TitleThe effects of the Columbia shuttle disaster on the daily lives of older adults: findings from the VA Normative Aging Study.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2006
AuthorsNeupert, SD, Almeida, DM, Mroczek, DK, Spiro, A
JournalAging Ment Health
Volume10
Issue3
Pagination272-81
Date Published2006 May
ISSN1360-7863
KeywordsActivities of Daily Living, Adaptation, Psychological, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Aging, Disasters, Female, Geriatric Assessment, Humans, Life Change Events, Longitudinal Studies, Male, Middle Aged, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Space Flight, Stress, Psychological, Surveys and Questionnaires, Veterans
Abstract

<p>During 2002-2003 the VA Normative Aging Study conducted an eight-day diary survey of stressors and well-being. A sub-sample of 19 men and 13 women (mean age = 71.78) completed daily questionnaires before and after the Columbia shuttle exploded on 1st February 2003, presenting a unique look into peoples' daily lives before and after a tragic event. Results indicated no significant changes in negative affect or physical symptoms, but people reported significant decreases in both positive affect and memory failures on days following the shuttle explosion. Implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.</p>

DOI10.1080/13607860500409682
Alternate JournalAging Ment Health
PubMed ID16777655
Grant ListR01-AG18436 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States