Sunday Onsite Presentation Session 3

Aging and Gerontology

Session Chair: Kaewkwan Katie Tangtipongkul

14:40-15:05

55803 | Aging Well in Ministry: Gerotranscendence, Self-rated Health Status and Life Satisfaction Among Catholic Priests

Jordan Orbe, Loyola House of Studies Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines

Michiko Iwasaki, Loyola University Maryland, United States

Anthony Isacco, Chatham University, United States

Carolyn M. Barry, Loyola University Maryland, United States

The Catholic population in the world is growing, especially in the U.S., but there are fewer priests to respond to ministerial needs (Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, 2015). Most older priests delay retirement and face various challenges associated with aging (Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, 2009). This study examined whether elder priests’ satisfaction with life is associated with self-rated health and gerotranscendence, a concept emphasizing a developmental shift towards a more cosmic and transcendent perspective experienced by aging individuals (Tornstam, 2005). A total of 201 Roman Catholic priests residing in the United States took a survey consisting of (a) the gerotranscendence scale (Tornstam, 2005), (b) health status questionnaire (Radosevich & Pruitt, 1996), (c) satisfaction with life scale (Diener et al., 1985) and demographic questions. The mean age was 70 (SD = 10.4); the range was 50 to 93 years old. Results indicated that the priests’ satisfaction with life was positively correlated with self-rated mental health (r(199) = .51, p < .01) and physical health (r(199) = .21, p < .01). Life satisfaction also positively correlated with two of three gerotranscendence dimensions: cosmic transcendence (r(199) = .24, p < .01) and coherence (r(199) = .63, p < .01). Results showed cosmic transcendence as a moderating variable between physical health and life satisfaction. Likewise, coherence was a moderating variable between both physical and mental health and satisfaction. Measurement issues related to the solitude subscale as well as clinical implications of gerotranscendence for aging priests will be discussed.

15:05-15:30

68926 | The Associations Between Happiness and Health, Sleep, Physical Activities for Older People in Abu Dhabi

Masood Badri, Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development & UAE University, United Arab Emirates

Mugheer Alkhaili, Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development, United Arab Emirates

Hamad Aldhaheri, Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development, United Arab Emirates

Guang Yang, Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development, United Arab Emirates

Muna Albahar, Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development & UAE University, United Arab Emirates

Asma Alrashedi, Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development, United Arab Emirates

The study aimed to identify the associations of happiness and factors related to physical and mental health, leisure, and sports activities amongst older adults (60+) in Abu Dhabi. The sample consisted of 1,004 participants in the third Abu Dhabi Quality of Life survey administered in 20192020. The analysis used path analysis to develop a model incorporating the specified variables. The path model highlighted all direct and indirect associations between the variables. Results show that sleep quality has the most significant association with happiness and subjective health. In addition, sleeping hours did not show any association with subjective health; but were associated with happiness. The result also confirms that mental health is negatively associated with happiness and subjective health. How often an elderly get involved in sport and activities for at least 30 minutes significantly affects subjective health and happiness. We used variance analysis to test the differences in gender, marital status, and education attainment with happiness. Implications of the study were highlighted along with future research directions.

15:30-15:55

67461 | Aging in the Nicoya Peninsula: Lessons From Costa Rican Centenarians

Theresa MacNeil, University of Tampa, United States

Blue Zones are particular regions of the world with a high prevalence of centenarians who share common characteristics, lifestyles and environments (Poulain, et. al., 2004). There are currently only five recognized blue zones, one of which includes the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. Individuals living in this area tend to have positive outlooks on life, utilize daily movement, rely on strong social support groups, and eat little to no processed foods (Buettner & Skemp, 2020). The current research seeks to further understand how Costa Rican centenarians living in the Nicoya Peninsula utilize Blue Zone lifestyle elements in their daily living habits. To accomplish this, the author traveled to Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica, in August 2022 and interviewed several centenarians, paying particular attention to lifestyle choices and their effects on the aging process. Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview responses, and several themes emerged such as the importance of family, friends, faith, and movement as key foundations to aging in healthy and productive ways. Suggestions for ways to implement these habits globally was also discussed.

15:55-16:20

68061 | Preparing the Workforce in Thai Aging Society: Challenges and Solutions

Kaewkwan Tangtipongkul, Faculty of Economics, Thammasat University, Thailand

Supachai Srisuchart, Faculty of Economics, Thammasat University, Thailand

Pimonpan Isarabhakdi, Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Thailand

Yuranun Tamkarn, Institute for Continuing Education and Human Resources Thammasat University, Thailand

Uraiwan Runghairun, Institute for Continuing Education and Human Resources Thammasat University, Thailand

Karittha Onkeaw, Institute for Continuing Education and Human Resources Thammasat, Thailand

Kwansuda Cherdchoongarm, Institute for Continuing Education and Human Resources - Thammasat University, Thailand

Thailand is fully becoming an aged society. Thailand needs various measures to drive policy to support the aged society in terms of health, economy, and society covering from regular workers (25-59 years old) to aging workers (60 years and above). The objectives of the study include 1) to examine the working aged (40 -59 years old) population’s needs in skill development and government assistant and 2) to design mechanisms that the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) can arrange and contribute to sustainable workforce in the aging society. The analysis focused on the data set gathered from 500 individuals aged 40 to 59 years old who are currently working in the formal sector and 500 individuals aged 40 to 59 years old who are currently working in the informal sector at the time the survey was conducted. The study incorporates in-depth interviews and focus group meetings with experts from the public, private, academic, and community sectors. The findings show that workers in the formal sector three most demanded skills developments are self-employment skills, technology skills, and language and communication skills. While workers in the informal sector three most demanded skills developments are self-employment skills, entrepreneurial skills, and health development skills. The three most needed government assistance are welfare and various rights, increased compensation and fairness. and a continuous job.