Journal of Aging and Health最新文献

{"title":"Functional Disability and Depressive Symptoms in Middle-Aged and Older Couples: A Dyadic Examination of Bidirectional Influences and Temporal Dynamics.","authors":"Dexia Kong, Xiaomin Li, Yaxin Lan, Meng Huo, Xiaoling Xiang","doi":"10.1177/08982643251355055","DOIUrl":"10.1177/08982643251355055","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesThis study examines the bidirectional influences between functional disability and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older couples, emphasizing the temporal dynamics and co-development of partners' experiences.MethodsLongitudinal data were drawn from the <i>Health and Retirement Study</i> (2002-2020), focusing on married couples (<i>N</i> = 4109 couples). Dyadic cross-lagged panel models and latent trajectory analyses were employed.ResultsFunctional disability had a stronger influence on depressive symptoms than the reverse. Spouses' disability trajectories were synchronized with similar baseline levels and rates of change, but synchrony did not predict depressive symptoms. Husbands' disability disproportionately affected wives' mental health compared to the reverse.ConclusionsThe findings elucidate the directionality underlying the relationship between depressive symptoms and functional limitations. Couples' functional disability development was synchronous. Tailored and targeted disability preventive interventions may have mental health benefits for both partners.</p>","PeriodicalId":51385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Health","volume":" ","pages":"414-426"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144499177","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Algorithmic Inequity in Aging: How AI-Driven Healthcare Decision Tools Amplify Socioeconomic Disparities in Health Outcomes Among Older Adults.","authors":"Isaac Eshun","doi":"10.1177/08982643261474654","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643261474654","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background and ObjectivesArtificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in healthcare decision-making to improve clinical efficiency and patient risk assessment. However, emerging evidence suggests these tools may disadvantage older adults from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, potentially worsening health disparities. This scoping review examines how AI-driven healthcare decision tools affect health outcomes among socioeconomically disadvantaged older adults.MethodsFollowing the Arksey and O'Malley framework and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, I searched PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2025. Studies were screened using a Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) framework.ResultsThirty-three studies met inclusion criteria, revealing four themes: algorithmic bias in training data, socioeconomic and digital access barriers, differential outcomes by income and race, and governance gaps in AI deployment.DiscussionCurrent AI healthcare tools risk reinforcing socioeconomic health disparities among older adults, highlighting the need for equitable design, policy oversight, and regulatory reforms.</p>","PeriodicalId":51385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Health","volume":" ","pages":"8982643261474654"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148622424","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Media Behaviors Considered by Older Adults During Health Emergencies: A Cross-National Study.","authors":"Dennis Rosenberg, Loredana Ivan, Sakari Taipale","doi":"10.1177/08982643261473105","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643261473105","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>PurposeTo identify the predictors of the technology-assisted behaviors older adults would consider implementing once encountered with a health concern and seeking help. To understand this phenomenon, the study tapped into the technology familiarity approach and the media richness theory.MethodsData were obtained from the 2020 wave of the Ageing, Communication, Technologies (ACT) survey and analyzed using logistic regression models. The sample included 3,926 internet users 63-97 years old from Austria, Finland, Israel, the Netherlands, Romania, and Spain.Main findingsCurrent uses of certain technological outlets were positively associated with the consideration of their use in the studied context, albeit to different extents. Cross-country differences were also notable, being pronounced in consideration of particular behaviors more than the others.ConclusionsThe results suggest that technology familiarity, media richness, and communication culture that encourages/hinders media richness contribute to understanding of the considered emergency-related media behavior in later life.</p>","PeriodicalId":51385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Health","volume":" ","pages":"8982643261473105"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148609848","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Loneliness and Memory: The Mediating Role of Cognitive, Physical, and Social Activities.","authors":"Yannick Stephan, Angelina R Sutin, Martina Luchetti, Selin Karakose, Páraic S O'Súilleabháin, Antonio Terracciano","doi":"10.1177/08982643261472012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643261472012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesThe present study examined whether engagement in activities mediates the association between loneliness and memory.MethodsParticipants (<i>N</i> >12,000; Age range: 34 to 93 years) were from three large longitudinal samples from the US and England. Measures of loneliness and demographic factors were obtained at baseline, cognitive, physical, and social activities were obtained from a second wave, and episodic memory was obtained from a third wave, 8 to 17 years later.ResultsA meta-analysis indicated that loneliness was prospectively associated with worse memory performance at follow-up, and to less engagement in cognitive, physical and social activities. Less engagement in cognitive activities mediated part of the association between loneliness and worse memory performance and explained about 7% of this link. Physical and social activities did not mediate this association.DiscussionThe present study provided replicable evidence that less engagement in cognitive activities is a pathway linking loneliness to worse memory.</p>","PeriodicalId":51385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Health","volume":" ","pages":"8982643261472012"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-07-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148609851","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Living Alone and Routine Checkup Disparities Among Older Adults With Disabilities in the United States: The Mediating Role of Social Determinants of Health.","authors":"Hyun-Jun Kim, Brittany Jones-Cobb, Jon M Torres, Natalie Turner","doi":"10.1177/08982643261472015","DOIUrl":"10.1177/08982643261472015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveTo examine the association between living alone and receipt of routine checkups among older adults with disabilities in the United States and explore the role of social determinants of health (SDOH) in explaining this relationship.MethodUsing 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, we analyzed adults aged 60+ with disabilities (<i>n</i> = 56,619). Adjusted logistic regressions examined the association between living arrangement and annual routine checkups. Indirect effects of nine SDOH were tested.ResultsOlder adults with disabilities living alone had significantly lower odds of an annual routine checkup compared to those cohabitating. The relationship between living alone and routine checkups showed significant indirect pathways through housing instability, transportation barriers, stress, and reduced social support.ConclusionsThese findings underscore living alone as an important marker of routine checkup disparities and suggest that efforts to reduce disparities must consider the material and psychosocial conditions that structure how individuals engage with healthcare.</p>","PeriodicalId":51385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Health","volume":" ","pages":"8982643261472015"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13472749/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148594373","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Why Do Older Adults Disengage From Routine Medical Care? Psychological Distress, Wealth Stratification, and Health System Disengagement in Later Life.","authors":"Sunkanmi Folorunsho, Michael Ameyaw Somuah","doi":"10.1177/08982643261472013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643261472013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveMany older adults stop seeing a doctor despite having insurance and significant health needs. This study asks whether psychological distress predicts disengagement from care, beyond structural barriers.MethodUsing three waves of the Health and Retirement Study (<i>N</i> = 5,184 adults 65+), we model whether distress in one wave predicts no medical contact in the next, testing whether wealth weakens this link.ResultsOlder adults with more psychological distress were significantly more likely to disengage from care, even accounting for demographics, resources, and health needs. This link was stronger among those with less wealth, suggesting money helps buffer the effects of psychological strain. The pattern held even when looking at change within the same person over time.ConclusionPsychological distress independently predicts disengagement from care, and this effect is stronger among financially disadvantaged older adults. Mental health screening in primary care could help reduce disengagement in this group.</p>","PeriodicalId":51385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Health","volume":" ","pages":"8982643261472013"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148594376","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sibling Disconnectedness in Midlife and Cognitive Functioning in Later Life: Is Loneliness an Explanatory Factor?","authors":"Gina Lee, Jooyoung Kong, Deborah Carr, Michal Engelman","doi":"10.1177/08982643261469599","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643261469599","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesSibling ties are among the most enduring of all social relationships, so the loss or absence of this long-standing bond may undermine the well-being of older adults. This study examined whether and how disconnectedness from adult siblings (i.e., no contacts/interactions and emotional distance) is linked to older adults' cognitive functioning.MethodsWe use data from four waves of the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (1993-2020) and structural equation models to prospectively evaluate the association between sibling disconnectedness and cognition, and the extent to which this association is mediated by loneliness. Participants reported on sibling disconnectedness in 1993/age 54 and 2004/age 65, and on loneliness in 2011/age 72. Cognition was evaluated in 2020/age 81.ResultsPersistent sibling disconnectedness was not directly associated with cognitive decline, but it was significantly and indirectly associated with cognition through loneliness.ConclusionsOur findings underscore the importance of sibling relationships as a source of social support and cognitive engagement in midlife.</p>","PeriodicalId":51385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Health","volume":" ","pages":"8982643261469599"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148474054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond Cash: Associations Between Social Security Benefits, Healthcare Accessibility, and Psychological Health Among Older Adults in Tanzania.","authors":"Stellah John Kilawe, Huijun Liu, Ying Wang","doi":"10.1177/08982643261465953","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643261465953","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesSocial security benefits are associated with better psychological health among older adults in resource-limited settings, yet the mechanisms underlying this association remain underexplored. We examined the role of healthcare accessibility in the relation between social security benefits and psychological health among older adults in Tanzania.MethodsWe analyzed cross-sectional data from a 2024 survey of Tanzanian adults aged 60 and above (<i>n</i> = 2,012) in four geographic zones. We examined associations using structural equation modeling (SEM) with bias-corrected bootstrapping (5,000 replications). Social security benefits (combining pension and health insurance receipt), self-reported healthcare accessibility, and psychological health (a composite of anxiety and depression symptoms) were included as primary variables.ResultsSocial security benefit receipt was significantly associated with better psychological health (<i>β</i> = -0.106, BCCI: -0.152, -0.060, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Healthcare accessibility was positively associated with psychological health and showed a significant association with the relationship between social security benefits and psychological health (<i>β</i> = -0.057, BCCI: -0.092, -0.022, <i>p</i> < 0.01), consistent with an indirect association in this cross-sectional analysis.ConclusionsHealthcare accessibility plays a significant role in the relation between social security benefits and psychological health, suggesting a pathway through which social security benefits may influence psychological health beyond direct financial mechanisms. These findings point to potential policy considerations, including administrative coordination between pension and health insurance schemes and interventions to improve healthcare accessibility for older adults. For low- and middle-income countries facing rapid population aging, integrated approaches to social security benefits and health systems may help maximize the health returns of social investments.</p>","PeriodicalId":51385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Health","volume":" ","pages":"8982643261465953"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148383093","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Caregiving Across the Life Course: Intensity, Duration, and Health Among Family Caregivers in the United States.","authors":"Heather DeGrande, Deborah Gurgel Smith, Luis Enrique Espinoza, Corey D Smith","doi":"10.1177/08982643261465753","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643261465753","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesThis study examined how caregiving intensity, duration, and labor type are associated with physical and mental health among family caregivers (FCGs) across life-course stages.MethodsUsing cross-sectional data from 2,610 FCGs in the 2024 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, we applied multivariable logistic and linear regression models stratified by life-course stage.ResultsWomen had 65% higher odds of depression than men (aOR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.22-2.22), consistent across all age groups. Older FCGs who provided care for two or more years showed markedly worse physical health, a pattern consistent with wear-and-tear and cumulative disadvantage frameworks. Midlife FCGs presented a sandwich-generation profile of worse physical health with increased caregiving intensity.ConclusionFindings highlight the need for age-tailored caregiver support and structural reforms, including expanding the Family and Medical Leave Act, wage replacement programs, and a caregiving-linked Medicare benefit.</p>","PeriodicalId":51385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Health","volume":" ","pages":"8982643261465753"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148347392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hearing Status, Loneliness, and Verbal Fluency in Older Adults: A Latent Growth Curve Modeling Approach.","authors":"Damián Medina-Valdebenito, Tomás Espinoza-Palavicino, Oscar Terán-Mendoza, Vicente Cancino, Juan Barra-Barrera","doi":"10.1177/08982643261446020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643261446020","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesThis study examined the influence of hearing status and loneliness on verbal fluency trajectories in adults aged 60 years and older, assessing their contributions to baseline performance and longitudinal change over time.MethodsData were drawn from 4,929 participants in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) with objective hearing assessment in 2018 and three waves of semantic verbal fluency and loneliness measured in 2018, 2020, and 2022. Latent growth curve models were estimated to examine longitudinal change.ResultsVerbal fluency showed a small but statistically significant increase over time, whereas loneliness showed a slight decrease over time. Worse hearing status predicted lower baseline verbal fluency and higher baseline loneliness. The association between hearing status and longitudinal change in verbal fluency was observed in partially adjusted models but was attenuated and did not reach statistical significance after full covariate adjustment.DiscussionThese findings support an association between hearing status and baseline levels of verbal fluency and loneliness, while evidence for longitudinal change in verbal fluency was limited to partially adjusted models.</p>","PeriodicalId":51385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Health","volume":" ","pages":"8982643261446020"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148260509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}