative impact of suffering a fall on health and well-being. Perceived control is a psychosocial factor that was examined as a mediator of the falls - health and well-being relationship in the current study.Method: Participants were 232 community-dwelling older adults, age 68 or older who took part in a longitudinal study in 2008 and 2010 and completed measures of perceived control, self-rated health, health-care utilization, number of falls, depressive symptomology, and perceived stress. Survival was also tracked for seven years from 2008 through 2015.Results: Older adults who suffered a fall had poorer health and well-being two years later compared to those who did not suffer a fall. Perceived control mediated the negative impact of falls on subsequent health and well-being outcomes two years later. Among older adults who experienced a fall, higher levels of perceived control predicted better subsequent health and well-being. Suffering one or more falls also predicted less likelihood of survival seven years later, beyond the effects of age, gender, marital status, and education.Conclusion: Findings highlight the importance of assessing risk of falling and levels of perceived control in later life.

Spirituality and subjective well-being among Ghanaian older adults: optimism and meaning in life as mediators

OBJECTIVE

This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between spirituality and subjective well-being (positive affect, negative affect, and life satisfaction), and whether this relationship is mediated by optimism and meaning in life.

METHOD

Participants were 235 older adults (≥60 years) conveniently sampled from Ghanaian communities. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the direct and indirect relationships. Sobel test was also used to test specific mediating effects of optimism and meaning in life.

RESULTS

Spirituality was positively related with positive affect and life satisfaction, but negatively related with negative affect. The SEM results revealed that the relationship between spirituality and subjective well-being was indirect. Sobel test showed that the mediating effect of optimism was only statistically significant for negative affect but not positive affect and life satisfaction. In contrast, the mediating effect of meaning in life was statistically significant for the three components of subjective well-being.

CONCLUSION

The study has demonstrated that spirituality indirectly influences subjective well-being through optimism and meaning in life. It also showed the relative importance of meaning in life over optimism as a mediator. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings have been discussed.

Physical Environment vs. Social Environment: What Factors of Age-Friendliness Predict Subjective Well-Being in Men and Women?

“Age-Friendly Cities and Communities” is an initiative launched by the WHO in 2007 that has spread to more than 1000 cities and communities around the world. This initiative is based on an integrated physical and social environment for older people, and a model of participatory, collaborative governance. An enabling social environment setting is just as important as material conditions in determining well-being in later life. The objective of this study is to analyze the interaction between age-friendliness (physical and social) and subjective well-being in women and men aged 55 and over in the Basque Country. The methodology was based on a survey of a representative sample (n = 2469 individuals). In order to know the predictive power of age-friendliness over subjective well-being, linear regression models separated by gender were constructed. The predictive models of age-friendliness are composed by different variables for men and women. In both cases, the physical environment variables do not remain in the final model. Among the predictors of well-being in men, the coexistence stands out as a safety and support network. In women, the neighborhood has proved to be a very important resource. The conclusions of this study contribute to literature and interventions promoting more effective strategies that enhance older people well-being, considering the gender perspective.

Are Thoughts About the Future Associated With Perceptions in the Present?: Optimism, Possible Selves, and Self-Perceptions of Aging

Despite much literature pointing to the saliency of self-perceptions of aging (SPA) to aging processes, limited research offers empirical analysis on what shapes SPA. In order to identify possible antecedents to SPA, we conducted an exploratory analysis to analyze whether two future-oriented constructs-optimism and self-efficacy associated with possible selves-were associated with SPA. We ran hierarchical linear regressions, with optimism and self-efficacy of possible selves predicting SPA among 244 middle-aged and older adults. Higher optimism, higher self-efficacy to achieve hoped-for selves, and higher self-efficacy to avoid feared selves were associated with higher overall SPA. Results from our study suggest that how someone appraises their future older self impacts how they perceive their current older self.

A Polish and German Population Study of Quality of Life, Well-Being, and Life Satisfaction in Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Psychological studies undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic rarely include people in their 60s or older. In our study, we studied the predictors of quality of life, well-being, and life satisfaction (including risky behavior, trait anxiety, feeling of threat, sleep quality, and optimism) during the pandemic in older people from Germany and Poland and compared them to three different age groups. Methods: A total of 494 adults in four groups-60+ (N = 60), 50-60 (N = 139), 36-49 (N = 155), <35 (N = 140)-completed validated self-report questionnaires assessing: socio-demographic data, quality of life, trait anxiety, risk tolerance, Coronavirus threat, optimism regarding the pandemic, difficulty relaxing, life satisfaction, well-being, and sleep quality during the pandemic period. Results: Older people rated their quality of life higher than did young (mean difference=0.74, SE=0.19, p < 0.01) and middle-aged (mean difference=0.79, SE=0.18, p < 0.01) participants, rated their life satisfaction higher than young (mean difference=1.23, SE = 0.31, p < 0.01) and middle-aged (mean difference=0.92, SE = 0.30, p < 0.05) participants, and rated their well-being higher than young (mean difference=1.40, SE = 0.31, p < 0.01) and middle-aged (mean difference=0.91, SE = 0.31, p < 0.05) participants. They also experienced lower levels of trait anxiety and Coronavirus threat (mean difference=-9.19, SE = 1.90, p < 0.01) than the younger age groups. They experienced greater risk tolerance (mean difference=1.38, SE=0.33, p < 0.01), sleep quality (F =1 .25; eta 2 = 0.01), and optimism (F = 1.96; eta 2 = 0.01), and had less difficulty relaxing during the pandemic (F = 3.75; eta 2 = 0.02) than middle-aged respondents. Conclusions: Quality of life, life satisfaction, and well-being during the pandemic is affected by age, trait anxiety, and Coronavirus threat. Older people rated their quality of life, life satisfaction, and well-being during pandemic higher than young people, and experienced lower levels of trait anxiety and Coronavirus threat than the younger age groups. They experienced greater risk tolerance, sleep quality, and optimism, and had less difficulty relaxing than middle-aged respondents.

The additive impact of multiple psychosocial protective factors on selected health outcomes among older adults

Our objective was to investigate the additive properties of five psychosocial protective factors: purpose-in-life, resilience, optimism, internal locus of control and social connections. Self-reported psychological (depression, stress) and physical (health status, functionality) health outcomes and measured healthcare utilization and expenditures were included. The study sample was identified from adults age ≥65 who completed a health survey during May-June 2019 (N = 3,577). Each of the five protective factors was dichotomized as high/low (1/0) and counted with equal weighting. The protective factors were additive such that significant improvements in psychological and physical health outcomes were evident across factor subgroups: as the number of factors increased, health outcomes improved. The magnitude of the improvements was greatest between 0 and 1 factor. In addition, a significant linear trend for reduced healthcare expenditures ($1,356 reduction per factor added) was evident. Interventions promoting at least one protective factor would be beneficial for older adult populations.

Optimism and social support moderate the indirect relationship between self-efficacy and happiness through mental health in the elderly

We examined the role of self-efficacy, social support, optimism, and mental health in the prediction of happiness in the elderly. Moderated mediation analyses confirmed a full mediation in which self-efficacy, through perceived mental health and moderated by social support, predicts happiness moderated, in turn, by optimism. When an elder is self-efficacious, his or her mental well-being seems more likely to be improved and translated into enhanced happiness when social support and optimism are moderate to high. We provide preliminary results on the interplay of these psychosocial resources in improving subjective well-being that may help in designing tailored interventions for promoting happiness in late adulthood.

Perceived Control Buffers the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on General Health and Life Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Psychological Distance

Background

Ways to maintain good health during a pandemic are very important for the general population; however, little is known about the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) on individuals’ life satisfaction and perceived general health. This study aimed to examine the effects of COVID‐19 on life satisfaction and perceived general health and reveal the buffering effect of perceived control on coping with COVID‐19.

Methods

We collected 1,847 participants’ data from 31 pandemic‐affected provinces in China and obtained regional epidemic data of the same provinces. We employed a moderated mediation model with both individuals’ self‐report data and regional epidemic data to verify the hypotheses.

Results

Psychological distance mediated the relationships of regional pandemic severity with perceived general health and life satisfaction. Perceived control moderated the detrimental effects of regional pandemic severity through the moderating effects of regional pandemic severity on psychological distance, as well as the moderating effects of psychological distance on life satisfaction.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that perceived control may act as a protective factor buffering the psychological impact of the pandemic on general health and life satisfaction. Psychological distance can serve as a mediator that explains how the COVID‐19 pandemic impacts perceived general health and life satisfaction.

Psychosocial Resources for Hedonic Balance, Life Satisfaction and Happiness in the Elderly: A Path Analysis

We explored possible paths from physical and mental health-related quality of life, self-efficacy, optimism, and social support to happiness in older adults, considering hedonic balance and life satisfaction as mediators. A total of 154 Spanish male and female (50%) older adults (65–96 years old, M = 77.44, SD = 8.03; 64% noninstitutionalized elderly) voluntarily participated in this correlational, cross-sectional study. The participants completed self-reports on their perceived health status, self-efficacy, social support, optimism, and global subjective well-being (SWB) as well as its dimensions. Path analysis was used to examine direct and indirect relationships. The final model had an excellent fit with the data (χ2(10) = 11.837, p = 0.296, χ2/df = 1.184; SRMR = 0.050, CFI = 0.994, RMSEA = 0.035), revealing the unique causal effects of all the included predictors on happiness. With the exception of self-efficacy, the psychosocial resources predicted older adults’ current happiness, and this relationship was fully mediated by hedonic balance and life satisfaction, which were found to be putative intermediary factors for SWB. Self-efficacy in turn predicted the remaining psychosocial resources. Our findings extend the existing evidence on the influences of health-related quality of life, self-efficacy, optimism, and social support on SWB. Furthermore, they support the proposal of hedonic balance and life satisfaction as dimensions of SWB, thus supporting the tripartite hierarchical model of happiness. These results may inform future interventions seeking to improve happiness in late adulthood.

Development of the Sport Mental Health Continuum—Short Form (Sport MHC-SF)

Well-being research conducted in competitive athletics has been marred by the lack of a context-specific measurement instrument. The purpose of this study was to adapt the Mental Health Continuum – Short Form (MHC-SF) to create a sport-specific well-being instrument, the Sport Mental Health Continuum—Short Form (Sport MHC-SF), and test its initial psychometric properties. Participants were 287 collegiate athletes from a variety of sports. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) determined a three-factor structure of sport well-being, consisting of subjective, psychological, and social factors, as the model of best fit. Internal consistency reliabilities of the subscales exceeded .88. Moderate positive correlations were found between Sport MHC-SF subscales and quality of life indices, notably physical and emotional quality of life, demonstrating convergent validity. The Sport MHC-SF will facilitate empirical research by providing a more accurate and comprehensive measurement of well-being for an athletic population.

Fighting Incivility in the Workplace for Women and for All Workers: The Challenge of Primary Prevention

This article discusses the role of several constructs, such as workplace relational civility (WRC), positive relational management (PRM), and emotional intelligence (EI), as possible primary preventive resources to effectively deal with interpersonal mistreatment in the workplace (i.e., incivility). Since women endure workplace incivility more frequently than men, their well-being is particularly at risk. Thus, the possibilities for further research and primary prevention interventions in line with the achievement of the fifth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 5) are discussed.

Positive Aging: The Impact of a Community Wellbeing and Resilience Program

Objectives: To test the effect of a community wellbeing intervention, delivered by community partners, on the wellbeing, resilience, optimism, and social connection of older adults in the general population (Study 1) and older adult carers (Study 2), a population at risk for low wellbeing. Methods: Participants self-selected to take part in an 8-week multi-component wellbeing and resilience program consisting of weekly training sessions, and optional mentoring/peer support. Program participants and a natural control group were compared, post-intervention, on all outcomes of interest. Results: Intervention participants (Study 1) reported significantly lower scores of social isolation, but no significant difference in wellbeing, optimism, or resilience. Intervention participants (Study 2) showed significantly higher scores on all measured outcomes except social isolation. Conclusion: These studies point towards the potential benefits of wellbeing interventions for older adult from the general population and older adult carers, when delivered by community partners. Clinical implications: Early interventions promoting mental health may contribute to reducing the burden of mental health conditions on individuals and the health care system. Studies with more rigorous designs and extended follow-up measurements are required to consolidate these positive initial findings.

Perception of the Threat of Terrorism

In light of the tense and ongoing security situation in Israel, one important issue that needs to be analyzed and understood is the perception of terrorism threats. Most studies focused mainly on the psychological implications of terrorist acts; this study examines the complexity of the manner in which the individual perceives the threat of terrorism. In all, 40 Israeli adults (22 women and 18 men) were interviewed using semistructured in-depth interviews. Qualitative analysis indicates that the components of the perception of terrorism that construct the evaluation and subjective perception of the participants are as follows: (a) perception of control, which is a feeling of loss of control and helplessness due to uncertainty, inability to predict threats, and the vagueness of the threat; (b) perception of vulnerability to the threat, such as a feeling of vulnerability to and potential victimization by terrorism; and (c) perception of fear of terrorism that includes responses of fear, anxiety, feeling of danger, and emotional distress. In addition, gender differences were found in the analysis. The findings of this study help gain a better understanding as to how people perceive the threat of terrorism. The findings also enable an understanding of the complexity of living under ongoing terrorism threats and may assist in understanding how citizens cope with and adjust to this threat.

Perceived control among migrant live-in and local live-out home care workers in Israel

OBJECTIVE

To examine perceived control among live-in and live-out home care workers and to identify factors that contribute to perceived control among both types of caregiving.

METHOD

338 migrant live-in home care workers and 185 local live-out home care workers were asked to report their perceived control. Burnout, satisfaction with the relationship with the care recipient and the care recipient's family, and satisfaction with social relationship were also gathered.

RESULTS

Both types of caregivers reported high levels of perceived control, although live-in home care workers expressed more perceived control. Higher age, higher levels of satisfaction with the relationship with the care recipient and the care recipient's family and lower levels of burnout, predicted perceived control. Satisfaction with social relationship was a stronger predictor of one's perceived control among live-in home care workers.

CONCLUSIONS

Promoting social relationships outside the home care context by allowing migrant live-in home care workers to take part in social gatherings is recommended as this can strengthen their sense of perceived control.

Positive Relational Management for Sustainable Development: Beyond Personality Traits—The Contribution of Emotional Intelligence

Positive relationships are of major importance in our personal and working lives for promoting well-being, and fostering healthy and sustainable organizations. The research literature suggests that emotional intelligence is a key factor in promoting and maintaining positive relationships. We examined the association between trait emotional intelligence and positive relational management in Italian workers, controlling for the effects of personality traits. Participants were administered the Big Five Questionnaire (BFQ), the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire Short Form (TEIQue-SF) and the Positive Relational Management Scale (PRMS). Hierarchical regression analyses showed that trait emotional intelligence explained an additional 14–16% of the variance beyond personality traits in relation to positive relational management in workers. These results underscore the relationship between trait emotional intelligence and positive relational management, offering new opportunities for promoting both personal well-being and healthy and sustainable organizations.

Social and leisure activity profiles and well-being among the older adults: a longitudinal study

OBJECTIVES

Studies highlight the beneficial effects of social and leisure activities on the well-being of aging people. Our aims were: to investigate activity profiles among older adults living in their own homes, to highlight potential changes in profiles over a period of five years and to examine effects of differences between these profiles on well-being variables.

METHODS

Three waves were considered in this longitudinal study, with 550, 410 and 374 people (76, 79, 82 years on average), respectively. We used cluster analysis to obtain activity profiles of social and leisure activities, ANOVAs with age and external variables (satisfaction with life, time occupation satisfaction, self-esteem and depression) to explore differences between cluster groups, and chi-square tests of association to explore whether the same individual belonged to the same activity profile over time.

RESULTS

The number of clusters decreased strongly from the first wave to the other two waves (n = 7 to n = 2 and 3). Two main types of activity differentiated the profiles: social activities (voluntary work and associations) and recreational activities outside the home/at home. The activities showed no systematic or strong effects on external variables, nevertheless for the oldest subjects when comparing the less active to the more active (recreational profile and social profile) the latter expressed a greater satisfaction of time occupation and self-esteem, and lower scores of depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Such activities could be an indicator of a certain independence (physical and mental availability) which plays a strong role in the well-being of older adults.