1. |
- Malinowsky, Camilla, et al.
(author)
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Using a screening tool to evaluate potential use of e-health services for older people with and without cognitive impairment
- 2014
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In: Aging and Mental Health. - Stockholm : Karolinska Institutet, Dept of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: E-health services are increasingly offered to provide clients with information and a link to healthcare services. The aim of this study is to investigate the perceived access to and the potential to use technologies important for e-health services among older adults with MCI or mild AD and controls. Method: The perceived access to and perception of difficulty in the use of everyday technology (such as cell phones, coffee machines, computers) was investigated in a sample of older adults (n=118) comprising three subsamples: adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (n=37), with mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD) (n=37) and controls (n=44) using the Everyday Technology Use Questionnaire (ETUQ). The use of seven technologies important for e-health services was specifically examined for each subsample and compared between the subsamples. Results: The findings demonstrated that the older adults in all subsamples both perceive access to e-health technologies and potentially would use them competently in several e-health services. However, among persons with AD a lower proportion of perceived access to the technology was described, as well as for persons with MCI. Conclusion: To make the benefits of e-health services available and used by all clients, it is important to consider access to the technology required in e-health services and also to support the clients’ capabilities to understand and use the technologies. Also, the potential use of the ETUQ to explore the perceived access to and competence in using e-health technologies is a vital issue in the use of e-health services.
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6. |
- Axmon, A, et al.
(author)
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Psychiatric diagnoses in relation to severity of intellectual disability and challenging behaviors : a register study among older people
- 2018
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In: Aging and Mental Health. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1364-6915 .- 1360-7863. ; 22:10, s. 1344-1350
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible association between severity of intellectual disability (ID) and presence of challenging behavior, respectively, on diagnoses of psychiatric disorders among older people with ID.METHODS: People with a diagnosis of ID in inpatient or specialist outpatient care in 2002-2012 were identified (n = 2147; 611 with mild ID, 285 with moderate ID, 255 with severe or profound ID, and 996 with other/unspecified ID). Moreover, using impairment of behavior as a proxy for challenging behavior, 627 people with, and 1514 without such behavior were identified.RESULTS: Severe/profound ID was associated with lower odds of diagnoses of psychotic, affective, and anxiety disorders than was mild/moderate ID. People with moderate ID had higher odds than those with mild ID of having diagnoses of affective disorders. Diagnoses of psychotic, affective, and anxiety disorders, and dementia were more common among people with challenging behavior than among those without.CONCLUSIONS: People with severe/profound ID had lower odds of receiving psychiatric diagnoses than those with mild and moderate ID. Whether this is a result of differences in prevalence of disorders or diagnostic difficulties is unknown. Further, challenging behaviors were associated with diagnoses of psychiatric disorders. However, the nature of this association remains unclear.
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7. |
- Bartels, Sara Lauren, et al.
(author)
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Do you observe what I perceive? : The relationship between two perspectives on the ability of people with cognitive impairments to use everyday technology
- 2019
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Routledge. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 24:8, s. 1295-1305
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Everyday technologies (ETs) can be challenging to use, particularly for older adults with cognitive impairments. This study evaluated the relationship between the self-perceived ability to use ET and observable performance of self-chosen and familiar, but challenging ETs in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia.Method: A self-perceived report, the Everyday Technology Use Questionnaire (S-ETUQ), and a structured observational tool, the Management of Everyday Technology Assessment (META), assessing the perceived and observed ability to use ET, were used in 41 people with MCI and 38 people with dementia. Correlations were investigated with non-parametric statistical tests.Results: In the dementia group, self-perceived report and observational scores correlated on a significant medium level (Rs=0.44, p = 0.006). In the MCI group, no significant correlation was found.Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest the ability of older adults with cognitive impairments to use ETs can be depicted with self-perceived reports as well as with observations. However, the combination of both approaches is recommended to get a comprehensive picture. While the S-ETUQ provides a broad picture of the use, presence and relevance of technologies in an individual’s life, the META describes a specific human-technology interaction in detail. Furthermore, the results suggest people with early dementia retain the ability and insight to accurately reflect on their own ability to use ET, emphasizing the need to include their experiences in research and clinical work.
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8. |
- Berg, Anne Ingeborg, 1973, et al.
(author)
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Living with stable MCI: Experiences among 17 individuals evaluated at a memory clinic.
- 2013
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In: Aging & mental health. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1364-6915 .- 1360-7863. ; 17:3, s. 293-9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a state of mildly impaired cognitive functioning but with an intact capability of performing basic daily activities. Few studies have targeted personal narratives from persons living with MCI, the major focus in this study is directed to methods for better predictions of the likelihood for conversion to dementia. This study directly explores experiences among individuals who have lived with MCI over seven years without converting to dementia. Methods: Seventeen individuals, who had been diagnosed with MCI across four occasions over a seven-year period at a memory clinic, were interviewed at a single occasion about their experiences of living with MCI, life events, stress, coping, psychosocial resources, and lifestyle behaviors. Results: Thematic analysis of the transcripts of the interviews resulted in themes revolving around the life situation and events related to the first visit at the memory clinic, coping with lower cognitive capacity with the aim of enhancing quality of life, and worries about dementia and further cognitive deteriorations. Conclusion: The participants' experiences of living with MCI indicate that issues and changes in life situations such as long-term stress, retirement, loss of relatives, perceived heritability of dementia, needs to be understood in the context of the individual's understanding and interpretation of their everyday cognitive functioning. Also, supportive long-term contacts with the specialist care unit were vital for creating a personal understanding of MCI. Addressing the intra-personal dynamics of cognitive functioning in the boundary between normal and pathological cognitive aging can also improve diagnostic accuracy.
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9. |
- Berg, Anne Ingeborg, 1973, et al.
(author)
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What matters, and what matters most, for change in life satisfaction in the oldest-old? A study over 6 years among individuals 80+.
- 2009
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In: Aging & mental health. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1364-6915 .- 1360-7863. ; 13:2, s. 191-201
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: The study investigates whether markers of life satisfaction identified in a cross-sectional study-quality of social network, self-rated health, depressive symptoms, locus of control and widowhood, in addition to financial satisfaction and the personality traits of extraversion and neuroticism-predict change in life satisfaction (LSI-Z) across four measurement occasions during a 6-year period in individuals aged 80+. METHOD: Data were drawn from the Swedish OCTO-Twin-study of individuals aged 80 and older. RESULTS: Growth curve analysis showed a relatively consistent significant linear decline in life satisfaction, but certain markers predicted change in life satisfaction. The loss of spouse, in particular in men, and higher levels of depressive symptoms were related to lower levels of life satisfaction over time. CONCLUSION: The results from the study question the notion of a life-long stability of life satisfaction.
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10. |
- Berg, A I, et al.
(author)
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What matters most for life satisfaction in the oldest-old?
- 2006
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; , s. 257-264
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with life satisfaction in the old-est-old within a spectrum of psychosocial and health related variables. Scores on the life satis-faction index (LSI-Z) were related to scales and questions regarding, demographics, depres-sion, locus of control, cognitive function, functional capacity (instrumental and personal ac-tivities of daily living), self-rated overall health and medically based health, and social net-work. The sample consisted of 315 participants, aged 80-98 years; (M = 83 years, 66% women). Regression analyses indicated that social network quality, self-rated overall health, sense of being in control of one's life, and depressive symptoms were significantly associated with life satisfaction. There was no gender difference in overall life satisfaction. However, there were different patterns of variables associated with life satisfaction in men and women. Self-rated overall health and depressive symptoms were related to life satisfaction in women, whereas widowhood was significantly associated with lower life satisfaction among men. The results emphasize the need to analyse associates of life satisfaction within a broader context of psychosocial variables and separately for men and women.
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- Berner, Jessica, et al.
(author)
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Distribution of personality, individual characteristics and internet usage in Swedish older adults
- 2012
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In: Aging and Mental Health. - : Taylor and Francis. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 16:1, s. 119-126
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: This paper investigated factors associated with internet usage in the Swedish older adults ranging in age from 60 to 96. Personality traits and individual characteristics have been previously noted to influence internet usage, where older adults have not been the focus population. In this study the relationships between personality, individual characteristics and internet usage were investigated. Methods: A descriptive analysis of the personality tests of a total of 1402 subjects included in the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care (SNAC) was conducted. Three variables were controlled for: sex, age and education. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, chi square tests and a logistic regression were used in order to detect the relationships with internet usage. Results: Men differ significantly from women in the personality traits analysis. Those with higher education were more open and neuroticism was lower in the oldest older adults. Internet usage declined significantly with age and those with middle to higher education were using the internet the most. No other associations with internet use were found Conclusion: Personality traits and individual characteristics do not seem to influence the Swedish older adult and their internet usage. What one needs to account for is the age and education of the person. The more educated and the youngest cohorts were using the internet more frequently.
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13. |
- Boman, Erika, et al.
(author)
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Inner strength : associated with reduced prevalence of depression among older women
- 2015
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 19:12, s. 1078-1083
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore if inner strength is independently associated with a reduced prevalence of depression after controlling for other known risk factors associated with depression.Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was performed, where all women living in Åland, a Finnish self-govern island community in the Baltic Sea, aged 65 years or older were sent a questionnaire including the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Inner Strength Scale along with several other questions related to depression. Factors associated with depression were analyzed by means of multivariate logistic regression.Results: The results showed that 11.2% of the studied women (n = 1452) were depressed and that the prevalence increased with age and was as high as 20% in the oldest age group. Non-depressed women were more likely to never or seldom feel lonely, have a strong inner strength, take fewer prescription drugs, feeling needed, being able to engage in meaningful leisure activities, as well as cohabit.Conclusion: Our results showed an association between stronger inner strength and being non-depressed. This can be interpreted to mean that inner strength might have a protective effect against depression. These findings are interesting from a health-promotion perspective, yet to verify these results, further longitudinal studies are required.
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14. |
- Bratt, Anna S., 1969-, et al.
(author)
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Effects on life satisfaction of older adults after child and spouse bereavement
- 2017
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Routledge. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 21:6, s. 602-608
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Few studies have compared the impact of different familial losses on life satisfaction (LS). Furthermore, there is a lack of research on the effect of having lost both a child and a spouse among older adults. Sample: A random sample of 1402 individuals, 817 women and 585 men, aged 60–96 years from the Blekinge part of the Swedish National Study of Aging and Care (SNAC-B) participated in this cross-sectional study. Aims: The first aim was to compare the effects of child or spouse or both child and spouse bereavement on LS and, the second aim, to investigate if there were gender differences within the bereaved groups. Results: The results showed that having lost a child, spouse or both child and spouse had a negative association with LS, although this effect was small. Having experienced multiple losses did not predict more variance than a single child or spouse loss. Gender differences were found within all the bereaved groups with bereaved men having lower LS than bereaved women. Longer time since the loss was associated with higher LS. Conclusions: Bereaved older adults have somewhat lower LS than non-bereaved and bereaved men seem more affected than bereaved women. Future research needs to address older men´s experiences after the loss of a loved one.
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15. |
- Bratt, Anna S., 1969-, et al.
(author)
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Self-compassion in old age : confirmatory factor analysis of the 6-factor model and the internal consistency of the Self-compassion scale-short form
- 2020
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 24:4, s. 642-648
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Self-compassion is a psychological construct associated with self-acceptance and coping with the aging process. The Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), in both long and short forms, is the most widely used measure of self-compassion. Studies on the psychometric properties of the short form (SCS-SF) are scarce. The aim of this study was to translate into Swedish and test the psychometric properties of the SCS-SF. Another aim was to investigate whether self-compassion differs by age and gender in older adults.Method: We tested the Swedish SCS-SF in a sample of 594 randomly selected older adults, aged 66 to 102 years, for internal consistency, construct validity, and factor structure.Results: The results showed the SCS-SF had acceptable internal consistency in the total sample (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.68) and somewhat higher (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.76) in the youngest old (age 66 years). The six-factor structure found in the original study was not observed in confirmatory factor analyses in our older sample. Exploratory factor analyses showed that a two-factor solution, formed by the positive and negative components had the best fit; however, only the negative component had good internal consistency.Conclusion: Overall, the SCS-SF seemed to have insufficient reliability in this sample of older adults and further studies are needed to see whether new instruments are needed for this population. Self-compassion was generally higher in men than women, but did not differ by age in this sample of older adults.
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16. |
- Bratt, Anna S., 1969-, et al.
(author)
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The Role of Neuroticism and Conscientiousness on Mortality Risk in Older Adults After Child and Spouse Bereavement
- 2016
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Routledge. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 20:6, s. 559-566
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Bereavement effects on mortality risk were investigated in 1150 randomly selected participants, aged 60-104, in the Swedish National Study of Aging and Care.Method: Cox proportional hazards models, controlling for age, gender, functional ability, the personality traits neuroticism and conscientiousness as well as time since the latest loss were used to predict mortality risk.Results: Having lost a child, spouse or both child and spouse did not predict mortality risk. An indirect link between bereavement and mortality was found showing for each year since loss the mortality risk decreased by about 1%. Neuroticism, but not conscientiousness, was associated with mortality risk, with a small-effect size.Conclusions: The different bereavements did not predict mortality risk while an indirect link was found showing that mortality risk decreased with time.
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17. |
- Bränsvik, Vanja, et al.
(author)
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Mortality in patients with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia : a registry-based study
- 2021
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Routledge. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 25:6, s. 1101-1109
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are common in patients with dementia. In the elderly population, comorbidities frequently coexist with dementia and mortality in dementia is high. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of BPSD on mortality in severe dementia.Methods: This study of 11,448 individuals was based on linked information from the Swedish BPSD registry, the National Patient Register and the Cause of Death register. BPSD was assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Cox proportional hazards regressions were performed for survival analysis. To study different degrees of BPSD, data was categorized into groups: no (NPI, 0 points), mild (NPI, 1-3 points on >= 1 item), moderate (NPI, 4-8 points on >= 1 item) and severe (NPI, 9-12 points on >= 1 item) BPSD based on the highest score on any of the BPSD assessed (NPI items).Results: The presence of moderate or severe BPSD was associated with a stepwise increased risk of mortality (hazard ratio (HR), 1.31; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08-1.60 and HR 1.74; 95% CI 1.44-2.12, respectively) compared with individuals with no BPSD. In addition, there was an association between total NPI score and mortality (HR 1.01; 95% CI 1.007-1.010). The results remained significant after multivariable adjustment for age, sex, dementia diagnosis, medication, previous myocardial infarction, hip fracture and stroke.Conclusions: The results show a stepwise increase in mortality risk with increased BPSD, highlighting the importance of adequate management of BPSD to reduce mortality in dementia.
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18. |
- Castelli Dransart, Dolores Angela, et al.
(author)
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A systematic review of older adults’ request for or attitude toward euthanasia or assisted-suicide
- 2021
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 25:3, s. 420-430
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Prevalence rates of death by euthanasia (EUT) and physician-assisted suicide (PAS) have increased among older adults, and public debates on these practices are still taking place. In this context, it seemed important to conduct a systematic review of the predictors (demographic, physical health, psychological, social, quality of life, religious, or existential) associated with attitudes toward, wishes and requests for, as well as death by EUT/PAS among individuals aged 60years and over.Method: The search for quantitative studies in PsycINFO and MEDLINE databases was conducted three times from February 2016 until April 2018. Articles of probable relevance (n=327) were assessed for eligibility. Studies that only presented descriptive data (n=306) were excluded.Results: This review identified 21 studies with predictive analyses, but in only 4 did older adults face actual end-of-life decisions. Most studies (17) investigated attitudes toward EUT/PAS (9 through hypothetical scenarios). Younger age, lower religiosity, higher education, and higher socio-economic status were the most consistent predictors of endorsement of EUT/PAS. Findings were heterogeneous with regard to physical health, psychological, and social factors. Findings were difficult to compare across studies because of the variety of sample characteristics and outcomes measures.Conclusion: Future studies should adopt common and explicit definitions of EUT/PAS, as well as research designs (e.g. mixed longitudinal) that allow for better consideration of personal, social, and cultural factors, and their interplay, on EUT/PAS decisions.
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19. |
- Cecchini, Valeria, et al.
(author)
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Does losing family members in midlife matter for late-life mental and cognitive health? A longitudinal study of older Swedes spanning 30 years
- 2024
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Mental and cognitive health is crucial to ensure well-being in older age. However, prolonged periods of stress, grief, and bereavement might compromise mental health balance, leading to profound changes. This study investigated the sex-stratified associations between midlife bereavement experiences (e.g. sibling loss, spousal loss, and multiple losses) and late-life depression (LLD) and cognitive impairment.Method: Linked data from the Swedish Level-of-Living Survey and the Swedish Panel Study of Living Conditions of the Oldest Old (SWEOLD) were used. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to examine the associations between midlife bereavement and LLD (n = 1078) and cognitive impairment (n = 995), separately.Results: Sibling loss and multiple losses in midlife were associated with lower odds of LLD, especially among women. Among men, sibling loss in midlife was associated with lower odds of cognitive impairment, while the experience of two losses among women suggested an increased (but non-significant) risk of cognitive impairment. Interaction analyses did not show significant effects between bereavement and gender on LLD and cognitive impairment.Conclusion: Midlife bereavement might have gendered implications on LLD and cognitive impairment, but associations need to be confirmed by well-powered studies. Further research is warranted to elucidate the association between multiple midlife losses and reduced LLD risk.
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20. |
- Cedervall, Ylva, et al.
(author)
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Maintaining well-being and selfhood through physical activity : experiences of people with mild Alzheimer's disease
- 2015
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 19:8, s. 679-688
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: To contribute to furthering the understanding of how people with mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) reason about physical activity as part of everyday life, with a specific focus on the meanings attached to such activity. Method: In-depth interviews were conducted with 14 individuals with mild AD. Qualitative content analysis was used to interpret the data. Results: The analysis revealed three sub-themes reflecting interrelated perspectives on how people with mild AD reason about physical activity: (1) striving to be physically active, mirrors the concrete approaches used for handling the consequences of having AD in relation to being active; (2) perceptions of physical activity, reflect how their thoughts and beliefs regarding written and tacit norms encouraged them to remain physically active, and (3) physical activity as a means to well-being, alludes to feelings and emotions related to the performance of physical activity. Interpretation of the underlying patterns in these sub-themes revealed one overarching theme: Physical activity as a means to selfhood maintenance, which suggests that physical activity can help to shift the focus from the dementia diagnosis (i.e. ill health) to a more healthy and able self. Conclusion: The findings suggest that physical activity, apart from maintaining body functions, can be a way to sustain well-being and selfhood in mild AD. This aspect of physical activity is important to consider in research, policy and practice when addressing the needs of people with dementia.
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21. |
- Chehrehnegar, Negin, et al.
(author)
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Executive function deficits in mild cognitive impairment: evidence from saccade tasks
- 2022
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Routledge; Taylor & Francis. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 26:5, s. 1001-1009
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Early detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is necessary to prevent irreversible brain damage caused by incipient Alzheimers disease. It has been showing that amnestic MCI (a-MCI) subjects exhibit subtle deficits in executive function that can be tested using saccade eye movements. Eye-tracking technology is a sensitive method to measure cognitive impairments in dementia and MCI. Methods In this study, we used eye-tracking technology to explore saccade impairments to distinguish between a-MCI and the variants of reference controls. 21 patients with AD, 40 patients with a-MCI, and 59 normal participants were recruited in current study. We measured saccade reaction time, saccade errors, saccade omission, and uncorrected saccades using anti-saccade and pro-saccade tasks with gap and overlap procedures. These parameters were used as markers of executive function and visual attention deficits.Results: The findings revealed that more errors, more omissions, and fewer corrections characterized the saccade behavior of the a-MCI group compared to the reference group. These eye-tracking characteristics can be considered as inhibitory control and working memory deficits in a-MCI subjects. Our results thus demonstrate the applicability of the anti-saccade task as a cognitive marker in a-MCI. Conclusion The work provides further support for eye-tracking as a useful diagnostic biomarker in the assessment of executive function in aging with cognitive impairments.
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22. |
- Conradsson, Mia, et al.
(author)
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Effects of a high-intensity functional exercise programme on depressive symptoms and psychological well-being among older people living in residential care facilities : a cluster-randomized controlled trial
- 2010
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 14:5, s. 565-576
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: To evaluate the effects of a high-intensity functional exercise programme on depressive symptoms and psychological well-being among older people dependent in activities of daily living (ADL) and living in residential care facilities.Method: Cluster-randomized controlled study. Participants were 191 older people, aged 65–100, dependent in ADL and with Mini Mental State Examination scores between 10 and 30. One-hundred (52%) of the participants had a diagnosed dementia disorder. A high-intensity functional weight-bearing exercise programme and a control activity were performed in groups. Sessions were held five times over each two week period for three months, a total of 29 times. The outcome measures, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) and Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGCMS) were blindly assessed at baseline, three and six months.Results: At baseline, mean ± SD (range) for GDS was 4.4 ± 3.2 (0–14), and for PGCMS 11.0 ± 3.5 (2–17). There were no significant differences in GDS or PGCMS between the exercise and the control group at the three and six month follow-ups in the total sample. Among people with dementia, there was a between-group difference at three months in PGCMS scores in favour of the exercise group.Conclusion: A high-intensity functional exercise programme seems generally not to influence depressive symptoms or psychological well-being among older people dependent in ADL and living in residential care facilities. An individualized and multifactorial intervention may be needed in this group. However, an exercise programme as a single intervention may have a short-term effect on well-being among people with dementia.
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23. |
- Conradsson, Mia, 1981-, et al.
(author)
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Usefulness of the Geriatric Depression Scale 15-item version among very old people with and without cognitive impairment
- 2013
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Routledge. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. - 9789174595208 ; 17:5, s. 638-645
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: The aim of this population-based study was to investigate the usefulness of the Geriatric Depression Scale 15-item version (GDS-15) to assess depressive symptoms among very old people with differing levels of cognitive function.Methods: The 834 participants were aged 85 and over. Feasibility of GDS-15 was evaluated as the proportion of people who completed the scale. Concurrent criterion validity was evaluated by calculating correlations between GDS-15 and Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGCMS). PGCMS measures psychological wellbeing which is closely related with depressive symptoms. Correlations were calculated within groups according to cognitive function assessed with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE); 0-4, 5-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-27, and 28-30, using Pearson's two-sided correlation and compared using Fisher r-to-z transformation. Internal consistency of the GDS-15 was evaluated by calculating Cronbach's in each group.Results: In total, 651 (78%) of the 834 participants completed the GDS-15. For the two MMSE-groups with scores of <10, the proportion who completed GDS-15 were 1% and 42%, respectively, compared to 65-95% in the MMSE-groups with scores of 10. Cronbach's in each MMSE-group ranged from 0.636 (MMSE 28-30) to 0.821 (MMSE 5-9). The level of correlation between GDS-15 and PGCMS did not significantly differ between MMSE-groups with scores of 5-27 compared to the MMSE-group with scores of 28-30.Conclusions: The GDS-15 seems to have an overall usefulness to assess depressive symptoms among very old people with an MMSE score of 10 or more. More studies are needed to strengthen the validity of GDS-15 among older people with MMSE scores of 10-14. For older people with MMSE scores lower than 10, there is a need to develop and validate other measurements.
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24. |
- Dahlberg, Lena, 1970-, et al.
(author)
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A systematic review of longitudinal risk factors for loneliness in older adults
- 2021
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 26:2, s. 225-249
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: To effectively reduce loneliness in older adults, interventions should be based on firm evidence regarding risk factors for loneliness in that population. This systematic review aimed to identify, appraise and synthesise longitudinal studies of risk factors for loneliness in older adults.METHODS: Searches were performed in June 2018 in PsycINFO, Scopus, Sociology Collection and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria were: population of older adults (M = 60+ years at outcome); longitudinal design; study conducted in an OECD country; article published in English in a peer-review journal. Article relevance and quality assessments were made by at least two independent reviewers.RESULTS: The search found 967 unique articles, of which 34 met relevance and quality criteria. The Netherlands and the United States together contributed 19 articles; 17 analysed national samples while 7 studies provided the data for 19 articles. One of two validated scales was used to measure loneliness in 24 articles, although 10 used a single item. A total of 120 unique risk factors for loneliness were examined. Risk factors with relatively consistent associations with loneliness were: not being married/partnered and partner loss; a limited social network; a low level of social activity; poor self-perceived health; and depression/depressed mood and an increase in depression.CONCLUSION: Despite the range of factors examined in the reviewed articles, strong evidence for a longitudinal association with loneliness was found for relatively few, while there were surprising omissions from the factors investigated. Future research should explore longitudinal risk factors for emotional and social loneliness.
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25. |
- Dahlberg, Lena, 1970-, et al.
(author)
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Correlates of social and emotional loneliness in older people : evidence from an English community study
- 2014
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 18:4, s. 504-514
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Loneliness is an important influence on quality of life in old age, and has been conceptualised as consisting of two dimensions, social and emotional. This paper describes analyses that sought to produce models of social and emotional loneliness in older people, using demographic, psychological and health, and social variables.Method: Older people (aged 65+, N=1255) from the Barnsley metropolitan area of the United Kingdom were recruited randomly from within a stratified sampling frame, and received a questionnaire-based interview (response rate: 68.1%). The questionnaire contained items and scales on demographic, psychological and health and social characteristics, and a validated measure of loneliness that assesses both social and emotional loneliness.Results: Of the respondents, 7.7% were found to be severely or very severely lonely, while another 38.3% were moderately lonely. Social and Emotional Loneliness shared 19.36% variance. Being male, being widowed, low well-being, low self-esteem, low income comfort, low contact with family, low contact with friends, low Activity, low Perceived Community Integration, and receipt of community care were significant predictors of Social Loneliness (R=.50, R2=.25, F(18, 979)=18.17, p<.001). Being widowed, low well-being, low self-esteem, high activity restriction, low income comfort, and non-receipt of informal care were significant predictors of Emotional Loneliness (R=.55, R2=.30, F(18, 973)=23.00, p<.001).Conclusion: This study provides further empirical support for the conceptual separation of emotional and social loneliness. Consequently, policy on loneliness in older people should be directed to developing a range of divergent intervention strategies if both emotional and social loneliness are to be reduced.
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26. |
- Dahlberg, Lena, 1970-
(author)
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Loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2021
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 25:7, s. 1161-1164
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of physical distancing risk collateral damage such as increased loneliness. Older adults have been identified as being at higher risk of poor outcomes if infected and in many countries have been subjected to greater restrictions on physical contacts with others. Most research so far points towards an increase in loneliness during the pandemic. However, there has been a lack of prospective studies based on representative samples of older adults, with the oldest old, older adults with low or no Internet usage, and those in poor health currently underrepresented. Despite the significance of cultural norms for individuals' standards for social relations and, thus, the experience of loneliness, there has been a lack of comparative research on loneliness in older adults during the pandemic. Reviews have found little evidence for what interventions and what elements of interventions are effective in reducing loneliness. There is potential for social relations to be maintained via technology-based solutions, although there is a risk of excluding older adults with limited resources who are both least likely to use technology and most vulnerable to loneliness. Furthermore, remote social contacts cannot fully compensate for the loss of physical contacts. Where stay-at-home orders are not imposed, supporting neighbourliness and the community use of accessible open spaces are other options. Finally, policy responses to the pandemic need to be more nuanced and non-ageist in order to avoid unnecessary increases in loneliness in older adults.
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27. |
- Dahlberg, Lena, 1970-, et al.
(author)
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Long-term predictors of loneliness in old age : results of a 20-year national study
- 2018
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 22:2, s. 190-196
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: The understanding of social phenomena is enhanced if individuals can be studied over longer periods. Regarding loneliness in old age, there is a general lack of longitudinal research. The aim of this study was to examine whether there is an association between loneliness in old age and social engagement 20 years earlier, as stated by life course theory and the convoy model.METHOD: Data from the nationally representative Swedish Panel Study of Living Conditions of the Oldest Old (2002 and 2011 data collection waves) and the Swedish Level of Living Survey (1981 and 1991 data collection waves) were used. The sample included 823 individuals with an average age of 62.2 years at baseline and 82.4 years at follow-up.RESULTS: Each form of social engagement in old age was significantly associated with the same form of social engagement 20 years earlier. Close forms of social engagement were associated with loneliness in old age; as were more distant forms of social engagement, but only when they were considered solely in old age.CONCLUSION: Patterns of social engagement in old age were established at least 20 years earlier and close forms of social engagement are long-term predictors of loneliness, although current social engagement tended to be more influential on loneliness. The study underlines the importance of interventions targeted at close relationships that can provide social support in old age.
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28. |
- Dahlberg, Lena, 1970-, et al.
(author)
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Predictors of loneliness among older women and men in Sweden : A national longitudinal study
- 2015
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Routledge. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 19:5, s. 409-417
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Longitudinal research on loneliness in old age has rarely considered loneliness separately for men and women, despite gender differences in life experiences. The objective of this study was to examine the extent to which older women and men (70+) report feelings of loneliness with a focus on: (a) changes in reported loneliness as people age, and (b) which factors predict loneliness.Method: Data from the 2004 and 2011 waves of SWEOLD, a longitudinal national survey, was used (n = 587). The prediction of loneliness in 2011 by variables measured in 2004 and 2004–2011 variable change scores was examined in three logistic regression models: total sample, women and men. Variables in the models included: gender, age, education, mobility problems, depression, widowhood and social contacts.Results: Older people moved into and out of frequent loneliness over time, although there was a general increase in loneliness with age. Loneliness at baseline, depression increment and recent widowhood were significant predictors of loneliness in all three multivariable models. Widowhood, depression, mobility problems and mobility reduction predicted loneliness uniquely in the model for women; while low level of social contacts and social contact reduction predicted loneliness uniquely in the model for men.Conclusion: This study challenges the notion that feelings of loneliness in old age are stable. It also identifies important gender differences in prevalence and predictors of loneliness. Knowledge about such differences is crucial for the development of effective policy and interventions to combat loneliness in later life.
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29. |
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30. |
- Djukanovic, Ingrid, et al.
(author)
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Association between depressive symptoms and age, sex, loneliness and treatment among older people in Sweden
- 2015
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 19:6, s. 560-568
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of and the association between depressive symptoms and loneliness in relation to age and sex among older people (65–80 years) and to investigate to what extent those who report depressive symptoms had visited a health care professional and/or used antidepressant medication.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a Swedish sample randomized from the total population in the age group 65–80 years (n = 6659). Chi square tests and logistic regression analyses were conducted.Results: The data showed that 9.8% (n = 653) reported depressive symptoms and 27.5% reported feelings of loneliness. More men than women reported depressive symptoms, and the largest proportion was found among men in the age group 75–80 years. An association between the odds to have a depressive disorder and loneliness was found which, however, decreased with increasing age. Of those with depressive symptoms a low proportion had visited a psychologist (2.9%) or a welfare officer (4.2%), and one in four reported that they use antidepressant medication. Of those who reported depressive symptoms, 29% considered that they had needed medical care during the last three months but had refrained from seeking, and the most common reason for that was negative experience from previous visits.Conclusion: Contrary to findings in most of the studies, depressive symptoms were not more prevalent among women. The result highlights the importance of detecting depressive symptoms and loneliness in older people and to offer adequate treatment in order to increase their well-being.
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31. |
- Drageset, Jorunn, et al.
(author)
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Sense of coherence among cognitively intact nursing home residents - a five-year longitudinal study
- 2014
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1364-6915 .- 1360-7863. ; 18:7, s. 889-896
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim and objectives: To examine how stable the sense of coherence (SOC) is over a five-year period among residents of nursing homes (NH) who are not cognitively impaired and whether components of social support influence SOC. Background: Many studies have investigated the stability of SOC, and the findings have been inconsistent. Social support is a crucial resource in developing SOC. Few researchers have studied the stability of SOC and how various social support dimensions influence changes in SOC among older NH residents who are cognitively intact. Design: The study was prospective and included baseline assessment and five-year follow-up. Methods: The sample comprised 52 cognitively intact NH residents (Clinical Dementia Rating score <= 0.5). We obtained data through direct interviews using the Social Provisions Scale and Sense of Coherence Scale. Results: SOC increased statistically significantly from baseline to follow-up. The social support subdimension reassurance of worth predicted change in SOC after adjustment for sociodemographic factors. When controlled for baseline SOC, attachment was associated with change in SOC, but reassurance of worth was not. Conclusions: The study indicates that the change in SOC over time during the 5 years of follow-up and the social support dimension attachment appear to be important components of change in SOC. Nursing personnel should be aware of the residents' individual needs for attachment and the importance of emotional support for personal strength and ability to cope.
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32. |
- Edberg, Anna-Karin, 1961-, et al.
(author)
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Strain in nursing care of people with dementia : nurses' experience in Australia, Sweden and United Kingdom
- 2008
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 12:2, s. 236-243
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES:The aim of this study was to explore nurses' experience of strain in dementia care.METHOD:Focus groups were held with 35 nurses in Sweden, Australia and UK, who care for people with dementia. The discussions were tape-recorded and analysed using qualitative content analysis.RESULTS:The nurses described the complexity of their situation and referred to environmental factors such as 'the system', community attitudes, other staff, residents' family members and also their own family. With regard to caring for people with dementia, three main sources of strain could be identified: Being unable to reach; Trying to protect; and Having to balance competing needs.CONCLUSION:The nurses' experience could be understood as a desire to do the best for the people in their care by trying to alleviate their suffering and enhance their quality of life. When they did not have the resources, opportunity or ability to do this, it caused strain.
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33. |
- Edberg, Anna-Karin, et al.
(author)
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Strain in nursing care of people with dementia: Nurses' experience in Australia, Sweden and United Kingdom.
- 2008
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1364-6915 .- 1360-7863. ; 12:2, s. 236-243
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore nurses' experience of strain in dementia care. Method: Focus groups were held with 35 nurses in Sweden, Australia and UK, who care for people with dementia. The discussions were tape-recorded and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The nurses described the complexity of their situation and referred to environmental factors such as 'the system', community attitudes, other staff, residents' family members and also their own family. With regard to caring for people with dementia, three main sources of strain could be identified: Being unable to reach; Trying to protect; and Having to balance competing needs. Conclusion: The nurses' experience could be understood as a desire to do the best for the people in their care by trying to alleviate their suffering and enhance their quality of life. When they did not have the resources, opportunity or ability to do this, it caused strain.
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34. |
- Ekezie, Promise E., et al.
(author)
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Is the mental health of older adults receiving care from their children related to their children's dual burden of caregiving and work stress? A linked lives perspective
- 2022
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 27:9, s. 1796-1802
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Mental health problems are a major concern in the older population in Sweden, as is the growing number of older adults aging alone in their homes and in need of informal care. Using a linked lives perspective, this study explored if older parents' mental health is related to their children's dual burden of informal caregiving and job strain.Methods: Data from a nationally representative Swedish survey, SWEOLD, were used. Mental health problems in older age (mean age 88) were measured with self-reported 'mild' or 'severe' anxiety and depressive symptoms. A primary caregiving adult child was linked to each older parent, and this child's occupation was matched with a job exposure matrix to assess job strain. Logistic regression analyses were conducted with an analytic sample of 334.Results: After adjusting for covariates, caregiving children's lower job control and greater job strain were each associated with mental health problems in their older parents (OR 2.52, p = 0.008 and OR 2.56, p = 0.044, respectively). No association was found between caregiving children's job demands and their older parents' mental health (OR 1.08, p = 0.799).Conclusion: In line with the linked lives perspective, results highlight that the work-life balance of informal caregiving adult children may play a role in their older parent's mental health.
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35. |
- El Mrayyan, Nadia, et al.
(author)
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Healthcare utilisation patterns among older people with intellectual disability and with affective and anxiety diagnoses in comparison with the general population
- 2021
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In: Aging and Mental Health. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 25:8, s. 1525-1534
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: This study investigates specialist healthcare visits of older people with intellectual disability ID having affective and anxiety diagnoses in comparison with the general population, as well as across different levels of ID, behavioural impairment, and living in special housing in Sweden. Method: The study is a retrospective national-register-based study from 2002–2012 of people with ID 55 years and older (n = 7936) and a control group the same size matched by birth year and sex from the general population at the end of study. The study groups comprised those with affective (n = 918) and anxiety (n = 825) diagnoses who visited specialist healthcare, including data about living in special housing at the end of study in 2012. Results: Older people with ID and with affective and anxiety diagnoses have a higher risk of inpatient and unplanned visits to psychiatric and somatic healthcare than the general population. The average length of stay in inpatient psychiatric healthcare was higher in older people with ID and anxiety diagnoses than in the general population. Within the ID group, more inpatient and unplanned visits were made by those with moderate and severe levels of ID, behavioural impairment, and living in special housing. Conclusion: Older people with ID and affective and anxiety diagnoses are more likely to have inpatient and unplanned visits for specialist healthcare than the general population. Future research should explore the quality of healthcare services delivered by healthcare providers to older people with ID and with affective and anxiety diagnoses.
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36. |
- Enmarker, Ingela, et al.
(author)
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Depression in older cat and dog owners : The Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT)-3
- 2015
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Taylor and Francis Ltd.. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 19:4, s. 347-352
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Depression constitutes a major health problem for older people, in this study defined as people 65 years of age and older. Previous studies have shown that mental health among older people who live with animals could be improved, but contrary results exist as well. Therefore, the objective of the present population study was to compare the self-rated depression symptoms of both female and male non-pet owners, cat owners, and dog owners.Method: The participants in this cross-sectional population study included 12,093 people between the ages of 65 and 101. One thousand and eighty three participants owned cats and 814 participants owned dogs. Self-rated depression symptoms were measured using HADS-D, the scale of self-administered depression symptoms in HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale).Results: The main results showed higher mean values on the HADS-D for cat owners than for both dog and non-pet owners. The latter group rated their depression symptoms the lowest. When dividing the ratings into low- and high-depression symptoms, the logistic regression analysis showed that it was more likely that males who owned cats perceived lower depression symptoms than females who owned cats. No interactions were recognized between pet ownership and subjective general health status, loneliness, or marital status.Conclusions: Our results provide a window into the differences in health factors between older females and males who own cats and dogs in rural areas. Results from population studies like ours might increase the available knowledge base when using cats and dogs in clinical environments such as nursing homes.
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37. |
- Fagerström, Cecilia, et al.
(author)
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Sleep complaints and their association with comorbidity and health-related quality of life in an older population in Sweden
- 2011
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 15:2, s. 204-213
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: The relationship between sleep complaints, comorbidity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in advanced age has not been clearly established. The aim of this study is therefore to investigate the presence of sleep complaints and discuss their association with morbidity and the HRQoL among the people aged 60 years and above. Methods: Data regarding demography, sleep, comorbidity and HRQoL were collected through questionnaires and interviews among 1128 people in Sweden. The Johns Hopkins adjusted clinical groups (ACG®) Case-Mix System 6.0 and the Short-Form Health Survey-12 were used to assess morbidity and HRQoL, respectively. Results: There was a divergence in the number of sleep complaints between those with no morbidity and those who had a high degree of comorbidity. Most of the sleep complaints related to low HRQoL were found among those with a high degree of comorbidity. Conclusions: People with a high degree of comorbidity appear to be a group with a high risk of having both sleep complaints and a low HRQoL. Thus, this study suggests that even if sleep complaints appear to be difficult to identify and treat successfully, it is important to pay particular attention to those people who suffer from a high degree of comorbidity if their HRQoL is to be maintained.
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38. |
- Fischer, Silke, et al.
(author)
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ADHD in older adults - a scoping review
- 2024
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915.
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- ObjectivesThis scoping review presents an overview of the available research on symptoms, comorbidities, and associated challenges among older adults with ADHD.MethodThe literature study followed Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage framework. The search was conducted in ProQuest Central, Scopus, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and PubMed. Articles were included if they were peer-reviewed, ethically approved primary studies, written in the English language, concerning ADHD, and including people 60 years of age and older.ResultsThe review included 17 articles. Symptoms of ADHD persist throughout life. Older adults with ADHD experience similar core symptoms as younger individuals, but their manifestation and intensity may differ. The most common comorbidity found was mental illness, for example depression and anxiety. ADHD in older adults is linked to several challenges, such as difficulty with relationships and social isolation.ConclusionOlder adults with ADHD face various symptoms, comorbidities, and challenges that affect their quality of life. Age-related changes can amplify ADHD symptoms and increase the perceived burden of illness. More research is needed to understand the complex relationship between these factors and enable tailored interventions to improve their quality of life and well-being.
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39. |
- Fors Connolly, Filip, 1981-, et al.
(author)
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Do reductions of daily activities mediate the relationship between COVID-19 restrictions and mental ill-health among older persons in Europe?
- 2024
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Routledge. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 28:7, s. 1058-1065
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Previous research has shown that daily activities are crucial for mental health among older people, and that such activities declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. While previous studies have confirmed a link between stringent restrictions and an increase in mental ill-health, the role of daily activities as a mediator in this relationship remains underexplored. We analyzed whether reductions in daily activities mediated the impact of these COVID-19 restrictions on mental ill-health during the pandemic’s initial phase.Methods: We used data from Wave 8 SHARE Corona Survey covering 41,409 respondents from 25 European countries and Israel as well as data on COVID-19 restrictions from the Oxford Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT). Multilevel regression and multilevel-mediation analysis were used to examine the relationships between restrictions, daily activities and mental ill-health.Results: Reductions in walking and shopping showed a notably stronger association with increases in mental ill-health compared to social activities. Furthermore, declines in walking could account for about a quarter of the relationship between restrictions and increased mental ill-health, but the mediating effects of the other activates were negligible.Conclusions: The study highlights the essential role of maintaining daily activities, particularly walking, to mitigate the negative psychological effects of pandemic-related restrictions among older populations in Europe.
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40. |
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41. |
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42. |
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43. |
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44. |
- Golovchanova, Nadezhda, 1983-, et al.
(author)
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Older and feeling unsafe? Differences in underlying vulnerability, anxiety and life satisfaction among older adults
- 2023
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Routledge. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 27:8, s. 1636-1643
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Feeling safe in the daily environment is important in late life. However, research on configuration of vulnerability factors for perceived unsafety in older adults is scarce. The current study aimed to identify latent subgroups of older adults based on their vulnerability for perceived unsafety.Method: We analyzed the data from a cross-sectional survey of residents in senior apartments in a mid-sized Swedish municipality (N = 622).Results: The results of the latent profile analysis based on frailty, fear of falling, social support, perceived neighborhood problems, and trust in others in the neighborhood indicated the presence of three profiles. These profiles were labelled as compromised body and social networks (7.2%), compromised context (17.9%) and non-vulnerable (74.9%). Profile membership was statistically predicted by age, gender, and family status and profiles differed in perceived unsafety, anxiety and life satisfaction.Conclusion: Overall, the study findings suggested the existence of latent subgroups of older people based on patterns of vulnerability.
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45. |
- Graneheim, Ulla Hällgren, et al.
(author)
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Experiences of loneliness among the very old : the Umeå 85+ project.
- 2010
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 14:4, s. 433-438
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: This study aims to elucidate experiences of loneliness among the very old, who live alone. METHOD: Twenty-three women and seven men, aged 85-103 years, were interviewed about their experiences of loneliness. The text was subjected to qualitative content analysis. RESULT: The descriptions of loneliness were twofold: on the one hand, living with losses and feeling abandoned represented the limitations imposed by loneliness; and on the other, living in confidence and feeling free represented the opportunities of loneliness. The findings indicate that experiences of loneliness among the very old are complex, and concern their relations in the past, the present, and the future. CONCLUSION: Experiences of loneliness among the very old can be devastating or enriching, depending upon life circumstances and outlook on life and death. We interpreted these two aspects of loneliness as feelings of homelessness and at-homeness.
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46. |
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47. |
- Hagberg, M, et al.
(author)
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The significance of personality factors for various dimensions of life quality among older people
- 2002
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1364-6915 .- 1360-7863. ; 6:2, s. 178-185
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Quality of life has various dimensions with multiple meanings for people. One vital issue is whether a person's subjective experienced quality of life correlates with his or her personality. Several studies show a correlation between personality and quality of life, life satisfaction or well-being. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between personality and life quality, in particular the way in which multi-dimensional conceptualization of personality relates to a multi-dimensional definition of life quality. Seventy-eight elderly individuals completed a quality of life questionnaire, the Lund Gerontology Centre's Life Quality Questionnaire (LGC), and a personality questionnaire, the Gordon Personal Profile Inventory (GP:A). Discriminant analysis showed that various personality characteristics relate to different aspects of life quality. Vigour alone predicted current quality of life, while emotional stability was related to psychological well-being and satisfaction with significant relationships. Ascendancy and ability to maintain personal relations were related to an optimistic outlook on life and absence of psychosomatic symptoms. Original thinking and sociability related to increased psychosomatic symptoms and sociability also correlated negatively with satisfaction with significant relationships. The results support the idea that various personality characteristics are related to various life quality dimensions in the investigated group, increasing the understanding of unique experience of life quality for each individual.
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48. |
- Hamren, Kidist, et al.
(author)
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Religion, spirituality, social support and quality of life : measurement and predictors CASP-12(v2) amongst older Ethiopians living in Addis Ababa
- 2014
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 19:7, s. 610-621
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: As African populations begin to age developing accurate measures of quality of life (QoL) in later life for use on the continent is becoming imperative. This study evaluates the measurement and predictors of QoL amongst older Ethiopians. Method: The data come from a multi-stage cluster sample of 214 people aged 55 and over living in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. QoL was measured using the CASP-12(v2). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test the properties of the scale. The relationships between social support, religiosity/spirituality and socio-demographic factors on QoL were tested with linear regression analyses. Results: The CASP subscales exhibited good internal reliability and the CFA provides reasonable support for an 11-item 4-factor model (CFI, 0.954; RMSEA 0.075). Multivariate regression analyses suggest that both religiousness/spirituality and social support have positive relationships with QoL. Conclusion: Older people in Africa can often be socially isolated, marginalised and in extreme poverty. Yet few studies have looked at QoL more generally and there is no accepted gold standard measurement of QoL. Yet such a development would allow researchers to directly compare QoL and the determinants of QoL amongst older Africans and those elsewhere. The results show that a modified 11-item CASP is a meaningful measure of QoL for use with older Ethiopians. Both religiousness/spirituality and social support are positively associated with QoL and might be important buffers against deprivation.
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49. |
- Handels, Ron, et al.
(author)
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Challenges and recommendations for the health-economic evaluation of primary prevention programmes for dementia
- 2019
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 23:1, s. 53-59
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: We aimed to review health-economic evaluations of (hypothetical) intervention programmes for the primary prevention of dementia, and highlight challenges and provide recommendations for future research to estimate its cost-effectiveness.Methods: We searched the databases PubMed, MODEM, CEA and NHS for publications on the cost-consequence, -effectiveness, -utility or -benefit analysis of (hypothetical) interventions to reduce the risk of developing dementia for persons without dementia, and described the study characteristics.Results: Three publications described the evaluation of a hypothetical risk reduction due to physical activity or a multidomain intervention programme. Two studies reported a reduction of care costs. One study yielded two scenarios of increased care costs and one scenario of reduced care costs. Only one study reported the impact in QALY terms, and found a QALY gain.Conclusion: A few studies have evaluated a hypothetical multidomain prevention intervention, and reported that primary dementia prevention is potentially cost-saving or cost-effective. Various challenges remain to evaluate the health-economic impact of prevention interventions, including extrapolation of short-term trial effects, care costs in the dementia-free and life years gained, and accurate representation of usual care. We recommend extensive sensitivity analyses to examine the impact of assumptions regarding these aspects on the outcomes of cost-effectiveness studies.
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50. |
- Hansson, Isabelle, 1988, et al.
(author)
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Beyond health and economy: resource interactions in retirement adjustment
- 2019
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In: Aging and Mental Health. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 23:11, s. 1546-1554
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: The retirement transition is a multidimensional and dynamic process of adjustment to new life circumstances. Research has shown that individual differences in resource capability accounts for a substantial amount of the previously observed heterogeneity in retirement adjustment. The aim of the present study was to investigate interaction effects of self-esteem, autonomy, social support, self-rated physical health, self-rated cognitive ability, and basic financial resources on levels and changes in life satisfaction in the retirement transition. Method: Our sample included 1924 older adults from the longitudinal population-based HEalth, Ageing, and Retirement Transitions in Sweden (HEARTS) study. The participants were assessed annually over a three-year period, covering the transition from work to retirement (n = 614). Participants continuously working (n = 1310) were included as a reference group. Results: Results from latent growth curve models showed that the relationship between a particular resource and levels and changes in life satisfaction varied depending on other available resources, but also that these effects varied between retirees and workers. Autonomy moderated the effect of physical resources, and social support and perceived cognitive ability moderated the effect of financial resources. Discussion: Our findings add to the current knowledge on retirement adjustment and suggest that negative effects of poor health and lack of basic financial resources on retirees life satisfaction may be compensated for by higher levels of autonomy, social support, and perceived cognitive ability.
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