Older Student Experiences: A Critical Examination of Aging on Campus

Abstract

Suicide disproportionally affects older adults, necessitating further investigation into potential protective factors for suicide in late life. Volunteering is associated with psychological well-being in older adults. However, there is scant literature examining the association between volunteering and suicidal ideation or behavior in this age group. The present study involved a cross-sectional examination of volunteering and suicidal ideation using baseline data from the Helping Older People Engage study. This sample (N = 245, 88% White, 68% female, 60-92 years old) was recruited from primary care practices. Inclusion criteria included clinically significant loneliness (UCLA loneliness scale M = 49.5; SD = 5.7). Forty-three percent of the sample reported engaging in recent volunteer activity. Passive and active suicidal ideation in the past month were endorsed, respectively, by 20% and 9% of the sample. Results of hierarchical linear regression analyses examining the association between volunteering and suicidal ideation, controlling for covariates, will be discussed.

Association between history of academic failure during dental school and self‐reported depression, anxiety, and stress: A retrospective cohort

“…However, literature shows that older students typically experience satisfactory academic performance, although variations may occur according to different teaching practices and assessments 34 . It may be suggested that factors such as a lack of engagement or connection with the university social context, 35 concerns about supporting a family, the “double shift” between employment and study, and concern for their professional future can affect these older students.…”