Problem Gambling in a Sample of Older Adult Casino Gamblers

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark van der Maas ◽  
Robert E. Mann ◽  
John McCready ◽  
Flora I. Matheson ◽  
Nigel E. Turner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Gambling Participation ◽  
Canadian Population

As older adults continue to make up a greater proportion of the Canadian population, it becomes more important to understand the implications that their leisure activities have for their physical and mental health. Gambling, in particular, is a form of leisure that is becoming more widely available and has important implications for the mental health and financial well-being of older adults. This study examines a large sample (2103) of casino-going Ontarian adults over the age of 55 and identifies those features of their gambling participation that are associated with problem gambling. Logistic regression analysis is used to analyze the data. Focusing on types of gambling participated in and motivations for visiting the casino, this study finds that several forms of gambling and motivations to gamble are associated with greater risk of problem gambling. It also finds that some motivations are associated with lower risk of problem gambling. The findings of this study have implications related to gambling availability within an aging population.

scholarly journals Perspectives of Older Adults on Aging Well: A Focus Group Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hadeel Halaweh ◽  
Synneve Dahlin-Ivanoff ◽  
Ulla Svantesson ◽  
Carin Willén
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Aging Well

Background. With increasing number of older adults worldwide, promoting health and well-being becomes a priority for aging well. Well-being and physical and mental health are closely related, and this relation may become more vital at older ages as it may contribute to aging well. The state of well-being is a multifaceted phenomenon that refers to an individual’s subjective feelings, and exploring perspectives of older adults on aging well is developing to be an important area of research. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore perceptions on aging well among older adult Palestinians ≥60 years. Methods. A qualitative research design in the context of focus group discussions was used; seven focus groups were conducted including fifty-six participants (aged 63–81 years). Data were analyzed using a qualitative interpretative thematic approach described by Braun and Clarke. Results. Three major themes were identified, “sense of well-being,” “having good physical health,” and “preserving good mental health.” The participants perceived that aging well is influenced by positive feelings such as being joyous, staying independent, having a life purpose, self-possessed contentment, and financially secured, in addition to be socially engaged and enjoying good physical and mental health. Conclusion. This study contributes to get a better insight concerning older adults’ perspectives on aging well. Enhancing physically active lifestyle, participation in social and leisure activities, healthy eating habits, having a purpose in life, and being intellectually engaged are all contributing factors to aging well. Vital factors are to be considered in developing strategic health and rehabilitative plans for promoting aging well among older adults.

scholarly journals Physical Inactivity in Older Adult Couples: A Dyadic Analysis Using Continuous In-Home Monitoring

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 412-412
Author(s):  
Chao-Yi Wu ◽  
Lyndsey Miller ◽  
Rachel Wall ◽  
Zachary Beattie ◽  
Jeffrey Kaye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Home Monitoring ◽  
Health Determinants ◽  
Dyadic Analysis ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Aging Research

Abstract Many older adults remain inactive despite the known positive health implications of physical activity (e.g. improved mood, reduced mortality risk). Physical inactivity is a known interdependent phenomenon in couples, but the majority of research identifies determinants of physical inactivity at the individual level. We estimated the average amount of physical inactivity for older adult couples and, using dyadic analysis, identified physical and mental health determinants thereof. Forty-eight heterosexual older adult couples (mean age=70.6, SD=6.63) from the Veterans Integrated Service Network 20 cohort of the Collaborative Aging Research using Technology (CART) initiative were included in this study. Both dyad members wore actigraph devices for a month. The average number per day of inactive periods (defined as no movement or sleep activity for ≥ 30 minutes) was estimated. Multilevel modeling revealed that, within couples, there was no difference between partners in the average number of inactive periods, but on average across couples, males had more inactive periods per day (13.4, SD=4.43) than females (12.3, SD=4.87). For males, older age was the only variable associated with more inactive periods (β=0.13, p=.013). For females, more depressive symptoms in men were associated with fewer inactive periods (β=-0.37, p=.002), and more dependence in completing their own IADLs predicted more inactive periods (β=2.80, p<.001). All models were adjusted for covariates. Viewing couples’ activity as a unit, rather than as separate individuals, provides a novel approach to identifying pathways to reduce inactivity in older adults, especially when focusing on mental health issues and decreased independence within the couple.

The glass is not half empty: optimism, pessimism, and health among older adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael D. Barnett ◽  
Ellen A. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Life Orientation Test ◽  
Health And Well Being

ABSTRACTObjectives:Optimism and pessimism are distinct constructs that have demonstrated independent relationships with aspects of health and well-being. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether optimism or pessimism is more closely linked with physical and mental health among older adults.Design:Cross-sectional survey.Participants:Community-dwelling older adults (N = 272) ages 59–95 in the southern United States.Measurements:The Life Orientation Test—Revised and the Short Form 8.Results:At the bivariate level, optimism was associated with higher physical health and mental health, while pessimism was associated with lower physical health and mental health. Multiple-regression analyses as well as comparison of correlation coefficients found that pessimism was more closely associated with physical health and mental health than optimism.Conclusions:These results add to the literature suggesting that, in terms of older adults’ health and well-being, avoiding pessimism may be more important than being optimistic.

The Use of Yoga for Physical and Mental Health Among Older Adults: A Review of the Literature

2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna Wang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Benefits ◽  
Improve Sleep Quality ◽  
Older Adult Population

The older adult population may greatly benefit from the practice of Yoga. This article reviews the scientific evidence supporting the use of Yoga with older adults. Nine studies were identified that examined either physical or mental health outcomes in older adults following a Yoga intervention. There is growing evidence that Yoga can improve physical well-being, including balance, range of motion, blood pressure, pain, fatigue, and general health. There is less evidence available that examines the cognitive and mental health benefits of Yoga for older adults. However, there is preliminary evidence that Yoga can improve sleep quality and depression. Only three of the reviewed studies were randomized controlled trials, and more studies of high methodological quality are needed. Implications for further research and practice are offered.

scholarly journals Online Leisure Activities for Sustained Mental Health Well-being in Older Adults with COVID-19 Mitigation

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 725-725
Author(s):  
Solymar Rivera-Torres ◽  
Elias Mpofu ◽  
M Jean Keller ◽  
Stan Ingman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Leisure And Recreation ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Older adults (OA) experience psychosocial distress from the COVID-19 pandemic mitigations. While their participation in leisure and recreation activities (LRA) would be ameliorating, we do not know how LRA OA engages for their mental health (MH) well-being with COVID-19 mitigation. This scoping review aimed to trend the evidence on the types of LRA OA engage for their MH well-being across the young-old continuum (60-69 years) through to older-old (80 years and above) in the COVID-19 pandemic. We searched the following electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, JBI-ES, and Epistemonicos for LRA studies by OA with COVID-19 mitigation. To be included, we considered empirical articles published in English on LRA of OA 55+ years-old. Another criterion required articles describing those activities' qualities and the impact of LRA on MH and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. We resulted in seven empirical studies, two of which implemented in the USA and one from the USA and Canada, Spain, Israel, and Japan. Findings following narrative synthesis revealed trending evidence on OA to engage in online LRA for social, cognitive /intellectual, and emotional health. Leisure-time physical activity reduced negative MH symptoms as anxiety and depression in OA under COVID-19 threat. In conclusion, the present review's trending evidence suggests that OA engagement in social, physical, mental, and cognitive LRA enhanced their MH and overall well-being. Activities delivered by way of the Internet and television provided a cluster of beneficial opportunities for the OA mental health needs under the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Prevalence of physical and mental health conditions in Medicare-enrolled, autistic older adults

Autism ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 755-764 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brittany N Hand ◽  
Amber M Angell ◽  
Lauren Harris ◽  
Laura Arnstein Carpenter
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental Health Conditions

While there is emerging evidence on the prevalence of physical and mental health conditions among autistic adults, less is known about this population’s needs during older adulthood (aged 65+). We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective cohort study of 2016–2017 Medicare data to compare the prevalence of physical and mental health conditions in a national sample of autistic older adults (N = 4685) to a matched population comparison (N = 46,850) cohort. Autistic older adults had significantly greater odds of nearly all physical health conditions including epilepsy (odds ratio = 18.9; 95% confidence interval = 17.2–20.7), Parkinson’s disease (odds ratio = 6.1; 95% confidence interval = 5.3–7.0), and gastrointestinal conditions (odds ratio = 5.2; 95% confidence interval = 4.9–5.5). Most mental health conditions were more common among autistic older adults, including schizophrenia and psychotic disorders (odds ratio = 25.3; 95% confidence interval = 22.4–28.7), attention deficit disorders (odds ratio = 24.4; 95% confidence interval = 16.2–31.0), personality disorders (odds ratio = 24.1; 95% confidence interval = 17.8–32.5), and suicidality or self-inflicted injury (odds ratio = 11.1; 95% confidence interval = 8.9–13.8). Health conditions commonly associated with advanced age in the general population (e.g. osteoporosis, cognitive disorders, heart disease, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, osteoarthritis) were also significantly more common among autistic older adults. By highlighting the significant physical and mental health needs for which autistic older adults require care, our findings can inform healthcare systems, healthcare providers, and public health initiatives seeking to promote well-being in this growing population.

An In-depth Pilot Study on Patterns, Destinations, and Purposes of Walking in Hong Kong Older Adults

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 144-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Barnett ◽  
Ester Cerin ◽  
Man-chin Cheung ◽  
Wai-man Chan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Urban Design ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Mental Health Benefits ◽  
Walking Time

Walking is a suitable activity for older adults and has physical and mental health benefits. To devise interventions that impact levels of walking it is necessary to first understand the purposes for which people walk and the destinations to which they walk. Using a 7-day diary and accelerometry, this study investigated destinations and purposes of walking in older adult residents of an ultra-dense Asian city. Participants reported an average of 17.1 walking trips per week and total weekly accelerometer/diary determined trip walking time averaged 735 min per week; much higher than reported for older adults in non-Asian settings. The most common destinations were within the neighborhood: parks and streets for recreation walking and shops and eating places for transport-related walking. Errands and eating were the most common purposes for transportation trips. The study results can help inform urban design to encourage walking.

scholarly journals The prevalence of problem gambling and gambling-related behaviours among older adults in Ontario

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Van der Maas ◽  
Robert E Mann ◽  
Nigel E Turner ◽  
Flora I Matheson ◽  
Hayley A Hamilton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Representative Survey ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Severe Problem ◽  
Santé Physique ◽  
Leisure Pursuit ◽  
Gambling Patterns ◽  
Gambling Attitudes

As the proportion of Canadians over the age of 55 continues to rise, it accordingly becomes increasingly important to understand the implications that their leisure activities have for their physical and mental health. Gambling is a form of leisure that presents relatively high risk for its participants and remains a popular leisure pursuit among older adults. The current study uses a representative survey of 2,187 adults over the age of 55 in Ontario to explore problem gambling and gambling-related behaviours among older adults. The findings show that 1.8% of the population over the age 55 were classified as experiencing moderate-to-severe problem gambling. While differences across sex were observed in types of gambling, attitudes towards gambling, and frequency of gambling, no significance difference in problem gambling was observed. Findings are discussed in relation to previous findings on older adults’ gambling patterns and their implications for mental, physical and financial well-being.RésuméAvec la constante augmentation de la proportion de Canadiens âgés de plus de 55 ans, il devient de plus en plus important de comprendre les répercussions qu’ont leurs activités de loisir sur leur santé physique et mentale. Le jeu est une forme de loisir qui présente un risque relativement élevé chez les personnes qui s’y adonnent et demeure un loisir populaire chez les personnes plus âgées. L’étude en question a utilisé un sondage représentatif auprès de 2187 adultes âgés de plus de 55 ans en Ontario pour explorer le jeu problématique et les comportements liés au jeu chez les personnes plus âgées. Les résultats montrent que 1,8 % de la population âgée de plus de 55 ans a été classée comme ayant un problème de jeu, de modéré à grave. Bien que des différences entre les sexes aient été observées dans les types de jeu, les attitudes à l’égard du jeu et la fréquence, aucune différence significative n’a été observée dans le jeu problématique. Les résultats sont examinés en lien avec des conclusions antérieures sur les habitudes de jeu des personnes plus âgées et leurs répercussions sur le bien-être mental, physique et financier.

scholarly journals Changes in well-being during the COVID pandemic: A longitudinal study of older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 740-740
Author(s):  
Andrea Huseth-Zosel ◽  
Heather Fuller
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Qualitative Responses

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health crisis the world has not seen in a century, with older adults faced with unique impacts due to their increased vulnerability and need to social distance. This research examines changes in physical and mental health and quality of life among older adults in the upper Midwest during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seventy older adults aged 70-97 participated in three phone interviews (April [Time 1], June [Time 2], and October [Time 3] 2020) focusing on experiences coping with the pandemic and understanding overall changes in well-being. Participants rated their quality of life, physical health, and mental health on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being “Poor” and 5 being “Excellent.” Self-reported quality of life, mental health, and physical health initially declined between retrospective pre-COVID and Time 1 scores, with gradual increases seen across all three variables for Time 2 and Time 3 scores. Thematic analysis of qualitative responses for each interview wave identified salient themes of: 1) reduced quality of life, 2) distraction and routine, 3) loss and uncertainty, and 4) resilience and adaptation. The significance and meaning of these themes shifted across each time point. For example, the reduced quality of life theme initially encompassed loss of activities, later shifted to concerns about struggles to maintain relationships, and finally focused on hope for the future. Findings will be discussed in light of the significance of change over time as well as policy and practice implications for older adults.

scholarly journals Prolonged Physical Inactivity in Older Adult Couples: A Dyadic Analysis using Actigraphy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao-Yi Wu ◽  
Lyndsey M Miller ◽  
Rachel N Wall ◽  
Zachary T Beattie ◽  
Lisa C Silbert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Health Determinants ◽  
Dyadic Analysis ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Average Amount ◽  
Aging Research ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background and Objectives Many older adults remain inactive despite the known positive health implications of physical activity (improved mood, reduced mortality risk). Physical inactivity is an interdependent phenomenon in couples, but most research examines physical inactivity at the individual level. We estimated the average amount of prolonged physical inactivity for older adult couples and, using dyadic analysis, identified physical and mental health determinants thereof. Research Design and Methods Forty-six heterosexual older adult couples (age=70.61±6.56) from the Veterans Integrated Service Network 20 cohort of the Collaborative Aging Research using Technology (CART) initiative were included. The average number per day of prolonged inactive periods (no step counts or sleep activity for ≥ 30 minutes) was estimated using actigraphy data collected over a month. Results Multilevel modeling revealed that, within couples, there was no significant difference between partners in the average amount of inactive periods (p=.28). On average across couples, males and females had an average of 6.90±2.02 and 6.56±1.93 inactive periods per day, respectively. For males, older age was the only variable associated with more inactive periods (β=0.15, p=.002). For females, having more depressive symptoms in both dyad members was associated with fewer inactive periods (female: β=-0.30,p=.03; male: β=-0.41,p<.001), and more dependence in completing their own instrumental activities of daily living predicted more inactive periods (β=2.58, p<.001). Discussion and Implications Viewing couples’ activity as an interdependent phenomenon, rather than individual, provides a novel approach to identifying pathways to reduce inactivity in older adults, especially when focusing on the mental health and level of independence within the couple.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document