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Behavioral Sciences
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Wellness and Well-Being of Older People
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Wellness and Well-Being of Older People

A special issue of Behavioral Sciences (ISSN 2076-328X). This special issue belongs to the section "Geriatric Psychiatry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 December 2024) | Viewed by 18993

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Aprill Z. Dawson

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
Interests: health services research; global health; older adults; type 2 diabetes; health equity; cognitive function; behavioral outcomes
Dr. Armiel Suriaga

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
Interests: intersection of substance use, misuse, and addiction in the older population and healthy aging

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Aging of the population is a global phenomenon largely due to declines in fertility and mortality, and increases in longevity. As individuals age, the human body goes through a series of physiological changes including decrease in nerve transmission speed, decrease in speed of body movements, declines in cognitive function, increase in functional limitations, increase in chronic conditions and multimorbidity, and numerous other physical health changes. These physical health changes are often associated with loneliness, social isolation, anxiety, depression, and decreased psychological well-being and quality of life.

Due to the increasing older adult population, there is newfound interest in (1) aging in place; (2) research designed to understand factors directly and indirectly associated with health outcomes of older adults, and (3) developing and testing novel and innovative strategies to optimize the health of the older adult population. Given the significance of these topics, more studies are being conducted in this area. This special issue focuses on the physical and psychological well-being of older adults and effective strategies for improving the well-being of older adults, families and communities. In this Special Issue, we look forward to collecting original research studies and reviews focused on these topics.

Dr. Aprill Z. Dawson
Dr. Armiel Suriaga
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Behavioral Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • wellness
  • well-being
  • mental health
  • quality of life
  • perceived discrimination
  • older adults
  • aging
  • cognitive impairment
  • functional limitations
  • outcomes
  • Hemoglobin A1C
  • blood pressure
  • cholesterol
  • depression
  • anxiety
  • social isolation
  • loneliness

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 658 KiB  
Article
Family Support Paradox: Exploring Family Support and Life Satisfaction Among Older Adults in Rural Eastern Nepal
by Isha Karmacharya, Saruna Ghimire, Lirisha Tuladhar, Sabuj Kanti Mistry, Om Prakash Yadav, Sagar Prasai, Suresh Mehata and Uday Narayan Yadav
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040411 - 24 Mar 2025
Viewed by 389
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between family support (for daily activities and living) and life satisfaction among Nepali older adults, with an additional focus on gender differences. Data were drawn from a cross-sectional survey conducted in rural eastern Nepal through interviewing older adults [...] Read more.
This study investigated the relationship between family support (for daily activities and living) and life satisfaction among Nepali older adults, with an additional focus on gender differences. Data were drawn from a cross-sectional survey conducted in rural eastern Nepal through interviewing older adults aged 60 years and above. The total analytical sample for this study was 819. Life satisfaction was measured using Diener’s Satisfaction with Life Scale. Binary logistic regression was employed to explore the associations between reliance on family support and life satisfaction. About 57% of older adults were satisfied with their life. Older adults who relied on family support for daily activities had 51% lower odds of being satisfied with their lives compared to those who did not require such support (OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.35–0.69, p < 0.001). Gender did not moderate the relationship between family support for daily activities and life satisfaction, but interestingly, it moderated the relationship between family support for living and life satisfaction. Older men who relied on family support for living had 34% lower odds of experiencing life satisfaction compared to older women in similar situations (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.48–0.90, p < 0.05). This study emphasizes the need for further research to comprehensively understand the impact of family support on life satisfaction among older adults in societies driven by filial piety, focusing on underlying mechanisms to confirm this paradoxical relationship. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Well-Being of Older People)
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25 pages, 1072 KiB  
Article
From Acceptance to Dependence: Exploring Influences of Smart Healthcare on Continuous Use Intention of Mobile Health Services Among Older Adults with Chronic Illnesses in China
by Jiacheng Luo, Kewei Zhang, Qianghong Huang, Shan Jiang and Younghwan Pan
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15010019 - 28 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1752
Abstract
With the acceleration of the aging process in China, chronic diseases have become one of the main health threats for older adults, creating significant pressure on society and the healthcare system. As information technology and artificial intelligence advance rapidly, smart health services have [...] Read more.
With the acceleration of the aging process in China, chronic diseases have become one of the main health threats for older adults, creating significant pressure on society and the healthcare system. As information technology and artificial intelligence advance rapidly, smart health services have become readily accessible. However, utilization rates among the older adults, especially those with chronic illnesses, remain low, preventing them from fully benefiting from these advanced technologies. The value of mobile health (mHealth) services can only be realized through sustained use. Therefore, this study empirically investigates the continuous use intention of mHealth services from the perspective of older adults with chronic illnesses, integrating the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Value-Based Adoption Model (VAM). A total of 372 questionnaires were collected from various cities in China, and data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0 and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results indicate that perceived ease of use (β = 0.155, p = 0.004; β = 0.116, p = 0.027) and perceived usefulness (β = 0.175, p = 0.001; β = 0.151, p = 0.004) have a significant positive impact on attitude and perceived value. Perceived enjoyment significantly influences attitude (β = 0.147, p = 0.010), while perceived risk (β = −0.189, p < 0.001; β = −0.281, p < 0.001) and perceived cost (β = −0.155, p = 0.003; β = −0.130, p = 0.022) have a significant negative impact on attitude and perceived value. Both attitude (β = 0.357, p < 0.001) and perceived value (β = 0.314, p < 0.001) positively impact continuous intention. In total, only one of the twelve hypotheses was not supported. This study not only provides strong evidence for the effectiveness of the integrated TAM and VAM model in the mHealth field but also offers theoretical insights and practical recommendations for product optimization and promotion to mHealth service providers and designers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Well-Being of Older People)
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18 pages, 982 KiB  
Article
Examining the Mechanisms of Virtual Reality Tourism’s Impact on the Mental Well-Being of Long-Term Care Facility Residents: Perspectives on Presence and Flow
by Yu-Chia Chang and Cheng-Chia Yang
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 781; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14090781 - 6 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1727
Abstract
This study investigates the mechanisms of virtual reality (VR) tourism’s impact on the well-being of residents in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). It aims to understand how presence and flow during VR experiences can enhance well-being. This experimental study used a quantitative approach with [...] Read more.
This study investigates the mechanisms of virtual reality (VR) tourism’s impact on the well-being of residents in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). It aims to understand how presence and flow during VR experiences can enhance well-being. This experimental study used a quantitative approach with structured questionnaires to investigate VR experiences among LTCF residents in Taiwan. After obtaining ethical approval, 145 eligible participants from four LTCFs completed a full five-week VR tourism experience. Data collection took place from June to November 2022. This study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with Smart PLS software to analyze the causal relationships between latent variables. The results confirm that the more vivid the virtual reality image (β = 0.240, p < 0.05), the more immersive the experience (β = 0.267, p < 0.05), the greater the ability to control the experience (β = 0.465, p < 0.001), and the greater the ability to stimulate curiosity during the experience (β = 0.290, p < 0.05), the greater the sense of presence. Increased presence leads to user engagement and a state of flow (β = 0.556, p < 0.001), which is essential for personal hedonia (β = 0.453, p < 0.001) and eudaimonia (β = 0.220, p < 0.001). This study elucidates the mechanisms through which VR tourism experiences enhance well-being among LTCF residents, emphasizing the critical roles of presence and flow in promoting both hedonic and eudaimonic dimensions of well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Well-Being of Older People)
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15 pages, 1495 KiB  
Article
Effects of Future Subjective Expectations on Cognitive Decline and Dementia among Middle-Aged and Older Adults
by Minsung Sohn, Xianhua Che and Hee-Jung Park
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 421; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050421 - 17 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1432
Abstract
This study investigated the impact of subjective expectations of the future (e.g., income, life expectancy, and national policies) on the onset of dementia and mild cognitive impairment by sex and age in middle-aged and older adults. The Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) [...] Read more.
This study investigated the impact of subjective expectations of the future (e.g., income, life expectancy, and national policies) on the onset of dementia and mild cognitive impairment by sex and age in middle-aged and older adults. The Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) data from 2008 to 2020, comprising 4116 people above 45 years, were used. A time-series analysis and multiple panel logistic regression were conducted to highlight subjective expectation trends and their effect on dementia and mild cognitive impairment, respectively. Low subjective expectations of the future negatively affected cognitive impairment (total: odds ratio [OR] = 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01–1.03) and dementia (total: OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.03–1.06), and those of national policies were the biggest risk factors for cognitive impairment (total: OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.12–1.22) and dementia (total: OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.07–1.13). Individuals about to retire and with low expectations of workability were more likely to develop cognitive impairment (total: OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.02–1.06). Subjective expectations of economic downturn also caused cognitive impairment, especially in women (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01–1.07) and early stage older adults (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02–1.10). Policymakers must consider the impact of changes in national policies and living environments on cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Well-Being of Older People)
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14 pages, 634 KiB  
Article
Caring for Dementia Caregivers: Psychosocial Factors Related to Engagement in Self-Care Activities
by Xinyao Lin, Jerad H. Moxley and Sara J. Czaja
Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(10), 851; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13100851 - 18 Oct 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2518
Abstract
Caregivers often prioritize the needs of the care recipient and neglect their own health needs. It is imperative to understand the factors related to their self-care practices and engagement in self-care activities. The present study examined the extent to which dementia caregivers engaged [...] Read more.
Caregivers often prioritize the needs of the care recipient and neglect their own health needs. It is imperative to understand the factors related to their self-care practices and engagement in self-care activities. The present study examined the extent to which dementia caregivers engaged in self-care activities, how this varied depending on caregiver characteristics, and whether self-care engagement mediated the relationship between social support and caregiver outcomes. The study utilized baseline data from a diverse sample of dementia caregivers (N = 243) who participated in a randomized trial evaluating a psychosocial technology-based caregiver intervention. Results showed that the dementia caregivers engaged in low levels of self-care activities and that their engagement varied based on the caregivers’ background characteristics (age, gender, race/ethnicity, relationship to the care recipient, and employment status). Less caregiver involvement (e.g., less ADL/IADL help provided and more caregiver preparedness) and more social support predicted higher self-care activity engagement. Self-care activity engagement served as a mediator, such that more social support predicted more self-care activities, which, in turn, were associated with more positive perceptions of caregiving and less caregiver burden and depression. The findings suggest a need for interventions that promote self-care engagement among dementia caregivers and underscore the importance of social support and caregiver preparedness to caregivers’ well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Well-Being of Older People)
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12 pages, 787 KiB  
Article
Combating Loneliness in Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a Volunteer-Based Program in Greece
by Marianna Balta, Konstantinos Katsas, Chrysoula Grigoropoulou, Dimitrios V. Diamantis, Dimitrios Kalogiannis, Nikolaos Drougos, Eleni Fagogeni, Afroditi Veloudaki, Demosthenes Panagiotakos and Athena Linos
Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(10), 804; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13100804 - 27 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1912
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the feeling of loneliness, especially among older adults. This study aims to investigate any association between COVID-19 cases in Greece and the number of Loneliness Helpline calls at the Friendship at Every Age program and to assess whether [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the feeling of loneliness, especially among older adults. This study aims to investigate any association between COVID-19 cases in Greece and the number of Loneliness Helpline calls at the Friendship at Every Age program and to assess whether the interconnection part of the program, which interconnects older adults with volunteers, can combat loneliness/social isolation in older adults. This is a supportive, volunteer-based, social intervention program. A total of 4033 calls were collected from July 2020 to November 2022, in Greece. Older adults who participated in the interconnection part completed baseline (n = 275) and follow-up questionnaires (n = 168), including the UCLA Loneliness Scale. A time-series analysis revealed a positive association in the number of calls with COVID-19 cases (Incidence Rate Ratio per 100 new COVID-19 cases = 1.012; Confidence Interval (95% CI) [1.002, 1.022]). A significant decrease in the Loneliness Scale was observed at follow-up [difference = −0.85; 95% CI (−1.16, −0.54)], with similar results by sex, educational level, and area of living. Loneliness Helpline calls increased during COVID-19 outbreaks, while the interconnection part had a positive impact on older adults, reducing their feeling of loneliness. Similar initiatives are required to better address the needs of the ageing population during and after health crises. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Well-Being of Older People)
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20 pages, 1585 KiB  
Article
Motor–Cognitive Interventions May Effectively Improve Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Mingda Tao, Huajun Liu, Jinxuan Cheng, Caiyun Yu and Lili Zhao
Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 737; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13090737 - 4 Sep 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2922
Abstract
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a syndrome that occurs in the preclinical stage of Alzheimer’s disease. Early intervention can be effective in preventing Alzheimer’s disease, but further research is needed on intervention methods. To identify interventions that are more suitable for Chinese characteristics [...] Read more.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a syndrome that occurs in the preclinical stage of Alzheimer’s disease. Early intervention can be effective in preventing Alzheimer’s disease, but further research is needed on intervention methods. To identify interventions that are more suitable for Chinese characteristics and to investigate the effects of motor–cognitive intervention on the cognitive functions of older adults with MCI, we screened 103 community-dwelling older adults with MCI aged 65 years and older in Qingdao, Shandong, China; divided them into an intervention group and a control group; and administered a motor–cognitive intervention to the intervention group for 12 weeks. The study used the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to assess the initial cognitive level of the MCI participants and detect the effects of the intervention. We found that the cognitive abilities of the intervention group were significantly improved at the end of the intervention, as well as at the end of the follow-up, compared with the control group. The results of the current study suggest that the motor–cognitive intervention we used may improve the cognition of older people with MCI in the Chinese community. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Well-Being of Older People)
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15 pages, 1334 KiB  
Systematic Review
Is Formal Social Participation Associated with Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies
by Cláudia Cunha, Gina Voss, Renato Andrade and Alice Delerue-Matos
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(4), 262; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14040262 - 22 Mar 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2317
Abstract
This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to explore the association between formal social participation and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults using data from longitudinal studies. A comprehensive search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science for longitudinal studies that [...] Read more.
This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to explore the association between formal social participation and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults using data from longitudinal studies. A comprehensive search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science for longitudinal studies that assessed the association between formal social participation and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults published between January 2010 to 19 August 2022. Risk of bias was judged using the RoBANS tool. Meta-analysis using a random-effects model was computed with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for cognitive decline probability. Sensitivity analyses were made to explore any changes to the pooled statistical heterogeneity and pooled effect size. Certainty of evidence was judged using the GRADE framework. We included 15 studies comprising 136,397 participants from 5 countries. Meta-analyses showed that formal social participation was associated with reduced cognitive decline (OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.75–0.82, p < 0.001), with very low certainty of evidence. Formal social participation appears to enhance cognition in middle-aged and older adults, but further high-quality research is needed given the very low certainty of evidence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Well-Being of Older People)
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14 pages, 639 KiB  
Systematic Review
Effectiveness of Different Neurocognitive Intervention Approaches on Functionality in Healthy Older Adults: A Systematic Review
by Susana Sáez-Gutiérrez, Eduardo J. Fernandez-Rodriguez, Celia Sanchez-Gomez, Alberto Garcia-Martin, Luis Polo-Ferrero and Fausto J. Barbero-Iglesias
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(2), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14020087 - 25 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2484
Abstract
Subtle loss of functionality in healthy older adults is considered one of the most important predictors of cognitive decline. Neurocognitive interventions are increasingly being used, from a preventive maintenance approach to functional capacity. This study evaluates the effectiveness of different neurocognitive approaches on [...] Read more.
Subtle loss of functionality in healthy older adults is considered one of the most important predictors of cognitive decline. Neurocognitive interventions are increasingly being used, from a preventive maintenance approach to functional capacity. This study evaluates the effectiveness of different neurocognitive approaches on the functionality of healthy older adults. In this systematic review (CRD42023473944), an extensive search was conducted for articles published in the last 10 years (2013–2023) in the following databases: Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science. A total of 809 trials were identified, of which 18 were considered to be eligible for inclusion in the review. The data revealed heterogeneity in sample size, measures of functional assessment, neurocognitive interventions used, number of sessions, session duration, and time. Traditional cognitive stimulation is shown to have no significant functional benefit, while other less commonly used neurocognitive interventions, such as those based on everyday cognition, are associated with more significant benefits. Moreover, it is demonstrated that although the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale (IADL) is the most used test in similar studies, it is not sensitive enough to detect changes in functionality in healthy elderly individuals, with other tests such as the Timed Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (TIADL) being more advantageous. Therefore, a new guideline is proposed for its use in clinical practice and research, using homogeneous study protocols and neurocognitive interventions that allow for the transfer and generalization of results in daily life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Well-Being of Older People)
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