Health Of Community-dwelling Older Adults Research Articles

Interventions for reducing sedentary behaviour in community-dwelling older adults

Background: Older adults are the most sedentary segment of society, often spending in excess of 8.5 hours a day sitting. Large amounts of time spent sedentary, defined as time spend sitting or in a reclining posture without spending energy, has been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases, frailty, loss of function, disablement, social isolation, and premature death. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing sedentary behaviour amongst older adults living independently in the community compared to control conditions involving either no intervention or interventions that do not target sedentary behaviour. Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PEDro, EPPI-Centre databases (Trials Register of Promoting Health Interventions (TRoPHI) and the Obesity and Sedentary behaviour Database), WHO ICTRP, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to 18 January 2021. We also screened the reference lists of included articles and contacted authors to identify additional studies. Selection criteria: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-RCTs. We included interventions purposefully designed to reduce sedentary time in older adults (aged 60 or over) living independently in the community. We included studies if some of the participants had multiple comorbidities, but excluded interventions that recruited clinical populations specifically (e.g. stroke survivors). Data collection and analysis: Two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts and full-text articles to determine study eligibility. Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We contacted authors for additional data where required. Any disagreements in study screening or data extraction were settled by a third review author. Main results: We included seven studies in the review, six RCTs and one cluster-RCT, with a total of 397 participants. The majority of participants were female (n = 284), white, and highly educated. All trials were conducted in high-income countries. All studies evaluated individually based behaviour change interventions using a combination of behaviour change techniques such as goal setting, education, and behaviour monitoring or feedback. Four of the seven studies also measured secondary outcomes. The main sources of bias were related to selection bias (N = 2), performance bias (N = 6), blinding of outcome assessment (N = 2), and incomplete outcome data (N = 2) and selective reporting (N=1). The overall risk of bias was judged as unclear. Primary outcomes. The evidence suggests that interventions to change sedentary behaviour in community-dwelling older adults may reduce sedentary time (mean difference (MD) −44.91 min/day, 95% confidence interval (CI) −93.13 to 3.32; 397 participants; 7 studies; I = 73%; low-certainty evidence). We could not pool evidence on the effect of interventions on breaks in sedentary behaviour or time spent in specific domains such as TV time, as data from only one study were available for these outcomes. Secondary outcomes. We are uncertain whether interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour have any impact on the physical or mental health outcomes of community-dwelling older adults. We were able to pool change data for the following outcomes. • Physical function (MD 0.14 Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score, 95% CI −0.38 to 0.66; higher score is favourable; 98 participants; 2 studies; I = 26%; low-certainty evidence). • Waist circumference (MD 1.14 cm, 95% CI −1.64 to 3.93; 100 participants; 2 studies; I = 0%; low-certainty evidence). • Fitness (MD -5.16 m in the 6-minute walk test, 95% CI −36.49 to 26.17; higher score is favourable; 80 participants; 2 studies; I = 29%; low-certainty evidence). • Blood pressure: systolic (MD −3.91 mmHg, 95% CI -10.95 to 3.13; 138 participants; 3 studies; I = 73%; very low-certainty evidence) and diastolic (MD −0.06 mmHg, 95% CI −5.72 to 5.60; 138 participants; 3 studies; I = 97%; very low-certainty evidence). • Glucose blood levels (MD 2.20 mg/dL, 95% CI −6.46 to 10.86; 100 participants; 2 studies; I = 0%; low-certainty evidence). No data were available on cognitive function, cost-effectiveness or adverse effects. Authors' conclusions: It is not clear whether interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour are effective at reducing sedentary time in community-dwelling older adults. We are uncertain if these interventions have any impact on the physical or mental health of community-dwelling older adults. There were few studies, and the certainty of the evidence is very low to low, mainly due to inconsistency in findings and imprecision. Future studies should consider interventions aimed at modifying the environment, policy, and social and cultural norms. Future studies should also use device-based measures of sedentary time, recruit larger samples, and gather information about quality of life, cost-effectiveness, and adverse event data.

Combined Dual-Task Gait Training andAerobic Exercise to Improve Cognition,Mobility, andVascular Health inCommunity-Dwelling Older Adults atRisk for Future Cognitive Decline1.

This 6-month experimental case series study investigated the effects of a dual-task gait training and aerobic exercise intervention on cognition, mobility, and cardiovascular health in community-dwelling older adults without dementia. Participants exercised 40 min/day, 3 days/week for 26 weeks on a Biodex GaitTrainer2 treadmill. Participants were assessed at baseline (V0), interim (V1: 12-weeks), intervention endpoint (V2: 26-weeks), and study endpoint (V3: 52-weeks). The study outcomes included: cognition [executive function (EF), processing speed, verbal fluency, and memory]; mobility: usual & dual-task gait (speed, step length, and stride time variability); and vascular health: ambulatory blood pressure, carotid arterial compliance, and intima-media thickness (cIMT). Fifty-six participants [age: 70(6) years; 61% female] were included in this study. Significant improvements following the exercise program (V2) were observed in cognition: EF (p = 0.002), processing speed (p < 0.001), verbal fluency [digit symbol coding (p < 0.001), phonemic verbal fluency (p < 0.001)], and memory [immediate recall (p < 0.001) and delayed recall (p < 0.001)]; mobility: usual & dual-task gait speed (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively) and step length (p = 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively); and vascular health: cIMT (p = 0.002). No changes were seen in the remaining outcomes. In conclusion, 26 weeks of dual-task gait training and aerobic exercise improved performance on a number of cognitive outcomes, while increasing usual & dual-task gait speed and step length in a sample of older adults without dementia.

A latent class analysis of social activities and health among community-dwelling older adults in Korea

ABSTRACTObjectives: This study presents an empirical typology of social activity and its association with the depressive symptoms and self-rated health of community-dwelling older adults (n = 464) in South Korea.Method: Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to classify the types of social activities. Data analyses were conducted using Mplus 7.2 program for LCA and SPSS 22.0 for multiple regression analyses.Results: LCA identified people who fell into one of the four activity groups: Diverse, Community Center/Disengaged, Religion Plus, and Friendship/Leisure. Membership in these four groups predicted differences in depressive symptoms and self-rated health.Conclusions: Results indicate that typologies of social activity could enhance practitioners’ understanding of activity patterns and their associations with health and well-being.

Is spending money on others good for your heart?

Does spending money on others (prosocial spending) improve the cardiovascular health of community-dwelling older adults diagnosed with high blood pressure? In Study 1, 186 older adults diagnosed with high blood pressure participating in the Midlife in the U.S. Study (MIDUS) were examined. In Study 2, 73 older adults diagnosed with high blood pressure were assigned to spend money on others or to spend money on themselves. In Study 1, the more money people spent on others, the lower their blood pressure was 2 years later. In Study 2, participants who were assigned to spend money on others for 3 consecutive weeks subsequently exhibited lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to participants assigned to spend money on themselves. The magnitude of these effects was comparable to the effects of interventions such as antihypertensive medication or exercise. Together, these findings suggest that spending money on others shapes cardiovascular health, thereby providing a pathway by which prosocial behavior improves physical health among at-risk older adults. (PsycINFO Database Record

Effects of exercise and horticultural intervention on the brain and mental health in older adults with depressive symptoms and memory problems: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial [UMIN000018547

BackgroundDepressive symptoms and memory problems are significant risk factors for dementia. Exercise can reduce depressive symptoms and improve cognitive function in older people. In addition, the benefits of horticultural activity on physical and mental well-being have been demonstrated in people with dementia. Although evidence of such non-pharmacological interventions is mounting, no studies have examined whether physical exercise and horticultural activity exert a positive impact on brain and mental health (e.g., depressive symptoms) in non-demented older adults at high risk of cognitive impairment and depression. Therefore, we propose a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy and efficiency of physical exercise and horticultural activity in improving brain and mental health in community-dwelling older adults with memory problems and depressive symptoms.Methods/DesignThe 20-week randomized controlled trial will include 90 community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or older with memory problems and depressive symptoms. Participants will be randomized to one of three experiments: exercise, horticultural activity, or educational control group, using a 1:1:1 allocation ratio. The combined exercise program and horticultural activity program will consist of 20 weekly 90-minute sessions. Participants in the exercise group will practice aerobic exercise, muscle strength training, postural balance retraining, and dual-task training. The horticultural activity program will include crop-related activities, such as field cultivation, growing, and harvesting. Participants in the educational control group will attend two 90-minute educational classes during the 6-month trial period. Depressive symptoms and memory performance will be measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale-15, and the Logical Memory subtests of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised will be used to measure depressive symptoms and memory performance as primary outcomes, at baseline (prior to randomization), immediately following intervention (6 months from baseline), and 6 months after intervention. Hippocampal volume will be measured at baseline and immediately after intervention, using magnetic resonance imaging. Secondary outcomes will comprise cognitive function, including language, attention/executive performance, and processing speed; brain-derived neurotrophic-factor serum levels; and health-related quality of life.DiscussionThis intervention study will determine the clinical importance and efficacy of physical exercise and horticultural activity as non-pharmacological interventions in community-dwelling older adults at high risk of poor brain and mental health.Trial registrationUMIN000018547; registered 7 August 2015.

The relationship between social network site usage and loneliness and mental health in community-dwelling older adults

The relationship between social network site usage and loneliness and mental health in community-dwelling older adults

Effect of physical activity, social support, and skills training on late-life emotional health: a systematic literature review and implications for public health research.

Given that emotional health is a critical component of healthy aging, we undertook a systematic literature review to assess whether current interventions can positively affect older adults' emotional health. A national panel of health services and mental health researchers guided the review. Eligibility criteria included community-dwelling older adult (aged ≥ 50 years) samples, reproducible interventions, and emotional health outcomes, which included multiple domains and both positive (well-being) and illness-related (anxiety) dimensions. This review focused on three types of interventions - physical activity, social support, and skills training - given their public health significance and large number of studies identified. Panel members evaluated the strength of evidence (quality and effectiveness). In all, 292 articles met inclusion criteria. These included 83 exercise/physical activity, 25 social support, and 40 skills training interventions. For evidence rating, these 148 interventions were categorized into 64 pairings by intervention type and emotional health outcome, e.g., strength training targeting loneliness or social support to address mood. 83% of these pairings were rated at least fair quality. Expert panelists found sufficient evidence of effectiveness only for skills training interventions with health outcomes of decreasing anxiety and improving quality of life and self-efficacy. Due to limitations in reviewed studies, many intervention-outcome pairings yielded insufficient evidence. Skills training interventions improved several aspects of emotional health in community-dwelling older adults, while the effects for other outcomes and interventions lacked clear evidence. We discuss the implications and challenges in moving forward in this important area.

The mediator role of positive emotion interventions and cognitive health in community-dwelling older adults: A longitudinal cohort study

Background: As adults age, there is a greater risk of cognitive health decline, and thus protecting cognitive health is a public health priority. Negative mood is a risk factor for losing cognitive abilities among aging adults. The Broaden and Build Theory of Positive Emotion suggests that activities that build positive emotion may mediate the negative effects of negative mood. This theory guided an examination of the relationship between mood and activities that promote positive emotions and their effects on cognitive decline among aging adults. Methods: The sample included 492 community-dwelling adults 60 years and older who completed a Community Health Assessment (CHA) and a COLLAGE Wellness Assessment (WEL) twice between the years 2007 and 2013. Cognition was measured using items from the CHA that formed the Cognitive Performance Scale (CPS) and activities that promote positive emotions was measured using items from the WEL. Negative mood was measured using items from the CHA. Logistic regression was used to associate CPS, mood, and positive emotion activities at baseline and after at least one year. Results: All three of the negative mood variables were statistically significant predictors of a poor CPS score. The presence of negative statements (p=0.036), anger (p=0.017), and withdrawal (p=0.009) were statistically significant. Conclusions: None of the activities that cultivate positive emotions were significantly associated with changes in CPS score. Future research should examine interventions to reduce negative mood and determine if they mediate the risk of cognitive decline among aging adults.

The relation between social network site usage and loneliness and mental health in community-dwelling older adults.

Loneliness is expected to become an even bigger social problem in the upcoming decades, because of the growing number of older adults. It has been argued that the use of social network sites can aid in decreasing loneliness and improving mental health. The purpose of this study was to examine whether and how social network sites usage is related to loneliness and mental health in community-dwelling older adults. The study population included community-dwelling older adults aged 60 and over residing in the Netherlands (n = 626) collected through the LISS panel (www.lissdata.nl). Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses, adjusted for potentially important confounders, were conducted in order to investigate the relation between social network sites usage and (emotional and social) loneliness and mental health. More than half of the individuals (56.2%) reported to use social network sites at least several times per week. Social network sites usage appeared unrelated to loneliness in general, and to emotional and social loneliness in particular. Social network sites usage also appeared unrelated to mental health. Several significant associations between related factors and the outcomes at hand were detected. In this sample, which was representative for the Dutch population, social network sites usage was unrelated to loneliness and/or mental health. The results indicate that a simple association between social network site usage and loneliness and mental health as such, cannot automatically be assumed in community-dwelling older adults.

Sense of coherence and health of community-dwelling older adults in Spain.

In light of the demographic aging trend in Europe, investigation into successful aging is a public health priority. This paper describes the sense of coherence (SOC) of a sample of community-dwelling older adults in Spain and analyzes the relationship between SOC and both health and sociodemographic variables. SOC measures the extent to which an individual conceptualizes the world as comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful. Strong SOC may promote good health. The study followed a cross-sectional design involving a nationally representative sample of 1,106 community-dwelling adults aged 60 years and older in Spain. The sample was collected by geographically based proportional stratified sampling. RESULTS are based on responses to a questionnaire requesting sociodemographic information and including the following validated scales: SOC, Barthel index (BI), functional independence scale (FIS), personal wellbeing index (PWI), EQ-5D dimensions (mobility, personal care, daily activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression), and the depression subscale of the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS-D). A multivariate linear regression model analyzed determinants of SOC. Personal wellbeing (b = -0.32), depression (b = 0.26), and educational level (b = -0.06) were significant determinants of SOC. Lower SOC was associated with problems in all EQ-5D dimensions and moderate/severe disability as measured by the BI. SOC in older adults is related to functional status, mental health status, personal wellbeing, and educational level. Public health initiatives should work to reduce the psychological and physiological impact of aging by focusing on the conditions that facilitate the coping of older adults.

Multivariate analysis of lifestyle, constitutive and body composition factors influencing bone health in community-dwelling older adults from Madeira, Portugal

This study describes the association between habitual physical activity (PA), other lifestyle/constitutive factors, body composition, and bone health/strength in a large sample of older adults from Madeira, Portugal.This cross-sectional study included 401 males and 401 females aged 60–79 years old. Femoral strength index (FSI) and bone mineral density (BMD) of the whole body, lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN), and total lean tissue mass (TLTM) and total fat mass (TFM) were determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-DXA. PA was assessed during face-to-face interviews using the Baecke questionnaire and for a sub-sample by Tritrac accelerometer. Demographic and health history information were obtained by telephone interview through questionnaire.The relationship between habitual PA variables and bone health/strength indicators (whole body BMD, FNBMD, LSBMD, and FSI) investigated using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was similar for females (0.098≤r≤0.189) and males (0.104≤r≤0.105). Results from standard multiple regression analysis indicated that the primary and most significant predictors for FNBMD in both sexes were age, TLTM, and TFM. For LSBMD, the most significant predictor was TFM in men and TFM, age, and TLTM in females. Our regression model explained 8.3–14.2% and 14.8–29.6% of the total variance in LSBMD and FNBMD for males and females, respectively.This study suggests that habitual PA is minimally but positively associated with BMD and FSI among older adult males and females and that body composition factors like TLTM and TFM are the strongest determinants of BMD and FSI in this population.

Psychological and socioeconomic health of community‐dwelling older adults

Different dimensions of health are intertwined. The purposes of this study were: (1) to investigate the psychological and socioeconomic health status of community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan, and (2) to compare the psychological and socioeconomic health differences among people of different age groups, gender, marital status, and exercise habits. Using stratified random sampling, 384 Taiwanese community-dwelling older adults were recruited for this survey research. Based on the Health Model of Older Adults, seven constructs were measured: (1) psychological health: sleep quality, emotional health, cognitive functioning, and health promotion behaviors; (2) socioeconomic health: social engagement, social support, and financial status. Results showed that most participants were in a good state of psychological and socioeconomic health, except that 38.02% of them suffered from sleep disruptions, and the majority of them were not involved in any social group, nor engaged in any volunteer work. Young-old older adults had better psychological and socioeconomic health than middle-old and old-old older adults. Male older adults had better psychological health than female older adults; however, they had less social engagement and social support than female older adults. Married older adults and exercisers performed better in most of the psychological and socioeconomic health indicators than single/widowed older adults and non-exercisers.

A Model-Based Survey of Physical Health in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Having a better comprehension of older adults' physical health can help healthcare professionals better design program activities to maintain and promote the health of this population. This study investigated the physical health of community-dwelling older adults and compared physical health differences among different age subgroups, gender, and exercise habits. Using stratified random sampling, 384 Taiwanese community-dwelling older adults were recruited in this survey research. Researchers used the Health Model of Older Adults to measure activities of daily living (6 indicators) and physical status (14 indicators). Analysis of variance and independent t test analyzed the data. Most participant physical health indicators were within normal ranges. Exceptions included central obesity (men: 42.90%, women: 80.30%), abnormal blood pressure (systolic: 47.10%, diastolic: 7%), and deteriorated lung capacity (men: 59.30%, women: 70.70%). Young-old subgroup participants (65-74 years old) and exercisers performed better in their activities of daily living and had better physical status than old-old subgroup participants (> 85 years old) and nonexercisers (all p < .05). Men had better physical status than women (all p < .05). Maintaining an active lifestyle and exercising regularly are essential to delaying or preventing the deterioration of natural aging. Physical tolerance, functional ability, educational level, and gender differences should be considered when designing a health promotion program for this population. It is essential for national health policy to enhance older adult health and promote active and healthy aging.

Prior Depression History and Deterioration of Physical Health in Community-Dwelling Older Adults—A Prospective Cohort Study

Depression worsens outcomes of physical illness. However, it is unknown whether this negative effect persists after depressive symptoms remit in older adults. This study examined whether prior depression history predicts deterioration of physical health in community-dwelling older adults. Prospective cohort study. Three urban communities in the United States. Three hundred fifty-one adults aged 60 years or older-145 with a history of major or nonmajor depression in full remission and 206 concurrent age- and gender-matched comparison subjects with no history of mental illness. Participants were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, 1 year, and 2 years for physical health functioning (the Physical Component Summary of the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) and chronic medical burden (the Chronic Disease Score). Given the repeated nature of measurements, linear mixed model regression was performed. Both physical functioning and chronic medical burden deteriorated more rapidly over time in the group with prior depression history compared with comparison subjects, and these changes were independent of the measures of mental health functioning, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality. Similar results were observed when those who developed depressive episodes during follow-up were excluded. A prior history of clinical depression is associated with a faster deterioration of physical health in community-dwelling older adults, which is not explained by current levels of depressive symptoms and mental health functioning or by recurrence of depressive episodes. Careful screening for a history of depression may identify those older adults at greatest risk for physical declines and chronic medical burden.

Determinants of perceived health in older adults with hypertension

To describe perceived health and assess the factors that contribute to perceived health in community-dwelling older adults diagnosed with hypertension. The study was a secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional study that examined community-dwelling adults' health status, use of health services, and access to care. Hierarchical regression identified factors that contributed to perceived health in 1485 adults aged 60 years and older who were diagnosed with hypertension. A model of nonmodifiable factors, support resources, and lifestyle factors explained a significant proportion of the variance in perceived health, most of which was captured by nonmodifiable factors. Attention to nonmodifiable factors is needed in both clinical practice and research to identify a subset of older adults diagnosed with hypertension who are at risk for poor perceived health.

Older Adults’ participation in preventive health maintenance activities and perceived satisfaction with the healthcare provider

Summary Objectives As the number of community-dwelling older adults increases, assisting them to maintain health is an optimal goal of care. Adherence to treatment plans, medical follow-up, and the participation in preventive health maintenance activities (PHMA) are primary approaches to health maintenance. But the impetus for this group to request or assent to PHMA remains unclear. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine whether satisfaction with healthcare providers influenced community-dwelling older adults’ participation in PHMA. Design A descriptive design was used to investigate whether healthcare satisfaction influenced participation in PHMA in a population of community-dwelling older adults. Sample, Setting, Measures Thirty-nine community-dwelling older adults completed two questionnaires, participation in PHMA and the patient satisfaction in healthcare providers scale. Results The majority of participants were satisfied with their healthcare providers but that finding had little influence on PHMA participation. Conclusions Healthcare provider satisfaction may play a limited part in influencing whether older adults participate in PHMA. The onus remains on the geriatric healthcare provider to educate, encourage, schedule, refer, and follow-up on the completion of PHMA to help safeguard the health of community-dwelling older adults.

Depressive symptoms and self-rated health in community-dwelling older adults: a longitudinal study.

To test whether baseline depressive symptoms in older adults increase the risk of subsequent decline in self-rated health and decrease the likelihood of subsequent improvement in self-rated health. A 2-year prospective cohort study. Six thousand seven hundred fourteen community-dwelling older persons who completed the first and second wave of the Asset and Health Dynamics among the Oldest-Old Survey in the United States. Community-dwelling older people in the United States. Baseline depressive symptoms were measured using a short-form of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Self-rated health was measured using a single item of global health rating. After adjustment for covariates, a high burden of depressive symptoms at baseline was predictive of greater decline in self-rated health (odds ratio (OR) for decline in those with high burden of depressive symptoms vs those without = 1.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.26-1.70). Likewise, high burden of depressive symptoms at baseline predicted less improvement in self-rated health (OR for improvement in those with high burden of depressive symptoms vs those without = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.50-0.65). Depressive symptomatology is an independent risk factor for subsequent changes in self-rated health in older adults. Thus, early prevention and intervention of depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults might be critical to promote and maintain their self-rated health.

Relationships among perceived enactment of autonomy, self-care, and holistic health in community-dwelling older adults.

The purpose of this article is to report findings from two studies of community-dwelling older adults. The focus of both studies was on delineating relationships among perceived enactment of autonomy (PEA) and selected self-care and health variables from the perspective of Modeling and Role-Modeling nursing theory. Results indicated that PEA, representing the potential for self-care action, was positively correlated to perceived control and morale in Study 1 and to life satisfaction in Study 2. Significant differences in PEA scores were found based on the health indicators of participation in social activities and reliance on others for shopping in Study 2. In addition, Study 1 found that morale, gender, age, perceived control, and education accounted for 39% of the variance in PEA. Implications are discussed for designing theory-based holistic nursing interventions to support PEA in older adults and to direct future research.

The Impact of Age, Gender, and Race on the Relationship Between Depression and Self-Rated Health in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine whether the prediction of baseline depression for subsequent changes in self-rated health is consistent across different age cohorts, gender, and racial groups. Data Sources and Study Setting: A total of 6,714 participants who were 65 years old or older and took part in both the first and the second wave of Assets and Health Dynamics among the Oldest-Old (AHEAD) national survey of community-dwelling older adults were examined. Study Design: A two-year prospective cohort study. Principle Findings: Baseline depression was an independent risk factor, which not only decreased the odds of having substantial improvement in self-rated health but also increased the possibility of having substantial decline in self-rated health in older men and women, and in Blacks and Whites of all age groups. Conclusions: Early prevention and treatment of depression among community-dwelling older adults may not only reduce their health decline but also promote their health.

Self Report of Sleep Symptoms in Older Adults: Correlates of Daytime Sleepiness and Health

Sleep problems in the healthy elderly were studied in 628 community-dwelling older adults. Self-report of daytime sleepiness in this group was evaluated. Self-reported snoring was significantly associated with reports of daytime sleepiness (p < 0.001), and reported health showed significant associations with age group (p < 0.001), reports of breathing problems (p < 0.001), and reports of excessive daytime sleepiness (p < 0.01). The data strongly support the impact of sleep-related factors on self-perceptions of health in community dwelling older adults. Even as a subjective self-report measure, snoring readily predicts self-reported problems with daytime sleepiness.