The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences
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J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci · Nov 2011
Finding the key to happy aging: a day reconstruction study of happiness.
The main aim of this study was to examine the roles of physical passivity and extraversion in the relationship between daily engagement in activities and daily happiness among older adults. ⋯ The study extends activity theory by demonstrating that combining effortful activities with restful activities leads to greater happiness among older adults. Also, personality traits such as extraversion play a decisive role in the kind of activities that contribute most to daily happiness.
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J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci · Jul 2011
Histories of social engagement and adult cognition: midlife in the U.S. study.
To evaluate whether social contacts, support, and social strain/conflict are related to executive function and memory abilities in middle-age and older adults. ⋯ Positive and negative aspects of social relationships are related to cognition throughout adulthood, consistent with the hypothesis that social factors have life-long influences on cognition. Positive and negative aspects of social engagement may thus be important factors to consider in relation to efforts to promote optimal cognitive development and cognitive aging.
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J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci · Nov 2009
A broader view of family caregiving: effects of caregiving and caregiver conditions on depressive symptoms, health, work, and social isolation.
Informal caregivers provide the majority of long-term care. This study examined six health and psychosocial outcomes of caregiving, in the context of multiple characteristics of the caregiving situation, in a representative, statewide sample. ⋯ Caregiving per se does not lead to symptoms of depression, poor health, or social isolation. Many caregivers do need supports in training and education, respite, and physical and mental health care. Such programs should provide outreach to caregivers facing specific stressful conditions, as not all caregivers experience negative consequences.
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J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci · Nov 2009
Family caregiver skills in medication management for hospice patients: a qualitative study to define a construct.
To propose a theoretical construct of family caregiver skills in effective medication management for home hospice patients. ⋯ The proposed construct of medication management skills in hospice will help guide future development of training interventions and clinical assessment tools.