Life Of Elderly Population Research Articles

Prevalence of anemia and its impact on the state of frailty in elderly people living in the community: SADEM study.

Anemia represents a global health problem that negatively impacts quality of life in elderly population; however, its impact on the geriatric syndrome of frailty is unclear. We examined the prevalence of anemia among elderly and sought a relationship between hemoglobin and the phenotype of frailty. Baseline hemoglobin quintiles and anemia were assessed in relation to frailty status in a prospective study with 1,933 older community-dwelling adults enrolled in the Study on Aging and Dementia in Mexico (SADEM). Logistic regression was used to model the relationship between frailty and Hb, adjusting for risk factors of frailty, sociodemographic data, cognitive decline, chronic diseases, and some risky habits. Prevalence of frailty was 8.3 %. Frailty risk was highest at the lowest hemoglobin quintile (<14.3 g/dL for men; <13.3 g/dL for women), and 160 (8.3 %) were anemic (<13 g/dL for men; <12 g/dL for women). The relationship between frailty and Hb levels, adjusted for age and sex, observed in the first and fifth quintiles, compared with the fourth quintile, were 1.53 (95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.46-1.60) and 1.05 (95 % CI, 1.01-1.15). After multivariate adjustment, the odds ratios (ORs) were 1.23 (95 % CI, 1.17-1.13) and 1.06 (95 % CI, 1.01-1.11). The association was not diminished by risk factors for frailty (body mass index (BMI), comorbidity, cognitive decline, smoking, alcohol consumption, etc.). In community-dwelling older adults, low hemoglobin concentrations and anemia were independently associated with increased frailty risk. This suggests that mild anemia and low Hb levels are independent, modifiable risk factors for frailty.

Incontinência urinária e noctúria: prevalência e impacto sobre qualidade de vida em idosas numa Unidade Básica de Saúde

Objetivos: estimar a prevalência de incontinência urinária e de seus subtipos (incontinência urinária de esforço, bexiga hiperativa e incontinência mista), a prevalência do sintoma de noctúria, e avaliar o impacto dessas condições sobre a qualidade de vida na população de idosas atendida para vacinação numa Unidade Básica de Saúde de Niterói-RJ. Métodos: estudo observacional descritivo, com utilização das versões brasileiras do International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form e do King's Health Questionnaire, respectivamente, para triagem de mulheres com incontinência urinária e para avaliar o impacto da incontinência urinária e da noctúria sobre a qualidade de vida. Participaram do estudo 66 mulheres. Resultados: a média das idades foi de 69,6±7,2 anos. Com o International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form, a prevalência de incontinência urinária foi de 42,4%, sendo que 42,9% das idosas incontinentes referiram que a perda interferia nas suas atividades diárias. A prevalência de incontinência urinária de esforço, bexiga hiperativa e incontinência mista foi de 15,2%, 12,1% e 10,6%, respectivamente. Dentre as mulheres incontinentes, 20 aceitaram responder ao King's Health Questionnaire, tinham incontinência mista 11 delas (55%) e 16 apresentavam noctúria (80%). Houve comprometimento da qualidade de vida em todos os domínios. Conclusão: a prevalência de incontinência urinária foi elevada na população estudada. Com a utilização do questionário de triagem, a incontinência urinária de esforço foi o subtipo mais comum, ao passo que a utilização do questionário de avaliação de qualidade de vida mostrou prevalência mais elevada de incontinência mista. A frequência de noctúria foi estimada somente para as mulheres que responderam ao King's Health Questionnaire. Houve comprometimento da qualidade de vida em todos os domínios avaliados.

A Study on Quality of Life of Elderly Population in Bangladesh

Bangladesh currently experiences the significant increase of aging population with poverty and breakdown of various social and traditional bonds. So, this study was undertaken to assess the background profile, pattern of morbidity and overall quality of life (QoL) of elderly population in Bangladesh. Data were collected from 250 elderly populations (male=168, female=82) aged 60 and over from three villages of Pabna district, Bangladesh through a pre-structured questionnaire. In each domain of the World Health Organization (WHO) WHOQoL-BREF, descriptive statistical analysis was presented and the internal consistency was measured by Cronbach alpha. Finally, to compare the mean domains score of QoL, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test were used. The results revealed that most common health complications are insomnia and eye problems. The highest QoL score was found (52.87±18.74) in social relationship domain and least score was found (48.65±16.39) in environmental domain. Elderly males are shown the higher mean domains score in all domains except overall QoL whereas elderly females are shown the higher mean score in overall QoL domain. Again, elderly who are presently workless and live in the joint family have the better mean score in physical and environmental domain respectively. To develop the QoL of the elderly, emphasis should be given to improve their financial condition and traditional family bond.

Well-Being and Perceived Quality of Life in Elderly People Displaced After the Earthquake in L’Aquila, Italy

On 6 April 2009, the city of L’Aquila was hit by a violent earthquake that destroyed almost all of its medieval centre, and the surviving inhabitants were evacuated and relocated in temporary quarters or undamaged homes. The aim of this study was to investigate the perceived quality of life of the elderly population 3 years after the earthquake in relation to the social and logistic issues of new housing. The study was carried out between October 2011 and March 2012, and involved 571 subjects aged over 65 years living in the municipality of L’Aquila. The interviews took place in the surgeries of general practitioners and the city’s Department of Prevention and Vaccination in the anti-influenza immunisation period. The instrument used was a 36-item questionnaire with closed, multiple choice answers divided into the following sections: demographics, everyday activities, health and perceived health, and the quality of life in the city. The results show that, 3 years after the earthquake, the elderly population living in the new towns and temporary housing of L’Aquila have a worse perception of their quality of life than the others. They feel a certain social isolation and wish to live elsewhere. Governments faced with the problems arising from a natural calamity should take into account all of the elements making up a good quality of life and, before making choices whose impact cannot be changed, consider both their immediate and long-term social consequences.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression among Elderly Population Living in Geriatric Homes in Kathmandu Valley

Introduction: Depression generally presents in all age group but is more common among elderly population living in geriatric homes. Despite the growth of geriatric home health services, little is known about the mental health needs of geriatric people seen in their homes. Methods: This study is conducted in July – December 2010 to determine the prevalence and associated factors of depression among elderly population living in geriatric homes in Kathmandu Valley. A total of 78 elderly people were included in this study. Semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interview guidelines were used to further exploring the associated factors of depression. The study participants were identified by using Geriatric Depression Scale. Results: The prevalence of depression was 51.3% with severe depression 15.4% and mild depression 35.9%. Most of the severely depressed respondents (75%) were widow/widower; most of the mild depressed respondents (85.7%) were illiterate; three quarter (75%) of severely depressed respondents had no children; and almost all of severely depressed respondents (90.9%) had difficulty in daily living activities due to health problems Conclusion: Majority of respondents were found to be living with varying level of depression. Poverty, presence of physical illness and lacking social and family support contributes to depression. Majority of depressed respondents mentioned their satisfaction with the living in geriatric home. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2126/joim.v35i1.8896 Journal of Institute of Medicine, April, 2013; 35:39-44

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression among Elderly Population Living in Geriatric Homes in Kathmandu Valley

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression among Elderly Population Living in Geriatric Homes in Kathmandu Valley

Role of androgen in the elderly. Frailty and androgen

During aging process in men, decline of androgen level is involved in symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism, and recent findings suggest that it is also related to frailty, sarcopenia and osteoporosis. Frailty is one of the features of geriatric syndrome, and the prevention from frailty, sarcopenia and osteoporosis is important for keeping activities of daily living and quolity of life in elderly population.

NF-κB pathway activators as potential ageing biomarkers: targets for new therapeutic strategies.

Chronic inflammation is a major biological mechanism underpinning biological ageing process and age-related diseases. Inflammation is also the key response of host defense against pathogens and tissue injury. Current opinion sustains that during evolution the host defense and ageing process have become linked together. Thus, the large array of defense factors and mechanisms linked to the NF-κB system seem to be involved in ageing process. This concept leads us in proposing inductors of NF-κB signaling pathway as potential ageing biomarkers. On the other hand, ageing biomarkers, represented by biological indicators and selected through apposite criteria, should help to characterize biological age and, since age is a major risk factor in many degenerative diseases, could be subsequently used to identify individuals at high risk of developing age-associated diseases or disabilities. In this report, some inflammatory biomarkers will be discussed for a better understanding of the concept of biological ageing, providing ideas on eventual working hypothesis about potential targets for the development of new therapeutic strategies and improving, as consequence, the quality of life of elderly population.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression among Elderly Population Living in Geriatric Homes in Kathmandu Valley

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression among Elderly Population Living in Geriatric Homes in Kathmandu Valley

Income Poverty Among the Elderly Population in Hilly Regions of India

This paper provides estimates of quality of life for the elderly population living in hilly areas. We have examined four criteria for quality of life: marital status, dependency status, living arrangements and work status. We also calculate these differences for the agro-climatic regions of India.

Factors influencing quality of life for disabled and nondisabled elderly population: the results of a multiple correspondence analysis.

Objectives. The aim of our study is to examine the role of some factors (sociodemographic patterns, social relationship support, and trust in healthcare actors) on structure of quality of life among the Italian elderly population, by stratifying according to presence or absence of disability. Methods. Using data of the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) survey, we obtained a sample of 25,183 Italian people aged 65+ years. Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) was used to test such a relationship. Results. By applying the MCA between disabled and nondisabled elderly population, we identified three dimensions: “demographic structure and social contacts,” “social relationships,” “trust in the Italian National Health Services (INHS).” Furthermore, the difference in trust on the INHS and its actors was seen among disabled and non-disabled elderly population. Conclusions. Knowledge on the concept of quality of life and its application to the elderly population either with or without disability should make a difference in both people's life and policies and practices affecting life. New domains, such as information and trusting relationships both within and towards the care network's nodes, are likely to play an important role in this relationship.

Using Markov model to cost-effectiveness analysis of traditional Chinese medicine interference

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the transition state between normal aging and AD. There are better detection and treatment methods to screen a population of patients with MCI. Through intervention, the probability of MCI conversion to AD can be significantly reduced. This paper first introduces the concept of cost-effectiveness analysis, reconsiders the concept of cost for the particularity of MCI, and uses QALY to evaluate the health effects of the quality of life. Then measure the health quality of life of elderly MCI population, and use Markov model to study the cost of intervention with traditional Chinese medicine-effectiveness analysis. Finally, according to the QALY measure and CEA results, we draw the conclusion that it's helpful to get early intervention in MCI.

Gender and Residency Effects on Elderly Health in Turkey

The proportion of the elderly population grows not only in Turkey but also in the whole world due to reduced fertility rate and extended life expectancy. While 65 age and over population quintile constituted only 4.3 % of the total population in 1990, the proportion of the elderly population raised to 7.2 % as of late 2010. This study is based on the data collected from total 1,540 respondents at 65 ages and over who were interviewed in the Health Interview Survey 2008. Main aim of this study is providing a description of the socio-demographic characteristics of the elderly population and investigating the gender and residential effects on their daily activities and presence of chronic diseases. Both being an elder female and living in rural areas are found to be significant risk factors for some certain diseases. Additionally, both elder females and elder population living in rural areas assess their health poorer than males and those in urban areas, respectively. Therefore, defining policies especially focusing on difficulties of women and elders in rural areas seems to be a necessity. In order to increase quality of life of overall elderly population, attaching further importance to the elderly care services, establishing more facilities and employing more personnel might be considered as precautions.

A Study on Quality of Life of Elderly Population in Mettupalayam, a Rural Area of Tamilnadu

A Study on Quality of Life of Elderly Population in Mettupalayam, a Rural Area of Tamilnadu

Impacto do déficit visual na qualidade de vida em idosos usuários do sistema único de saúde vivendo no sertão de Pernambuco

To evaluate the impact of visual impairment on the quality of life of the elderly population living in the western countryside of Pernambuco State, located in northeast of Brazil. Five hundred and eighty subjects over 59 years of age were interviewed using the Visual Functioning Questionnaire (VFQ). All subjects underwent complete eye examination. The results of the quantitative parameters were expressed by mean ± SD. The results of categorical parameters were expressed by their frequencies. Mean age was of 70 ± 8.1 years. About 86% of the interviewed elderly were illiterate or had incomplete education. The mean complaints were low visual acuity (71.1%) and itching/burning (69.0%). The visual acuity was not normal in 37.4% of the elderly. About 75.0% of the subjects reported to have regular or bad health, and 77.0% reported to have regular or bad vision. The reported quality of life decreased according to the worsening of the visual acuity. Visual impairment had a negative impact on the quality of life of the elderly population from the western countryside of Pernambuco State.

A healthy lifestyle as part of a strategy of active longevity

The contemporary approaches to the conception of healthy aging are discussed. The insufficient propaganda of healthy style of life of elderly population results in non-satisfaction of own health in old age; lack of information about opportunities to strengthen the health in the system of social services managing is also a problem. Weak skills and motivation of elder generation for taking care of the own health are registered. Gender and age features of self-evaluation have been considered. Low meaning of spending spare time to use physical culture activity for strengthening health have been determinated.

Teeth Retention, Prosthetic Status and Need among a Group of Elderly in Nigeria

Background: Missing teeth without prosthetic replacement had been linked to reduced quality of life in elderly population. Data on teeth retention, prosthetic status and needs of elderly population is rare in our environment. Aim: This study was designed to assess teeth retention, prosthetic status and needs among elderly patients attending our dental centre. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among elderly patients, 65 years and above attending Dental Centre of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital using structured questionnaire and clinical examination. The clinical examination was conducted using WHO criteria. The questionnaire items include socio-demographic variables, dental clinic visit behavior and history of pain, chewing difficulty, denture wearing, systemic illness and medication. Teeth present and those indicated for extractions were charted. The prosthetic status and needs were also recorded. Chi Square was used to determine the relationship between two variables. Results: There were 104 respondents out of which 53 (51.0%) were males. The mean age was 71.5years (± 6.1). About half (49.0%) had not seen a dentist within the last five years. About 66% complained of dental pain and 67.6% had one systemic illness or the other. Majority of the patients (90.1%) had 20 or more teeth in their mouth and 2 (1.9%) had shortened dental arch. One respondent (1.0%) had a 1-unit Bridge while 13.5% wear removable partial denture. Most of the respondents (75.0%) needed prosthetic replacement. Conclusion: There is a high prosthetic need and poor prosthetic status among the respondents.

Effect of Antihypertensive Drugs on Quality of Life in Elderly Patients

The use of drugs to increase human happiness and to improve the quality of life physically, mentally and socioeconomically is a serious matter of concern. Chronic disabling conditions become common in old age and affect the quality of life. Quality of life (QOL) is an important measure of health care, which measures the gap between expectations and achievements. Effect of Drug use on quality of life in elderly Indian population with hypertension was studied using Mc Master Health Index. The study population was divided into test group (hypertensive patients on regular treatment) and control group (Not on any treatment or on treatment for less than 3 months). All three parameters of QOL namely physical, emotional and social were studied using Mc Master Health Index questionnaire. The results were statistically compared using ANOVA and chi square. Our results point toward better overall QOL in patients on regular treatment.

Effect of Antihypertensive Drugs on Quality of Life in Elderly Patients

The use of drugs to increase human happiness and to improve the quality of life physically, mentally and socioeconomically is a serious matter of concern. Chronic disabling conditions become common in old age and affect the quality of life. Quality of life (QOL) is an important measure of health care, which measures the gap between expectations and achievements. Effect of Drug use on quality of life in elderly Indian population with hypertension was studied using Mc Master Health Index. The study population was divided into test group (hypertensive patients on regular treatment) and control group (Not on any treatment or on treatment for less than 3 months). All three parameters of QOL namely physical, emotional and social were studied using Mc Master Health Index questionnaire. The results were statistically compared using ANOVA and chi square. Our results point toward better overall QOL in patients on regular treatment.

Effects of Dao De Xin Xi Exercise on Balance and Quality of Life in Thai Elderly Women

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 12-week Dao De Xin Xi exercise, modified short forms of Tai Chi, on balance and quality of life in Thai elderly population. Quasi-Experimental research, pretest-posttest one group design was done at Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Phramongkutklao Hospital. Thai healthy elderly women over the age of 60, requiring regular Dao De Xin Xi exercise were recruited from either patients or workers in the hospital. A 60-minute Dao De Xin Xi exercise class was set as 3 times per week for 12 weeks. At baseline and 12 weeks, participants were tested in their static balance (Single-Leg Stance Timed Test with eyes open and close), dynamic balance (Expanded Timed Up and Go (ETUG) Test). Quality of life was measured by the abbreviated Thai version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. Fourteen females were studied with mean age of 62.8±4.3 years old. The Single-Leg Stance Timed Test with eyes open and close, Expanded Timed Up and Go (ETUG) Test improved significantly (before versus after exercises p <0.001). Significant improvement in quality of life were also found in each 4 domains, including physical health, psychological, social relationship, and environment (before versus after exercises p =0.001, 0.001, 0.004 and 0.005 respectively). No significant improvement was found only in the right Single-Leg Stance Timed Test with eyes close (p =0.091). A three times per week for 12-week Dao De Xin Xi exercise may help Thai elderly women improve both static, dynamic balance and quality of life.