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With China entering the moderately aging society,the empty-nest phenomenon is becoming more and more serious.Therefore,the mental health of empty-nest elderly has attracted much attention.Subjective well-being is an overall assessment of people's life quality based on self-determined criteria,and is an important predictor of mental health.This paper reviews the status quo,assessment tools and influencing factors of the subjective well-being of empty-nesters,in order to provide evidence-based basis for the development of intervention measures to improve the subjective well-being of empty-nesters.

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Objective:To survey and analyze the current status and needs of health management for hypertension in empty-nest elderly.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 677 cases of empty-nest elderly with hypertension who underwent health checkups at the Health Management Center of Sichuan Provincial People′s Hospital from March 1st to June 30th, 2022 were selected consecutively by convenience sampling method to conduct a questionnaire survey. The questionnaires included general demographic information, and the current status and needs of health management for hypertension. A total of 677 questionnaires were distributed, and all the questionnaires were recalled, of which 675 (99.7%) were valid. According to the Classification and Definition of Blood Pressure Levels in the Guidelines for Primary Care of Hypertension (2019) the elderly with mean systolic blood pressure controlled between 90 and 139 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and mean diastolic blood pressure controlled between 60 and 89 mmHg were set as normal blood pressure group (257 cases), and the ones with mean systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or mean diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg were set as abnormal blood pressure group (418 cases). The current management status and needs of hypertension between the two groups was compared, and the χ2 test and multi-factor logistic regression were used to analyze the factors influencing the health management level of hypertension among empty-nest elderly. Results:Most of the empty-nest elderly had their blood pressure monitored once a week (40.30%), most of them had their blood pressure reviewed in outpatient setting for no more than one time per year (40.89%), their blood pressure was mainly controlled by medication (48.30%), more than half of them took medication very regularly (51.84%), and the proportion of the elderly with abnormal blood pressure was much higher than that of those with normal blood pressure (61.93% vs 38.07%). Compared with living with or nearby their children, empty-nest elderly preferred to live alone or with their spouses (63.11% vs 15.85% and 21.04%), and the proportion of those who wanted to be taken care of by their children was much lower than those who wanted to be taken care of by the community and mutual care among the elderly (7.70% vs 58.07% and 34.22%); and the people they wanted to talk to were mainly their children (53.19%). In terms of community services, the needs for medical services in empty-nest elderly was higher than the needs for old-age security and cultural entertainment (43.11% vs 36.15% and 20.74%), and the needs for community medical services was focused on blood pressure measurement (89.04%). The proportions of education level of college and above, high household income, regular medication taking, daily blood pressure monitoring, and desire for frequent child care were significantly lower in the abnormal blood pressure group than those in the normal blood pressure group (34.91% vs 58.35%, 5.17% vs 24.16%, 34.89% vs 63.72%, 28.47% vs 44.75%, and 3.35% vs 10.12%), and the proportion without medical insurance was significantly higher than that in the normotensive group (8.13% vs 3.11%) (all P<0.05). The presence of medical insurance (employee medical insurance, OR=1.986, 95% CI: 1.130-3.492; resident medical insurance, OR=1.291, 95% CI: 1.044-1.598) was positively associated with the health management level of hypertension among empty-nest elderly, while low frequency of blood pressure monitoring (once a week, OR=0.243, 95% CI: 0.101-0.583;≤once a month, OR=0.210, 95% CI: 0.067-0.661) and irregular medication taking (occasionally forget, OR=0.430, 95% CI: 0.186-0.996; often forget, OR=0.361, 95% CI: 0.147-0.886) were negatively associated with the health management level of hypertension among empty-nest elderly (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The health management level of hypertension in empty-nest elderly needs to be improved. Community care, medical services and communication with children are the main needs in the empty-nest elderly. The type of medical insurance, frequency of blood pressure monitoring and medication-taking status are correlated with the hypertension management level in empty-nest elderly.

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BACKGROUND: At present, the empty nest phenomenon is becoming more and more serious in the world, especially in China, and its health problems deserve attention. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the impact of community social capital on the health-related quality of life of empty-nest elderly. METHODS: The study used data collected from a survey study conducted between 2018 and 2019 in Sichuan province, China, with 638 empty-nest elderly meeting our criteria. SF-12 scale and self-made social capital scale were used to evaluate the health-related quality of life and community social capital of empty-nest elderly. Through descriptive statistical analysis, bivariate analysis and hierarchical multiple regression model, this study analyzes the relationship between community social capital and health-related quality of life of empty-nest elderly. Considering the role of living arrangements, this study further uses the simple effect analysis method to explore the moderating role of living arrangements. RESULTS: After controlling the relevant variables, the cognitive social capital (CSC) of empty-nest elderly had a positive relationship with the physical health summary (PCS) (ß = 0.188, p＜0.001) and mental health summary (MCS) (ß = 0.205, p＜0.001). No effect of structural social capital on quality of life was found as a result. Living arrangements played a moderation effect on the relationship between CSC and MCS (ß=-2.018, p＜0.05). The MCS score of high CSC group (55.516 ± 0.757) was significantly higher than that of low CSC group (49.383 ± 0.722). CONCLUSION: The results suggest empty-nest elderly has poorer physical health and weaker structural social capital, while the cognitive social capital has a greater positive impact on their quality of life. Targeted interventions to enhance community social capital may be beneficial to improve health status of this vulnerable population.

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Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of depression symptoms and quality of life (QoL) and examined the influence of factors in the empty nest elderly. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, which was conducted from February 2022 to May 2022. We recruited a convenience sample of no empty-nest elderly and empty-nest elderly (≥60 years) living in Chengdu. QoL was assessed using WHOQOL-BREF, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) was used to assess depression symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze data between independent variables with depression symptoms. Results: Two thousand twenty-six participants were included in this study, 39.0% (660/1,082) experienced depression symptoms among empty-nest elderly. Age (aOR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.04; P = 0.046), chronic disease≥2 (aOR, 3.29; 95% CI, 2.50-4.33; P < 0.001) were associated with increased risk of depression symptoms, and physical activity (aOR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.40-0.87; P = 0.008), physical health (aOR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88-0.99; P = 0.026), psychological health (aOR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.87-0.98; P = 0.013), and total score (aOR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96-0.99; P < 0.001) were associated with decreased risk of depression symptoms among empty-nest elderly. Conclusions: Depression symptoms are common mental health problems among empty-nest elderly. We found that age, chronic disease ≥2 and physical activity were important factors that have an impact on depressive symptoms. Empty-nest elderly would have lowered QoL score.

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BACKGROUND: The number of empty-nest elderly in China is rapidly increasing. Empty-nest elderly could not receive adequate daily care, economic support and spiritual consolation from their children. Rural empty-nest elderly are facing more serious health challenges than those in urban areas. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to understand the experiences of rural empty-nest elderly in seeking medical services in China. METHODS: The method of inductive content analysis was used to collect and analyze data. Data were collected by in-depth interviews. A total number of 16 participants were involved in this study. A semi-structured interview guideline, which was discussed in depth and agreed upon by all researchers, was used to encourage participants to talk about their experiences in seeking medical services. RESULTS: Rural empty-nest elderly is facing a great challenge in seeking medical services in China. There are some barriers for rural nest elderly to get access to healthcare services, such as low-income status, high expenditure of medical treatment and inadequate health insurance coverage. Due to the absence of the companionship of their adult children, empty-nest elderly have to rely on their neighbors and relatives to seek medical services. CONCLUSIONS: Rural empty-nest elderly have great difficulty in seeking medical services in China. More efforts should be made to get medical services more accessible to rural empty-nest elderly.

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Objective To explore the needs of community pharmacy services in elderly hypertensive patients in the community, especially empty-nest elderly patients. Methods Elderly hypertensive patients living in Ouyang street were randomly selected and divided into empty-nest and non-empty-nest groups by cluster random sampling method. The basic information of the respondents, the frequency of hypertension monitoring, the taking of hypertensive drugs, and the taking of other drugs were compared and analyzed. Results In term of “blood pressure monitoring frequency”, the daily pressure measurement of the empty-nest group and the non-empty-nest group accounted for 33.6% and 19.3%, respectively. There was significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05).In term of “the varieties of hypertension drugs” and taking 3 kinds of hypertension drugs at the same times, the empty-nest group accounted for 28.8% and the non-empty-nest group accounted for 16.7%, and the difference between the two groups was significant (P<0.05)；In term of “the varieties of drugs” and taking 1-2 kinds of Chinese patent drugs at the same time, the empty-nest group accounted for 39.6% and the non-empty-nest group accounted for 26.0% , and the difference between the two groups was significant (P<0.05)。Conclusion Community elderly patients with hypertension, especially empty-nest elderly patients have an urgent need for community pharmacy services，Community pharmacy services personnel should provide personalized and targeted medication education and guidance to elderly patients, especially empty-nest elderly patients, to promote the rational drug use in elderly patients.

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Background: The number of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cases among empty-nest elderly increases with increasing aging in China. Self-care plays an important role in preventing and reducing adverse outcomes of diabetes; however, few studies focus on self-care experiences of empty-nest elderly with T2DM. Objective: To explore self-care experiences for a chronic disease among empty-nest elderly patients with T2DM in mainland China. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological design was used in this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for 15 empty-nesters with T2DM. Interviews were implemented in department of endocrinology at a tertiary teaching hospital located in Shandong province, east of China. Results: The participants were poorly adept with monitoring their blood glucose and lacked the ability to deal with abnormal blood glucose levels. Most participants had a good relationship with medication and physical activity. Living without children was perceived as a benefit that improved dietary management and is a disadvantage in terms of economic and emotional support and access to medical resources. Elderly empty-nesters also lacked knowledge about diabetes and paid little attention to potential complications. Conclusion: Empty-nest elderly patients with T2DM value medication compliance and lifestyle modification more than blood glucose monitoring, complication prevention, and coping with negative emotions. Friends and spouses play indispensable roles in patients' self-care motivation and maintenance. Diabetes education on self-care, access to medical resources, and social support is needed for better diabetes management.

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Objective: To compare the effects of Tai Chi and Square dance on immune function, physical health, and life satisfaction in urban, empty-nest older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 249 older adults (60-69 years) who were categorized into Tai Chi (n = 81), Square dance (n = 90), and control groups (n = 78). We evaluated immunoglobulin G (IgG) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity by MTT assay, physical health indices by physical fitness levels, and life satisfaction by Life Satisfaction Index A (LSIA) scores. Results: Immune function, physical health, and life satisfaction in older adults in the Tai Chi and Square dance groups were significantly better than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Regarding immune function and physical health, the Tai Chi group exhibited significantly higher levels of IgG (15.41 ± 0.26 g/L vs. 11.99 ± 0.35 g/L, P < 0.05), IL-2 (4.60 ± 0.20 ng/mL vs. 4.45 ± 0.21 ng/mL, P < 0.05), and NK cell cytotoxicity (0.28 ± 0.02 vs. 0.22 ± 0.02, P < 0.05) than the square dance group, significantly lower waist-to-hip ratio (0.87 ± 0.02 vs. 0.89 ± 0.02, P < 0.05), resting pulse (78.4 ± 4.6 beats/min vs. 81.0 ± 3.1 beats/min, P < 0.05), systolic blood pressure (132.0 ± 5.2 mmHg vs. 136.2 ± 3.2 mmHg, P < 0.05), diastolic blood pressure (80.0 ± 2.6 mmHg vs. 83.0 ± 2.7 mmHg, P < 0.05), and significantly higher vital capacity (2978.0 ± 263.0 mL vs. 2628.3 ± 262.8 mL, P < 0.05) and duration of one-leg standing with eyes closed (16.2 ± 1.9 s vs. 12.0 ± 1.7 s). However, there was no significant difference in LSIA scores between the Tai Chi and Square dance groups (12.05 ± 1.96 vs. 13.07 ± 1.51, P > 0.05). Further, there was a significant correlation between LSIA scores and immune function (r = 0.50, P = 0.00) and physical health (r = 0.64, P = 0.00). Conclusion: (1) Both Tai Chi and square dance practitioners had better health outcomes, compared with sedentary individuals; (2) Tai Chi practitioners had better physical health and immune function than Square dance practitioners. (3) Tai Chi and Square dance exercises had similar effects on life satisfaction among urban empty-nest older adults. Suggestions: For urban empty-nest older adults who want to have better physical health and immune function, long-term Tai Chi exercise may be a better choice; however, those who are concerned about life satisfaction can choose either Tai Chi or Square dance exercise.

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INTRODUCTION: We investigated cognitive function and its influencing factors in empty-nest and non-empty-nest elderly adults in China. RESULTS: Cognitive function was better in empty-nest elderly living as a couple but worse in those living alone than in non-empty-nest elderly. Older age, rural habitation, poorer instrumental activities of daily living, and depression were risk factors for cognitive decline, while higher education was protective. Women had poorer cognitive function than men among non-empty-nest elderly and empty-nest elderly living as a couple. Among non-empty-nest elderly, those who were divorced/widowed/never married, underweight or economically active exhibited poorer cognitive function. Having two or more chronic diseases and being overweight were associated with better cognitive function among empty-nest elderly living as a couple. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that cognitive function is poorest in empty-nest elderly living alone and best in empty-nest elderly living as a couple. The factors influencing cognitive function differed according to empty-nest status, which should be considered in interventions. METHODS: 5549 elderly from the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were included in this study. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status, episodic memory tests and visuospatial ability assessments. Factors influencing cognitive function were determined via multiple linear regression analysis.

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Background: In recent years, the increasing number of empty-nest elderly has become a significant global social problem, and the rapid development of medical technology and information technology has improved the feasibility of telenursing. However, few studies have been conducted on needs of telenursing among the empty-nest elderly. The aim of this study is to explore the needs of telenursing for community-dwelling empty-nest elderly who are completely independent in activities of daily living (ADL), or who are mildly disabled, and to provide a reference for improving the remote care quality. Methods: A questionnaire survey aiming to explore telenursing needs of the elderly was conducted among 268 community-dwelling empty-nest elderly who were selected using random sampling and then data were analyzed based on the Kano Model. Results: Chi-square goodness-of-fit test showed that there were significant differences between actual and expected counts for each item of telenursing needs (p < 0.01 for all), indicating that the sample had specific individual preference for the Kano category. The desired degree of telenursing service ranged from 48.37% to 80.86%, the better values (satisfaction) were between 57.09% and 67.56%, and the worse values (dissatisfaction) were between 11.92% and 37.93%. The items, remote one-button emergency caller and remote emergency assistance arrangement, were considered to be one-dimensional qualities by empty nesters and the rest were attractive qualities. In the quadrant analysis diagram, all the remote care services were categorized as attractive qualities. Discussion: The community-dwelling empty-nest elderly with ADL independence or mild impairment have positive attitudes toward telenursing services, especially the needs of remote first aid nursing. Medical policy makers and nursing managers can provide targeted telenursing services according to empty nesters' requirements, thus improving nursing care quality and satisfaction of the elderly.

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Objective:To explore the mediating effects of resilience and depression on the relationship between social support and self-neglect.Methods:From July to October 2020, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 549 empty-nest community-dwelling elderly in the community using the social support rating scale, Connor and Davidson resilience scale, geriatric depression scale and elderly self-neglect scale. SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 24.0 were used for data analysis, including descriptive analysis, correlation analysis and structural equation modeling.Results:The scores of social support, resilience and self-neglect of the empty-nest elderly were (38.63±7.47), (64.30±14.57) and (3.72±2.67) respectively, and 31.70% (174/549) of the subjects had depressive symptoms. The score of self-neglect was negatively correlated with the score of social support ( r=-0.597, P<0.01) and resilience ( r=-0.557, P<0.01), and positively correlated with depression score ( r=0.675, P<0.01). The score of social support was positively correlated with resilience score ( r=0.531, P<0.01) and negatively correlated with depression ( r=-0.597, P<0.01). Social support could affect self-neglect directly ( β=-0.485, P<0.05), and it could also influence self-neglect indirectly through the partial mediating effect of resilience ( β=-0.451, P<0.05). The mediating effect of resilience and depression accounted for 12.18% and 36.00% of the total effects respectively. Conclusion:Social support could influence self-neglect directly or indirectly through resilience and depression. The empty-nesters should be encouraged to participate more in social activities so as to improve their resilience, reduce the occurrence of self-neglect.

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This study aimed to explore the impact of social participation (SP) on physical functioning and depression among empty-nest elderly taking part in the fourth wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS, 2018). The instrumental variable (IV) method and propensity score matching (PSM) method were used to analyse the impact of SP. The two-stage regression results of the IV method showed that SP has a significant negative impact on the physical functioning scores of empty-nest elderly (ß = -3.539, p < 0.001) and non-empty-nest elderly (ß = -4.703, p < 0.001), and SP has a significant negative impact on the depression scores of empty-nest elderly (ß = -2.404, p < 0.001) and non-empty-nest elderly (ß = -1.957, p < 0.001). The results of the PSM method were basically consistent with the IV method. Compared with non-empty-nest elderly, SP had more positive effects on the depression of empty-nest elderly (Wald χ2 = 6.62, p = 0.010). Providing a friendly and supportive environment for the SP of empty-nest elderly was an important measure to promote healthy ageing. Targeted SP may be one of the greatest opportunities to improve the mental health of empty-nest elderly.

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We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of the empty-nest elderly in China. We searched five databases up to 20 November 2018, to identify all studies on the QoL of empty-nest elderly in China. Twenty-nine were included in the final review. Compared with the control group, the physiological function, psychological function, social function and total score of QoL of empty nests were lower than those of non-empty nests. In addition, meta-analysis showed that the empty nesters were lower than the non-empty nesters in General Health, Role Physical, Bodily Pain, Role Emotional and Vitality. The existing evidence showed that the QoL of the empty-nest elderly in China was to some extent lower than that of the non-empty nest elderly.

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This study aims to review the pooled prevalence of anxiety disorders among empty-nest elderly in China. Nine studies and 4245 empty-nest elders in China were included in this meta-analysis. A combined effect size with 95 percent confidence intervals was calculated to indicate the magnitude of the effect. The results indicated that the pooled prevalence of anxiety disorders among empty-nest elderly in China was 41.0% (95% confidence interval: 26%-56%). In addition, the different regions in China show different prevalence of anxiety. We speculated that the prevalence varies based on the different methods performed in the empty-nest elderly.

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AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) within the empty-nest older adults population in poor rural areas of the Hunan province of China, and to explore the effects of resilience and affective balance on cognitive functioning within this specific population. METHODS: A cross-sectional, multistage, random cluster survey was administered to participants from March 2013 to December 2014 in the Hunan province. There were a total of 1164 participants. These participants were empty-nest older adults who were residing in poor rural areas of the Hunan province. The data was collected in two stages. In stage 1, the participants were administered the Montreal Cognitive Assessment for screening cognitive impairment. In stage 2, the participants were screened for any potential cognitive impairment, were administered a series of neuropsychological tests and received a definitive diagnosis for MCI, if the criteria were met. Resilience and affect balance were assessed by the Chinese modified version of the Stress Resilience Quotient and the Affect Balance Scale. RESULTS: The prevalence of MCI was 38.40% within this empty-nest older adult population. Significant differences were found between MCI and non-MCI empty-nest older adults specific to resilience and affect balance. Path analysis showed that resilience mediated the relationship between MCI and affect balance. CONCLUSIONS: Resilience and affect balance were less prominent within the MCI empty-nest older adults than those in the non-MCI group. The results suggest that resilience is a mediating variable between MCI and affect balance. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 222-227.

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BACKGROUND: China has the world's largest elderly population and an increasing number of empty-nest elderly. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Self-Mutual-Group model on social support of the empty-nest elderly, thus providing reference for improving their quality of life. METHODS: A intervention study was conducted between October 2016 and May 2017 at six communities in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China. A total of 350 empty-nest elderly aged 60-88 years were randomly assigned in the intervention group (n = 167) with a 7-month SMG-based intervention or to a control group (n = 183) with no intervention. The social support of the participating elderly (n = 350) was assessed by the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) at the baseline and 7 months later, respectively. RESULTS: A 7-month follow-up showed an increasing mean scores of SSRS, objective support, subjective support and support utilization of the intervention group, and reached statistical significance (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The Self-Mutual-Group model was considered to be a positive intervention and was effective in increasing social support among the empty-nest elderly. Furthermore, future research should extend the intervention period and introduce multi-point measurement to better evaluate the intervention process and outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Study on the 'SMG' Health Management Model Based on Community Organization Theory among empty-nest elderly (ChiCTR1800015884).

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BACKGROUND: In China, aging has become a serious social problem, and the number of empty-nest elderly is on the rise. The aim of this study is to clarify the prevalence of depressive symptoms among empty-nest elderly in Shanxi province and evaluate the effects of sociodemographic factors and health-promoting lifestyles so as to provide a scientific reference for preventing and intervening their depression. METHODS: A cross-sectional study, which used a multi-stage random cluster sampling way, was conducted among 4901 empty-nest elderly in Shanxi. An independent t-test and a chi square test were used to compare the sociodemographic factors, depression scores, and health-promoting lifestyle scores of the empty-nest elderly. Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze the potential influencing factors for depression. RESULTS: The prevalence of depressive symptoms in the population was 64.2%. Among all participants 1,776 (36.2%) had mild depression, 1,236 (25.2%) had moderate depression, and 135 (2.8%) had severe depression. The health-promoting lifestyle of the empty nesters in this study was at the medium level (2.51 ±â€¯0.47). Gender, education level, old-age provision model, exercise frequency, chronic disease, relationships with children, self-care ability, and health-promoting lifestyles were found to be influencing factors of depression and all variables had different effects on different degrees of depression. LIMITATIONS: This was a cross-sectional study, so the results cannot establish causal relationships among the study variables. CONCLUSIONS: Depression was prevalent among the empty-nest elderly in Shanxi. Maintaining good interpersonal relationships, developing extensive interests, and maintaining healthy lifestyles including good nutrition habits and regular exercises can reduce the incidence of depression among empty nesters.

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Objective To explore the effect of continuing nursing intervention with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) characteristics on mental state and quality of life of empty nest elderly patients with hypertension, and to provide evidence-based theoretical basis for the development of continuing nursing care for empty nest elderly patients with hypertension. Methods Totally 100 cases of empty nest elderly patients with hypertension were randomly divided into study group and control group by random number method, 50 cases in each group; two groups of patients were given regular nursing according to doctor's instructions to adjust blood pressure drugs and hypertension; control group patients were given routine continuing nursing intervention after discharge; study group patients were given traditional Chinese medicine characteristics on the basis of the control group. Sustained nursing intervention; Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) was used to measure the degree of anxiety at admission, discharge and 6 months after discharge. The rate of blood pressure control reaching the standard at admission, discharge and 6 months after discharge and the clinical effect at discharge and 6 months after discharge were compared between the two groups. SF-36 was used to assess the quality of life of the 2 groups at admission, at the time of discharge and 6 months after discharge. Results There was no significant difference in SAS scores between the two groups at admission and discharge (P>0.05). The SAS score in the study group at 6 months after discharge was (44.65 ± 4.32) points and (46.91 ± 4.56) points in the control group, and there was significant difference (t=2.544, P=0.006). There was no significant difference in the control rates of systolic and diastolic blood pressure between the two groups at admission and discharge (P>0.05). The control rates of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in the study group were better than those in the control group at 6 months after discharge (t=4.762,4.336, P = 0.029, 0.037); there was no significant difference in the clinical efficacy between the two groups at discharge (P>0.05), and the clinical efficacy of the study group at 6 months after discharge was better than that of the control group (u=1.997, P=0.046). There was no significant difference in the scores of SF-36 at discharge (P>0.05); the scores of SF-36 at discharge for 6 months in the study group were significantly better than those in the control group (t=4.875-8.975, P=0.000); no cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events occurred in the study group for 6 months, 4 cases of unstable angina pectoris and 4 cases of cerebral infarction occurred in the control group. In 2 cases, the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events was 12.00% (6/50). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( χ2=4.433, P=0.035). Conclusion Continuous nursing intervention with TCM characteristics can significantly improve the anxiety level of empty nest elderly patients with hypertension, is conducive to the control of blood pressure, improve the clinical efficacy, reduce the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, improve the quality of life of patients, and has the advantages of simplicity, safety and reliability, low cost, and so on. It is worth popularizing and applying.

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Objective@#To explore the effect of continuing nursing intervention with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) characteristics on mental state and quality of life of empty nest elderly patients with hypertension, and to provide evidence-based theoretical basis for the development of continuing nursing care for empty nest elderly patients with hypertension.@*Methods@#Totally 100 cases of empty nest elderly patients with hypertension were randomly divided into study group and control group by random number method, 50 cases in each group; two groups of patients were given regular nursing according to doctor's instructions to adjust blood pressure drugs and hypertension; control group patients were given routine continuing nursing intervention after discharge; study group patients were given traditional Chinese medicine characteristics on the basis of the control group. Sustained nursing intervention; Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) was used to measure the degree of anxiety at admission, discharge and 6 months after discharge. The rate of blood pressure control reaching the standard at admission, discharge and 6 months after discharge and the clinical effect at discharge and 6 months after discharge were compared between the two groups. SF-36 was used to assess the quality of life of the 2 groups at admission, at the time of discharge and 6 months after discharge.@*Results@#There was no significant difference in SAS scores between the two groups at admission and discharge (P>0.05). The SAS score in the study group at 6 months after discharge was (44.65 ± 4.32) points and (46.91 ± 4.56) points in the control group, and there was significant difference (t=2.544, P=0.006). There was no significant difference in the control rates of systolic and diastolic blood pressure between the two groups at admission and discharge (P>0.05). The control rates of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in the study group were better than those in the control group at 6 months after discharge (t=4.762,4.336, P = 0.029, 0.037); there was no significant difference in the clinical efficacy between the two groups at discharge (P>0.05), and the clinical efficacy of the study group at 6 months after discharge was better than that of the control group (u=1.997, P=0.046). There was no significant difference in the scores of SF-36 at discharge (P>0.05); the scores of SF-36 at discharge for 6 months in the study group were significantly better than those in the control group (t=4.875-8.975, P=0.000); no cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events occurred in the study group for 6 months, 4 cases of unstable angina pectoris and 4 cases of cerebral infarction occurred in the control group. In 2 cases, the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events was 12.00% (6/50). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2=4.433, P=0.035).@*Conclusion@#Continuous nursing intervention with TCM characteristics can significantly improve the anxiety level of empty nest elderly patients with hypertension, is conducive to the control of blood pressure, improve the clinical efficacy, reduce the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, improve the quality of life of patients, and has the advantages of simplicity, safety and reliability, low cost, and so on. It is worth popularizing and applying.

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Objective To clarify the depression status of empty-nest elderly in Shanxi Province, to explore the related influencing factors by structural equation model, and to provide scientific basis for the prevention and intervention of depression for empty nesters. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted among 4 901 empty-nest elderly in Shanxi Province by self-rating depression scale and general situation questionnaire, and the model was established. Results The prevalence of depressive symptoms among empty nesters in Shanxi Province was 64.21%. The model demonstrated that health status had a direct impact on depressive symptoms (P=0.028), the total effect was -0.978; the effect of economic status on depressive symptoms was 0.086 (P=0.030), and social function had no significant impact on depressive symptoms (P=0.173), which could affect depressive symptoms through affecting health status and economic status. There was a significant correlation between the three latent variables (P<0.05). Health status had the strongest correlation with social function (r=0.942), followed by economic status (r=0.718), and the correlation between social function and economic status was 0.683. Conclusions In this research, most of the empty-nest elderly suffer from depressive symptoms. Health status is the most direct and important influencing factor of depressive symptoms in empty nesters. Social function affects depressive symptoms through influencing health status and economic status.