The Effect of Civic Engagement on Physical and Mental Health Status Among Older Adults with Sensory Loss

Background and Purposes

A growing number of studies have indicated the impact of civic engagement on the well-being and quality of life of older adults, while supporting productive aging model. However, it has primarily targeted older adults without disabilities who are more likely to be healthy. Little research has examined the association between volunteering and physical and mental health status among older adults with disabilities. As life expectancy increases, the growing majority of older adults are more likely to have disabilities, particularly for sensory loss, such as vision, hearing, or dual. Sensory loss is one of the most common chronic health conditions for older adults and it is often negatively associated with an individual’s psychological status as well as everyday function. In order for the productive aging model to be substantially applied to all of the older adult population, more evidence is needed regarding the effects of civic engagement on the overall well-being of older adults with sensory loss. Thus, the present research question is: “How does civic engagement of older adults with sensory loss affects their physical and mental health status?”

Methods

This study used a secondary data analysis of the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) 2013-2014 wave. A total of 2,632 older adults (over 65 years old) with sensory loss comprised the sample for the present study. The first outcome variable was measured by using a single item asking respondents to rate their general health condition. The second outcome variable was measured by using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6). The independent variable, for civic engagement, was measured by using two items asking respondents about whether they did volunteer work and/or community services. Age, gender, race, marital status, educational attainment, citizenship status, poverty status, insurance status, employment, urbanization, the number of chronic disease, and physical limitation in activity were identified as covariates. Survey data analysis procedures were used due to the CHIS’s complex sampling designs.

Results

Multivariate ordered regression models revealed that among older adults with sensory loss, individuals who participated in volunteer work or community services were more likely to rate their physical health status as good or fair rather than poor when compared with their counterparts (OR=1.56, p<0.05). However, civic engagement of older adults with sensory loss was not significantly associated with mental health status. Among covariates, educational attainment, poverty, the number of chronic illness, being employed and physical limitation in activity were significant predictors of self-rated physical health status (p<0.05). Additionally, the effects of marital status, urbanization, educational attainment, the number of chronic illness, citizenship status and physical limitation in activity on mental health status were statistically significant or marginally significant (p<0.1).

Conclusions and Implications

The study found the positive associations of civic engagement and perceived physical health among older adults with sensory loss. Findings provide the evidence for the potential benefits of civic engagement and productive aging model for marginalized groups. Various interventions to increase civic participations of disadvantaged older adults are needed.