Older adults with NIDDM reported higher rates of chronic illnesses and depression than those without diabetes, but perceived fewer impacts of diabetes compared to younger adults with NIDDM.
Observational (n=191)
Older adults with NIDDM experience worse physical and mental health than peers without diabetes, but perceive less psychosocial and emotional impact from the disease compared to younger adults with NIDDM.
The present study was conducted to assess the reciprocal effects between the psychosocial contexts of diabetes and older adulthood. Data were collected from 191 community-dwelling adults over the age of 60 with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Results indicate that older adults with diabetes reported higher rates of selected chronic illnesses, lower self-rated physical health, and higher levels of depression than did comparison samples of older adults without diabetes. Compared with younger adults with NIDDM, the present sample of older adults perceived fewer impacts of diabetes, including fewer symptoms of poor metabolic control, less emotional impact, fewer barriers to adherence, and less complex regimens. Overall levels of social support and regimen adherence were high. Older adults in this sample reported wanting minimal help from their family and friends with self-management activities and receiving more help than desired with following a meal plan and taking medications. Implications of the unique context of older adulthood for diabetes self-management are discussed.
Cathleen M Connell (Tue,) conducted a observational in Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (n=191). Older adulthood with NIDDM vs. Older adults without diabetes and younger adults with NIDDM was evaluated on Psychosocial contexts of diabetes (chronic illnesses, physical health, depression, impacts of diabetes). Older adults with NIDDM reported higher rates of chronic illnesses and depression than those without diabetes, but perceived fewer impacts of diabetes compared to younger adults with NIDDM.