Latest news with #Aging&MentalHealth
Euronews
23-04-2025
- Health
- Euronews
People tend to get lonelier as they age, but it's worse for seniors in these European countries
ADVERTISEMENT Europeans can expect to get lonelier as they age – but Americans could face their biggest social lull in midlife, new research suggests. Loneliness has emerged as a major public health issue that raises the risk of everything from depression and type 2 diabetes to dementia and stroke. But it's often thought of as a problem afflicting the very young and the very old, with the middle-aged population sometimes overlooked. For the new study, researchers measured the loneliness levels of more than 64,000 people aged 50 to 90 in 29 countries, most of them in Europe. They used a loneliness scale that took into account how often people felt they lacked companionship, were left out, or socially isolated. Middle-aged and older adults were the loneliest in Cyprus and Greece, according to the study published in the journal Aging & Mental Health . They were the least lonely in Denmark, Switzerland, and Austria. Related Scientists find lifestyle and living conditions have greater impact on healthy ageing than genes Across countries, people tended to get lonelier as they aged – but just how much lonelier depended on where they lived, with those in Bulgaria and Latvia seeing the biggest increases with age. At all ages, loneliness was linked to not working and being unmarried, depressed, or in poor health, but how important these factors were depended on the country and age group. In the United States, for example, being out of work was closely tied to loneliness in midlife. It was the only country where middle-aged people felt more lonely than older generations. (The same trend emerged in the Netherlands, but the report noted data limitations that make that association less certain.) 'A signal to seek more connections' The differences between countries and age groups suggest that loneliness isn't just a natural consequence of ageing – it's likely tied to broader social factors such as work and caregiving demands, the researchers said. Related Thinking of retiring abroad? You might be lonelier than if you stayed home, new study suggests 'Our findings show that loneliness is not just a late-life issue,' Esteban Calvo, a dean at the Universidad Mayor in Chile and the study's senior author, said in a statement. 'A one-size-fits-all approach will not solve this worldwide problem,' Calvo added. The report has a few limitations, notably that data were collected before the COVID-19 pandemic and that response rates were low in some countries, meaning the findings may not be fully representative. It also did not suss out the factors it says are linked to loneliness. A single person could be divorced, widowed, or never married, for example, while an out-of-work person could either be unemployed or retired – and these distinctions could make a big difference. Related Using smartphones may protect older adults against cognitive problems like dementia as they age 'Some things that are not necessarily that actionable. … Everyone eventually loses a partner,' Caterina Mauri, a senior researcher at the Brussels Institute for Social and Population Studies at the Free University of Brussels (VUB), told Euronews Health. But given the links between loneliness, health outcomes, and quality of life, it's a topic she believes deserves more attention – for people of all ages. 'Loneliness is something that is part of our lives, but it becomes problematic when it's chronic, when it leads to depression,' said Mauri, who was not involved with the new study. ADVERTISEMENT Loneliness 'is a bit like hunger,' she said, serving as a 'signal to seek more connections'.
Telegraph
12-02-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
If you have a tipple a day, make it one of these
If you're a retiree, you'll be delighted to hear that according to a new scientific study, enjoying The transition to retirement is challenging. The study found that overall retirees showed more signs of depression, such as feeling sad or finding 'everything is an effort.' Researchers tracked more than 27,500 people over 14 years, recording their drinking habits and their health conditions. The findings published in the journal Aging & Mental Health also found that retirees who drank moderately experienced fewer depressive symptoms than teetotallers. 'Moderation is certainly key,' says award-winning registered nutritionist Charlotte Radcliffe. 'In this context, that means a maximum limit of 14 units per week. If you regularly drink as much as this, the general advice is to spread those units across the week, rather than drinking in large quantities in one go, and have some alcohol-free days.' For older adults, she adds, the If you are a sociable retiree though, and you are going to indulge, which drinks would a nutritionist steer you towards? We asked Radcliffe and Lisa Gunn, mental health prevention lead at Nuffield Health, for their verdict. The pros and cons of your favourite tipple Pros Radcliffe cautions that a small glass of wine means 125ml, 'which might seem very small if you're accustomed to pub measures'. A large glass of wine in a pub is usually 250ml, or a third of a bottle. 'I would also suggest that people eat at the same time,' she adds. 'I know that's not always practical, but from a health point of view, wine is best consumed when accompanied by food.' Cons While Gunn also makes red wine her top recommendation, she points out that wine can also contribute to depression and 'Carbonation can lead to some bloating for some people, and because, in a sense, it's easier to drink, it might lead to drinking more,' says Radcliffe. 'Sparkling wines like prosecco tend to be higher in sugar as well, which can result in blood-sugar spikes if not consumed with a meal.' Pros Like normal wines, fortified wines contain antioxidants, which are believed to help prevent heart disease and even reduce inflammation in the brain. Cons 'But again,' says Radcliffe, 'I have to caveat that with portion size and frequency. Any potential benefits only apply when it's drunk in small measures and not too frequently. One small glass really does mean a small glass, as sherry tends to have a higher alcohol content than standard wines, as well as higher sugar content and more calories.' Pros Given its lower alcohol percentage, beer would appear to be the least harmful option when it comes to mental health. What's more, in terms of volume and the time it takes you to drink it, you get more bang for your buck. 'Beer is fine in moderation if it helps social connections and aids relaxation,' says Gunn. What about While Radcliffe is sceptical about the black stuff's nutritional benefits, she confirms that Guinness is lower in calories than many beers. It's also filling. 'As they get older, some people reach a point where they can't really tolerate drinking large volumes,' she says. 'A pint of Guinness feels substantial. You don't necessarily get that sensation with wine and other drinks.' Cons 'It can impact sleep and contribute to depression and anxiety if drunk too often and in too large a quantity,' Gunn warns. From a nutritionist's standpoint, Radcliffe also advises caution. 'Beer and lager can be very high in calories and carbohydrates, which can cause bloating or gut discomfort in some people. On a more positive note, they contain a variety of B vitamins, which come from the cereal grains and the yeast contained in them. Some studies have alluded to associations with improved gut health and improved bone density. But ultimately, to get those daily nutrient requirements, whole foods would be a much better source than reaching for a beer.' Pros On paper, gin has a lot going for it. It's carb-free and relatively low-calorie. According to Drink Aware, a single measure of spirit contains 61 calories, compared with 159 calories in a medium glass of red or white wine and 182 calories in a pint of beer. If you combine your gin with a 200ml serving of light tonic, which contains about 30 calories, it is still the most slimming option. ' Gunn concurs: 'Gin and tonic has less of an impact on blood-sugar levels, which influence mood, than other drinks. However, the overall positive and negative effects on mental health are the same.' Cons Standard tonic water is very high in sugar, which a lot of people don't realise. But overall, a G&T contains fewer calories than many cocktails, beers and wines, and fewer carbohydrates,' says Gunn. 'So there are some benefits there.' Pros Drinkers have been known to switch to vodka because of its lower calorie-count in comparison with wine. 'It's also better than some of the darker spirits [such as whisky] when it comes to how the body handles it and the impact of hangovers,' says Radcliffe. Cons However, because it's practically tasteless, it's easier to drink more than you realise, and you need to be extra-vigilant with measures. Combining it with a sugary mixer will not only push up its calorie content but lead to quicker intoxication. 'Vodka is a high-alcohol option, which therefore brings with it a higher risk of Pros Dark-coloured, barrel-aged, distilled drinks such as whisky not only have very high alcohol content, they're also what's called 'complex' spirits, which means they possess a wider range of flavour notes and aromas. 'Whisky can be good for social connection, relaxation and mindful sipping,' says Gunn. Cons While their complexity explains their appeal to connoisseurs, it also makes them more potent, and potentially harmful, than other spirits. 'It has a very high alcohol content and therefore brings an increased risk of dependency and sleep and cognitive impairment,' says Gunn. 'It can also interfere with medications, causing unwanted side effects.' Pros With tequila often lauded as a healthier option than other spirits, and red wine believed to worsen menopausal symptoms like hot flushes, the margarita (tequila, lime juice and triple sec) has emerged as the cocktail of choice for those approaching retirement. 'It very much depends on whether you're making it at home or going out for a margarita,' says Radcliffe. 'The ones you purchase outside the home are often mixed with other ingredients and are very high in calories and sugar. Salt around the rim of the glass is another nutritional downside, though lime juice is of course a good source of vitamin C. Other than that, there's not a great deal to recommend it as a drink.' Cons The issue with cocktails in general is that they usually contain more than one type of alcohol, which means you may think you're drinking one drink when in fact you could be consuming four or five single measures. The presence of fruit juices encourages you to drink quickly while the combination of sugar and spirits can cause peaks and crashes in blood sugar levels. 'Margarita is good for relaxing and can give you a refreshing perk due to its citrus flavours,' says Gunn. 'It may provide a short-term mood boost but again, it also has all the negative implications of being a depressant.' Pros 'You may get a very small amount of calcium from the cream, but generally speaking it's a very indulgent product and best suited as an occasional dessert treat rather than as a regular drink,' says Radcliffe. Cons A glass of Baileys might seem like the perfect nightcap, but Radcliffe warns that it can trigger digestive issues. 'This is because it's very creamy and very high in calories, sugar and fat. Some people can't tolerate that combination.' The verdict 'A small glass of red wine would be the best option,' says Radcliffe, 'or a single measure of spirits with a light mixer, a light beer, or even a white wine spritzer [white wine mixed with sparkling water].' Gunn cites 'Light beers,' she adds, 'can help reduce over-consumption of alcohol, while dry and clear spirits with low-calorie mixers can reduce sugar spikes and mood crashes. To minimise impact to your mental health it is best to avoid alcoholic drinks that are high in sugar or have a high alcohol percentage. This lessens blood sugar fluctuations that can impact on your mood.' Gunn also advises drinking plenty of water alongside moderate alcohol consumption: 'This will prevent grogginess the following day and also help to reduce fatigue and irritability from dehydration. Alcohol in moderation is best when used with food. This can help minimise some of the negative effects on mood.'
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Old people in England are happier with their life now than before COVID. What's changed?
Older people in England are happier than ever – or at least happier than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic, a new study suggests. Researchers from University College London (UCL) tracked about 4,000 people ages 50 and up in the country from 2012 to 2023. They used survey data to measure people's happiness, life satisfaction, and eudaemonic well-being – a sense of purpose and meaning in life – as well as depressive symptoms. Perhaps unsurprisingly, older people's mental well-being declined and depression levels rose in late 2020 with pandemic restrictions in full force, according to the findings, which were published in the journal Aging & Mental Health. Related Around 20% of UK medical students consider quitting university because of poor mental health But the scales soon tipped the other way. Older Britons' mental well-being bounced back from late 2021 to 2023, with their life satisfaction and sense of purpose even eclipsing their pre-pandemic levels, the study found. The findings could "reflect a renewed appreciation for social connections and meaningful activities, as well as increased psychological resilience after a period of adversity," Paola Zaninotto, the study's lead author and a professor of medical and social statistics at UCL, said in a statement. Well-being may be subjective, but it's about more than a lack of mental health problems like depression. Researchers think of well-being as a combination of positive feelings like happiness, good relationships, and a sense of purpose and control in life that allow people to thrive. That may help explain why depression levels did not improve in tandem with mental well-being after the pandemic. Related This country is the most depressed in Europe. How does yours compare? Before the pandemic, 11.4 per cent of older adults experienced significant depressive symptoms, a level that surged to 27.2 per cent in late 2020 and then fell to 14.9 per cent from 2021 to 2023. The researchers theorised that this could be due to the after-effects of interrupted medical care and other services for older people during the pandemic. Notably, not everyone reaped the benefits of the post-pandemic mental health boom. Adults in their 50s and less affluent people reported being worse off than their older and wealthier peers – possibly because their well-being levels were already lower before the pandemic. After the pandemic, people over 75 also saw smaller improvements in well-being and depression levels, possibly due to "persistent vulnerabilities" such as health problems, slower mental adaptation to the crisis, and a hit to their social lives, researchers said. Related Researchers identify new genetic risk factors for depression. Here's what that means The disparities underscore the "importance of tailored support policies for the immediate and lingering effects of pandemics on the well-being of our older population," Zaninotto said. The study has some limitations. Nearly all of the participants were white and about half were retired, which means the findings may not reflect the experiences of other groups. Even so, the findings are in line with previous research that shows life satisfaction has risen slightly in the UK since the early 1980s. Related Hospital admissions for mental health increase by 65% in a decade among young people In 2024, the United Kingdom ranked 20th of 143 countries in the annual World Happiness Report from University of Oxford, which tracks people's life satisfaction. Older adults may be providing a boost. The UK's older adults are now "significantly happier than the young," the 2024 report found, a trend that is mirrored in Norway, Sweden, Germany, Spain, and France.
Euronews
12-02-2025
- Health
- Euronews
Old people in England are happier with their life now than before COVID. What's changed?
Older people in England are happier than ever – or at least happier than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic, a new study suggests. Researchers from University College London (UCL) tracked about 4,000 people ages 50 and up in the country from 2012 to 2023. They used survey data to measure people's happiness, life satisfaction, and eudaemonic well-being – a sense of purpose and meaning in life – as well as depressive symptoms. Perhaps unsurprisingly, older people's mental well-being declined and depression levels rose in late 2020 with pandemic restrictions in full force, according to the findings, which were published in the journal Aging & Mental Health. But the scales soon tipped the other way. Older Britons' mental well-being bounced back from late 2021 to 2023, with their life satisfaction and sense of purpose even eclipsing their pre-pandemic levels, the study found. The findings could 'reflect a renewed appreciation for social connections and meaningful activities, as well as increased psychological resilience after a period of adversity,' Paola Zaninotto, the study's lead author and a professor of medical and social statistics at UCL, said in a statement. How is 'happiness' defined? Well-being may be subjective, but it's about more than a lack of mental health problems like depression. Researchers think of well-being as a combination of positive feelings like happiness, good relationships, and a sense of purpose and control in life that allow people to thrive. That may help explain why depression levels did not improve in tandem with mental well-being after the pandemic. Before the pandemic, 11.4 per cent of older adults experienced significant depressive symptoms, a level that surged to 27.2 per cent in late 2020 and then fell to 14.9 per cent from 2021 to 2023. The researchers theorised that this could be due to the after-effects of interrupted medical care and other services for older people during the pandemic. Notably, not everyone reaped the benefits of the post-pandemic mental health boom. Adults in their 50s and less affluent people reported being worse off than their older and wealthier peers – possibly because their well-being levels were already lower before the pandemic. After the pandemic, people over 75 also saw smaller improvements in well-being and depression levels, possibly due to 'persistent vulnerabilities' such as health problems, slower mental adaptation to the crisis, and a hit to their social lives, researchers said. Older adults are happier than the young The disparities underscore the 'importance of tailored support policies for the immediate and lingering effects of pandemics on the well-being of our older population,' Zaninotto said. The study has some limitations. Nearly all of the participants were white and about half were retired, which means the findings may not reflect the experiences of other groups. Even so, the findings are in line with previous research that shows life satisfaction has risen slightly in the UK since the early 1980s. In 2024, the United Kingdom ranked 20th of 143 countries in the annual World Happiness Report from University of Oxford, which tracks people's life satisfaction. Older adults may be providing a boost. The UK's older adults are now 'significantly happier than the young,' the 2024 report found, a trend that is mirrored in Norway, Sweden, Germany, Spain, and France.
Euronews
12-02-2025
- Health
- Euronews
Why are old people in this country happier now than before COVID?
Older adults in England reported better mental well-being after the pandemic, but also slightly elevated depression rates. ADVERTISEMENT Older people in England are happier than ever – or at least happier than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic, a new study suggests. Researchers from University College London (UCL) tracked about 4,000 people ages 50 and up in the country from 2012 to 2023. They used survey data to measure people's happiness, life satisfaction, and eudaemonic well-being – a sense of purpose and meaning in life – as well as depressive symptoms. Perhaps unsurprisingly, older people's mental well-being declined and depression levels rose in late 2020 with pandemic restrictions in full force, according to the findings, which were published in the journal Aging & Mental Health. But the scales soon tipped the other way. Older Britons' mental well-being bounced back from late 2021 to 2023, with their life satisfaction and sense of purpose even eclipsing their pre-pandemic levels, the study found. The findings could 'reflect a renewed appreciation for social connections and meaningful activities, as well as increased psychological resilience after a period of adversity,' Paola Zaninotto, the study's lead author and a professor of medical and social statistics at UCL, said in a statement. How is 'happiness' defined? Well-being may be subjective, but it's about more than a lack of mental health problems like depression. Researchers think of well-being as a combination of positive feelings like happiness, good relationships, and a sense of purpose and control in life that allow people to thrive. That may help explain why depression levels did not improve in tandem with mental well-being after the pandemic. Before the pandemic, 11.4 per cent of older adults experienced significant depressive symptoms, a level that surged to 27.2 per cent in late 2020 and then fell to 14.9 per cent from 2021 to 2023. The researchers theorised that this could be due to the after-effects of interrupted medical care and other services for older people during the pandemic. Notably, not everyone reaped the benefits of the post-pandemic mental health boom. Adults in their 50s and less affluent people reported being worse off than their older and wealthier peers – possibly because their well-being levels were already lower before the pandemic. After the pandemic, people over 75 also saw smaller improvements in well-being and depression levels, possibly due to 'persistent vulnerabilities' such as health problems, slower mental adaptation to the crisis, and a hit to their social lives, researchers said. Older adults are happier than the young The disparities underscore the 'importance of tailored support policies for the immediate and lingering effects of pandemics on the well-being of our older population,' Zaninotto said. The study has some limitations. Nearly all of the participants were white and about half were retired, which means the findings may not reflect the experiences of other groups. Even so, the findings are in line with previous research that shows life satisfaction has risen slightly in the UK since the early 1980s. ADVERTISEMENT In 2024, the United Kingdom ranked 20th of 143 countries in the annual World Happiness Report from University of Oxford, which tracks people's life satisfaction. Older adults may be providing a boost. The UK's older adults are now 'significantly happier than the young,' the 2024 report found, a trend that is mirrored in Norway, Sweden, Germany, Spain, and France.
