Gratitude as a Mediator of the Effects of Savoring on Positive Adjustment to Aging

2020 ◽  
pp. 009141502091999
Author(s):  
Fred B. Bryant ◽  
Karen A. Osowski ◽  
Jennifer L. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Attitudes Toward Aging ◽  
Life Lessons ◽  
Adjustment To Aging

We extended the previous experimental work with older adults by testing mediating variables through which savoring valuable “life lessons” improves attitudes toward aging and boosts well-being. A sample of 202 adults aged 65 or older were randomly assigned to either an experimental condition (in which they reflected on important lessons life had taught them) or a control condition (in which they reflected on their typical morning routine). Contemplating life lessons increased feelings of gratitude, which in turn boosted positive attitudes toward aging, life satisfaction, state hope, and state self-esteem. Additional analyses supported a three-path mediational model, in which reflecting on life lessons increased levels of savoring, which led to greater gratitude, which in turn predicted stronger positive attitudes toward aging, life satisfaction, and hope. We discuss implications of these findings for future research on savoring interventions for older adults and suggest future directions designed to advance understanding of these experimental effects.

scholarly journals BARRIERS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS FOR SUFFICIENT ACADEMIC RESEARCH ON HOME MODIFICATION FOR OLDER ADULTS IN CHINA

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S249-S250
Author(s):  
Mengzhao Yan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Home Modification ◽  
Knowledge Infrastructure ◽  
Current State ◽  
Systematical Review

Abstract Home modification has been perceived as an effective method to make current dwelling units more age-friendly and improve the well-being of older adults. In China, a country with an increasing number of older adults, home modification research is still in its infancy. By typing “适老化改造” (home modification for older adults) as a keyword for the theme of articles in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the most authoritative and comprehensive database for academic publication in China, only 158 related papers are found to be published until the end of 2017, among which the first was published in 2009. With an aim to determine the current state of home modification research in older adults and to determine what could be done to facilitate sufficient research on this topic, the present study conducted a systematical review of the 158 papers about home modification for older adults published in China between 2009 and 2017. Based on the systematical review, the present paper identifies four barriers to conducting this line of research and puts forward six practical suggestions for future research studies in this area so as to contribute to building age-friendly dwellings and promoting age-friendly China.

scholarly journals Benefits of Gardening for Elderly Women

HortScience ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 609a-609
Author(s):  
M.L. George ◽  
J.M. Zajicek
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Elderly Women ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Community Gardening ◽  
The Relationship

Persons ≥60 years of age comprise a significant and growing segment of the U.S. population. More than one half of the elderly are female, and as age increases, the ratio of women to men increases as well. Gardening has long been known to be beneficial to older adults physically and psychologically. Our quantitative objective was to investigate the relationship between gardening and life satisfaction, self-esteem, and locus of control of elderly women. Our qualitative objective was to investigate the motivations to garden and the personal, self-rated benefits of gardening experienced by older women. About 45 participants were chosen from 1) volunteers in a horticultural therapy program, 2) participants in a community gardening project for older adults, and 3) participants in a community health project. During the first of two interviews, the participants completed survey instruments measuring self-esteem, locus of control, and life satisfaction. They also provided brief information about their gardening history along with demographic variables of age, ethnicity, educational background, and income level. During the second interview, the participants expanded on their experiences as gardeners, relating information such as how they became gardeners, how they learned to garden, and what factors influenced them to continue gardening. They were specifically asked to relate how they have personally benefited from gardening. Results examine the relationship between gardening and the psychological well-being of the older women.

Effect of integrative reminiscence therapy on depression, well-being, integrity, self-esteem, and life satisfaction in older adults

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 240-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan C. Meléndez Moral ◽  
Flor B. Fortuna Terrero ◽  
Alicia Sales Galán ◽  
Teresa Mayordomo Rodríguez
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Reminiscence Therapy ◽  
Integrative Reminiscence

scholarly journals A Path Analytic Model Exploration of Determinants of Happiness of Older Adults in Abu Dhabi

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muna Al Bahar ◽  
Masood Badri ◽  
Mugheer Al Khaili ◽  
Fahad Al Neyadi ◽  
Guang Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
General Social Survey ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Abu Dhabi ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
The Social ◽  
Future Research Directions

AbstractThe objective of the study was to identify the factors associated with the subjective well-being of older adults in Abu Dhabi when happiness is taken as the dependent variable. In the present research, a framework based on theoretical models was developed in which older adult’s happiness was seen in a synergistic relationship and was associated with many other variables related to various domains in the social system. The sample consisted of 1,004 older adults aged 60 and above, who participated in the First Abu Dhabi General Social Survey administered in 2018. Many subjective well-being variables were considered. Path analysis was used to develop a model that incorporated the five following variables directly affecting the happiness of older adults: housing satisfaction, satisfaction with family life, satisfaction with friendships, life satisfaction, satisfaction with surrounding environment, and some psychological feelings. The study highlighted all direct and indirect associations. Further analysis of variance revealed the associations of gender, marital status, and education attainment. Implications of the study were highlighted along with future research directions.

scholarly journals Social Well-Being and Chronic Disease Condition among Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 891-891
Author(s):  
Jungkyung Min ◽  
Idethia Harvey ◽  
Yuchen Yeh
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Religious Coping ◽  
Perceived Control ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Aging is characterized by the decline in physical health, functional status, and loss of social roles and relationships that can challenge the quality of life. A protective factor that moderates the impact of these phenomena is psychological (e.g., social) well-being. Despite the high prevalence of chronic conditions among older adults, research exploring the relationship between social well-being and chronic disease is sparse. The study aims were to investigate the relationship between social well-being among older adults (N = 1,251, R = 65 – 92 years) who participated in the National Survey of Mid-life in the United States (MIDUS 3). This study used variables for the MIDUS 3 study to test a structural equation model to examine the hypothesized relationships between social well-being, chronic conditions, life satisfaction, self-esteem, active coping, optimism, and religious coping. The findings indicate that perceived control, self-esteem, active coping, optimism, and religious coping were statistically significant for the participants’ social well-being (β =.29, p <.001, β =.16, p<.001, β =.08, p<.05, β =.35, p<.001, and β =.07, p<.05, respectively). However, life satisfaction was not significantly associate with social well-being (β =.04, p >.05). For individuals’ diagnosed with more than one chronic condition, perceived control, self-esteem, and optimism statistically significant impact their social well-being (β = .33, p < .001, β =.17, p < .001, and β =.33, p < .001, respectively). Findings suggested that multiple chronic conditions influence social well-being. Chronic disease management programs may be useful in increasing social well-being among individuals with multiple chronic conditions.

scholarly journals Examining Cognitive Function and Self-Esteem of Middle Aged and Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 893-893
Author(s):  
Daniela Catarino ◽  
Colin Adams
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Middle Aged

Abstract Research shows that self-esteem and well-being have strong correlations to cognitive abilities. People with high self-esteem, compared to those with a low self-esteem, tend to evaluate themselves as more favorable after both high and low performance. However, less research has been conducted on self confidence among the older population and how this can potentially negatively or positively influence the aging process. The purpose of the study was to see if there is an effect of age on cognitive function. The second aim was to see if there is an effect of cognitive function on self-esteem. The first hypothesis was that middle-aged adults would exhibit higher cognitive functioning than older adults. The second hypothesis was that those with lower cognition would exhibit lower self-esteem. A secondary analysis of data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) was performed on 60 randomly selected individuals from a total of 3,005 participants. A 2 x 2 chi square test revealed that the younger group (63%) compared to the older group (37%) were significantly more likely to exhibit perfect cognitive functions (versus not), χ² (1) = 4.27, p < .05. A One-Way ANOVA revealed no significant main effect of cognitive function on self-esteem, F(1, 58) = 2.97, p = .09. This suggests that cognitive functions are more likely to decline as one ages but cognitive function alone might not strongly influence self-esteem. Future research should aim to understand under what conditions confidence influences cognitive function to promote healthy interventions for successful aging.

Analysis of Self-Concept in Older Adults in Different Contexts

2004 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 262-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel de Gracia Blanco ◽  
Josep Garre Olmo ◽  
María Marcó Arbonès ◽  
Pilar Monreal Bosch
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
External Validity ◽  
Aging Process ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Discriminatory Capacity

Summary: Self-concept is a construct consisting of a group of specific self-perceptions that are hierarchically organized. Age-associated changes of self-concept are related to the individual's perception of the changes occurring throughout the aging process. The authors examined external validity and internal consistency of an instrument that has been developed to assess self-concept in older adults and examined self-concept's characteristics in two different contexts. Results confirm the multidimensionality of the scale and show a satisfactory external validity, indicating good discriminatory capacity. Findings support the hypothesis that older people who live in a nursing home have a poor self-esteem, self-concept, and psychological well-being and have a greater presence of depressive symptoms than people who live in their own home.

Acculturative stress and life satisfaction of Chinese rural-to-urban migrants

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (11) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Dekuo Liang ◽  
Lei Wang ◽  
Liying Xia ◽  
Dawei Xu
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Acculturative Stress ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Construction Sites ◽  
Urban Migrants ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Relationship

Little is known regarding the life satisfaction of rural-to-urban migrants in China. In this study we assessed whether self-esteem and perceived social support mediated the association between rural-to-urban migrants' acculturative stress and life satisfaction. We use convenience sampling to recruit 712 migrants who were employed at construction sites in Nanjing for the study. Results reveal that acculturative stress was negatively related to self-esteem, perceived social support, and life satisfaction; self-esteem was positively associated with perceived social support and life satisfaction; and perceived social support was a significant and positive predictor of life satisfaction. In addition, we found that self-esteem and perceived social support partially mediated the relationship between acculturative stress and life satisfaction. Our findings provide a better understanding of life satisfaction over the course of migration, and add to knowledge of psychological well-being and mental health among rural-to-urban migrants in China.

scholarly journals Understanding the Occupational Adaptation Process and Well-Being of Older Adults in Magallanes (Chile): A Qualitative Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (19) ◽  
pp. 3640 ◽  
Author(s):  
Palma ­Candia ◽  
Hueso­Montoro ◽  
Martí-García ◽  
Fernández-Alcántara ◽  
Campos-Calderón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Adaptation Process ◽  
Occupational Adaptation ◽  
Use Of Time ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Interpretative Approach ◽  
Depth Interviews

Background: Aging and longevity are important topics nowadays. Purpose: To describe how older adults perform the occupational adaptation process in the extreme region of Magallanes (Chile), and to identify the factors that might contribute to successful occupational adaptation and well-being. Method: Qualitative study, with a phenomenological interpretative approach. In-depth interviews were carried out with 16 older adults, with high or low levels of well-being, assessed with the Ryff Scale. An inductive content analysis according to Elo and Kyngäs was performed. Findings: Resilience, self-esteem and interdependence with significant others are key elements that promote well-being. Participants develop strategies to minimize the effects of environmental factors. The occupation’s function in terms of socialization, use of time, and social participation is revealed as a conditioning factor of occupational adaptation. Implications: Interventions with older people to achieve a successful occupational adaptation process must take into consideration the commitment to meaningful activities.

scholarly journals Family Solidarity, Social Support, Loneliness, and Well-Being Among Older Adults in Rural China

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 319-320
Author(s):  
Xiaoyan Zhang ◽  
Merril Silverstein
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Adult Children ◽  
Child Support ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Total Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
National Bureau ◽  
Subjective Well Being

Abstract China is experiencing a large increase in elderly population. In 2019, China’s population aged 60 and above had reached 253 million, accounting for 18.1% of the total population (National Bureau of Statistics of China, 2020). By 2050, the number of adults aged 60+ would be up to 430 million, reaching one third of the total population (Du, Zhai & Chen, 2005). Considering such a rapid aging process and the existing large number of older adults in China, it becomes imperative to investigate how psychosocial factors affect this group’s subjective well-being. This study proposed that, among older adults, higher support received from each of the three relational sources (adult children, family and friends) were associated with reduced loneliness and improved well-being. Structural equation modeling was conducted using a sample of rural adults aged 60 and older (N= 1142) from the 2018 wave of data from the Longitudinal Study of Older Adults in Anhui Province, China. Findings indicated that support from adult children directly and indirectly decreased older adults’ depression and improved their life satisfaction through loneliness; while support from family members directly decreased depression but did not directly improve life satisfaction or indirectly improve well-being through loneliness. Although support from friends did not have a significant impact on older adults’ well-being, it indirectly improved well-being through reduced loneliness. Findings have implications for programs or interventions targeting both parent -adult-child support and friends support and reducing rural older adults’ loneliness.

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