Association of vision and hearing impairments with quality of life among older adults: Mediation by psychosocial factors

Abstract

Aim: Vision impairment (VI) and hearing impairment (HI), alone or in combination (dual sensory impairment [DSI]), are common in older adults. We determined (i) the association of vision and hearing, and of VI only, HI only and DSI, with three psychosocial variables (social network, loneliness, depressive symptoms) and with quality of life (QoL), and (ii) whether the considered psychosocial variables mediate the association of VI only, HI only and DSI with QoL among older adults.Methods: Cross-sectional survey data for 4077 older adults (≥60 years) from Singapore were analyzed. Those with self-reported fair or poor vision and hearing were considered to have an impairment in that sense. Standard scales were used to assess the psychosocial variables and QoL. Regression and mediation models were used.Results: Those with fair and poor vs. good, vision and hearing generally had poorer psychosocial outcomes and lower QoL. VI only, HI only and DSI were all associated with lower social network, more depressive symptoms and lower QoL. VI only and DSI were associated with more loneliness. Social network, loneliness and depressive symptoms partially mediated the association of VI only, HI only and DSI with QoL, with depressive symptoms being the strongest mediator.Conclusions: VI and HI, particularly in combination, are associated with poorer psychosocial status and QoL among older adults. Older adults with VI or HI should be screened for depressive symptoms and social risks. Improving social network, loneliness and depressive symptoms among older adults with sensory impairments may enhance their QoL. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 56-62.

Physical function mediates the effects of sensory impairment on quality of life in older adults: Cross‐sectional study using propensity‐score weighting

“…Although HI, VI and DSI all have direct effects on QoL, they also have indirect effects that are generated by the compromised physical function. Simning et al (2019) and Phua et al (2022) call for investigators to clarify the mechanisms involved in the impact of SI on QoL. Thus, we focused on the mediating role of physical function in older adults with different types of SI.…”

“…For example, Harithasan et al (2020) found an association between SI and lower scores on surveys about QoL. A recent study using data from the Transitions in Health, Employment, Social Engagement and Intergenerational Transfers in Singapore Study (THE SIGNS Study) found that HI, VI and DSI were associated with lower QoL (Phua et al, 2022). A review study found a significant association between SI and QoL, with an increase in HI or VI severity resulting in a lower QoL (Tseng et al, 2018).…”

“…A recent study explored the mediating effects of psychosocial factors (e.g. depression, loneliness and social network) on QoL in older adults with SI (Phua et al, 2022). However, little research has investigated physical function as a mediator of SI and QoL in older adults (Hao et al, 2021).…”

Association of vision and hearing status with depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older Chinese adults

“…Participants without vision and hearing impairments were defined as the absence of vision and hearing impairments. Conversely, participants with vision and hearing impairments were defined as having both vision and hearing impairments ( 5 , 17 , 18 ). To represent vision and hearing status, three types of independent variables were defined as follows: (1) the three questions included eyesight for seeing things at a distance (1 = excellent, 2 = very good, 3 = good, 4 = fair, and 5 = poor), eyesight for seeing things up close (1 = excellent, 2 = very good, 3 = good, 4 = fair, and 5 = poor), and hearing (1 = excellent, 2 = very good, 3 = good, 4 = fair, and 5 = poor); (2) vision and hearing impairments were divided into four groups (1 = no vision and hearing impairments, 2 = only vision impairments, 3 = only hearing impairments, and 4 = both vision and hearing impairments); and (3) three questions were combined to obtain vision and hearing scores (as a continuous variable) ranging from 3 to 15, with the highest score representing both vision and hearing impairments.…”

“…Participants without vision and hearing impairments were defined as the absence of vision and hearing impairments. Conversely, participants with vision and hearing impairments were defined as having both vision and hearing impairments (5,17,18). To represent vision and hearing status, three types of independent variables were defined as follows:…”