Social support and life satisfaction among Hong Kong Chinese older adults: family first?
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Yeung GTY
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5546368 | biostudies-other | 2007 Dec
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other
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Project description:The social adaptiveness of emotion regulation (ER) may differ across cultures due to different social values for the experience and expression of emotions. Specifically, suppression might disrupt social interactions among Germans, but not among Hong Kong Chinese (HKC) and Japanese, due to an emphasis on self-expression and authenticity in Western cultures. In the present study, we examined cultural differences in associations of ER strategies with life satisfaction and social support. Extending prior research, we also test whether social support functions as a mediator for relationships between ER strategies and life satisfaction within cultural groups. University students from Germany (N = 148), Hong Kong (N = 125), and Japan (N = 127) participated in our online survey. Moderation analyses revealed that suppression was related to lower life satisfaction and less social support among Germans, but not among HKC nor Japanese. Social support completely mediated the negative relationship between suppression and life satisfaction among Germans. Furthermore, for Germans and HKC, social support partially mediated the positive relationship between reappraisal and life satisfaction, and the negative relationship between rumination and life satisfaction. Our findings suggest that cultural differences in the associations between ER and well-being might be largely explained by the differential effect of ER strategies on social functioning and adaptation in the respective cultural context.
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Project description:ObjectiveSubjective social status (SSS), one's self-perceived social position, encompasses not only concrete socio-economic (SES) factors (e.g., income) but also intangible aspects of status (e.g., social capital). In recent years, there has been increasing research interest in SSS as a predictor of a vast array of health outcomes but very few studies examining effects on cognitive functioning. This study's main objective was to examine the association between SSS and long-term cognitive decline in older Chinese adults.DesignA 4-year longitudinal study.SettingHong Kong, China.ParticipantsChinese adults (aged ≥65) (n = 3,153).MeasurementsThis study analyzed baseline SSS-Hong Kong (self-perceived social status within Hong Kong) and SSS-Community (self-perceived status within one's own social network) as predictors of long-term cognitive decline. Multiple-linear-regression was performed on 4-year follow-up Mini-Mental-Status-Examination (MMSE) cognitive function score (score range: 0-30) after adjusting for baseline MMSE scores, traditional SES indicators (e.g., education), demographic variables (e.g., sex), clinical conditions (e.g., stroke history, depression), and lifestyle variables (e.g., physical activity levels).ResultsLower SSS-Community but not SSS-Hong Kong was associated with greater cognitive decline (unstandardized coefficient (95% CI) = 0.13 (0.07, 0.19) standardized β-coefficient = 0.08, after adjusting for objective SES measures and other background and clinical factors. The standardized β-coefficients for the SSS-Community variable were similar in magnitude to those for depression and diabetes.ConclusionCognitive decline is influenced by self-perceived rank in proximal reference groups rather than socioeconomic comparison with society at-large. SSS-Community is a useful, single-item supplementary instrument to improve prediction of cognitive decline in elderly Chinese.
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Project description:BackgroundMultidimensional vulnerability among older adults, characterized by low levels of individual resources in different life domains, has been insufficiently studied. This phenomenon is considered to be associated with a marked decrease in overall life satisfaction. Social support is supposed to buffer the negative effect of multidimensional vulnerability on life satisfaction.MethodsAnalyses are based on the German Health Update dataset (GEDA 2014/2015-EHIS). The analytic sample includes respondents ≥ 65 years (N = 5826). Confirmatory factor analyses were performed to construct a latent variable from the indicators income poverty, activities of daily living (ADL) limitations, multimorbidity, mental problems, and living alone. Multivariate linear regression models estimate the relationship between vulnerability and life satisfaction with a special focus on the interaction between vulnerability and social support.ResultsThe analyses supports the multidimensional construct of vulnerability. Social support considerably moderates the negative relationship between vulnerability and life satisfaction. As the degree of vulnerability increases, the influence of social support becomes more pronounced.ConclusionThe assessment of vulnerability as a multidimensional construct helps to depict the life situation of older people in a more differentiated way. Vulnerable older adults with a small or unreliable social network while finding it difficult to access practical help need additional external social support to achieve a high level of life satisfaction.
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Project description:Background and objectivesWe developed a new group practice using strength- and meaning-based narrative therapy (NT) for older Chinese living in Hong Kong (HK), to enhance their life wisdom. This paper reports on the intervention and its short- and longer-term effectiveness.Research design and methodsA randomized waitlist-controlled trial was conducted. A total of 157 older adults were randomly recruited, of whom 75 were randomly assigned to the intervention group which received four 2-hr biweekly NT sessions using the "Tree of Life" metaphor. The others were placed on a waitlist. Perceived wisdom was assessed using the Brief Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale. Assessment occurred at baseline (T0), end of treatment (T1), and 4 (T2) and 8 months later (T3). Overtime effects of NT on wisdom scores were assessed using latent growth curve models with time-invariant covariates for impact.ResultsThe intervention (NT) group showed significant, sustainable overtime within-group improvement in perceived wisdom. Furthermore, when compared to the control group, the NT group showed significant immediate improvements in perceived wisdom [F(2.726, p = .041)], which were maintained at all follow-up points. This effect remained after controlling for age, gender, and educational level (T ML(11) = 17.306, p = .098, root mean square error of approximation = 0.079, comparative fit index = 0.960). No adverse reaction was recorded.Discussion and implicationsNT underpinned by a ToL methodology offers a new theory to understand, promote, and appreciate perceived wisdom in older Chinese living in HK. It contributes to psychotherapy and professional social work practice for older Chinese.
| S-EPMC8489428 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Forty seven healthy HK-Chinese subjects between ages 18-30 were recruited. Subjects need to pass the McMonnies Questionnaire prior to the data collection. Visual functions and anterior ocular health were first assessed. One hour later, the subjects’ tear osmolalities were tested by the TearLab Osmometer. Tear samples were then collected by disposable microcapillary tubes. TripleTOF 6600 Mass Spectrometer was used to analyze the tear protein components.
2019-09-11 | PXD011864 | Pride
Project description:ImportanceMobile health (mHealth) smartphone apps are becoming increasingly popular among older adults, although the reactive care approach of these apps has limited their usability.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of an interactive mHealth program supported by a health-social partnership team on quality of life (QOL) among community-dwelling older adults in Hong Kong.Design, setting, and participantsThis was a 3-group, randomized clinical trial conducted in 5 community centers in Hong Kong from December 1, 2020, to April 30, 2022, with a last follow-up date of January 31, 2022. Participants included older adults aged at least 60 years who were living within the service area, used a smartphone, and had at least 1 of the following problems: chronic pain, hypertension, or diabetes. Data were analyzed from May 1 to 10, 2022.InterventionsParticipants were randomly assigned to the mHealth with interactivity (mHealth+I) group, mHealth group, or control group. Participants in the mHealth+I group received the mHealth app and nurse case management supported by a health-social partnership team. The mHealth group received the mHealth app only. The control group received no mHealth app or health-social care services.Main outcomes and measuresThe primary outcome was the change in QOL from baseline to 3 months after completion of the intervention.ResultsAmong 221 participants (mean [SD] age 76.6 [8.0] years; 185 [83.7%] women), 76 were randomized to the control group, 71 were randomized to the mHealth group, and 74 were randomized to the mHealth+I group. The most common chronic diseases or problems were hypertension (147 participants [66.5%]), pain (144 participants [65.2%]), cataracts (72 participants [32.6%]), and diabetes (61 participants [27.6%]). At 3 months after the intervention and compared with the intervention group, there were no statistically significant differences in either the physical component summary (mHealth+I: β = -1.01 [95% CI, -4.13 to 2.11]; P = .53; mHealth: β = 0.22 [95% CI, -3.07 to 3.50]; P = .90) or the mental component summary (mHealth+I: β = -0.87 [95% CI, -4.42 to 2.69]; P = .63; mHealth: β = 1.73 [95% CI, -1.89 to 5.34]; P = .35) QOL scores. Only secondary outcomes, including self-efficacy (β = -2.31 [95% CI, -4.26 to -0.36]; P = .02), systolic blood pressure (β = -2.30 [95% CI, -5.00 to -0.13]; P = .04), pain levels (β = 1.18 [95% CI, 0.52 to 2.00]; P = .02), and health services utilization (β = 0.98 [95% CI, 0.32 to 2.09]; P = .048) improved in the mHealth+I group compared with the control group.Conclusions and relevanceThis randomized clinical trial found no difference in the primary outcome between the mHealth+I group and the control group confirming that there were no incremental benefits to adding interactivity in mHealth programs for older adults with chronic diseases.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03878212.
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Project description:The aim of our study was to identify the incidence rate of and the risk factors for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among Chinese older adults with multimorbidity in primary care in Hong Kong. Older adults aged 60 years and above with multimorbidity were recruited from the public primary care clinics in Hong Kong. Incidence rates were calculated with the person-years. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to predict the risk factors for MCI. Sensitivity analysis was performed using multiple imputation. Among 462 participants included in the main analysis, 45 progressed from normal to MCI with an incidence rate of 80.9 cases per 1000 person-years. Older age (HR 2.82, 95% CI 1.26-6.28) and being single (HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.11-4.19) were risk factors for developing MCI in the multivariable regression model. A total of 660 participants were included in the sensitivity analysis, with an MCI incidence of 114.4 cases per 1000 person-years. Older age and being single remained to be risk factors for MCI among older adults with multimorbidity. There may be a high incidence of MCI among Chinese older adults with multimorbidity in primary care in Hong Kong. Future larger studies need to confirm the prevalence and incidence of MCI among primary care Chinese patients.
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Project description:A positive attitude toward later life is crucial for wellbeing among older adults. Maintaining a healthy relationship with adult children can help reduce older parents' sense of loneliness and nurture a positive life attitude. This study aimed to investigate the associations between multidimensional intergenerational relationship quality and attitudes toward later life among aging Chinese adults in Hong Kong and examine the mediating effects of a sense of loneliness. Representative survey data were collected from 801 participants (aged 50 years and over) with at least one adult child. Multiple linear regression was employed to investigate the associations between overall intergenerational relationship quality with a sense of loneliness as well as the attitude toward later life. To examine the mediating effects of a sense of loneliness, causal mediational analyses were performed. Results demonstrated that overall intergenerational relationship quality was positively associated with aging parents' attitude toward later life, and this relationship could be partially mediated by a sense of loneliness. Among the four subdomains of intergenerational relationship quality, the influences of structural-associational solidarity and intergenerational conflict on attitude toward later life were almost fully mediated by a sense of loneliness, whereas the influences of consensual-normative solidarity and affectual closeness were partially mediated. These findings contributed to an improved understanding of the relationship between intergenerational relationship quality, sense of loneliness, and attitude toward later life, and could inform future policies and service programs that promote aging adults' social integration and positive aging.
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Project description:BackgroundThere is on one hand sufficient evidence showing strong association between resilience and self-rated successful aging. On the other hand, strength training could contribute the cultivation of resilience among older adults. Therefore, the current study aims to examine the effectiveness of resistance training on resilience among Chinese older adults in Hong Kong.MethodsThis study will apply a three-group, double blinded (outcome assessors and data analysts), randomized controlled trial (RCT) to examine the effectiveness of the interventions on resilience, functional fitness, and health related quality of life immediately after a 16-week intervention, as well as the residual effects 12 weeks after completion of the interventions.DiscussionIt is expected that resistance training is promising or even superior to aerobic training in the improvement of resilience. Given the limited evidence on the literature, it is urgently needed to explore the effects of resistance training on the improvement of resilience in older adults. Findings of the current study can contribute to the development of effective resistant training programs for the promotion of resilience among older adults.Trial registrationThe trial is registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov PRS (Trial ID: NCT04690465 ; Date of First Posted: 30/12/2020).
| S-EPMC8050886 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundIn observational studies moderate alcohol use reduces cardio-respiratory mortality. However observational studies may be biased by many factors including residual confounding by unmeasured differences between moderate alcohol users and other groups or by changes in alcohol use with ill-health and aging. We used two different analytic strategies in an under-studied population, i.e. southern Chinese, to provide an assessment of the specific impact of moderate alcohol use on mortality from ischemic heart disease (IHD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD).MethodsIn a population-based case-control study of all adult deaths in Hong Kong Chinese in 1998, we used adjusted logistic regression to compare alcohol use in decedents aged > or = 60 years from IHD (2270) and COPD (1441) with 10,320 living and 9043 dead controls (all non-alcohol related deaths). We also examined whether the association of alcohol use with death from IHD or COPD varied with sex or smoking status.ResultsUsing living controls and adjusted for age, socio-economic status and lifestyle, occasional and moderate alcohol use were generally associated with lower mortality from IHD and COPD. However, using dead controls the protection of occasional and moderate alcohol use appeared to be limited to ever-smokers for IHD (odds ratio (OR) 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46 to 0.73 for moderate compared to never-use in ever-smokers, but OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.50 in never-smokers), and possibly to men for COPD. High alcohol use was associated with lower IHD mortality and possibly with lower COPD mortality.ConclusionHigh levels of alcohol use in an older Chinese population were associated with lower IHD mortality. Moderate alcohol use was less consistently protective against IHD mortality. Alcohol use was associated with lower COPD mortality particularly in men, either due to some yet to be clarified properties of alcohol or as the artefactual result of genetic selection into alcohol use in a Chinese population. Given the increasing use of alcohol in China with economic development, other designs and analytic strategies are needed to assess the impact of alcohol in this population, so that an evidence-based public health policy can be formulated.
| S-EPMC2649071 | biostudies-literature