Healthy Aging Research Articles

Normative Values of Echocardiographic Chamber Size and Function in Older Healthy Adults: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Echocardiographic (2-dimensional echocardiography) thresholds indicating disease or impaired functional status compared with normal physiological aging in individuals aged ≥65 years are not clearly defined. In the present study, we sought to establish standard values for 2-dimensional echocardiography parameters related to chamber size and function in older adults without cardiopulmonary or cardiometabolic conditions. In this cross-sectional study of 3032 individuals who underwent 2-dimensional echocardiography at exam 6 in the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis), 608 participants fulfilled our inclusion criteria of healthy aging, with normative values defined as the mean ± 1.96 standard deviation and compared across sex and race and ethnicity. Functional status measures included NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide), 6-minute walk distance, and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire. Prognostic performance using MESA cutoffs was compared with established guideline cutoffs using time-to-event analysis. The normative aging cohort (69.5±7.0 years, 46.2% male, 47.5% White) had lower NT-proBNP, higher 6-minute walk distance, and higher (better) Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire summary values. Women had significantly smaller chamber sizes and better biventricular systolic function. White participants had the largest chamber dimensions, whereas Chinese participants had the smallest, even after adjustment for body size. Current guidelines identified 81.6% of healthy older adults in MESA as having cardiac abnormalities. Among a large, diverse group of healthy older adults, we found significant differences in cardiac structure and function by sex and race/ethnicity, which may signal sex-specific cardiac remodeling with advancing age. It is crucial for existing guidelines to consider the observed and clinically significant differences in cardiac structure and function associated with healthy aging. Our study highlights that existing guidelines, which grade abnormalities in echocardiographic cardiac chamber size and function based on younger individuals, may not adequately address the anticipated changes associated with normal aging.

Associations between built environments, heterogeneous walking behaviors, and wellbeing among pre-older and older adults in an upcoming super-aged society

Introduction and objectiveResearch has investigated the associations of the built environment with walking and wellbeing among older adults. However, how diverse walking behaviors differentially connect the relationships between the built environment and wellbeing among Asian pre-older and older adults is less explored. Thus, this study examined the relationships between pre-older and older adults' perceived walkability of the built environment, transport walking, recreational walking, health, and life satisfaction to identify tailored strategies for wellbeing promotion. MethodsData were collected by a face-to-face questionnaire survey from 162 pre-older adults aged 50–64 and 169 older adults aged above 65 in urbanized areas of Taiwan, an upcoming super-aged Asian society. Path analysis was used to examine the mentioned relationships while controlling sociodemographics and body mass index. ResultsThe results indicated that land use diversity facilitated transport and recreational walking among pre-older adults but undermined transport walking among older adults. Moreover, recreational walking increased health and life satisfaction among pre-older adults, whereas both transport and recreational walking facilitated health and life satisfaction among older adults. Overall, recreational walking was more influential in wellbeing than transport walking for both groups. ConclusionsAs adults age, land use diversity becomes an adverse factor in walking, and walking becomes more pivotal in the association between built environments and wellbeing. Policymakers in Asia could draw on the determinants of pre-older and older adults' wellbeing to promote aging preparation and healthy aging.

The influence of community park characteristics on satisfaction in Guangzhou: Moderating and mediating effects analysis

Community parks in old urban areas have problems such as outdated facilities and low quality, which inhibit the development of healthy aging. However, limited research has examined the correlation between such park characteristics and park satisfaction among elderly individuals. Additionally, the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. In this investigation, a moderated mediation framework grounded in self-determination theory was formulated to probe the interplay between these variables, with a specific focus on the mediating influence of social self-efficacy among the elderly and the moderating effect of use intention. A questionnaire survey (N = 319) was conducted in Shamian Park, Guangzhou, employing structural equation modeling for data analysis. Findings indicate that, even after controlling for demographic factors, park characteristics not only exert a direct influence on satisfaction but also exhibit an indirect impact through the mediation of social self-efficacy, with both pathways being moderated by use intention. This study has implications for how to improve the design of community parks in old urban areas in developing countries to better meet the basic needs of the elderly and promote healthy aging.

Cross-talk on the interplay between caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, and healthy aging

Cross-talk on the interplay between caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, and healthy aging

Cognitive function in different motor subtypes of Parkinson's disease: A systematic review protocol.

As the fastest-growing neurological disorder globally, a better understanding of Parkinson's disease (PD) is needed to improve patient outcomes and reduce the increasing economic and healthcare burden associated with the disease. Whilst classified as a movement disorder, this disease is highly heterogeneous, encompassing a broad range of both motor and non-motor symptoms (NMS). Cognitive impairment, presenting as either mild cognitive impairment or PD-dementia, is one of the most prevalent and disabling NMS. To better understand heterogeneity in PD, researchers have sought to identify subtypes of individuals who share similar symptom profiles. To date, this research has predominantly focused on motor subtyping, with many studies comparing these motor subtypes on non-motor outcomes, such as cognitive impairment. However, despite evidence of a motor-cognitive relationship in healthy aging, findings regarding the presence of a motor-cognitive relationship in PD are inconsistent. In our proposed systematic review, we will investigate motor subtyping studies that have evaluated the relationship between motor and cognitive function in PD. We aim to examine what is currently known about the relationship between motor and cognitive impairment in PD and evaluate the state of the field with respect to the subtyping methods and quality of cognitive assessment tools used. Systematic literature searches will be conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science. Results will be synthesized using meta-analysis and, where meta-analysis is not feasible, narrative synthesis. Despite the preponderance of motor subtyping research in PD, our study will be the first to systematically review evidence regarding the association between motor subtypes and cognitive impairment. Understanding the nature of the motor-cognitive relationship in PD may lead to important insights regarding shared underlying disease pathology, which would have significant implications for early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cognitive impairment in PD.

Physical Activity and Oxidative Stress in Aging.

Biological aging, characterized by changes in metabolism and physicochemical properties of cells, has an impact on public health. Environment and lifestyle, including factors like diet and physical activity, seem to play a key role in healthy aging. Several studies have shown that regular physical activity can enhance antioxidant defense mechanisms, including the activity of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. However, intense or prolonged exercise can also lead to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production temporarily, resulting in oxidative stress. This phenomenon is referred to as "exercise-induced oxidative stress". The relationship between physical activity and oxidative stress in aging is complex and depends on various factors such as the type, intensity, duration, and frequency of exercise, as well as individual differences in antioxidant capacity and adaptation to exercise. In this review, we analyzed what is reported by several authors regarding the role of physical activity on oxidative stress in the aging process as well as the role of hormesis and physical exercise as tools for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia, an aging-related disease. Finally, we reported what has recently been studied in relation to the effect of physical activity and sport on aging in women.

Functional Status in Relation to Common Geriatric Syndromes and Sociodemographic Variables - A Step Forward Towards Healthy Aging.

Geriatric syndromes (GS) are prevalent in the older population, with an impact on morbidity and disability. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of functional dependence and ten GS in community older adults and to examine the different associations between these syndromes and sociodemographic variables and their impact on functional dependence. A cross-sectional study of 342 outpatients seen at the geriatric clinic in the period 2015-2023. The mean age was 75±7.4. One-third had functional dependence and 96.2% had at least one GS. The mean number of GS was 3.11±1.74, ranging from 2.56±1.67 in the 60s to 3.55±1.70 in octogenarians. The most common GS found were polypharmacy (79.5%), musculoskeletal pain (49.7%), and Major Neurocognitive Disorder (MND) (32.7%). Polypharmacy was significantly associated with female sex and chronic pain, whereas sensory impairment was associated with male sex. MND, dizziness, and urinary incontinence were the only GS that significantly predicted functional dependence and were typically associated with increasing age. Functional dependence increases as individuals age, paralleled by increases in MND, urinary incontinence, dizziness, sensory impairment, and constipation. Notably, only MND, incontinence, depression, and dizziness were significant predictors of functional dependence. Consequently, it is imperative to screen older adults presenting with these syndromes for early signs of functional decline to optimize their function and avert subsequent dependence, morbidity, and mortality.

Vaccination for healthy aging.

As the world's population grows older, vaccination is becoming a key strategy for promoting healthy aging. Despite scientific progress in adult vaccine development, obstacles such as immunosenescence and vaccine hesitancy remain. To unlock the potential of adult vaccines fully, we must enhance immunization programs, dispel misinformation, and invest in research that deepens our understanding of aging and immunity.

Catecholamines: Influence on healthy aging and the progression of neurodegenerative diseases

Catecholamines: Influence on healthy aging and the progression of neurodegenerative diseases

Time-Restricted Feeding Mitigates Age-Related Cognitive Decline: Impacts on Neurovascular Coupling and Blood-Brain Barrier

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and age-related cognitive decline are mediated by alterations in microvascular function, cerebral blood flow (CBF), neurovascular coupling (NVC) responses and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. The pathogenesis of VCI can be influenced by lifestyle factors like exercise, nutrition, and dietary habits. Time-restricted feeding (TRF) offers an accessible intervention that can be employed during aging. This study is aimed at investigating the cerebromicrovascular effects of TRF on NVC responses and BBB integrity in aged mice to explore potential novel interventions against the age-related loss of cognitive function. We hypothesized that TRF would improve NVC responses and BBB integrity during aging to prevent age-related cognitive decline. To test this hypothesis, 18-month-old C57BL/6 mice were placed on TRF regimen for 6 months, where they received ad libitum feeding for 6 hours each day. 6- and 24-month-old mice fed 24 hours/day ad libitum were used as controls. All three groups were subjected to cognitive tests including radial-arms water maze (RAWM). NVC was assessed by measuring CBF using last speckle contrast imaging while performing contralateral whisker stimulation, and BBB integrity was measured through extravasation of tracers in various sizes using intravital two-photon imaging. We found that aged mice had significant impairment in NVC responses. 6 months of TRF improved BBB integrity and rescued NVC responses, and significantly improved learning and spatial memory. This study emphasizes the importance of maintaining cerebromicrovascular integrity to promote healthy brain aging and cognitive health. The establishment of the mechanisms by which TRF exerts benefits during aging provides pertinent information to the future development of therapeutic strategies to prevent VCI. Stephenson Cancer Center, National Institute of Aging R03 AG070479, American Heart Association. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Functional and Combined Training Promote Body Recomposition and Lower Limb Strength in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial and a Time Course Analysis.

Encouraging healthy aging in postmenopausal women involves advocating for lifestyle modifications, including regular physical exercise like combined training (CT) and functional training (FT). Regarding this population, age-related alterations in body composition, such as decreased muscle mass and heightened adipose tissue, impact health. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of FT and CT on body recomposition in postmenopausal women. About the methods, we randomly allocated 96 post-menopausal women to the FT, CT, or control group (CG). We measured body composition by bioimpedance and lower limb muscle strength by sit-to-stand test in five repetitions, respectively. The training protocol lasted 16 weeks, and we measured body composition and lower limb muscle strength every 4 weeks, totaling five assessments. Regarding results, we notice that both training groups increased lean mass from the 8th week of training. In addition, a reduction was observed in total fat percentage and an increase in appendicular lean mass from the 12th week of intervention. No differences were found for body mass. Furthermore, only the experimental groups increase muscle strength, starting from the 4th week of training. The conclusion was that FT and CT promote similar adaptations in body recomposition without affecting body mass in postmenopausal women.

Clinical validation of C12FDG as a marker associated with senescence and osteoarthritic phenotypes.

Chronic conditions associated with aging have proven difficult to prevent or treat. Senescence is a cell fate defined by loss of proliferative capacity and the development of a pro-inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype comprised of cytokines/chemokines, proteases, and other factors that promotes age-related diseases. Specifically, an increase in senescent peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), including T cells, is associated with conditions like frailty, rheumatoid arthritis, and bone loss. However, it is unknown if the percentage of senescent PBMCs associated with age-associated orthopedic decline could be used for potential diagnostic or prognostic use in orthopedics. Here, we report senescent cell detection using the fluorescent compound C12FDG to quantify PBMCs senescence across a large cohort of healthy and osteoarthritic patients. There is an increase in the percent of circulating C12FDG+ PBMCs that is commensurate with increases in age and senescence-related serum biomarkers. Interestingly, C12FDG+ PBMCs and T cells also were found to be elevated in patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, a progressive joint disease that is strongly associated with inflammation. The percent of C12FDG+ PBMCs and age-related serum biomarkers were decreased in a small subgroup of study participants taking the senolytic drug fisetin. These results demonstrate quantifiable measurements in a large group of participants that could create a composite score of healthy aging sensitive enough to detect changes following senolytic therapy and may predict age-related orthopedic decline. Detection of peripheral senescence in PBMCs and subsets using C12FDG may be clinically useful for quantifying cellular senescence and determining how and if it plays a pathological role in osteoarthritic progression.

Low Testosterone Accelerates Age-Associated Declines in Kidney Function Assessed via Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate in Men

Kidney function declines with increasing age and more than 50% of seniors over the age of 75 years are believed to have overt kidney disease. Data regarding declines in kidney function around the age of menopause in women are consistent with what would be expected of age alone, suggesting that the loss of estrogens do not contribute to declines in kidney function. In contrast, reports indicate that androgen deprivation therapy reduces estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and increases the risk of acute kidney injury, highlighting a possible influence of testosterone (T) on kidney function. The influence of age-related declines in T on declines in kidney function in otherwise healthy aging men has yet to be determine. PURPOSE: To determine the influence of low T on age-related declines in eGFR in men. Methods: Healthy young (YM; 18-40 years) and middle-aged/older (MA/O; 50-75 years) men participated. MA/O men were categorized as having either low (<300 ng/dL) or normal (400-1000 ng/dL) T via a venous blood draw. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were quantified and eGFR was calculated using the 2021 CKD-EPI creatinine equation. Differences in eGFR and BUN were examined using the Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn’s multiple comparisons test in the case of a significant main effect. Results: 23 YM (age: 29±4 y, T: 508±60 ng/dL), 23 MA/O men with low T (age: 59±7 y, T: 267±44 ng/dL), and 58 MA/O men with normal T (age: 58±6 y, T: 480±72 ng/dL) participated. Serum creatinine was significantly higher in MA/O men with low T (1.05±0.12 mg/dL) compared to YM (0.95±0.14 mg/dL, p=0.043) and MA/O men with normal T (0.96±0.11 mg/d, p=0.019). There were no differences between YM and MA/O men with normal T (p=0.956). There were significant age-associated declines in eGFR (YM= 109.9±14.3 vs. MA/O men with normal T= 90.1±9.3 mL/min/1.73m2, p<0.001) that were exaggerated in MA/O men with low T (82.6±10.4 mL/min/1.73m2, p=0.044 vs. MA/O men with normal T). BUN was significantly higher in MA/O men (normal T=17.2±3.4 mg/dL, low T=19.2 mg/dL) compared to YM (15.1±3.7 mg/dL, p=0.033 vs. normal T and p<0.001 vs. low T), but there was no difference between MA/O men with normal or low T (p=0.110). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that age-associated declines in testosterone contribute to declines in kidney function in otherwise healthy men. These data contrast evidence in women suggesting that the loss of estrogen during the menopause transition does not accelerate kidney dysfunction, suggesting sex differences in the mechanisms of kidney dysfunction. This work was supported by NIH grants R01AG049762, K01HL164978, U54A062319, T32AG000279, the Colorado Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute UL1TR001082, Colorado Nutrition and Obesity Research Center P30DK048520, and the Eastern Colorado GRECC. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

A 2-Year Calorie Restriction Intervention Improves Diet Quality Without Compromising Nutritional Adequacy: The CALERIE Trial

Background: The Comprehensive Assessment of Long-Term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy (CALERIE) was the first randomized controlled trial of calorie restriction (CR) on biomarkers of aging and cardiometabolic health in humans without obesity. Objective: To determine diet quality and nutritional adequacy during a 2y calorie restriction intervention among healthy adults without obesity. Design: CALERIE phase 2 was a multi-site, randomized controlled trial of 2y of CR vs. ad libitum (AL) control. CR participants received extensive dietary education and support. Food diaries were completed at baseline and months 6, 12, 18, and 24 and analyzed using NDSR. Diet quality was evaluated using the PANDiet diet quality index. Nutritional adequacy was defined using sex- and age-specific Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) or Adequate Intake (AI) criteria for each nutrient. Results: 220 participants completed baseline assessments and were randomized (145 CR, 75 AL; 70% women, age 38±7 y, BMI 25.1±1.7 kg/m2); 86% completed the 2y study. The level of calorie restriction achieved averaged 11.9±0.7% during the 2y intervention. Diet quality improved in the CR group (BL 74.3±5.1%; CR average 76.3±5.3%, p < 0.0001), but not in the AL group ( p < 0.0002 between groups). Nutritional adequacy improved modestly in CR, but not in AL. More than 90% of CR participants achieved 100% of EAR or AI during CR for protein, carbohydrate, 6 of 12 vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12), and 5 of 9 minerals (copper, iron, phosphorus, selenium, sodium). Nutrients for which <90% of participants achieved adequacy included fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B5, B9, C, E, and K, and the minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Conclusion: A 2y CR intervention designed to promote healthy aging and comprised of comprehensive nutrition counseling promoted improvements in diet quality and maintenance or improvements in nutritional adequacy. This research was supported by grants U01AG020478, U01AG020480, U01AG020487, U01AG022132, U24AG047121, R33AG070455, and R01AG071717 from the National Institute on Aging. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

ALCOHOL DRINKING MAY MODIFY THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HDL-CHOLESTEROL AND CORONARY CALCIUM SCORE IN AN OLDER POPULATION

Objective: The associations between lipids and Coronary Calcium Score (CAC score) remain controversial. We aimed to investigate if high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is correlated with Coronary Calcium Score among older adults. Design and method: A total of 819 older aged more than 55 years old (Men: 378 and Women: 441) without coronary sent from the Healthy Aging Longitudinal Study in Taiwan were evaluated the Coronary Calcium Score by Low-Dose CT Scan in 2023. The metabolic features were measured at baseline (2nd wave 2014∼2019). CAC score was calculated by the Agatston score formula by an FDA-approved automated AI program (AView, Coreline) and modified by an experienced cardiac CT technologist if necessary. Linear and logistic regression were used to investigate the association between HDL-cholesterol and CAC score. Results: The median [Q1 and Q3] of CAC score was 122.6 [23.2 and 392.7]. The proportion of all older adults was 20.15% (n=165) for CAC Score less than ten, 55.31% (n=453) for CAC score between 11 and 400, and 24.5% for CAC score more than 400. HDL-Cholesterol (age-sex adjusted R [adj-R]=-0.208, p<.0001) and triglycerides (adj-R=0.122, p<.0001) were significantly associated with log-CAC, but LDL-cholesterol (adj-R=-0.005, p=0.8915) and total cholesterol(adj-R=-0.054, p=0.1237) did not. All blood pressure measures, body mass index, and waist circumference were significantly positively associated with log-CAC. Older age, male gender, elevated systolic blood pressure, higher HBA1C, and lower HDL-C were independently associated with CAC. Furthermore, HDL-C was significantly associated with log-CAC Score in those with alcohol drinking habits (standardized beta [STB] = -0.207, p=0.003), but not in those without alcohol drinking habits (STB=-0.05, p=0.2717) (p-value for interaction=0.016). The odds ratios of low HDL-cholesterol (<40 for men and <50 mg/dL for women) at baseline for higher CAC (<10, 11∼400, 400+) were 1.91 (95% confidence intervals: 1.10∼3.31) and 1.26 (0.85∼1.85) for those with and without alcohol drinking habits, respectively. Conclusions: Lower HDL-cholesterol was associated with higher future CAC scores among older adults in this retrospective design. Furthermore, this association could be altered by alcohol consumption.

Resting Beat-to-Beat Blood Pressure Variability in Young, Healthy, Non-Hispanic Black Females

Background: Non-Hispanic Black (BL) individuals are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease and hypertension compared to other racial groups. Beat-to-beat blood pressure variability (BPV) is a known predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Our laboratory recently reported an augmented resting beat-to-beat BPV in non-Hispanic BL males compared to their White (WH) male counterparts. However, racial differences in beat-to-beat BPV between non-Hispanic BL and non-Hispanic WH females are unknown. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that young, healthy, non-Hispanic BL females have elevated resting beat-to-beat BPV compared to healthy age and body mass index matched WH females. Methods: We studied 12 young healthy non-Hispanic BL females (20 ± 2 years, 25.2 ± 4 kg/m2, mean ± standard deviation) and 12 young healthy non-Hispanic WH females (22 ± 3 years, 22.7 ± 3 kg/m2; P = 0.13 and P = 0.10, respectively). Beat-to-beat arterial blood pressure (finger photoplethysmography) was continuously recorded during ten minutes of supine rest. Mean, standard deviation (SD), range, coeffcient of variation, and average real variability (ARV) were calculated for systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Results: Resting absolute SBP (BL: 113 ± 12 mmHg; WH: 112 ± 7 mmHg; P = 0.98), DBP (BL: 69 ± 7 mmHg; WH: 66 ± 5 mmHg; P = 0.22), and MAP (BL: 83 ± 7 mmHg; WH: 81 ± 4 mmHg; P = 0.48) were not different between groups. Likewise, beat-to-beat SBP SD (BL: 3.5 ± 0.78 mmHg; WH: 4.0 ± 1.16 mmHg; P = 0.21), range (BL: 21 ± 5 mmHg; WH: 24 ± 6 mmHg; P = 0.26), coeffcient of variation (BL: 3.01 ± 0.82%; WH: 3.56 ± 0.96%; P = 0.20), and ARV (BL: 2.02 ± 0.46; WH: 2.26 ± 0.6; P = 0.27) were not different between BL and WH females. There were also no differences in any of the beat-to-beat BPV measures for DBP or MAP between BL and WH females (all P > 0.05). Conclusion: In contrast to our hypothesis and previous work in non-Hispanic BL males, these preliminary data suggest that beat-to-beat BPV is not different between non-Hispanic BL and WH females. This work was supported by the College of Nursing and Health Innovation. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Age reporting by and for older people in Uganda: relationships with frailty, human capital and population registration

In this article, we investigate the accuracy of age reporting by people aged 60 and older and proxy reporting by their carers in a peri-urban area of Uganda, and analyse the factors that influence reporting by both groups. We find a high level of age heaping on terminal digits 0 and 5, indicating poor knowledge of age. Contrary to other studies, we find that literate people were more likely to exhibit age heaping. We link this to the absence of birth registration for this cohort and the introduction of National Identification (ID) cards in Uganda five years before our survey. We conclude that age heaping is better interpreted as an indicator of registration machinery than of human capital. We also find that the health, functional capabilities and education of older people influenced the age ascribed to them by their carers. Carers who knew the older people less well were more likely to overestimate their age, and carers of healthy and more educated people were more likely to report a younger age than that reported by the older people themselves. Where people don’t know their age, the age they report may also be influenced by their health and capabilities, making it difficult to establish true relationships between chronological age and outcomes such as health. In many disciplines, self-reported age or age reported by proxy respondents is accepted uncritically by researchers, but our study shows that in peri-urban Uganda age reporting remains approximate and biased, and this has strong implications for appropriate targeting and monitoring of interventions to support healthy ageing in such contexts.

Burden of frailty and its correlates among the elderly: a cross-sectional study in a rural community of West Bengal

ABSTRACT Context: With the ageing of Indian society, providing a healthy life among older people is a public health precedence. Therefore, beforehand discovery and possible forestalment of frailty may help promote healthy ageing and dwindle the social, mental and financial burden of their families and caregivers. Aims: The study aimed to assess the proportion of frailty and its associated factors among the elderly aged 65 years and above in a rural community of West Bengal. Settings and Design: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 270 elderlies selected from 15 villages out of a total 64 villages of Singur under the Hooghly District of West Bengal from January 2019 to February 2020. Materials and Methods: Cluster sampling technique was used. Data was collected using a pre-designed, pre-tested structured schedule including Fried frailty phenotype (FFP), geriatric depression scale short form (GDS 15) and mini nutritional assessment (MNA) tool. Statistical Analysis Used: Associated factors of frailty were assessed by univariate and multivariable logistic regression using SPSS version 16 software and MS Excel 2019. Results: The proportion of frailty was observed to be 23.7% and that of prefrailty 40.7%. Frailty was significantly associated with increasing age [AOR(CI) 1.2(1.1-1.3)], decreasing years of schooling [AOR(CI) 1.3(1.1-1.5)], loss of spouse [AOR(CI) 4.2(1.2-15.2)], financial dependency [AOR(CI) 19.3(2.7-139.0)], staying at home [AOR(CI) 16.3(2.7-98.2)], presence of anaemia [AOR(CI) 3.6(1.3-9.5)], at risk of malnutrition [AOR(CI) 6.5(1.9-22.3)], increasing number of falls in the last 1 year [AOR(CI) 4.3(1.2-15.6)], presence of 3 or more chronic diseases [AOR(CI) 154.7(12.1-1981.9)] and depression [AOR(CI) 8.3(2.5-27.0)]. Conclusion: The burden of frailty among the study population is relatively high. It’s an intimidating situation that needs bettered screening provisions for early discovery with special stress on nutritive upliftment. Screening for depression should also be done regularly.

Association between Flavonoid Intake and Cognitive Executive Function among African American and White Adults in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) Study.

Healthy dietary patterns rich in flavonoids may benefit cognitive performance over time. Among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, the association between flavonoid intake and measures of cognition is unclear. This study sought to identify associations between flavonoid intake and cognitive performance among Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study participants (n = 1947) across three study visits. Flavonoid intakes were assessed via two 24-h dietary recalls. Cognitive performance was assessed via the Trail Making Test (TMT)-A and TMT-B, which provide measures of attention and executive function, respectively. Mixed effects linear regression was used to model TMT scores over three study visits against visit 1 (v1) flavonoid intake, time (years from v1), and the interaction between v1 flavonoid intake and time, capturing both the cross-sectional association between flavonoid intake and time at v1 as well as the longitudinal association between v1 flavonoid intake and the change in TMT scores over time. Prior to adjustment, inverse cross-sectional associations at v1 were observed between (1) anthocyanidin intake and TMT-A scores for the overall sample and (2) total flavonoid, anthocyanidin, flavan-3-ol, flavone, and flavonol intake and TMT-B scores for the overall sample and among White adults. Only the association between anthocyanidin intake and TMT-B at v1 among White adults persisted after adjustment (for demographic characteristics such as age). One possible explanation for the few significant associations is universally low flavonoid intakes resulting from the consumption of an unhealthy dietary pattern.

Healthy aging with sport: A case-report of an 81 years-old Italian man

Age-related decreases in endurance performance are well known. However, several researches have been carried out on octogenarian athletes, who achieved high performance in some endurance sports. This case report aimed to discuss exercise capacity, body composition and the cardiovascular and common risk factors of an 81-year-old man with a high level of physical activity. The man had a body mass index of 25.59 kg/m2 with a high percentage of skeletal muscle mass (79%). Maximal oxygen uptake was 39.5 mL/min/Kg and oxygen pulse was 18.7 mL/beat showing an excellent exercise capacity. Heart and pulmonary functions were optimal for his age. Bioelectrical phase angle was higher than the average values for his age and gender. Physical activity carried out continuously is confirmed a predictor of healthy state in elderly age, however it is mandatory that master athletes carry out periodic checks of their state of health and monitor vital parameters during intense training.