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This study examined the association of multiple mental health measures with involuntary delayed retirement (IDR) in working older adults (≥ 65 years) in the USA. Data were derived from the Health and Retirement Study, focusing on two combined waves of working older adults in 2010 and 2012. IDR was measured as the desire to stop working but the inability to do so due to financial constraints. In addition, mental health outcomes included depression, anxiety, anger-in, and anger-out. Using Stata 16.0, primary analyses were conducted for descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression. The odds ratios were reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Older adults who reported IDR were more likely to have depression (OR = 3.20, CI = 1.03–9.88), anxiety (OR = 2.12, CI = 1.00–5.18), and anger-in (OR = 1.71, CI = 1.12–2.60) compared to those who did not report IDR. However, IDR was not significantly associated with anger-out in older adults who worked past the traditional retirement age. The findings suggest that IDR is likely to act as a stressor and affects the mental health of older adults aged 65 and more. Policymakers should pay more attention to helping older adults maintain positive mental health even if they are required to work past retirement age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The image of dancing into the spotlight alludes to glamor, which clouds the artists' back-breaking work and practice. Meanwhile, there is scant research on the lived experiences of professional female dancers. To address this gap, this study explores the lived experiences of eight Vietnamese professional female dancers who are married with children. The findings reveal their enormous challenges in their professional, social, and personal lives to stay in the profession and navigate their roles as partners and mothers in their families. Their stories were unmasked in the hope to foster a deeper understanding between dancing careers and the public, and provide insights into the female dancers' challenges in keeping the dance body in shape after pregnancy and childbirth, which is hardly featured in dance scholarship in Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have suggested Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factors (BDNF) increase after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) although they were methodologically limited and enrolled small sample sizes. We aimed at updating a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore BDNF changes after ECT for the treatment of depression. PubMed, PsycInfo, Embase and Global health were searched (March, 2021). Clinical trials that measured BDNF in the blood before and after ECT in adults (≥ 18 years old) with depression (major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder) were eligible. Data were pooled through random-effects meta-analyses. Twenty-eight studies involving 778 participants were included. Meta-analysis showed a significant increase in BDNF levels after ECT (Hedges' g = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.46) while there was evidence of significant heterogeneity (I2 = 67.64%) but not publication bias/small-study effect. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were underpowered to detect significant differences. Meta-analysis of depression severity scores demonstrated a considerable larger treatment effect in reducing depressive symptoms after ECT (Hedge's g = −3.72 95% CI: −4.23, −3.21). This updated review showed that BDNF blood levels increased after ECT treatment. However, there was still evidence of substantial heterogeneity and there were limited sample sizes to investigate factors driving the variability of effects across studies. Importantly, the increase in BDNF levels was substantially smaller than the observed in depressive symptomatology, which could be indicative that the former was independent than the latter. Additional studies with larger sample sizes are currently required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the well-documented challenges of professional ballet dancers and anecdotal report of premature retirement, no research has examined what professional ballet dancers do to persevere in their performance careers. This study drew on the perspectives of retired professional ballet dancers to address this question. We conducted narrative interviews with nine retired professional ballet dancers and identified four themes using thematic analysis. Findings show that to persevere in a performance career, dancers need to: (1) Look After Mental Health and Self-Worth; (2) Be Proactive in Navigating Career; (3) Grow as an Artist; and (4) Live as a Whole Person. We suggest these thematic findings illustrate attitudes and behaviours of career adaptability and draw attention to the needs for mental health support and mental skills training, and mentorship and career advice, for helping aspiring and professional ballet dancers persevere in a performance career. Findings have implications and applications for ballet dancers, research, ballet management, dance educators, and dance counsellors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]