Coping Resources, Loneliness, and Depressive Symptoms of Older Women With Chronic Illness

Abstract

Chronic illness with its accompanying physical stressors poses a risk factor for loneliness and depression in later life. Testing a model of stress and coping, we examined the effects of three types of coping resources (religious coping; Selection, Optimization, and Compensation [SOC] adaptive strategies; and perceived social support) on the deleterious effects of chronic illness among older women. Community-dwelling older women ( N = 138) with at least one chronic illness ( M = 3.9, SD = 2.1) completed mailed questionnaires. Respondents reported multiple morbidities and 90% reported interference with daily life. Social support was associated with less loneliness and depression and mediated the relationship between physical health and loneliness. Our study demonstrates two distinct pathways to depressive symptoms: one through physical symptoms, pain, and disability, and another through the experience of loneliness. Findings support intervention approaches that address disability-related issues and loneliness, and assist older women with chronic illness in identifying and marshaling social support.

Do religious activities among young–old immigrants act as a buffer against the effect of a lack of resources on well-being?

“…Our results show that having more engagement in private religious activities is positive for well-being. Support for this finding was found in earlier studies among Christian populations in Western Europe (Braam et al, 2001) and in North America (Warner, Roberts, Jeanblanc, & Adams, 2017). We extended this finding by testing this in a population of predominantly Muslim Turkish and Moroccan immigrants.…”

Meaning of life among elderly individuals with chronic diseases living with family: A qualitative study

“…Moreover, elderly individuals have been preparing for the battle with chronic disease, 4,14,23 and have been found to become depressed because of the symptoms of the illness, pain, disability, and loneliness during chronic illness. 24 Hence, research shows that depression among the elderly population is closely related to the presence of chronic diseases. 25 Other studies have indicated that the existence of chronic diseases, such as arthritis and kidney failure, is closely related to a high risk for suicidal thoughts and attempted suicide.…”

Efectos de un programa de ejercicio físico Pilates-Aerobic sobre el nivel de capacidad funcional y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud física y mental en mujeres mayores

“…Esta disminución de masa muscular está directamente relacionada con la pérdida de fuerza, disminución de la capacidad funcional y empeoramiento de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (Goodpaster et al, 2006). Según diversos estudios (Amin et al, 2018;Warner, Roberts, Jeanblanc y Adams, 2017), el ejercicio físico tiene un efecto positivo sobre la salud física y mental debido a que produce liberación de endorfinas y esto, conlleva a una reducción de la ansiedad, la depresión y el estrés. Ya sea jercicio físico de bajo o alta intensidad, la liberación de estas sustancias actúan directamente sobre el cerebro, produciéndose una sensación de bienestar y relajación inmediata.…”

“…Además, inhiben las fibras nerviosas que transmiten el dolor, generando analgesia y sedación (Arruza et al, 2008). Todo ello produce un crecimiento de la autonomía personal y mayor autoestima en la población mayor que realiza ejercicio físico regular (Marshall, Schabrun, y Knox, 2017;Warner et al, 2017).…”