The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences
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J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci · Jul 2013
End-of-life planning in a family context: does relationship quality affect whether (and with whom) older adults plan?
Medical professionals typically approach advance care planning (ACP) as an individual-level activity, yet family members also may play an integral role in making decisions about older adults' end-of-life care. We evaluate the effects of marital satisfaction and parent-child relationship quality on older adults' use of advance directives (i.e., living will and durable power of attorney for health care [DPAHC] appointments) and end-of-life discussions. ⋯ Family dynamics affect ACP in complex ways and should be considered in patient-provider discussions of end-of-life care.
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J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci · May 2013
Comparative StudyTrajectories of combined laboratory- and real world-based speed of processing in community-dwelling older adults.
To characterize the trajectories of laboratory- and real world-based speed of processing (SOP) over 5 years using finite latent growth mixture modeling, and to explore associated baseline individual-level predictors and functional outcomes in 2,802 community-dwelling older adults from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly cohort. ⋯ Heterogeneous trajectories of SOP exist in old age. Future interventions addressing SOP should target the vulnerable group with poor SOP over time.
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J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci · Mar 2013
Family relationships and advance care planning: do supportive and critical relations encourage or hinder planning?
The effectiveness of advance care planning (ACP) may depend on family members' understanding of patient preferences. However, we know of no studies that explore the association between family relationship dynamics and ACP. ACP includes a living will, durable power of attorney for health care (DPAHC) appointment, and discussions. We evaluated the effects of three aspects of family relations--general family functioning, support and criticism from spouse, and support and criticism from children--on both overall ACP and specific DPAHC designations. ⋯ Family dynamics affect ACP in complex ways and should be considered when patients and their families discuss end-of-life care and make DPAHC designations.
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J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci · May 2012
Correlates of caregiver burden among family caregivers of older Korean Americans.
Despite the rapid growth of older ethnic minority populations, knowledge is limited about informal caregiving among these groups. Our aim was to identify correlates of caregiver burden among family caregivers of older Korean Americans (KAs). ⋯ Interventions to reduce caregiver burden in KA caregivers may be more effective if they include approaches specifically designed to build family support, improve family agreement, and increase caregivers' self-efficacy.
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J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci · Mar 2012
Personality, suicidal ideation, and reasons for living among older adults.
This study examined associations between diverse types of personality disorder (PD) features, personality traits, suicidal ideation, and protective factors against suicide among community-dwelling older adults. ⋯ The findings highlight the complexity of risk and protective factors for suicide and suggest that a thorough assessment of suicidal potential among older adults should include attention to their underlying personality traits.