Resilience to AD pathology in Top Cognitive Performers.

Successful cognitive aging is often thought to result from resistance to the accumulation of pathology, resilience to the effects of pathological accumulation, or some combination of the two. While evidence for resilience has been found in typical aging populations, the oldest-old provide us with a unique window into the role of pathological accumulation in impacting cognition. Here, we aimed to assess group differences in measures of amyloid and tau across older age groups using data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI age: 60-89) and The 90+ Study (age: 90-101). Additionally, using the ADNI dataset, we performed exploratory analyses of regional cingulate AV-45 SUVRs to assess if amyloid load in particular areas was associated with Top Cognitive Performance (TCP). Consistent with the literature, results showed no group differences in amyloid SUVRs both regionally and in the whole cortex. For tau with AV-1451, we also observed no differences in Braak composite SUVRs. Interestingly, these relationships persisted in the oldest-old. This indicates that Top Cognitive Performance throughout aging does not reflect resistance to amyloid and tau burden, but that other mechanisms may be associated with protection against amyloid and tau related neurodegeneration.

SuperAging functional connectomics from resting-state functional MRI.

Understanding the relationship between functional connectivity (FC) of higher-order neurocognitive networks and age-related cognitive decline is a complex and evolving field of research. Decreases in FC have been associated with cognitive decline in persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). However, the contributions of FC have been less straightforward in typical cognitive aging. Some investigations suggest relatively robust FC within neurocognitive networks differentiates unusually successful cognitive aging from average aging, while others do not. Methodologic limitations in data processing and varying definitions of 'successful aging' may have contributed to the inconsistent results to date. The current study seeks to address previous limitations by optimized MRI methods to examine FC in the well-established SuperAging phenotype, defined by age and cognitive performance as individuals 80 and older with episodic memory performance equal to or better than 50-to-60-year-olds. Within- and between-network FC of large-scale neurocognitive networks were compared between 24 SuperAgers and 16 cognitively average older-aged control (OACs) with stable cognitive profiles using resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) from a single visit. Group classification was determined based on measures of episodic memory, executive functioning, verbal fluency and picture naming. Inclusion criteria required stable cognitive status across two visits. First, we investigated the FC within and between seven resting-state networks from a common atlas parcellation. A separate index of network segregation was also compared between groups. Second, we investigated the FC between six subcomponents of the default mode network (DMN), the neurocognitive network commonly associated with memory performance and disrupted in persons with ADRD. For each analysis, FCs were compared across groups using two-sample independent t-tests and corrected for multiple comparisons. There were no significant between-group differences in demographic characteristics including age, sex and education. At the group-level, within-network FC, between-network FC, and segregation measurements of seven large-scale networks, including subcomponents of the DMN, were not a primary differentiator between cognitively average aging and SuperAging phenotypes. Thus, FC within or between large-scale networks does not appear to be a primary driver of the exceptional memory performance observed in SuperAgers. These results have relevance for differentiating the role of FC changes associated with cognitive aging from those associated with ADRD.

The impact of yoga on successful aging based on the selection, optimization, and compensation model in elderly women: A quasi-experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of yoga on successful aging based on the selection, optimization, and compensation model in elderly women. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study. SAMPLE: Seniors' meeting points and parks and clubs for the old age pensioners of the ministry of education, ministry of healthcare, and the oil corporation in Shiraz, Iran. 68 elderly women within the age range of 60-86 years were divided into a yoga and a control group. MEASUREMENTS: The subjects in both groups were asked to complete the selection, optimization, and compensation model questionnaire before and after the intervention. Successful aging was measured using the selection, optimization, and compensation questionnaire. INTERVENTION: The yoga training program was implemented in 1-h sessions twice a week for eight weeks. RESULTS: After eight weeks of yoga training, the results showed a significant difference between the pretest and posttest successful aging total scores of the yoga group (P = .005). However, the difference between the yoga and control groups' posttest mean total scores was not significant (P = .601). CONCLUSION: Based on the results, it seems that yoga training can improve successful aging. Thus, yoga is recommended as an inexpensive and entertaining method.

The Individual and Work-Related Factors Associated with the Occupational Future Time Perspective: A Cross-Sectional Study of Older Workers in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: Occupational future time perspective (OFTP) is important concept for the successful career in older workers. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between individual and work-related factors and OFTP. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study via an online questionnaire survey. Respondents were stratified sampled according to the distribution of workers across Japan. To assess OFTP, we used the Japanese version of the OFTP scale. We included the factors such as sex, age, education, marital status, subjective health status, personal income, length of employment, industry, size of company, employment status, working days per week, and night shift. Multiple regression analysis was employed to calculate the regression coefficients for each factor, with OFTP serving as the dependent variable. RESULTS: We totally included 1,484 respondents. Our findings indicated that higher OFTP was associated with higher education, better subjective health status, higher personal income, and smaller size of company. Compared to the manufacturing, certain industries such as agriculture and forestry, transportation and postal services, and healthcare showed lower OFTP. In contrast to permanent workers, contract and part-time workers demonstrated lower OFTP, whereas owners of non-family businesses exhibited higher OFTP. Furthermore, individuals working 1-4 days per week showed lower OFTP compared to those working 5 days per week. CONCLUSIONS: Older workers facing limitations in resources, such as educational background, personal income, precarious employment, and health status, tend to have lower OFTP. Such individuals should be given priority for support and assistance.

Ageism and (Successful) Digital Engagement: A Proposed Theoretical Model.

Recently, scholars have highlighted the detrimental consequences of technology-based ageism. Digital technology (DT) is commonly discoursed as an opportunity to promote Successful Aging. Nevertheless, the theoretical implications of ageism, DT, and Successful Aging are underexplored. This paper presents a new theoretical model of Digital Engagement and Ageism (D-EngAge), which elaborates on the potential impacts of ageism on DT engagement and participation in later life and explains how ageism may pose a threat to realizing the potential of DT to promote Successful Aging. The D-EngAge model was developed based on a synthesis of findings from twelve recent studies we conducted on the intersection of ageism and DT. Findings were synthesized through the four dimensions of ageism suggested by Iversen et al. (2009), demonstrating how ageism as a multi-faceted construct has a reciprocal relationship with digital engagement on the micro-(individual), meso-(social interaction), and macro-level (discourses and societal practices). Consequently, exacerbating or reducing technology-based ageism. This forum paper identifies ageism as a barrier to utilizing DT, critically discusses power imbalances, and deconstructs Successful Aging discourses regarding digital engagement. Theoretical implications and recommendations for future interventions and policy measures to mitigate ageism and promote digital engagement and participation in later life are presented.

Effects of a similar amount of regular non-structured or competitive physical activity across late adulthood: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Master athletes are examples of successful aging. It is not clear whether it is the competitive-oriented training or just the amount of total regular exercise that reduces the age-related decline in physiological functions. We aimed to compare health-related parameters in competitive (C) and physically active older adults (A) that performed the same weekly physical activity (PA) amount. Methods: Seventeen C and 17 A were matched for age (8 and 9 male participants under and over 70 years old respectively, for both groups) and weekly PA amount (GPAQ). Body composition, leg and arm maximal strength, balance and reaction time were measured; moreover, leg and arm exercise efficiency, estimated VO2max, and VO2/HR relationships were evaluated. Perception of life and sleep quality was also assessed through specific questionnaires (SF-36 and PSQI). The effect of group (C vs. A), age (U70 vs. O70) and their interaction was examined through a Two-Way ANOVA test. Results: C dedicated more time to vigorous PA compared to A (p = 0.03), while less to moderate daily work (p < 0.01) and active commuting (p = 0.06). C exhibited better body composition (all p < 0.05), higher leg maximal strength (p < 0.05) and a trend for elevated arm strength (p = 0.06). Reaction time, leg and arm cycling efficiency were similar in the two groups (all p > 0.05), while balance reduced in A O70. Estimated VO2max was higher for C in leg cycling (p = 0.05) and remained constant across ages (all p > 0.05). VO2/HR relationship, life and sleep quality did not differ for groups and ages. Conclusions: Regular physical exercise of about 6,000 METs/week seems to have a beneficial effect on health-related parameters, both in non-structured and competitive PA, when compared to sedentary behaviour. However, the older adults engaged in competitive training exhibit further advantages: better body composition, higher arm and leg muscle strength, and higher leg VO2max. This study highlights the importance of encouraging active lifestyles for maintaining long-term health, high levels of life quality perception and reducing age-related decline. However, vigorous training suitability needs to be verified by a team of PA specialists.

Beyond the focus on individuals: Adding environment into the redefined successful aging paradigm.

Since the origin of the Successful Aging (SA) model by Rowe and Kahn, scholars have been working on enriching the content of SA and taking actions to promote this concept worldwide. While most studies primarily focus on older individuals, only a few scholars have considered the environmental aspect of SA. However, the environment, directly and indirectly, enhances older adults' abilities to achieve SA. To measure SA comprehensively and address inequalities among older adults, this theoretical article aims to challenge current SA models by incorporating both individual and environmental aspects and proposing four measurement dimensions: inclusivity of disadvantaged groups, culture-specific adaptation, balance between physical and social environments, and dynamics of the whole lifecycle. Moreover, this article provides examples to illustrate how environment can support older adults especially those who would be defined as "unsuccessful" under the original SA model. Our proposed model would provide theoretical guidance for future research and spark new ideas for policies and programs that support every older adult in achieving SA.

Effects of Age Stereotypes of Older Workers on Job Performance and Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer Intention and Mediating Mechanisms.

The workforce is aging with the population aging. How to effectively manage and motivate older workers is significant for elderly human resources development and the sustainable development of enterprises in organizations. Age stereotypes of older workers refer to people's beliefs and expectations about a specific group of 45-65-year-olds in the workplace. This paper examines the effect of age stereotypes of older workers on job performance and intergenerational knowledge transfer intention. This study carried out two research designs, a questionnaire survey and an experimental study, to explore the effects of positive and negative age stereotypes of older workers on job performance and intergenerational knowledge transfer intention within an organizational context and underlying mediating mechanisms. The results showed that positive stereotypes of older workers significantly positively affected job performance and intergenerational knowledge transfer intention. In comparison, negative stereotypes of older workers significantly negatively affected job performance and intergenerational knowledge transfer intention, and self-perception of aging substantially mediates the effects. This study broadens the research field on the impact of positive and negative age stereotypes on older workers in organizational contexts. This study guides organizations in reducing age discrimination, creating an inclusive workplace environment, and achieving the successful aging of older workers.

Resilience and successful aging: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the relationship between successful aging (SA) and resilience in older adults, focusing on individuals aged 60 and above, to address a significant gap in understanding how resilience contributes to SA. METHODS: Following the Cochrane review guidelines, we conducted searches in databases such as Web of Science, PsycNet, and PubMed up to December 2021 and used PRISMA as a tool for reporting the results. Our inclusion criteria were studies on psychological resilience and SA in older adults aged 60 and above. Exclusion criteria included studies on physical resilience, medical outcomes of SA, other indicators not used in screened studies (e.g., prevalence, means), populations with suicidal ideation or chronic/palliative illnesses, studies considering resilience as an indicator of SA, and qualitative studies on the association between resilience and SA. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies were included and assessed for risk of bias using funnel plot and trim-and-fill methods. The meta-analysis revealed a medium effect size indicating a positive relationship between resilience and SA. However, high heterogeneity warrants a cautious interpretation of these results. No significant differences were found between older adults in the general population and those in retirement communities, nor were geographical variations (Asia, Europe, America) found to moderate this relationship. DISCUSSION: The findings highlight the intrinsic link between older adults' attitudes towards aging, their subjective evaluations, and their level of psychological resilience. Resilience acts as a protective factor against psychological and physical adversities, underscoring the importance of resilience-enhancing strategies in interventions aimed at promoting SA. The conclusions drawn from this analysis should be approached with caution due to the heterogeneity of the included studies.

Health and Financial Literacy and the Acquisition of COVID-19 Knowledge in Older Adults.

Knowledge about COVID-19 enters into many aspects of decision making, especially for older people who are at increased risk of severe disease or death. Yet little is known about the resources that supported older people's uptake of COVID-19 knowledge. Here, we hypothesized that higher pre-pandemic health and financial literacy was associated with higher COVID-19 knowledge. Participants were 434 community-based older people without dementia. COVID-19 knowledge was assessed via a 5-item measure, and health and financial literacy was assessed via a 32-item measure. In an ordinal regression model adjusted for age, gender, and education, higher literacy was associated with higher COVID-19 knowledge (p < .0001), and this association persisted after further adjusting for robust measures of global cognition or one of five specific cognitive domains (all p's ≤ .0001). These findings suggest that literacy plays a key role in supporting older people's acquisition of impactful knowledge in the real world.

Successful Aging of Korean Older Adults Engaging in Sports Regularly: Health Beliefs, Exercise Adherence Intention, and Health Promotion Behavior.

The population of older adults is increasing more rapidly in Korea than in any other country, making successful aging a salient need in Korean society. For successful aging, older adults must engage in sports activities regularly. This study determined the relationships among health beliefs, exercise adherence intention, health promotion behavior, and successful aging among older adults who engage in sports activities regularly. The participants were 287 adults aged 65 years or older who live in Korea and exercise regularly. Data were collected through a survey and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling. The integrated model lacked explanatory power in terms of goodness of fit, but the alternative model had sufficient explanatory power. The alternative model showed that health beliefs, exercise adherence intention, and health promotion behavior are significantly related and that health promotion behavior positively predicts successful aging. It also showed that health beliefs affect successful aging through the mediation of exercise adherence intention and health promotion behavior. This study is meaningful because it verifies the structural and theoretical relationships among health beliefs, exercise adherence intention, health promotion behavior, and successful aging. As a result, it provides information that can improve the welfare of older adults in Korean society.

What Does It Mean to "Age Well" Among British and Javanese Older Adults? A Cross-Cultural Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate perceptions of what it means to "age well" and to explore similarities and differences between a Western and non-Western culture (Britain and Java). METHODS: Qualitative interviews explored how Javanese and British older adults defined aging well, establishing the similarities and differences between cultures. Javanese (n = 14) and British (n = 15) adults aged 61-80 (mean age = 68) participated. The data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and organized with NVivo. RESULTS: Four themes were identified that captured what it means to age well across cultures: (a) good health is a springboard for aging well; (b) holding a positive outlook is a decisive factor in aging well; (c) "having enough" and "feeling safe" provide peace of mind; and (d) spirituality and religiosity provide tranquility. Although both cultures mentioned similar factors, there were variations in the interpretations and emphasis within themes. For example, Javanese participants emphasized the importance of the social environment whereas British participants highlighted the physical environment. DISCUSSION: Differences between cultures are important for understanding how best to support people as they age. For example, in Java, aging well may be best supported by providing a vibrant social environment. For people in Britain, having a safe and secure physical environment may be more important.

Exploring workability in an older working population: associations with cognitive functioning, sleep quality, and technostress.

Objective: This observational study investigates workability and its associations with cognitive functioning, sleep quality and technostress among an older working population, also shedding light on potential differences between two occupational categories with different work schedules. Methods: Workers aged over 50, employed in different working sectors (banking/finance, chemical and metal-mechanic industry) were administered a self- report questionnaire including Work Ability Index (WAI), cognitive tests (Stroop Color Task, Corsi Blocks, Digit Span), sleep quality questionnaires (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-PSQI; Insomnia Severity Index-ISI; Ford Insomnia Response to Stress Test-FIRST) and technostress scale. Linear regression models evaluated associations among variables, interaction effects investigated potential moderators. Results: A total of 468 aged workers categorized as white (WCWs; N = 289, 62%) or blue collars (BCWs; N = 179, 38%) were enrolled; most BCWs (N = 104; 58%) were night shift workers. WCWs reported higher workability, cognitive functioning, sleep quality and lower technostress (except for invasion and privacy subscales) than BCWs. Associations between cognitive functioning and workability were statistically significant only for BCWs [slopes equal to 0.2 (0.33), 0.8 (0.34), -0.02 (0.001) for Memory Span Corsi, Block Span Digit and Interference Speed respectively]; additionally, sleep quality significantly moderated this association (p = 0.007). Higher levels of technostress were associated with lower workability, and this relationship was stronger for BCWs. Conclusion: The aging of the workforce has important implications for occupational health and safety. Our findings suggest potential interventions and protective measures to promote older workers' wellbeing; blue-collar workers particularly should benefit from tailored intervention to sustain workability and prevent technostress, considering the role of healthy sleep habits promotion.

Quasi-Seniors' Perception, Response, and Planning from the Perspective of Successful Aging.

With the coming of a rapidly aging society, individuals born in the baby boom era after World War II are now facing the challenges of aging. From late middle age to successful aging, what are the perceptions and responses of these quasi-seniors? With this in mind, referring to Phelan's successful aging scale, the researchers developed the 4P Strategies (Physical, Psychological, Prospect, and Place and Relationships) tailored for quasi-seniors. Based on grounded theory, the results of 12 sessions of focused interviews (involving a total of 93 interviewees between the ages of 55 and 75; 41 males and 52 females; 48 not retired and 45 retired) were matched with the 4P Strategies. The results were the following: (1) regarding the Physical factor, the interviewees were shocked by their physical decline, and they had begun to devise strategies for health preservation and exercise; (2) regarding the Psychological factor, in order to mentally adapt, the interviewees agreed that moderate stress relief was absolutely necessary; (3) regarding the Prospect factor: the interviewees felt that one should make financial plans early, contemplate the value of life, and more actively learn and realize one's dreams; and (4) regarding the Place and Relationships factor, the interviewees aimed to rebuild their close relationships with their spouses, family members, and old friends and had polarized views regarding where to live in their old age. On the whole, the most discussed issue among the interviewees was where to live in their old age. Many had their own views and plans and did not stick to traditional views; however, they took the opinions of their significant others into account. During the interviews, interviewees wished to understand the responses of their peers to serve as a reference for their own decisions, and they realized that successful aging also required learning. This study aimed to encourage quasi-seniors about to enter their old age and help them to learn how to positively respond to aging as well as work towards a happy life with successful aging. This study could fill in gaps in research involving individuals in this age group and provide a reference for relevant policies.

Judo for older adults: the coaches' knowledge and needs of education.

This study aimed to explore the views of judo coaches on their perceived knowledge (PK) and needs for education (NE) for training older practitioners. In total, 470 international (Europe = 48%, Americas = 22%, Africa = 23%, Asia = 5% and Oceania = 2%) judo coaches (IJF: level 1 = 55,3%, level 2 = 33%; judo black belt: 3,4 ± 1,7 dan; F = 15%; university education: 68% >BA) responded an online survey encompassing demographic information and 35 items relevant to training older adults (Aging process; Safety and First Aid; Organization & Environment; Physiology and Fitness; Psychology & Mental Health; Teaching & Training) to be rated on a 7-point Likert scale for PK and NE. Non parametric statistics (p > 0.05) was applied to ascertain differences and relationships between PK and NE, respectively. A bivariate go-zone plot was used to highlight items with the lowest PK and the highest NE mean values. The coaches reported high PK (4.5 ± 0.3 pt) and NE (4.7 ± 0.1 pt) values, with significant higher PK values emerging for high education levels and judo experience. In considering their unique needs and special role, the judo coaches presented valuable insights to develop a sustainable educational curriculum tailored to train older judo practitioners.

Social Support, Health Behaviors, Self-Esteem, and Successful Aging in a Sub-Saharan African Sample of Older Adults: Test of a Sequential Mediation Model.

Background and Objectives: Previous research demonstrates that social support facilitates successful aging across all cultures. However, the factors that potentially mediate the link between social support and successful aging remain unclear. This study examined whether a healthy lifestyle and self-esteem mediate the association between social support and successful aging. It was hypothesized that the relationship between social support (family, friends, and significant other) and successful aging would be serially mediated by both healthy lifestyle and self-esteem. Research Design and Methods: Participants were 479 Nigerian retirees (53.4% female) aged 60 to 90 years (Mage = 64.81, SD = 6.86). They provided information on relevant demographic variables and completed the following measures: Fantastic Lifestyle Checklist (Fitness Appraisal), Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Scale, and Successful Aging Inventory. Three separate regression models (family, friends, and significant other dimensions of social support) were conducted using the Hayes PROCESS macro for SPSS with 5,000 bootstrap estimates. Results: Controlling for age and sex, family support, significant other support, friends support, healthy lifestyle, and self-esteem were directly associated with successful aging. The association between family support and successful aging was mediated by healthy lifestyle; and this was also seen for friends' support and significant other support. The sequential path from social support to successful aging through healthy lifestyle, and then via improved self-esteem, was significant for family support and significant other support, but not friends support. Discussion and Implications: Findings suggest that middle-aged to older adults who have strong support from their families and significant others may be more likely to engage in healthy behaviors and, in turn, experience higher levels of self-esteem, thereby aging well.

Trait-anxiety, depressive symptoms, family support and life satisfaction as determinants conditioning the degree of adherence of people in pre-older adults and older adults.

The objective of the study was to determine the degree of adherence to pharmacological treatment in people in pre-older adults and older adults age groups and to analyse the correlation between selected sociodemographic parameters, severity of anxiety as a trait, symptoms of depression, a sense of family support and satisfaction with life, and adherence in people over 55 years of age. The study was conducted in a group of 2,040 people (1,406 women, 634 men) aged 55 to 100 (the average age was 65.4). The following sociodemographic variables were analysed: age, gender, education. The following scales were used: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). The Adherence in Chronic Diseases Scale (ACDS) was used to test adherence, understood as the implementation of the therapeutic plan. The results obtained in the ACDS ranged from 6 to 28 points; the median was 24 points (21-28). The multiple coefficients of determination (multiple R2 = 0.11; p < 0.001) indicated an explanation of approximately 11% of the value of the ACDS dependent variable. The total correlation of all variables (multiple R) with the ACDS general variable in the mean correlation was 0.33. Independent factors affecting adherence assessed in the ACDS were: severity of anxiety as a trait (p = -0.21 ± 0.03; p < 0.001), family support (p = 0.10 ± 0.04; p = 0.029), severity of depression symptoms (p = -0.08 ± 0.03; p = 0.005), age of respondents (p = 0.07 ± 0.02; p = 0.003) and satisfaction with life (p = 0.06 ± 0 0.03; p = 0.027). Severity of anxiety as a trait, age, severity of depressive symptoms, a sense of satisfaction with life and family support are important factors affecting adherence.

Association of 'Tortoise' and 'Hare' movement behavior patterns with cardiometabolic health, body composition, and functional fitness in older adults.

We investigated the association of movement behavior patterns with cardiometabolic health, body composition, and functional fitness in older adults. A total of 242 older adults participated of this cross-sectional study. Sedentary time, light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), steps/day, and step cadence were assessed by accelerometry. The movement behavior patterns were derived by principal component analysis. Cardiometabolic health was defined by a metabolic syndrome score (cMetS). Body composition was determined by appendicular lean mass/body mass index (ALM/BMI). Functional fitness was assessed by a composite z-score from the Senior Fitness Test battery. Two patterns were identified: 'Tortoise' (low sedentary time, high LPA and steps/day) and 'Hare' (high MVPA, steps/day, and step cadence). 'Tortoise' and 'Hare' were associated with better cMetS. 'Hare' was positively associated with ALM/BMI and Functional Fitness. While 'Tortoise' and 'Hare' were associated with better cMetS, only 'Hare' was associated with better ALM/BMI and functional fitness.

Exploring pathways to successful aging among older black lesbians and sexual minority women: A focus on life satisfaction and intersectional factors.

PURPOSE: Satisfaction with life is a core aspect of successful aging, which is influenced by a broad range of factors, including health, socioeconomic status, and social relationships. Black lesbians experience various social challenges, including racism, sexism, ageism, and heterosexualism, that may present as deterrents to aging successfully. To develop better policies and programs in support of successful aging among all adults, an understanding of the unique components associated with their intersecting identities must be explored. This study was carried out to gain a better understanding of how Black lesbians and other Black sexual minority women (BSMW) view successful aging within the context of life satisfaction. METHODS: Inferential statistics were used to determine relationships between satisfaction with life (SWLS-3) and selected independent variables. Backward stepwise regression was conducted to ascertain significant relationships of the study outcome variable. RESULTS: The respondents were 118 Black lesbians and other BSMW aged 50 and above. Independent t-tests showed that those living with a partner had a significantly higher SWLS-3. Backwards stepwise regression indicated the predictor variables for higher rates of SWLS-3 to be harmony in life, annual household income, and provider sensitivity/cultural competence to their patient being Black. CONCLUSION: This study provides insight on factors increasing and diminishing satisfaction with life for aging Black lesbians and other BSMW. Future research should replicate this study with a more diverse and nationally representative sample, especially given the study limitations of having recruited a highly educated sample during a global pandemic.

Cardiorespiratory fitness mediates the relationship between depressive symptomatology and cognition in older but not younger adults.

Aging is commonly associated with emotional, physical, and cognitive changes, with the latter, particularly affecting executive functioning. Further, such changes may interact. For instance, depressive symptomatology is a known risk factor for developing cognitive deficits, especially at older ages. In contrast, an active lifestyle, reflected in high cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) levels, has proven to protect against adverse effects on cognition across the adult lifespan. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the relationships between depressive symptomatology, CRF, and cognition during critical developmental stages, namely in young adults (YA), when cognitive abilities are at their peak, and in older adults (OA), when they may start to decline. Eighty-one OA with ages between 60 and 89 years (M = 70.46; SD = 7.18) and 77 YA with ages between 18 and 34 years (M = 22.54; SD = 3.72) went through (i) a sociodemographic interview, (ii) an emotional assessment, (iii) a battery of cognitive tests, and (iv) a physical evaluation assessing CRF levels, visceral fat and body-mass index. Results showed that OA exhibited lower general cognitive performance, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, memory, and CRF. Depressive symptoms and anxiety were not different among groups, with CRF mediating the relationship between depressive symptoms and cognition in the OA group. The present study provides valuable insights into the interplay between emotional, physical, and cognitive well-being. Additionally, it calls attention to how lifestyle factors can play a protective role against the adverse effects that depressive symptoms have on cognition, particularly at older ages.