Progress 09/01/06 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The project investigated vulnerability and resilience areas among older adults in rural areas. Research included: a) assessment of centenarians with focus on their exceptional longevity, b) data analyses of predictors in four adaptational areas (activities of daily living, cognition, mental health, and economic dependence, c) investigation of challenges for housing, community, and health, d) evaluation of resources among centenarians; e) emphasis on activity vs. fatigue, cognitive functioning vs. dementia, mental health vs. depression; f) exploration of smart-home technology to assist older adults in their continued independent living. Data collected from 153 Iowa centenarians indicated that about 30% rated their health as fair or poor, 31% had lost weight within three months. Centenarians who rated their health as worse were more likely to live in care facilities, reported nutritional problems, reported fewer people they could rely on and were less likely to indicate that they received guidance from others when compared to centenarians who rated their health as better. Our data document that optimal functioning is related to social and community supports, economic well-being, and resilient personality traits. Age, community residence, better health, higher scores in positive affect, Conscientiousness, social provisions, religious coping, and engaged life style were all associated with higher levels of functional capacity. Self-rated health and instrumental activities of daily living, both positive and negative affect, and social support were significant predictors of fatigue among oldest-old adults. Our assessment of risk factors indicated that poor nutritional status in the oldest old was related to depression as well as to specific demographic factors including age, gender, race, and residence in a skilled nursing facility. Perceived stress also predicted higher levels of depression, social support predicted lower levels of loneliness and fatigue, and physical activity predicted lower levels of fatigue among older adults. Very old persons prefer to "age in place," staying in their home as long as possible. We therefore developed a prototype for independent living. Our initial focus groups uncovered five specific themes concerning technology use among older people: technology barriers, transportation, help and assistance, self monitoring, and gaming. As a result of these focus groups we developed a computer platform that a) allows independently living older adults to "check in" with family of professionals; b) to connect to family or professionals through Skype, and to c) keep a daily health diary that could be used to see longer health trends among older adults. Dissemination activities included presentations at the International Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics, the International Congress of Psychology in Berlin; and the International Conference on Health Longevity in Hong Kong. Paper and poster presentations were shared at the Gerontological Society of America, at the International Society for the Study of Behavioral Development, and the American Psychological Association. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
A number of outcomes with considerable impact have been accomplished. Research on personality and coping has demonstrated that oldest old populations have considerable strength in personality characteristics and in coping behaviors when dealing with adverse events. The research addressing distal influences (e.g., educational attainment) will lead to a better understanding of early influences on mental health in later life. Another important impact is the evaluation of a religiosity scale for an older population. Understanding individual resources will enable service providers in the field of aging to develop assistive programs utilizing the strengths of this growing population. As a result of our study, we now know that centenarians were less likely to experience recent stressful events than octogenarians, and there were no differences in coping behaviors. Centenarians with more social and perceived economic resources had better mental status, subjective health, and functional capacity. We also know that centenarians face four critical areas of adaptation in very late life: health and functional capacity, cognitive functioning, mental health, and financial dependency. Centenarians face a number of emotional challenges as well but centenarians who had volunteered, traveled, and those who had given public talks and balanced their checkbooks were more likely to show relatively high cognitive scores. As a result of our study, we now know that centenarians show three different type of resilience: personal resilience (e.g., personality), cognitive resilience (e.g., intellectual functioning), and social and economic resilience (e.g., social support and economic resources). In addition, we noted that self-reported health serves as a useful index of physical trajectories of current health status. Social and economic resource adequacy is a pertinent variable for better understanding health and longevity. Our results also indicate that for centenarians the number of offspring significantly predicted the ability to engage in activities of daily living and reduced loneliness. Cognitive impairment of centenarians was strongly related to medical care and caregiving services. Furthermore, past satisfaction with life was directly associated with present happiness. Quality of life, happiness, and well-being are important public health and public policy outcomes in the evaluation of intervention and treatments at the end of life. Given the dramatic increase of the oldest-old population in Iowa and the United States, the answers to questions regarding how best to enhance quality of life for old and very old residents is fundamentally important for this population and for improving elder care support services. Our data analyses contribute greatly to understanding factors of longevity and quality of life among old and very old individuals in rural areas. The dramatic population changes in favor of oldest-old adults in Iowa and the United States, the answers to questions regarding how best to enhance quality of life for old and very old residents is fundamentally important for this population and for improving elder care support services.
Publications
- Cutrona, C. E., Russell, D. W., Burzette, R., Wesner, K., & Bryant, C. (2011). Predicting relationship stability among midlife African American couples. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 79, 814-825.
- Johnson, M. A., Hausman, D., Martin, P., Poon, L. W., Sattler, E. L., & Davey, A. (2011). Nutrition and well-being. In L. W. Poon & J. Cohen-Mansfield, Eds., Understanding the well-being of the oldest old, pp. 171-185. Cambridge University Press.
- Philibert, R. A., Beach, S. R. H., Gunter, T., Todorov, A. A., Brody, G. H., Vijayendran, M., Elliott, L., Hollenbeck, N., Russell, D., & Cutrona, C. (2011). The relationship of Deiodinase 1 Genotype and Thyroid function to lifetime history of major depression in three independent populations. American Journal of Medical Genetics, 156, 593-599.
- Randall, K., Martin, P., Bishop, A., Poon, L. W., & Johnson, M. A. (2011). Age differences and changes in resources essential to aging well: A comparison of sexagenarians, octogenarians, and centenarians. Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research, 2011, 1-12. doi: 10.1155,2011,357896.
- Randall, K., Martin, P., MacDonald, M., Margrett, J., Bishop, A., & Poon, L. W. (2011). Comparing the support-efficacy model among centenarians living in private homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. Journal of Aging Research, 2011, 1-10. doi:10.4061,2011,280727.
- Sano, Y., Garasky, S., Greder, K.A., Cook, C. C., & Browder, D.E. (2011). Understanding food insecurity of Latino immigrant families in rural America. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 32, 111-123.
- Yu, U., Niehm, L. S., & Russell, D. W. (2011). Exploring perceived channel price, quality, and value as antecedents of channel choice and usage in multichannel shopping. Journal of Marketing Channels, 18, 79-102.
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Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The project investigates resiliency and vulnerability among old and very old adults in rural areas. Current research and progress includes: a) assessment of resources in determining adaptation in very late life; b) determination of high vs. low functional capacity c) risk factors for nutritional status; d) determinants of cognition, mental health and fatigue; e) the importance of relationship, social, and community support for optimal adaptation f) policy considerations for sexual expression g) relationship stability among heterosexual cohabiting and married African American couples. Our results indicate that positive cumulative events reduce levels of negative effect, whereas cumulative negative events promote negative affect. In general, centenarians experienced the lowest levels of resources when compared to younger age groups. Age, community residence, better health, higher scores in positive affect, conscientiousness, social provisions, religious coping, and engaged life style were associated with higher levels of functional capacity. When comparing multiple assessments of activities of daily living, the agreement between observed- and proxy reports was stronger than between observed- and self reports. Self-rated health and instrumental activities of daily living, both positive and negative affect, and social support were significant predictors of fatigue among oldest-old adults. Poor nutritional status in the oldest was related to depression as well as to specific demographic factors including age, gender, race, and residence in a skilled nursing facility. Perceived stress also predicted higher levels of depression, social support predicted lower levels of loneliness and fatigue, and physical activity predicted lower levels of fatigue among older adults. Consistent with prior research, neuroticism predicted negative mental health outcomes, whereas extraversion predicted positive affect. Our study on African American participants reported that genetic variation influencing thyroid function was a risk factor for major depression. Decreased executive control was associated with increased negative affect. Evidence also suggested a link between collaborative dialogue and performance in prospective memory. Differences between metro- and non-metro residents were obtained in community support, depression, and self-rated health. In our work on marital relationship quality, higher levels of education, higher income, and lower financial strain influenced relationship quality and stability. With regard to the understudied topic of sexual activity in later life, we suggested a theoretical perspective and identified gaps in empirical research. Dissemination activities included invited presentations at the International Conference on Health Longevity in Hong Kong, the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, at Tulane University, at the 4th Rural Aging Conference, and at the Heartland Global Health Consortium in Des Moines. We also presented eleven papers and posters at the Gerontological Society of America and the American Psychological Association. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
As a result of our studies, we now know that centenarians are more vulnerable in functional capacity (activities of daily living), mental health, and some may be at nutritional risk. Distal experiences, social resources, and community supports, however, can mitigate these risk factors. In addition, we noted that proxy reports of centenarians can serve as a useful evaluation that is often more accurate than self reports. Outcomes also include an evidence-based list of behavioral factors associated with longevity, including health and health behaviors, individual characteristics, such as gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, stress, cognitive beliefs, cognition, social and environmental support, mental health, and life satisfaction. We also provided specific recommendations for the advancement of subjective well-being measurements in old-old populations and for relationship enhancement among older adults. Our data analyses contribute greatly to understanding factors of longevity and quality of life among old and very old individuals in rural areas. The dramatic population changes in favor of oldest-old adults in Iowa and the United States, the answers to questions regarding how best to enhance quality of life for old and very old residents is fundamentally important for this population and for improving elder care support services.
Publications
- Martin, P., Deshpande-Kamat, N., Poon, L. W., & Johnson, M. A. (2011). The model of developmental adaptation:Implications for understanding well-being in old-old age. In L. W. Poon & J. Cohen-Mansfield (Eds.), Understanding the well-being of the oldest old (pp. 65-78). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Martin, P., MacDonald, M., Margrett, J., Siegler, I. C., & Poon, L. W. (2011). Correlates of functional capacity among centenarians. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 1-22. doi:10.1177,0733464811420563.
- Martin, P., Poon, L. W., & Hagberg, B. (2011). Editorial - Behavioral factors of longevity. Journal of Aging Research, 2011, 1-2. doi: 10.4061,2011,197590.
- Bentrott, M. D. & Margrett, J. A. (2011). Taking a person-centered approach to understanding sexual expression among long-term care residents:Theoretical perspectives and research challenges. Ageing International, [Special Section on Sexuality and Aging]. doi: 10.1007,s12126,011,9110,7.
- Bishop, A., & Martin, P. (2011). The measurement of life satisfaction and happiness in old-old age. In L. W. Poon & J. Cohen-Mansfield (Eds.), Understanding the well-being of the oldest old (pp. 290-331). Cambridge:Cambridge University Press.
- Bishop, A., Martin, P., Johnson, M. A., & Poon, L. W. (2011). Exploring positive and negative affect as key indicators of life satisfaction among centenarians:Does cognitive performance matter Journal of Aging Research, 2011, 1-10. doi:10.4061,2011,953031.
- Cho, J., Cook, C., Martin, P., & Russell, D. (2011). The role of community support and psychological well-being in aging in place. Psyecology, 2.309-322.
- Cho, J., Cook, C., Martin, P., & Russell, D. (2011). El papel del apoyo communitario y el bienestar psicologico en el envejecimiento en el hogar. Psyecology, 2.243-257.
- Cho, J., Martin, P., Margrett, J., MacDonald, M., Johnson, M. A., & Poon, L. W. (2011). Multidimensional predictors of fatigue among octogenarians and centenarians. Gerontology. doi:10.1159,000332214.
- Cho, J. Martin, P., Margrett, J., MacDonald, M., & Poon, L. W. (2011). The relationship between physical health and psychological well-being among oldest-old adults. Journal of Aging Research, 2011,1-8. doi:10.4061,2011,605041.
- Cutrona, C. E., Russell, D. W., Burzette, R., Wesner, K., & Bryant, C. (2011). Predicting relationship stability among midlife African American couples. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 79, 814-825. Johnson, M. A., Hausman, D., Martin, P., Poon, L. W., Sattler, E. L., & Davey, A. (2011). Nutrition and well-being. In L. W. Poon & J. Cohen-Mansfield (Eds.), Understanding the well-being of the oldest old (pp. 171-185). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Kwag, K.H., Martin, P., Russell, D., Franke, W., & Kohut, M. (2011). The impact of perceived stress, social support, and home-based physical activity on mental health among older adults. International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 72,137-154.
- Margrett, J., Daugherty, K., Martin, P., MacDonald, M., Davey, A., Woodard, J. L., Miller, L. S., Siegler, I. C., & Poon, L. W. (2011). Affect and loneliness among centenarians and the oldest old:The role of individual and social resources. Aging and Mental Health,15,385-396.
- Margrett, J. A., Reese-Melancon, & Rendell, P. (2011). Examining collaborative dialogue among couples:A window into prospective memory processes. Zeitschrift fur Psychologie/Journal of Psychology, [Special Issue on Prospective Memory], 219(2), 100-107. doi:10.1027,2151-2604,a000054.
- Martin, P., da Rosa, G., & Poon, L. W. (2011). The impact of life events on the oldest old. In L. W. Poon & J. Cohen-Mansfield (Eds.), Understanding the well-being of the oldest old (pp. 96-110). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Mitchell, M. B., Miller, L. S., Woodard, J. L., Davey, A., Martin, P., Burgess, M., & Poon, L. W. (2011). Regression-based estimates of observed functional status in centenarians. The Gerontologist, 51, 179-189. doi: 10.1093,geront,gnq087.
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Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The project investigates resiliency and vulnerability among older adults in rural areas, particularly in Iowa and Georgia. Current research and progress includes: a) evaluation of the importance of resources for optimal adaptation among centenarians; b) emphasis on activity vs. fatigue, cognitive functioning vs. dementia, mental health vs. depression in Iowa centenarians; c) exploration of smart-home technology to assist older adults in their continued independent living. During this funding period, we focused our research efforts on the assessment of psychosocial resources in the adaptation of very old adults. Our data document that optimal functioning is related to social and community supports, economic well-being, and resilient personality traits. Furthermore, we noted three important adaptation areas among centenarians: a) the importance of continued activity vs. increased levels of fatigue; b) the importance of high levels of cognitive functioning vs. the onset of dementias, and c) high levels of mental health vs. high levels of depressive symptoms. Very old persons prefer to "age in place," staying in their home as long as possible. We therefore teamed up with faculty from the Department of Computer Science to develop a prototype for independent living. Our initial focus groups uncovered five specific themes concerning technology use among older people: technology barriers, transportation, help and assistance, self monitoring, and gaming. As a result of these focus groups we developed a computer platform that a) allows independently living older adults to "check in" with family or professionals; b) to connect to family or professionals though Skype, and to c) keep a daily health diary that could be used to see longer health trends among older adults. Dissemination activities included eleven paper and poster presentations at the Gerontological Society of America and one presentation at the International Society for the Study of Behavioral Development. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
As a result of our study, we now know that centenarians show three different type of resilience: personal resilience (e.g., personality), cognitive resilience (e.g., intellectual functioning), and social and economic resilience (e.g., social support and economic resources). In addition, we noted that self-reported health serves as a useful index of physical trajectories of current health status as well as an indicator of the presence or absence of resources that might influence functional decline. Information of past life events and recent influences also provided meaningful information about individuals in very late life. Social and economic resource adequacy are pertinent variables for better understanding health and longevity. Our results also indicate that for centenarians the number of offspring significantly predicted the ability to engage in activities of daily living and reduced loneliness. Cognitive impairment of centenarians was strongly related to medical care and caregiving services. Institutional residence and increased neurotic tendencies were related to more depressive symptoms. Past satisfaction with life influenced how centenarians framed their evaluations of health status and economic security. Furthermore, past satisfaction with life was directly associated with present happiness. Quality of life, happiness, and well-being are important public health and public policy outcomes in the evaluation of intervention and treatments at the end of life. Ongoing data analysis will contribute greatly to understanding the current circumstances of oldest-old individuals in rural areas and differences between community-dwelling elders and long-term care residents. Given the dramatic increase of the oldest-old population in Iowa and the United States, the answers to questions regarding how best to enhance quality of life for old and very old residents is fundamentally important for this population and for improving elder care support services.
Publications
- Martin, P., MacDonald, M., Margrett, J., and Poon, L. W. 2010. Resilience and longevity:Expert survivorship of centenarians. In P. Fry & C. Keyes, Eds., New frontiers in resilient aging:Life-strengths and well-being in late life, pp. 213-238. New York, NY:Cambridge University Press.
- Poon, L. W., Martin, P., Bishop, A., Cho, J., da Rosa, G., Deshpande, N., Hensley, R., MacDonald, M., Margrett, J., and Randall, K. 2010. Understanding centenarians psychosocial dynamics and their contributions to health and quality of life. Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research, 2010, 1-13. Doi:10.1155,2010,680657.
- Arnold, J., Dai, J., Nahapetyan, L., Arte, A., Johnson, M. A., Hausman, D., Rodgers, W. L., Hensley, R., Martin, P., MacDonald, M., Jazwinski, S. M., and Poon, L. W. 2010. Predicting successful aging in a population-based sample of Georgia centenarians. Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research, 2010, 1-9. Doi:10.1155,2010,989315.
- Miller, L. S. Mitchell, M. B., Woodard, J. L., Davey, A., Martin, P., and Poon, L. W. and for the Georgia Centenarian Study 2010. Cognitive performance in the oldest old:Norms from the Georgia Centenarian Study. Aging, Neuropsychology and Cognition, 17,575-590. DOI:10.1080/13825585.2010.481355.
- Bishop, A., Martin, P., MacDonald, M., and Poon, L. W. 2010. Predicting happiness among centenarians. Gerontology, 56, 88-92.
- Hensley, B., Martin, P., MacDonald, M., and Poon, L. W. 2010. Family history and adaptation among centenarians and octogenarians. Gerontology, 56, 83-87.
- MacDonald, M., Aneja, A., Martin, P., Margrett, J., and Poon, L. W. 2010. Distal and proximal resource influences on economic dependency. Gerontology, 56, 100-105.
- Margrett, J., Martin, P., Woodard, J., Miller, L. S., MacDonald, M., Baenziger, J., Siegler, I., and Poon, L. W. 2010. Depression among centenarians and the oldest old:Contributions of cognition and personality. Gerontology, 56, 93-99.
- Randall, K., Martin, P., MacDonald, M., and Poon, L. W. 2010. Social resources and longevity:Findings from the Georgia Centenarian Study. Gerontology, 56, 106-111.
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The project investigates resiliency and vulnerability among older adults in rural areas, particularly in Iowa and Georgia. Current research and progress includes: i) assessment of Georgia centenarians with findings concerning the influence of distal (life history) and proximal resources on four adaptational areas (activities of daily living, cognitive functioning, mental health, and economic dependency); ii) investigation of challenges for housing, community, and health support of old and very old rural Iowans, including substantial progress to create a data base for exceptional longevity in Iowa. Pilot data collected from 153 Iowa centenarians indicate that about 30% rate their health as fair or poor, 31% had lost weight within three months. Centenarians who rated their health as worse were more likely to live in care facilities, reported nutritional problems, reported fewer people they could rely on and were less likely to indicate that they received guidance from others when compared to centenarians who rated their health as better. A number of personality factors predicted adaptational outcomes. Neuroticsim predicted lower cognitive functioning, Extraversion predicted lower perceived health, depression, and loneliness, and higher scores in Agreeableness and Openness to Experience scores were related to lower scores in loneliness. Twenty Iowa centenarians have been tested four times to assess stability and change in activity, strength, fatigue, and cognition. Two focus group were conducted to assess computer-assisted feedback programs for development for home-based physical activity and cognition tests. Analyses of functional outcomes for activities of daily living, cognition, mental health, and economic dependency have been conducted for comparisons between Georgia octogenarians and centenarians, and to test for the effects of specific variables on those outcomes within predictor domains for distal life events and demographic background, physical health, mental status, personality traits, social and economic resources, and coping behaviors. Dissemination activities included participation in: an invited presentation at the International Consortium of Centenarian Studies in Paris, an invited presentation at a centenarian symposium at the International Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics, invited presentations at three universities in India, and thirteen paper and poster presentations at the Gerontological Society of America. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
As a result of our study, we now know that centenarians face four critical areas of adaptation in very late life: Health and Functional Capacity, Cognitive functioning, Mental health, and Financial Dependency. Centenarians face a number of emotional challenges as well: In our study, the highest endorsements were obtained for "feeling worthless" (33.1 percent) and "ashamed" (21.8 percent), whereas the lowest endorsements were obtained for "feeling sad" (6.6 percent) and "angry" (9.6 percent). The results suggest that centenarians rate high in emotional stability but that negative emotions tend to relate to aspects of self sufficiency and autonomy. Why do some centenarians continue to do so well in cognitive functioning whereas others do not Our results suggest that centenarians who had volunteered, traveled, and those who had given public talks and balanced their checkbooks were more likely to show relatively high cognitive scores. Personality traits were found to be moderators in the relationship between engaged lifestyle and mental status: Participants with high levels of Emotional Stability, Extraversion, Openness, and Conscientiousness and with high levels of engaged lifestyle were more likely to show relatively high cognitive scores, whereas participants with low levels of Emotional Stability, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness and with low levels of engaged lifestyle were more likely to show relatively low cognitive scores. The results suggest that engaged lifestyle, particularly in combination with personality traits, plays an important role in the level of cognitive functioning among oldest old adults. Another goal of this study was to uncover the criteria by which centenarians, proxy/caregivers, and interviewers rated centenarians' mental health. Rater pairs agreed that personality and perceived economic resources were important for mental health. Functional health was also important from the centenarians' perspective. However, from the perspective of both the proxy and interviewer, cognitive ability emerged as a strong predictor. Ongoing data collection for Iowa and further analysis of Georgia centenarians will contribute greatly to understanding the current circumstances of oldest old individuals in rural areas and differences between community-dwelling elders and long-term care residents. Given the aging of rural America, the answers to questions regarding how best to enhance quality of life for those old and very old residents is fundamentally important for improving elder care support services.
Publications
- Gentile, D. A., Welk, G., Eisenmann, J. C., Reimer, R. A., Walsh, D. A., Russell, D. W., Callahan, R., Walsh, M., Strickland, S., & Fritz, K. 2009. Evaluation of a multiple ecological level child obesity prevention program: Switch what you do, view, and chew. BMC Medicine 7:49. Available: www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/7/49.
- Kashy, D. A., Donnellan, M. B., Ackerman, R. A., & Russell, D. W. 2009. Reporting and interpreting research in PSPB: Practices, principles, and pragmatics. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin 35:1131-1142.
- Kimbler, K. J., & Margrett, J. A. 2009. Older adults interactive behaviors during collaboration on everyday problems: Linking process and outcome. International Journal of Behavioral Development 33(6):531-542.
- Lutgendorf, S. K., Weinrib, A. Z., Penedo, F., Russell, D., DeGreest, K., Costanzo, E. S., Henderson, P. J., Sephton, S. E., Rohleder, N., Lucci, J. A., Cole, S., Sood, A. K., & Lubaroff, D. M. 2008. Interleukin-6, cortisol, and depressive symptoms in ovarian cancer patients. Journal of Clinical Oncology 26:4820-4827.
- MacDonald, M., Martin, P., Margrett, J., & Poon, L. W. 2009. Correspondence of perceptions about centenarians mental health. Aging and Mental Health 13:827-837.
- Margrett, J. A., & Deshpande-Kamat, N. 2009. Cognitive functioning and decline. In D. Carr (Ed.), Encyclopedia of the Life Course and Human Development Vol 3:77-82. Detroit, MI: Macmillan Reference.
- Martin, P. 2009. Four critical research priorities for older adults. Participative Development 8:20-23.
- Poon, L. W., Martin, P., & Margrett, J. 2010. Cognition and emotion in centenarians. In C. A. Depp, & D. V. Jeste (Eds.) Successful Cognitive and Emotional Aging 115-133. Arlington, VA:American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc.
- Martin, P., Baenziger, J., MacDonald, M., Siegler, I., & Poon, L. W. 2009. Engaged lifestyle, personality, and mental status among centenarians. Adult Development 16:199-208.
- McRae, C., Fazio, E., Hartsock, G., Kelley, L., Urbanski, S., & Russell, D. 2009. Predictors of loneliness in caregivers of persons with Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism and Related Disorders 15:554-557.
- Russell, D. W. 2009. Design and use of questionnaires in relationship research. In H. T. Reis & S. K. Sprecher (Eds.), Encylopedia of human relationships. Thousand Oaks, CA:Sage.
- Siegler, I. C., Poon, L. W., Madden, D. J., Dilworth-Anderson, P., Schaie, K. W., Willis, S. L., & Martin, P. 2009. Psychological aspects of normal aging. In D. G. Blazer & D. Steffens (Eds.), Textbook of geriatric psychiatry, 4th edition, pp:145-167. New York:American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc.
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The project investigates resiliency and vulnerability among older adults in rural areas, particularly in Iowa and Georgia. Current research and progress includes: i) assessment of Georgia centenarians with findings concerning the influence of distal (life history) and proximal resources on four adaptational areas (activities of daily living, cognitive functioning, mental health, and economic dependency); ii) investigation of challenges for housing, community, and health support of old and very old rural Iowans, including substantial progress to create a data base for exceptional longevity in Iowa. Pilot data collected from 136 Iowa centenarians indicate that about 31% rate their health as poor, 21% may be at nutritional risk, and more than 41% indicate they do not have close personal relationships with other people. Furthermore, about 50% of the Iowa centenarians had moderate levels of depressive symptoms and 43% sometimes or often felt lonely. Twenty Iowa centenarians have been tested four times to assess stability and change in activity, strength, fatigue, and cognition. Computer-assisted feedback programs are under development for home-based physical activity and cognition tests. Analyses of functional outcomes for activities of daily living, cognition, mental health, and economic dependency have been conducted for comparisons between Georgia octogenarians and centenarians, and to test for the effects of specific variables on those outcomes within predictor domains for distal life events and demographic background, physical health, mental status, personality traits, social and economic resources, and coping behaviors. Dissemination activities included participation in: an invited symposium entitled Adding Life to Years; Development of Sociological and Psychological Theories via U.S.-Israel Research, Tel Aviv, Israel; an invited international conference for the 20th Anniversary of the Georgia Centenarian Study, Atlanta, Georgia; workshops on gene-environment influences, and combining clinically and survey-reported health measures at the University of Georgia Institute for Gerontology; the International Congress of Psychology in Berlin; the International Federation of Home Economists in Zurich; and eight paper and poster presentations at the Gerontological Society of America. Additionally four research synopses concerning reliability of scales for social interactions, and psychological well-being were posted. PARTICIPANTS: Peter Martin, Professor and Director, Iowa State University Gerontology Program; Maurice MacDonald, Professor; Christine Cook, Associate Professor; Jennifer Margrett, Assistant Professor; and Daniel Russell, Professor, Iowa State University. TARGET AUDIENCES: This work is designed to inform administrators of long-term care nursing facilities, Extension field staff and citizens and caregivers concerned with the well-being of older adults in Iowa and elsewhere, administrators of programs serving the elderly especially in rural areas, and researchers in the fields of gerontology, housing, public health, psychology, sociology, and economics. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
As a result of our study, we now know that centenarians were less likely to experience recent stressful events than octogenarians, and there were no differences in coping behaviors. Centenarians scoring high on personality traits such as openness to ideas or low on neuroticism reported better mental status and subjective health. Centenarians with more social and perceived economic resources had better mental status, subjective health, and functional capacity. Additional tests revealed that personality traits and perceived economic status served as mediators between negative life stress and negative affect, and also that perceived economic status mediates the relation between physical functioning and negative affect. Ongoing data collection for Iowa and further analysis of Georgia centenarians will contribute greatly to understanding the current circumstances of oldest old individuals in rural areas and differences between community-dwelling elders and long-term care residents. Given the aging of rural America, the answers to questions regarding how best to enhance quality of life for those old and very old residents is fundamentally important for improving elder care support services.
Publications
- Almashat, S., Ayotte, B. Edelstein, B., & Margrett, J. 2008. Framing effect debiasing in medical decision making. Patient Education and Counseling, 71, 102-107.
- Ayotte, B. J., Margrett, J. A., Willis, S. L., & Caskie, G. I. L. 2008. The relation between prescription drug usage and cognitive performance in later life. Clinical Gerontologist, 31, 1-25.
- Martin, P., Kliegel, M., Rott, C. Poon, L. W., & Johnson, M. A. 2008. Age differences and changes of coping behavior in three age groups: Findings from the Georgia Centenarian Study. International Journal of Aging & Human Development, 66, 97-114.
- Martin, P. 2007. Personality and coping among centenarians. In L. W. Poon & T. T. Perls (Eds.), Annual Review of Gerontology and Geriatrics, vol. 27: Biopsychosocial approaches to longevity (pp. 89-106). New York: Springer.
- Wie, M., Ku, T.Y., Russell, D.W., Mallinckrodt, B. & Liao, Y.H. 2008. Moderating effects of three coping strategies and self esteem on perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 55, 451-462.
- Abraham, W.T., & Russell, D.W. 2008. Statistical power analysis in psychological research. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 2, 283-301.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The project investigates vulnerability and resilience areas among older adults in rural areas. Current research and progress includes: i) assessment of centenarians with focus on their exceptional longevity; ii) data analyses of predictors in four adaptational areas (activities of daily living, cognitive functioning, mental health, and economic dependency); iii) investigation of challenges for housing, community, and social support of old and very old rural Iowans; and iv) establishment of a data base for exceptional longevity. Dissemination activities included participation in an invited symposium entitled Resources and Healthy Longevity Among Centenarians at the Eighth Asian/Oceania Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Beijing, China; organization of a national symposium entitled Living Long and Adapting Well held at the annual meeting of the Gerontological Society of America; and ten paper and poster presentations at the Gerontological Society of America. Additionally
a series of six research synopses concerning challenges to aging in place were completed and posted.
PARTICIPANTS: Peter Martin, Professor and Director, Iowa State University Gerontology Program; Christine Cook, Associate Professor, Iowa State University; Maurice MacDonald, Professor, Iowa State University; Daniel Russell, Professor, Iowa State University; K.A.S. Wickrama, Professor, Iowa State University.
TARGET AUDIENCES: This work is designed to inform administrators of long-term care nursing facilities, Extension field staff and citizens concerned with improving the well-being of older adults in Iowa and elsewhere, administrators of programs serving the elderly especially in rural areas, and researchers in the fields of gerontology, public health, psychology, sociology, and economics.
Impacts
Research on personality and coping has demonstrated that oldest old populations have considerable strength in personality characteristics and in coping behaviors when dealing with adverse events. Octogenarians' and centenarians' use of medical care, instrumental social support services and the total hours of care they receive are greatest among those with low cognitive ability, and some personality traits (neuroticism and competence) also increase their care hours dependency burden. The research addressing distal influences (e.g., educational attainment) will lead to a better understanding of early influences on mental health in later life. Another important outcome involves the evaluation of a religiosity scale for an older population. Understanding all these individual resources (e.g., personality, coping, distal experiences, religiosity, and community supports) will enable service providers in the field of aging to develop assistive programs utilizing the strengths
of this growing population. Community support and home environment affect how well oldest old adults age in place. Rural community dwellers were more able to complete activities on their own without any help than were residents of long-term care. Community dwellers and long-term care residents experienced the most difficulty with walking and the least difficulty with eating. Residents in nursing homes or assisted living experienced more stress, depression, and felt lonelier and more fatigue than community dwellers. Community-dwelling elders were significantly more satisfied with their communities and the level of social support compared to long-term care residents. Since behavior is a function of the interaction between individual factors and physical, social, psychological, and cultural dimensions of the environment, understanding the current circumstances of and comparisons between community-dwelling elders and long-term care residents is important to gerontologists, policy makers,
community development specialists, and advocates. Given the aging of rural Iowa, the answers to questions regarding quality of life for those old and very old residents is fundamental to communities and citizenry within the state.
Publications
- Cook, C.C., Martin, P., Yearns, M., & Damhorst, M.L. 2007. Attachment to place and coping with losses in changed communities: A paradox for aging adults. Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal, 35,201-214.
- Lutgendorf, S.K., Lang, E.V., Berbaum, K.S., Russell, D., Berbaum, M.L., Logan, H., Benotsch, E.G., Schutz-Stubner, S., Turesky, D., & Spiegel, D. 2007. Effects of age on responsiveness to adjunct hypnotic analgesia during invasive medical procedures. Psychosomatic Medicine, 69,191-199.
- MacDonald, M. Social Support for Centenarians Health and Longevity. 2007. in T. Perls and L. Poon (Eds.) Annual Review of Gerontology and Geriatrics: Centenarians Longevity, and Methods of Studying Centenarians. New York: Springer Publishing.
- Martin, P., daRosa, G., Siegler, I.C., Davey, A., & MacDonald, M. 2006. Personality and Longevity: Findings from the Georgia Centenarian Study. Age, 28,343-352.
- Niemeyer, S.M.; Cook, C.C.; Memken, J.; Crull, S.; Bruin, M.; White, B.J.; & Yust, B. 2007. Local housing and service decisions: Planning for aging adults in rural communities. Journal of Housing for the Elderly, Vol. 20, No.4,5-22.
- Nyman, J.A., Barleen, N.A., Dowd, B.E., Russell, D.W., Coons, S.J., & Sullivan, P.W. 2007. Quality of life weights for the U.S. population: Self reported health status and priority health conditions, by demographic characteristics. Medical Care, 45,618-628.
- Poon, L., Jazwinski, M., Green, R., Woodard, J., Martin, P., Rodgers, W., Johnson, M., Hausman, D., Arnold, J., Davey, A., Batzer, M., Markesbery, W. Gearing, M., Siegler, I., Reynolds, S., and MacDonald, M. 2007. Methodological Considerations in Studying Centenarians: Lessons Learned from the Georgia Centenarian Studies. in T. Perls and L. Poon (Eds.) Annual Review of Gerontology and Geriatrics: Centenarians Longevity, and Methods of Studying Centenarians. New York: Springer Publishing.
- Siegler, I.C., Poon, L.W., Madden, D.J., Dilworth-Anderson, P., Schaie, K.W., Willis, S.L., & Martin, P. 2008. Psychological aspects of normal aging. In D. G. Blazer & D. Steffens (Eds.), Textbook of Geriatric Psychiatry, 4th edition. New York: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc.
- Wei, M., Russell, D.W., Mallinckrodt, B., & Vogel, D.L. 2007. The Experiences in Close Relationship Scale, ECR Short Form: Reliability, validity, and factor structure. Journal of Personality Assessment, 88, 187-204.
- Bishop, A., Martin, P., Courtenay, B., Poon, L.W., & Johnson, M.A. Gerontological Evaluation of the Religiosity in 5-D Scale. 2007. Journal of Religion Spirituality and Aging, 19,87-105.
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