Intervention to reduce loneliness among older adults in the community: Making friends with volunteers.

AIM: This study aimed to examine the effects of providing a program that introduced volunteers to make friends with older adults to reduce loneliness and increase loneliness literacy. METHODS: Eight community development associations in Taiwan participated in the study. In the first stage, older people living alone or with only a spouse, or those with a family, but without substantial interactions, were screened for loneliness. Older adults with a higher risk of loneliness were given priority to be invited to participate in this intervention. This 3-month intervention program was designed by each community development association and delivered at the older adults' homes. A total of 87 older persons completed both waves of the interviews. RESULTS: Loneliness was reduced (UCLA-6 Loneliness Scale scores decreased from 13.5 to 11.6), and loneliness literacy improved (loneliness literacy scores increased from 38.9 to 42.0) compared with what it was before the program. In a generalized linear model, when controlling for covariates, loneliness was reduced, but not significantly (B = -0.934, P > 0.05), whereas loneliness literacy improved significantly for older participants (B = 2.088, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Making friends with older adults who are lonely might improve their loneliness literacy. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 240-245.

Attitudes toward active aging and their association with social determinants and views on older adults in Japan: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Globally, the population of older adults has greatly increased, and active aging-whereby older adults can live healthy and fulfilling lives-is considered crucial for a sustainable society. However, the concept and practice of active aging are highly debated because it is unclear how people perceive active aging. This study explored Japanese people's attitudes toward active aging (ATAA) and examined the associations between ATAA scores and sociodemographic variables, views on older adults, and self-rated life and health. METHODS: This study used data obtained from an online survey that originally targeted adults of all generations in Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. In this study, we used only data from Japanese participants to elaborate on factors associated with ATAA in Japan. We conducted a one-way analysis of variance test and multiple linear regression analysis to evaluate the associations between the ATAA scores of 506 Japanese individuals and sociodemographic variables, views on older adults, and self-rated life and health. RESULTS: The sample comprised 171 females and 335 males. The mean (± SD) ATAA score of the 506 respondents was 138.8 (± 20.80). Females had a significantly higher ATAA score than males (144.02 versus 136.13, F = 26.29, p < 0.001). The respondents with higher education attainment, religious beliefs, better views on older adults, and better self-rated health were more likely to have a positive ATAA score (B: 3.83, 95% CI: 0.11, 7.56; B: 4.31, 95% CI: 0.93, 7.69; B: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.61, 2.53; B: 2.87, 95% CI: 0.92, 4.82, respectively). Being male, single (i.e., never married, divorced, or widowed) and other non-married marital statuses, and satisfied with one's financial condition were negatively associated with ATAA (B: -8.73, 95% CI: -12.49, -4.96; B: -5.47, 95% CI: -9.07, -1.86; B: -2.04, 95% CI: -3.99, -0.09, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified that females have more positive ATAA than males. Better views on older adults are a possible contributing factor that promotes ATAA among Japanese people. Our findings provide useful evidence that an approach towards those who are male, single, and economically satisfied is needed so that they have a positive attitude toward aging in Japan. It is necessary to address ageism and develop an environment in which individuals can expect to age actively.

Effects of social capital on healthcare utilization among older adults in Indonesia.

Social capital potentially affects older adults' access to healthcare services. However, the effects of social capital on the use of various types of healthcare services using longitudinal data have yet to be explored. This study aimed to examine the effects of structural and cognitive social capital on different types of healthcare utilization by older adults in Indonesia. Data were from the Indonesian Family Life Survey (waves 4 and 5) in 2007 and 2014. The sample consisted of participants aged 60 years and older who completed both waves (n = 1374). Healthcare utilization by older adults assessed health posts (posyandu), health checkups, outpatient care and hospital admissions. Social capital consisted of neighborhood trust and community participation. Generalized estimating equation models were used for the analysis. Older adults with high community participation had a higher likelihood of using preventive care in posyandu (OR = 5.848, 95% CI = 2.585-13.232) and health checkup visits (OR = 1.621, 95% CI = 1.116-2.356). Meanwhile, neighborhood trust was related to a higher probability of hospital admissions (OR = 1.255, 95% CI = 1.046-1.505). Social capital significantly affects older adults' preventive and treatment healthcare utilization. Maximizing the availability of social participation and removing barriers to access to preventive and medical care in an age-friendly environment are suggested.

Family economic trajectories and body mass index in Indonesia: Evidence from the Indonesian Family Life Surveys 2 to 5.

Indonesia faces the double burdens of childhood obesity and malnutrition. A family's socioeconomic status has been suggested to be one of the most influential factors contributing to childhood nutritional problems. This study aimed to: 1) identify the distinct trajectories of family economics; and 2) assess whether a family's economic trajectory influences children's body mass index (BMI). We analyzed trajectory patterns of family economic levels from 1997 to 2015 among 846 children aged under 3 years in 1997 using data from Indonesian Family Life Surveys. Trajectory patterns were identified with Group-Based Trajectory Modeling using the traj plug-in in STATA software. The BMI was classified according to 2007 World Health Organization growth standards. Adjusted relative risk ratios (aRRRs) of family economic level trajectories and children's BMI were calculated using multinomial logistic regressions. We identified three distinct trajectories of family economic level: stable poorest, stable middle, and increasing richest. In the total sample, there were no significant relationships between a family's income trajectory and children's BMI in the adjusted models. A significant relationship existed for male children, but not for female children, of compared to the poorest family trajectory group, male children in the increasing richest trajectory group were more likely to be overweight/obese (aRRR 6.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.22-30.62) after adjusting for age and BMI. The present results highlight the importance of early interventions to minimize the potential adverse impacts of excessive BMI later in adulthood.

Association between Hypertension and Stroke Recurrence as Modified by Pro-oxidant-Antioxidant Balance: A Multi-Center Study.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension and oxidative stress are involved in the pathophysiological mechanism of stroke. We aimed to investigate the modification impact of the pro-oxidant-anti-oxidant balance (PAB) on the association between hypertension and stroke recurrence (SR). METHODS: A cross-sectional design was conducted from December 2019 to December 2020 in 951 stroke patients in six hospitals across Vietnam. Hypertension was defined using antihypertensive medication or systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. PAB was estimated using weighting methods based on smoking, drinking, and overweight/obesity with pro-oxidant capacity, diet quality, fruit intake, vegetable intake, and physical activity with antioxidant capacity. The higher PAB scores indicated a beneficial balance shifting toward antioxidant dominance. SR was diagnosed by neurologists. Moreover, sociodemographic and health conditions were included as covariates. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to explore the associations and interactions. RESULTS: The hypertension and SR proportions were 72.8% and 17.5%, respectively. hypertension was associated with an increased SR likelihood (odds ratio (OR) = 1.93; p = 0.004), whereas a higher PAB score was associated with a lowered SR likelihood (OR = 0.87; p = 0.003). Moreover, hypertension interacting with every one-point increment of PAB was associated with a lowered SR likelihood (OR = 0.83; p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: The harmful impact of hypertension on SR could be alleviated by PAB. The interplay of health behaviors should be highlighted in the intervention strategies for stroke prevention.

[Establishing Age-Friendly Community Guidelines in Taiwan].

As Taiwan heads steadily toward becoming a super-aged society, the impact of aging on society at large will become increasingly extensive and intense. Therefore, establishing an age-friendly environment in Taiwan is an important issue for the government. Feasible guidelines for age-friendly communities are necessary to ensure that appropriate social welfare measures are enacted to achieve the national goal of aging in place. The first draft of the guideline questionnaire was developed based on the World Health Organization Guidelines for Age-Friendly Cities, a literature review, and input from seven experts on aging. Three rounds of questionnaire surveys were then conducted to assess the correctness, appropriateness, and importance of the guidelines, with amendments, additions, and deletions made based on the experts' responses until they all expressed a high degree of satisfaction with all of the guidelines. The Taiwan Age-friendly Community Guidelines document discussed in this article includes 38 guidelines that address the eight facets of "outdoor spaces and buildings", "transportation", "housing", "social participation", "respect and social inclusion", "civil participation and employment", "communication and information", and "community support and health services". The guidelines document describes in detail the goals of age-friendly communities in specific and easy-to-understand terms. Moreover, it provides a reference for frontline personnel in the community to promote age-friendly environs.

Effects of types and levels of social capital on emotional well-being for older people in Indonesia: A longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different types and levels of social capital and emotional well-being in older adults in Indonesia by a longitudinal data. METHODS: The fourth and the fifth waves of Indonesian Family Life Survey data were used for this study. The participants aged 60 years or older who participated in both waves were included for analysis (n = 1374). Depressive symptoms and happiness were used to assess emotional well-being. Cognitive social capital (neighborhood trust) and structural social capital (participating in arisan, community meetings, volunteers, village improvement programs, and religious activities) were the main independent variables. The generalized estimating equations model was used for analysis. RESULTS: Participation in arisan (B = -0.534) and attending religious activities (B = -0.591) were related to lower depressive symptoms, but the effect of religious activities would offset over time. Both a low or high social participation showed protective effects on depressive symptoms at the intercept and the time slope. Having higher neighborhood trust was related to more chance of feeling very happy (OR = 1.518). CONCLUSION: Structural social capital is protective from depressive symptoms, while cognitive social capital contributes to happiness. Facilitating social participation and improving neighborhood trust through policies and programs is suggested to promote emotional well-being for older people.

Age-friendliness of city, loneliness and depression moderated by internet use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between age-friendliness of a city, loneliness and depression moderated by internet use among older people during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The survey was from 'The 2020 Survey of Needs Assessment for a Safe Community and Age-Friendly City' in Xinyi District, Taipei, which was conducted by face-to-face interviews with community-based older adults who were aged 65 and above from one district of Taipei City from May to June 2020 (n = 335). Partial least square structural equation modeling and the SPSS PROCESS macro were used for data analysis. Two domains of an age-friendly city (housing and community support and health services) were found to be associated with reduced loneliness, while one (respect and social inclusion) was associated with decreased depression. The age-friendliness of cities mitigates depression through moderator (internet use) and mediation (loneliness) mechanisms. Although some age-friendly domains of the city reduced loneliness and depression directly, the age-friendliness-loneliness-depression mechanism held true only for older adults who used the internet and not for nonusers. Maintaining the age-friendliness of an environment is beneficial to mental health, and internet use is a necessary condition to gain optimum benefits from age-friendly initiatives. Policy suggestions are discussed.

Developing Indicators of Age-Friendliness in Taiwanese Communities through a Modified Delphi Method.

This study developed indicators of age-friendliness for communities in Taiwan that conform to international standards by referring to the World Health Organization Checklist of Essential Features of Age-Friendly Cities and Taiwan's existing indicators. The first stage of the research was based on the WHO's framework and involved a literature review to identify candidate indicators. In the second stage, experts' opinions were collected through a modified Delphi method, and the indicators were screened and revised on the basis of their importance, community enforceability, and generality. The third stage focused on practical feasibility. External parties were invited to offer their opinions regarding the indicators, which were adjusted accordingly. After three rounds of review and re-examination based on the modified Delphi method, the final set of indicators comprised five core indicators and five optional indicators. These indicators can be used to monitor various aspects of communities and determine their age-friendliness.

Loneliness, loneliness literacy, and change in loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic among older adults: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Loneliness has become a significant public health concern for older people. However, little is known about the association of loneliness, loneliness literacy, and changes in loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic with mental well-being. The purpose of this study was to explore whether loneliness literacy is related to a lower risk of loneliness, increased loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, and improved mental well-being for community-based older adults. METHODS: A telephone survey was conducted to collect data from older adults aged 65 years or older in Taiwan (n = 804). Loneliness, change in loneliness during COVID-19, and loneliness literacy were the main variables. Mental well-being was assessed by depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. Related factors included personal level (demographics, health conditions, health behaviors, and problem-focused/ emotion-focused coping strategies), interpersonal level (marital status, living arrangements, social support, social participation, leisure activities, and social interactions during COVID-19), and societal level (areas and regions) factors. RESULTS: Four dimensions of loneliness literacy were identified by factor analysis: self-efficacy, social support, socialization, and in-home support. Self-efficacy and in-home support were related to lower loneliness. Lower self-efficacy, higher social support, and higher socialization were related to changes (increases) in loneliness during COVID-19. In-home support may prevent depressive symptoms, while self-efficacy was beneficial for better life satisfaction. In addition, emotion-focused coping may increase loneliness during COVID-19, while satisfaction with family support would be a protective factor against loneliness. CONCLUSION: Loneliness literacy is related to loneliness and increased loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Building up an age-friendly community with embedded services/information and learning positive coping and mental resilience strategies are suggested.

Effects of Health-Related Behaviors and Changes on Successful Aging among Indonesian Older People.

Whether changes in health behaviors can improve successful aging has not been well explored. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of health-related behaviors and changes on successful aging in Indonesian older adults. Data were from the fourth and fifth waves of the Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS), the participants were aged 60 years and older and who completed both waves (n = 1289). Successful aging indicators were defined as no chronic diseases, no physical function difficulties, no depressive symptoms, intact cognitive function, with social support, and with social participation. Health-related behaviors focused on smoking, physical activities, and protein intake. A logistic regression analysis was conducted. The overall successful aging rate in 2007 was 23.6%, and it had decreased to 5.6% by 2014. There were gender differences in smoking, physical activities, and behavioral changes, including promoting increased physical activity, no smoking/smoking cessation, and adequate protein intake by older adults. Quitting smoking, performing medium physical activity, and increasing protein intake were protective factors for successful aging, but the effects of behavioral changes differed by gender. Health-related behaviors and changes may impact successful aging among older adults. A healthy lifestyle is suggested to be adopted as early as possible in one's life course.

Dietary Patterns among Older People and the Associations with Social Environment and Individual Factors in Taiwan: A Multilevel Analysis.

Individual factors relating to dietary behaviors are widely explored. However, the effects of social environment on dietary patterns for the older people are less explored. The purpose of this study was to identify dietary patterns among older people in Taiwan and to examine the relationship of dietary patterns with social environment and individual factors. The current study used the 2013-2016 Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan. The sample was representative at the national and city levels. Only those who were aged 55 years old and above were included for analysis (n = 2922); the mean age of the participants was 68.62 (SD = 8.76). The city-level data, including population characteristics, food availability, and age-friendly city indicators, were obtained from the open data and survey report of government. Three dietary patterns were identified: high protein-vegetable (41.6%), high sweets and low protein-vegetables (37.9%), and high viscera and fats (20.5%). The results of multilevel multinomial logistic regressions showed that marital status, economic status, education, drinking alcohol, dietary belief, living a the city with more food availability, and bus accessibility were related to dietary patterns. Dietary patterns are related to the individual-level factors and social environment. Healthy dietary beliefs and age-friendly environments are beneficial to promoting healthy dietary patterns.

Individual and environmental factors associated with cognitive function in older people: a longitudinal multilevel analysis.

BACKGROUND: Individual and environmental factors have been found to be related to cognitive function. However, few studies have examined the longitudinal effects of both individual and environmental factors over time. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of individual and environmental factors over time on older people's cognitive function. METHODS: Nationally representative panel data from the Taiwan Longitudinal Survey on Aging 1999-2015 (n = 6349 persons, observations = 12,042) were used. City-level indicator data were sourced from the government. A multilevel mixed linear model analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Better cognitive function was significantly related to individuals' work, ethnicity, younger age, higher education level, better self-rated health, higher level of emotional support received, being more religious, higher economic satisfaction, and living in the cities with higher population densities. Education and social connectedness were protective factors over time. CONCLUSION: Socioeconomics and social connectedness are related to cognitive function. A more social integrated lifestyle and financially secure living is suggested in the policy.

The Importance of Age-Friendly City on Older People's Continuity and Life Satisfaction.

According to continuity theory, successful aging is promoted when older people are able to continue familiar activities as a way to maintain self-identity. The purpose of this study was to examine the importance of both external resources provided by Taipei city and older adults' internal resources in internal and external continuity and life satisfaction. The data were from the 2019 Taipei City Senior Citizen Condition Survey acquired through face-to-face interviews. Only the community-based sample without disability was included in the analysis (n = 1494). Structural equation modeling was used for the analysis. Both internal and external resources significantly promoted internal continuity (physical activity, Internet use, and lifelong learning) and external continuity (work, social connectedness, and social participation), and the effects of personal resources were larger. External continuity was positively related to life satisfaction. The effects of external resources on continuity and life satisfaction were stronger in older women than in older men. Age-friendly cities may provide support for activity continuity and promote well-being for older people. Policy suggestions are discussed.

Social and Built Environments Related to Cognitive Function of Older Adults: A Multi-Level Analysis Study in Taiwan.

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between cognitive function, the city's social environment, and individual characteristics of older adults. The individual data of older people were from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan 2013-2016. The participants who were aged 65 and above were included in the analysis (n = 1356). City-level data were obtained for twenty cities in Taiwan. The data of city-level indicators were from governmental open data and Taiwan's Age Friendly Environment Monitor Study. A multilevel mixed-effect model was applied in the analysis. Population density, median income, safety in the community, barrier-free sidewalks, high education rate of the population, low-income population rate, household income inequality, and elderly abuse rate were related to cognitive function in the bivariate analysis. When controlling for individual factors, the city's low-income population rate was still significantly related to lower cognitive function. In addition, the participants who were at younger age, had a higher education level, had a better financial satisfaction, had worse self-rated health, had higher numbers of disease, and had better physical function had better cognitive function. Social and built environments associated with cognitive function highlight the importance of income security and the age friendliness of the city for older adults. Income security for older people and age-friendly city policies are suggested.

Typologies of Loneliness, Isolation and Living Alone Are Associated with Psychological Well-Being among Older Adults in Taipei: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Loneliness, isolation, and living alone are emerging as critical issues in older people's health and well-being, but the effects are not consistent. The purpose of this study was to examine the clustering of loneliness, isolation, and living alone, the risk factors and the associations with psychological well-being. METHODS: The data were collected from the 2019 Taipei City Senior Citizen Condition Survey by face-to-face interviews and included a community-based sample (n = 3553). Loneliness, isolation, and living arrangement were analyzed by cluster analysis to define Loneliness-Isolation-Living-Alone clusters. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the factors related to Loneliness-Isolation-Living-Alone clusters, and linear regression was used to examine association of clusters with psychological well-being. RESULTS: Five clusters of older adults were identified and named as follows: Not Lonely-Connected-Others (53.4%), Not Lonely-Isolated-Others (26.6%), Not Lonely-Alone (5.0%), Lonely-Connected (8.1%), and Lonely-Isolated-Others (6.9%). Demographics, financial satisfaction, physical function, family relationship, and social participation were related to the Loneliness-Isolation-Living-Alone clusters. Compared with the Not Lonely-Connected-Others cluster, the Lonely-Connected cluster and Lonely-Isolated-Others cluster had higher depressive symptoms and lower life satisfaction, and the Not Lonely-Isolated-Others cluster reported lower life satisfaction; the Not Lonely-Alone cluster was not different. DISCUSSION: Loneliness and isolation are negatively associated with psychological well-being, and living arrangement is not the determinant to loneliness or isolation. Older adults are suggested to strengthen their informal social support, and the government may encourage social care and create an age friendly environment to reduce loneliness and isolation.

Evaluation of Reablement Home Care: Effects on Care Attendants, Care Recipients, and Family Caregivers.

BACKGROUND: The traditional home care model entails caring "for" people with disabilities, not "with" them. Reablement care has been applied to long-term care, but the evidence for care attendants, home care recipients, and family caregivers simultaneously is limited. METHODS: First, a survey was conducted to explore the needs of home care recipients and family caregivers to achieve independence at home to develop the reablement home care model for home care. Then, an intervention with two groups was implemented. The experimental group included a total of 86 people who participated in the reablement home care model. The control group included 100 people and received usual home care. The self-reliance concept, job satisfaction, and sense of achievement for care attendants; quality of life for home care users; and caregiving burden for family caregivers were assessed. RESULTS: The reablement home care model improved the job satisfaction and achievement of home care attendants, improved mutual support and independence in the self-reliance concept and quality of life among the users, and reduced the stress of the users and family caregivers. CONCLUSION: The reablement home care model improved the outcomes for providers, care recipients, and family caregivers. Reablement home care is suggested in long-term care policies.

Active Aging Index in Vietnam Relative to China, South Korea, Taiwan, and 28 European Union Countries.

OBJECTIVES: This study constructed an Active Aging Index (AAI) for Vietnam and compares Vietnam's AAI with those of China, Korea, Taiwan, and 28 countries in the European Union. METHODS: A survey of 1,105 people aged 55 or above in three provinces from the northern, central, and southern parts of Vietnam was conducted. Active aging was measured using the AAI; its 22 indicators were grouped into four domains: employment, social participation, independent/healthy/secure living, and enabling environments. RESULTS: Of the 32 countries reviewed, Vietnam ranked 11th. It ranked high for employment (1st) and social participation (5th) but low for independent/healthy/secure living (32nd) and enabling environments (26th). CONCLUSION: Three policy priorities were identified: maintaining a high preference-driven social and workforce participation rate among older adults; promoting medical care and healthy behaviors among older adults; and improving other poorly performing aspects of active aging, including voluntary activities, poverty risk, Internet usage, and lifelong learning.

Associations of City-Level Active Aging and Age Friendliness with Well-Being among Older Adults Aged 55 and Over in Taiwan.

This study aims to identify the typology of city-level active aging and age-friendliness across cities in Taiwan and examine their effects on well-being in terms of life satisfaction (aged 55 and over) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (aged 65 and over) among older adults. The data were from the 2017 Taiwan Senior Citizen Condition Survey. Available indicators of Taiwan's Active Aging Index and city age-friendliness were selected, and mixed linear models were analyzed. Active aging cities were classified into four categories-content, developed, participatory, and pioneer-and age-friendly cities into insecure, infrastructural, and tranquil. Life satisfaction was rated higher in content and participatory cities compared with the pioneer city, and related to individuals' active aging status. Physical HRQoL was rated higher in infrastructural and tranquil cities, compared with insecure cities. City types of active aging and age-friendliness have different effects on well-being, but the effects are weaker than those of individuals' characteristics.

Relationship between Knowledge and Types of Attitudes towards People Living with Dementia.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between knowledge and attitudes towards dementia among adults. A cross-sectional online survey with purposive sampling was conducted in four district health centers in Taichung, Taiwan, in 2018. Knowledge was measured by the Taiwanese version of the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale. Attitudes towards people with dementia were measured by four kinds of feelings: discomfort, shame, avoidance, and fear. In total, 347 persons completed the questionnaire. Knowledge of dementia was modest. Higher education, a care-related background, chronic health conditions, experience caring for people with dementia, and knowledge of family history were related to higher knowledge of dementia. Attitudes towards people with dementia were grouped into four clusters: uncomfortable (22.2%), ashamed (2.6%), unfriendly (22.5%), and non-negative (52.7%). Knowledge of dementia was significantly related to the ashamed cluster but not to the other clusters. Lower education, a lack of caring experience, and a lack of knowledge of family history were related to uncomfortable feelings, and poorer financial satisfaction was related to uncomfortable, afraid, and avoidant feelings. The open-question expression of feelings towards dementia was more likely to be negative (55.3%). The public should be educated on knowledge of and friendly attitudes towards dementia.