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The longitudinal relationship between mental health disorders and chronic disease for older adults: a population-based study
- Authors:
- CHEN Chun-Min, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 32(9), 2017, pp.1017-1026.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Objective: Although mental health disorders in older adults are common, their relationship with chronic disease and the influence of chronic disease on the development of mental health disorders over time is not well understood. This longitudinal study investigated the change in status of mental health disorders and chronic disease, as well as their interrelationships, over time. Methods: Participants included community-dwelling older adults living in Taiwan, aged 65 years or older, who completed six waves of survey interviews. Mental health disorders were scored using the Short Psychiatric Evaluation Schedule, and chronic disease(s) status was recorded during consecutive biennial data collection waves. The autoregressive latent trajectory model and parallel latent growth curve model were used for data analysis. Results: The study findings suggest that in older people pre-existing mental health disorders and/or chronic disease(s) will predispose them to developing significantly more mental health disorders and/or chronic diseases respectively. The study findings also suggest that pre-existing mental health disorders can significantly contribute to the development of chronic disease over time, and that pre-existing chronic disease(s) significantly can contribute to the development of mental health disorders over time, indicating a reciprocal interrelationship. Conclusions: The authors' findings suggest that it in addition to monitoring and treating chronic disease(s) in older people, it is also important to monitor and treat their mental health disorders. Doing so will result in overall better health outcomes and will facilitate a better quality of life as they age. (Publisher abstract)
Interventions to reduce the number of falls among older adults with/without cognitive impairment: an exploratory meta-analysis
- Authors:
- GUO Jong-Long, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 29(7), 2014, pp.661-669.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Objective: This exploratory meta-analysis aimed to examine and compare the effective interventions to prevent falls among institutionalized/non-institutionalised older adults without cognitive impairment with interventions to prevent falls for older adults with cognitive impairment. Design: A database search identified 111 trials published between January 1992 and August 2012 that evaluated fall-prevention interventions among institutionalised/non-institutionalised older adults with and without cognitive impairment as measured by valid cognition scales. Results: Exercise alone intervention was similar effective on reducing the numbers of falls among older adults without cognitive impairment regardless of setting (non-institutionalized: OR = 0.783, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.656–0.936; p = 0.007 institutionalized: OR = 0.799, 95% CI = 0.646–0.988, p = 0.038). Vitamin D/calcium supplementation had a positive effect on the reduction of numbers of falls among non-institutionalized older adults without cognitive impairment (OR = 0.789, 95% CI = 0.631–0.985, p = 0.036), as did home visits and environment modification (OR = 0.751, 95% CI = 0.565–0.998, p = 0.048). Exercise alone, exercise-related multiple interventions, and multifactorial interventions were associated with positive outcomes among both institutionalised and non-institutionalized older adults with cognitive impairment, but studies are limited. Conclusions: Single exercise interventions can significantly reduce numbers of falls among older adults with and without cognitive impairment in institutional or non-institutional settings. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation, home visits, and environment modification can reduce the risk of falls among older adults in non-institutional settings. Exercise-related multiple interventions and multifactorial interventions may only be effective for preventing falls in older adults with cognitive impairment. (Edited publisher abstract)
Revitalizing roles of older adult citizens: successful stories of project history alive
- Author:
- YANG Pei-Shan
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing International, 38(2), 2013, pp.137-148.
- Publisher:
- Springer
- Place of publication:
- New York
The speed of population ageing in Taiwan is among the fastest in the world. However, traditional values constrain older adults’ social role within fixed stereotypes like dependence, weakness, stubbornness, and an inability to learn. This study applies life course theory and role theory to investigate whether older adults can successfully play new social roles on stage as well as in their natural life context. Qualitative research methods are used, based on focus group interviews with key informants and organisational documents of the History Alive project. Results show that though the stage roles may be very different from their natural social roles, through repeated rehearsal and guided practice, older adults learned to play the expected new roles. Through interaction with school children and the student theatre crew who invited the older adults to participate, History Alive participants shared their experiences and enjoyed themselves in a natural environment. The experience of older adults and youth getting to know one another through in-person social interaction removed stereotypes on both sides. Existing older adult stereotypes are no longer appropriate and must be replaced with new and real roles. However, in order to do so, older adults need long-term supportive social structures, social networks, study resources, good courses, and professional teachers. Learning stands out as an important core concept from this analysis. With longer average life expectancy, individuals and society have to learn how to develop new and diverse older adult roles. More investment is required to expand the program to non-metropolitan or rural areas. (Publisher abstract)
Depression as a predictor of falls amongst institutionalized elders
- Authors:
- WANG Yun-Chang, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 16(6), August 2012, pp.763-770.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This study investigated the effects of medical condition and depression status on fall incidents amongst institutionalised older people. A cross-sectional study was carried out in New Taipei City, Taiwan to investigate the fall history of institutionalised older people involving 286 subjects. Experiences of falls over the previous year were recorded, with at least two falls during the prior one-year period, or one injurious fall defined as ‘fallers’. Depression was found to have enhanced effects with various medical conditions on fall risk. As compared with the non-depressive reference group, a five-fold fall risk was discernible amongst depressed older people with multiple medications, whilst a six-fold risk was found amongst those using ancillary devices, along with a 11-fold amongst those with neural system diseases. In conclusion, depressed older people with neural system diseases, using ancillary devices or multiple medications, should be specifically listed as very high risk of falling amongst institutionalised older people.
Effects of gerotranscendence support group on gerotranscendence perspective, depression, and life satisfaction of institutionalized elders
- Authors:
- WANG Jing-Jy, LIN Yun-Hsuan, HSIEH Ling-Yu
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 15(5), July 2011, pp.580-586.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Gerotranscendence (GT) can be described as ontological change in three dimensions. The cosmic level refers to time, space, life and death; the coherence level to changed meaning of relationships; and the solitude level to self. This study tested the clinical use of the GT theory and its influence on GT perspective, depression, and life satisfaction among a group of institutionalised older Chinese people in Taiwan. Over an eight-week period, 35 subjects in the experimental group and 41 in the control group completed the study. Data were collected one week before and one week after the intervention. Pre- and post-test scores on the GT perspective and life satisfaction were significantly increased in the experimental group. The mean depression score of the experimental group showed a slight but not significant decrease. However, significant post-test differences were noted between groups in GT perspective, depression, and life satisfaction. Results indicated that after participating in a GT group, institutionalised older peoples’ GT perspective and life satisfaction were enhanced, and depression reduced. The authors encourage ongoing GT interventions to promote mental and spiritual health among the target group.
Family caregivers' viewpoints towards quality of long-term care services for community-dwelling elders in Taiwan
- Authors:
- LEE I., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Care in the Community, 17(3), May 2009, pp.312-320.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This study aims to explore family caregivers' viewpoints and opinions regarding the long-term care services for community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan. A qualitative study was conducted between August and December of 2005. Fifty family caregivers agreed to participate in this study. Data were collected by focus group interviews, in order to obtain the experience and expectation of family caregivers concerning long-term care services in their daily lives. Through content analysis and peer discussion, the data were categorized into five major themes: (1) praise for the services; (2) flexibility of long-term care services; (3) comprehensiveness of long-term services; (4) linkage and extension of existing resources; and (5) activeness of service provision. Study findings from the family caregivers' viewpoints should contribute to the improvement of long-term care services and provide a basis for designing suitable programmes to enhance community-dwelling in situ elderly people care.
Prevalence and risk factors for depressive symptoms among veterans home elders in Eastern Taiwan
- Authors:
- KU Yan-Chiou, LIU Wen-Chien, TSAI Yun-Fang
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 21(12), December 2006, pp.1181-1186.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Depression in the elderly has become a serious health care issue worldwide. However, no studies have determined the prevalence and risk factors for depressive symptoms among a representative sample of veterans home elders in Taiwan. The aim was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for depressive symptoms among veterans home elders in eastern Taiwan. Elderly veterans (n = 947) were recruited from four veterans homes in eastern Taiwan. The prevalence of depressive tendency was 35.5%. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that depressive status in this sample was significantly predicted by poorer functional status, dissatisfaction with living situation, poorer perceived health status, and lower education level. The risk factors for depressive symptoms identified in this study need to be considered when assessing the health of elderly veterans. In addition, strategies to improve elderly veterans' perception of health status, physical function and living situation should be considered in interventions to reduce their depressive symptoms.
Effectiveness of board game activities for reducing depression among older adults in adult day care centers of Taiwan: a quasi-experimental study
- Authors:
- LEE Bih-O, YAO Ching-Teng, PAN Chao-Fen
- Journal article citation:
- Social Work in Health Care, 59(9-10), 2020, pp.725-737.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Depression is common in older adults and is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment. To clarify the possible roles of board game use in psychosomatic health promotion, this study evaluated the effects of board game activities in reducing depression in older adults. This was a quasi‐experimental study. Purposive sampling was used to select 150 participants aged 65 years and above with intact mental functions who were currently residing in adult day care centers. Seventy-five participants who participated in 12 sessions of selected board game activities were assigned to the experimental group, and 75 participants who adhered to their ordinary activities were allocated to the control group. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection. The board game activities showed promising effects on the depression levels of the investigated older adults living in adult day care centers. Therefore, one possible beneficial effect of board game activities may be reduced depression in older adults. The results of this study provide support for the mediating role of board game activities in the mental health of long‐term care elders. Incorporating board game activities into social work may help to make it more diverse and innovative. (Edited publisher abstract)
Effects of reminiscing about nostalgic smells on the physiological and psychological responses of older people in long-term care facilities
- Authors:
- FU Sin Rou, LEE Mei Fen, OU Sheng Jung
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 40(3), 2020, pp.501-511.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
This study adopted mixed-methods research to explore the effects of reminiscing about nostalgic smells on the physiological and psychological responses of older people in long-term care facilities. A total of 60 participants were randomly divided into two groups and each participant was either interviewed regarding their reminiscence about nostalgic smells (experimental group) or were engaged in daily conversation (control group). The results indicated that anxiety and depression symptoms were more effectively relieved in the experimental group than in the control group. Moreover, most of the nostalgic smells recalled by the experimental group were associated with naturally occurring smells. Regarding heart rate variability, the normalised low-frequency of the experimental group decreased significantly. The results verified the utility of using reminiscence about olfactory memories in reminiscence therapy as this can calm anxiety and lessen depression, which can be very important for older adults living in long-term care facilities. (Edited publisher abstract)
Association of providing/receiving support on the mortality of older adults with different living arrangements in Taiwan: a longitudinal study on ageing
- Authors:
- LIAO Miao-Yu, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 38(10), 2018, pp.2082-2096.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
This longitudinal study evaluated the direct effects of providing/receiving family support on mortality in older adults with different living arrangements in Taiwan. All data analysed were obtained from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging, 1996–2007, of residents aged ⩾67 years (1,492 men and 1,177 women) and Taiwan's National Death Register. Living arrangements were divided into living alone, living only with spouse, living with family and living with others. Support was mainly defined as family support divided into two categories: providing and receiving. The effect of providing/receiving family support on the mortality of older adults was evaluated using Cox regression analysed by living arrangement. Participants living with their families had lower educational levels (illiterate or elementary school) and more disability in both activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. However, they provided more family support than those in other living arrangements. After adjusting for several potentially confounding variables, including background characteristics, economic status and various health status measures, results showed that older adults living with their families and providing support had an 11 per cent lower mortality rate. The study found that, when living with family, the lives of older adults can be extended by providing support, clearly supporting the old adage ‘it is more blessing to give than to receive’. Older adults wanting to extend their lives can be encouraged to provide more help to their families. (Edited publisher abstract)