Aging with Disability Symptoms and Ability to Participate in, and Satisfaction with, Social Participation among Persons Aged 45–64

Abstract

Pain, fatigue, and depression, considered aging with disability (AwD) symptoms, are known to be substantially higher among middle-aged adults with long-term disability compared to their age peers. Participation has been recognized as an important component of health. This cohort survey study reports findings on the relationship between AwD symptoms and ability to participate in, and satisfaction with participation in, social roles and activities using PROMIS measures. Data were collected at three time points from individuals aged 45–64 with an average of two decades of disability duration and primarily living in the state of Missouri, USA. This study reports on Time 1 (T1) and Time 3 (T3), pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic declaration, respectively. Multiple regressions using both individual AwD symptoms and a composite measure demonstrated that having more pain, fatigue, and depression was associated with worse participation outcomes. Lower physical function scores were also related to lower participation scores, as was being female and living with others, and having more income reduced participation. Better physical health and identifying as African American/Black were associated with higher participation scores. Our findings suggest that AwD symptoms, along with other sociodemographic and health factors, play a substantial role in the social participation outcomes for persons aging with disability and remain consistent over time.

Exploring the Perspectives of Adults Aging With Long-Term Physical Disabilities on Physical Activity: A Qualitative Study

“…Our findings are supported by previous research that has discussed the prevalence and impact of symptoms and SHC experienced by this population in comparison to the general population. 5,10 The results of our study also corroborate previous research on persons with disabilities confirming that environmental barriers influence their participation in physical activity and thus their overall health and quality of life. [35][36][37] This study provides a unique contribution to the literature by exploring physical activity for AAwPD aged 45-65, amplifying the perspectives of individuals experiencing accelerated aging who often "fall through the cracks" because they do yet not qualify for traditional aging services.…”

“…Our findings are supported by previous research that has discussed the prevalence and impact of symptoms and SHC experienced by this population in comparison to the general population. 5,10 The results of our study also corroborate previous research on persons with disabilities confirming that environmental barriers influence their participation in physical activity and thus their overall health and quality of life. 35-37…”

“…2-5 The combination of these conditions often leads AAwPD, particularly those between the ages of 45 and 65, to experience functional decline and difficulty maintaining their desired level of participation in meaningful daily activities, such as socializing with family and friends. 3,6-10…”

“…[2][3][4][5] The combination of these conditions often leads AAwPD, particularly those between the ages of 45 and 65, to experience functional decline and difficulty maintaining their desired level of participation in meaningful daily activities, such as socializing with family and friends. 3,[6][7][8][9][10] Engaging in physical activity, a daily activity for many people, can improve physical and mental health. 11 Physical activity can be defined as any activity that requires movement of an individual's body, including formal exercise routines (eg, utilizing exercise equipment and recreational sports) and informal daily activities that require sustained movement (eg, yardwork and household chores).…”

The Relationship of Exercise, Psychosocial Factors, and Social Participation Among Adults Aging With Long-Term Physical Disability: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…8,9 This population includes individuals with a variety of different diagnoses (eg, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, stroke) who often face elevated pain, fatigue, and depression, difficulties participating in their communities, and accumulated social disadvantageall of which can make exercise challenging. 10,11 Few studies examining the influence of exercise have been conducted explicitly with AAwPD; those that have utilized small sample sizes, were limited to a specific diagnosis, or employed primarily qualitative methods. [12][13][14][15] For example, a study involving seven women aging with long-term physical disability demonstrated that exercise was associated with the prevention of further disability, successful pain management, reduced depressive symptoms, and improved selfconfidence.…”