Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Stressors and Vulnerabilities in Middle and Old Age: Opportunities for Prevention

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Defining Prevention Science

Part of the book series: Advances in Prevention Science ((Adv. Prevention Science))

Abstract

Today, older adults make up a larger segment of the population than at any other period of recorded history. With age comes the knowledge, experience, and wisdom of growing older; yet, it is also a time marked by an increased prevalence of diseases and disabilities, which undoubtedly will impact social, economic, and political policies as the country grapples with how to care for an aging population. Reducing the likelihood of disease occurrence would result in substantial benefits for individuals and the community. Although there are several positive aspects of aging, the focus of the present chapter is on age-related physical, cognitive, and psychological stressors and vulnerabilities. With this said, sometimes even the most vulnerable individuals seem to fare well in later adulthood. Successful aging is impacted by an individual’s ability to adapt to multiple behavioral factors which influence health and well-being. Unlike earlier developmental periods which have benchmarks that clearly define when successful maturation has occurred, the timing and course of adult development does not follow such clearly defined stages. Given markedly different life trajectories, the identification of modifiable factors and opportunities for prevention that may protect against age-related vulnerabilities is of great importance to an aging population.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Albert, M. S., Jones, K., Savage, K. R., Berkman, L., Seeman, T., Blazer, D., et al. (1995). Predictors of cognitive change in older persons: MacArthur studies of successful aging. Psychology and Aging, 10, 578–589.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Aldwin, C. M. (2007). Stress, coping, and development: An integrative approach. New York, NY: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aldwin, C. M., Sutton, K. J., Chiara, G., & Spiro, A. (1996). Age differences in stress, coping, and appraisal: Findings from the Normative Aging Study. The Journals of Gerontology, 51B, 179–188.

    Google Scholar 

  • Alzheimer’s Association. (2011). Alzheimer’s facts and figures. Retrieved from http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_facts_and_figures.asp

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (Rev. ed.) (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ardelt, M. (2000). Intellectual versus wisdom-related knowledge: The case for a different kind of learning in the later years of life. Educational Gerontology, 26, 771–789.

    Google Scholar 

  • Arlin, P. K. (1990). Wisdom: The art of problem finding. In R. J. Sternberg (Ed.), Wisdom: Its nature, origins, and development. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ball, K., Berch, D. B., Helmers, K. F., Jobe, J. B., Leveck, M. D., Marsiske, M., et al. (2002). Effects of cognitive training interventions with older adults: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of American Medical Association, 288, 2271–2281.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baltes, P. B. (1997). On the incomplete architecture of human ontogeny: Selection, optimization, and compensation as foundation of developmental theory. American Psychologist, 52, 366–380.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baltes, P. B., & Baltes, M. M. (1990). Selective optimization with compensation. In P. B. Baltes & M. M. Baltes (Eds.), Successful aging: Perspectives from the behavioral sciences. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baltes, P. B., & Smith, J. (1990). Toward a psychology of wisdom and its ontogenesis. In R. J. Sternberg (Ed.), Wisdom: Its nature, origins, and development. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baltes, P. B., Smith, J., & Staudinger, U. M. (1992). Wisdom and successful aging. In T. B. Sonderegger (Ed.), Nebraska symposium on motivation. Lincoln, NB: University of Nebraska Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baltes, P. B., & Staudinger, U. M. (2000). Wisdom. A metaheuristic to orchestrate mind and virtue toward excellence. American Psychologist, 55, 122–136.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bandura, A. (1995). Self-efficacy in changing societies. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bassuk, S. S., & Manson, J. E. (2005). Epidemiological evidence for the role of physical activity in reducing risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Journal of Applied Physiology, 99, 1193–1204.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bebbington, P., Dunn, G., Jenkins, R., Lewis, G., Brugha, T., Farrell, M., et al. (2003). The influence of age and sex on the prevalence of depressive symptoms: Report from the National Survey on Psychiatric Morbidity. International Review of Psychiatry, 15, 74–83.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Beekman, A. T., de Beurs, E., van Balkom, A. J. L. M., Deeg, D. J. H., van Dyck, R., & van Tilburg, W. (2000). Anxiety and depression in later life: Co-occurrence and communality of risk factors. American Journal of Psychiatry, 157, 89–95.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Beeri, M. S., Ranova-Springer, R., Silverman, J. M., & Haroutunian, V. (2009). The effects of cardiovascular risk factors on cognitive compromise. Dialogues Clinical Neuroscience, 11, 201–212.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bennett, D. A., Wilson, R. S., Schneider, A., Evans, D. A., Mendes de Leon, C. F., Arnold, S. E., et al. (2003). Education modifies the relation of AD pathology to level of cognitive function in older persons. Neurology, 60, 1909–1915.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bliss, R. M. (2007). Boosting our knowledge of brain food. Agricultural Research, 55, 14–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bosma, H., van Boxtel, M., Ponds, R., Houx, P., Burdorf, A., & Jolles, J. (2003). Mental work demands protect against cognitive impairment: MAAS prospective cohort study. Experimental Aging Research, 29, 33–45.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Braak, H., & Braak, E. (1991). Neuropathological staging of Alzheimer related changes. Acta Neurophathology, 82, 239–259.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brandburg, G. (2007). Making the transition to nursing home life: A framework to help older adults adapt to the long-term care environment. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 33, 50–56.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brennan, M., & Bally, S. J. (2007). Psychosocial adaptations to dual sensory loss in middle and late adulthood. Trends in Amplification, 11, 281–300.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, R. L., & Barrett, A. E. (2011). Visual impairment and quality of life among older adults: An examination of explanations for the relationship. The Journals of Gerontology, 66B(3), 364–373.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bruce, D. G., Davis, W. A., Casey, G. P., Starkstein, S. E., Clarmette, R. M., Foster, J., et al. (2008). Predictors of cognitive impairment and dementia in older people with diabetes. Diabetologia, 51, 241–248.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bryant, C., Jackson, H., & Ames, D. (2008). The prevalence of anxiety in older adults: Methodology and a review of the literature. Journal of Affective Disorders, 109, 233–250.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bygren, L. O., Konlaan, B. B., & Johansson, S. E. (1996). Attendance at cultural events, reading books or periodicals, and making music or singing in a choir as determinants for survival: Swedish interview survey of living conditions. British Medical Journal, 313, 1577–1580.

    CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Carson, A. P., Howard, G., Burke, G. L., Shea, S., Levitan, E. B., & Munter, P. (2011). Ethnic differences in hypertension incidence among middle-age and older adults. The multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis. Hypertension, 57, 1101–1107.

    CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Charles, S. T., & Horwitz, B. N. (2010). Positive emotions and health: What we know about aging. In C. A. Depp & D. V. Jeste (Eds.), Successful cognitive and emotional aging (pp. 157–172). Washington, DC: APA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chipperfield, J., Campbell, D., & Perry, R. (2004). Stability of perceived control: Implication of health among very old community-dwelling adults. Journal of Aging and Health, 16, 116–147.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chipperfield, J. G., & Greenslade, L. (1999). Perceived control as a buffer in the use of health care services. Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences, 54, 146–154.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark, D. O., & Maddox, G. L. (1992). Racial and social correlates of age-related changes in functioning. Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences, 47, 222–232.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark, D. O., Mungai, S. M., Stump, T. E., & Wolinsky, F. D. (1997). Prevalence and impact of risk factors for lower body difficulty among Mexican Americans, African Americans, and Whites. Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, 52, 97–105.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clarkson-Smith, L., & Hartley, A. A. (1989). Relationships between physical exercise and cognitive abilities in older adults. Psychology and Aging, 4, 183–189.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Clayton, V. P., & Birren, J. E. (1980). The development of wisdom across the life-span: A reexamination of an ancient topic. Life-Span Development and Behavior, 3, 103–135.

    Google Scholar 

  • Colcombe, S., & Kramer, A. F. (2003). Fitness effects on the cognitive function of older adults: A meta-analytic study. Psychological Science, 14, 125–130.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Crowe, M., Andel, R., Pedersen, N. L., Johansson, B., & Gatz, M. (2003). Does participation in leisure activities lead to reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease? A prospective study of Swedish twins. Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Review, 58B, 249–255.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davidson, M. B. (2001). The disproportionate burden of diabetes in African-American and Hispanic populations. Ethnicity and Disease, 11, 148–151.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • de Beurs, E., Cmijs, H., Twisk, J. W. R., Sonneberg, C., Beekman, A. T. F., & Deeg, D. (2005). Stability and change of emotional functioning in late life: Modeling of vulnerability profiles. Journal of Affective Disorders, 84, 53–62.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ek, L., Almkvist, O., Wiberg, M. K., Stragliotto, G., & Smits, A. (2010). Early cognitive impairment in a subset of patients with presumed low-grade glioma. Neurocase, 16, 503–511.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Erikson, E. (1982). The life cycle completed: A review. New York, NY: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans, D. A., Bennett, D. A., Wilson, R. S., Bienias, J. L., Morris, M. C., Scherr, P. A., et al. (2003). Incidence of Alzheimer disease in a biracial urban community: Relation to apolipoprotein e allele status. Archives of Neurology, 60, 185–189.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ford, A. B., Haug, M. R., Jones, P. K., Roy, A. W., & Folmar, S. J. (1990). Race-related differences among elderly urban residents: A cohort study, 1975–1984. Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences, 45, 163–171.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frankenberg, E., & Thomas, D. (2011). Global aging. In R. H. Binstock & L. K. George (Eds.), Handbook of aging and the social sciences (7th ed., pp. 73–87). San Diego, CA: Elsevier Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fried, L. P., Carlson, M. C., Freedman, M., Frick, K. D., Glass, T. A., Hill, J., et al. (2004). A social model for health promotion for an aging population: Initial evidence on experience corps model. Journal of Urban Health, 81, 64–78.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fulop, T., Larbi, A., Witkowski, J. M., McElhaney, J., Loeb, M., Mitnitski, A., et al. (2010). Aging, frailty and age-related diseases. Biogerontology, 11, 547–563.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gatz, M., Svedberg, P., Petersen, N. L., Mortimer, J. A., Berg, S., & Johansson, B. (2001). Education and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease: Findings from the study of dementia in Swedish twins. Journal of Gerontology, 56, 292–300.

    Google Scholar 

  • George, L. K. (2011). Social factors, depression, and aging. In R. H. Binstock & L. K. George (Eds.), Handbook of aging and the social sciences (7th ed., pp. 149–162). San Diego, CA: Elsevier Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gill, T. M., Baker, D. I., Gottschalk, M., Peduzzi, P. N., Allore, H., & Byers, A. (2002). A program to prevent functional decline in physically frail, elderly persons who live at home. New England Journal of Medicine, 347, 1068–1074.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gillette Guyonnet, S., Abellan Van Kan, G., Andrieu, S., Barberger Gateau, P., Berr, C., Bonnefoy, M., et al. (2007). IANA task force on nutrition and cognitive decline with aging. The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 11, 132–152.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gross, A. L., Rebok, G. W., Ford, D. E., Chu, A. Y., Gallo, J. J., Liang, K. Y., et al. (2011). Alcohol consumption and domain-specific cognitive function in older adults: Longitudinal data from the Johns Hopkins Precursors Study. Journals of Gerontology Social Sciences, 66, 39–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gurland, B. J., Wilder, D. E., Lantigua, R., Stern, Y., Chen, J., Killeffer, E. H. P., et al. (1999). Rates of dementia in three ethnoracial groups. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 14, 481–493.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hertzog, C., Kramer, A. F., Wilson, R. S., & Linderberger, U. (2009). Enrichment effects on adult cognitive development: Can the functional capacity of older adults be preserved and enhanced? Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 9, 1–65.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hildalgo, J. L.-T., Gras, C. B., Lapeira, J. M. T., Martínez, I. P., Verdejo, M. A. L., Rabadán, F. E., et al. (2008). The hearing-dependent daily activities scale to evaluate impact of hearing loss in older people. Annals of Family Medicine, 6, 441–447.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holtzman, R. E., Rebok, G. W., Saczynski, J. S., Kouzis, A. C., Wilcox Doyle, K., & Eaton, W. W. (2004). Social network characteristics and cognition in middle-aged and older adults. Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences, 59B, 278–284.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hultsch, D. F., Small, B. J., Hertzog, C., & Dixon, R. A. (1999). Use it or lose it: Engaged lifestyle as a buffer of cognitive decline in aging? Psychology and Aging, 14, 245–263.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ingram, R. E., & Luxton, D. (2005). Vulnerability-stress models. In B. L. Hankin & J. R. Z. Abela (Eds.), Development of psychopathology: A vulnerability-stress perspective (pp. 32–46). New York, NY: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jackson, J. S., Govia, I. O., & Sellers, S. L. (2011). Racial and ethnic influences over the life course. In R. H. Binstock & L. K. George (Eds.), Handbook of aging and the social sciences (7th ed., pp. 91–103). San Diego, CA: Elsevier Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jousilahti, P., Vartiainen, E., Tuomilehto, J., & Puska, P. (1999). Sex, age, cardiovascular risk factors, and coronary heart disease: A prospective follow-up study of 14,786 middle-aged men and women in Finland. Circulation, 99, 1165–1172.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Katzman, R. (1993). Education and the prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Neurology, 43, 13–20.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kessler, R. C. (2003). Epidemiology and women and depression. Journal of Affective Disorders, 74, 5–13.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kimm, H., Lee, P. H., Shin, Y. J., Park, K. S., Jo, J., Lee, Y., et al. (2010). Mid-life and late-life vascular risk factors and dementia in Korean men and women. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 52(3), e117–e122. doi:10.1016/j.archger.2010.09.004.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Knecht, S., Wersching, H., Lohmann, H., Berger, K., & Ringelstein, E. B. (2009). How much does hypertension affect cognition? Explained variance in cross-sectional analysis of non-demented community-dwelling individuals in the SEARCH study. Journal of Neurological Science, 283, 149–152.

    Google Scholar 

  • Knopman, D. S., Roberts, R. O., Geda, Y. E., Boeye, B. F., Pankratz, V. S., Cha, R. H., et al. (2009). Association of prior stroke with cognitive function and cognitive impairment: A population-based study. Archives of Neurology, 66, 614–619.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Konlaan, B. B., Theobald, H., & Bygren, L. O. (2002). Leisure time activity as a determinant of survival: A 26-year follow-up of a Swedish cohort. Public Health, 116, 227–230.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kramer, A. F., Hahn, S., Cohen, N. J., Banich, M. T., McAuley, E., Harrison, C. R., et al. (1999). Ageing, fitness and neurocognitive function. Nature, 400, 418–419.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Krause, N. (1995). Assessing stress-buffering effects: A cautionary note. Psychology and Aging, 10, 518–526.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Krause, N. (2007). Age and decline in role-specific feelings of control. Journals of Gerontology: Social Sciences, 62, 28–35.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krause, N., & Baker, E. (1992). Financial strain, economic values, and somatic symptoms in later life. Psychology and Aging, 7, 4–14.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Krause, N., & Shaw, B. A. (2000). Role-specific feelings of control and mortality. Psychology and Aging, 15, 617–626.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kruk, J. (2007). Physical activity in the prevention of the most frequent chronic diseases: An analysis of the recent evidence. Physical Exercise and Chronic Diseases, 8, 325–338.

    Google Scholar 

  • Labouvie-Vief, G. (2003). Dynamic integration: Affect, cognition, and the self in adulthood. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 12, 201–206.

    Google Scholar 

  • Labouvie-Vief, G., Hakim-Larson, J., DeVoe, M., & Schoeberlein, S. (1989). Emotions and self-regulation: A life span view. Human Development, 32, 279–299.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lachman, M. E. (2006). Perceived control over aging-related declines: Adaptive beliefs and behaviors. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 15, 282–286.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lamond, A. J., Depp, C., Allison, M., Langer, R., Reichstadt, J., Moore, D. J., et al. (2008). Measurement and predictors of resilience among community-dwelling older women. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 43, 148–154.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Larson, E. B., Wang, L., Bowen, J. D., McCormick, W. C., Teri, L., Crane, P., et al. (2006). Exercise is associated with reduced risk for incident dementia among persons 65 years of age and older. Annals of Internal Medicine, 144, 73–81.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Laurin, D., Verreault, R., Lindsay, J., MacPherson, K., & Rockwood, K. (2001). Physical activity and risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in elderly persons. Archives of Neurology, 58, 498–504.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lewinsohn, P. M., Hoberman, H. M., & Rosenbaum, M. (1988). A prospective study of risk factors for unipolar depression. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 97, 251–264.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Luppa, M., Sikorski, C., Luck, T., Ehreke, L., Konnopka, A., Wiese, B., et al. (2010). Age- and gender-specific prevalence of depression in latest life: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 136(3), 212–221. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2010.11.033.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mandel, B., & Roe, B. (2008). Job loss, retirement and the mental health of older Americans. Journal of Mental Health Policy and Economics, 11, 167–176.

    Google Scholar 

  • McAdams, D. P., & de St. Aubin, E. (1992). A theory of generativity and its assessment through self-report, behavioral acts, and narrative themes in autobiography. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 62, 1003–1015.

    Google Scholar 

  • McEwen, B. S. (1998). Protective and damaging effects of stress mediators. New England Journal of Medicine, 338, 171–179.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McEwen, B. S. (2003). Interacting mediators of allostasis and allostatic load: Towards an understanding of resilience in aging. Metabolism, 52, 10–16. doi:10.1053/50026-049(03)00295-6.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moroney, J. T., Tang, M., Berglund, L., Small, S., Merchant, C., Bell, K., et al. (1999). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the risk of dementia with stroke. Journal of American Medical Association, 281, 254–260.

    Google Scholar 

  • Motl, R. W., & McAuley, E. (2010). Physical activity, disability, and quality of life in older adults. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 21, 299–308. doi:10.1016/j.pmr.2009.12.006.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ng, T. P., Leong, T., Chiam, P. C., & Kua, E. H. (2010). Ethnic variations in dementia: The contributions of cardiovascular, psychosocial and neuropsychological factors. Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, 29, 131–138.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • O’Hara, R., Beaudreau, S. A., Luzon, A., Hah, M., Hubbard, J. T., & Sommer, B. (2009). Stress, resilience, and the aging brain. In C. Depp & D. V. Jeste (Eds.), Successful cognitive and emotional aging (pp. 173–193). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Panza, F., D’Introno, A., Colacicco, A. M., Capurso, C., Pichichero, G., Capurso, S. A., et al. (2006). Lipid metabolism in cognitive decline and dementia. Brain Research Reviews, 51, 275–292.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Parisi, J. M., Rebok, G. W., Carlson, M. C., Fried, L. P., Seeman, T. E., Tan, E. J., et al. (2009). Can the wisdom of aging be activated and make a difference societally? Educational Gerontology, 35, 867–879.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Paterson, D. H., & Warburton, D. E. R. (2010). Physical activity and functional limitations in older adults: A systematic review related to Canada’s physical activities guidelines. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 7, 1–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Piazza, J. R., Almeida, D. M., Dmitrieva, N. O., & Klein, L. C. (2010). Frontiers in the use of biomarkers of health in research on stress and aging. The Journals of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 65B, 513–525.

    PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Podewils, L. J., Guallar, E., Kuller, L. H., Fried, L. P., Lopez, O. L., Carlson, M. C., et al. (2005). Physical activity, APOE genotype, and dementia risk: Findings from the Cardiovascular Health Cognition Study. American Journal of Epidemiology, 161, 639–651.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rastas, S., Pirttila, T., Mattila, K., Verkkoniemi, A., Juva, K., Niinisto, L., et al. (2010). Vascular risk factors and dementia in the general population aged > 85 years: Prospective population-based study. Neurobiology of Aging, 31, 1–7.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rebok, G. W., Barron, J. S., Carlson, M. C., Frick, K. D., McGill, S., Parisi, J. M., et al. (2011). Experience Corps®: A civic engagement-based public health intervention. In P. E. Hartman-Stein & A. La Rue (Eds.), Enhancing cognitive fitness in adults: A handbook for the development of community based programs (pp. 469–488). New York, NY: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rebok, G. W., Ball, K., Guey, L. T., Jones, R. N., Kim, H.-Y., King, J. W., et al. (2014). Ten-year effects of the advanced cognitive training for independent and vital elderly cognitive training trial on cognition and everyday functioning in older adults. Journal of the American Geriatric Society, 62, 16–24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roepke, S. K., Allison, M., von Känel, R., Mausbach, B. T., Chattillion, E. A., Harmell, A. L., et al. (2011). Relationship between chronic stress and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in elderly Alzheimer’s caregivers. Stress, 15(2), 121–129.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rowe, J. W., & Kahn, R. L. (1997). Successful aging. Gerontologist, 37, 433–440.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rutten, B. P. F., Steinbusch, H. W. M., Korr, H., & Schmitz, C. (2002). Antioxidants and Alzheimer’s disease: From bench to bedside (and back again). Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 5, 645–651.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Scarmeas, N., Levy, G., Tang, M. X., Manly, J., & Stern, Y. (2001). Influence of leisure activity on the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. Neurology, 57, 2236–2242.

    CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Scarmeas, N., & Stern, Y. (2003). Cognitive reserve and lifestyle. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 25, 625–633.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schaie, K. W. (2005). Developmental influences on adult intelligence: The Seattle Longitudinal Study. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schonfeld, L., King-Kallimanis, B. L., Duchene, D. M., Etheridge, R. L., Herrera, J. R., Barry, K. L., et al. (2010). Screening and brief intervention for substance misuse among older adults: The Florida BRITE project. American Journal of Public Health, 100, 108–114.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schooler, C. (1987). Psychological effects of complex environments during the life-span: A review and theory. In C. Schooler & K. W. Schaie (Eds.), Cognitive functioning and social structure over the life course (pp. 24–49). Norwood, NJ: Ablex.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schooler, C., & Mulatu, M. S. (2001). The reciprocal effects of leisure time activities and intellectual functioning in older people: A longitudinal analysis. Psychology and Aging, 16(3), 466–482.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schooler, C., Mulatu, M. S., & Oates, G. (1999). The continuing effects of substantively complex work on the intellectual functioning of older workers. Psychology and Aging, 14, 483–506.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Seeman, T. E., Lusignolo, T. M., Albert, M., & Berkman, L. (2001). Social relationships, social support, and patterns of cognitive aging in healthy, high-functioning older adults: MacArthur studies of successful aging. Health Psychology, 20, 243–255.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shepherd, A. (2009). Nutrition through the life span, Part 3: Adults aged 65 years and over. British Journal of Nursing, 18, 301–307.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, G. E., Housen, P., Yaffe, K., Ruff, R., Kennison, R. F., Mahncke, H. W., et al. (2009). A cognitive training program based on principles of brain plasticity: Results from the Improvement in Memory with Plasticity-Based Adaptive Cognitive Training (IMPACT) study. Journal of American Geriatrics Society, 57, 594–603.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smyer, M. A., & Qualls, S. H. (1999). Aging and mental health. Malden, MA: Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stafford, M., McMunn, A., Zaninottoa, P., & Nazroo, J. (2011). Positive and negative exchanges in social relationships as predictors of depression: Evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging. Journal of Aging Health, 23, 607–628.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stampfer, M. J., Kang, J. H., Chen, J., Cherry, R., & Grodstein, F. (2005). Effects of moderate alcohol consumption on cognitive function in women. New England Journal of Medicine, 352, 245–253.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2009). Results from the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: National Findings. Office of Applied Studies, NSDUH Series H-36, HHS Publication No. SMA 09-443. Rockville, MD: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Syddall, H., Roberts, H. C., Evandrou, M., Cooper, C., Bergman, H., & Sayer, A. A. (2010). Prevalence and correlates of frailty among community-dwelling men and women: Findings from the Hertfordshire cohort study. Age and Ageing, 39, 197–203.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tabert, M. H., Manly, J. J., Liu, X., Pelton, G. H., Rosenblum, S., Jacobs, M., et al. (2006). Neuropsychological prediction of conversion to Alzheimer’s disease in patients with mild cognitive impairment. Archives of General Psychiatry, 63, 916–924.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tan, E. J., Xue, Q.-L., Li, T., Carlson, M. C., & Fried, L. P. (2006). Volunteering: A physical activity intervention for older adults: The experience corps program in Baltimore. Journal of Urban Health, 83, 954–969.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tang, M. X., Cross, P., Jacobs, D. M., Small, S., Bell, K., Merchant, C., et al. (2001). Incidence of AD in African-Americans, Caribbean Hispanics, and Caucasians in northern Manhattan. Neurology, 56, 49–56.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Topinková, E. (2008). Aging, disability and frailty. Annuals of Nutrition and Metabolism, 52(Suppl 1), 6–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Townsend, A., Noelker, L., Deimling, G., & Bass, D. (1989). Longitudinal impact of interhousehold caregiving on adult children’s mental health. Psychology and Aging, 4, 393–401.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Census Bureau. (2011). Statistical abstract of the United States: 2011 (130th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Department of Labor. (2007). Aging baby boomers in a new workforce development system. Washington, DC: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • VanItallie, T. B. (2003). Frailty in the elderly: Contributions of sarcopenia and visceral protein depletion. Metabolism, 52(10 Suppl 2), 22–26.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Verghese, J., Lipton, R. B., Katz, M. J., Hall, C. B., Derby, C. A., Kuslansky, G., et al. (2003). Leisure activities and the risk of dementia in the elderly. New England Journal of Medicine, 348, 2508–2516.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, H. X., Karp, A., Winblad, B., & Fratiglioni, L. (2002). Late-life engagement in social and leisure activities is associated with a decreased risk of dementia: A longitudinal study from the Kungsholmen project. American Journal of Epidemiology, 155, 1081–1087.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Waters, D. L., Baumgartner, R. N., Garry, P. J., & Vallas, B. (2010). Advantages of dietary, exercise-related, and therapeutic interventions to prevent and treat sarcopenia in adult patients: An update. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 5, 259–270.

    CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weber, J., & Wong, K. (2010). Older adults coping with vision loss. Journal of Home Health Care Services Quarterly, 29(3), 105–119.

    Google Scholar 

  • Whitt-Glover, M. C., Taylor, W. C., Heath, G. W., & Macera, C. A. (2007). Self-reported physical activity among Blacks estimates from national surveys. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 33, 412–417.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Willis, S. L., Tennstedt, S. L., Ball, K., Elias, J., Koepke, K. M., Morris, J. N., et al. (2006). Long-term effects of cognitive training on everyday functional outcomes in older adults. Journal of American Medical Association, 296, 2805–2814.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, R. S., & Bennett, D. A. (2003). Cognitive activity and risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 12, 87–91.

    Google Scholar 

  • Xu, J. Q., Kockanek, K. D., Murphy, S. L., & Tejada-Vera, B. (2010). Deaths: Final data for, 2007. National Vital Statistics Report, 58(19). Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway Ave., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA

    George W. Rebok

  2. Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Jeanine M. Parisi & Alexandra M. Kueider

Authors
  1. George W. Rebok
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jeanine M. Parisi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Alexandra M. Kueider
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to George W. Rebok .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Ontario, Ohio, USA

    Zili Sloboda

  2. JBS International, Inc., Rockville, USA

    Hanno Petras

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2014 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Rebok, G.W., Parisi, J.M., Kueider, A.M. (2014). Stressors and Vulnerabilities in Middle and Old Age: Opportunities for Prevention. In: Sloboda, Z., Petras, H. (eds) Defining Prevention Science. Advances in Prevention Science. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7424-2_5

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7424-2_5

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4899-7423-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-7424-2

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation