Average Age Research Articles

Non-modifiable and Modifiable Risk Factors in Vascular Ageing Extremes: The African-PREDICT Study

Abstract Background Cardiovascular risk factors accelerate vascular ageing beyond chronological age, hence early vascular ageing (EVA). Carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) is a measure of vascular ageing and is used to identify EVA and supernormal vascular ageing (SUPERNOVA). Vascular ageing is not completely understood in African populations. Therefore, we aimed to phenotype young South African adults stratified by cfPWV extremes in terms of non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors. This study included 1133 young adults (mean age: 24.5 years). We measured cfPWV using applanation tonometry. Body composition measures, self-reported 24-h dietary intake, smoking and alcohol consumption were included. Fasting blood samples were analysed for biochemical risk factors. Three groups based on cfPWV percentiles were compared and included SUPERNOVA (≤ 10th percentile), average vascular ageing (AVA, between 10 to 90th percentile) and EVA (≥ 90th percentile). Results Chronological age, male sex, smoking, alcohol use, and blood pressure were incrementally higher across PWV groups (all p trend ≤ 0.007). Black ethnicity was higher (p = 0.038) in the SUPERNOVA group. In exploratory factor analysis, a factor pattern including mean arterial pressure and fasting glucose showed beneficial odds (OR 0.62, p = 0.002) for SUPERNOVA and higher likelihood (OR 2.10, p < 0.001) for EVA. Another factor pattern of socio-economic status and total dietary fat showed lower odds (OR 0.64, p = 0.003) for EVA. Conclusion Poor lifestyle behavioural risk factors seem detrimental in the EVA group conferring a possible higher risk of future CVD.

Quantifying the rainfall variability effects on crop growth and production in the intensified annual forage - winter wheat rotation systems in a semiarid region of China

Replacing summer fallow period (July to September, SF) with annual short-season forages in the traditional fallow-winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) system may maintain grain yield and improve productivity in the semi-arid environments. But the uneven and variability rainfall led to instable productivity of the annual forage–winter wheat cropping system. The aims of this study were to 1) quantifying rainfall variability effects on annual forage–winter wheat system crop growing process and productivity; 2) determine the optimal annual forage–winter wheat production system that will response better to future climate change. A four-year (2016–2020) field experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of replacing summer fallow period with annual forages including oat (FO, Avena sativa L.), soybean (SB, Glycine max L.), and vetch (FV, Vicia sativa L.) on plant height (H), leaf area index (LAI), and above-ground biomass (AByield) growth index dynamics under three different levels of rainfall manipulation i.e. 30 % of ambient rainfall exclusion (R-30 %), natural rainfall (CK), and 30 % of ambient rainfall increase (R+30 %). Additionally, we assessed the correlations between forage and winter wheat production with growing season precipitation across 12 rainfall scenarios. Average forage biomass values of oat, soybean, and vetch were 5.50, 4.29, and 2.82 t ha−1, respectively during summer fallow period. The average winter wheat grain yield values in SF, FO, SB, and FV were 3.78, 3.12, 4.02, and 3.18 t ha−1, respectively. Integrating oat into fallow period had negative effects on wheat growth and production, and the H, LAI, and AByield for FO were 63.7 %, 50.9 %, and 29.9 % lower than SF in dry year, but the wheat grain yield in SB were 18.2 % and 24.8 % greater than SF in normal and wet years. Across the four growing seasons, the forage and wheat yields were shown to be strongly related to precipitation, and increasing precipitation significantly enhanced the production. In 2016–2017 growing season, LAI of wheat in SF, FO, SB, and FV with R+30 % scenario was increased by 30.2 %, 21.7 %, 32.7 %, and 19.8 % and that with R-30 % scenario decreased by 23.2 %, 17.8 %, 24.7 %, 16.5 % compared CK, respectively. The traditional summer fallow practice had advantage for maintaining stability in wheat gain production, especially under dry years. In consideration of forage and wheat production to rainfall variability, integrating soybean into fallow season may be an efficient option to maintain wheat yield and produce high forage amount under future climate change on the Loess Plateau and similar semi-arid regions.

Evaluation of Blood Lactate among Different Player Roles: A Pilot Study on Competitive Young Male Soccer Players.

Soccer match requires anaerobic and aerobic energetic metabolism. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the changes in blood lactate concentration in young male soccer players in different playing roles at different time points after the soccer match. Following an initial screening of 134 young soccer athletes, 8 male athletes (average age of 15.5 ± 5 SD) were chosen for their characteristics similar to those of competitive athletes. Players were categorized as goalkeeper, central defender, central midfielder, and forward. Blood lactate concentrations were determined using a portable device at different times (10 min, 5 and 16 h) after the soccer match by a maximum effort test on a treadmill. The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni's post-hoc test. The following results (mean ± SD) were obtained: VO2max (%) 60.33 ± 3.10; blood lactate (mM) end match (10 min) 2.17 ± 0.78, post-match-early (after 5 h) 2.2 ± 0.42, postmatch-late (16 h) 3.2 ± 0.84. ANOVA analysis indicated that the blood LA concentrations at end-match (10 min) and post-match-early (5 h) were statistically significative lower than those determined at post-match-late (16 h) (p < 0.05). These results suggest that aerobic mechanisms can also use LA as an energy source, contributing to the reduction of its blood concentration. This effect can be due to reduced maximal work during a soccer match and to the LA removal during exercise at reduced intensity. These data can provide indications for planning suitable training strategies for young male soccer players.

Pregabalin Addiction: A Bibliometric Analysis

Objective: Bibliometric analyses allow determining the scientific research profile, revealing the current situation on the subject, and identifying new research areas. Pregabalin addiction is an addiction that has serious consequences for the individual, family and society. For this reason, taking photographs of studies related to this field can be a guide for researchers. In this regard, the aim of the research is to bibliometrically examine publications addressing the issue of pregabalin addiction.&#x0D; Method: The study was conducted in the Web of Science database. The keywords “pregabalin addiction” were used during the screening without any time limit. &#x0D; Results: 150 publications were reached. Their publication dates were between 2003 and 2023, the average age of publication was 4.83, and the annual increase rate was 5%. The most active country was the United States of America, and the journal with the highest number of publications was “Frontiers in Psychiatry.” In addition, “gabapentin, abuse” was the most frequently used, “opioid, drug abuse” were the motor, “withdrawal” was niche, and “pain, substance” were emerging or disappearing themes. Besides, “neuropathic pain” was a basic theme, and “benzodiazepine” showed consistent development. &#x0D; Conclusion: This is the first bibliometric study addressing pregabalin addiction and provided a comprehensive overview of pregabalin addiction over 20 years. From the quantitative perspective, the mean age of the study and the annual growth rate were low, and the number of studies was limited. Qualitative data showed that research topics mostly clustered on pregabalin addiction, addiction potential, abuse and taking with other drugs, and demonstrated a need for studies in addiction prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Community Initiatives and the Use of Welfare Technologies in Super-Aged Areas: A Case Study from Japan

Abstract Background Community initiatives are seen as a solution to issues such as social isolation of older people and the lack of formal care. The study examines the use of welfare technologies in two municipalities in southern Japan to enhance their community-based care systems amidst challenges like underfunding and coordination. One case, an agriculture-led town with a handful of administrators, and the other, a manufacturing-led 'Tokku' (national strategic special zone) with active central and local government involvement, provide contrasting approaches. Methods Using a case study approach, the initiatives taken by the two municipalities were identified from ’grey’ literature and examined to see what types of welfare technologies have been introduced and how, and what impacts the overall projects had on older people’s lives, well-being and care delivery. Results The current average ageing rate in Japan is 29.2%. Town A, with a population of 13,878 and a significant ageing population of 43.3%, has initiated various ICT projects since 2011. For example, recognising the difficulties older people have in accessing information, adopting a familiar ICT solution and taking time to explore new applications together contributed to the overall wellbeing during the initiation process. In contrast, ‘Tokku’ B, with a population of 916,003 and an ageing rate of 31.5%, the highest among 25 ‘Tokku’, prioritises Digital Transformation from cradle to grave. They are committed to sustainable development and improving the well-being of their residents (all ages) through collaborative strategies and a forward-looking perspective. The overall impact remains uncertain, however. Conclusion These findings shed light on Japan's technology-driven strategies to address age-related challenges, which resonate with age-friendly city initiatives worldwide. However, challenges remain, particularly in depopulated areas with limited resources and skilled care professionals. Further research, including comparative studies between Japan, Ireland and beyond, is essential to understand the impact of welfare technology integration in supporting ageing in place.

Frequency of Variants in Mendelian Alzheimer's Disease Genes within the Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project (ADSP).

Prior studies using the ADSP data examined variants within presenilin-2 (PSEN2), presenilin-1 (PSEN1), and amyloid precursor protein (APP) genes. However, previously-reported clinically-relevant variants and other predicted damaging missense (DM) variants have not been characterized in a newer release of the Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project (ADSP). To characterize previously-reported clinically-relevant variants and DM variants in PSEN2, PSEN1, APP within the participants from the ADSP. We identified rare variants (MAF <1%) previously-reported in PSEN2, PSEN1, and APP in the available ADSP sample of 14,641 individuals with whole genome sequencing and 16,849 individuals with whole exome sequencing available for research-use (Ntotal = 31,490). We additionally curated variants in these three genes from ClinVar, OMIM, and Alzforum and report carriers of variants in clinical databases as well as predicted DM variants in these genes. We detected 31 previously-reported clinically-relevant variants with alternate alleles observed within the ADSP: 4 variants in PSEN2, 25 in PSEN1, and 2 in APP. The overall variant carrier rate for the 31 clinically-relevant variants in the ADSP was 0.3%. We observed that 79.5% of the variant carriers were cases compared to 3.9% were controls. In those with AD, the mean age of onset of AD among carriers of these clinically-relevant variants was 19.6 ± 1.4 years earlier compared with noncarriers (p-value=7.8×10-57). A small proportion of individuals in the ADSP are carriers of a previously-reported clinically-relevant variant allele for AD and these participants have significantly earlier age of AD onset compared to noncarriers.

Clinical Features of Tachycardia-induced Cardiomyopathy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

Objective Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cause of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TIC). However, which patients with AF are prone to developing TIC remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the clinical features of AF patients with TIC. Methods This single-center study included 722 patients with AF (average age, 63.1±10.2 years old; 191 women) who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation. We defined TIC as an initial left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of <40% and a >20% recovery of the LVEF after successful AF ablation and compared the clinical characteristics between the TIC and control groups. Results The proportions of type 2 diabetes (30.5% vs. 14.7%), renal dysfunction (34.2% vs. 23.8%), hypertension (67.1% vs. 54.8%), and persistent AF (62.2% vs. 32.2%) were significantly higher in the TIC group (n=82) than in the control group (n=640). The atrioventricular nodal effective refractory period (AVNERP) (303±72 ms vs. 332±86 ms; p=0.017) was significantly shorter in the TIC group than in the control group. A multivariable analysis found that persistent AF [odds ratio (OR), 3.19; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.94-5.24], renal dysfunction (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.06-3.32), and type 2 diabetes (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.31-4.05) were significantly associated with TIC. Conclusion Comorbid renal dysfunction and type 2 diabetes were clinical features of AF patients with TIC. Persistent AF, and short AVNERP may be involved in the development of TIC.

394 Cover crops for efficient grazing systems

Abstract Grazing of cool-season cover crops provides a sustainable solution for extending the grazing season while potentially reducing the environmental impact of conventional row-crop farming practices. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate how different mixtures of cover crops affect stocker performance when grazed. The study was conducted across 18 paddocks that were sown with grass [‘Coker’ oat (Avena sativa)], grass + legume [‘Dixie’ crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum)], or grass + legume + brassica [‘Turnip’ brassica (Brassica rapa subsp.; rapa)] at the Wiregrass Research and Extension Center in Headland, AL. These paddocks were randomly assigned to either grazed or un-grazed conditions (n = 3). In this study, yearling beef steers with an average body weight (BW) of 266 ± 44 kg were grazed in paddocks using the put and take method to maintain a forage allowance of 1 kg dry matter per kilogram of BW. Forage samples were collected biweekly to analyze biomass, botanical composition, and forage nutritive value. Grazing occurred from January 17 to March 22, 2023 (65 d). Steer BW were recorded at the beginning and end of the grazing season to calculate average daily gain. The data were subjected to analysis as a two-way ANOVA using Glimmix in SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC), harvest date was considered a repeated measure. No treatment × grazing interaction was observed on forage yield performance [average (AVG) forage yield kg DM/ha; P = 0.460]. In addition, no difference was observed among the different cover crop mixtures (AVG forage yield kg DM/ha; P = 0.670). Grazed paddocks had a greater crude protein when compared with ungrazed paddocks (Grazed vs. Ungrazed %; P = 0. 017). However, there was no effect of cover crop mixture on crude protein (CP) concentration (AVG CP %; P = 0.670 for treatment effect). These results indicate that cool-season annual cover crops can provide sufficient forage yield and quality to support sufficient animal gains, even during the relatively short grazing season. Incorporating cover crops not only improves agricultural sustainability but can also enhance the resilience and long-term health of the agroecosystem.

Facilitators to alleviate loneliness and social isolation as identified by individuals with spinal cord injuries and disorders: A qualitative study.

Individuals with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) are at increased risk for experiencing loneliness and social isolation. The aim is to describe facilitators identified by individuals living with SCI/D to alleviate loneliness and perceived social isolation. Descriptive qualitative design using in-depth interviews with veterans with SCI/D (n = 23). Descriptive statistics was used to calculate demographic and injury characteristics. Audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim transcripts were coded and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) six thematic analysis phases. Participants were male (70%), white (78%), and not currently married (35%), with an average age of 66 years (42-88). Participants had paraplegia (61%), with traumatic etiology (65%) and were injured 14 years (1-45) on average. Eight themes were identified by participants living with SCI/D that described facilitators to alleviate loneliness and perceived social isolation. (a) Engage in/pursue interests; (b) Interact with/spend time with others; (c) Embrace acceptance; (d) Take part in reciprocity; (e) Find a purpose/accomplish goals; (f) Get out of residence, get outside; (g) Connect with SCI/D community/SCI/D peers; and (h) Seek help from (mental) healthcare professionals. Individuals with SCI/D identified facilitators to alleviate loneliness that encompasses changes in ways of thinking, actions to expand participation in life, and efforts focused on involving others. Findings can be used to guide healthcare delivery and develop interventions to target feelings of loneliness and social isolation in persons with SCI/D, which may be particularly impactful if they involve reciprocal interactions with peers with SCI/D. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Impact of Adjuvant Radiotherapy Setting on Quality-of-Life in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

To determine differences in post-treatment QoL across treatment settings in patients receiving adjuvant radiation therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This was a prospective observational cohort study of patients with HNSCC initially evaluated in a head and neck surgical oncologic and reconstructive clinic at an academic medical center (AMC). Participants were enrolled prior to treatment in a prospective registry collecting demographic, social, and clinical data. Physical and social-emotional QoL (phys-QoL and soc-QoL, respectively) was measured using the University of Washington-QoL questionnaire at pre-treatment and post-treatment visits. A cohort of 177 patients, primarily male and White with an average age of 61.2 ± 11.2 years, met inclusion criteria. Most patients presented with oral cavity tumors (n = 132, 74.6%), had non-HPV-mediated disease (n = 97, 61.8%), and were classified as Stage IVa (n = 72, 42.8%). After controlling for covariates, patients treated at community medical centers (CMCs) reported a 7.15-point lower phys-QoL compared with those treated at AMCs (95% CI: -13.96 to -0.35, p = 0.040) up to 12 months post-treatment. Additionally, patients who were treated at CMCs had a 5.77-point (-11.86-0.31, p = 0.063) lower soc-QoL score compared with those treated at an AMC, which was not statistically significant. This study revealed that HNSCC patients treated with radiation at AMCs reported significantly greater phys-QoL in their first-year post-treatment compared to those treated at CMCs, but soc-QoL did not differ significantly. Further observational studies are needed to explore potential factors, including treatment planning and cancer resource engagement, behind disparities between AMCs and CMCs. 3 Laryngoscope, 134:3645-3655, 2024.

Average Age of Sensing in Wireless Powered Sensor Networks

Average Age of Sensing in Wireless Powered Sensor Networks

Evaluation of an antioxidant to improve the aging resistance of SBS modified asphalt binder based on chemical mechanical analysis (TI CAB)

The use of antioxidants in asphalt binder is significant in prolonging the service life of asphalt pavements. In order to improve the aging resistance of asphalt binder, an antioxidant was mixed into SBS modified asphalt binder in this study. The effects of the antioxidant on the properties and aging resistance of SBS modified asphalt binder were characterised based on rheological parameters, chemical composition and morphology. The results showed that the aging resistance index quantitatively evaluated the aging resistance of different asphalt binders. The average aging resistance index of asphalt binder with 3% antioxidant based on different properties index was about 3.5, which meant it can prolong the aging life by approximately 3.5 times. The control of carbonyl and sulfoxide formation by antioxidant was the key driver to inhibit the macroscopic property degradation of asphalt binder. However, the antioxidant did not effectively inhibit the degradation of SBS modifiers during aging.

Comparative study of widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography in eyes with concomitant age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy

Background/aimsWe sought to evaluate widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (WF SS-OCTA) among eyes with concomitant age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetes mellitus or diabetic retinopathy (DM/DR).MethodsThis cross-sectional, comparative study...

Urea fertilization for potentializing beef cattle performance in agroforestry systems in the humid tropics

AbstractThis study hypothesized that urea fertilization could optimize animal performance in an agroforestry system. This study evaluated how increasing rates of N fertilization (0, 100, 200, and 400 kg N ha−1 year−1) using urea (CH4N2O) affected forage mass, nutritive value, and beef cattle (Bos indicus) performance in an agroforestry system with Massai grass (Megathyrsus maximus Jacq. cv. Massai) and legume tree (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth.), in the humid tropic region of Brazil, over 2‐year period. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with four treatments (N fertilizer rates) and three replications. Forage mass was positive and linearly affected by N fertilization (p = .0236, R2 = 0.92), ranging from 1297 to 1583 kg DM ha−1 under 0 and 400 kg N ha−1 year−1, respectively. There was greater average forage mass during the rainy period (1826 kg ha−1) (p &lt; .05). Crude protein in green forage mass increased linearly (p = .0041, R2 = 0.91) in function of the N applied. Cattle average daily gain showed a positive quadratic response to the rates of N applied (p = .0298, R2 = 0.97), ranging from 0.46 kg to 0.68 kg animal day−1; and the gain per area increased linearly from 1.84 to 2.68 kg LW ha−1 day−1 (p = .0640, R2 = 0.96). The findings indicate that applying 200 kg N ha−1 year−1, split‐applied during the rainy season, would yield acceptable outcomes in terms of forage mass, nutritive value, and animal performance for this type of agroforestry system.

SuperAging functional connectomics from resting-state functional MRI.

Understanding the relationship between functional connectivity (FC) of higher-order neurocognitive networks and age-related cognitive decline is a complex and evolving field of research. Decreases in FC have been associated with cognitive decline in persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). However, the contributions of FC have been less straightforward in typical cognitive aging. Some investigations suggest relatively robust FC within neurocognitive networks differentiates unusually successful cognitive aging from average aging, while others do not. Methodologic limitations in data processing and varying definitions of 'successful aging' may have contributed to the inconsistent results to date. The current study seeks to address previous limitations by optimized MRI methods to examine FC in the well-established SuperAging phenotype, defined by age and cognitive performance as individuals 80 and older with episodic memory performance equal to or better than 50-to-60-year-olds. Within- and between-network FC of large-scale neurocognitive networks were compared between 24 SuperAgers and 16 cognitively average older-aged control (OACs) with stable cognitive profiles using resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) from a single visit. Group classification was determined based on measures of episodic memory, executive functioning, verbal fluency and picture naming. Inclusion criteria required stable cognitive status across two visits. First, we investigated the FC within and between seven resting-state networks from a common atlas parcellation. A separate index of network segregation was also compared between groups. Second, we investigated the FC between six subcomponents of the default mode network (DMN), the neurocognitive network commonly associated with memory performance and disrupted in persons with ADRD. For each analysis, FCs were compared across groups using two-sample independent t-tests and corrected for multiple comparisons. There were no significant between-group differences in demographic characteristics including age, sex and education. At the group-level, within-network FC, between-network FC, and segregation measurements of seven large-scale networks, including subcomponents of the DMN, were not a primary differentiator between cognitively average aging and SuperAging phenotypes. Thus, FC within or between large-scale networks does not appear to be a primary driver of the exceptional memory performance observed in SuperAgers. These results have relevance for differentiating the role of FC changes associated with cognitive aging from those associated with ADRD.

Fixation of Long Oblique and Spiral Metacarpal Shaft Fractures With Intramedullary Screw and Cerclage Wires

Introduction: Long oblique and spiral metacarpal shaft fractures are length-unstable fracture patterns susceptible to malrotation and shortening. We expand the use of intramedullary screw fixation for traditional length-unstable fracture patterns including long oblique and spiral with cerclage wire augmentation. Materials and Methods: Surgical technique of intramedullary screws for long oblique and spiral metacarpal shaft fractures, augmented with cerclage wires, is described. Case series of patients who underwent this technique over a 3-year period from 2 surgeons at a single institution were evaluated. The inclusion criteria included patients who underwent this technique with long oblique or spiral metacarpal shaft fractures. The exclusion criteria included open injuries, and base or neck fractures. Results: A total of 8 patients were included with an average age at surgery 42 years old (range, 25 to 70). Six of the 8 patients achieved full range of motion at the time of final follow-up. One patient had ~5 to 10-degree deficit in both flexion and extension, and the other had 20-degree loss in both flexion and extension. The follow-up averaged 62 days (range, 25 to 144 days). There were no patients with nonunion, malunion, hardware failure, or postoperative fracture subsidence or malrotation. The average time to union was 6.1 weeks (range, 3.5 to 12.4 wks). Conclusions: This hybrid technique expands the use of intramedullary screws to traditional length-unstable fractures including long oblique and spiral patterns. Patients demonstrate return to full range of motion, union approximately in 6 weeks, with minimal complications following this minimally invasive technique.

Mortality in patients addicted to opioids across 30-year follow-up.

The maintenance of premature mortality among opioid users is a highly significant public health issue. The main objective is to study the causes and age of mortality recorded in the population of opiate addicts (n = 1,998) treated at the Cangas Drug Addiction Assistance Unit (Pontevedra) over more than 30 years. The causes of mortality are classified into 4 groups: overdose, disease, suicide and trauma. The average age of mortality of the patients is compared with that of the general population residing in the same health area. Throughout the study, the premature mortality of these patients remained high, although with a tendency to decrease over time: up to 1998, the mean age of death was 31.8 years compared to 47.7 years since 1998. The mean age of death was always lower than that of the general population. Disease is the most prevalent cause of mortality (84% of the deceased) with a great difference compared to the other 3 groups. Despite the reduction in infections associated with parenteral use, there are still factors associated with an unhealthy lifestyle that, together with the aging of this population, explain to a large extent why the average age of death of these patients is not equal to that of the general population, which seems to force us to review the objectives of health and social intervention.

A Pilot Study of the Convergent and Discriminant Validity of the Dutch Version of the Parametric Go/No-Go Task.

The parametric go/no-go (PGNG) task is a computerized task that is designed to measure cognitive flexibility, response inhibition, and working memory. The PGNG task has been shown to measure core executive functions (EFs) in a psychometrically sound, brief, and ecologically valid manner. To analyze the psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the PGNG task in a convenience sample of nonclinical adults. The sample consisted of 74 highly educated adults, with an average age of 36 years. Forty-two participants completed test battery A to investigate the task's convergent validity; 36 participants completed test battery B to investigate the task's discriminant validity. The results were analyzed using a repeated-measures ANOVA, Friedman's test, paired-samples t test, and correlation analyses. Level 3 of the PGNG task places increased demands on sustained attention, response inhibition, and set-shifting. Several moderate correlations between level 3 and a complex EFs measure supported the convergent validity of this level of the PGNG task. The convergent validity of levels 1 and 2 was not supported. No significant correlations were found between PGNG levels and non-EF tests, supporting discriminant validity. Our study included a rather homogenous sample of highly educated participants, which might explain the convergent validity of level 3 of the Dutch version of the PGNG task. Hence, to overcome these potentially confounding factors, the Dutch version of the PGNG task should be investigated in a larger and more heterogeneous population in terms of age and educational level.

활동적 노화가 노년기의 우울 및 인지에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to analyze how active aging affects depression and cognition in old age. For this purpose, the raw data from the 『2020 Survey on the Status of the Elderly』 were reanalyzed using descriptive statistics, t-Test, Pearson correlation analysis, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The main results were as follows : 1) The average depression score of the subjects was 3.37, the average cognition score was 24.32, and the average active aging score was 2.01. 2) The participating group in social activities had lower depression and higher cognitive function than the non-participating group. 3) As a result of hierarchical multiple regression analysis of depression, in Model 1, gender, education, health status, household income, and marital status were significant factors affecting depression, and the explanatory power of the model was 19.4%. In Model 2, gender, education, health status, household income, marital status, and active aging were significant factors of depression in old age, and the explanatory power of Model 2 was 19.8%, 0.4% more than Model 1. 4) In the hierarchical multiple regression analysis of cognition, age, education, health status, household income, and household type were significant factors affecting cognition in Model 1, and the explanatory power of the model was 17.4%. In Model 2, age, education, health status, household income, household type, and active aging were significant factors, and the explanatory power was 18.9%, 1.5% higher than Model 1. Based on the above results, several suggestions were added for elderly welfare policies and practices.

활동적 노화가 노년기의 우울 및 인지에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to analyze how active aging affects depression and cognition in old age. For this purpose, the raw data from the 『2020 Survey on the Status of the Elderly』 were reanalyzed using descriptive statistics, t-Test, Pearson correlation analysis, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The main results were as follows : 1) The average depression score of the subjects was 3.37, the average cognition score was 24.32, and the average active aging score was 2.01. 2) The participating group in social activities had lower depression and higher cognitive function than the non-participating group. 3) As a result of hierarchical multiple regression analysis of depression, in Model 1, gender, education, health status, household income, and marital status were significant factors affecting depression, and the explanatory power of the model was 19.4%. In Model 2, gender, education, health status, household income, marital status, and active aging were significant factors of depression in old age, and the explanatory power of Model 2 was 19.8%, 0.4% more than Model 1. 4) In the hierarchical multiple regression analysis of cognition, age, education, health status, household income, and household type were significant factors affecting cognition in Model 1, and the explanatory power of the model was 17.4%. In Model 2, age, education, health status, household income, household type, and active aging were significant factors, and the explanatory power was 18.9%, 1.5% higher than Model 1. Based on the above results, several suggestions were added for elderly welfare policies and practices.