scholarly journals Peritraumatic Stress From a Disaster Increases Risk for Onset of Chronic Diseases Among Older Adults

2022 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura P Sands ◽  
Quyen Do ◽  
Pang Du ◽  
Rachel Pruchno
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Lung Disease ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Panel Study ◽  
Hurricane Sandy ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Disaster Exposure ◽  
New Onset

Abstract Background and Objectives Our understanding of the impact of disaster exposure on the physical health of older adults is largely based on hospital admissions for acute illnesses in the weeks following a disaster. Studies of longer-term outcomes have centered primarily on mental health. Missing have been studies examining whether exposure to disaster increases the risk for the onset of chronic diseases. We examined the extent to which 2 indicators of disaster exposure (geographic exposure and peritraumatic stress) were associated with new onset of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, and lung disease to improve our understanding of the long-term physical health consequences of disaster exposure. Research Design and Methods We linked self-reported data collected prior to and following Hurricane Sandy from a longitudinal panel study with Medicare data to assess time to new onset of chronic diseases in the 4 years after the hurricane. Results We found that older adults who reported high levels of peritraumatic stress from Hurricane Sandy had more than twice the risk of experiencing a new diagnosis of lung disease, diabetes, and arthritis in the 4 years after the hurricane compared to older adults who did not experience high levels of peritraumatic stress. Geographic proximity to the hurricane was not associated with these outcomes. Analyses controlled for known risk factors for the onset of chronic diseases, including demographic, psychosocial, and health risks. Discussion and Implications Findings reveal that physical health effects of disaster-related peritraumatic stress extend beyond the weeks and months after a disaster and include new onset of chronic diseases that are associated with loss of functioning and early mortality.

scholarly journals Impact of Hurricane Sandy on Hospital Admissions 2 Years Later

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 236-236
Author(s):  
Laura Sands ◽  
Pang Du ◽  
Quyen Do ◽  
Yunnan Xu ◽  
Rachel Pruchno
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Prognostic Significance ◽  
Hurricane Sandy ◽  
Health Consequences ◽  
Social Risks ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Disaster Exposure

Abstract Disaster exposure is often followed by acute illness and injuries requiring hospital admission in the weeks after the disaster. It is not known whether disaster exposure is associated with hospitalization in the years after the disaster. We examined the extent to which disaster exposure is associated with hospitalization two years after Hurricane Sandy. The analyses fill a gap in our understanding of long-term physical health consequences of disaster exposure by identifying older adults at greatest risk for hospitalization two years after disaster exposure. Older adults (n=909) who participated in a longitudinal panel study provided data before and after Hurricane Sandy. These data were linked with Medicare inpatient files to assess the impact of Hurricane Sandy on hospital admissions after the post-hurricane interview. Those who reported experiencing a lot of fear and distress in the midst of Hurricane Sandy were at an increased risk of being hospitalized in the second or third years after the hurricane [Hazard Ratio=1.81 (1.15 – 2.85)]. Findings held after controlling for pre-hurricane demographics, social risks, chronic conditions, and decline in physical functioning after the hurricane. These findings are the first to show that disaster exposure increases risk for hospital admissions two years after a disaster, and that older adults’ appraisal of their emotional distress during the disaster has prognostic significance that is not explained by known risks for hospital admissions. The findings suggest that interventions during the storm and after the storm, may reduce long-term health consequences of disaster exposure among older adults.

scholarly journals A randomised controlled trial exploring the impact of a dedicated Health and Social Care Professionals team in the Emergency Department on the quality, safety, clinical and cost-effectiveness of care for older adults: Study Protocol

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marica Cassarino ◽  
Katie Robinson ◽  
Íde O’Shaughnessy ◽  
Eimear Smalle ◽  
Stephen White ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Effectiveness Of Care ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background : Older people are frequent Emergency Department (ED) users who present with complex issues that are linked to poorer health outcomes post-index visit, often have increased ED length of stay and tend to have raised healthcare costs. Encouraging evidence suggests that ED teams involving health and social care professionals (HSCPs) can contribute to enhanced patient flow and improved patient experience by improving care decision-making and thus promoting timely and effective care. However, the evidence supporting the impact of HSCPs teams assessing and intervening with older adults in the ED is limited and identifies important methodological limitations, highlighting the need for more robust and comprehensive investigations of this model of care. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a dedicated ED-based HSCP team on the quality, safety, clinical and cost-effectiveness of care of older adults when compared to usual care. Methods : The study is a single-site randomised controlled trial whereby patients aged ≥65 years who present to the ED of a large Irish hospital will be randomised to the experimental group (ED-based HSCP assessment and intervention) or the control group (usual ED care). The recruitment target is 320 participants. The HSCP team will provide a comprehensive functional assessment as well as interventions to promote a safe discharge for the patient. The primary outcome is ED length of stay (from arrival to discharge). Secondary outcomes include: rates of hospital admissions from the ED, ED re-visits, unplanned hospital admissions and healthcare utilisation at 30-days, four and six-month follow-up; patient functional status and quality of life (at baseline and follow-up); patient satisfaction; costs-effectiveness in terms of costs associated with ED-based HSCP compared to usual care; and perceptions on implementation by ED staff members. Discussion : This is the first randomised controlled trial testing the impact of HSCPs working in teams in the ED on the quality, safety, clinical and cost-effectiveness of care for older patients. The findings of the study will provide important information on the effectiveness of this model of care for future implementation. Trial registration : ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03739515; registered on 12 th November 2018. Protocol version 1. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03739515

scholarly journals SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN MEXICO: IMPLICATIONS OF GENDER AND PHYSICAL HEALTH

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S215-S215
Author(s):  
Maria Monserud
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Studies in developed countries indicate that social activities can make a difference in mental health in later life. Yet, research on potential benefits of social activities for older adults in developing countries, including Mexico, has been scarce. This study uses the two most recent waves (2012, 2015) of the Mexican Health and Aging Study to investigate the impact of social activities on depressive symptoms among older men (n = 4, 749) and women (n = 6,527), aged 50+, in Mexico. The results of Ordinary Least Squares regressions indicate that it is important to differentiate among specific social activities in later life. Particularly, not only group-based but also solitary social activities were predictive of better mental health. Moreover, the findings demonstrate several gender differences and similarities. Participation in clubs, communication with relatives and friends, physical exercise, and watching television were beneficial for mental health among men, whereas volunteering, playing games, and making crafts were associated with fewer depressive symptoms among women. At the same time, reading as well as doing household chores were related to better mental health among older Mexicans, regardless of gender. Furthermore, this study shows that self-reported health, functional limitations, chronic conditions, and frequent pain might shape the implications of social activities for depressive symptoms among older adults in Mexico. The insights from this study can be helpful for intervention programs that are being developed to promote benefits of group-based and solitary social activities for mental health among older men and women with different levels of physical health.

A Longitudinal Analysis of Efficacy Expectations and Exercise in Older Adults

2004 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 331-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Resnick
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Outcome Expectations ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Regular Exercise ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Efficacy Expectations ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

The purpose of this study was to consider the longitudinal changes in self-efficacy and outcome expectations for exercise and the impact of these variables on maintaining regular exercise over a 4-year period in a group of older adults living in a continuing care retirement community. There were 78 individuals who completed all four surveys. The participants had at least a high school education, and the majority were Caucasian (99%), female (83%) and either widowed or never married (80%). The mean age of the participants was 84.4 ± 5.1 years. Based on repeated measure analysis of covariance, controlling for mental and physical health, there was not a statistically significant difference in self-efficacy expectations (F = 2.0, p > .05) or outcome expectations (F = 2.2, p > .05) over time. There was a statistically significant decrease in exercise over time (F = 9.9, p < .05). Using path analysis it was demonstrated that self-efficacy expectations, outcome expectations, and physical health directly and indirectly influenced maintenance of regular exercise. Age, gender, and mental health had a limited and inconsistent influence on maintenance of exercise. Future research and clinical work should focus on developing and testing interventions that strengthen both self-efficacy and positive outcome expectations in older adults to facilitate maintenance of exercise behavior over time.

scholarly journals The Association Between Health, Social Engagement, and Psychological Well-Being Among Older Adults in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 95-96
Author(s):  
Yuekang Li
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Coping Resources ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Stress Process

Abstract Psychological health and health-related quality of life of older adults have been long minimized by caregivers, service providers and the society in developing countries, such as China. According to the Stress Process Model, the stress of physical disadvantages influences mental health outcomes directly and indirectly. However, being socially engaged has the potential to reduce disease burden and improve psychological wellbeing of older adults. The purpose of this study is to examine the role played by social engagement in the pathway through which physical health predicts mental health. Using the WHO Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health China wave 2010, 6,276 individuals ages 60 years and older were included for analyses. Structural equation modeling was used to construct a directional path leading from the functioning and chronic disease, impacting the social engagement, in turn impacting the psychological wellbeing. All variables in this model are latent constructs. Functioning and chronic diseases in later life were associated with social engagement and psychological wellbeing, and the link between social engagement and psychological wellbeing was also significant. The effect of function was greater than that of chronic diseases. Though the significant indirect effect of physical health on psychological wellbeing was not supported in this study, this study suggests the multiple roles of social engagement as coping resources in the stress process of physical impairment and illness of older adults. This present study also adds to the existing literature by exploring how SEM methods can be applied to studies of social engagement.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults: Changes in Health Access, Health, Socialization and Adaptive Coping Activities

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 731-731
Author(s):  
Judith Scott ◽  
Sara Qualls ◽  
Stacy Yun
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Service Access ◽  
Adaptive Coping ◽  
Health Service Access ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

Abstract Indirect effects of stay-at-home guidelines may negatively affect mental health by reducing health self-care behaviors and engagement in social participation. This study reports on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on community-dwelling older adults’ perceived physical and mental health and everyday health behaviors. 126 older adults participated in a county-wide telephone survey during June-July of 2020, asking about changes in mental and physical health, and adaptations in health behaviors. We investigated the effects of three negative everyday health behavior changes during the pandemic (changes in health services access, perceived changes in health, and increased social isolation) as well as two positive everyday health behaviors (adherence to stay-at-home guidelines to reduce risk, and adaptive coping activities) on mental health and COVID-related distress. Examples of active coping strategies were stockpiling resources, spiritual practices, or outreach to others. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, and multiple regressions characterized the impact of COVID-19 on perceived mental health. Descriptive data included changes in health service access, changes in mental and physical health, reduced social engagement, increased adherence to guidelines, and increased adaptive coping activities. Significant predictors of mental health impact of the pandemic were changes in health service access (β = .18, p &lt; .05), health changes (β = .25, p &lt; .01), and adaptive coping activities (β = .21, p &lt; .05). Findings suggest COVID-19 distress may be alleviated with improved health care access and increased social contact. Mental health challenges may also benefit from increased engagement in adaptive coping activities.

scholarly journals STUDIES ON ADJUSTMENT TO RETIREMENT: HOW OLDER EUROPEANS NAVIGATE THE RETIREMENT TRANSITION

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S21-S21
Author(s):  
van Solinge ◽  
Olga Grunwald
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Panel Study ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Life Transition ◽  
Everyday Activity ◽  
Retirement Transition ◽  
Significant Life ◽  
Work Affect ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Retirement is a significant life transition in late adult life that often brings about great changes in individuals’ patterns of everyday activity, social networks as well as one’s economic resources, requiring adjustment for both the retiree and other members of the household. Retirement is a process that starts with a preparatory stage, followed by the actual act of retirement and a post-retirement stage where retirees have to get used to the changing aspects of life that result from the work-retirement transition, and seek to achieve psychological comfort with their retirement life. This symposium brings together empirical research on the various stages of the retirement process, from different national backgrounds. The guiding question is how work and the loss of work affect well-being. Hence, the symposium will give insights into the circumstances under which retirement risks well-being and psychological comfort of older adults. Anna Wanka discusses under which conditions retirement feels right for German retirees, and how this feeling shifts and changes throughout the retirement process. Sarah Dury follows with the post-retirement stage by demonstrating a qualitative perspective of recently retired Belgians about their adjustment, role and activities they exert during post-retirement. Isabelle Hansson examines the role of personality for retirement adjustment in a Swedish sample of older adults. Hanna van Solinge explores the impact of agency in the work-retirement transition on adjustment to a longer working life /retirement and life satisfaction in a Dutch panel study.

scholarly journals Sex and Race/Ethnic Disparities in Food Security and Chronic Diseases in U.S. Older Adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 233372141771834 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joan A. Vaccaro ◽  
Fatma G. Huffman
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Lung Disease ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Ethnic Disparities ◽  
Minority Status ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Race Ethnicity

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships among sex, race/ethnicity, and food security with the likelihood of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and lung disease for older adults. Method: Complex sample analysis by logistic regression models for chronic diseases were conducted from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2011 to 2012 and 2013 to 2014, for N = 3,871 adults aged ≥55 years. Results: Being female with low food security was associated with lung disease and diabetes. Poverty, rather than low food security, was associated with cardiovascular diseases. Minority status was independently associated with low food security and diabetes. Discussion: Food insecurity, sex, and race/ethnicity were associated with chronic diseases in a representative sample of U.S. older adults.

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