Community-dwelling Older Women Research Articles

Association between the Intake/Type of Cheese and Cognitive Function in Community-Dwelling Older Women in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study.

While many studies have described the association between cognitive decline and eating habits, little attention has been paid to its association with cheese intake. In this epidemiological study of 1035 community-dwelling women aged ≥ 65, we investigated the association between intake/type of cheese and cognitive function. The anthropometry, functional ability, and the frequency of food intake, including cheese, were assessed. The mini-mental state examination (MMSE) was used to assess cognitive function, and a score of 20-26 was operationally defined as mild cognitive decline. We found that the MMSE score was significantly different between the presence of cheese intake and not (cheese intake: 28.4 ± 1.9; non-cheese intake: 27.6 ± 2.4) and between those who consumed Camembert cheese and those who did not (Camembert cheese: 28.7 ± 1.4; others: 28.3 ± 2.0). After adjusting for confounders, multiple logistic regression identified four independent variables significantly associated with mild cognitive decline: Camembert cheese intake (odds ratio = 0.448, 95% confidence interval = 0.214-0.936), age, usual walking speed, and repetitive saliva swallowing test scores. Our results, while based on cross-sectional data from Japanese community-dwelling older women, identified the significant inverse association between Camembert cheese intake and mild cognitive decline.

Potential of Kinect-assessed stepping test for assessing fall risk in community-dwelling older women

Potential of Kinect-assessed stepping test for assessing fall risk in community-dwelling older women

The Association Between the Australian Cardiovascular Risk Calculator With Long-Term Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease Hospitalisations and Deaths in Community-Dwelling Older Women

The Association Between the Australian Cardiovascular Risk Calculator With Long-Term Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease Hospitalisations and Deaths in Community-Dwelling Older Women

Association Between Low Kidney Function and Excess Weight Concerning Unfavourable Periodontal Health among Community-dwelling Older Japanese Women.

To investigate the association of low renal function and overweight with poor periodontal condition in community-dwelling older Japanese women. In total, 359 older women (age range: 55-74 years) participated in this study. Two periodontal parameters - the number of teeth with a probing pocket depth (PPD) or clinical attachment level (CAL) ≥ 4 mm - were used as the dependent variables. The principal independent variables were low renal function as defined by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and overweight as defined by the body mass index. Poisson regression analysis was used to calculate the ratio of means (RM). The RMs of the number of teeth with a PPD or CAL ≥ 4 mm in an adjusted model without an interaction term were 1.21- or 1.27-fold higher among those with an eGFR < 60, while those among the participants with an eGFR < 60 in the adjusted model with interaction terms for the number of teeth with a PPD or CAL ≥ 4 mm were 1.43- or 1.36-fold higher. In addition, increments of periodontal risk with low renal function and overweight showed a slightly smaller to negative trend. The present findings suggest a connection between unfavourable periodontal health and both renal function and being overweight among older Japanese women. A weak negative interaction was also found between poor renal condition and overweight in relation to periodontal condition.

Age-related effects on absolute and relative isokinetic knee extensor strength in community-dwelling older men and women at a French geriatric day hospital.

Isokinetic knee extensor strength is poorly evaluated in geriatric day hospitals (GDHs), despite its potential functional significance compared to grip strength. This study aimed to investigate age-related effects on absolute and relative isokinetic knee extensor peak torque (KEPT) data in community-dwelling older GDH patients. A total of 472 French GDH patients (179 men and 293 women, aged 75-94 years) participated in this study. Absolute and relative KEPT were measured at six distinct angular velocities between 0.52 and 3.14 rad/s. In addition, comfortable gait speed and grip strength were assessed. Participants were stratified by sex and age using 5-year intervals. One-way ANOVAs were used to examine age-related effects on KEPT values. Multiple linear regression models were employed to investigate the associations between gait speed and both mean KEPT values and grip strength, with separate models conducted on absolute and relative values. The recruited GDH patients presented lower absolute and relative KEPT values in comparison with established reference values for healthy community-dwelling older individuals, with men being consistently stronger than women. Notably, there was a significant decline in both absolute and relative KEPT values beyond the age of 85 for both sexes. Importantly, the multiple linear regression analyses conducted revealed a significant positive relationship between gait speed and mean KEPT values, surpassing the association with grip strength. These findings underscore the clinical importance of assessing isokinetic knee extensor strength in community-dwelling older GDH patients, particularly for tailoring personalized physical activity interventions.

Correlation between serum trimethylamine-N-oxide and body fat distribution in middle-aged and older adults: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundTrimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is linked with obesity, while limited evidence on its relationship with body fat distribution. Herein, we investigated the associations between serum TMAO and longitudinal change of fat distribution in this prospective cohort study.MethodsData of 1964 participants (40–75y old) from Guangzhou Nutrition and Health Study (GNHS) during 2008–2014 was analyzed. Serum TMAO concentration was quantified by HPLC–MS/MS at baseline. The body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at each 3-y follow-up. Fat distribution parameters were fat-to-lean mass ratio (FLR) and trunk-to-leg fat ratio (TLR). Fat distribution changes were derived from the coefficient of linear regression between their parameters and follow-up duration.ResultsAfter an average of 6.2-y follow-up, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and linear regression displayed women with higher serum TMAO level had greater increments in trunk FLR (mean ± SD: 1.47 ± 4.39, P-trend = 0.006) and TLR (mean ± SD: 0.06 ± 0.24, P-trend = 0.011). Meanwhile, for women in the highest TMAO tertile, linear mixed-effects model (LMEM) analysis demonstrated the annual estimated increments (95% CI) were 0.03 (95% CI: 0.003 – 0.06, P = 0.032) in trunk FLR and 1.28 (95% CI: -0.17 – 2.73, P = 0.083) in TLR, respectively. In men, there were no similar significant observations. Sensitivity analysis yielded consistent results.ConclusionSerum TMAO displayed a more profound correlation with increment of FLR and TLR in middle-aged and older community-dwelling women in current study. More and further studies are still warranted in the future.Trial registrationNCT 03179657.

Sustained IL-6 and sTNF-αR1 levels after hip fracture predict 5-year mortality: A prospective cohort study from the Baltimore Hip Studies.

Persistent inflammation is associated with adverse health outcomes, but its impact on mortality has not been investigated previously among hip fracture patients. This article aims to investigate the influence of changes in levels of cytokines in the 2 months after a hip fracture repair on 5-year mortality. This is a prospective cohort study from the Baltimore Hip Studies (BHS) with 191 community-dwelling older men and women (≥65 years) who had recently undergone surgical repair of an acute hip fracture, with recruitment from May 2006 to June 2011. Plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor1 (sTNFα-R1), and interleukin-1 receptor agonist (IL-1RA) were obtained within 22 days of admission and at 2 months. All-cause mortality over 5 years was determined. Logistic regression analysis tested the associations between the cytokines' trajectories and mortality over 5 years, adjusted for covariates (age, sex, education, body mass index, lower extremity physical activities of daily living, and Charlson comorbidity index). High levels of IL-6 and sTNFα-R1 at baseline with small or no decline at 2 months were associated with higher odds of 5-year mortality compared with those with lower levels at baseline and greater decline at 2 months after adjustment for age, and other potential confounders (OR = 4.71, p = 0.01 for IL-6; OR = 15.03, p = 0.002 for sTNFα-R1). Similar results that failed to reach significance were found for IL-1RA (OR = 2.40, p = 0.18). Those with higher levels of cytokines at baseline with greater decline did not have significantly greater mortality than the reference group, those with lower levels at baseline and greater decline. Persistent elevation of plasma IL-6 and sTNFα-R1 levels within the first 2 months after hospital admission in patients with hip fracture is associated with higher 5-year mortality. These patients may benefit from enhanced care and earlier intensive interventions to reduce the risk of death.

Lower intake of plant-derived nitrate is associated with higher odds of frailty: a cross- sectional study in community-dwelling older women

Frailty is a distinctive health state related to the ageing process in which multiple body systems gradually lose their in-built reserves, and is associated with declines across sensory, neurological, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems(1). Previously, relationships have been identified between high dietary nitrate intake and several components of frailty including muscle strength and cognitive function, as well as vascular disease(2). However, little is known about the relationship between dietary nitrate intake and frailty in older adults. We investigated if higher habitual nitrate intake, derived from plant (e.g., vegetables, grains, beans, and fruits) and animal foods (e.g., meats, cheese, yoghurt) was associated with frailty in older women.1390 community-dwelling older women (mean age 75.1 ± 2.7 years) from the Perth Longitudinal Study of Ageing Women completed a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) at baseline (1998). Nitrate concentrations in food were obtained from our recently published international plant and animal nitrate databases and applied to each of the plant and animal foods within the FFQ (described in3). Frailty was operationalised using a standardised frailty index (FI) of cumulative deficits from 33 variables across multiple health domains (physical, mental, comorbidities), with a score ≥0.25 indicating frailty. Cross-sectional associations between dietary nitrate derived from plant and animal foods (separately) with frailty were analysed using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models as part of restricted cubic splines. Models were adjusted for lifestyle and dietary factors (not used in the FI) that included age, smoking history, protein, alcohol, and energy intake.Frailty was observed in 276 (19.9 %) women. Median (IQR) daily plant and animal nitrate were 72.1 (55.6-90.0) mg/day and 3.5 (2.2-5.1) mg/day, respectively. A significant non-linear relationship was observed between higher plant nitrate intake and frailty, with a nadir recorded once intakes of ~64 mg/day were achieved (median of quartile [Q]2). Specifically, compared to women with the lowest intake of plant-derived nitrate (Q1, median 45 mg/day), women in Q2 (OR 0.69 95%CI 0.56-0.84), Q3 (OR 0.67 95%CI 0.50-0.90) and Q4 (OR 0.66 95%CI 0.45-0.98) had lower odds for frailty (all p&lt;0.05). Additional adjustment for diet quality (Nutrient Rich Food Index per 1000 kJ) or total plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D did not alter the findings. Nitrate derived specifically from vegetables and grains were found to drive these results. No relationship was observed between animal-derived nitrate and frailty.Community-dwelling older women consuming higher amounts of nitrate derived primarily from plants were less likely to present with frailty. Consuming 1-2 servings (75-150 g) per day of nitrate- rich green leafy vegetables, as part of total vegetable intake, will provide adequate nitrate levels (&gt;70 mg/day) that could serve as a novel intervention to limit frailty.

Relationship between Subjective Grip Strength and Physical Functioning among Community-Dwelling Older Women.

This study investigated the relationship between subjective grip strength and physical function in community-dwelling older women. Subjective grip strength was assessed using a questionnaire, and physical function and body composition were compared between groups with strong and weak subjective grip strength. Additionally, the two groups were compared in those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and those with normal cognitive function, respectively. The results showed significant differences in grip strength (p < 0.001), 30 s chair-stand (CS-30) test (p = 0.039), timed up-and-go (TUG) test (p = 0.027), maximal gait speed (p = 0.029), and skeletal muscle mass (p < 0.001). Older adults with normal cognitive function showed significant differences in grip strength (p < 0.001), quadriceps muscle strength (p < 0.009), one-leg standing time (p = 0.041), CS-30 (p = 0.002), TUG (p = 0.014), gait speed (p = 0.006), and skeletal muscle mass (p = 0.003). Older adults with low subjective grip strength had lower physical function and skeletal muscle mass. However, no items showed significant differences between groups among older adults with MCI. Thus, subjective grip strength is an indicator of an overall decline in physical function and a reduction in skeletal muscle mass in older adults, and cognitive function should be considered when assessing subjective grip strength in older adults.

Establishing an optimal diagnostic criterion for respiratory sarcopenia using peak expiratory flow rate

BackgroundThe skeletal muscle changes as aging progresses, causing sarcopenia in the older adult population, which affects the respiratory muscles’ mass, strength, and function. The optimal cut-off point of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) for respiratory sarcopenia (RS) diagnosis in accordance with sarcopenia identification is needed.AimTo establish an optimal cut-off point of PEFR for RS diagnosis in community-dwelling Asian older women.MethodsSarcopenia diagnostic indicators were evaluated according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 (AWGS) criteria. The respiratory parameters composed of respiratory muscle strength and respiratory function were evaluated by assessing maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), percent predicted forced vital capacity (Pred FVC), and PEFR.ResultsA total of 325 community-dwelling older women were included in this study. PEFR was negatively associated with RS (OR: 0.440; 95% CI: 0.344–0.564). The area under the curve (AUC) of PEFR was 0.772 (p < 0.001). The optimal cut-off point of PEFR for RS diagnosis was 3.4 l/s (sensitivity, 63.8%; specificity, 77.3%). Significant differences were found between the robust, possible sarcopenia, sarcopenia, and RS groups in terms of both sarcopenia diagnostic indicators and respiratory parameters (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe cut-off point of PEFR can be used as a reasonable standard for RS diagnosis. This study finding can serve as a cornerstone for developing concrete criteria of RS in older women, supporting clinical judgment, which is crucial for providing appropriate treatment through accurate diagnosis.

Apolipoprotein ɛ4 Is Associated With Increased Risk of Fall- and Fracture-Related Hospitalization: The Perth Longitudinal Study of Ageing Women.

Apolipoprotein ɛ4 (APOE ɛ4) may be a genetic risk factor for reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle function, which could have implications for fall and fracture risk. We examined the association between APOE ɛ4 status and long-term fall- and fracture-related hospitalization risk in older women. A total of 1276 community-dwelling women from the Perth Longitudinal Study of Aging Women (mean age ± SD = 75.2 ± 2.7 years) were included. At baseline, women underwent APOE genotyping and detailed phenotyping for covariates including prevalent falls and fractures, as well as health and lifestyle factors. The association between APOE ɛ4 and fall-, any fracture-, and hip fracture-related hospitalizations, obtained over 14.5 years from linked health records, was examined using multivariable-adjusted Cox-proportional hazard models. Over 14.5 years, 507 (39.7%) women experienced a fall-related hospitalization and 360 (28.2%) women experienced a fracture-related hospitalization, including 143 (11.2%) attributed to a hip fracture. In multivariable-adjusted models, compared to noncarriers, APOE ɛ4 carriers (n = 297, 23.3%) had greater risk for a fall- (hazard ratio [HR] 1.48, 95% CI: 1.22-1.81), fracture- (HR 1.28, 95% CI: 1.01-1.63), or hip fracture-related hospitalization (HR 1.83, 95% CI: 1.29-2.61). The estimates remained similar when specific fall and fracture risk factors (fear of falling, plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D, grip strength, timed up-and-go, hip BMD, vitamin K status, prevalent diabetes, HbA1c, cholesterol, and abbreviated mental test score) were added to the multivariable model. In conclusion, APOE ɛ4 is a potential risk factor for fall- and fracture-related hospitalization in community-dwelling older women. Screening for APOE ɛ4 could provide clinicians an opportunity to direct higher-risk individuals to appropriate intervention strategies.

Higher plant-derived nitrate intake is associated with lower odds of frailty in a cross-sectional study of community-dwelling older women.

Dietary nitrate intake is inversely related to numerous contributors towards frailty, including cardiovascular disease and poor physical function. Whether these findings extend to frailty remain unknown. We investigated if habitual nitrate intake, derived from plants or animal-based foods, was cross-sectionally associated with frailty in women. Community-dwelling older Australian women (n = 1390, mean age 75.1 ± 2.7 years) completed a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Nitrate concentrations in food were obtained from international nitrate databases. We adopted the Rockwood frailty index (FI) of cumulative deficits comprising 33 variables across multiple health domains (scored 0 to 1), which predicts increased hospitalisation and mortality risk. A FI ≥ 0.25 indicated frailty. Cross-sectional associations between nitrate intake (total plant and animal nitrate, separately) and frailty were analysed using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models (including lifestyle factors), as part of restricted cubic splines. A non-linear inverse relationship was observed between total plant nitrate intake and frailty. Compared to women with the lowest plant nitrate intake (Quartile [Q]1), women with greater intakes in Q2 (OR 0.69 95%CI 0.56-0.84), Q3 (OR 0.67 95%CI 0.50-0.90) and Q4 (OR 0.66 95%CI 0.45-0.98) had lower odds for frailty. A nadir in the inverse association was observed once intakes reached ~ 64mg/d (median Q2). No relationship was observed between total animal nitrate and frailty. Community-dwelling older women consuming low amounts of plant-derived nitrate were more likely to present with frailty. Consuming at least one daily serving (~ 75g) of nitrate-rich green leafy vegetables may be beneficial in preventing frailty.

Sex differences in the association between sleep duration and frailty in older adults: evidence from the KNHANES study

BackgroundFrailty is a pervasive clinical syndrome among the older population. It is associated with an increased risk of diverse adverse health outcomes including death. The association between sleep duration and frailty remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sleep duration and frailty in community-dwelling Korean older adults and to determine whether this relationship is sex-dependent.MethodsData on 3,953 older adults aged ≥ 65 years were obtained from the 7th (2016–2018) Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Frailty was defined using the Fried phenotype with criteria customized for the KNHANES dataset. Self-reported sleep duration was classified as short sleep duration (≤ 6 h), middle sleep duration (6.1–8.9 h), and long sleep duration (≥ 9 h). Complex samples multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe percentage of male participants with short, middle, and long sleep durations was 34.9%, 62.1%, and 16.8%, respectively, while that of female participants was 26.1%, 59.2%, and 14.7%. The prevalence of frailty in the middle sleep duration group was lower than that in the short and long sleep duration groups in both men (short, 14.7%; middle, 14.2%; long, 24.5%; p < 0.001) and women (short, 42.9%; middle, 27.6%; long, 48.6%; p < 0.001). Both short (OR = 2.61, 95% CI = 1.91 − 4.83) and long (OR = 2.57, 95% CI = 1.36 − 3.88) sleep duration groups had a significantly higher OR for frailty than the middle sleep duration group even after adjusting for confounding variables among women, but not among men.ConclusionShort and long sleep durations were independently associated with frailty in community-dwelling Korean older adult women. Managing sleep problems among women should be prioritized, and effective interventions to prevent frailty should be developed accordingly.

The Concerns of Community-Dwelling Older Women Living with Urinary Incontinence: Qualitative Research.

The world including Iran is facing population aging. Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most common health concerns of older women that can be accompanied by an increased sense of loneliness, social restrictions, and disruption in activities of daily living in addition to the regular challenges of old age. This study was aimed at explaining the concerns of community-dwelling older women living with UI. This study used the conventional, qualitative, content analysis approach with purposive sampling. Twenty interviews were conducted with 18 participants, including 15 community-dwelling older women with UI and three family members (a husband and two daughters), over the span of 14months (from August 2021 to October 2022). The data were collected via semi-structured, face-to-face interviews until data saturation was achieved, and were analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman's method. The findings revealed that the concerns of older women with UI include the impasse of UI, being powerless in life, distorted social identity, and marital frustration, which fell under the main theme of sense of inadequacy. Recognizing the concerns of older women with UI can make health care teams more sensitive to the importance of resolving these concerns and can offer some insight into how best to provide targeted training, support, and counseling services at individual, family, and society levels, to eventually resolve the older adult's sense of inadequacy.

Gendered Trends in Formal and Informal Care Utilization Among Older Adults in South Korea

ABSTRACT Drawing on data from two waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (2010 and 2018), this study examined how community-dwelling older men and women (65+) with functional limitations utilized formal and informal sources of care and how their patterns of care utilization changed over time. The usage patterns of formal and informal caregiving services were categorized into three groups: (a) informal help only, (b) formal-informal mix, and (c) no help from either. More men and women used both formal and informal help for their care needs in 2018 than in 2010 (15% compared to 7%). The proportion of older men who relied on informal help only remained similar across survey years, whereas a smaller proportion of older women relied on informal help only in 2018. Although formal care use has been expanded in South Korea, older men continue to utilize help from their families. However, for older women, the proportion who did not receive any help increased – despite an increase in formal care utilization. These findings highlight the importance of considering gendered resources in caregiving in Korea.

Cognitive function is associated with performance in time up and go test and with leptin blood levels in community-dwelling older women.

Considering the challenge that cognitive dysfunction and dementia represent to health is imperative to prioritize early diagnosis strategies and explore the pathophysiological mechanisms. There is no consensus on specific markers and physical tests that indicate cognitive decline in older. The objective of this study was to evaluate a panel of inflammatory biomarkers and physical function and investigate their association with cognitive function in community-dwelling older women. Seventy-one participants were included in this study. Cognitive function was assessed by Mini Mental State Examination, muscle strength using dynamometer, body composition using Dual X-ray absorptiometry, respiratory muscle strength using manuvacuometer, and physical function using the Short Physical Performance Battery and Time Up and Go (TUG) tests. Blood samples were collected to analyze a panel of inflammatory biomarkers. The cognitive function was associated with TUG (β = - 0.48; 95%IC = - 0.54 to - 0.21; p < 0.001), inspiratory muscle strength (β = 0.30; 95%IC = 0.005-0.03; p = 0.009), and leptin concentrations (β = 0.32; 95% IC = 0.001-0.006; 0.007). Time spent on TUG test and leptin levels accounted for 27% of variability in cognitive function independent of age. Poorer physical function with leptin plasma levels is associated with decreased cognitive function in older women. Thesefindingscontribute to comprehension of pathophysiologyunderlyingcognitive decline andinformingthedevelopmentof new approaches to prevent, diagnose, monitoring and treat cognitive decline in aging.

Physical frailty predicts cognitive decline among community-dwelling older Japanese women: A prospective cohort study from the Otassha study

BackgroundPhysical frailty and cognitive decline are common issues in geriatrics within an aging society, yet the association between them remains controversial. This study aims to evaluate the association between physical frailty and cognitive decline among community-dwelling older Japanese women. MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted in an urban area of Tokyo, Japan, involving community-dwelling older adults 65 years or older. Physical frailty was evaluated using the Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria, consisting of five components: shrinking, weakness, exhaustion, slowness, and low activity. Participants were classified as robust, pre-frail, or frail based on the presence of one or more criteria. Cognitive decline was defined as at least a three-point decrease in the Mini-Mental State Examination score from baseline. The association between physical frailty and cognitive decline was examined using binomial logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders. The analysis yielded multivariable odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs), with robust participants using as the reference group. ResultsA total of 2,122 individuals participated in the baseline survey, with 805 included in the analysis (mean age: 72.9 ± 5.1 years). At baseline, 363 participants were classified as pre-frail, while 32 were classified as frail. During the two-year follow-up period, 68 participants experienced cognitive decline. The multivariable OR (95 % CI) for frailty, using robust as the reference, was 3.50 (1.13, 10.80). Furthermore, a linear relationship was observed between physical frailty and cognitive decline. ConclusionAmong older Japanese women, there exists a dose-response relationship between physical frailty status and cognitive decline.

Cognitive flexibility's role in shaping self-perception of aging, body appreciation, and self-efficacy among community-dwelling older women

BackgroundCognitive flexibility, the capacity to adjust to new information, affects how aging is perceived. In Egyptian culture, older women’s views on aging are shaped by societal gender roles and expectations. These views influence their body image and belief in their abilities, all melded by cultural standards and values.AimInvestigate the mediating role of cognitive flexibility in the relationship between self-aging perception, body appreciation, and self-efficacy among community-dwelling older women. MethodsA correlational analytical design was used on 200 women aged 60 years or older using the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, Self-Perceptions of Aging, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Body Appreciation Scales. Structural equation modeling was used in the analysis.ResultsThe study found that cognitive flexibility is positively related to self-perception of aging and body appreciation and is also significantly related to general self-efficacy. However, no significant relationship was found between body appreciation and general self-efficacy. Additionally, the study found that cognitive flexibility partially mediates the relationship between self-perception of aging and body appreciation and fully mediates the relationship between body appreciation and self-efficacy.ConclusionCognitive flexibility is vital in the relationships between self-perceptions of aging, body appreciation, and self-efficacy among older women. Therefore, nursing interventions targeting cognitive flexibility are recommended to promote positive self-aging perceptions, body appreciation, and self-efficacy in this population.

Effect of Fluid and Caffeine Management on Quality of Life in Older Women with Overactive Bladder in Rural Korea: A Pilot Study.

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the simplified intervention, consisting of fluid and caffeine management alone in older women with overactive bladder symptoms. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was used. Rural, community-dwelling older women were recruited at four senior centers in South Korea. Of the 63 participants initially enrolled, 34 met the inclusion criteria. One group (n = 15) used fluid and caffeine management alone (FM), and the other group (n = 12) used a combination of fluid and caffeine management and pelvic floor muscle training (FM+PFMT). Urinary symptom-specific health-related quality of life was measured using the Korean version of KHQ. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. After the intervention, participants were assessed 4 and 8 weeks. A linear mixed model was used for the analysis. The mean age of the participants was 74.44 ± 5.67 years. Among the nine domains of KHQ, impact on life and physical limitations decreased significantly in both groups, without significant between-group differences. Sleep/energy increased in both groups, and the scores in the FM+PFMT group were significantly improved. The number of micturition episodes per day and the quality of sleep did not differ significantly between the two groups. A simplified intervention, consisting of fluid and caffeine management alone can be considered as the first-line intervention to improve health-related quality of life in rural, community-dwelling, older women with overactive bladder symptoms. Healthcare providers should consider providing a relatively simple, but equally effective intervention to maximize the adherence and effectiveness.

지역사회 거주 여성 노인의 폐 기능과 근감소증과의 상관성 연구

Purpose: This study aimed to compare pulmonary function between functionally sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older individuals and to demonstrate the association of sarcopenia with pulmonary function in community-dwelling older women. Methods: The SARC-F questionnaire, handgrip strength, and gait speed were examined to assess sarcopenia. To evaluate pulmonary function, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow(PEF) were measured. Independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare variables of pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and PEF), and logistic regression analysis was performed to demonstrate the association between functional sarcopenia and pulmonary function. Results: Functionally sarcopenic older women showed significantly lower values of FVC, FEV1, and PEF than non-sarcopenic older women(p&lt;.05). In addition, older women with low FVC, FEV1, and PEF were less likely to have sarcopenia(p&lt;.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated differences in pulmonary function between functionally sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older women. In addition, a reduction in pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1, and PEF) measured by spirometry was associated with the presence of functional sarcopenia in older women. Future longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the effects of improving pulmonary function on functional sarcopenia through the management and intervention of pulmonary function in older women with sarcopenia.