Aging Population Research Articles

Taiwan’s Rapid Demographic Shift: Examining the Long-run Impact of Population Ageing on Income Inequality

Taiwan distinguishes itself as one of the few Asian countries to experience demographic transition ahead of projections. Understanding how Taiwan’s rapidly evolving age demographics affect income inequality is crucial. Analyzing income inequality with three distinct metrics, we examine the relationship between population ageing and income inequality in Taiwan, using the augmented autoregressive distributed lag test. Our study reveals an inverse relationship, indicating reduced income inequality as the population ages. Factors such as elderly property acquisition, cultural norms favouring families to live together, and advancements in healthcare contribute to this trend. Encouraging elderly employment emerges as a crucial strategy to address income inequality among seniors. Additionally, economic factors like real gross domestic product per capita and trade openness show negative associations with income inequality, suggesting policy avenues for intervention. While outward foreign direct investment is positively associated with income inequality, promoting inclusive growth-focused foreign direct investment could help mitigate this issue. Overall, policies supporting economic growth and international trade hold promise for reducing income inequality in Taiwan.

Alterations in corneal sensitivity according to age and gender in healthy population in Turkey

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Knowing the changes in corneal sensitivity according to age and gender is important for the correct evaluation of pathologies. Background The aim of this work was to analyse variability of corneal sensitivity according to age and gender in the healthy population in Turkey. Methods Healthy volunteers between the ages of 20 and 84, who applied to outpatient clinic due to routine examination, were included. Exclusion criteria were any ocular diseases other than refractive error, any systemic disease, contact lens use, chronic ocular and systemic drug use, and previous ocular surgery. Central and 4 quadrants (superior, inferior, nasal, temporal) corneal sensitivity measurements were performed with a Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer (Luneau Ophthalmology, France). The patients were divided into 5 groups according to their ages (Group 1:20-29, Group 2:30-39, Group 3:40-49, Group 4:50-59, Group 5 ≥ 60). The data were evaluated in terms of groups and gender. Results The right eyes of 324 volunteers were included. The mean age was 44.31 ± 15.65 (20–84) and the female/male ratio was 165/159. The mean central, superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal sensitivities were 50.15 ± 9.7,48.62 ± 10.3,48.59 ± 10.3,47.73 ± 10.2,47.71 ± 10.3 mm, respectively. Sensitivities in all quadrants decreased significantly depending on age (p = 0.001 for all, central, superior, inferior, nasal and temporal correlation coefficients,r = −0.783, −0.791, −0.789, −0.760, −0.775, respectively). The decrease accelerated in Group 4 and 5. Gender-related changes were detected as significant in central and temporal quadrants (p = 0.038, p = 0.019). When sensitivity according to gender was evaluated within each decade, significant difference was detected in Group 2 and 4 (p < 0.05). Conclusion Corneal sensitivity decreases with age, most significantly in 5th and 6th decades. Sensitivity differs between genders in central and temporal quadrants. Geographic location, gender, and ethnicity may affect sensitivity values. The present study defines normal values in aTurkish population and may guide the evaluation of pathologies that impair corneal sensitivity.

Selection for early reproduction leads to accelerated aging and extensive metabolic remodeling in Drosophila melanogaster.

While experimental evolution studies featuring Drosophila melanogaster have generated significant insights into the forces that shape aging and life history patterns, more recent efforts incorporating genomic and transcriptomic data have had comparatively little success identifying the molecular mechanisms underlying these patterns. Here we work to incorporate molecular phenotyping into this general framework as a way forward. Specifically, we characterize how the metabolome changes with age in populations of D. melanogaster where hundreds of generations of selection for early reproduction have led to enrichment for an accelerated aging phenotype. By comparing to control populations, we show that the metabolome does appear to capture true signals of "biological age" and provides a new avenue for understanding the factors that underlie complex trait variation in real populations.

Deciphering the impact of senescence in kidney transplant rejection: An integrative machine learning and multi-omics analysis via bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing.

The demographic shift towards an older population presents significant challenges for kidney transplantation (KTx), particularly due to the vulnerability of aged donor kidneys to ischemic damage, delayed graft function, and reduced graft survival. KTx rejection poses a significant threat to allograft function and longevity of the kidney graft. The relationship between senescence and rejection remains elusive and controversial. Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) provided microarray and single-cell RNA sequencing datasets. After integrating Senescence-Related Genes (SRGs) from multiple established databases, differential expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and machine learning algorithms were applied to identify predictive SRGs (pSRGs). A cluster analysis of rejection samples was conducted using the consensus clustering algorithm. Subsequently, we utilized multiple machine learning methods (RF, SVM, XGB, GLM and LASSO) based on pSRGs to develop the optimal Acute Rejection (AR) diagnostic model and long-term graft survival predictive signatures. Finally, we validated the role of pSRGs and senescence in kidney rejection through the single-cell landscape. Thirteen pSRGs were identified, correlating with rejection. Two rejection clusters were divided (Cluster C1 and C2). GSVA analysis of two clusters underscored a positive correlation between senescence, KTx rejection occurrence and worse graft survival. A non-invasive diagnostic model (AUC = 0.975) and a prognostic model (1- Year AUC = 0.881; 2- Year AUC = 0.880; 3- Year AUC = 0.883) for graft survival were developed, demonstrating significant predictive capabilities to early detect acute rejection and long-term graft outcomes. Single-cell sequencing analysis provided a detailed cellular-level landscape of rejection, supporting the conclusions drawn from above. Our comprehensive analysis underscores the pivotal role of senescence in KTx rejection, highlighting the potential of SRGs as biomarkers for diagnosing rejection and predicting graft survival, which may enhance personalized treatment strategies and improve transplant outcomes.

Does Agricultural Science and Technological Innovation Always Boost Farmers’ Income? Evidence from China

Agricultural science and technological innovation (ASTI) provides important opportunities to enhance agricultural welfare. Based on comparative advantage, value chain, and resource dependence theories, this study employed a variety of econometric models, including fixed effects (FEs), panel-corrected standard errors (PCSEs), feasible generalized least squares (FGLSs), and the systematic generalized method of moments (SYS-GMM), to investigate the impacts of ASTI on farmers’ income using data from a panel of 31 Chinese provinces spanning from 2012 to 2021. Our results reveal that ASTI contributes significantly positively to income growth, but its effects are not uniform: the central and western regions benefit more from ASTI compared to the eastern region. Moreover, as the level of ASTI increases, its positive impact on income growth diminishes. However, regions with higher levels of rural human capital—measured by educational attainment and skills—experience a more pronounced amplification of ASTI’s benefits on income. Additionally, aging populations in both urban and rural areas initially enhance the influence of ASTI on farmers’ income, but this effect diminishes as demographic gaps widen.

Microbiological trends, in-hospital outcomes, and mortality in infective endocarditis: a Swiss-nationwide cohort study.

The epidemiology of infective endocarditis (IE) is evolving, driven by an aging population and increased use of endovascular devices, and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aims to evaluate changes in microbiological trends and clinical outcomes in patients with IE over the past decade in Switzerland. This nationwide cohort study analyzed in-hospital claims data from patients hospitalized with IE in Switzerland between 2012 and 2021. We assessed incidence rates per 100,000 hospitalizations, categorizing them by common pathogens. The outcomes included in-hospital and 6-month mortality, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and length of hospital stay (LOS). Among 15,255 hospitalizations with IE, the annual number of cases increased from 1,361 in 2012 to 1,636 in 2021. The most frequently diagnosed pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (increasing from 19.8% to 30.0%, ptrend <0.01) and Streptococcus species (from 17.6% to 24.4%, ptrend <0.01). Infective endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus aureus was associated with the highest in-hospital (19.9%) and 6-month mortality (30.3%), and ICU admission rates (44.2%), with no relevant changes over time. The longest LOS was observed in hospitalizations with IE caused by Enterococcus species (mean 23.9 days) and Staphylococcus aureus (23.8 days). This nationwide cohort study showed an increase in IE hospitalizations from 2012 to 2021, primarily due to Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species. Predominantly, Staphylococcus aureus was associated with adverse outcomes that remained consistently high over time compared to other or unidentified pathogens.

The Digital Divide and Cognitive Disparities Among Older Adults: Community-Based Cohort Study in China.

The widespread adoption of information and communication technologies (ICTs) further deepens disparities in resource access, particularly among the aging population. However, the relationship between these factors and their resulting impact on cognitive abilities remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the potential impact of the digital divide on individuals' cognitive function and its association with the development and reversion of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This cohort study used data from Beijing Aging Brain Rejuvenation (BABRI) study applying a multistage cluster sampling design between 2008 and 2020. The digital divide was quantified by the frequency of using ICTs. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), mixed linear models, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to model the association of digital divide and multidomain cognition. Among the 10098 participants, nearly half (n=4941, 48.9%) faced the digital divide, which was associated with a worse performance in processing speed (F10096=10.67; P<.001; effect size r=0.42), rather than memory, executive function, and language. The model indicated that individuals' physical and mental health, combined with their educational and occupational prestige, influenced the resources they attained, which ultimately caused the digital divide. Moreover, longitudinal data revealed that older adults who successfully crossed the digital divide during the tracking process and those who had already done so prior to tracking showed significantly slower rates of decline in processing speed (B=-1.98, P<.05; B=-2.62, P<.01) and general cognitive function (B=3.50, P<.001; B=3.13, P<.01). Additionally, overcoming the digital divide was also associated with a lower risk of developing MCI (hazard ratio [HR] 0.5, 95% CI 0.34-0.74; HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.29-0.62) and a greater probability of reversion from MCI to normal cognition (HR 6, 95% CI 3.77-9.56; HR 9.22, 95% CI 5.63-15.11). Overcoming the digital divide was significantly associated with improved cognitive function, a slower aging rate in cognitive performance, a reduced risk of developing MCI, and a higher likelihood of reverting from MCI to normal cognition.

Market segmentation and willingness to pay for public transport annual passes among older adults: insights from Genoa, Italy

A survey of older adults aged 65 and over (n = 247) was conducted in Genoa, often described as ‘the oldest city in the oldest country’ in Europe. This paper presents two scenarios exploring older people's willingness to pay (WTP) for annual tickets for local public transport (LPT) and examines the impact of factors such as cost, time, and comfort. These insights could help address the challenges of travel in ageing societies. A segmentation analysis based on the mean values of the two WTP scenarios (status quo and improved services) was conducted, followed by linear regression modelling to understand how older adults' socio-demographic traits, perceptions, and travel behaviour affect their WTP.Our findings suggest that the pricing of the annual pass (€345 at the time of survey) exceeds the WTP indicated by respondents. The mean WTP for the status quo level of service (€221.36) was much lower than the WTP if service levels were improved (€304.07). Women were found to be more likely to use LPT but also tended to live alone and have lower incomes. Off-peak hours, particularly in the afternoon, were also associated with a higher WTP. This research is important in the context of Europe's ageing population, highlighting the need for more inclusive transport options for older adults. Public transport authorities (PTAs) should explore more tailored approaches to pricing and service provision. It is imperative to balance the competing goals of cost recovery, equity, and service attractiveness to encourage older people's uptake of LPT services, while maintaining accessibility and wellbeing.

Assessing Visitor Expectations of AI Nursing Robots in Hospital Settings: Cross-Sectional Study Using the Kano Model.

Globally, the rates at which the aging population and the prevalence of chronic diseases are increasing are substantial. With declining birth rates and a growing percentage of older individuals, the demand for nursing staff is steadily rising. However, the shortage of nursing personnel has been a long-standing issue. In recent years, numerous researchers have advocated for the implementation of nursing robots as a substitute for traditional human labor. This study analyzes hospital visitors' attitudes and priorities regarding the functional areas of artificial intelligence (AI) nursing robots based on the Kano model. Building on this analysis, recommendations are provided for the functional optimization of AI nursing robots, aiming to facilitate their adoption in the nursing field. Using a random sampling method, 457 hospital visitors were surveyed between December 2023 and March 2024 to compare the differences in demand for AI nursing robot functionalities among the visitors. A comparative analysis of the Kano attribute quadrant diagrams showed that visitors seeking hospitalization prioritized functional aspects that enhance medical activities. In contrast, visitors attending outpatient examinations focused more on functional points that assist in medical treatment. Additionally, visitors whose purpose was companionship and care emphasized functional aspects that offer psychological and life support to patients. AI nursing robots serve various functional areas and cater to diverse audience groups. In the future, it is essential to thoroughly consider users' functional needs and implement targeted functional developments to maximize the effectiveness of AI nursing robots.

Stochastic Mortality Models with Birth Cohort Effects in Older People: A Systematic Review

As populations age, comprehending the factors that influence mortality rates becomes ever more critical. Age, period and birth cohort are now acknowledged as essential determinants in analyzing (and projecting) mortality trends. This systematic review investigates the impact of birth cohort effects on mortality rates among individuals aged 60 and older, with a particular emphasis on stochastic mortality models. A thorough literature search was performed to identify studies published over the past three decades that examine stochastic mortality models incorporating birth cohort effects in older adults. Five primary mortality models were assessed and data were extracted concerning study characteristics, participant demographics and mortality outcomes. The findings underscore the significance of cohort effects in mortality modeling, particularly for senior demographics. These effects encompass social and historical elements that shape generational health; thus, they enhance the precision of mortality projections and guide effective policy formulation. Stochastic models that integrate cohort effects were shown to more accurately capture distinct mortality trends. This indicates that exposure to advancements in healthcare and environmental influences, significantly affects mortality results among older cohorts. However, this review identifies several challenges in model estimation and proposes avenues for future inquiry. It advocates for adapting models to more accurately mirror the unique characteristics of aging populations, improving validation techniques for mortality models and applying the results to real-world contexts to bolster decision-making in public health and social policy.

Sex differences in myocardial infarction care and outcomes: a longitudinal Scottish National Data-Linkage Study.

We investigate sex disparities in management and outcomes of myocardial infarction (MI) in contemporary practice in Scotland. This was a longitudinal cohort study including all MI admissions aged 45-80 years across Scotland between 2010-2016 and 2:1 age, sex, and general practice-matched general population controls. Participants were followed up until the end of 2021. We analysed in-hospital outcomes (percutaneous coronary intervention, secondary prevention and mortality) using Poisson regressions, adjusting for age, comorbidities, and ST-elevation. We used Royston-Parmar models for long-term outcomes (all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, incident cardiovascular events), adjusting for age, comorbidities, and secondary prevention. Of a total 47 063 MI patients, 15 776 (33.5%) were women. Median (inter-quartile range) age was 66 (57, 73) years. Compared to men, women were older and more comorbid, but were less likely to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention [risk ratio (95% confidence interval) - 0.87 (0.86 - 0.89)] or receive secondary prevention at discharge [0.94 (0.93-0.95)]. No in-hospital mortality difference was observed between sexes [1.06 (0.99-1.13) after adjustment]. Over a median follow-up of 8.2 (6.7, 10.1) years, women had higher crude rates of adverse outcomes. After full adjustment, this translated into a lower risk for women compared to men of all-cause mortality [hazard ratio, 0.92 (0.89-0.95)], cardiovascular mortality [0.82 (0.78-0.87)], and cardiovascular events [0.92 (0.88-0.95)]. The female survival advantage seen in general population controls was attenuated in MI patients. Women were undertreated compared to men after MI. Their survival and outcome benefits may be improved further. Poor outcomes in men despite better receipt of secondary prevention require further attention.

Development and Validation of a Frailty Risk Prediction Model for Community-Dwelling Elderly in Shanghai

Background: China is rapidly aging, increasing the burden on families, society, and public health services. The health of elderly individuals tends to deteriorate with age, and chronic conditions like frailty become more prevalent, driving up the use of healthcare services. Early screening and intervention for frailty are crucial in managing this demographic shift. While tools like the Fried Frailty Phenotype and Frailty Index assess frailty in communities, they are resource-intensive and only indicate frailty status without predicting risk or providing management recommendations. This study aims to develop a risk prediction model for frailty using real-world data, which can support the early detection of high-risk individuals in community settings. Objectives: To analyze the prevalence of frailty and its influencing factors in community-dwelling elderly, to construct a frailty risk prediction model and develop a nomogram, and to validate the model and assess its clinical utility. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 420 elderly individuals in a Shanghai community health center was conducted (August 2022–March 2023). Data from various assessment tools were used to build a frailty prediction model through logistic regression, with validation conducted on 180 additional participants. The model’s predictive performance was evaluated using the ROC, AUC, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: The frailty prevalence was 7.4%. Independent risk factors included social support, malnutrition, fatigue, sarcopenia, reduced grip strength, and sleep duration. The prediction model achieved an AUC of 0.968 in the training set and 0.939 in the validation set, indicating high discrimination and calibration. DCA confirmed the model’s clinical utility. Conclusion: This study highlights a frailty prevalence rate of 7.4% among elderly individuals in Shanghai, with key risk factors identified. The validated frailty risk prediction model provides accurate and clinically effective frailty risk assessment, supporting targeted early interventions to prevent frailty in community settings.

Water, Heritage, and Community

The paper is trying to create a connection between water heritage structure, community, and urbanization. Many scholars have studied the importance of the revival of these water structures, focusing on the architectural value linked to it. Their focus was always on the architecture of the stepwell (underground water structure), construction materials, functionality, and designs. Another important aspect that needs to be consider while reviving the structure is its community. David Harvey's theory of the body as the driving machine can be applied to the community as a driving force in urban development. Here community also needs to be considered as the important infrastructure of the city. The modern perspective of urbanization is to make the city more livable, but the problem is the policies adopted are mainly making the community lose its culture and religious beliefs as well as the informal economy. The transformation of culture and value in present urban settlements concerning the people who are living there for a very long time is the reason for their criticism of the development proposed by the government. It's the dilemma that the community face force to choose between their space of hope And Hope of the future. On one hand, the proposal of new development is increasing the migration of people from their place, resulting in a massive demographic shift. Overcrowding, pollution, ethnic conflict are the problems that can be easily noticed. Whereas on the other hand it promises to give a new identity and vision of modernity to the community. People living around this historical underground structure have very bad living conditions, economically they are not stable because the traditional craft that they are skilled in is vanishing just like the heritage water structure. This urbanization is associated with these tow's major social, economic, and cultural transformations. The question is how people are surviving in this urban context and how WILL they survive if changes take place in their surroundings. The paper also tries to shed light on how these urban changes are used as leverages to lead monetary value by people at power and how it affects the community and the heritage they are connected to.

COPD Risk Phenotypes in Older Smokers: Evaluation in GLI- and GOLD-Defined Respiratory Impairment

PurposeIn aging populations, the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) spirometry threshold may misclassify normal spirometry as airflow limitation. The Global Lung Initiative (GLI) method provides age-adjusted criteria. We investigated how the use of GOLD or GLI thresholds in an algorithm affects the classification of elderly smokers into COPD risk phenotypes.MethodsUsing a modified COPDGene algorithm, including exposure, symptoms, and abnormal spirometry, 200 smokers aged 60 years and older were classified into 4 mutually exclusive phenotypes: Phenotype A (no symptoms, normal spirometry; reference), Phenotype B (symptoms, normal spirometry; possible COPD), Phenotype C (no symptoms, abnormal spirometry; possible COPD), and Phenotype D (symptoms, abnormal spirometry; probable COPD). Abnormal spirometry was defined according to the GOLD or GLI criteria. A comparison was made between the GOLD- and GLI-defined phenotypes.ResultsUsing GLI criteria/cut-offs, 18.5% (n = 37) had phenotype A (no COPD), 42% (n = 84) had phenotype B (possible COPD), 7.5% (n = 15) had phenotype C (possible COPD), and 32% (n = 64) had phenotype D (probable COPD). Using GOLD criteria cut-offs, 14.5% (n-29) had phenotype A (no COPD); 31% (n = 62) had phenotype B, 11.5% (n = 23) had phenotype C (probable COPD), and 43% (n = 86) had phenotype D (probable COPD). Eight smokers with GOLD phenotype C were reclassified as GLI phenotype A, while 22 with GOLD phenotype D were reclassified as GLI phenotype B. Smokers identified as ‟probable COPD” by GOLD alone (potential false positives) had better spirometry results than those identified as ‟probable COPD” by both GOLD and GLI.ConclusionThe use of the GOLD threshold in an algorithm resulted in older smokers being classified into more severe COPD risk phenotypes compared to the GLI threshold. This suggests that GOLD may misclassify smokers with less affected phenotypes as having respiratory impairment, potentially leading to unnecessary and harmful treatments.

Addressing frailty in older adults: an integrated challenge for health, science, and society.

The global shift towards an aging population presents significant challenges, particularly concerning frailty among older adults. Frailty, characterized by diminished strength and resilience, increases vulnerability to diseases and hospitalization. Health Issues: Traditional diagnostic tools for frailty are costly and involve radiation risks, necessitating non-invasive, cost-effective methods like ultrasound. Frail older adults require intensive medical care, increasing healthcare costs and burdening systems. Scientific Challenges: Research must adopt a multidimensional approach, considering physical, psychological, and social factors of frailty. There is a pressing need to develop accessible diagnostic tools and translate research findings into clinical practice. Integrating ultrasound with machine learning enhances diagnostic accuracy and predictive capabilities, facilitating personalized care. Frailty reduces the quality of life for older adults, places emotional and financial burdens on families, and exacerbates health inequalities. It also leads to social isolation, diminishing the participation of older adults in community activities. An integrated response involving public health policies, technological innovations, and education is necessary. Developing community health programs, implementing continuous health monitoring tools, and conducting awareness campaigns can significantly improve frailty management. Tackling frailty is not only a health imperative but also a social and ethical responsibility. By addressing the intertwined health, scientific, and social challenges of frailty, we can ensure healthy and equitable aging for all, reflecting our commitment to improving the quality of life for older adults.

A comparative study of modified Bassini's repair and lichtenstein repair for indirect inguinal hernia in young age population

Background: Inguinal hernia surgery has significant world-wide diversity in management. European Hernia Society guidelines 2020, for management of groin hernias recommends the use of open non-mesh repair in specific patients or types (e.g. young males with lateral hernia)as an acceptable alternative to a Lichtenstein technique. The present study deals with the comparison of intra operative, postoperative course and clinical outcome of modified bassinis repair (non mesh) and Lichtenstein repair [mesh repair] for indirect inguinal hernia in young age population. Methods: Observational analytical prospective cohort study, conducted in General Surgery, Peoples hospital, Bhopal from November 2022 to February 2024. Patient of indirect inguinal hernia in the age (16-35 years) group and operated by either Modified Bassinis (Group A, n=34) or lichtenstein hernia repair (Group B, n=48). The above study arms group were studied and compared. Results: Mean duration of surgery among Group A patients was 62.65 minutes and 57.19 minutes in Group B. Seropurulent discharge among 2.9% patients in Group A and 4.2% in Group B and superficial SSI among 2.9% patients in Group A and 4.2% in Group B was reported. Chronic post-operative pain VAS score was assessed at end of 2nd week, end of 1 month and end of 3 months with statistically no significant among two groups. Conclusions: Our study did not demonstrate any significant difference of one repair method over the other. However, an Individualized approach for cases with a customized strategy is recommended for surgical management of hernia.

Declining Birth Rate Due to Various Factors

The global demographic landscape is undergoing significant upheaval due to three primary factors: shifts in fertility rates, changes in mortality, and resulting transformations in population age distribution. Declining fertility rates in many regions are reshaping family structures and reducing population growth, while improved healthcare and living conditions are extending life expectancy and lowering mortality rates. Together, these trends lead to a growing proportion of older adults, creating an aging population that places unique social and economic pressures on healthcare, pension systems, and labor markets. Understanding these dynamics is critical for policymakers and planners, as they must adapt strategies to address the opportunities and challenges associated with demographic change. (Coontz, 1992)

Nutrition and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Understanding the interplay between nutrition and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in older adults is crucial amidst the global aging population. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore this association, recognizing the growing prevalence of older individuals and the imperative of addressing their health needs for enhanced well-being. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, relevant studies were identified through electronic database searches and manual screening. Included were studies investigating the relationship between nutritional status, assessed via the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), and OHRQoL in individuals aged 60 years and older. Quality assessment adhered to Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) criteria, and statistical analysis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software Version 3. Out of 566 initial records, 14 full-text articles were assessed, with 4 studies meeting the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. A consistent association emerged between lower nutritional assessment scores and poor OHRQoL among the older adults. Significant relationships were identified between poor oral health indicators, as measured by GOHAI, and an elevated risk of malnutrition. Particularly noteworthy was the role of negative self-perception of oral health as a significant predictor of nutritional deficits, emphasizing the importance of OHRQoL instruments in complementing clinical measurements. The findings underscore the predictive capacity of oral health indicators in assessing nutritional well-being in older individuals. Despite previous studies reporting mixed findings, this review contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the association between nutrition and OHRQoL, highlighting the significance of addressing oral health concerns to enhance overall nutritional outcomes in the older adult population. This systematic review and meta-analysis emphasize the significant association between nutrition and OHRQoL among older adults. Highlighting the importance OHRQoL instruments that can complement objective clinical measurements and serve as predictors of malnutrition, particularly among this population. Offering vital insights for stakeholders, policymakers, and public health officials to promote the overall well-being and quality of life of older adults.

Random cohort effects and smooth structures for mortality modelling and forecasting: A mixed-effects Gaussian process time series approach

The issue of population ageing has become a critical challenge for many developed nations in recent decades, and urgent action is needed to address this concern. Despite numerous efforts have been made to tackle the risks associated with increased longevity, the problem remains unresolved. The Cairns-Blake-Dowd (CBD) model, widely recognised as a leading approach for mortality modelling at older ages, incorporates cohort effects parameters into its parsimonious design. This article proposes a new mixed-effects Gaussian process time series approach that not only considers random cohort effects but also ensures smoothness across age ranges. By adopting Gaussian process, this novelty allows the proposed method naturally accounts for all uncertainties of the estimated parameters without requiring any pre-specified constraints and provides more accurate results. Through two empirical applications using male and female mortality data, we demonstrate the exceptional capabilities of our approach, which outperforms the CBD models with cohorts in short-, mid-, and long-term forecasting of mortality rates from various developed countries. Our proposed approach offers a significant improvement in forecast accuracy and shows a valuable contribution to the field of cohort mortality modelling.

Exploring neurofeedback as a therapeutic intervention for subjective cognitive decline.

This study addresses the pressing issue of subjective cognitive decline in aging populations by investigating neurofeedback (NFB) as a potential early therapeutic intervention. By evaluating the efficacy of individualised NFB training compared to standard protocols, tailored to each participant's EEG profile, it provides novel insights into personalised treatment approaches. The incorporation of innovative elements and rigorous analytical techniques contributes to advancing our understanding of NFB's modulatory effects on EEG frequencies and cognitive function in aging individuals. In the context of an aging population, concerns surrounding memory function become increasingly prevalent, particularly as individuals transition into middle age and beyond. This study investigated neurofeedback (NFB) as a potential early therapeutic intervention to address subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in aging populations. NFB, a biofeedback technique utilising a brain-computer interface, has demonstrated promise in the treatment of various neurological and psychological conditions. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of individualised NFB training, tailored to each participant's EEG profile, compared to a standard NFB training protocol aimed at increasing peak alpha frequency power, in enhancing cognitive function among individuals experiencing SCD. Our NFB protocol incorporated innovative elements, including the implementation of a criterion for learning success to ensure consistent achievement levels by the conclusion of the training sessions. Additionally, we introduced a non-learner group to account for individuals who do not demonstrate the expected proficiency in NFB regulation. Analysis of electroencephalographic (EEG) signals during NFB sessions, as well as before and after training, provides insights into the modulatory effects of NFB on EEG frequencies. Contrary to expectations, our rigorous analysis revealed that the ability of individuals with SCD to modulate EEG signal power and duration at specific frequencies was not exclusive to the intended frequency target. Furthermore, examination of EEG signals recorded using a high-density EEG showed no discernible alteration in signal power between pre- and post-NFB training sessions. Similarly, no significant effects were observed on questionnaire scores when comparing pre- and post-NFB training assessments.