MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Research on Aging' source. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:11:03 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5458789&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F34%2F1%2F100%3Frss%3D1 The present study investigated the factor structure invariance of the Care-Receiver Efficacy Scale–Short Form (CRES) using confirmatory factor analysis. Response data were collected from 177 participants across three time points. The analyses of the five-subscale, 25-item CRES at the individual time points indicated that the first-order and second-order models were acceptable. However, Perceptions of Dependence was not a reliable indicator for the higher order factor defined as Overall Care-Receiver Efficacy. The revised 20-item CRES without Perceptions of Dependence had adequate model fit. A series of progressively more constrained models revealed the higher order 20-item CRES can be used as a stable measure of health care self-efficacy for older care-receivers. (Source: Research on... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5458789 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5458789 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5458788&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F34%2F1%2F80%3Frss%3D1 Demographic change and the call for active ageing impose new demands on older individuals. Using data on German adults aged 56 to 75 (N = 1,468), the authors investigated perceived level of activation demands (e.g., increased expectations that the young-old will contribute to the public good) and appraisal of them as threatening or challenging by individuals with different health status and socioeconomic backgrounds. Overall, perceived level of demands was moderately high, and they were seen rather as a challenge. East Germans, those with better subjective health, and those unemployed reported a higher level of activation demands, whereas retired and widowed individuals reported a lower level. Moreover, East Germans, individuals with lower educational attainment, and those reporting health... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5458788 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5458788 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5458787&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F34%2F1%2F56%3Frss%3D1 In this study, the authors developed and piloted a card-sort measure to compare the evaluative organization of the self-concept in healthy older, midlife, and younger adults (approximately two thirds of participants were women). The results support the primary hypothesis that older adults would exhibit greater compartmentalization of the self-concept than younger and middle-aged persons. Older adults may think about their positive and negative self-aspects in a more differentiated fashion (i.e., categorize positive and negative self-aspects into separate roles) than younger and midlife persons, who are more integrative (i.e., categorize positive and negative self-aspects under the same role heading) in their self-concepts. The results are consistent with cognitive priming, memory, and emot... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5458787 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5458787 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5458786&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F34%2F1%2F34%3Frss%3D1 Few studies have examined older adults’ behavior and attitudes within the context of intergenerational shared site (IGSS) environments, where children and older adults receive services at the same facility and typically share space and resources on an ongoing basis. This natural study examined the behaviors of older adults participating in two senior center programs that were co-located with child care facilities. Data collection involved participant observation and in-depth interviews with staff members at each IGSS. The data were systematically coded and analyzed for themes. Although positive informal intergenerational interactions occurred at both centers, many older adults demonstrated negative behaviors and attitudes when their programs shared space and/or relinquished resources... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5458786 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5458786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5458785&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F34%2F1%2F3%3Frss%3D1 Older people who experience declining health are often faced with difficult decisions about possible residential relocation. The research aim was to determine how five distinct dimensions—functional status, features of current housing, social networks, features of retirement communities, and financial considerations—affect decisions to relocate to a retirement community. A vignette experiment with a factorial design was conducted involving both older people and adult children who were concerned with an aging parent. Use of the Internet for administration of the experiment made it possible to deliver information to research participants through video clips. Research participants were influenced by each of the dimensions; however, functional status of the vignette persons had the... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5458785 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5458785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5261706&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F6%2F735%3Frss%3D1 This study examined the sociodemographic and health correlates of social network types among older Americans. It also considered whether greater human capital is associated with embeddedness in more socially endowed network types. Data from the first wave of the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (NSHAP) were employed, focusing on the 65 years and older subsample. Multivariate logistic regressions were executed with core sociodemographic and health characteristics viewed in relation to five social network types: diverse, friend, congregant, family, and restricted networks. The analysis showed that religion, educational level, ethnicity, and gender were indeed associated with network type, to varying degrees. Age was unrelated to network type, but the interaction of disability a... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5261706 Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5261706 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5261705&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F6%2F713%3Frss%3D1 Social relationships may enhance emotional health in older age. The authors examined associations between social relationships and emotional health using data from the Milwaukee African American sample of the second Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS II) study, 2005-2006 (n = 592). Self-reports indicated good, very good, or excellent emotional health, distinguished from fair or poor. Social relationships were measured by relationship type (family or friend), contact frequency, and levels of emotional support and strain. Control variables included demographic characteristics, types of lifetime and daily discrimination, neighborhood quality, and other social factors. In adjusted results, each increase on a family emotional support scale was associated with 118% greater odds of r... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5261705 Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5261705 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5261704&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F6%2F688%3Frss%3D1 This study examined the role of social support in influencing dietary quality in older African American public housing residents, specifically investigating individual (age, education, gender, marital status, and living arrangement), social support (help with meals, social network size, frequency of contact, and proximity or distance from network), and dietary factors (number of meals consumed daily, dietary quality). A random sample (n = 80) of public housing residents age 55+ living in a Northeastern community was interviewed. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients, multiple regression analyses, and structural equation modeling (SEM). Given the limited sample size, a SEM path model was developed based on observed associations in correlation and regression analyses. Res... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5261704 Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5261704 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5261703&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F6%2F661%3Frss%3D1 In this research, the authors examine whether the relocation of nursing home residents following Hurricane Katrina is associated with subsequent lower physical or mental health. All nursing homes in Louisiana that were closed following Hurricane Katrina (N = 12) were used, with 439 residents who could be followed to a new location. The authors compare the subsequent health outcomes of these residents to that of a matched sample of other nursing home residents in Southern states, with the match based on prior health status as well as other resident and facility characteristics. Relocated residents were more likely to die than non-relocated residents. In addition, relocated residents were more likely to have pressure ulcers; they were, however, less likely to be physically restrained. Reloca... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5261703 Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5261703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5261702&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F6%2F637%3Frss%3D1 Severe disability is an important predictor of nursing home admissions. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of severe disability pacing on risk of short- and long-term nursing home stays. Respondents who developed severe disability were assigned into one of two pacing trajectories: catastrophic or progressive disability. The author analyzed seven waves of data from the Health and Retirement Study and created a series of discrete-time event history models. The analysis showed that the risk associated with severe disability and nursing home stays varied based on severe disability pacing. Progressive and catastrophic disability were associated with increased risk of short- and long-term stays; however, the risk of nursing home stays was much greater for respondents with catastrop... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5261702 Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5261702 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5261701&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F33%2F6%2F635%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5261701 Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5261701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5064231&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F5%2F598%3Frss%3D1 Research on older adults’ social integration usually focuses on time-indefinite access to social support, community involvement, and network connectedness. Little research has examined the actual amount of social contact older adults have on a typical day. The author uses nationally representative data on 92,698 adults—collected in the 2003-2009 American Time Use Surveys—to examine age-related trends in rates of everyday contact. Zero-inflated negative binomial regression analyses reveal nonlinear relationships between age and rates of social contact. Older adults have substantially lower rates of social contact than younger and middle-aged adults—especially among women. A significant portion, but not all, of the age-related variation in contact patterns is attribut... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5064231 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5064231 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5064230&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F5%2F576%3Frss%3D1 Although it is well recognized that unmarried seniors are more likely to experience instability in their living arrangements than their married counterparts, few studies have tested whether spousal bereavement in and of itself operates as a triggering mechanism for a subsequent loss of residential independence. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Canadian seniors are at greatest risk for institutionalization and coresidence with others in the period immediately following spousal bereavement and whether this risk declines as acute responses to the crisis of bereavement become tempered with time. Data come from six waves of the Canadian National Population Health Survey (1994-2004), with the sample restricted to married or cohabiting adults who, at initial interview, were 65... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5064230 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5064230 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5064229&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F5%2F551%3Frss%3D1 In this article, the authors examine gender differences in educational gradients in depressive symptoms of married couples and identify what accounts for education gradients for husbands and wives. They use a nationally representative sample of married couples from the 2006 Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging, which collected information about depressive symptoms and risk factors for both spouses. Results show that for married couples, there are significant education gradients in depressive symptoms for both husbands and wives. Economic resources, physical health, children, and the relationship of spouse explain educational gradients of both husbands and wives. On the other hand, work and organized social activities are important pathways for husbands but not for wives. In contrast, spouse&... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5064229 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5064229 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5064228&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F5%2F529%3Frss%3D1 This article explores this latter factor, challenging assumptions that it can be treated as an unproblematic independent variable. Analyzing qualitative data from interviews with 96 people approaching or in the midst of retirement, the subjective experience of health and its effect on decisions was strongly evident. The socialized context—as shaped at societal, organizational, household, and individual-life-historical levels—was crucial in understanding how similar symptoms of morbidity resulted in widely varying decisions/outcomes. Direct interpersonal experiences, shaped by social structures, were useful in explaining the prevalence of health pessimism, despite general increases in life expectancy. (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5064228 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5064228 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5064227&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F5%2F501%3Frss%3D1 Meta-analytic procedures were used to examine relationships between objective income (OI), perceived adequacy of income, and retirement and their consequences. The authors’ review of the literature generated 90 independent samples obtained from 71 primary studies with 115,129 participants, which provided 136 independent effect sizes (ESs). A high effect size (r = .37) was found for the subjective income–retirement planning relation and a medium ES (r = .29) for the OI–retirement planning relation. Regarding retirement consequences, both objective and subjective incomes were positively related to retirement adjustment indicators, with low ES for OI–life satisfaction, OI–retirement income satisfaction, and retirement satisfaction. Structural equation analysis us... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5064227 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5064227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5064226&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F33%2F5%2F499%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5064226 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5064226 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4854929&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F4%2F465%3Frss%3D1 Dispositional styles of relating to significant others—adult attachment—are linked to social relatedness across the life span. Prior work has concentrated on the receipt of perceived social support and not examined links between attachment and patterns of exchange. Data from a sample of older adults (N 1,118) were used to examine how secure, dismissive, and fearfully avoidant dimensions were associated with network size and patterns of exchange in kin and non-kin networks. Security was related to larger network size, greater reciprocity, and less "giving" to kin, whereas dismissiveness was associated with smaller non-kin networks, greater reciprocity, less "giving" to kin and non-kin, and more relationships involving "receiving" from kin. Levels of fearful avoidance were associ... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4854929 Sun, 22 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4854929 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4854928&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F4%2F444%3Frss%3D1 This study investigated the relationship of social support networks with expectations for aging in place and moving in a sample of relatively healthy, community-dwelling adults (N = 4,611). Results indicated that those with aging in place expectation and those with moving expectation were comparable in sociodemographics, self-rated health, and social support networks. Knowledge of home- and community-based services (HCBS) availability was associated with respondents reporting an older age at which they expected regular help and moving. When compared with those who did not offer an age prediction, knowledge of HCBS availability, information sources for personal care, and social activity engagement were important in understanding the choices of age ranges at which respondents expected to age... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4854928 Sun, 22 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4854928 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4854927&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F4%2F426%3Frss%3D1 Empirical research on the chronic pain experience of older African Americans is scarce. Here, the authors examined the influence psychosocial indicators have on the pain experience in a sample of older African Americans. Data were collected from African Americans (N = 247) 50 to 96 years of age (69.4 ± 9.4). All participants provided self-report data on pain indicators, demographic characteristics, social (social support, locus of control, life satisfaction) variables, and depression. Those reporting higher levels of social support and depressive symptoms experienced greater pain intensity. Pain had an indirect effect on depression as mediated through life satisfaction.These findings demonstrate the need to focus more on the means to prevent and treat pain and to ameliorate its impa... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4854927 Sun, 22 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4854927 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4854926&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F4%2F403%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this study is to see if financial strain affects the religious involvement and life satisfaction of older Mexican Americans. In the process, an effort was made to explore the factors that promote financial strain in this ethnic group, including immigration status and English language use. The data come from a nationwide survey of older Mexican Americans. Support was found for the following core relationships in the study model: (1) Older adults who were born in Mexico will have less schooling; (2) less education will be associated with less frequent use of English; (3) less frequent use of English will be associated with greater financial strain; (4) greater financial strain leads to less formal involvement in the church; (5) older people who are less involved in the church ... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4854926 Sun, 22 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4854926 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4854925&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F4%2F379%3Frss%3D1 This study investigated homeownership among older Mexican Americans with a conceptual model based on economic, assimilation, social capital, and place stratification perspectives. Data from the 2000 U.S. census were employed to examine individual and contextual effects using multilevel models. The authors found support for several hypotheses drawn from their conceptual framework. The authors also showed that both citizenship status of target individuals and citizenship makeup of households were associated with the likelihood of homeownership. The findings are discussed relative to existing research and as they applied to housing policy. (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4854925 Sun, 22 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4854925 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4854924&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F4%2F361%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this study was to examine whether racial/ethnic differences in aging anxiety among American baby boomers stem from socioeconomic resources, knowledge about aging, and/or exposure to older adults. Data were from the Images of Aging Survey conducted in 2004. The analysis included 362 non-Hispanic Whites, 117 African Americans, and 96 Hispanics. Multiple regression models were used. Aging anxiety did not differ between African Americans and non-Hispanic Whites. Hispanics tended to have more aging anxiety than non-Hispanic Whites, but this difference was explained by relatively low socioeconomic status and lack of knowledge of aging among Hispanics. Baby boomers who were older, less healthy, less educated, and poorer had more aging anxiety than their counterparts, as did those w... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4854924 Sun, 22 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4854924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4854923&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F33%2F4%2F359%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4854923 Sun, 22 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4854923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4687175&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F3%2F327%3Frss%3D1 Little research examines the longevity of the influence of children’s problems on parental well-being. Integrating stress process and life-course perspectives, the authors argue that children’s problematic experiences in adolescence have strong capabilities to influence parents’ mental health in late life, decades after these experiences occur. With a sample of 670 African American and White mothers and fathers age 65 and older, the authors show that elderly parents have higher levels of anger when their offspring had more difficulties as teens; for Black parents this association remains with controls for children’s problems as adults and current concerns about adult children, whereas for Whites it is mediated by concerns. Teen difficulties are also related to curre... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4687175 Mon, 04 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4687175 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4687174&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F3%2F312%3Frss%3D1 Identifying how biological parameters change with age can provide insights into the physiological determinants of disease and, ultimately, death. Most prior studies of age-related change in biomarkers are based on cross-sectional data, small or selective samples, or a limited number of biomarkers. We use data from a nationally representative longitudinal sample of 639 Taiwanese aged 54 and older in 2000 to assess changes over a six-year period in a wide range of biomarkers. Markers that increased most with age were glycoslyated hemoglobin, interleukin-6, and norepinephrine. Markers that decreased most with age were diastolic blood pressure and creatinine clearance. For example, glycoslyated hemoglobin increased by 8% to 13%, depending on sex and age at baseline, over this six-year period. ... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4687174 Mon, 04 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4687174 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4687173&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F3%2F286%3Frss%3D1 Previous research has produced inconsistent results on whether education and ethnic disparities in body mass index (BMI) persist, widen, or diminish over time. The authors investigate how education and ethnicity, independently and conditionally, influence BMI trajectories during the transition to older adulthood. Employing random coefficient modeling, the authors analyzed eight biennial waves of data (1992-2006) from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative longitudinal study of individuals born between 1931 and 1941. After adjusting for health behaviors and health status, education and ethnic disparities in BMI persisted for most groups, but narrowed between high-educated White men and both low-educated Hispanic men and high-educated Black men. As such, the findings ge... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4687173 Mon, 04 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4687173 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4687172&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F3%2F256%3Frss%3D1 This research explores how interstate elderly migration behavior through the life course has changed over time by examining the role of individual characteristics in different types of moves. The authors focus on disability, veteran, and socioeconomic status, which research suggests are linked with differing motives for elderly migration. Using data from the 1970-2000 Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS), descriptive and multivariate analyses show that disability status has grown in importance while veteran and socioeconomic status have declined or remained stable. These changes are unique to the elderly. The growing role of disability in elderly migration is geographically universal, extending to both return (a proxy for assistance-related migration) and nonreturn migration. Pos... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4687172 Mon, 04 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4687172 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4687171&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F3%2F234%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of three productive activities (paid employment, volunteer work, and informal helping) to mitigate the negative effects of dual sensory loss (DSL) on depressive symptoms among older adults. Multilevel modeling was used to analyze longitudinal data from the nationally representative Health and Retirement Study. The sample consisted of 2,688 persons: 1,380 who developed DSL during the study and 1,308 who did not. Although participation in each of the productive activities was associated with fewer depressive symptoms for older adults with DSL, volunteering was also the only variable that moderated the relationship between DSL and depressive symptoms. Persons with a DSL who volunteered exhibited a larger decrease in depressive symptoms com... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4687171 Mon, 04 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4687171 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4687170&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F33%2F3%2F231%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4687170 Mon, 04 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4687170 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4446972&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F2%2F205%3Frss%3D1 This article deals with the concept of unpaid work and social productivity, on the basis of data collected in the base line of the Estudio Longitudinal sobre Envejecimiento Activo (ELEA; Longitudinal Study of Active Aging), exploring the extent to which Spanish older adults (aged 55 to 75) report being involved in productive activities. First, the data are examined by age, gender, and working status; and second, under moderate-cost assumptions, the unpaid contribution to society of older people is calculated, in terms of Euros. The results are discussed in the context of other general studies about unpaid productive activities in old age; it is concluded that our sample is characterized by a focus on productive activity related to care for other adults and children and their estimated cont... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4446972 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4446972 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4446971&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F2%2F172%3Frss%3D1 This study gives evidence for person-environment fit theory—older adults with independent living concordance are more likely to have good self-rated health. Older adults who coreside with children, however, are more likely to be disabled, regardless of concordance status. (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4446971 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4446971 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4446970&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F2%2F145%3Frss%3D1 This study provides new evidence on trends in the education-mortality gradient from 1986 through 2006 by race, gender, and age among non-Hispanic Whites and Blacks using data from the 2010 release of the National Health Interview Survey Linked Mortality File. Results show that for White and Black men, the gradient steepened among older ages because declines in mortality risk across education levels were greater among the higher educated. The gradient steepened among White women, and to a lesser extent among Black women, because mortality risk decreased among the college-educated but increased among women with less than a high school diploma. Greater returns to higher education and compositional changes within educational strata likely contributed to the trends. (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4446970 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4446970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4446969&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F2%2F115%3Frss%3D1 Countless studies show that socioeconomic status (SES) is strongly related to morbidity and mortality. However, few studies consider the substantial variability in health within socioeconomic strata. In this article, the authors examine the incompatibility between stratification-based theories of health inequality and empirical patterns of exceptional health among the socially disadvantaged. Using panel data from the Health and Retirement Survey (1992-2008), the authors test the mediating and moderating effects of various predictors of exceptional health (no chronic diseases or physical limitations) for middle-aged and older adults with and without a high school education. Results suggest that a combination of demographic characteristics, family and religious factors, socioeconomic resourc... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4446969 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4446969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4234522&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F1%2F109%3Frss%3D1 In the November 2010 print issue of Research on Aging, the wrong order of authors was given for the second and third authors on p. 715. The correct order of authors for this article is Jack Noone, Christine Stephens, and Fiona Alpass (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4234522 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4234522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4234521&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F1%2F84%3Frss%3D1 This study examines the mechanisms by which different aspects of socioeconomic status affect disability trajectories among older adults. The author conceptualizes and models disability in two life course components, onset and growth, in order to see how socioeconomic status and its mechanisms differ in their effects on the timing and accumulation of disablement. Using the Duke Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (EPESE), the author finds that the effects of education are mainly preventive for disability onset where financial resources both delay and ameliorate a trajectory of disability accumulation after onset. Health behaviors and mastery work as independent mediators of education while financial-based capital works to mediate both income and education effect... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4234521 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4234521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4234520&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F1%2F51%3Frss%3D1 This research examines the association of religious participation with mortality using a longitudinal data set collected from 9,017 oldest-old aged 85+ and 6,956 younger elders aged 65 to 84 in China in 2002 and 2005 and hazard models. Results show that adjusted for demographics, family/ social support, and health practices, risk of dying was 24% (p < 0.001) and 12% (p < 0.01) lower among frequent and infrequent religious participants than among nonparticipants for all elders aged 65+. After baseline health was adjusted, the corresponding risk of dying declined to 21% (p < 0.001) and 6% (not significant), respectively. The authors also conducted hazard models analysis for men versus women and for young-old versus oldest-old, respectively, adjusted for single-year age; the authors ... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4234520 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4234520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4234519&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F1%2F28%3Frss%3D1 This study examines associations between multiple urban neighborhood characteristics (socioeconomic disadvantage, affluence, and racial/ethnic composition) and depressive symptoms among late middle aged persons and compares findings to those previously obtained for persons age 70 years and older. Survey data are from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a U.S. national probability sample of noninstitutionalized persons aged 51 to 61 years in 1992. Neighborhoods are 1990 U.S. census tracts. Hierarchical linear regression is used to estimate multilevel models. Depressive symptoms vary significantly across urban neighborhoods among late middle age persons. Neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage is significantly associated with depressive symptoms, net of both individual-level sociodemograp... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4234519 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4234519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4234518&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F33%2F1%2F3%3Frss%3D1 Despite evidence of the importance of value similarity in predicting parentadult child relations, little attention has been given to the unique role of religious similarity. Using 1,407 dyads nested within 390 families, the authors examine whether religious similarity predicts the quality of mother-child relations in later life and whether the strength of this association differs by race. Consistent with the authors’ hypotheses, religious similarity was found to be an important factor in predicting both closeness and conflict, particularly in Black families. These findings suggest that it may be important to give greater attention to religion when studying patterns of interaction and support in the later years, especially among Black families. (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4234518 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4234518 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4041914&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F32%2F6%2F760%3Frss%3D1 (No abstract is available for this citation) (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4041914 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 18:38:29 +0100 4041914 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4041913&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F6%2F739%3Frss%3D1 This study examines the degree to which siblings’ behaviors and characteristics influence a child’s caregiving. A sample of 186 older parents in need of care with at least two adult children reported on characteristics and caregiving of all their children (N = 703). Multilevel regression models show that there is evidence of children’s joint caregiving efforts: The more care siblings give, the more care the child gives. Results demonstrate that the more sisters a child has, the less care that child gives. Children also substitute and support each other: The greater the number of siblings with partners and the lower the frequency of sibling emotional support exchanges with a parent, the more care the child gives. The study reflects the various outcomes of sibling solidarit... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4041913 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 18:38:29 +0100 4041913 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4041912&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F6%2F715%3Frss%3D1 In this study, a subsample of 2,277 working men and women from the New Zealand Health, Work, and Retirement Survey provides the basis for a structural equation model examining the effects of socioeconomic status, work involvement, and retirement perceptions on retirement planning. This model also tests for gender differences to assess the extent to which women are disadvantaged in terms of their retirement planning and the factors that may affect retirement plans. Results indicated that perceptions of retirement and economic living standards were associated with financial preparedness. However, women were still economically disadvantaged compared to men and this impacted negatively on their financial preparations. Retirement and retirement planning is now of greater concern for women. Futu... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4041912 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 18:38:29 +0100 4041912 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4041911&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F6%2F698%3Frss%3D1 This study fills this gap by investigating the content of subjective retrospective childhood health measures using the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study. The authors find that a wide array of common childhood conditions and activity limitations were significant predictors of overall assessments of childhood health status. Those conditions that were persistent/recurring, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and frequent ear infections, were the strongest predictors of overall health reports. The results lend support to the judicious use of retrospective childhood health data. (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4041911 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 18:38:29 +0100 4041911 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4041910&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F6%2F679%3Frss%3D1 European age discrimination legislation is discussed in the context of the U.S. Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and related state laws. U.S. law was originally introduced to protect productive older workers from age stereotypes, but more recently preventing age discrimination has become important as a means of keeping costs down on entitlement programs as the population ages. Changes in enforcement, penalties, exemptions, length of time to file, and burden of proof have changed the effects of the laws over time. The ADEA has had both positive effects on currently employed older workers and negative effects on the hiring of older workers. Enforcement and publicity are offered as possible explanations for the strength of these positive and negative effects. Age discrimination leg... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4041910 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 18:38:29 +0100 4041910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3886960&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F5%2F645%3Frss%3D1 Based on role theory, a household-based convoy (HbC) was proposed as a support system comprised of four kinds of networks: household types, family, kinship, and friendship. To test the feasibility of the support network concept, data from the 2001 Taiwan Social Change Survey were used to derive a latent structure with four latent classes. These classes consisted of the "prefamily convoy," "pro-social convoy," "mature convoy," and the "extended convoy." Their network characteristics revealed that the four latent classes corresponded to stages in the family life course. Moreover, these convoy subtypes had differential intergenerational support functions. Respondents from the pre-family and the pro-social convoys were found to provide fewer types of support to their parents but received more ... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3886960 Fri, 20 Aug 2010 20:23:32 +0100 3886960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3886959&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F5%2F618%3Frss%3D1 This study examines completion of advance directives, highlighting ethnic differences between Korean and non-Hispanic White older adults in relation to health beliefs and knowledge. In this study, 217 community-dwelling older adults (112 Korean Americans and 105 non-Hispanic Whites) were interviewed using structured questionnaires. As compared to only 5.4% (n = 6) of Korean American older adults, more than half of non-Hispanic White older adults (59.2%, n = 61) had completed advance directives. Health beliefs, but not knowledge, significantly mediated the relationship between ethnicity and completion of advance directives; Korean Americans had lower levels of health beliefs toward advance care planning than non-Hispanic Whites, and this in turn led to relatively lower rates of completing a... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3886959 Fri, 20 Aug 2010 20:23:32 +0100 3886959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3886958&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F5%2F595%3Frss%3D1 When risk factors are examined concurrently, they tend to show mixed results in predicting mortality among the old-old. The purpose of this study was to compare a set of physical predictors with a set of mental predictors, all considered as most common and predictive in the literature, to assess their relative dominance in predicting mortality at old-old age. Based on Baltes’s incomplete architecture model and the disablement process, the authors postulated that physical predictors of mortality would diminish the impact of mental predictors of mortality. The database used for this study was the multidimensional survey of the Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Aging Study conducted from 1989 to 1992 with a follow-up of mortality after 10 years. Participants (N = 1,369) were drawn from a... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3886958 Fri, 20 Aug 2010 20:23:32 +0100 3886958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3886957&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F5%2F567%3Frss%3D1 This study examines the relative importance of demographic, resource, and assimilation statuses in explaining the living arrangements of foreign- and native-born Asian and Hispanic elders from 11 origins in 2000 and accounting for why these groups have higher levels of extended living than native-born Whites. Drawing on the 2000 Public Use Microdata 5% Sample (PUMS) files and using logistic regression, the findings show that demographic characteristics are the major determinants of elderly extended living, followed by resource availability, assimilation, and group origin. Assimilation, on the other hand, is the major determinant of group differences between native White and Asian and Hispanic elders. While findings provide support for assimilation theory, the persistence of differentials a... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3886957 Fri, 20 Aug 2010 20:23:32 +0100 3886957 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3593410&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F4%2F527%3Frss%3D1 Nearly 50 years after Butler’s seminal 1963 contribution, the field of reminiscence and life review is entering a more mature stage. Isolated examples of increasingly sophisticated studies have recently emerged that can serve as a sound, cumulative data base. However, the field lacks an overarching conceptual model describing emerging trends, neglected domains, and key linkages among component parts. In the present article, the authors selectively, yet critically, review prior limitations and promising developments and then describe a comprehensive, multifaceted conceptual model that can guide future research and practice. The authors initially situate their model within a particular theoretical orientation (i.e., life-span psychology). They then describe a heuristic model that ident... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3593410 Mon, 24 May 2010 22:33:04 +0100 3593410 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3593409&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F4%2F499%3Frss%3D1 The authors explored whether gender moderated the influence of other factors on solo spousal caregiving. The subsample (n = 452) from the Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old study included elderly care recipients (CRs) receiving assistance with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and their spouses. Logistic regression was used to model the likelihood of solo spousal IADL care. Gender moderation was tested by product terms between CRs’ gender and measures of partners’ health, potential helpers, and sociodemographic characteristics. As numbers of CRs’ IADLs and couples’ proximate daughters increased, wives less often received care solely from their husbands, but husbands’ receipt of care from their wives was unaffected. Age differences bet... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3593409 Mon, 24 May 2010 22:33:04 +0100 3593409 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3593408&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F4%2F467%3Frss%3D1 This study presents an integrative model of early retirement using data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study. The model extends prior work by incorporating work—family conflict to capture the interaction between the work and family domains and by assuming proximal and distal predictors of early retirement. More precisely, the model suggests that family and job demands and resources predict family-to-work and work-to-family conflict, respectively. All of these factors are presumed to have only indirect effects on retirement timing via the intervening effect of quality-of-life measures, that is, marital satisfaction, job satisfaction, and health. The authors assume that these three factors constitute predictors of early retirement in addition to socioeconomic status and the availabili... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3593408 Mon, 24 May 2010 22:33:04 +0100 3593408 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3593407&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F4%2F419%3Frss%3D1 In this article, the authors evaluate relationships between midlife work experiences and the realization of preferences for full-time employment, part-time employment, and complete retirement at age 63-64. Using rich data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, the authors demonstrate that the likelihood of achieving one’s preferred employment status is related to earlier work experiences including employment stability in midlife and self-employment, part-time employment, and private pension coverage across the life course. Despite large gender differences in work experiences across the life course, relationships between earlier work experiences and the likelihood of realizing later-life employment preferences are similar for men and women. The authors also find that these relationshi... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3593407 Mon, 24 May 2010 22:33:04 +0100 3593407 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3488392&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F3%2F372%3Frss%3D1 In a review of 58 articles published between 1984 and 2008, this article synthesizes the recent state of social research on older lesbian, gay male, and bisexual adults in order to summarize existing knowledge about these groups, to guide future research on aging, and to identify the substantive issues affecting their lives. Based on a life-course perspective, the primary research domains identified include the interplay of lives and historical times and linked and interdependent lives. After reviewing the literature in each of these areas, the article presents an examination of the strengths and limitations of the body of knowledge and an outline of a blueprint for future research. (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3488392 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:41:31 +0100 3488392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3488391&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F3%2F349%3Frss%3D1 The authors systematically explore relationships between generalized resistance resources (GRRs), the sense of coherence (SOC), and the healthease/dis-ease (HE-DE) continuum. A sample of 170 active older adults at the mean age of 67 years filled out a comprehensive questionnaire. The results indicate that 11 GRRs significantly predicted SOC (56% of variance accounted for) and that GRRs significantly predicted the HE-DE continuum (38%). Holding GRRs constant, SOC significantly accounted for 3% additional variance in health. Finally, SOC mediated GRRs’ effects on health. SOC proved to be a complete mediator for autonomy/identity resource gains, social external health locus of control, self-efficacy, and self-esteem, and a partial mediator for activity level and social support. The find... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3488391 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:41:31 +0100 3488391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3488390&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F3%2F323%3Frss%3D1 The authors investigated types and patterns of elder abuse by paid caregivers in long-term care and assessed the role of several risk factors for different abuses and for multiple abuse types. The results are based on a 2005 random-digit-dial survey of relatives of persons in long-term care. We computed occurrence rates and conditional occurrence rates for each of six abuse types: physical, caretaking, verbal, emotional, neglect, and material. Among older adults who have experienced at least one type of abuse, more than half (51.4%) have experienced another type of abuse. Physical functioning problems, activities of daily living limitations, and behavioral problems are significant risk factors for at least three types of abuse and are significant for multiple abuse types. The findings have... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3488390 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:41:31 +0100 3488390 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3488389&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F3%2F304%3Frss%3D1 This study evaluates population group differences in the cognitive functioning of Israelis 50 years and older. Groups were defined based on year of arrival and preferred language (e.g., veteran Israeli Jews, who arrived in Israel more than two decades ago; new immigrants from the former Soviet Union; and Israeli Arabs). Conducting a cross-sectional analysis of the first wave of SHARE-Israel (the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe), the authors found that relative to veteran Israeli Jews, new immigrants from the former Soviet Union were significantly more likely to rate their reading ability as impaired. In addition, there was a significant interaction between population group and education on the arithmetic task. Whereas both veteran Israeli Jews and Israeli Arabs were less l... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3488389 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:41:31 +0100 3488389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3488388&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F3%2F267%3Frss%3D1 This study examines gender differences in postretirement employment, using the first eight waves of Health and Retirement Study data. Gender is shown to be an important factor in understanding transitions into postretirement employment. Forty-seven percent of retirees (n = 3,590) experienced postretirement employment, with 43% of retired women making the transition, compared with 50% of retired men. Marital status, earnings, and household wealth were significant only when gender interaction terms were introduced due to countervailing effects by gender. For women, being married and having high household wealth were negatively associated, and higher earnings positively associated, with labor force reentry; for men, wealth and earnings had the opposite effect. Hazard models show that divorced... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3488388 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:41:31 +0100 3488388 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3241343&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F2%2F244%3Frss%3D1 This article contributes to the literature by outlining a community-based participatory research project that centered on the design and administration of a questionnaire exploring older people’s use and perceptions of community services. The authors discuss both older adults’ and the researchers’ views of the participatory process. The key lessons and challenges that emerged from the research are analyzed using the nine principles of community-based participatory research outlined by Israel et al. The authors question whether older people in all instances seek extensive involvement in all aspects of participatory projects and raise a number of questions that require further analysis before a robust and viable understanding of participatory research that safeguards agains... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3241343 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:27:32 +0100 3241343 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3241342&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F2%2F224%3Frss%3D1 The aim of this study was to examine the association of religiosity and spirituality with fear of death and death acceptance attitudes in chronically ill older adults. In-home interviews were conducted with 257 community-dwelling elders with chronic illness identified through an administrative database of ambulatory care clinics from an academic health center in Kansas City and through primary care practices participating in a practice-based research network in North Carolina. Hierarchical regression models were constructed for predictor variables and the outcomes of fear of death and approach acceptance of death attitudes. Self-efficacy beliefs (b = —.097, p < .001), anxiety (b = .026, p < .01), and physical functioning (b = .015, p < .01) were significantly associated with... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3241342 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:27:32 +0100 3241342 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3241341&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F2%2F200%3Frss%3D1 This study examined the effects of filial piety on the appraisal of caregiving burden by Chinese-Canadian family caregivers. A quantitative telephone survey was used as the research design for this study. A total of 339 randomly selected Canadian-Chinese family caregivers of elderly were interviewed by telephone. A hypothesized model denoting both the direct and indirect effects of filial piety on caregiving burden was tested using structural equation modeling. While stressors and appraisal factors reported direct predicting effects on caregiving burden, filial piety indirectly affected caregiving burden by altering appraisals of the caregiver role. Filial piety served as a protective function to reduce the negative effects of stressors and to enhance the positive effect of appraisal facto... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3241341 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:27:32 +0100 3241341 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3241340&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F2%2F175%3Frss%3D1 Using caregiver identity theory, the authors investigated whether role discrepancies mediated the relationships between illness-related stressors (activities of daily living [ADLs] limitations and problem behaviors) and burden (stress, relationship, and objective burden) for spouse caregivers. Participants completed measures of identity standards for spouse and caregiver roles and behaviors, burden, assistance with ADLs, and problem behaviors. Structural equation modeling analyses revealed that role discrepancies completely mediated the relationships between ADLs and stress and relationship burden. Although role discrepancies mediated the relationships between problem behaviors and all forms of burden, there were direct relationships between problem behaviors and burden. Finally, participa... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3241340 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:27:32 +0100 3241340 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3241339&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F2%2F155%3Frss%3D1 This study uses qualitative and quantitative methods to provide insights into the multiple impacts of the HIV/AIDS pandemic on the lives of older men and women. The results show that some older men and women feel at risk of HIV infection because of their caregiving activities. Almost 17% of respondents report that they have ever cared for someone with HIV/AIDS, with the percentage somewhat higher in rural areas. The study found that the impact of HIV/AIDS is substantial and is compounded greatly by gender dynamics in the household. (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3241339 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:27:32 +0100 3241339 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3020410&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F1%2F122%3Frss%3D1 Accounts of community reactions to persons with HIV/AIDS and their families typically focus only on negative reactions stemming from stigmatization, with little acknowledgement of variation over time and across settings. To usefully guide local interventions, a broader view is needed that also encompasses attitudes and actions stemming from sympathy and friendship. The authors examined community reactions in Cambodia to families from the perspectives of parents of adults who died of AIDS or currently receive antiretroviral therapy. Survey evidence and open-ended interviews revealed a mixture of reactions with respect to social relations, interactions with local officials, gossip, business patronage, funeral participation, and orphaned grandchildren. Positive support was often dominant, and... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3020410 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:19:22 +0100 3020410 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3020409&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F1%2F97%3Frss%3D1 This study uses panel data from Cape Town to document the role played by aging parents in caring for grandchildren who lose parents due to illnesses such as AIDS. The authors quantify the probabilities that older adults and their adult children provide financial support to orphaned grandchildren. The authors find significant transfers of public and private funds to older adults caring for orphans. Perhaps because of these transfers the authors find no differences in expenditure patterns between households with orphans and other older adult households. They also find no impact of either the death of a child or taking in orphaned grandchildren on adult well-being as measured by ability to work, depression, or self-reported health. Findings suggest that the combined public and private safety ... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3020409 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:19:22 +0100 3020409 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3020408&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F1%2F67%3Frss%3D1 This article seeks to investigate the association between caregiving to someone with an HIV-related illness and the socioeconomic status of the caregiver using a population-based survey of 1,587 older people living in Nairobi slums. Findings indicate significant differences in living arrangements, wealth, income, and expenditure between HIV caregivers and noncaregivers. HIV caregivers lived in larger households and were also more likely to live in households with a large number of children younger than the age of 15 years. Whereas a high proportion of HIV caregivers were ranked highly in terms of wealth status, differences in per capita income and expenditure were not significant when household size and other confounders were accounted for. The financial costs associated with caring for so... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3020408 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:19:22 +0100 3020408 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3020407&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F1%2F40%3Frss%3D1 As the HIV/AIDS pandemic progresses in Africa, elders are increasingly responsible for the care of orphans. Several reports suggest that elderly Africans do not have the resources to provide care and are at risk of poor health, but few studies have systematically measured health of caregivers. The Kenyan Grandparents Study is a longitudinal study designed to compare elder Luo caregivers to noncaregiving peers. Several measures of health were collected, including body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, glucose, and hemoglobin. In addition, self-perceived health and mental health were measured using the MOS Short-Form 36 (SF-36). It was hypothesized that caregivers would have poorer health than noncaregivers and that the difference in health would widen over the three waves of the study. Care... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3020407 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:19:22 +0100 3020407 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3020406&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F32%2F1%2F19%3Frss%3D1 This study examines the extent that family members, especially parents, assist adherence in Thailand. Results indicate that most adult ART patients live with family members and more than half live with or in the same locality as a parent. Family members, including parents, commonly remind ART patients to take medications, especially if coresident. Moreover, parents often remind patients to get resupplies and sometimes accompany them to appointments. Clearly close family members, including parents, should be explicitly incorporated into adherence augmentation programs and provided adequate information to facilitate their role as long-term adherence partners, not only in Thailand but wherever ART recipients are closely linked to family members through living and caregiving arrangements. (Sou... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3020406 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:19:22 +0100 3020406 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3020405&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F32%2F1%2F3%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3020405 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:19:22 +0100 3020405 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2848532&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F31%2F6%2F710%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2848532 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2848532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2848531&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F6%2F688%3Frss%3D1 Prior research finds a race anomaly in subjective life expectancy such that Blacks expect to live longer than Whites even though their actual life expectancy is lower, but it does not include other racial-ethnic groups. Using data from the 1998 Health and Retirement Study (n = 8,077), the authors find that the race anomaly in subjective survival expectations can be extended to Mexican Americans: Mexican Americans, regardless of their nativity, expect a lower chance of living to ages 75 and 85 than do Whites net of age and gender even though their actual life expectancy is higher. In addition, foreign-born Mexican Americans expect a lower chance of survival to older ages than native-born Mexican Americans, which is also opposite of actual mortality patterns.We also find that education and w... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2848531 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2848531 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2848530&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F6%2F661%3Frss%3D1 Stress and psychosocial resources play a crucial role in late-life depression. While most studies focus on predominantly those who are young-old, this study used a sample aged 85 and older.The authors’ study aims to examine three research questions: (1) What are the trajectories of depression and its associated factors such as types of stress and psychosocial resources among the oldest-old? (2) What are the longitudinal relationships among the changes in stress, psychosocial resources, and depressive symptoms? (3) Are the effects of the changes in stress on depression trajectory mediated by changes in psychosocial resources? The study used a convenience sample of 193 community-dwelling elders aged 85 and older with four interviews every six months from 1986 to 1988. Using multilevel ... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2848530 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2848530 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2848529&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F6%2F638%3Frss%3D1 The authors used the Andersen model to compare older adults’ help seeking from clergy to help seeking from other sources of formal mental health services. Data were from the Naturally Occurring Retirement Community Demonstration Project. Multinomial logistic regression was used to compare sources from which help was sought.The results indicate that older adults sought help from clergy more frequently than from other formal sources. Increased stress levels, higher intrinsic religiosity, and being younger were related to seeking help from clergy. Greater stress and attendance at religious services were related to help seeking from other sources. Only greater frequency of attending religious services was associated with a greater likelihood of seeking help from clergy versus other forma... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2848529 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2848529 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2848528&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F6%2F611%3Frss%3D1 The aim of this study was to contrast the likelihood that a husband’s elderly mother receives financial assistance from a couple with that of a wife’s mother. Prior U.S.-based research has documented a strong bias toward transfers to wives’ parents.The authors aimed to extend this literature to Mexico, where financial help from adult children is a critical source of support for a rapidly aging population lacking institutional assistance. The authors’ approach to modeling competition between mothers accounted for the nature of their need.The results demonstrate that among mothers of similar financial need, a husband’s mother is twice as likely to receive financial assistance as a wife’s mother. In contrast, when faced with personal care needs, a wife&rsqu... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2848528 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2848528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2635799&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F5%2F577%3Frss%3D1 In this study, the authors use a restricted-use file of the Marital History Module of the U.S. Census Bureau's Survey of Income and Program Participation to investigate changes in the marital histories of women aged 40 to 69 years between 1990 and 2004, with a focus on outcomes relevant for Social Security spouse and widow benefit eligibility. Multinomial and binary logistic regression analyses show significant changes in women's marital patterns since 1990, with more substantial shifts occurring among recent cohorts. Due to downward trends in marriage, the authors find a modest decline in Social Security spouse and widow benefit eligibility in 2004, particularly among Black women born toward the end of the baby boom generation. (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2635799 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2635799 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2635798&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F5%2F549%3Frss%3D1 Are today's retirees following in the footsteps of their older peers with respect to gradual retirement? Recent evidence from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) suggests that most older Americans with full-time career jobs late in life moved to other jobs prior to complete labor force withdrawal. The authors explored the retirement patterns of two cohorts of individuals from the HRS. One group (the war babies) was born between 1942 and 1947 and therefore aged 59 to 64 years at the time of their fifth biennial HRS interviews in 2006. The others (the original HRS respondents) were aged 59 to 64 in 2000 and therefore 6 years older. The war babies have followed the gradual-retirement trends of their predecessors. Traditional one-step retirement appears to be fading as the effects of changes... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2635798 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2635798 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2635797&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F5%2F520%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions imply that policy interventions to reverse patterns of early retirement need to consider country-level economic and demographic characteristics and their interaction, along with policies that would change financial incentives facing individuals. (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2635797 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2635797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2635796&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F5%2F495%3Frss%3D1 The authors examined whether the effect of parental death on adults siblings' relationship quality varies on the basis of the presence and perceived effectiveness of a deceased parent's formal preparations for end-of-life care. The authors used data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study and focused on the relationship quality of a bereaved adult child and his or her randomly selected sibling. Parental death was associated with a decrease in sibling closeness. The parent's use of advance directives (living will and durable power of attorney for health care) did not have uniformly positive effects on adult siblings' relationship quality. Sibling relationships suffered when the living will was believed to "cause problems," but relationships improved when the deceased parent named someone othe... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2635796 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2635796 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2449623&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F4%2F463%3Frss%3D1 When terminally ill patients become mentally incapacitated, their surrogates often make treatment decisions in collaboration with health care providers. The authors examined how surrogates' errors in reporting their spouses' preferences are affected by their gender, status as durable power of attorney for health care (DPAHC), whether they and their spouses discussed end-of-life preferences, and their spouses' health status. Structural equation models were applied to data from married couples in their mid-60s from the 2004 wave of the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study. Surrogates reported their spouses' preferences incorrectly 13% and 26% of the time in end-of-life scenarios involving cognitive impairment and physical pain, respectively. Surrogates projected their own preferences onto their spou... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2449623 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2449623 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2449622&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F4%2F440%3Frss%3D1 The authors used data from the older African American subsample of the National Survey of American Life (n = 837) to examine the sociodemographic and denominational correlates of organizational religious involvement among older African Americans. Six measures of organizational religious participation were used, including two measures of time allocation for organized religious pursuits. Significant gender, regional, marital status, and denominational differences in organizational religiosity were found. Of particular note, although older Black women generally displayed higher levels of religious participation, older Black men spent more hours per week in other activities at their places of worship. The findings are discussed in relation to prior work in the area of religious involvement amo... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2449622 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2449622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2449621&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F4%2F413%3Frss%3D1 The authors examined relationships between the wealth of older adults and their early-life decisions regarding investment in human capital, family formation, and work activities in Mexico, using the 2001 Mexican Health and Aging Study. The authors examined correlates of accumulated financial wealth by gender and across three age cohorts: 50 to 59, 60 to 69, and 70 years or older. The authors outline the changing context these cohorts experienced during their lifetimes; describe patterns of net financial worth by main covariates across groups defined by age, sex, and marital status; and present the results of multivariate models of net worth. Simulations were conducted to illustrate patterns of net worth associated with alternative scenarios depicting differing representative combinations o... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2449621 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2449621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2449620&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F4%2F391%3Frss%3D1 In conclusion, a gradient was observed such that active duty on the home front, followed by overseas duty, service in the Pacific, and combat exposure, markedly increased the risk for relatively early mortality. Potential linking mechanisms include heavy drinking. (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2449620 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2449620 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2288612&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F3%2F361%3Frss%3D1 In this study, the authors focused on older adults in Beijing with three objectives: to examine gender differences in functional health and mortality at the end of a five-year study period, controlling for initial functional health; to determine the extent to which these differences were a function of exposure versus vulnerability to risk factors; and to analyze the relative importance of social, economic, and psychological risk factors in explaining gender differences. The results show that women were more likely to survive and to be functionally dependent at follow-up compared with men among those functionally independent at baseline. No significant differences among those who were initially dependent were apparent. Differential vulnerability to risk factors, more so than exposure, expla... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2288612 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2288612 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2288611&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F3%2F345%3Frss%3D1 In this study, the authors applied the multifactorial model of geriatric health to investigate whether late-career involuntary job loss was associated with subsequent physical disability and whether the effect of involuntary job loss on physical disability varied by predisposition. Using data from the first four waves (1992 to 1998) of the Health and Retirement Survey, the authors measured predisposition with individual risk factors for functional disability and indices of aggregate risk. The results of gender-specific models fit with generalized estimating equations revealed that unmarried women and those with low predisplacement incomes had heightened risk for subsequent functional disability. No differential effects of job loss were found for men. (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2288611 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2288611 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2288610&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F3%2F318%3Frss%3D1 The authors examined same- and cross-gender friendship norms in a sample of 135 adults (average age 73 years). Participants evaluated a friend's behavior, quantitatively and qualitatively, in vignettes in which the friend's gender was experimentally manipulated. Gender often significantly, though modestly, influenced normative evaluations. Women frequently had higher expectations of friends than men and placed a greater emphasis on intimacy. Women were more disapproving of violations of friendship rules, such as betraying a confidence, paying a surprise visit, and failing to stand up for a friend in public. However, both men and women were less approving of a man than a woman who greets another friend with a kiss or who requests to stay overnight. Respondents' open-ended comments reflected... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2288610 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2288610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2288609&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F3%2F295%3Frss%3D1 Cross-sectional and retrospective research has identified a reliable relationship between preretirement planning and later-life well-being. Although it seems intuitive that retirement planning leads to more positive retirement outcomes, limited longitudinal analysis has confirmed the directionality of this relationship or clarified its complexities. The Health and Retirement Study, a prospective survey of American workers and retirees from 1992 to the present, can help illuminate this relationship. Data signifying the preretirement activities of employed individuals from the 1992 wave were compared with their postretirement ratings of retirement satisfaction and subjective physical and emotional health in 2004. An ordinal regression analysis indicated that those who had discussed retiremen... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2288609 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2288609 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2155006&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F2%2F261%3Frss%3D1 Descriptive data from the Current Population Survey (CPS) suggest that men aged 65 to 69 years were about 6 percentage points less likely to be retired in 2004 than in 1992, and data from the CPS and the Health and Retirement Study suggest a corresponding difference of 3 percentage points between 1998 and 2004. Changes in Social Security rules that were phased in between 1992 and 2004 increase full-time work by those aged 65 to 67 by a bit less than 2 percentage points, raising full-time work by those aged 65 to 67 by about 9%. Altogether, the changes in Social Security benefits increase labor force participation by those aged 65 to 67 by between 1.4 and 2.2 percentage points, or 2% to 4%, depending on age. About one sixth of the increase in labor force participation between 1998 and 2004 ... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2155006 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2155006 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2155005&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F2%2F233%3Frss%3D1 The authors examined changes in the ages at which people claim Social Security retirement benefits in response to the 1983 Social Security reforms, which gradually increase the full retirement age (FRA). Data came from the 1% sample of Social Security administrative data that contains longitudinal earnings and benefit claim information. The results show that the response to the gradual increase in the FRA has occurred not only among those who are close to the FRA but also among those who are close to the early retirement age. An increase in the full retirement age of 12 months is estimated to decrease the probability of claiming benefits at age 62 by about eight percentage points. (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2155005 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2155005 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2155004&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F2%2F207%3Frss%3D1 Given the aging of the U.S. population and the greater contributions of older workers to the labor force, understanding how policy levers can affect elderly labor supply has become increasingly important. The authors use data from the Health and Retirement Study linked to state identifiers to estimate the responsiveness of the labor supply of older workers to the wage and features of the tax code, both on the probability of participating in the labor market and on hours of work for those who choose to work. The authors find that a 10% increase in the wage is associated with a 5% increase in participation, and they estimate slightly larger responses to marginal tax rates. These results suggest that government policies could increase the labor supply of older individuals by changing the retu... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2155004 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2155004 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2155003&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F2%2F180%3Frss%3D1 The authors investigated ways in which the relationship between health and labor force exit at older ages is moderated by family characteristics. Using two waves of data from a national sample of older Japanese men collected in 1999 and 2002, the authors estimated logistic regression models for labor force exit beyond age 63 as a function of health change, family characteristics, and their interactions. Poor health was strongly associated with labor force exit and evidence showed that moderating influences of family context depend on the level of health. However, the results were only partially consistent with hypotheses that the relationship between health and the likelihood of labor force exit should be stronger for (1) those with good health and family incentives to exit the labor force... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2155003 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2155003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2155002&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F2%2F153%3Frss%3D1 Using data from the first seven waves of the Health and Retirement Study (1992 to 2004), the authors examined the extent to which joint retirement expectations were realized, the role of couple-level agreement in facilitating joint retirement, whether husbands' or wives' expectations were more likely to be realized in cases of disagreement, and factors associated with the realization of expectations. The results indicate that couples expecting joint retirement were over three times more likely to retire jointly than couples in which neither spouse expected to do so. However, the probability of joint retirement did not differ between couples in which both spouses expected to retire jointly and those in which only one spouse expected to do so. Wives' and husbands' expectations were equally s... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2155002 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2155002 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2155001&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F31%2F2%2F139%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2155001 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2155001 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2009324&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F1%2F112%3Frss%3D1 The aim of this study was to explore the factors that affect an individual's happiness while transitioning into retirement. Recent studies have found that workers often view the idea of gradual retirement as a more attractive alternative than a "cold turkey" or abrupt retirement. However, there is very little evidence as to whether phasing or cold turkey makes for a happier retirement. Using longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study, the authors explored what shapes the change in happiness between the last wave of full employment and the first wave of full retirement. The results suggest that what matters is not the type of transition (gradual retirement or cold turkey) but whether people perceive the transition as chosen or forced. (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2009324 Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2009324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2009323&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F1%2F89%3Frss%3D1 Labor-market transitions toward the latter parts of workers' careers can be complex, with movement between jobs and classes of work and in and out of retirement. The authors analyzed factors associated with the labor-market transitions of older workers to self-employment from unemployment or disability, retirement, or wage and salary work using rich panel data from seven waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). They found evidence that (prior) job characteristics and liquidity constraints are important predictors of movements to self-employment for workers and nonworkers, while risk aversion is a significant predictor only for workers. (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2009323 Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2009323 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2009322&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F1%2F69%3Frss%3D1 The decision to remain in the workforce or fully retire is typically made between the ages of 55 and 64 and is predicated on many factors, including the availability of suitable jobs. The authors explored the extent to which members of this age group are being hired by different industries and developed a model isolating what types of factors best determine relative hiring rates: those specific to an industry, a labor market, the older worker age group, or some combination thereof. The authors estimate a low rate of new hiring for older workers aged 55 to 64 years, with low turnover and net outflows but substantial variability among industries. The findings additionally suggest that current national industry job growth and pay differentials among older new hires, existing older workers, an... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2009322 Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2009322 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2009321&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F1%2F41%3Frss%3D1 The author reviews evidence on age discrimination in U.S. labor markets and on the effects of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) in combating this discrimination, focusing on the challenge of population aging facing the U.S. economy in coming decades. Combating age discrimination is likely to help in meeting this challenge by encouraging the employment of older individuals. But the author also explores how the rapid aging of the population protected by the ADEA might inhibit the ADEA's effectiveness and raises questions about possible changes in age discrimination policies and enforcement that could enhance the ability of the ADEA to mitigate some of the adverse consequences of population aging. (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2009321 Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2009321 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2009320&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F31%2F1%2F17%3Frss%3D1 This article provides detailed estimates of earnings losses of older workers (aged 40 years and older) who experience mass layoffs relative to a continuously employed comparison group. The analysis made use of information from the unemployment insurance system for the state of Connecticut. These administrative records contain payroll information for virtually all workers in the state and, relative to previous research on the basis of survey data, contain many more instances of workers displaced because of mass layoffs. These data provided the basis for detailed, disaggregated estimates by age, gender, and industry of employment. The estimates indicated that earnings losses associated with displacement rose sharply with age and were larger for those subsequently reemployed in different indu... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2009320 Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2009320 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2009319&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F31%2F1%2F3%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2009319 Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2009319 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1858236&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F30%2F6%2F768%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1858236 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1858236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1858235&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F6%2F752%3Frss%3D1 This study examined the relationship between elders' cognitive performance and self-reported trouble falling asleep. Analyses were conducted on 174 older independently living, community dwelling African Americans (M age = 72.74; range = 65 to 90). Cognitive performance was measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination, Forward Digit Span task, Backward Digit Span task, Alpha Span task, and California Verbal Learning Test. Results suggested that individuals who reported trouble falling asleep tended to perform significantly worse than individuals who did not report trouble falling asleep on measures tapping short-term memory and working memory after controlling for age, education, gender, depression, and current health. These results demonstrate that a self-report of sleep difficulty may... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1858235 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1858235 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1858234&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F6%2F722%3Frss%3D1 Growing evidence points to relationships between patterns of childbearing and health outcomes for mothers; yet a need remains to clarify these relationships over the long term and to understand the underlying mechanisms. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Mature Women (N = 1,608), the author found that the long-term consequences of childbearing vary by health outcome. Early childbearing is associated with higher risk of activities of daily living limitations at ages 65 to 83, though effects appear stronger among White than Black mothers until socioeconomic status (SES) is controlled. Early childbearing is also associated with greater levels of depressive symptomatology, though this association is mediated by SES and health. Late childbearing is associated with more depress... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1858234 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1858234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1858233&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F6%2F701%3Frss%3D1 Job displacement is widely considered a negative life event associated with subsequent economic decline and depression, as established by numerous prior studies. However, little is known about whether the form of job displacement (i.e., layoffs vs. plant closings) differentially affects depression. The authors assessed the effects of different ways in which workers are displaced on subsequent depression among U.S. men and women nearing retirement. They hypothesized that layoffs would be associated with larger effects on depression than plant closings, particularly among men. The findings generally support these hypotheses. The authors found that men had significant increases in depression as a result of layoffs, but not as a result of plant closings, whereas the reverse was true among wome... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1858233 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1858233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1858232&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F6%2F672%3Frss%3D1 The authors model the relationships between socioeconomic status (SES), working conditions, and changes between ages 54 and 65 in three very different health outcomes. To what extent is SES associated with changes in health net of the working conditions? At the same time, to what extent are working conditions associated with health net of SES? To address these questions the authors use unique data from a single cohort of women and men to model changes in health between ages 54 and 65. Although results vary across outcomes, there are some circumstances in which associations between SES and changes in health are attributable to working conditions, and there are other circumstances in which associations between working conditions and changes in health are attributable to SES. The largely disc... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1858232 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1858232 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1858231&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F6%2F649%3Frss%3D1 Studies have provided contradictory findings about the influence of race and ethnicity on mental health. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (1979 to 1992), this study examines the extent to which multiple dimensions of past and present socioeconomic status explain the influence of race and ethnicity on depression in young adulthood. Results indicate that Blacks and Hispanics have significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms than Whites, which supports social stress theory. These racial and ethnic differences are partially explained by family background and wealth, and substantially explained by the duration of poverty across 13 years of the transition to adulthood. Moreover, the robust depressive effect of past poverty duration is independent of present socioec... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1858231 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1858231 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1858230&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F6%2F623%3Frss%3D1 An analysis of declines in health and the onset of disability and their links to marital quality using longitudinal data revealed that decreases in health were associated with declines in marital quality but that the onset of disability was linked to enhanced marital quality. Self-reports of declines in health had modest effects on marital quality, whereas reports that individuals' spouses experienced declines in health were related to more extensive damage to marital quality. This was especially true when wives were reporting health declines in their husbands. Husbands' reports of wives' disability were linked to increases in marital quality. When reporting on husbands' disabilities, wives did not report increases in marital quality. As hypothesized, stage in the life course did moderate ... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1858230 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1858230 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1737048&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F5%2F592%3Frss%3D1 The objective of this study was to determine the effects of neighborhood and individual change on the personal outcomes of recent movers to Canadian government-subsidized senior citizen apartment buildings (SCAs). The authors' sample included 137 recent movers to 25 SCA projects in Winnipeg, Manitoba, who participated in a longitudinal survey. The analysis involved testing four logistic and ordinary least squares regression models, with personal state outcomes of the moves (self-rated health, morale, depression, self-esteem) treated as dependent variables. Although the overall performance of the models was moderate, the entry of a block of independent change variables into the regression equations consistently registered statistically significant increases in their explanatory power . Sign... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1737048 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1737048 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1737047&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F5%2F572%3Frss%3D1 This study examined the transitions of disability over 5 years among older adults and the influences of health behaviors on these transitions. Data was obtained from the community cohort of the National Long-Term Care Survey in 1994 (n = 5,089) and their follow-up data in 1999. Generalized logit regressions revealed that obesity increased the risk of disability. Light drinking decreased the risk of disability. Among disabled individuals, the risk of status decline was higher for those underweight or physically inactive, and those taking vitamin and/or mineral supplements regularly or working on a hobby were less likely to further decline in the disability statuses. In an older population, having more contacts with friends, having regular social activities, and having a body mass index ≥... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1737047 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1737047 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1737046&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F5%2F543%3Frss%3D1 The authors examined changing attitudes about filial piety, or xiao, using data from intensive interviews with 20 elderly residents, 14 family members, and 9 staff members in Nanjing, China. The findings reveal that respondents interpreted the notion of xiao in terms of their own social worlds and on the basis of their own social locations and contexts. The increasing unavailability of adult children, various benefits of institutional care, and children's financial assistance for older parents are major explanations for xiao behaviors, even when elders are placed in institutions. The high cost of professional care in institutions is contributing to a shift in attitudes about institutional elder care from stigma to privilege. The authors argue that China can expect an increasing need and de... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1737046 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1737046 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1737045&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F5%2F507%3Frss%3D1 In the midst of governmental budget battles in the late 20th century, many countries' public pension programs faced challenges. In some countries, private provision grew in importance, but shifts from public to private retirement income did not automatically occur. The author examined retirement income programs in Belgium, Canada, Denmark, and New Zealand from 1980 to 1995 to evaluate the components of pension programs, both public and private, that were or were not protected from cutbacks. The author explores ways in which the public sector cooperates with the nonpublic sectors to form retirement income policy in these four countries. He then evaluates the explanatory frameworks scholars use to study social policy change by examining parts of pension programs that were maintained and thos... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1737045 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1737045 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1495508&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F4%2F488%3Frss%3D1 Responding to the need for research on the mental health of minority elders, the present study explored determinants of depressive symptoms using a statewide sample of African Americans, Cubans, non-Cuban Hispanics, and Whites from the Survey of Older Floridians. The investigators focused on direct and interactive effects of demographic variables and stressful life conditions (chronic health conditions, functional disability, and negative life events) on depressive symptoms. A hierarchical regression model showed that lower income, more chronic health conditions, greater disability, and more life events were common risk factors for depressive symptoms across all groups. The impacts of age and education were found to be group specific. Significant interactions were also obtained among predi... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1495508 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1495508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1495507&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F4%2F474%3Frss%3D1 The authors reflect on the use of marital status to study the living arrangements of elderly people (aged 60 years and older) in a comparative perspective. Traditionally, relevant studies have differentiated by marital status and assumed that married people lived together and that unmarried people did not live with partners. However, marital status is a social construct, whereas union status is the residential one, and although marriage is universal, it is different in different places and at different times. Using fairly recent census data from nine countries around the world, the authors examined how well marital status helps indicate union status. They found reason to believe that marital status has been a good indicator of union status in some places at certain times but that it is not... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1495507 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1495507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1495506&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F4%2F450%3Frss%3D1 Consensus is growing that long-term care delivery, regulation, and financing are no longer viable, a concern that will grow more salient as the population ages. To better understand these prevailing challenges, the authors interviewed experts regarding the current state of long-term care in the United States, the attributes of an ideal long-term care system, and potential areas for reform. The findings highlight the problem of maintaining an adequate workforce despite changing demographics. They also identify commonly agreed upon attributes of an ideal system—person centered, professionally rewarding, integrated, affordable, accountable, community based, and consumer directed—in addition to less commonly identified attributes—supportive, comprehensive, dignified, cultural... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1495506 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1495506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1495505&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F4%2F428%3Frss%3D1 The authors examined Black-White differences in the likelihood of completing written advance directives for end-of-life health care and engaging in informal verbal communication about advanced wishes. Data from the 1998 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were combined with data from the 2000 HRS exit interview to analyze Black and White participants' completion rates. Whites were more likely than Blacks to grant durable power of attorney for health care, to complete a written will, and to informally communicate their wishes; group differences remained after controlling for personal characteristics. Also, Blacks were less likely than Whites to engage in more than one form of end-of-life planning. The authors speculate that sociocultural differences in trust in the medical system and knowledg... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1495505 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1495505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1495504&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F4%2F395%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this study was to see whether informal social support from fellow church members sustains an older person's sense of religious meaning in life over time. Two types of church-based social support were evaluated: spiritual support and emotional support. Data from a nationwide longitudinal survey of older adults suggested that both emotional and spiritual support tend to sustain a sense of religious meaning in life, but of the two, spiritual support appeared to exert the greatest effect. The findings further revealed that older African Americans are more likely than older European Americans to derive a sense of meaning in life through religion. This race difference is largely explained by the fact that older African Americans tend to receive more church-based social support tha... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1495504 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1495504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1346558&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F30%2F3%2F390%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1346558 Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1346558 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1346557&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F3%2F358%3Frss%3D1 A life-course theoretical perspective guided this study to examine how effects on mental and physical health (depressive symptoms, hostility, global happiness, self-esteem, personal mastery, psychological wellness, self-rated physical health) of transitioning into filial caregiving for a sole surviving parent are moderated by prior relationship quality, filial obligation, race or ethnicity, education, income, employment status, marital status, and parental status. Results from models estimated using longitudinal data from 1,060 adults aged 25 to 65 years at baseline (National Survey of Families and Households, 1987 to 1994) suggested that life-course and contextual factors do contribute to patterning health risks of caregiving, often in different ways for men and women: For example, low in... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1346557 Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1346557 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1346556&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F3%2F334%3Frss%3D1 The first signs of cognitive impairment in the elderly generally elicit much concern among family members. Reactions run from denial to the active search for information. Some families manage to set up relatively well-organized networks of informal support to help both caregivers and elderly relatives. However, little is known about the processes underlying the different pathways that families follow at the onset of Alzheimer-type dementia in elderly relatives. To gain a better understanding of barriers to care early in the caregiving career, from the first signs of illness to diagnosis, the authors conducted interviews with 52 caregivers recruited at two cognition clinics. Barriers to help resources were analyzed from the viewpoint of social representations. This approach allowed the cons... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1346556 Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1346556 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1346555&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F3%2F318%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this study was to examine factors that contribute to levels of independent activity functioning among a group of elder Navajos. Data were collected from a sample of Navajo elders from Tuba City, Arizona, and a health assessment survey was administered. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the effects of social support and demographic factors on levels of independent activity functioning, such as bathing, toileting, dressing, eating, walking, and getting in and out of bed. The results indicated that assistive devices, marital status, the frequency of visits to Tuba City, and visits to the elders significantly affected independent activity functioning. Although other factors of social support were not significant, it appeared that visiting Tuba City and visits to t... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1346555 Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1346555 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1346554&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F3%2F299%3Frss%3D1 Using a sample of octogenarians from the Swiss Interdisciplinary Longitudinal Study on the Oldest Old, the authors investigated the predictive validity of an expanded working definition of frailty based on deficiencies in mobility, memory, energy, and physical or sensory capacities and analyzed the resulting health transitions. The five domains were considered as predictors of the onset of dependence in activities of daily living (ADLs) and death using logistic multilevel and Cox survival regression models. Health transitions were studied with Markov chains. Deficiencies in memory, energy, and sensory capacities contributed to the prediction of the onset of ADL dependence and death in participants free of physical pains and mobility impairments. With two domains affected, frailty in very o... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1346554 Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1346554 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1346553&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F3%2F279%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of religiousness on the trajectories of difficulties with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs (IADLs) in community-dwelling older adults over a three-year period. Seven waves of data from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging were analyzed using a hierarchical linear modeling method. The study was based on the 784 participants who completed interviews every six months between December 1999 and February 2004. Frequent religious service attendance was associated with fewer ADL difficulties and IADL difficulties at baseline. Furthermore, religious service attendance predicted slower increases for frequent churchgoers and steeper increases for less frequent churchgoers in IADL difficulties, controlling fo... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1346553 Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1346553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1226189&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F2%2F251%3Frss%3D1 Drawing on four waves of the Americans' Changing Lives Study, we examine the contributions of individual and neighborhood socioeconomic status to explain racial disparities in self-rated health trajectories over time, among Black and White older adults in the United States. Primary results of three-level growth curve analyses of self-rated health change, and multinomial logistic regression of mortality and attrition, indicate that (1) racial and socioeconomic disparities in health persist into old age, (2) Black older adults have greater declines in self-rated health over time than White older adults, and these disparities are explained by individual and neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES), (3) individual and neighborhood SES contribute to persisting self-rated health disparities at ol... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1226189 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1226189 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1226188&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F2%2F226%3Frss%3D1 Examining the Black/White disability gap among older adults, this study focuses on the role of timing in racial inequality over time. Using the Duke Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (EPESE), the author reexamines Black and White disability trajectories with attention to timing of onset. In addition, known mediators are examined for their relative impact on onset and accumulation of disability. The author finds that diverging trajectories of Black and White disability, evidence of a cumulative disadvantage argument, are fueled solely by differences in onset. A more nuanced picture of racial disparities arises when controls are included, lending support to a weathering hypothesis. Access to health care is primary in explaining the Black/White disparity. The au... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1226188 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1226188 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1226187&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F2%2F200%3Frss%3D1 In this study, the authors use longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and growth curve models to examine the utility of the concept of cumulative disadvantage as an explanation for race differences in life-course health (self-rated) in the United States. The authors ask whether socioeconomic resources equally benefit the health of Blacks and Whites, or if Whites receive higher rates of return to resources across the life course. The authors find that the relationship differs depending on the indicator of socioeconomic status that is examined. Education does not offer the same advantages for the health of Blacks as it does for Whites, particularly at higher levels of education, and this is compounded with age. In contrast, returns to income and wealth are similar for Blac... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1226187 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1226187 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1226186&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F2%2F169%3Frss%3D1 Recent studies suggest the importance of examining cumulative risk or advantage as potential predictors of health over the life course. Researchers investigating the cumulative health effects of education, however, have mainly conceptualized education in years or degrees, often disregarding educational quality and access to educational opportunities that may place individuals on divergent academic trajectories. We investigate whether educational advantages in youth are associated with an individual's health trajectory. We develop a novel index of educational advantage and employ random-intercept modeling using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. A widening health disparity was found in adulthood between respondents with greater and those with fewer educational advantages i... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1226186 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1226186 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1226185&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F2%2F137%3Frss%3D1 Despite improvements in the status of Blacks and women over the past 30 years, racial and gender disparities in mortality and morbidity persist. Using General Social Survey (GSS) data from 1974 to 2004, the authors explore the extent to which race, gender, and socioeconomic status converge to produce differences in self-assessed health. The intersectionality paradigm is used to guide this work on health disparities. The authors find that the gender gap in self-assessed health has narrowed significantly over this 30-year time period. This decreased gap is especially pronounced because of the marked improvement over time in Black women's reports of their health. However, Black women continue to report the lowest levels of self-assessed health even in 2004. In fact, Black women who hold a col... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1226185 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1226185 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1226184&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F30%2F2%2F127%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1226184 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1226184 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1120067&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F1%2F93%3Frss%3D1 The cumulative advantage hypothesis predicts that the adulthood rate of decline in health differs across levels of education in a manner that progressively enlarges the health gap across most or all of adulthood. The rising importance hypothesis predicts that the differences across levels of education in the rate of health's decline have been growing for many decades. If both are correct, then each phenomenon tends to obscure the other when comparing the health gap across age groups in a particular year or period. The trend also can make it seem that health converges across levels of education in old age when it actually diverges. A latent-growth model of U.S. data from 1995, 1998, and 2001 supported both hypotheses. It also showed a trend toward lower age-specific self-rated health at all... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1120067 Fri, 28 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100 1120067 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1120066&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F1%2F74%3Frss%3D1 This study clarifies the role of advance directives in the process of decision making in nursing homes. Physicians reported on the actual use of advance directives in a medical decision-making process related to status changes in 70 nursing home residents (mean age = 89 years). Charts were also reviewed to assess the specifics of the advance directives. Despite a high prevalence of advance directives, the directives themselves had a very limited role in affecting treatments. The physicians surveyed viewed directives related to hospitalization as the most useful, though these were not the most available directives. The attention and format given to advance directives in the nursing home may need to be reevaluated. (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1120066 Fri, 28 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100 1120066 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1120065&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F1%2F55%3Frss%3D1 This study examined patterns and predictors of change in medication use among old-old participants (aged 75 to 94 years) in a three-wave national Israeli study. The findings indicated a significant increase in the number of medications on short-term follow-up (3.6 years) and a modest, marginally significant increase in the long term (11.7 years). The number of medications was predicted by predisposing characteristics and baseline needs of physical and mental health, explaining 20% of the variance in the short- and long-term models. Women, married individuals, and those with low perceived health and low depressive symptoms tended to increase their use in the short term, whereas men, low-income individuals, and those with higher comorbidities and low difficulties in instrumental activity of ... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1120065 Fri, 28 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100 1120065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1120064&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F1%2F36%3Frss%3D1 This research investigated the relationship between individuals' present frequency of prayer and various dimensions of older adults' physical and mental health in nine European countries. Using data from the 2004 Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, the authors estimated pooled and regional multivariate logistic regression models for four dependent variables: self-perceived general health, general physical health, functional limitations, and mental health. The results showed that the frequency of prayer in the population aged 50 years and older was negatively correlated with all four health outcomes in the analysis. Moreover, only minor cross-national variations were detected in the prayer-health nexus within continental Europe. Although the cross-sectional nature of the data... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1120064 Fri, 28 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100 1120064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1120063&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F1%2F3%3Frss%3D1 This study uses hazard models to estimate the effects of family composition changes, health conditions, housing characteristics, and local policies and amenities on aging-in-place decisions by older homeowners in the 1972-1992 Panel Study of Income Dynamics. The empirical results show that increases in property taxes and utility costs, changes in family composition, and diminished physical well-being are negatively associated with aging in place. Increased home equity, greater financial resources, and stronger ties to the community are positively associated with aging in place. Taken together, these findings suggest that policies designed to reduce the user costs of homeownership or to enhance the functionality of elderly homeowners may facilitate aging in place. (Source: Research on Aging... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1120063 Fri, 28 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100 1120063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=939421&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F29%2F6%2F644%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=939421 Tue, 09 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 939421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=939420&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F6%2F626%3Frss%3D1 This study analyzes their responses to open-ended questions using qualitative methods. Findings indicate that these "oldest old" respondents reciprocate for the support they receive from family and staff via deference. Four forms of deference are identified: participation, pleasantness, cooperation, and gratitude. In addition, the psychological costs and rewards of deference are examined from the elders' perspective. (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=939420 Tue, 09 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 939420 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=939419&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F6%2F606%3Frss%3D1 Although often important to recover from acute medical problems and exacerbations of chronic illness, hospitalizations can be traumatic for nursing home residents and costly for payers. It is important that unnecessary hospitalizations are avoided wherever possible. The authors derived and validated a diagnosis-based model to estimate the clinical necessity of hospitalizing nursing home residents with common conditions using data from an expert panel survey. Model validation involved a linked minimum data set—hospitalization claims data set. The expert panel of 12 experienced geriatricians rated the necessity of hospitalization for 1,948 clinical scenarios containing diagnoses, cognitive and functional status, age, gender, and advance directives. Primary diagnoses with the highest av... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=939419 Tue, 09 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 939419 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=939418&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F6%2F590%3Frss%3D1 This study uses data from the English Longitudinal Study on Ageing to explore the extent and significance of the influence of "age," "place," and "aging in place" on the attachment to place in a large representative population of English adults aged 50 and over. It then examines the contribution of age, place, aging in place, and the attachment to place to scores on the CASP 19, a measure of well-being designed to measure some of the key sentiments and experiences of the "third age." The results indicate that age, aging in place, place, and the attachment to place interact in complex ways to affect levels of "third age" well-being. (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=939418 Tue, 09 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 939418 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=939417&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F6%2F576%3Frss%3D1 This article discusses risk for bias and ways to overcome the problem. The authors concluded that support via face-to-face interview in answering a questionnaire is valuable to obtaining valid data from very old persons. (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=939417 Tue, 09 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 939417 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=939416&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F6%2F555%3Frss%3D1 Planning for future health needs of older adults requires a better understanding of the trajectories of health and sickness with age. The authors calculated the number of sick persons over time in a "research" cohort of older adults followed for up to 14 years, and also in a synthetic birth cohort. In the research cohort, the authors calculated the actual number of persons in each health state over time, using eight different definitions of "sick." For the birth cohort, the authors estimated the number of sick persons each year after birth. The number of sick persons in the research cohort was approximately constant for 14 years, for all definitions of "sick." The number sick in the birth cohort was approximately constant from ages 55 to 80 and then declined. The relative excess of sick pe... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=939416 Tue, 09 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 939416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=939415&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F6%2F512%3Frss%3D1 The objectives of this study were to explore age variations in predictors of positive and negative self-rated health and examine whether the determinants of positive and negative self-rated health are mirror images. Longitudinal data were used from the National Population Health Survey for a nationally representative cohort of Canadians aged 25 years and older (N = 9,371) to predict positive and negative self-rated health among younger and older Canadian adults separately. Self-rated health was confirmed as a multidimensional concept. There were variations in determinants of positive and negative self-rated health for the younger and the older Canadian adults. Determinants of self-rated health include but are not limited to physical health and functioning. Self-rated health is a dynamic ev... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=939415 Tue, 09 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 939415 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=939414&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F6%2F491%3Frss%3D1 Status maintenance models have been proposed that suggest stratification of economic status over the life course (e.g., little mobility within the income distribution) and several studies have found evidence to support this, but none have looked at broader measures of well-being. Using 29 years (1968-1996) of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, hypothesis tests and logistic regression techniques are employed to test the relation between middle-age chronic hardship and adverse old-age outcomes. In many cases, individuals who experience middle-age chronic hardships are significantly (statistically) more likely to experience adverse old-age outcomes. (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=939414 Tue, 09 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 939414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=791755&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F5%2F457%3Frss%3D1 This study examines: (1) the extent to which acute and chronic stressors related to spousal loss affect the physical functioning of bereaved spouses; and (2) how these patterns differ for men and women. We use data from the Changing Lives of Older Couples (CLOC) study, which tracks older adults prior to spousal loss, and 6, 18, and 48 months after spousal loss. The results reveal that (1) widowed persons whose spouses had serious ongoing health problems before the death report more severe perceived limitation in performing daily activities 18 and 48 months after loss; (2) widowed persons who were not with their spouses when they died have greater functional limitation 18 and 48 months after loss. However, gender interaction term analyses reveal that the health effects of spousal death cont... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=791755 Fri, 10 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 791755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=791754&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F5%2F436%3Frss%3D1 This study examines a domain of life—involvement in paid work—that has not been explored in prior research addressing the mental health consequences of widowhood. We argue that experiences in the paid labor force increase women's economic, social and psychological resources, which compound over the life course and ease their adjustment to widowhood. Using a sample of 207 widows interviewed in the Miami-Dade County, Florida area in 2001—2002, findings from ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models support the hypothesis that widows with work histories report fewer depressive symptoms than their peers without employment experience. Further analyses reveal that social and psychological resources mediate this association suggesting that employment enhances social support... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=791754 Fri, 10 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 791754 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=791753&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F5%2F410%3Frss%3D1 Data collected from a representative sample of 157 Black and 394 White older women is used to explore within-family differences in mother-to-child support. High rates of differentiation in both Black and White families were found. Within-family analyses revealed more similarities than differences in the effects of adult children's characteristics on mothers' likelihood of providing support. For both groups, mothers were most likely to provide support to children who had fewer resources, greater need, and who had provided the mothers with support. Children's health problems were better predictors of support among Black than White mothers, whereas children's gender played a larger role in White than Black mothers' provision of support; however, both groups of mothers favored daughters and ch... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=791753 Fri, 10 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 791753 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=791752&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F5%2F375%3Frss%3D1 We contribute to knowledge about older adults with chronic illnesses by identifying positive and negative influences of family and friends on self-management. Thirteen focus groups were conducted in upstate New York with 84 African American and White men and women, 65 years old or older, with arthritis, diabetes, and/or heart disease. Specific positive and negative social network influences are discussed in the areas of disease management (medication management, dietary activities, physical activity, and health care appointments); decision-making about the illness; and psychosocial coping. Overall, we found many more positive than negative social network influences, and more negative influences from family members than from friends. We discuss differences between influences of family membe... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=791752 Fri, 10 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 791752 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=741792&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F4%2F348%3Frss%3D1 This study examines the association between engagement in productive roles and the physical and mental health of adults aged 60 and over. We present secondary analyses of data from three waves of the Americans' Changing Lives Study (n = 1,644). Self-rated health, functional impairment, and depressive mood were regressed on measures of engagement during the previous 12 months using generalized estimating equations, while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and health measures at the previous wave. Five productive roles were included: paid worker, irregular paid worker, unpaid volunteer, caregiver, and provider of informal social assistance. The findings reveal that being engaged in at least one productive role and the total role number are associated with better self-rated heal... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=741792 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 741792 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=741791&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F4%2F323%3Frss%3D1 This study examined the longitudinal changes in alcohol consumption among elderly Japanese, characterized the subtrajectories within the aggregate trend, and examined potential predictors of these trajectories. Data come from a nationally representative survey of 2,566 persons in Japan, ages 60 to 96, followed over five waves between 1987—1999. Hierarchical linear modeling and cluster analysis were used to uncover trajectories of alcohol use. Multinomial logistic regression was employed to examine the predictors of trajectory association at baseline. Alcohol use appears relatively stable between ages 60 and 70, but declines thereafter. Further, there are three subtrajectories: stable, declining, and curvilinear (in addition to abstainers). Predictors of these trajectories varied by t... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=741791 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 741791 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=741790&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F4%2F297%3Frss%3D1 Using the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)'s Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) arrest statistics for the 1980 to 2004 period, we use age-standardization and Dickey-Fuller time-series techniques to examine recent trends in elderly crime (age 55+), both alone and compared to younger age groups. We find that (1) elderly arrest rates have either declined or remained essentially stable across the majority of UCR offense categories; (2) proportionate criminal involvement of the elderly is about the same now as 25 years ago, but where change has occurred, the trend is toward a smaller elderly share of criminal offending; (3) there has been very little change in the profile of the elderly offender, with elder arrests continuing to be overwhelmingly for minor offenses and alcohol-related violations.... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=741790 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 741790 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=741789&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F4%2F283%3Frss%3D1 The study has two main objectives: (1) to determine the proportion of adults ≥ 50 years of age who prefer to have their physician inquire about their functional and emotional health status, and (2) what physician, patient, and medical care system factors are associated with these preferences. The findings suggest that 76% of patients want their physician to inquire about their functional health and 72% want their physician to inquire about their emotional health during the medical encounter. Further analyses show that type of inquiry is strongly associated with patient's preference. Multiple regression models showed congruence regarding physician inquiry about functional and emotional health and patients' preferences for this type of inquiry. The current study is valuable because it hig... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=741789 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 741789 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=559926&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F3%2F257%3Frss%3D1 Using data from the National Survey of Families and Households on focal children in 1987-1988 aged 18 years and older and out of high school in 1992-1993, the authors investigated associations between parent-child coresidence in early adulthood and parents' reports of the quality of parent-child and marital relations. The quality of parent-child or marital relations at Wave 1 had little relation to whether children coresided at Wave 2; child situations were the primary predictors. Children who left and returned tended to be negatively selected on prior relationship quality, but parents accommodated them nonetheless. Coresidence between waves did not affect marital quality or general parent-child relations at Wave 2, though it was associated with increased parent-child disagreements, partic... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=559926 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 559926 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=559925&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F3%2F225%3Frss%3D1 This study examined health change in retirement. Using multiactor panel data on 778 Dutch older workers who experienced the transition into retirement, ordinary least squares regression models were estimated to explain changes in medical consumption, the severity of health problems, and perceived health. The results show that retirement does not categorically harm or benefit health. Instead, health consequences vary across individuals and according to the health measures adopted. The results suggest that employees' failure to control retirement according to their wishes adversely affects health. Older workers who perceived retirement as involuntary showed decreases in perceived health. The results do not provide empirical support for the hypothesis that the health consequences of retiremen... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=559925 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 559925 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=559924&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F3%2F207%3Frss%3D1 The authors investigated the impact of socioeconomic conditions, patterns of morbidity, and health service use on Black—White differences in rates of mortality, and mortality associated with specific diagnoses. Longitudinal data from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Physician billing data and Medicare Enrollment Database (EDB) were analyzed to assess physician-diagnosed morbidity, health service use, and mortality among the population of Medicare beneficiaries in Tennessee (N = 665,887). Proportional hazards models were used to examine the effects of socioeconomic status, morbidity, and service use on race differences in mortality. Racial differences in physician visits explain the largest portion of mortality differentials between Black Americans and Whites. Race ... Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=559924 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 559924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=559923&cid=s_28405_18_f&fid=28405&url=http%3A%2F%2Froa.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F3%2F187%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this study was to develop and test a latent-variable model to assess the relationship between self-expression and depressive symptoms in late life. Data from a nationwide survey of older adults (n = 1,013) provided empirical support for the following theoretical linkages embedded in this conceptual framework: (1) Higher levels of educational attainment are associated with greater self-expression, (2) older people who find avenues for self-expression are more likely to develop senses of meaning in life, (3) older adults who find senses of meaning in life are more likely to feel grateful, and (4) elders who feel grateful are less likely to experience symptoms of depression. (Source: Research on Aging) Research on Aging journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=559923 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 559923