Sensory function: insights from Wave 2 of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Objectives
Sensory function, a critical component of quality of life, generally declines with age and influences health, physical activity, and social function. Sensory measures collected in Wave 2 of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) survey focused on the personal impact of sensory function in the home environment and included: subjective assessment of vision, hearing, and touch, information on relevant home conditions and social sequelae as well as an improved objective assessment of odor detection.Method
Summary data were generated for each sensory category, stratified by age (62-90 years of age) and gender, with a focus on function in the home setting and the social consequences of sensory decrements in each modality.Results
Among both men and women, older age was associated with self-reported impairment of vision, hearing, and pleasantness of light touch. Compared with women, men reported significantly worse hearing and found light touch less appealing. There were no gender differences for vision. Overall, hearing loss seemed to have a greater impact on social function than did visual impairment.Discussion
Sensory function declines across age groups, with notable gender differences for hearing and light touch. Further analysis of sensory measures from NSHAP Wave 2 may provide important information on how sensory declines are related to health, social function, quality of life, morbidity, and mortality in this nationally representative sample of older adults.
SUBMITTER: Pinto JM
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4303092 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Similar Datasets
Project description:ObjectivesIn this article, we seek to provide assistance to those who might want to use data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) Rounds 1-3 to compare those born in different cohorts. We outline 2 theoretical models that underlie the design of NSHAP-the life course model and the birth cohorts model-and review examples of social and political changes that may have differentially affected cohorts of older adults. Then we present 2 ways that NSHAP data might be used to compare cohorts, show examples of analyses of cohort differences in measures in NSHAP, and discuss features of the data that might affect their use for this purpose.MethodsRound 3 of the NSHAP added a group of respondents born between 1948 and 1965, the Baby Boom. Together with data from an earlier cohort, interviewed in Rounds 1-3, these data allow analysis of birth cohorts of older adults in the United States. We show examples of some approaches.ResultsOur age-matched cohort differences approach included all observations where the respondent was aged 57-67 at the time of interview in different time periods (3,816 observations overall; 2,316 for the Silent Generation cohort and 1,500 for the Baby Boom cohort). Our second approach, age, period, and cohort effects, models the effects of age and birth year using restricted cubic splines, with one model excluding the linear effect of birth year, and the other excluding the linear effect of period. We present examples of analyses using each of these methods.DiscussionWe describe features of the NSHAP data of which researchers should be aware when conducting cohort analyses with these data.
| S-EPMC8678436 | biostudies-literature
Project description:National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) included five unique mental health measures in Waves 1 and 2 that researchers can use to measure the overall emotional health of participants: depressive symptoms, happiness-unhappiness, anxiety symptoms, perceived stress, and felt loneliness. For each, we detail the rationale for its development and explain how to score, analyze, and interpret results.NSHAP developed its measures by modifying traditional short-form scales to improve response efficiency and reduce respondent burden. Scoring protocols and interpretations were developed for each measure. U.S. population estimates for older adults born between 1920 and 1947 were generated using age-eligible samples from Waves 1 and 2.NSHAP's protocols yielded U.S. prevalence rates similar to other nationally representative studies of older adults and comparable between waves. Higher estimates of anxiety symptoms and perceived stress in Wave 2 compared with Wave 1 were explained by age, administration mode, and time period. Analytic strategies for longitudinal analyses are provided. In Wave 2, mental health generally was worse at older ages, with women having more symptoms at younger ages than men. Women had fewer anxiety symptoms at the oldest ages.NSHAP's mental health measures were successfully integrated into the project's survey and showed acceptable external reliability as well as moderately stable individual characteristics across the 5 years between Waves 1 and 2. Depressive symptoms and unhappiness may form a mental health cluster in the elderly, distinct from anxiety symptoms, perceived stress, and felt loneliness. Gender differences in age-specific patterns of mental health were evident using the exact age of participants rather than the traditional decade groupings. Administration mode and time period (between 2005-2006 and 2010-2011) were determined to be potential confounds that need to be accommodated in longitudinal analyses of aging, whereas sample composition was not an issue for interpreting mental health measures.
| S-EPMC4303090 | biostudies-other
Project description:ObjectivesSex hormones affect physical, mental, and social health, yet their role in mediating social effects on aging is understudied. To facilitate such analyses with the National Social Life, Health & Aging Project Wave 2, we summarize the conceptual background, collection protocols, laboratory assays, and data analysis strategies for biologically active (free) levels of testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).MethodSaliva from passive drool was collected from returning Wave 1 respondents and non-respondents as well as their partners during an in-home interview. Specimens were frozen and sent to Dresden LabService GmbH for duplicate assays of biologically active steroids using identical assay kits from National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) Wave 1 (SaliCap, Catalog No. RE69995). Overall, 2,772 testosterone, 2,504 estradiol, 2,714 progesterone, and 2,800 DHEA measurements are publically available for Wave 2 analyses. Through a series of weighted linear regressions, all 4 steroids are compared by gender and age and to Wave 1 measurements.ResultsMen had higher levels of both free testosterone and progesterone than women; women and men had the same levels of estradiol and DHEA. Both free testosterone and DHEA decreased with age. We also found significant wave effects for all 4 sex hormones.ConclusionNSHAP Waves 1 and 2 are the first U.S. probability sample studies to measure these 4 salivary sex hormones simultaneously, providing individual profiles 5 years apart. Wave 2 data demonstrate differences by gender and trends by age that are similar to those found in other saliva-based and serum-based studies of free steroid levels. The differences between waves arising from the change in assay laboratory need to be adjusted in future longitudinal analyses using NSHAP Wave 1 and Wave 2 steroid data.
| S-EPMC4303088 | biostudies-literature
Project description:A substantial portion of the older adult population suffers from frequent feelings of loneliness, but a large proportion remains relatively unscathed by loneliness. To date, research examining both protective and risk factors for loneliness has not included data from the United States. The present study used the first two waves of data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project to examine sociodemographic, structural, and functional factors thought to be associated with loneliness in older adults. Functional limitations and low family support were associated with an increase in loneliness frequency (as were more strained friendships) and with transitioning from nonlonely to lonely status. Better self-rated health, higher levels of socializing frequency, and lower family strain were associated with transitioning from lonely to nonlonely status. Interventions that target these factors may be effective in preventing and reducing loneliness and its effects on health and well-being in older adults.
| S-EPMC6355458 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundOlder adults receive important health benefits from more robust social capital. Yet, the mechanisms behind these associations are not fully understood. Some evidence suggests that higher levels of social capital ultimately affect health through alterations in physical activity (PA), but most of this research has relied on self-reported levels of PA. The aim of this study was to determine whether components of social capital, including social network size and composition as well as the frequency of participation in various social and community activities, were associated with accelerometry-measured PA levels in a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling older adults (≥ 62 years).MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the wrist accelerometry sub-study (n = 738) within Wave 2 of the National Social, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), a population-based longitudinal study that collects extensive survey data on the physical, cognitive, and social health of older adults. Participants' physical activity was measured with a wrist accelerometer worn for 72 consecutive hours. We related seven, self-reported social relationship variables (network size, network proportion friends, and frequencies of socializing with friends and family, visiting with neighbors, attending organized group meetings, attending religious services, and volunteering) to accelerometer-measured PA (mean counts-per-minute) using multivariate linear regression analysis, while adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsLarger social networks (p = 0.042), higher network proportion friends (p = 0.013), more frequent visiting with neighbors (p = 0.009), and more frequent attendance at organized group meetings (p = 0.035) were associated with higher PA levels after controlling for demographic and health covariates. Volunteering was significant prior to adjusting for covariates. No significant associations were found between frequencies of socializing with friends and relatives or attendance at religious services and PA.ConclusionsThis study suggests social capital is significantly related to objectively measured PA levels among older adults, and that friendships as well as social participation in groups and with neighbors may be particularly pertinent to PA. These findings expand our understanding of and offer a potential mechanism linking social relationships and overall health among older adults. They also have implications for how we might motivate older adults to be more physically active.
| S-EPMC6020417 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundPathways through which air pollution may impact cognitive function are poorly understood, particularly with regard to whether and how air pollution interacts with social and emotional factors to influence cognitive health.ObjectiveTo examine the association between air pollutant exposures and cognitive outcomes among older adults participating in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) cohort study.MethodsMeasures of cognitive function, social connectedness, and physical and mental health were obtained for each NSHAP participant starting with Wave 1 of the study in 2005. Cognitive function was assessed using the Chicago Cognitive Function Measure (CCFM) for 3377 participants. Exposures to fine particles (PM2.5) were estimated for each participant using GIS-based spatio-temporal models, and exposures to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were obtained from the nearest EPA monitors.ResultsIn adjusted linear regression models, IQR increases in 1 to 7year PM2.5 exposures were associated with a 0.22 (95% CI: -0.44, -0.01) to a 0.25 (95% CI: -0.43, -0.06) point decrease in CCFM scores, equivalent to aging 1.6years, while exposures to NO2 were equivalent to aging 1.9years. The impacts of PM2.5 on cognition were modified by stroke, anxiety, and stress, and were mediated by depression. The impacts of NO2 were mediated by stress and effect modification by impaired activities of daily living for NO2 was found.ConclusionsExposures to long-term PM2.5 and NO2 were associated with decreased cognitive function in our cohort of older Americans, and individuals who experienced a stroke or elevated anxiety were more susceptible to the effects of PM2.5 on cognition. Additionally, mediation results suggest that PM2.5 may impact cognition through pathways related to mood disorders.
| S-EPMC6022397 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesThe adverse health effects of individual-level social isolation (e.g., perceived loneliness) have been well documented in older adults. However, little is known about the impact of collective-level social isolation on health outcomes. We sought to examine the association of group-level segregation with cardiovascular health (CVH) in older adults.MethodsFrom the prospective Korean Social Life, Health, and Aging Project database, we identified 528 community-dwelling older adults who were aged ≥60 years or were married to those aged ≥60 years. Participants who belonged to smaller social groups separate from the major social group were defined as group-level-segregated. The CVH score was calculated as the number of ideal non-dietary CVH metrics (0-6), as modified from the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7. Using ordinal logistic regression models, we assessed cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between group-level segregation and CVH.ResultsOf the 528 participants (mean age, 71.7 years; 60.0% female), 108 (20.5%) were segregated at baseline. In the crosssectional analysis, group-level segregation was significantly associated with lower odds of having a higher CVH score at baseline after adjusting for socio-demographic factors and cognitive function (odds ratio [OR], 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43 to 0.95). Among 274 participants who completed an 8-year follow-up, group-level segregation at baseline was marginally associated with lower odds of having a higher CVH score at 8 years (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.24 to 1.02).ConclusionsGroup-level segregation was associated with worse CVH. These findings imply that the social network structure of a community may influence its members' health status.
| S-EPMC10396819 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Disability-free life expectancy (DFLE) was compared in six countries taking part in the Cross-national Determinants of Quality of Life and Health Services for the Elderly (CLESA) project. Data from six existing longitudinal studies were used: TamELSA (Tampere, Finland), CALAS (Israel), ILSA (Italy), LASA (The Netherlands), Aging in Leganés (Leganés, Spain) and SATSA (Sweden). A harmonised four-item disability measure (bathing, dressing, transferring, toileting) was used to calculate DFLE; the harmonised measure was dichotomised into 'independent in all four activities' vs. 'dependent in at least one'. Calculations of DFLE were made using the multistate life table approach and the IMaCh program (INED/EuroREVES, http://eurorevesinedfr/imach/) for subjects aged 65-89 years. Prevalence ratios of disability varied significantly across countries, with Italy and Leganés having the highest percentages among men and among women, respectively, while The Netherlands presented the lowest for both sexes. At 75 years of age the estimated total life expectancy among men ranged from 7.8 years in Tampere and Sweden to 9.0 years in Israel; among women it ranged from 9.5 years in Israel to 11.6 years in Italy. For both sexes Italy showed the lowest total life expectancy without disability (72% among men, 61% among women) and Sweden the highest (89% among men and 71% among women). The results yielded a north/south gradient, with residents in Tampere, The Netherlands and Sweden expected to spend a higher percentage of their lives without disability than those in Italy, Israel and Leganés.
| S-EPMC5502679 | biostudies-other
Project description:BackgroundEvidence for the association between social determinants of health (SDoH) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is largely based on single SDoH measures, with limited evaluation of cumulative social disadvantage. We examined the association between cumulative social disadvantage and the Health and Activity Limitation Index (HALex).MethodsUsing adult data from the National Health Interview Survey (2013-2017), we created a cumulative disadvantage index by aggregating 47 deprivations across 6 SDoH domains. Respondents were ranked using cumulative SDoH index quartiles (SDoH-Q1 to Q4), with higher quartile groups being more disadvantaged. We used two-part models for continuous HALex scores and logistic regression for poor HALex (< 20th percentile score) to examine HALex differences associated with cumulative disadvantage. Lower HALex scores implied poorer HRQoL performance.ResultsThe study sample included 156,182 respondents, representing 232.8 million adults in the United States (mean age 46 years; 51.7% women). The mean HALex score was 0.85 and 17.7% had poor HALex. Higher SDoH quartile groups had poorer HALex performance (lower scores and increased prevalence of poor HALex). A unit increase in SDoH index was associated with - 0.010 (95% CI [-0.011, -0.010]) difference in HALex score and 20% higher odds of poor HALex (odds ratio, OR = 1.20; 95% CI [1.19, 1.21]). Relative to SDoH-Q1, SDoH-Q4 was associated with HALex score difference of -0.086 (95% CI [-0.089, -0.083]) and OR = 5.32 (95% CI [4.97, 5.70]) for poor HALex. Despite a higher burden of cumulative social disadvantage, Hispanics had a weaker SDoH-HALex association than their non-Hispanic White counterparts.ConclusionsCumulative social disadvantage was associated with poorer HALex performance in an incremental fashion. Innovations to incorporate SDoH-screening tools into clinical decision systems must continue in order to accurately identify socially vulnerable groups in need of both clinical risk mitigation and social support. To maximize health returns, policies can be tailored through community partnerships to address systemic barriers that exist within distinct sociodemographic groups, as well as demographic differences in health perception and healthcare experience.
| S-EPMC10476290 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThe rapid aging of Korea's population underscores the urgent need for effective programs to enhance the well-being and longevity of the elderly. This study presents preliminary results from the Korean project, examining the impact of cost-effective and accessible exercise programs on functional performance of older people and to determine the long-term maintenance of intervention.MethodsWe randomized 90 older adults aged ≥65 years to the walking group (WG), resistance + walking (RWG), or active control (CG) group. We designed a 12-week main intervention (supervised resistance training 2 d/week and individual walking exercise) and a 12-week follow-up through self-directed exercise (same protocol but unsupervised). The participants' mini mental state examination, color-word Stroop test and 5-time sit to stand, timed up & go, handgrip strength, and knee extensor strength tests were assessed at pre, post, as well as follow-up.ResultsFor the RWG group, significant improvements were found in timed up & go (P < 0.001), and 5-time sit to stand (P < 0.001) compared to CG, with benefits maintained at follow-up. Both RWG and WG showed significant enhancements in knee extensor power (RWG: P < 0.0001; WG: P < 0.001) and flexor power (RWG: P < 0.01; WG: P = 0.018) compared to CG. Although cognitive performance did not show significant group-by-time interactions, RWG exhibited improvements in the Stroop Color and Color-Word tests at follow-up compared to baseline.ConclusionA resistance training program combined with walking effectively enhanced functional performance in older adults, providing lasting benefits over 12 weeks on physical functions, such as strength and endurance. However, it showed limited benefits on cognitive performance.
| S-EPMC11359743 | biostudies-literature