LIFE PROBLEMS, DAILY ACTIVITIES, AND ALERTNESS IN LATE LIFE
2024

Life Problems and Alertness in Older Adults

Sample size: 258 publication

Author Information

Author(s): Gao Sibo, Zhou Zexi, Fingerman Karen

Primary Institution: The University of Texas Austin

Hypothesis

This study examined the association between life problems, daily activities, and alertness in late life.

Conclusion

Older adults with more life problems reported lower levels of alertness, but felt more energetic when engaging in leisure activities.

Supporting Evidence

  • Older adults facing life problems often report worse psychological and physical well-being.
  • Participants with more life problems reported lower levels of alertness throughout the day.
  • Engaging in leisure activities helped participants with more life problems feel more energetic.

Takeaway

Older people with problems in life feel more tired, but doing fun activities can help them feel more energetic.

Methodology

Participants aged 65+ reported life problems and completed assessments on daily activities and alertness over 5–6 days.

Participant Demographics

Participants were aged 65 and older, with an average age of 74.15.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2371

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