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Uittenhove K, Jopp DS, Lampraki C, Boerner K. Coping Patterns in Advanced Old Age: Findings from the Fordham Centenarian Study. Gerontology 2023; 69:888-898. [PMID: 36843110 DOI: 10.1159/000529896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research on coping in advanced old age is scarce. In the present study, we explored coping patterns in near-centenarians and centenarians, and characteristics associated to using a specific coping pattern. METHODS We analyzed the frequency with which participants (N = 87, MAge = 99.05; SDage = 2.6; age range 95-107) reported using specific coping strategies (i.e., coping strategy use) and the relative preference for specific strategies (i.e., relative coping preferences) in data from the Fordham Centenarian Study. Moreover, we applied cluster analysis to detect coping patterns, and we compared cluster characteristics. RESULTS Very old individuals reported using emotion control and acceptance the most. Cluster analysis further revealed two distinct groups: The high coping group reported significantly higher coping strategy use than the low coping group (p < 0.001). The two groups also favored different strategies (p < 0.001), with the high coping group showing significantly higher relative preferences than the low coping group for active problem-solving, proactive prevention, and strategic planning (all ps < 0.05). The groups furthermore differed significantly in psychological strengths (i.e., personality, self-efficacy, ps < 0.001) and well-being outcomes (i.e., life satisfaction, p = 0.05). DISCUSSION This study provides evidence for a general preference for acceptance and emotion control in very old individuals, supporting theories of a developmental coping shift in old age, yet our findings also document the existence of groups with different coping patterns. More frequent coping use, and particularly continued use of active problem-solving and proactive prevention, may enable well-being in very old age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Uittenhove
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research LIVES, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Daniela S Jopp
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research LIVES, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Charikleia Lampraki
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research LIVES, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kathrin Boerner
- University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Bar-Tur L. 'I Finally Got Rid of My Shadow!': Psychotherapy with an Oldest Old Woman - A Growth Process for Client and Therapist. Clin Gerontol 2023; 46:467-474. [PMID: 36620910 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2023.2165468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The increase in the number of people living beyond age 90 pose challenges to mental health professionals, many of whom still harbor ageist notions concerning the efficacy of psychotherapy for the oldest old. This paper demonstrates how integrated psychotherapy with an oldest old woman can provide opportunities for integration and personal growth. CLINICAL INTERVENTION Integrated psychotherapy based on self-psychology psychodynamic approach, was provided to a woman from age 90 to 100 concerning age-related changes and losses and unresolved traumatic experiences in life. which troubled her notwithstanding previous efforts to resolve them. OUTCOMES Over the course of almost ten years, the client came to terms with her aging losses, experiences, worked through the therapeutic process, and learned how to express and accept her deepest feelings, thereby achieving psychological well-being and internal peace. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Psychotherapy for the oldest old may contribute to their well-being by offering significant opportunities to process and understand major events and unresolved issues along the life cycle. This study demonstrates that the older self is flexible and capable of growth, even as physical health wanes. Transference and countertransference reactions between therapists and clients can be instrumental in understanding and improving the well-being of the oldest old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liora Bar-Tur
- Ruppin Academic Center, MA Program in Clinical Psychology of Adulthood and Aging, Faculty of Social and Community Sciences, Emek Hefer, Israel
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3
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Komatsu H, Niimura H, Yagasaki K. Process of inner change in advanced age: a qualitative study of older adults in their early 90 s. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:945. [PMID: 36482303 PMCID: PMC9733006 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03665-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of nonagenarians is growing globally. The promotion of mental wellbeing is increasingly important. The aim of this study was to explore mental wellbeing and psychological experiences of older adults in their early 90 s who were living at home. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 20 older adults in their early 90 s. A thematic analysis, according to Braun and Clarke, was used to analyze data. RESULTS An inner process of older adults in their early 90 s was revealed; its three themes were the "reality of aging," "seeking emptiness of the mind," and "still moving on." Older adults in this study experienced functional decline, regret, and loneliness. They were tired of life and nearly gave up. Emptying their minds helped them reset their attitudes and find a way to move on. After realizing that negative thinking did not help anything, they focused on what they could do and their daily routines. Perceived social usefulness validated participants' self-worth. However, a few were consistently active without negative perceptions of aging. CONCLUSION Understanding the psychological process and mental wellbeing in later life aids in the development of practical healthcare policies to assist the growing oldest-old population in cope with age-related challenges and improve their mental wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Komatsu
- grid.444320.50000 0004 0371 2046Japanese Red Cross Kyushu International College of Nursing, 1-1 Asty Munakata-City, Fukuoka-Prefecture, 811-4157 Japan
| | - Hidehito Niimura
- grid.443251.50000 0001 0157 5998Faculty of Human Science, Toyo Eiwa University, 32 Miho-cho, Midori-Ku, Yokohama, 226-0015 Japan ,grid.26091.3c0000 0004 1936 9959Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582 Japan
| | - Kaori Yagasaki
- grid.26091.3c0000 0004 1936 9959Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582 Japan
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Zaccaria D, Cavalli S, Masotti B, Gomes Da Rocha C, von Gunten A, Jopp DS. Social Isolation and Loneliness among Near-Centenarians and Centenarians: Results from the Fordham Centenarian Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19105940. [PMID: 35627476 PMCID: PMC9141482 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19105940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Social isolation and loneliness have been recognized as problems older people face due to their adverse effects on health and mortality, but very few researchers have analyzed their co-occurrence, which might be particularly prevalent and critical among the very old. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of combinations of social isolation and loneliness among near-centenarians and centenarians. We used data collected from 94 individuals aged 95–107 from the Fordham Centenarian Study. We built a four-group typology and explored associations with individual characteristics in various domains (demographic, socioeconomics, social, health, care, and psychological) with multinomial logistic regression models. Considering their combinations, the most prevalent groups were “isolated and lonely” and “neither isolated nor lonely” (29.8% and 28.7%, respectively). The “lonely but not isolated” (20.2%) and “isolated but not lonely” (21.3%) groups were also notably large. The likelihood of belonging to each group varied according to various individual characteristics, such as education, health, and personality. Social isolation and loneliness are distinct phenomena among centenarians. The consideration of their varied combination can help better assess life conditions at very old ages. Taking into account the differences between groups can facilitate the design of tailored interventions to improve the lives of near-centenarians and centenarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Zaccaria
- Centre of Competence on Ageing, Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), 6928 Manno, Switzerland; (S.C.); (B.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Stefano Cavalli
- Centre of Competence on Ageing, Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), 6928 Manno, Switzerland; (S.C.); (B.M.)
| | - Barbara Masotti
- Centre of Competence on Ageing, Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), 6928 Manno, Switzerland; (S.C.); (B.M.)
| | - Carla Gomes Da Rocha
- Service of Old Age Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; (C.G.D.R.); (A.v.G.)
- School of Health Sciences, HES-SO Valais-Wallis, 3960 Sion, Switzerland
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Armin von Gunten
- Service of Old Age Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; (C.G.D.R.); (A.v.G.)
| | - Daniela S. Jopp
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland;
- Swiss Centre of Expertise in Life Course Research (LIVES), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Boerner K, Kim YK, Gallagher EA, Kim K, Jopp DS. "I'm Getting Older Too": Challenges and Benefits Experienced by Very Old Parents and Their Children. J Appl Gerontol 2021; 41:769-779. [PMID: 34027691 DOI: 10.1177/07334648211016113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Very old parents and their "old" children are a growing group in industrialized countries worldwide. However, virtually nothing is known about the nature and implications of this relationship constellation. To fill this gap, this study explored the challenges and rewards of the very old parent-child relationship. In-depth interviews were conducted with 114 parent-child dyads (parent age ≥90; child age ≥65). While both challenges and rewards were present, the balance of challenges and rewards was notably less favorable for children with more challenges experienced overall. Challenges reported by children were often characterized by references to children's own advanced age and health problems, and the prolonged caregiving involvement due to their parents' longevity. Health care professionals, policymakers, and families should be made aware of this increasingly common phenomenon, and specific services and policies will be needed to adequately support very old adults and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Daniela S Jopp
- University of Lausanne/Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research LIVES, Switzerland
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6
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Bar-Tur L. Fostering Well-Being in the Elderly: Translating Theories on Positive Aging to Practical Approaches. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:517226. [PMID: 33898472 PMCID: PMC8062922 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.517226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This article overviews positive aging concepts and strategies to enhance well-being in the elderly and then presents a translation of theories on positive aging to practical approaches for Positive Aging. Drawing upon positive psychology and positive aging research and tools, this program is designed to help older adults improve their well-being by acquiring skills and strategies to cope with present and future challenges. The Mental Fitness Program for Positive Aging (MFPPA) can enhance seniors' quality of life by increasing their vital involvement and active engagement in life. This model is most appropriate for community dwelling individuals. It can easily be conducted in wide range of adult education programs in community centers, sheltered homes, and primary care clinics. It can also be conducted through online psychoeducational training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liora Bar-Tur
- MA Program in Gerontological Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Social & Community Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Hadera, Israel
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7
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Morgan T, Wiles J, Moeke-Maxwell T, Black S, Park HJ, Dewes O, Williams LA, Gott M. 'People haven't got that close connection': meanings of loneliness and social isolation to culturally diverse older people. Aging Ment Health 2020; 24:1627-1635. [PMID: 31256631 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2019.1633619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Social isolation and loneliness among older people are known to have negative effects on health and wellbeing. Few studies, however, have enabled older people to define these concepts in their own terms. This paper based on research in Aotearoa, New Zealand is the first to comparatively outline the meanings of loneliness and social isolation from the perspective of four ethnically diverse groups of older adults (Māori, Pacific, Asian, and NZ European).Method: We interviewed 44 older people and conducted three focus groups with 32 older people. We used thematic and narrative analyses.Results: Loneliness and social isolation were conceptualized as interconnected concepts described as a 'look and feel', a 'state of mind' and as a 'lack of desired companionship'. Participants conveyed sophisticated understandings of the structural underpinnings of both loneliness and social isolation as multi-dimensional, complex, and situated.Conclusions: Older people describe complex and culturally- nuanced understanding and experience of social isolation and loneliness. More culturally appropriate services, greater mental-health support and more service provision on weekends and evenings are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Morgan
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Janine Wiles
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tess Moeke-Maxwell
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Stella Black
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Hong-Jae Park
- School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Ofa Dewes
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lisa Ann Williams
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Merryn Gott
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Struckmeyer KM, Caldwell JA, Bishop AJ, Scheuerman PN. Examining the Influence of Early-Life and Recent Traumatic Events on Loneliness in Centenarians. Int J Aging Hum Dev 2020; 93:963-985. [PMID: 32970456 DOI: 10.1177/0091415020959768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Early-life traumatic experiences have lasting implications for late-life socio-emotional development, contributing to a greater prevalence of poor mental health in very old age. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of early-life and recent traumatic life experiences on loneliness among centenarians. A total of 154 centenarians participated in a semistructured interview. The time of traumatic occurrence and type of trauma experienced influence loneliness in centenarians. Experiencing a natural disaster 70 or more years ago significantly predicted loneliness. Terror management theory proposes that coming to terms with one's mortality represents an underlying source of anxiety that can influence human behavior to create both immediate and future defenses. Evidence from this study can be used to improve how aging service practitioners integrate reminiscence or life-review therapy or counseling within clinical or educational settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristopher M Struckmeyer
- 7618 Department of Human Development and Family Science, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Jillian A Caldwell
- 7618 Department of Human Development and Family Science, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Alex J Bishop
- 7618 Department of Human Development and Family Science, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
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Chen C, Liu GG, Shi QL, Sun Y, Zhang H, Wang MJ, Jia HP, Zhao YL, Yao Y. Health-Related Quality of Life and Associated Factors among Oldest-Old in China. J Nutr Health Aging 2020; 24:330-338. [PMID: 32115616 PMCID: PMC7064459 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-020-1327-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The oldest old population has become the fastest growing segment with excess need of care and social support, it is crucial to improve the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of these populations. This study seeks to evaluate the health status and to investigate modifiable factors associated with health-related quality of life for oldest old adults in China. DESIGN A cross-sectional population-based study. SETTING Hainan Province in the south of China. PARTICIPANTS 1,278 adults aged 80 years or older. METHODS HRQoL was assessed by three-level EuroQol-5D scale (EQ-5D-3L) and a visual analogue scale (VAS). Demographic and health-related variables were analysed by estimating mean values and standard deviations for continuous variables, percentages and standard deviations for categorical variables. Tobit regressions, ordinary least Squared (OLS) regressions and ordered probit regressions were adopted to determine the associated factors for overall HRQoL and for each health dimension. RESULTS Anxiety/depression was the least reported problem while mobility was the most frequently reported with problem. Female respondents had lower EQ-5D score (0.76 vs. 0.86) and VAS score (66.55 vs. 69.84) than male respondents. Better health-related quality of life was significantly associated with higher BMI, no drinking habit, more leisure activities, living with family members, good sleeping quality, closer social and family connections, fewer numbers of drugs consumed per day, without having hearing or visual impairment, and fewer chronic conditions, after controlling for potential confounders. CONCLUSION Findings from this study suggested that quality of life was not only associated with age-related diseases, but also correlated with a range of health-related lifestyles, and factors indicating social and family support.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Chen
- Yao Yao, MD, National School of Development, Peking University, 5 Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China.
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Cheng A, Leung Y, Harrison F, Brodaty H. The prevalence and predictors of anxiety and depression in near-centenarians and centenarians: a systematic review. Int Psychogeriatr 2019; 31:1539-58. [PMID: 31354113 DOI: 10.1017/S1041610219000802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current research on the psychological health of near-centenarians (95-99 years old) and centenarians remains limited. Existing studies have mainly characterized their physical, cognitive, and social health. Results on the anxiety and depression of near-centenarians and centenarians (more than 95 years old) have been mixed with some studies, finding higher rates of anxiety and depression among those older than 95 years and others reporting no difference in rates compared with younger age groups. This study aims to synthesize the existing literature on the prevalence and predictors of anxiety and depression in near-centenarians and centenarians. METHOD A systematic review was conducted using Ovid Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane database. Common and conflicting findings among the literature were examined. RESULTS Thirty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Six studies examined the prevalence and predictors of anxiety, and 37 studies investigated the prevalence and predictors of depression. Five studies examined both anxiety and depression in the same sample. Prevalence data on anxiety and depression varied significantly, as did comparisons with rates in younger populations. Findings on predictors of anxiety and depression were contradictory. CONCLUSION There is a large degree of heterogeneity among studies of centenarians' psychological status. Findings conflict on the prevalence and predictors of anxiety and depression and rates compared with younger age groups. Variation in findings may result from the different inclusion criteria, sampling methods, and measurement tools. Better harmonization of centenarian study methodologies may improve consistency of findings to aid in developing clinical interventions.
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Abstract
PURPOSE Current healthcare systems are not suitable for serving future societies in which the oldest old are commonplace. The objective of this study was to understand what the oldest old care most about in their daily lives. METHODS Semi-structured in-depth interviews and thematic analysis were used. Face-to-face interviews were conducted in 17 elderly residents (≥ 95 years) of Arakawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan from July to November 2017. RESULTS Three themes emerged from the interview responses: "unshakable beliefs and social ties," "natural acceptance," and "my day-to-day life with precious moments." The oldest old strongly believe in diligence and compassion and maintain strong relationships with people around them. Despite their small social networks, they are concerned about future society. They accept their selves and their lives, including their impending deaths. Despite their functional decline, they control their lives by making very small decisions. They live on a moment-to-moment basis, cherishing simple events. CONCLUSION Maintaining autonomy through making small decisions and enjoying small pleasures are important to the oldest old. Understanding the needs of the oldest old is the first step towards developing optimal geriatric care for an aging population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Komatsu
- a Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care , Keio University , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Kaori Yagasaki
- a Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care , Keio University , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Hisashi Kida
- b Department of Neuropsychiatry , Keio University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Yoko Eguchi
- b Department of Neuropsychiatry , Keio University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Hidehito Niimura
- b Department of Neuropsychiatry , Keio University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
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Cimarolli VR, Jopp DS, Boerner K, Minahan J. Depressive symptoms in the oldest-old: The role of sensory impairments. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2018; 78:249-54. [PMID: 30032074 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2018.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While a fair amount of research has investigated the impact of sensory impairments on the mental health of young older adults (65-79 years of age), only a few studies have focused on the associations of sensory impairments with mental health outcomes in the oldest-old (80 years and older). To close this gap, this study examined the separate and combined effects of self-reported vision and hearing impairment for depressive symptoms in a sample of oldest-old individuals, controlling for other mental health risks (e.g., functional disability, health interference, and loneliness). METHODS Centenarians and near-centenarians (N = 119; average age = 99) were recruited from the community and geriatric healthcare organizations. In-person interviews were conducted at participants' place of residence. RESULTS Vision impairment and its interaction with hearing impairment as well as functional disability, health interference with desired activities, and loneliness were significant predictors of depressive symptoms in hierarchical regression analyses. Hearing impairment alone was not associated with depressive symptoms, but follow-up analyses clarifying the interaction effect showed that individuals with poor vision had the highest levels of depressive symptoms, if they had a concurrent hearing impairment. Thus, a concurrent presence of poor vision and poor hearing resulted in an increased vulnerability for depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Given that a majority of oldest-old has sensory impairments which can result in mental health issues, it is important to facilitate this population's access to vision and audiological treatment and rehabilitation.
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Nakagawa T, Jopp DS, Gondo Y, Lehrfeld J, Rott C, Oswald F. Valuation of Life Among Old and Very Old Adults: Comparison Between Germany and Japan. Innov Aging 2018; 2:igy020. [PMID: 30480140 PMCID: PMC6177057 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Valuation of life (VOL) represents a construct capturing individuals’ active attachment to their life. The majority of studies on VOL were conducted in North America and Europe where personal autonomy and independence are highly valued, leaving open the question about the relevance of this construct in interdependence-oriented cultures. Using a framework of cross-cultural and life-span theories, the present study compared levels and predictors of VOL between the young-old and old-old individuals from Germany and Japan. Research Design and Methods Two hundred fifty-seven Germans and 248 Japanese, matched by age, gender, education, and IADL, answered a 5-item VOL scale and shared information on sociodemographic, social, and health resources. Results Germans’ VOL levels were higher than in Japanese participants. Both culture- and age-moderated predictions of VOL: education was significant only in the young-old Japanese, and close social partners mattered in the old-old, not in the young-old. Health determined VOL irrespective of culture and age. Discussion and Implications The findings suggest that cultural values and aging processes should be considered to better understand how individuals value their life and to help older adults to feel that his/her life is meaningful and worth living.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Nakagawa
- Section of NILS-LSA, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi, Japan.,Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daniela S Jopp
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.,LIVES, National Centre of Competence in Research, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yasuyuki Gondo
- Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University, Japan
| | | | - Christoph Rott
- Institute of Gerontology, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Frank Oswald
- Interdisciplinary Ageing Research, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
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Abstract
Very old adults are one of the fastest-growing age groups worldwide. Yet they rarely constitute a targeted group for public policies. Drawing on the results of the centenarian studies presented in this special issue, we highlight major challenges that arise from the increase of this population. We outline several promising approaches for policy makers and professionals to develop evidence-based policies and programs that are tailored to the needs of very old adults and their families. We focus our discussion on three key topics essential to life care: the importance of integrated care to meet the complex care needs of the very old; the balance between formal and informal care; and the development of suitable places for living. Besides more specific measures, we propose that policies promoting the social integration of very old adults in their communities would be particularly helpful, as these may benefit not only the very old and their families but also individuals of all ages. We conclude that the development of suitable policies addressing the needs of the very old will benefit from future investigation of cross-cultural similarities and differences in centenarians' characteristics, available services, as well as life conditions they encounter in communities and institutional contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Pin
- a Institute of Social Sciences, University of Lausanne , Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Dario Spini
- a Institute of Social Sciences, University of Lausanne , Lausanne , Switzerland
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