Dataset Information

New partnerships among single older adults: a Q methodology study.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:The social structure is changing with an increase in the ratio of the older population, resulting in a growing number of older people being faced with singlehood. This study identified and described single older adults' differing perspectives on new relationships. METHOD:We used a Q methodology approach for data collection and analysis, following in-depth interviews with 10 participants. Q statements were developed through content analysis of the interview data, which were then subjected to Q sorts performed by 49 older adults. A factor analysis was then completed on the collected data using PQ Method software. RESULTS:Five factors regarding common attitudes toward pursuing a new partner, which accounted for 53% of the total variance, were obtained in the final model: (1) being single, a companion, and already acquainted with the other person/potential partner; (2) high spiritual compatibility and a caring disposition; (3) an emphasis on physical intimacy and companionship; (4) easily influenced by others' comments and highly concerned about being alone; and (5) physical and financial independence. CONCLUSIONS:Clustering older adults according to their attitudes can help in acknowledging their expectations about new relationships in later life. IMPLICATIONS:Practitioners can engage in successful consultations based on the recognition.

SUBMITTER: Huang SF

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6404340 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

New partnerships among single older adults: a Q methodology study.

Huang Su-Fei SF Huang Chiu-Mieh CM Chen Shueh-Fen SF Lu Li-Ting LT Guo Jong-Long JL

BMC geriatrics 20190306 1

<h4>Background</h4>The social structure is changing with an increase in the ratio of the older population, resulting in a growing number of older people being faced with singlehood. This study identified and described single older adults' differing perspectives on new relationships.<h4>Method</h4>We used a Q methodology approach for data collection and analysis, following in-depth interviews with 10 participants. Q statements were developed through content analysis of the interview data, which w ...[more]

PMID: 30841865

Similar Datasets

Project description:OBJECTIVES:We used an international pharmacosurveillance network to estimate the rate and characteristics of antidepressant use in older adults in countries with more conservative (UK) and liberal depression guidelines (Canada, USA). SETTING:Electronic health records and population-based administrative data from six jurisdictions in four countries (UK, Taiwan, USA and Canada). PARTICIPANTS:A historical cohort of older adults (?65 years) who had a new episode of antidepressant use between 2009 and 2014. OUTCOME MEASURES:The age and sex-standardised cumulative incidence of new episodes of antidepressant use in older adults was measured. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the proportion of new users by the antidepressant prescribed, therapeutic class, potential treatment indication and country, as well as the characteristics of the first treatment episode (standardised daily doses, duration and changes). RESULTS:The incidence of antidepressant use between 2009 and 2014 varied from 4.7% (Montreal and Quebec City) to 18.6% (Taiwan). Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) were the most commonly used class in the UK (48.8%) and Taiwan (52.4%) compared with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in North American jurisdictions (42.3%-53.3%). Chronic pain was the most common potential treatment indication (41.2%-68.2%). Among users with chronic pain, TCAs were used most frequently in the UK and Taiwan (55.2%-60.4%), whereas SSRIs were used most frequently in North America (33.5%-46.4%). Treatment was longer (252-525 vs 169-437 days), standardised doses were higher (0.7-1.3 vs 0.5-1.0) and treatment was more likely to be changed (31%-46% vs 21%-34%) among patients with depression (9.1%-43%) than those with chronic pain. CONCLUSION:Antidepressant use in older adults varied 24-fold by country, with the UK, which has the most conservative treatment guidelines, being among the lowest. Chronic pain was the most common potential treatment indication. Evaluation of real-world risks of TCAs is a priority for future research, given high rates of use and the potential for increased toxicity in older adults because of potent anticholinergic effects.

Project description:This study represents the first attempt to perform a profiling analysis of the intergenerational differences in the microRNAs (miRNAs) of melanocytic neoplasms in young adult and older adult groups. Our comparative miRNA profiling provides a novel characterization of the miRnomes of melanocytic neoplasms and melanomas of different age groups and identifies a set of potential diagnostic and potential clinico-pathologic biomarkers that may serve as targets for development of novel miR-based modalities in cancer diagnosis and treatment. An exploratory miRNA analysis of 666 miRs was conducted on formalin fixed and paraffin embedded tissues from 10 adults and 10 young adults including conventional melanoma and melanocytic neoplasms of uncertain biological significance. Age-matched benign melanocytic nevi were used as controls. The comparative profiling was intentionally performed at two extremes of age, i.e., less than 30 years (Mel 30) and greater than 60 years (Mel 60). Primary melanoma in patients greater than 60 years old was characterized by the increased expression of miRs regulating TLR-MyD88-NF-kappaB pathway (hsa-miR -199a), RAS/RAB22A pathway (hsa-miR-204); growth differentiation and migration (hsa-miR337), epithelial mesenchymal transition EMT (let-7b, hsa-miR-10b/10bSTAR(*)), invasion and metastasis (hsa-miR-10b/10bSTAR(*), hsa-miR-30a/e*, hsa-miR-29c*; cellular matrix components (hsa-miR-29c*); invasion-cytokinesis (hsa-miR 99b*) compared to melanoma of younger patients. miR 211 was dramatically downregulated in primary melanoma compared to nevi controls, decreased with increasing age and was among the miRs linked to metastatic processes and potentially targeting the inflammatory receptor CCR10; Primary melanoma in young adult patients was characterized by the increased expression of hsa-miR-449a and decreased expression of hsa-miR146b, hsa-miR 214*. Among the miRs expressed at higher levels in control nevi, compared to adult or young adult melanoma, was hsa-miR 574-3p. Only 2 miRs distinguished adult from young adult-pediatric nevi, hsa-miR374a* and has-miR-566. MiR 30a* appeared to be a strong marker of differentiation in clinical stages I-II adult and pediatric melanoma, and could predict classification of melanoma tissue in the two age groups. Furthermore, lymph node status in the two age groups was characterized by the statistically significant expression of hsa-miR-30a* and hsa-miR-204 (F-test, p-value <0.001).

Project description:Background/Objectives: Road tests and driving simulators are most commonly used in research studies and clinical evaluations of older drivers. Our objective was to describe the process and associated challenges in adapting an existing, commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS), in-vehicle device for naturalistic, longitudinal research to better understand daily driving behavior in older drivers. Design: The Azuga G2 Tracking Device TM was installed in each participant's vehicle, and we collected data over 5 months (speed, latitude/longitude) every 30-seconds when the vehicle was driven. Setting: The Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Washington University School of Medicine. Participants: Five individuals enrolled in a larger, longitudinal study assessing preclinical Alzheimer disease and driving performance. Participants were aged 65+ years and had normal cognition. Measurements: Spatial components included Primary Location(s), Driving Areas, Mean Centers and Unique Destinations. Temporal components included number of trips taken during different times of the day. Behavioral components included number of hard braking, speeding and sudden acceleration events. Methods: Individual 30-second observations, each comprising one breadcrumb, and trip-level data were collected and analyzed in R and ArcGIS. Results: Primary locations were confirmed to be 100% accurate when compared to known addresses. Based on the locations of the breadcrumbs, we were able to successfully identify frequently visited locations and general travel patterns. Based on the reported time from the breadcrumbs, we could assess number of trips driven in daylight vs. night. Data on additional events while driving allowed us to compute the number of adverse driving alerts over the course of the 5-month period. Conclusions: Compared to cameras and highly instrumented vehicle in other naturalistic studies, the compact COTS device was quickly installed and transmitted high volumes of data. Driving Profiles for older adults can be created and compared month-to-month or year-to-year, allowing researchers to identify changes in driving patterns that are unavailable in controlled conditions.

Project description:BackgroundCross-sectional studies have linked greater polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure to adverse neuropsychological effects in older adults, including learning, memory, and depressive symptoms. However, no studies among older adults have evaluated the association over time.ObjectivesTo assess the effect of serum PCB levels on neuropsychological function over a 14-year period in a cohort of older men and women from a PCB-contaminated area of New York State.MethodsIn 2000-2002, we assessed serum PCB levels and neuropsychological function (including the California Verbal Learning Test Trial 1 (CVLTT1) for verbal memory and learning, and the Beck Depression Index (BDI) for depressive symptoms) in 253 men and women, ages 55-74 years. A total of 116 (46%) persons repeated the PCB and neuropsychological assessment 14 years later. To assess the association over time, we used generalized estimating equations with clustering variables time, total PCB (?PCB), and ?PCB?×?time, and adjusted for baseline age, sex, smoking, and total serum-lipids. For statistically significant ?PCB?×?time interactions, we evaluated the association between PCBs and either verbal memory and learning or depressive symptoms while holding ?PCB constant at the 10th and 90th percentiles to clarify the direction of the interaction.ResultsOver the study period, serum ?PCB levels (wet-weight) declined by 22%, and were associated with different patterns of change over time for memory (?PCB?×?Time ??=?0.08 p?=?0.009) and depressive symptoms (?PCB?×?Time ??=?-0.16 p?=?0.013). Specifically, verbal memory and learning decreased (??=?-0.08 p?=?0.008) and depressive symptoms increased (??=?0.17 p?=?0.008) among persons with low exposure (?PCB levels at the 10th percentile), while persons with high exposure (90th percentile) showed non-significant improvements.DiscussionIn this cohort, declining ?PCB levels were likely due at least in part to low rates of local fish consumption in recent decades, given the ban since 1976. The decreased verbal memory and learning and increased depressive symptoms over time among persons with low serum ?PCB levels is consistent with studies of normative aging. However, the small improvements in those outcomes among those with high serum ?PCB levels was unexpected. Healthy survivor selection bias or uncontrolled confounding may explain this result. It may also indicate that the neurotoxic impacts of PCBs in older adults are not permanent, but future studies are needed to confirm this possibility.

Dataset Information

New partnerships among single older adults: a Q methodology study.

Publications

New partnerships among single older adults: a Q methodology study.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets