Life Of Elderly Population Research Articles

Long-term administration of red ginseng non-saponin fraction rescues the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength associated with aging in mice

BackgroundSarcopenia is a new and emerging risk factor aggravating the quality of life of elderly population. Because Korean Red Ginseng (RG) is known to have a great effect on relieving fatigue and enhancing physical performance, it is invaluable to examine its potential as an anti-sarcopenic drug. MethodsAnti-sarcopenic effect of non-saponin fraction of Korean Red Ginseng (RGNS) was evaluated in C2C12 myoblasts treated with C2-ceramide to induce senescence phenotypes, and 22-month-old mice fed with chow diet containing 2% RGNS (w/w) for 4 further months. ResultsThe RGNS treatment significantly alleviated cellular senescence indicated by intracellular lipid accumulation, increased amount of lysosomal β-galactosidase, and reduced proliferative capacity in C2C12 myoblasts. This effect was not observed with saponin fraction. In an aged mouse, the 4-month-RGNS diet significantly improved aging-associated loss of muscle mass and strength, assessed by the weights of hindlimb skeletal muscles such as tibialis anterior (TA), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), gastrocnemius (GN) and soleus (SOL), and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of SOL muscle, and the behaviors in grip strength and hanging wire tests, respectively. During the same period, an aging-associated shift of fast-to slow-twitch muscle in SOL muscle was also retarded by the RGNS treatment. ConclusionsThese findings suggested that the long-term diet of RGNS significantly prevented aging-associated muscle atrophy and reduced physical performance, and thus RGNS has a strong potential to be developed as a drug that prevents or improves sarcopenia.

MUSTARD OIL – GARLIC COMBO MASSAGE- AN EFFECTIVE KNEE PAIN HOME REMEDY

Background: Knee pain is one of the most prevalent disorders affecting the quality of life of elderly age group and geriatric population. This can occur due to numerous reasons including obesity, constant weight bearing rheumatic diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, reactive arthritis as well as osteoarthritis that may lead to swelling, redness, warmth, weakness, tenderness, and stiffness of the joint. A number of pain reliever formulations are available in the market that include NSAIDs based creams, intra synovial injections and steroid based formulations however none of them proves to be completely effective in improving the quality of life of geriatric population. In addition to it, there are a number of reported side effects/adverse events related to these formulations.
 Methods: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a home remedy prepared from Mustard oil and garlic as mentioned in ancient texts of Ayurveda in the knee pain subjects for improving quality of life. A quasi-experimental study (two group pretest and posttest design) was conducted in 70 subjects in two groups of 35 each with knee joint pain meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pain was assessed using numeric pain scale. Data analysis was done using inferential and descriptive statistics. Majority of the samples in both group I and group II had moderate and severe level of pain.
 Results: After intervention, the pain level had reduced to mild level in experimental group as compared to conventional group. The mean pretest values of pain score in experimental group had significant difference during posttest measurement of mean pain score. The difference was found to be significant in experimental group with warm mustard oil massage, but in conventional group difference was not significant.
 Conclusion: Mustard oil-garlic combo massage proved to be a good home remedy in knee pain
 Key words: effectiveness, mustard oil with garlic massage, knee pain

Investing in adult nutrition to reduce mobility problems in ageing population

As people age, most body organs deteriorate. Osteoporosis, arthritis, sarcopenia, muscle aches, low back pain and neuropathy are common mobility issues in the elderly. Body mass index (BMI), physical inactivity, and having comorbidities increase the likelihood to have mobility health problems. One in every ten adults over the age of 45 years in Indonesia develops these mobility problems, and one in every fifteen adults has difficulty in walking/stepping before entering the elderly age. Nutrition has been reported to have important role in controlling weight and physical locomotive organs. Generally, 46% adults in Indonesia have vitamin A deficiency, 70% vitamin C deficiency, 77% vitamin E deficiency, and inadequate calcium intake. Low nutrition intake can result in increasing mobility problems that lead to health issues in the aging population. Dietary strategies are necessary to achieve healthy ageing. Currently, no standardized guideline has been developed for preventing mobility health problems in Indonesia. This calls for urgent need to hinder poor quality of life in elderly population.

Role Wii Fit exer-games in improving balance confidence and quality of life in elderly population.

To determine the effects of Wii Fit exer-gaming on balance confidence, quality of life and fall risk in elderly population. The double-blind randomised control trial was conducted at Kulsum International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan, from July 31 to October 30, 2018, and comprised vitally stable, physically independent subjects of either gender aged 60 years and above, having no serious systemic disease. The subjects were randomly allocated into experimental group A and control group B using the concealed envelope method. After baseline assessment, group A received Wii fit gaming, while group B received balance training for 30 minutes twice a week for 8 weeks. Activities balance confidence (ABC), European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ 5D-5L), timed up and go (TUG) and Fukuda were used to assess the impact of the intervention. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Of the 90 subjects, 83(92.2%) completed the study. There were 51(62%) males and 32 (38%) females; and 45(50%) in each of the two groups. Group A had 42(50.6%) subjects with 26(62%) males and 16(38%) females, and 41 were in group B, with 25(61%) males and 16(39%) females. Balance confidence improved in both groups, but it was significantly higher in group A (p<0.001). Mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression as well as timed up and go and Fukuda showed significantly more improvement in group A compared to group B (p<0.05). Wii fit was found to have the potential to improve balance confidence and quality of life, reducing the fall risk among the elderly. IRCT20180417039344N1 by Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials.

Role of yoga therapy in improving digestive health and quality of sleep in an elderly population: A randomized controlled trial

IntroductionConstipation and sleep disturbances commonly affect elderly population results in compromised physical and mental health. Mind-body interventions like yoga not only address the mental and physical health but also promote healthy ageing. This study evaluates the effect of 3 months yoga intervention on the sleep and constipation related quality of life (QoL) among the elderly. Materials and methodsNinety six participants aged between 60 and 75 who did not had any history of yoga practice for past 1 year and having a zubrod score of 0–2 were randomized in to yoga (n = 48) or waitlisted control (n = 48). The yoga group received yoga interventions at a frequency of 3 sessions per week for 3 months. Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Patient Assessment of Constipation QoL (PAC-QOL) were used to assess the improvement. Intention to treat analysis method was used to include the drop-out participants. ResultsEighty one participants (Yoga = 48, waitlisted control = 33) completed the study. Wilcoxon's sign rank test has shown that the yoga group had statistically significant changes in most of the parameters in PSQI and PAC-QOL (P ≤ 0.05). Mann Whitney test revealed that yoga group has better improvement in the sleep quality and constipation related QOL (P ≤ 0.05) compared to the controls. DiscussionThe results signify yoga can ease old age related issues like constipation and insomnia. This is encouraging for inclusion of yoga as a daily practice regimen to improve the constipation and sleep related quality of life in elderly population.

Elderly: health services and human resources requirements in Portugal

Introduction Portugal with the demographic aging process increased the number of elderly people. The economic global crisis printed restrictions in the National Health Service, with centralisation at the local level, distancing health services and human resources from the elderly population. This scenario gains more serious proportions because the current elderly population lives principally alone or accompanied by another elderly; has a low level of education; is economically disadvantaged; lives with chronic pathology installed. In this context, local health services and human resources are essential [1,2]. Accordingly, we put the guiding question: What adjustments should be made in health services and human resources as the Portuguese population ages, specifically at the level of primary health care, rehabilitation units, continued care and palliative units? Materials and methods We questioned a panel of 44 experts made up of Ministers; Secretaries of State; public bodies with health functions; Orders and Associations of health professionals; Hospital Technical Commissions; public health agencies; Academics; Specialists. We used the Delphi method. The elaboration of the questionnaire went through a phase of construction and a phase of validation using a similar panel of experts. The final questionnaire is composed of 55 questions about several dimensions related to the binomial elderly/health and specifically about the dimensions: proximity; urban and rural regions; health services response as primary health care, rehabilitation units, continued care and palliative units. The questionnaire was submitted to one round because a consistent consensus was reached [1]. Results The panel answered that: the number of elderlies is an important factor to consider on health system political decisions making process; there is a need to adapt the health professions specialties; the existing services and human resources do not respond to the needs, because current services do not fit the characteristics of the current elderly; the biggest adequacy problems are located at the interior and rural level but the urban areas are also not well; the proximity of health services and primary health care are essential for the promotion and maintenance of the health and quality of life of the elderly; the units of continuous care, palliative care, and rehabilitation care, do not respond to the needs and should be multiplied in the national territory; deliberate the importance of institutions' creation that provides home health care throughout the country, to keep the elderly in their homes and close to their families and their environment; the investment in health should be focussed to the human resources and towards primary health care followed by rehabilitation care, continued and palliative care [1] Discussion and conclusions The health services and human resources at the level of primary health care, rehabilitation care, continued and palliative care, should multiply in the national territory to increase proximity to the elderly. Specifically, primary care and rehabilitation units, with the necessary human resources, physiotherapists are implicit, to achieve excellence in elderly health and quality of life [1].

Effect of Wobble Board Training with Mirror Feedback and Computer Based Balance Board Training on Static and Dynamic Balance and Quality of Life in Elderly Population

Background: The extent of the risk of falling rises with ageing, and the number of falls and accidents thatoccur strongly contributes to admission to a nursing home. Fall is mostly caused due to lack of balanceand also affect the quality of life, so the various Physiotherapy approaches are available for prevention andtreatment of fall but very few studies utilized computerized balance board training program to improve thebalance, hence need for the study is to find out the efficacy of balance board training &amp; to enhancing balanceand gait as well as the significance of these training on static and dynamic stability and quality of life in thegeriatric population.Method: Total n=96 elderly people will be targeted who are about 60 years of age or older. Participants willbe randomly separated into two groups (control or experimental group).The training session design for a 6weeks and each session for a 20-30 minute. Outcome measures will be used to assess the static and dynamicstability and quality of life in the elder population group.Discussion: This clinical work seeks to equate the impact of traditional wobble board balance instructionin the elderly community and computer-based balance board preparation. To conclude, this work will helpelderly people strengthen their static and dynamic equilibrium, and also increase their quality of life.

Efficacy of Static Stabilization Exercises along with Progressive Resistive Exercises on Balance and Quality of Life in Elderly Population: A Study Protocol

Background: Balance impairment is one of the most prevalent concern with increasing age. Globally, Onein five older adult experiences balance problem. Prevalence of fall has been estimated at 14-53 %in India.Various intervention has already been use to prevent fall and improve quality of life. Static StabilizationExercises and Progressive Strength training have proven to be effective as a single intervention howeverminimal literature is available on combined effect of both. The main objective of study is to find out efficacyof combined Static Stabilization Exercises and Progressive Resistive Exercises on balance and quality of lifeof elderly population and also establishment of dose response relationship of balance training.Methods/Design: The study will be designed as experimental study. 100 participants will be selected asper inclusion and exclusion criteria and will be allocated in two groups, Combined Intervention Group (A)and Traditional Balance Intervention group (B). Both intervention include 30-45 min session which will becarried out 3-5 times in week for duration of 8 weeks structured into different components. Outcome will beBalance and Quality of Life and outcome measures will be evaluated at baseline, at midway (4th week) andat the end (8th week) of intervention period. Statistical Analysis will be done using SPSS24. Oversion andp&lt;0.005 will be considered as level of significance.Discussion: The study protocol details two Physiotherapy Interventions to improve balance and qualityof life in elderly population. In current literatures there are minimal evidence on combined effect of StaticStabilization Exercises and Progressive Resistive Exercises on balance and quality of life. SuccessfulCompletion of trial will provide evidence for best strategy targeting balance and quality of life andrelationship of dose response and balance training.

Partial Resection of Spinous Process for the Elderly Patients with Thoraco-Lumbar Kyphosis: Technical Report.

Background and objectives: Global sagittal imbalance with lumbar hypo-lordosis can cause low back pain (LBP) during standing and/or walking. This condition has recently been well-known as one of the major causes of reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in elderly populations. Decrease in disc space of anterior elements and an increase in the spinous process height of posterior elements may both contribute to the decrease in lordosis of the lumbar spine. To correct the sagittal imbalance, the mainstream option is still a highly invasive surgery, such as long-segment fusion with posterior wedge osteotomy. Therefore, we developed a treatment that is partial resection of several spinous processes of thoraco-lumbar spine (PRSP) and lumbar extension exercise to improve the flexibility of the spine as postoperative rehabilitation. Materials and Methods: Consecutively, seven patients with over 60 mm of sagittal vertical axis (SVA) underwent PRSP. The operation was performed with several small midline skin incisions under general anesthesia. After splitting the supraspinous ligaments, the cranial or caudal tip of the spinous process of several thoraco-lumbar spines was removed, and postoperative rehabilitation was followed to improve extension flexibility. Results: The average follow-up period was 13.0 months. The average blood loss and operation time were 11.4 mL and 47.4 min, respectively. The mean SVA improved from 119 to 93 mm but deteriorated in one case. The mean numerical rating scale of low back pain improved from 6.6 to 3.7 without any exacerbations. The mean Oswestry Disability Index score was improved from 32.4% to 19.1% in six cases, with one worsened case. Conclusions: We performed PRSP and lumbar extension exercise for the patients with LBP due to lumbar kyphosis. This minimally invasive treatment was considered to be effective in improving the symptoms of low back pain and HRQOL, especially of elderly patients with lumbar kyphosis.

The relationship between physical performance and quality of life and the level of physical activity among the elderly.

BACKGROUND:Loss of physical function during the process of aging might affect the quality of life. Physical function assessment tests predicts outcomes such as falls, institutionalization, and death. Studies assessing the association of physical function with quality of life and physical activity level of elderly population in India is scarce. Hence we aimed to assess the physical function of community dwelling older adults and to determine its association with physical activity levels and quality of life.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This was a cross-sectional analytical study. 89 community dwelling older adults between 60 and 80 years of age were recruited. Physical function was assessed by standing balance, walking speed, and grip strength. Quality of life was assessed by WHO QOL BREF questionnaire and physical activity level was assessed by International Physical activity Questionnaire.RESULTS:Standing balance was reduced in 24% and walking speed was decreased in 33% of the participants. Males had higher walking speed, and grip strength. Quality of life was better among males. Standing balance, walking speed and grip strength was significantly higher in moderate – heavy activity levels. There was positive correlation between physical function and quality of life. There was also positive correlation between physical activity level and quality of life.CONCLUSION:Physical function, quality of life and physical activity level were decreased. Males had better physical function and quality of life. Physically active individuals had better physical function and quality of life. Early detection of decreased physical function and increase in physical activity level could result in better quality of life among elderly.

A study of quality of sleep, quality of life, and cognition in elderly: Healthy control, depressed and with mild neurocognitive disorder

Background: Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining optimum physical and mental functioning and can be implicated in affecting the quality of life (QOL) and cognition in elderly population. This study aims to assess quality of sleep, QOL and to assess the effect of quality of sleep on QOL and cognition in elderly population Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done in elderly population in which 30 were healthy control, 30 depressed, and 30 with mild neurocognitive disorder (NCD) who were assessed using Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, World Health Organization QOL (WHOQOL)-BREF, Geriatric Depression Scale-Short form, and Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination Scale-Revised (ACE-R). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 20 software using descriptive methods and Pearson's correlation test. Results: Mean Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score was the lowest and mean WHOQOL-BREF score highest in healthy control compared to elderly with mild NCD and depression, the difference being statistically significant in both cases (P < 0.01). PSQI scores have negative correlation with the ACE-R scores when studied in healthy control group (P < 0.05, r = −0.136) and WHOQOL-BREF domain scores overall (P < 0.01 r = −0.485, −0.497, −0.350, −0.475). Conclusion: Quality of sleep in elderly with depression and mild NCD is lower as compared to healthy control. Sleep may affect QOL and cognition in elderly and thus it would be essential to screen and identify sleep-related issues and intervene early.

Acceptance of yellow fever vaccine in the older traveller: a cohort study.

Background and aim:Current demographic changes and improvement of quality of life of elderly population have direct consequences on international travelling. The older traveller demands for specific care and precautions to be observed, as for the yellow fever (YF) vaccination, due to the increased incidence rate of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) in people aged 60 years or over. The aim of our study was to determine the adherence to YF vaccine and travel behaviours in a sample of elderly travellers moving to YF endemic areas.Methods:Participants in this cohort study were offered YF vaccine, and informed about the increased risk of AEFIs and the unavoidable risk of acquiring YF at the destination. The research was planned on survey-based design, using pre- and post-travel questionnaires.Results:In 2018, 239 travellers aged 60 years or older attended our travel clinic, of whom 36.8% (n = 88) planned to travel to YF endemic areas and 23.0% (n = 55) for the first time. Of these, 63.6% accepted and 36.4% rejected the vaccination, with 15 travellers moving to endemic areas without immunization, including one patient who presented contraindications to YF vaccine.Conclusions:The presence of more than a third of elderly travellers who travelled without vaccination is a substantial public health problem and, since the number of older travellers continues to increase, it becomes necessary to implement robust actions to improve YF vaccine advocacy and adherence. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Age-friendly city: future perspectives for the Brazilian cities.

ABSTRACTThe world population is aging fast and not all cities are prepared to cope with the needs of the elderly people. Cities need to develop strategies for senior citizens including the aspects of health, nutrition, consumer protection, housing, transportation, environment, social welfare, income, employment, safety, and education. The World Health Organization (WHO) created a program dedicated to older adults called the age-friendly city. This program is about creating the environment and opportunities that enable older people to be and do what they value throughout their lives. Most of the elderly population lives in urban spaces, and aging represents a challenge as well as opportunities to the cities all over the world. Recently, only 16 Brazilian cities have received the seal of international certification by meeting the requirements stipulated by the WHO. In the State of Sao Paulo, only two cities have been qualified for this seal. Therefore, the aims of this article are (a) to provide a brief history of this important initiative taken by the WHO and (b) to urge the decision-makers of Brazilian municipalities to develop effective initiatives for their cities to be prepared for this demographic modification.

Skipping Meals Is Associated With Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in U.S. Older Adults

Previous studies have shown that higher levels of economic hardship in older adults is associated with increased odds of adverse health outcomes such as insomnia, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. The objective of this study was to determine if there was a differential association between individual measures of economic hardship and aforementioned adverse health outcomes. Cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the 2013 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). Logistic models were developed to assess the association between four measures of economic hardship which included not having enough money for food, utility bills, mortgage/rent, or medical bills/prescription drugs. Measures of adverse health outcomes were symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. There were 4467 community-dwelling older adults (65+) in the analyses. Results indicated those who skipped meals were more likely to have depression, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms than those who did not skip meals. After adjusting for race, age, gender, education, and total number of comorbid health conditions, skipping meals was associated with depression (OR=2.71, p<.05) and anxiety (OR=2.84, p<.01). Skipping meals did not have a statistically significant association with insomnia. The analysis for skipping meals showed a higher odds and more statistically significant results than the other measures of economic hardship listed above. These findings are relevant to population-based efforts to improve quality of life in aging populations and may be of interest to those researchers investigating the gut-brain axis. These findings may also inform future policy efforts to address health disparities and food insecurity in older adults.

Molecular mechanism of extracellular matrix disorder in pelvic organ prolapses.

Pelvic organ prolapses (POP) notably reduces the quality of life in elderly populations due to bladder and bowel dysfunction, incontinence, and coital problems. Extracellular matrix (ECM) disorder is a pivotal event in the progression of POP, but to date, its specific underlying mechanism remains unclear. The ligaments of patients with POP and healthy controls were collected to compare the expression of Homeobox11 (HOXA11) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β1) via immunohistochemical analysis. HOXA11 and TGF-β1 were overexpressed or knocked down in fibroblast cells to explore their effects on the expression of collagen and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). HOXA11 and TGF-β1 were greatly reduced in the ligaments of patients with POP. The overexpression and downregulation of HOXA11 and TGF-β1 can mediate ECM disorder via regulating expression of collagen (Col) and MMPs. In addition, HOXA11 and TGF-β1 exerted synergistic effect on the expression of Col and MMPs. The present study identified that HOXA11 and TGF-β1 serve critical roles in mediating ECM disorders, which may be of clinical significance for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with POP.

Three-level lumbar Ponte osteotomies with less invasive pelvic fixation improve spinal balance, quality of life and decrease disability in adult and elderly women with moderate adult spinal deformity.

To report on quality of life and radiological changes of Ponte osteotomies (POs) with long fixation for primary and revision surgery, in elderly women with adult spinal deformity (ASD). Sixty-seven (67) women, aged 69 ± 7years, received 3 POs, spinopelvic fixation plus TLIFs. Forty-nine (73%) patients received primary and 18 (27%) revision surgery. Survivorship analysis was made for unplanned revision surgery for broken rods (BR); proximal junction failure (PJF); and deep wound infection (DWI). ODI and SF-36 were used for disability (ODI) and quality of life (SF-36) evaluation. In total, 201 lumbar POs were made and 9.55 ± 3 levels fused. All patients were available 49 ± 11months postoperatively. Postoperatively, SVA, CSVL, PI-LL, scoliosis, PT and T9-spinopelvic inclination were reduced, while LL and SS were increased significantly. At the final visit, PI-LL ≤ 10° was achieved in 26 (39.4%) patients; ≤ 15° in 51 (76%) patients, while all 67 patients showed a PI-LL ≤ 20°. Unplanned reoperation was performed in 11 (16.4%) patients: for BR in 5 (7.5%); for PJF in 3 (4.5%) and for DWI in 3 (4.5%) patients, respectively. With end point the reoperation for any reason the survival ± SE was 67.8% ± 0.1; for PJF 89.6 ± 0.065; and for BR 76% ± 0.1 in the final evaluation. There was no difference in survival between the primary and revision surgery groups (P = 0.568). ODI and SF-36 scores were improved postoperatively. Three-segment lumbar POs offered and maintained sufficient improvement of lumbar lordosis along with restoration of the sagittal and coronal spinal alignment, improvement of quality of life and disability of female adult and elderly population after primary and revision surgery for ASD.

Effect of a Structured Exercise Program in Reducing Falls and Improving Balance and Gait in the Elderly Population Living in Long-Term Care Homes – A Randomized Controlled Trial

Effect of a Structured Exercise Program in Reducing Falls and Improving Balance and Gait in the Elderly Population Living in Long-Term Care Homes – A Randomized Controlled Trial

Do Where The Elderly Live Matter? Factors Associated with Diet Quality among Korean Elderly Population Living in Urban Versus Rural Areas.

This study aimed to examine whether there is an area difference on diet quality among the Korean elderly population. The effect of personal factors on diet quality is also estimated and compared between rural and urban areas. A cross-sectional data from the 2013–2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) was used for this study. The participants were older adults aged ≥ 65 years (n = 3207) who participated in the KNHANES. Urban and rural areas classified the region and the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) assessed the diet quality. Personal factors that were related to diet quality included socio-demographic factors, health behaviors, and health conditions. This study found that the diet quality was different between urban and rural areas in the Korean elderly population, showing a higher mean of KHEI scores in urban areas than rural areas (67.3 for urban seniors, 63.6 for rural seniors, p < 0.001), and the regional difference was still significant, even after adjusting for the personal factors (p < 0.001). Different sets of personal factors were found to be significant that explain the diet quality of participants between areas, such as economic resources, walking exercise, and perceived oral health status in urban areas, and age and food insecurity in rural areas. In conclusions, this study found that there was a regional disparity in diet quality and some personal factors affecting diet quality were dependent on areas, which implied that regional environment with diverse contexts could influence diet quality. These findings emphasize the need to provide targeted intervention programs that take into account both the characteristics of individuals and local food environments in order to improve the overall diet quality in older adults.

SKIPPING MEALS IS ASSOCIATED WITH SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN A NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE OF OLDER ADULTS

Introduction Previous studies have shown that higher levels of economic hardship in older adults is associated with increased odds of adverse health outcomes such as insomnia, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. The objective of this study was to determine if there was a differential association between individual measures of economic hardship and aforementioned adverse health outcomes. Methods Cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the 2013 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). Logistic models were developed to assess the association between four measures of economic hardship which included not having enough money for food, utility bills, mortgage/rent, or medical bills/prescription drugs. Measures of adverse health outcomes were symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Results There were 4467 community dwelling older adults aged 65 and older in the 2013 NHATS data. Results indicated those who skipped meals were more likely to have depression, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms than those who did not skip meals. After adjusting for race, age, gender, education, and total number of comorbid health conditions, skipping meals was associated with depression (OR=2.71, p Conclusions The analysis for skipping meals showed a higher odds and more statistically significant results than the other measures of economic hardship listed above. These findings are relevant to population-based efforts to improve quality of life in aging populations and may be of interest to those researchers investigating the gut-brain axis. These findings may also inform future policy efforts to address health disparities and food insecurity in older adults. This research was funded by: The National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) is supported by funding from the National Institute on Aging (U01AG032947).

Relationship between Subjective Oral Discomfort and Health-Related Quality of Life in the South Korean Elderly Population.

This study examined the relationship between oral discomfort and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in the Korean elderly, using the datasets provided by the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KHNANES) over 6 consecutive years (2010–2015). A total of 13,618 participants aged 65 years and over were included in the final analysis. A complex sample logistic regression was performed to determine the impact of oral discomfort on HRQOL. The results revealed that toothache, masticatory discomfort, and pronunciation problems caused by oral health conditions were all risk factors for decreased HRQOL. In particular, masticatory discomfort (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.63, Model III (adjusted for all covariates)) and pronunciation problems (AOR 1.64, Model III) negatively impacted the HRQOL of the elderly to a great extent. Masticatory discomfort had a stronger negative impact on HRQOL in the domains of “self-care” (AOR 1.83) and “usual activities” (AOR 1.66), while pronunciation problems had a similar impact on all five domains of the EuroQol 5-Dimension (EQ-5D). These findings could serve as baseline data for setting up early intervention programs for the timely prevention of oral health-related discomfort problems that greatly affect the QOL of the elderly population, and for the development of comprehensive and efficient dental insurance policies.