Elderly Population Research Articles

Characteristics and Management of Neck and Trochanteric Femur Fractures at a Tertiary Hospital in Indonesia: A Retrospective, Single-Center Study

Background: Although hip fractures are common among the elderly population, there are still limited studies on neck-trochanteric fractures, one of the less common types of hip fractures. This study aims to describe the characteristics of patients and their management in patients with neck trochanteric fractures. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed medical records of patients aged >18 years with trochanteric fractures from a tertiary hospital in Central Java, Indonesia, between January and December 2021. Fracture types were identified and classified using the Garden, Pauwels, and AO/OTA classifications. Demographic data, risk factors, fracture locations, and treatment types were also collected. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0 to describe patient characteristics. Results: The total sample was 77 patients, most were female (n = 55 (71.4%)) and aged > 60 years. More than a third of diagnosed fractures were neck of the femur fractures in 33 patients (42.9%). Among the most common classification types of fractures were Garden Type 3, Pauwels Type 3, and AO/OTA type A1.1. A total of 33 patients (42.9%) underwent open reduction of the fracture with internal fixation. Conclusions: Our findings show that the prevalence of neck-trochanteric fractures mostly occurs in patients > 60 years of age and in females. Although open reduction with internal fixation is generally performed, there are several cases of fractures that are not classifiable due to limited imaging examinations. Further research on a wider population is needed to confirm the findings of this study.

Contribution of Other Respiratory Viruses During Influenza Epidemic Activity in Catalonia, Spain, 2008–2020

Background: During seasonal influenza activity, circulation of other respiratory viruses (ORVs) may contribute to the increased disease burden that is attributed to influenza without laboratory confirmation. The objective of this study was to characterize and evaluate the magnitude of this contribution over 12 seasons of influenza using the Acute Respiratory Infection Sentinel Surveillance system in Catalonia (PIDIRAC). Methods: A retrospective descriptive study of isolations from respiratory samples obtained by the sentinel surveillance network of physicians was carried out from 2008 to 2020 in Catalonia, Spain. Information was collected on demographic variables (age, sex), influenza vaccination status, epidemic activity weeks each season, and influenza laboratory confirmation. Results: A total of 12,690 samples were collected, with 46% (5831) collected during peak influenza seasonal epidemic activity. In total, 49.6% of the sampled participants were male and 51.1% were aged <15 years. Of these, 73.7% (4298) of samples were positive for at least one respiratory virus; 79.7% (3425 samples) were positive for the influenza virus (IV), with 3067 samples positive for one IV type, 8 samples showing coinfection with two types of IV, and 350 showing coinfection of IV with more than one virus. The distribution of influenza viruses was 64.2% IVA, 35.2% IVB, and 0.1% IVC. Of the other respiratory viruses identified, there was a high proportion of human rhinovirus (32.3%), followed by human adenovirus (24.3%) and respiratory syncytial virus (18; 7%). Four percent were coinfected with two or more viruses other than influenza. The distribution of coinfections with ORVs and influenza by age groups presents a significant difference in proportions for 0–4, 5–14, 15–64 and >64 (21.5%, 10.8%, 8.2% and 7.6%: p < 0.001). A lower ORVs coinfection ratio was observed in the influenza-vaccinated population (11.9% vs. 17.4% OR: 0.64 IC 95% 0.36–1.14). Conclusions: During the weeks of seasonal influenza epidemic activity, other respiratory viruses contribute substantially, either individually or through the coinfection of two or more viruses, to the morbidity attributed to influenza viruses as influenza-like illness (ILI). The contribution of these viruses is especially significant in the pediatric and elderly population. Identifying the epidemiology of most clinically relevant respiratory viruses will aid the development of models of infection and allow for the development of targeted treatments, particularly for populations most vulnerable to respiratory viruses-induced diseases.

Integrated bagging-RF learning model for diabetes diagnosis in middle-aged and elderly population

As the population ages, the increase in the number of middle-aged and older adults with diabetes poses new challenges to the allocation of resources in the healthcare system. Developing accurate diabetes prediction models is a critical public health strategy to improve the efficient use of healthcare resources and ensure timely and effective treatment. In order to improve the identification of diabetes in middle-aged and older patients, a Bagging-RF model is proposed. In the study, two diabetes datasets on Kaggle were first preprocessed, including unique heat coding, outlier removal, and age screening, after which the data were categorized into three age groups, 50–60, 60–70, and 70–80, and balanced using the SMOTE technique. Then, the machine learning classifiers were trained using the Bagging-RF integrated model with eight other machine learning classifiers. Finally, the model’s performance was evaluated by accuracy, F1 score, and other metrics. The results showed that the Bagging-RF model outperformed the other eight machine learning classifiers, exhibiting 97.35%, 95.55%, 95.14% accuracy and 97.35%, 97.35%, 95.14% F1 Score at the Diabetes Prediction Dataset for diabetes prediction for the three age groups of 50–60, 60–70, and 70–80; and 97.03%, 94.90%, 93.70% accuracy and 97.03%, 94.90%, 93.70% F1 Score at the Diabetes Prediction Dataset. 95.55%, 95.13% F1 Score; and 97.03%, 94.90%, 93.70% accuracy; and 97.03%, 94.89%, 93.70% F1 Score at Diabetes Prediction Dataset. In addition, while other integrated learning models, such as ET, RF, Adaboost, and XGB, fail to outperform Bagging-RF, they also show excellent performance.

Characteristics of pulse wave velocity and its correlation with cardiovascular disease risk factors in healthy individuals.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of human mortality and has become the leading cause of death worldwide. Existing studies indicate that structural and functional damage to the main arteries represents a significant risk factor for early vascular lesions and many CVDs. This study aimed to explore characteristics of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and its correlation with cardiovascular disease risk factors in healthy individuals. Convenience sampling was used to collect demographics, risk factors, and laboratory examinations from 501 healthy individuals who underwent health checkups at our healthcare center from August 2020 to January 2021. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to examine the correlations between cfPWV and various parameters in both sexes. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate the factors potentially influencing cfPWV. A statistically significant difference in cfPWV between sexes was observed only in the age group of subjects 38-47 years old. The results of the univariate analysis showed that in males, cfPWV was positively correlated with age, blood pressure, heart rate, and alcohol consumption and was negatively correlated with tehe resistive index. In females, cfPWV was positively correlated with age, blood pressure, heart rate, alanine aminotransferase, urea, creatine, uric acid, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and heart rate. The results of multivariable analysis indicated that age, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and alcohol consumption were influencing factors for cfPWV in males, while age, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and creatinine were influencing factors for cfPWV in females (P <0.05 for all). In healthy individuals, the distribution patterns of cfPWV values vary by sex and age. In the elderly population, especially elderly women, enhanced monitoring and regular follow-ups are recommended to prevent the development and progression of CVDs in high-risk individuals at an early stage.

시니어 창업의 내·외적 동기가 창업의지와 창업행동에 미치는 영향

According to the 2023 Statistics Korea survey, the elderly population aged 65 or older in Korea accounted for 18.4% (approximately 9.5 million) of the total population. The working elderly population aged 65 or older (as of 2022) also reached 36.2%, which is a 6.1p% increase from 30.1% in 2012, 10 years ago (Statistics Korea, 2023). In particular, Korea has the highest elderly employment rate among OECD countries (Cho, 2023). Due to the aging population, various social problems are emerging, such as the burden of support and welfare costs for the elderly, but in particular, the employment problem of retirees is becoming a serious issue due to the full-scale retirement of the baby boomer generation (Curran, Blackburn, 2001; Choi, 2015). Therefore, this study aimed to derive and empirically analyze the internal and external motivations that affect seniors’ entrepreneurial will and entrepreneurial behavior in a dilemma situation where they have to make a decision between senior reemployment and entrepreneurship after retirement. The results of the study showed that the key factor affecting senior entrepreneurial will was internal motivation (Innovativeness, Risk Taking, and Technological capability), and this internal motivation ultimately led to actual entrepreneurial behavior. Based on these results, implications were suggested for establishing and supporting entrepreneurship support policies related to senior entrepreneurship, and the limitations of the study were presented.

A Study on the Development of a Filtration System for Drainage Discharge Capacity

This study analyzes the social and economic characteristics of an area affected by chemical emission facilities and proposes policy measures to respond to social disasters such as hazardous chemical emission accidents. Even within the area affected by chemical discharge facilities, social and economic disparities existed depending on the proximity to the chemical discharge facility, child population ratio, and land value. However, the elderly population ratio decreased. It is believed that the presentation of response plans based on the study’s analysis will contribute to protecting people's health and property, which is the ultimate goal of chemical management.

Unlocking the Potential of the Elderly Population in Serbia: A Modeling Study on Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Factors.

Background/Objectives: A properly functioning musculoskeletal system is imperative for human well-being at every stage of life, including at an older age. This study's aim was to assess the relationship between sociodemographic and physical functioning variables and the presence of individual musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), MSD comorbidity, and multimorbidity, as well as to determine factors that are independent predictors of the presence of MSDs in people over 65 years old. Methods: This population-based study included 3701 participants aged 65 years and older. Data on individual MSDs addressed cervical and lumbosacral spine regions and degenerative joint disease (arthrosis). The subjects were categorized into four groups: those without any diseases; those with one MSD; those with two MSDs (comorbidities); and those with three MSDs (multimorbidities). The sociodemographic and physical functioning variables were analyzed. Results: Females were more likely to have MSDs (two: OR 1.95 and three: OR 2.25) than men. Elderly people aged 75 and above were 1.49 times more likely to have three MSDs. Elderly people with elementary school education were more likely to have MSDs (two: OR 1.34 and three: OR 2.06) than those with high school/university education. The low-income population was 2.47 times more likely to have three MSDs. Individuals with partial activity limitations because of health problems had greater chances of having one, two, or three MSDs (OR 1.60, 1.59, and 1.94, respectively), and elderly individuals with severe limitations had an OR of 1.43, 2.17, and 4.12, respectively. Individuals with some/many difficulties in walking up or down 12 steps were more likely to have MSDs (two: OR 2.26 and three: OR 2.28). Conclusions: The significant predictors of experiencing a single MSD, MSD comorbidity, or MSD multimorbidity include residing in the Serbian capital city and having limitations in activities due to health problems. A significant predictor of having a single MSD or MSD comorbidity is residing in the northern region of Serbia. A significant predictor of MSD comorbidity is residing in the southeastern region of Serbia. Significant predictors of MSD comorbidity or MSD multimorbidity include female gender, an elementary school educational level, and experiencing difficulty in walking up or down 12 steps. Significant predictors of MSD multimorbidity are being 75 years of age and above and having a lower income.

Current analysis of age and cervical spine fractures.

The Canadian Cervical Spine Rule (CCR) was based on patient data from 25 years ago and recommended cervical spine computed tomography (CSCT) for trauma patients aged 65 and older. We sought to determine the differences in rate of symptomatic and asymptomatic fractures of trauma patients ≥ 65 and < 65 years old, given the changing demographics and heterogeneity in today's elderly population. This retrospective study of CSCT results from two hospitals in our health system included 5 years of trauma patient data. In addition to the primary variable of fracture rates, we separated the patients into symptomatic / asymptomatic groups and ≥ 65 and < 65 years of age. In the ≥ 65 age group, 190 fractures among 9455 CSCTs (2.0%) were identified (112 females = 58.9%); 29 (0.3%) were in asymptomatic patients. In patients < 65, there were 199 (1.6%) fractures out of 12,531 CSCTs of which 19 (0.15%) were asymptomatic and 46 were female (23.1%). The rates of fractures in the older cohort (2.0%) were substantially different than those reported in the original CCR articles (5.2% and 6.6%). However, the fracture rates reported for those < 65 (1.4% and 1.7% historically) were similar to the current findings (1.6%). The cervical spine fracture rate at our institution for patients ≥ 65, at 2.0%, was higher than those patients < 65 (1.6%) and favored female (58.9-23.1%) patients. The findings were much lower than those CCR percentages that led to scanning trauma patients who are 65 and older. Asymptomatic fractures are rarer still (0.15-0.30%).

Association of Benzodiazepine Prescription With Short-Term Prognosis in Elderly Patients Attended in Emergency Department: Results From the EDEN PROJECT.

Benzodiazepine prescription is a growing phenomenon among the elderly population. However, information related to the frequency of these drugs among the elderly population attending in emergency departments (ED) and its impact over prognosis is scarce. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of benzodiazepine prescription and to analyze its association with short-term prognosis in elderly patients attended in ED. A retrospective analysis of the EDEN (Emergency Department Elderly in Need) cohort was conducted. This registry included all elderly patients attending in 52 Spanish EDs for any condition, between April 1st and 7th in 2019. Socio-demographic data, comorbidities, and medication were recorded by consulting the patient's electronic health records. The assessed outcomes consisted on new ED visit, hospitalization, and mortality at 30 days after the first ED visit, associated with the use of benzodiazepines at baseline in comparison with no prescription of benzodiazepines. Crude and adjusted logistic regression analyses including patient's comorbidities were performed. Two sensitivity analyses were performed considering concomitant prescription of other central nervous system depressants as well as direct discharge from the ED. 25 557 patients were evaluated (mean age 78 [IQR: 71-84]). 7865 (30.8%) patients were taken benzodiazepines at admission. After adjustment for comorbidities and other central nervous system drugs, benzodiazepine prescription was associated with ED revisit [OR: 1.10 (95%CI: 1.03-1.18)]. Similar results were found in the sensitivity analysis, eliminating patients with central nervous depressors [OR: 1.11 (1.03-1.25)] and patients discharged to home [OR: 1.13 (1.04-1.23)]. No association was found between the use of these drugs and new hospitalizations [OR: 0.90 (0.77-1.05)] or mortality 30 days after discharge [OR: 1.01 (0.88-1.18)]. The results held for all three outcomes in the sensitivity analyses. The use of benzodiazepines is a frequent phenomenon among the elderly population attended in the ED, being associated with an increased risk of new visits to the emergency room, but not with an increased risk of 30-day hospitalization or mortality.

Associations between serum cystatin C and fall reports in an Elderly population

Fall is common in the elderly, and chronic kidney disease is considered a major risk factor. Serum creatinine (Cre) and cystatin C (Cys C) are commonly used biomarkers for renal function, while the ratio of Cre to Cys C, known as the sarcopenia index (SI), provides insights into muscle health. This study investigates the relationships between Cre, Cys C, estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR), SI, and self-reported falls using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. We included 4,272 older adults with eGFR > 30mL/min/1.73m2 from NHANES (1999 to 2004) and divided them into the fall and non-fall groups based on the questionnaires. Correlations were assessed using restricted cubic spline, weighted generalized linear regression models. Multi-factor logistic regression analysis identified serum Cys C as significantly associated with falls (all participants: OR 1.16, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.23, p < 0.001; participants with eGFR > 75 mL/min/1.73m2: OR 1.17, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.30, p < 0.001,). In contrast, Cre and eGFR were not significant after adjustments; SI showed marginal significance (p = 0.045). Cys C is significantly associated with fall risk in older adults, demonstrating a positive linear relationship with self-reported falls.

Physicians’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on the Diagnosis and Management of Osteoporosis in a Tertiary Hospital in Manila

Osteoporosis is a major public health concern leading to significant morbidity and mortality, especially in the elderly population. However, this disease is underdiagnosed and, as a result, undertreated. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of physicians in the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis, which would help identify key areas of improvement in the care of patients with this disease. One hundred and nine physicians answered an online questionnaire looking at their KAP on the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis, and their answers were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation and the Chi-square test. More than half of the participants obtained satisfactory scores on knowledge, and majority had neutral to positive attitude regarding osteoporosis. A statistically significant correlation was seen between having low knowledge and negative attitudes on osteoporosis screening and management.

A ASSOCIAÇÃO DA ESTIMULAÇÃO COGNITIVA À ESTIMULAÇÃO MOTORA COMO PROPOSTA DE INTERVENÇÃO NA PREVENÇÃO DO DECLÍNIO FUNCIONAL DO IDOSO

Given the advances in medicine, and the increase in the elderly population, there is a need for further research into the ageing process, its stages and the possibilities for intervention, with the aim of making it as successful as possible. It is important to reduce the risk of diseases and functional disabilities, promoting better physical and mental functioning, as well as active engagement with life. The emphasis on preventing adverse events is fundamental, justifying the search for new therapeutic approaches. Joint cognitive and motor stimulation has been presented as a method of preventing functional decline in the elderly. This article is a narrative literature review on the association of cognitive and motor stimulation as a proposed intervention in the functional decline of the elderly. To this end, a search was made for complete articles published between 2010 and 2023 in the SciELO, Google Scholar and PubMed databases. The aim of this bibliographical review was to assess the repercussions of these simultaneous stimulations in preventing functional decline in the elderly. The articles found showed that cognitive and motor stimulation, in a joint approach, can be an effective intervention in preventing functional decline, helping to promote the health and autonomy of the elderly population.

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid-containing phosphatidylcholines predict survival rate in patients after heart failure

BackgroundHeart failure (HF) is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue, particularly among the elderly population. Lipids are closely associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) pathology. Lipidomics as a comprehensive profiling tool is showing to be promising in the prediction of events and mortality due to CVD as well as identifying novel biomarkers. Materials and methodsIn this study, eicosanoids and lipid profiles were measured in order to predict survival in patients with de novo or acute decompensated HF. Our study included 50 patients (16 females, mean age 73 years and 34 males, mean age 71 years) with de novo or acute decompensated chronic HF with a median follow-up of 7 months. Lipids were semiquantified using targeted lipidomic liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. Eicosanoid concentrations were determined using a commercially available sandwich ELISA assay. ResultsFrom 736 lipids and 3 eicosanoids, 39 significant lipids were selected (by using the Mann-Whitney U test after Benjamini-Hochberg correction) with the highest number of representatives belonging to the polyunsaturated (PUFA) phosphatidylcholines (PC). PC 42:10 (p = 1.44 × 10−4) was found to be the most statistically significantly elevated in the surviving group with receiver operating characteristics of AUC = 0.84 (p = 3.24 × 10−7). A multivariate supervised discriminant analysis based on the aforementioned lipid panel enabled the classification of the groups of surviving and non-surviving patients with 90 % accuracy. ConclusionsIn the present study we describe a trend in PUFA esterified in PC that were systematically increased in surviving patients with HF. This trend in low-abundant and rarely identified PUFA PC (mainly very long chain PUFA containing PC such as PC 42:10 or PC 40:9 containing FA 22:6, FA 20:5 and FA 20:4) suggests candidate biomarkers.

Twenty Years of Lyme Borreliosis in the Netherlands: Temporal Trends in Seroprevalence and Risk Factors

Lyme borreliosis (LB) is not notifiable in many European countries, and the patchwork of surveillance strategies in Europe perpetuates knowledge gaps. In the Netherlands, LB incidence has been estimated from recurring general practitioner surveys since the 1990s. To complement the incidence data, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in the general population of the Netherlands in 1995/1996, identify risk factors for seropositivity, and compare these findings to data from 2016/2017 to identify temporal trends. Sera from participants (n = 8041, aged 0–80 years) in a cross-sectional nationwide surveillance study were assessed for the presence of antibodies against B. burgdorferi s.l., using a screening ELISA and immunoblot confirmation. Risk factors associated with seropositivity were evaluated using multivariable analysis. A significant difference in weighted seroprevalence was observed between 1995/1996 (2.8%) and 2016/2017 (4.3%). In both cohorts, the seroprevalence was significantly higher among men than among women, and increased with age and tick bite frequency. The upward trend in age-specific seropositivity in individuals over 50 was steeper in 2016/2017 than in 1995/1996, possibly due to improved fitness among contemporary elderly, allowing increased outdoor activities. This study highlights significant trends in the seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. antibodies in the general population of the Netherlands over 20 years. The doubling of seroprevalence underscores the increasing burden of LB, and the importance of continued surveillance. Targeted interventions, particularly for elderly populations, may help raise awareness to the risks of tick bites and reduce the growing disease burden and societal costs associated with LB.

A measurement study of the environmental quality and medical expenditures of elderly individuals: causal inference based on machine learning

BackgroundThe global surge of environmental pollution exacerbates health issues, disease incidence, and economic strain. In China, the increasing healthcare costs of the elderly population necessitate addressing this challenge as part of the “Healthy China” strategy. We explore the impact of environmental quality on elderly healthcare expenses.MethodsThis study devised a comprehensive environmental quality index for 30 Chinese provinces, excluding Tibet, which was correlated with medical expenses for individuals older than 60 years, using China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) data. Because the traditional econometric model cannot solve the endogeneity problem and the selection of instrumental variables is subjective, a new machine learning algorithm is adopted based on the traditional ordinary least squares (OLS) model and the fixed effect model to conduct causal analysis to ensure the reliability of the results. Finally, heterogeneity analysis was conducted based on the generalized random forest algorithm.ResultsSouthern provinces such as Jiangxi and Guangxi exhibited superior environmental qualities. A regional analysis revealed a gradient where environmental quality decreased from west to east and from south to north. Both conventional and machine learning methodologies underscored a pivotal finding: enhanced environmental qualities significantly curtail elderly healthcare expenses. A heterogeneity assessment revealed that such improvements predominantly benefit elderly people in the eastern and central regions, with marginal impacts in the west. For different groups, the improvement of environmental quality can significantly reduce the medical expenditure of people aged 60 to 75, with bedtime hours between 9 and 11 PM and a lower household income.ConclusionsThis study, employing machine learning and traditional models, demonstrates that enhancements in environmental quality significantly reduce medical costs for the elderly in China, especially in the eastern and central regions, and among demographics such as individuals aged 60–75 and low-income households. These findings underscore the potential of environmental policies to lower medical costs within the “Healthy China” initiative framework. However, the study’s scope is limited by the environmental quality index and the extent of data coverage, indicating a need for further research expansion.

Atrial fibrillation and multimorbidity: How to choose the perfect direct oral anticoagulant?

Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common tachyarrhythmias, the prevalence of which is steadily increasing due to an increase in the proportion of the elderly population. The presence of a comorbidities in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation, increasing the risk of thromboembolic events, has a significant impact on the clinical strategy of atrial fibrillation, as well as on the choice of therapeutic tactics, especially anticoagulant therapy with proven efficacy and low risk of bleeding. One of the most common concomitant diseases in patients with atrial fibrillation are chronic kidney disease, anemia and coronary artery disease. These comorbidities in patients with atrial fibrillation not only increase the risk of stroke and/or systemic embolism, but are also accompanied by an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality, all causes mortality, and hemorrhagic events. At the same time, according to research data, about half of polymorbid patients with atrial fibrillation do not receive anticoagulant therapy, which indicates a low awareness of physicians about rational pharmacotherapy based on clinical recommendations for this cohort of patients. The drug of choice with the most studied safety profile and a high degree of efficacy in these patients is apixaban from the group of direct oral anticoagulants. Unlike vitamin K antagonists and other representatives of direct oral anticoagulants, apixaban, according to the conducted studies, is associated with a more significant reduction in the risk of thromboembolic events, and most importantly, has a lesser effect on the risks of bleeding in patients, predisposing to hemorrhagic complications, with atrial fibrillationand concomitant coronary artery disease, anemia, chronic kidney disease.

Living in the Digital Age: AI Technology and the Changing Lifestyle of the Elderly

As technology advances, diverse artificial intelligence products are invented and put into use. While dramatically improving the quality of human life, digital technologies are also changing the lifestyles of different groups to varying degrees. Focusing on the elderly population, this study utilizes a combination of questionnaire, interview, and documentary research methods in hopes of collecting information in a broad and comprehensive manner. The study mainly focuses on how AI technologies in the digital age are changing the lifestyles of older people and the potential factors that lead to such changes. The study reveals that the digital age has a dual impact on the lives of older people. Thanks to the intelligence and simplicity of AI technology, older people’s lives have become much more efficient and convenient. However, the expensive price of AI devices and products, which also keeps some older people from enjoying the convenience of technological inventions, prevents them from integrating into the digital society. Among many lifestyles, changes in home-based lifestyles are the areas of greatest change in the lifestyles of the elderly in the digital age. These changes are mainly influenced by social, technological and personal factors. The present study expresses ample social concerns for the elderly population. It also conducive to helping older people fully integrate into a smart and convenient life and equally enjoy the dividends of the digital age.

Characteristic activation pattern and network connectivity of prefrontal cortex in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and major depressive disorder during a verbal fluency task: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy study based on network-based statistic prediction.

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and major depressive disorder (MDD) together occur frequently among the elderly population. However, the inconsistency in assessments and limited medical resources in the community make it challenging to identify depression in patients with T2DM. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the activation pattern and network connectivity of prefrontal cortex (PFC) during a verbal fluency task (VFT) in patients with T2DM and MDD using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Three parallel groups (T2DM with MDD group, T2DM group, and healthy group) with 100 participants in each group were included in the study. Recruitment took place from August 1, 2020, to December 31, 2023. Due to the close association between the PFC and depressive emotions, fNIRS was used to monitor brain activation and network connectivity of PFC in all participants during a task of Chinese-language phonological VFT. Network-based statistic prediction (NBS-predict) was adopted as data analysis method. Patients in the T2DM with MDD group showed characteristic activation pattern and network connectivity in contrast with patients with T2MD and healthy controls, including decreased activation in PFC, and decreased network connectivity of right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Furthermore, the network connectivity of the right DLPFC in patients with T2DM and MDD was negatively correlated with scores of Hamilton Depression Scale-24 (HAMD-24). There was a distinctive activation pattern and network connectivity of the prefrontal cortex in patients with T2DM and MDD. The right DLPFC could serve as a potential target for the diagnosis and intervention of MDD in patients with T2DM.

Association of sleep duration with obesity in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Research on sleep duration and obesity is extensive in children and young individuals but limited and inconsistent for older adults. Our study aims to clarify the current status of this association in the elderly population. We searched six English and four Chinese databases up to January 25, 2024, for observational studies on sleep duration and obesity in older adults. Two researchers independently conducted the literature search and data extraction. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for cross-sectional studies. Meta-analyses were performed using Stata 15.0 software, using both random-effects and fixed-effects models to calculate pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The meta-analysis of 15 studies found a correlation between short sleep duration and obesity in older individuals (pooled odds ratio, 1.40 [95% CI: 1.12-1.73]; P = 0.003). However, no significant correlation was found between long sleep duration and obesity among the elderly (pooled odds ratio, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.95-1.13]; P = 0.426). Short sleep duration in the elderly was associated with obesity. More prospective studies need to be included in the future to improve the reliability of the conclusions. Geriatr Gerontol Int ••; ••: ••-•• Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; ••: ••-••.

Family support and depressive symptoms among the elderly in Gunungkidul Health Center Sumberejo-Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Background: The elderly represent an age group that undergoes various physical, biological, psychological, and social changes that impact their health. The elderly population in Indonesia continues to grow, reaching 11.49% in 2016 and is projected to reach 14.51% by 2020. Increased life expectancy does not always correlate with good health, making the elderly more vulnerable to various issues, including depression. The prevalence of elderly depression in Indonesia is 11.6%, with the highest rates occurring in the older age groups. Purpose: To examine the relationship between the level of family support received by the elderly and depressive symptoms they experience. Method: A quantitative study using a correlational analytic design with a cross-sectional research strategy. The sampling technique was random sampling, with 36 elderly individuals aged 60-74 years as the sample. Data was collected using a questionnaire to determine the relationship between family support and the depressive symptoms in the elderly. The data was analyzed using univariate and bivariate analyses with the Spearman’s rank correlation test. Results: The univariate analysis provided information on the respondents' characteristics, family support, and depressive symptoms. The majority of respondents received good family support (66.7%), while most respondents did not experience depressive symptoms (75%). The Spearman’s rank correlation test found a significant value of 0.001&lt;0.05, indicating that family support is related to the incidence of depressive symptoms in the elderly. Conclusion: Providing family support can reduce depressive symptoms in the elderly, as indicated by the statistical test results showing a significance value of 0.001 &lt;0.05. This means there is a relationship between family support and the incidence of depressive symptoms among the elderly.