Dissecting the midlife crisis: disentangling social, personality and demographic determinants in social brain anatomy.

In any stage of life, humans crave connection with other people. In midlife, transitions in social networks can relate to new leadership roles at work or becoming a caregiver for aging parents. Previous neuroimaging studies have pinpointed the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) to undergo structural remodelling during midlife. Social behavior, personality predisposition, and demographic profile all have intimate links to the mPFC according in largely disconnected literatures. Here, we explicitly estimated their unique associations with brain structure using a fully Bayesian framework. We weighed against each other a rich collection of 40 UK Biobank traits with their interindividual variation in social brain morphology in ~10,000 middle-aged participants. Household size and daily routines showed several of the largest effects in explaining variation in social brain regions. We also revealed male-biased effects in the dorsal mPFC and amygdala for job income, and a female-biased effect in the ventral mPFC for health satisfaction.

Midlife in the 2020s: Opportunities and challenges.

Development is a cumulative, lifelong process, but strikingly little is known about development in midlife. As a consequence, many misconceptions exist about the nature of midlife and the developmental milestones and challenges faced by middle-aged adults. We first review dominant views and empirical research that has debunked false narratives. Next, we discuss major opportunities and challenges of midlife. This includes the unique constellation of roles and life transitions that are distinct from earlier and later life phases as well as shifting trends in mental and physical health and in family composition. We additionally highlight the importance of (historical shifts in) intergenerational dynamics of middle-aged adults with their aging parents, adult children, and grandchildren; financial vulnerabilities that emerge and often accrue from economic failures and labor market volatility; the shrinking social and health care safety net; and the rising costs of raising children. In doing so, we discuss issues of diversity and note similarities and differences in midlife experiences across race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. We consider midlife as a pivotal period that includes a focus on balancing gains and losses, linking earlier and later life periods, and bridging generations. Finally, we propose possibilities for promoting reversibility and resilience with interventions and policy changes. The suggested agenda for future research promises to reconceptualize midlife as a key period of life, with a concerted effort to focus on the diversity of midlife experiences in order to meet the unprecedented challenges and opportunities in the 2020s and beyond. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

A cross-sectional study on quality of life among the elderly in non-governmental organizations' elderly homes in Kuala Lumpur.

BACKGROUND: There is a rapid increase in the population of the elderly globally, and Malaysia is anticipated to become an ageing nation in 2030. Maintaining health, social participation, reducing institutionalization, and improving quality of life of the elderly are public health challenges of the 21(st) century. Quality of life among elderly in Elderly Homes in Malaysia is under researched. This study aims to determine the quality of life and its associated factors among the Elderly in Elderly Homes in Kuala Lumpur. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study among 203 residents aged 60 years or more in eight randomly selected Elderly Homes in Kuala Lumpur in September 2014. Stratified simple random sampling was used to select participants. Study instruments included World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF), Multidimensional Scale for Perceived Social Support, and a questionnaire for Socio-demographic variables. Data collection was by face to face interview. Univariate and Multivariate analysis were used to determine associations, and P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean (Standard deviation) for the physical domain was 14.3 (±2.7), 13.7 (±2.5) for the psychological domain, 10.8 (±3.4) for the social domain, and 13.0 (±2.5) for the environment domain. Factors significantly associated with quality of life included age, gender, level of education, economic status, outdoor leisure activity, physical activity, duration of residence, type of accommodation, co-morbidities, and social support. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that multiple factors are associated with quality of life among elderly in elderly homes. Social support, chronic co-morbidities, gender and outdoor leisure activity were significantly associated with all the domains of quality of life. Among the four domains of quality of life, the physical domain had the highest score while the social domain had the lowest score. This emphasizes the need for more social support-related interventions in these homes.

Regional Differences in Correlates of Daily Walking among Middle Age and Older Australian Rural Adults: Implications for Health Promotion.

Rural Australians are less physically active than their metropolitan counterparts, and yet very little is known of the candidate intervention targets for promoting physical activity in rural populations. As rural regions are economically, socially and environmentally diverse, drivers of regular physical activity are likely to vary between regions. This study explored the region-specific correlates of daily walking among middle age and older adults in rural regions with contrasting dominant primary industries. Participants were recruited through print and electronic media, primary care settings and community organisations. Pedometers were worn by 153 adults for at least four days, including a weekend day. A questionnaire identified potential intra-personal, social and environmental correlates of physical activity, according to a social ecological framework. Regression modelling identified independent correlates of daily walking separately in the two study regions. In one region, there were independent correlates of walking from all levels of the social ecological framework. In the other region, significant correlates of daily walking were almost all demographic (age, education and marital status). Participants living alone were less likely to be physically active regardless of region. This study highlights the importance of considering region-specific factors when designing strategies for promoting regular walking among rural adults.

Responses to Financial Loss During the Great Recession: An Examination of Sense of Control in Late Midlife.

OBJECTIVES: The "Great Recession" shocked the primary institutions that help individuals and families meet their needs and plan for the future. This study examines middle-aged adults' experiences of financial loss and considers how socioeconomic and interpersonal resources facilitate or hinder maintaining a sense of control in the face of economic uncertainty. METHOD: Using the 2006 and 2010 waves of the Health and Retirement Study, change in income and wealth, giving help to and receiving help from others, household complexity, and sense of control were measured among middle-aged adults (n = 3,850; age = 51-60 years). RESULTS: Socioeconomic resources predicted both the level of and change in the engagement of interpersonal resources prior to and during the Great Recession. Experiences of financial loss were associated with increased engagement of interpersonal resources and decreased sense of control. The effect of financial loss was dampened by education. Sense of control increased with giving help and decreased with household complexity. DISCUSSION: Findings suggest that, across socioeconomic strata, proportional loss in financial resources resulted in a loss in sense of control. However, responses to financial loss differed by socioeconomic status, which differentiated the ability to maintain a sense of control following financial loss.

Women's quality of life: University of the Third Age, Goiás, Brazil / Calidad de vida de mujeres: Universidad Abierta a la Tercera Edad de Goiás, Brasil

Objectives Assessing the quality of life (QOL) of elderly women attending the University of the Third Age (UNATI) at the Federal University of Goiás in Brazil. Methods This was a descriptive, observational study of 38 elderly women aged 60 or older. A socio-demographic information form and the WHOQOL-BREF and WHOQOLOLD questionnaires were applied for QOL assessment. Results Most women were aged 60-69 (58.8 percent). The WHOQOL-BREF QOL scores in the physical, psychological, social relationships and environmental domains bore no statistical relevance; however, the general QOL before (67.86±2.91) and after (60.71±8.71) attending UNATI had p=0.049 significance. As for the WHOQOL-OLD, only the sensorial functioning domain (before: 61.84±20.74; after: 71.38±17.66; p=0.014) and the death and dying domain were significant (before: 56.36±25.48; after: 67.27±25.35; p=0.001). Conclusions The elderly women demonstrated typical socio-demographic characteristics and their concerns to stay healthy within possible income, socialisation and health delivery service patterns were considered good. The WHOQOL-BREF revealed that the general domain played a major role compared to other domains. The sensorial functioning and the death and dying domains on the WHOQOL-OLD characterised this particular population's anxieties, wishes and gender needs.

Objetivos El objetivo de este estudio fue avaluar mujeres ancianas que frecuentan la Universidad Abierta a la Tercera Edad (UNATI), en la Universidad Estadual de Goiás/ Brasil, con relación a la calidad de vida (CV). Métodos Estudio observacional de tipo descriptivo con 38 mujeres ancianas, con edad igual o superior a 60 aà±os. Fue aplicado un cuestionario socio-demográfico y evaluación de la CV instrumentada por Whoqol-Bref y Whoqol-OldResultados La edad de mayor frecuencia fue de 60 a 69 aà±os (58,8 por ciento). Los puntajes de CV de Whoqo-Bref de los dominios Físico, Psicológico, Relación Social y Medio Ambiente no tuvieron relevancia estadística. Sin embargo, la CV antes (67,86 ± 2,91) y después (60,71 ± 8,71) de la participación en la UNATI presentó diferencias significativas (p=0,049). En el Whogo-Bref, sólo los dominios Funcionamiento Sensorial (antes: 61,84 ± 20,74; después: 71,38 ± 17,66; p 0,014) y Muerte y Muriendo (antes: 56,36 ± 25,48; después: 67,27 ± 25,35; p 0,001), fueron significantes. Conclusiones Las ancianas presentan características socio-demográficas propias, y se considera bueno los cuidados para mantener la salud dentro de los patrones posibles de rendimiento, socialización y oferta de los servicios de salud. Whogol-Bref reveló que el dominio General tuvo papel preponderante con respecto a los demás dominios. En el Whogol-Old, los dominios Funcionamiento Sensorial y, Muerte y Muriendo, caracterizan a la población en sus ansiedades, sus deseos y en las necesidades del género.

Assessment of self-esteem in mid-aged women.

OBJECTIVE: To assess self-esteem and affecting factors in a middle-aged Ecuadorian female population using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study in which 149 women (40-59 years) were requested to fill out the RSES and a general socio-demographic form containing personal and partner data. RESULTS: Mean age of sample was 47.6+/-5.5 years, a 67.8% had less than 12 years of schooling and 33.6% were postmenopausal. At the moment of the survey 2.7% were on hormone therapy, and 2% were taking psychotropic drugs. Mean total RSES score was 26.6+/-3.1 (median 26, range 17-35). A 35.6% and 18.1% of women respectively presented total RSES scores below 26 (median) and 25 (25th percentile) suggesting lower self-esteem. Total scores did not differ when comparing older age, menopausal phases or time since the menopause. Logistic regression analysis determined that women with lower parity and an unhealthy partner were related to lower total RSES scores (below the 25th percentile) suggesting lower self-esteem. CONCLUSIONS: In this mid-aged series lower self-esteem was not related to the aging process per se yet to socio-demographic female/male aspects. More research is needed in this regard that incorporates other sociological aspects.

Women's quality of life: University of the Third Age, Goiás, Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: Assessing the quality of life (QOL) of elderly women attending the University of the Third Age (UNATI) at the Federal University of Goiás in Brazil. METHODS: This was a descriptive, observational study of 38 elderly women aged 60 or older. A socio-demographic information form and the WHOQOL-BREF and WHOQOLOLD questionnaires were applied for QOL assessment. RESULTS: Most women were aged 60-69 (58.8 %). The WHOQOL-BREF QOL scores in the physical, psychological, social relationships and environmental domains bore no statistical relevance; however, the general QOL before (67.86±2.91) and after (60.71±8.71) attending UNATI had p=0.049 significance. As for the WHOQOL-OLD, only the sensorial functioning domain (before: 61.84±20.74; after: 71.38±17.66; p=0.014) and the death and dying domain were significant (before: 56.36±25.48; after: 67.27±25.35; p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The elderly women demonstrated typical socio-demographic characteristics and their concerns to stay healthy within possible income, socialisation and health delivery service patterns were considered good. The WHOQOL-BREF revealed that the general domain played a major role compared to other domains. The sensorial functioning and the death and dying domains on the WHOQOL-OLD characterised this particular population's anxieties, wishes and gender needs.

El clima institucional en el hogar de ancianos padres de la mónarca / Institutional climate in the nursing home parents monarch

Esta investigación se realizó en el período comprendido Mayo-Noviembre de 2007 en el Hogar de Ancianos Padre La Mónaca de la Municipalidad de la ciudad de Córdoba. Se investigó el clima institucional en los diferentes actores de la institución geriátrica. Se valora a través de una escala de ambiente para residencia de mayores a 121 sujetos resultando un 30,87 % una población adulta comprendida entre los 25 y 59 años y un 69,12 % de adultos mayores comprendidos entre los 60 y 91 años. El 56,2 % son mujeres y el 43,8 % varones. Con respecto al tiempo de institucionalización 203 representan el 78,68 % y 55 el 21,31 %. En relación a la profesión de los encuestados la mayor frecuencia corresponde a los profesionales del equipo de salud con un 9,10 % en relación al 60,3 % de los residentes. Como referencia para la investigación del clima social se consideraron tres dimensiones: la calidad de las relaciones interpersonales (cohesión y conflicto), el crecimiento institucional o dirección del desarrollo personal de la institución (independencia y autoanálisis) y la última dimensión de análisis corresponde al mantenimiento y cambio del sistema (organización, influencia, comodidad y confort físico). Se proponen medidas de intervención sanitaria que contribuyan al mejoramiento del clima institucional.

Aging, experienced nurses: their value and needs.

The nursing workforce mirrors the trend in population; that is, it is aging. Subsequently, older nurses experiencing some aging effects themselves are caring for more elderly patients needing more assistance with illness and wellness problems. To meet the growing demand for care in this era of nursing shortage, predicted to last beyond 2020, these nurses are needed to remain in the workforce longer. Lack of nurses in the workplace compromises patient care and increases job stress. Therefore, retention incentives need to be implemented to assist aging, experienced nurses to delay retirement or prevent them from leaving the profession early, as well as encouraging younger and future nurses to work longer. This article focuses on aging nurses, describing their demographics and needs, explicating their value and listing the resources and benefits needed to prolong their vital services in the workforce. (For this article, aging, older and mature refer to experienced nurses in their 40s, 50s and 60s.).

Assessing knowledge of breast self exams in older African-American women.

Breast cancer mortality rates for older women increase dramatically with age. This descriptive study assessed the knowledge of breast self-exams (BSEs) via pre-tests and post-tests in older African-American women (> 60) at an initial session (Time 1), and then again at a follow-up session (Time 2) two months later. A sample of 57 older African-American women living in inner city apartment buildings participated in the study. There were significant differences between pre-test Time 1 and post-test Time 1 (p = .000) and pre-test Time 2 and post-test Time 2 (p = .000). In addition, a significant difference was detected between pre-test Time 1 and pre-test Time 2 (p = .039). Additionally, a content analysis revealed what factors would influence older African-American women to continue to perform BSEs in the future. Providing BSE education to older African-American women may be useful in decreasing mortality rates for breast cancer.

Tai Chi and older people in the community: a preliminary study.

This paper outlines a qualitative exploratory study of the individual experiences of older people who practise Tai Chi for health. The study aimed to identify factors that influence the attraction of Tai Chi for older people. Participants were recruited from a selection of Tai Chi clubs in the north of England. Participant and non-participant observation of a selection of Tai Chi practice sessions was undertaken along with interviews with 7 older people. Findings show that individuals who practice Tai Chi report a variety of immediate and lasting physical and mental benefits. Being part of a group that both learns and practises Tai Chi together appears to be important to the experience and awareness of the spiritual nature of Tai Chi was also reported. It is argued that older people who practise Tai Chi may have a particular view on ageing, health and well-being that the activity of Tai Chi allows them to express and future study intends to investigate this in more detail.

Retaining and recruiting mature experienced nurses: a multicomponent organizational strategy.

The aging and impending retirement of the nursing work force will worsen the nursing shortage. Because nurses retire for a variety of reasons, retaining older nurses or delaying their retirement requires a multifactorial method. The authors describe one medical center's multifaceted approach and subsequent strategies to create a work environment conducive to retaining the mature, experienced nurse.

The relationship between older adults' knowledge of their drug coverage and medication cost problems.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether chronically ill patients have gaps in knowledge about their prescription drug coverage and establish the relationship between gaps and medication cost problems. DESIGN: Nationwide, cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Nationwide survey conducted via the Internet. PARTICIPANTS: Three thousand one hundred nineteen adults aged 50 and older (1,400 of whom were aged > or = 65) who had prescription drug coverage and at least one chronic illness. MEASUREMENTS: Patients were asked about features of their drug benefits and whether they had experienced problems due to medication costs in the prior year. RESULTS: Twenty-five percent of respondents reported not knowing their usual prescription copayments, and 41% did not know whether there were caps on their drug coverage. Nonwhite race and lower income were independent risk factors for lack of knowledge about these aspects of pharmacy benefits. Lack of knowledge regarding the limits of coverage was associated with a greater likelihood of cutting back on medication use because of cost pressures, forgoing basic needs because of medication costs, borrowing money to pay for prescriptions, and worrying about medication costs (all P<.05). CONCLUSION: Many older adults with prescription drug coverage do not know important features of their pharmacy benefits. Racial minorities and those with low incomes may have the greatest difficulty understanding coverage and as a result may be at greatest risk for underusing their benefits. Education about Medicare reforms and other efforts to increase prescription coverage should accompany these policies.

"When looking back on my past life I regret...": retrospective regret in the second half of life.

The study investigated the frequency, themes, and attributions for significant regrets in a random probability sample of 3,917 German and Dutch nationals between the ages of 40 and 85 years. It was found that 14% did not have any regrets in spontaneous memory, and that this increased with the age of the respondents. With respect to mentioned regrets, older people, women, and those living in the former East Germany were more likely to recall externally attributed events; younger participants, men, West Germans, and the Dutch recalled more internally attributed events. Largely, memories related to 4 major themes: (a) mistakes, behavior, and bad decisions in general; (b) hard times; (c) social relationships; and (d) missed educational opportunities. The importance of these themes, however, varied according to age, gender, and regional belonging. Differences in the kind of attribution and in the centrality of themes are discussed in terms of lifespan theory, death preparation, and cultural differences.

Up and down in middle age: monotonic and nonmonotonic changes in roles, status, and personality.

It is proposed that personality (conceptualized in terms of motives and psychological resources) changes normatively not only from young adulthood to middle age but also within middle age and that these changes take place in relation to social and biosocial change over the same period. Data from 123 women studied at ages 27, 43, 52, and 61 largely supported hypotheses about change in social roles, status, health, motives, personality characteristics, emotion regulation, and relationships. Noteworthy aspects of the findings were substantial curvilinear change within middle age and associations of work involvement and physical health with personality change during late middle age.

Factors relating to organizational commitment of older male employees in Japan.

Recently, an increasing number of employers have provided employment opportunities for older adults. Yet, few studies pay attention to older employees' perceptions of their employment. Using a Japanese national sample of 995 male employees aged 55 to 64, this study examined whether the existing research on organizational commitment applies to older employees, whether measures that are unique to older employees have significant relationships to their organizational commitment, and whether the effects of these factors differ by retirement status. The results of hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed significant relationships between employee organizational commitment and employment security, personal relationships in workplaces and job characteristics. Negative ageism and employer-sponsored programs for older employees also had significant relationships to organizational commitment. The effects of salary, job autonomy, job demands, and employer-sponsored programs differed by retirement status. While the study was consistent with the existing research, it also suggested the importance of measures that are unique to older employees.

Women maintaining physical activity at midlife: contextual complexities.

Health benefits associated with being active are well recognised and yet for many, particularly women at midlife, how this activity is maintained is both complex and poorly understood. This paper describes a qualitative feminist study in which 10 midlife women participated in two semi-structured interviews to explore factors influencing their ability to maintain physical activity over time. A thematic analysis uncovered participants' beliefs and behaviours regarding their experience of, and strategies used to maintain, regular activity. Four core themes emerged; 'exercise is part of me, part of my life', 'the importance of being fit and healthy', 'exercise interweaves and changes with life situations', and 'constraints and conflicts'. Encompassed within these four was a desire for life long good health and physical fitness. Maintaining regular physical activity was intrinsically connected to family, relationships and work. Findings from this study indicate how important it is for nurses to consider contextual realities when encouraging and supporting midlife women to maintain physical activity.

The older nurse in the workplace: does age matter?

Between 2010 and 2020, over 40% of the RN workforce will be over 50 years of age, and many RNs are expected to retire and withdraw from the workforce. Given that older nurses are the fastest growing cohort of the workforce, the important findings presented in this article deserve careful consideration by policymakers, health care leaders, and managers.