Later Years Of Life Research Articles

Visual acuity measurements in a national sample of British elderly people

BACKGROUNDDespite the fact that visual function has an important role in the quality of life in later years, very few studies have measured visual acuity in population based nationwide samples...

Emotion in late adulthood

Research on emotion in late adulthood has appeared only in the last decade. The aim of much of this work has been to consider whether or not emotional experience, and emotional expression and recognition, change during the later years of life. Research has linked emotion in late adulthood both to enduring personality factors and to social context. Of particular interest has been the influence of social support and marriage.Within a developmental framework, differential emotions theory and attachment theory have had a useful role to play in theoretical accounts of emotion in later years. Recently, attention has been paid to emotional wellbeing and the manner in which emotional regulation might contribute to successful ageing. In general, emotion is one area of human functioning that does not have to decline in the later years of life.

Estimating the proportion of Americans ever experiencing poverty during their elderly years.

This study estimates the age-specific and cumulative proportions of American adults who will experience poverty at some point during their elderly years. These life-span proportions represent a substantially different approach to understanding poverty than calculating either yearly cross-sectional rates or poverty spell durations. Our estimations are derived through a series of life tables built upon 25 waves of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID). The analyses indicate that 40% of America's elderly population will experience a year below the poverty line at some point between the ages of 60 and 90, and 48% of elders will experience poverty at the 125% level. The data further reveal that this life-span risk of poverty has remained relatively stable throughout the period of data collection (1968-1992). Finally, the likelihood of elderly Americans ever encountering a year below the poverty line increases dramatically for those who are Black, not married, and/or who have less than 12 years of education. Our results suggest that in spite of relatively low cross-sectional rates of elderly poverty in America, the likelihood of impoverishment at some point during the later years of life remains a very real possibility.

Intermediate and High Grade Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma in the Elderly

Many malignant tumors develop in the later years of life. One of malignancies that frequently occurs in older patients is non Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) with a median age at diagnosis over 60 years. The overall incidence of NHL has increased over the past decade and is expected to continue to rise in developed countries. So NHL will be diagnosed more in the future. In this review we discuss epidemiology, etiology, possible differences in tumor characteristics compared with younger NHL patients, treatment and treatment results in elderly NHL patients.

Risk factors for breast carcinoma in Singaporean Chinese women: the role of central obesity.

The incidence of breast carcinoma in Singapore has nearly doubled over the past 25 years. This prospective case-control study involving 1086 women (204 cases and 882 controls) was conducted to determine significant factors associated with the risk of breast carcinoma among Chinese women in Singapore ages 45 to 69 years. A forward stepwise logistic regression model adjusted for confounding variables of age, age at menarche, menopausal status, parity, age at first and last delivery, use of oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, family history of breast carcinoma, history of benign breast biopsy, smoking history, height, weight, body mass index, and waist to hip ratio was used. Central obesity as indicated by women with a larger waist to hip ratio was associated with highest risk for breast carcinoma (odds ratio [OR]: 9.18; 95% confidence interval [CI],4.8-17.5 comparing last and first quintile; P < 0.0001, chi-square test for trend). Significant trends were also noted for increasing height and breast carcinoma risk (P = 0.003, chi-square test). Women who were taller than 159 cm (OR: 2.3; 95% CI, 1.4-3.9) had approximately twice the risk of women shorter than 150 cm. Body mass index as a measure of generalized obesity did not significantly predict risk for breast carcinoma. Reproductive and menstrual factors significantly related to risk for breast carcinoma were number of deliveries (OR: 0.81; 95% CI, 0.7-0.9; P < 0.001), age at last delivery (P = 0.03), and use of hormone replacement therapy (OR: 0.54; 95% CI, 0.3-0.9; P = 0.01). Previous breast biopsy for benign disease was also associated with a higher risk for breast carcinoma (OR: 3.5; 95% CI, 2.1-5.7; P < 0.001). The authors conclude that the risk of breast carcinoma is strongly associated with changes in lifestyle related to caloric intake (central obesity and height) and reproductive or menstrual factors (number of deliveries, age at last delivery, age at menopause, and breast feeding). Better and excess nutrition in early and later years of life and fewer births (related to rapid urbanization) may explain in part the increasing incidence of breast carcinoma occurring in Singapore.

Participation in Religious Education and Life Satisfaction Among Older Adults

ABSTRACT Participation in older adult Bible study groups was investigated as a possible correlate to life satisfaction. Two hundred eighty-seven adults, 60 years of age and older, completed the Life Satisfaction in the Elderly Scale (LSES). Results of an ANCOVA indicated that participation in Bible study groups relates positively and significantly to life satisfaction in older adults when adjusted for the health variable. Older adults who participated regularly in Bible study groups scored significantly higher on the LSES than older adults who did not participate regularly in Bible study groups although they regularly attended worship services. Results suggest that religious education participation and life satisfaction may be related in such a way as to offer implications for improving quality of life in later years.

The Relationship of Housing Costs and Quality to Housing Satisfaction of Older American Homeowners: Regional and Racial Differences

The American population is aging and exhibits an increased desire and trend for aging-in-place. The high proportion of homeownership among older Americans influences this desire to remain in their own environment in the later years of life. Rapid increases in housing costs associated with securing and maintaining housing units have not deterred older Americans from desiring to sustain independent living. Recent studies of this older segment of the population have suggested the need to further investigate the association between housing costs, housing quality and residential satisfaction. Using 1991 American Housing Survey data of homeowners aged 65 and over, this study tested the effects of housing costs and quality on residential satisfaction, and examined these effects by regional and racial differences of the elderly homeowners. A logistic regression model was developed to estimate factors likely to affect the homeowners’ satisfaction. The results showed that the majority of elderly homeowners were very satisfied with their housing, and while some dwelling deficiencies were reported, the influence of housing quality on residential satisfaction was found positively related among the four regional and two racial classifications. Housing satisfaction in relationship to housing costs was significantly different by race; only White householders who paid more for housing reported greater residential satisfaction.As the American society ages, the housing market will focus more on the needs and desires of the older population, whose concerns will receive greater emphasis. In order for the market to meet the diversity of housing needs across regional and racial differences, it is vital for public policy makers, advisors, and advocates to understand the effects of indicators of housing satisfaction specific to this population. Based on this study, housing quality was one of the most influential factors contributing to older adult’s housing satisfaction. Policies and programs addressing housing quality will influence older Americans’ preferences for remaining in their own homes, and their quality of life, as well.

Studies of growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-I in polio survivors.

In the later years of life, many polio survivors develop post-polio syndrome manifested by progressive muscular weakness. Previous work by the authors showed low IGF-I level in polio survivors compared to age-matched controls. IGF-I concentration tended to be lower in polio survivors who were older, male, obese, and also in persons experiencing difficulty in the activities of daily living which were independent of other factors. IGF-I levels did not correlate with the subjective report of recent decline in functional status. Further studies of nocturnal GH secretion indicated that low IGF-I level was secondary to impaired growth hormone secretion. Low IGF-I levels in subjects with post-polio syndrome were corrected by physiologic doses of hGH and the response was dose dependent. Lesser dosage was required to normalize IGF-I level compared to standard dosages previously used in younger persons. Inasmuch as low IGF-I level resulting from GH deficiency is known to be associated with weakness, muscle atrophy, and decrease in aerobic work capacity, it is postulated that low IGF-I levels that occur in aging polio survivors may have an adverse effect on their neuromuscular function, and that hGH replacement may improve their functional status. Moreover, the new dose-response data may decrease the frequency of side effects in future hGH treatment of older adults.

Aging and Generational Relations: A Historical and Life Course Perspective

This review explores historical changes in generational relations in American society as they affect adaptation to the later years of life. Following a life course perspective, the review examines changes in the timing of life transitions, in family relations, and in generational and kin assistance and their impact on support in old age. In doing so, it demonstrates the significance of a historical and life course approach to the understanding of generational relations over time. Dispelling prevailing myths about coresidence and generational assistance in the past, the review discusses the circumstances under which nuclear household arrangements were modified and explores patterns of assistance inside and outside the household. It links demographic changes in the timing of life course transitions with patterns of supports to aging parents in the context of changing reciprocities among kin. By comparing two cohorts of adult children in an American community in terms of their supports to aging parents, as well as their attitudes toward generational assistance, the review identifies historical changes in the relations between generations in the larger context of family relations and kin assistance.

The Older Woman with Diabetes Mellitus

The human body wears out fast enough without the addition of a disease like diabetes that mimics a rapid, internal aging process. The older woman with diabetes faces multiple challenges, both physical and psychological. To control this life-threatening illness, she often is asked to participate in multiple self-care activities at a time when she needs or desires to slow down or do less-especially if a loved one has died. Or perhaps the care is given by nursing home personnel or family members. The health care professional working with her can be instrumental in helping her, or others involved in her care, to attain an improved quality of life. A good life in later years is possible for the diabetic woman, especially if small problems in self-care are addressed daily and thereby more complicated problems are prevented.

Aging and Generational Relations: A Historical and Life Course Perspective

This review explores historical changes in generational relations in American society as they affect adaptation to the later years of life. Following a life course perspective, the review examines changes in the timing of life transitions, in family relations, and in generational and kin assistance and their impact on support in old age. In doing so, it demonstrates the significance of a historical and life course approach to the understanding of generational relations over time. Dispelling prevailing myths about coresidence and generational assistance in the past, the review discusses the circumstances under which nuclear household arrangements were modified and explores patterns of assistance inside and outside the household. It links demographic changes in the timing of life course transitions with patterns of supports to aging parents in the context of changing reciprocities among kin. By comparing two cohorts of adult children in an American community in terms of their supports to aging parents, as well as their attitudes toward generational assistance, the review identifies historical changes in the relations between generations in the larger context of family relations and kin assistance.

CREATIVITY AND LIFE SATISFACTION OF OLDER ADULTS

According to Norcross (1990), making personal adjustments in life is a continuous process. These adjustments may involve the very survival of the individual. Torrance (1957) found that creativity was a key component of the U.S. Air Force's survival training from 1951‐1957. The training taught air crewmen how to survive emergency or extreme conditions. Although the crews practiced in simulated situations, the actual emergency or extreme condition would be a new situation with no learned or practiced solution. The survival of the air crewmen, the ability to find a solution or to adapt to the situation, would require his or her creativity. Torrance (1957) linked creativity to personal adjustment. However, no empirical evidence has been found that supports a relationship between creativity and personal adjustment. Personal adjustment has been used interchangeably with life satisfaction, and there has been some discussion in the literature of a relationship existing between life satisfaction and creativity. This study examined the potential link between creativity and life satisfaction in the later years of life.

Spinal fusion in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Sixty-eight patients from a clinical population of 183 patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy underwent posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation for progressive spinal deformity. Pulmonary complications were the most common postoperative problem, occurring in 17 per cent of the patients. A 35 per cent normal forced vital capacity was a reliable indicator of pulmonary complication risk. The patients with surgically stabilized spines were more comfortable in the later years of life and easier to care for, but deteriorating pulmonary function was not affected by the spinal fusion. The average age at death for the 29 boys who underwent spinal fusion was 18.3 years, which was similar to that of the 58 boys with scoliosis. Factors that improved the patients' quality of life included segmental instrumentation, fusion from T2 to the pelvis, correcting or balancing scoliosis, creating normal sagittal plane alignment and correcting pelvic obliquity.

How much physical activity is good for health?

Research studies over the past several decades confirm the health benefits of regular physical activity, a concept with foundations in antiquity. The effects of activity on certain individual health conditions, the precise dose of activity that is required for specific benefits, the role (if any) of intensity of effort, and the elucidation of biological pathways whereby activity contributes to health are topics for further research. Although details remain to be clarified, it is now clear that regular physical activity reduces the risk of morbidity and mortality from several chronic diseases and increases physical fitness, which leads to improved function. Table 3 outlines the relationship of activity to several diseases, a judgment on the strength of the evidence, and a rough determination of the amount of research extant. Results from clinical exercise studies and epidemiological investigations can be integrated into a consistent and coherent theory of healthful physical activity. However, some differences between these two research streams need to be reconciled. Exercise physiologists have generally recommended relatively intensive activity and a formal approach to exercise prescription. The epidemiological studies suggest a linear dose-response relationship, at least up to a point, between physical activity and health and functional effects. These data support public health recommendations directed toward the most sedentary and unfit stratum of the population and emphasize doing at least moderate physical activity. If this group of adults would accumulate 30 minutes of walking per day (or the equivalent energy expenditure in other activities), they would receive clinically significant health benefits. An important point is that it does not matter what type of physical activity is performed: Sports, planned exercise, household or yard work, or occupational tasks are all beneficial. The key factor is total energy expenditure; if that is constant, improvements in fitness and health will be comparable. There are probably 40 million adults in the US whose sedentary habits place them at considerably increased risk of morbidity and mortality from several diseases. These same individuals also are more likely to have functional limitations, especially as they move into the later years of life. The sizable independent relative risk for impaired health in sedentary persons, and the large number at risk, leads to a substantial public health burden. This problem deserves continued and increased attention by physicians and other health professionals, scientists, and the public health establishment.

The role of alterations in free radical metabolism in mediating cognitive impairments in Down's syndrome.

Down's syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder involving an excess of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21) in approximately 96% of the cases and comprises approximately 15% of the population with mental retardation (Heller, 1969). In addition to the constitutional mental deficiencies associated with the syndrome many DS patients develop dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in their later years of life (Thase et al., 1984). The genetic locus for Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1), a key enzyme in free radical metabolism, is located on chromosome 21, and the activity level of this enzyme is elevated by approximately 50% in a variety of cells of DS patients (see Kedziora and Bartosz, 1988; Sinet, 1982). Because alterations in free radical metabolism may be involved in neuronal death and may be associated with a number of pathological manifestations of DS, it is important to understand the role of free radical metabolism in cognitive impairments of DS, the topic discussed in this chapter.

Maturational and aging effects on guanine nucleotide binding protein immunoreactivity in human brain

Age-related changes in transmembrane signal transduction have been reported for a number of hormonal receptors in human tissues. Guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G-proteins) are major regulatory components in the signal transduction processes for numerous receptors. Developmental changes in the abundance of specific G-protein α subunits, especially for G o, have already been shown in rat brain and in neuronal cell lines. In this study, immunoblotting analyses were performed with specific rabbit polyclonal antisera to G sα, G iα, G oα, and Gβ subunits to estimate semi-quantitatively these G-protein subunits in samples of parietal cortex obtained postmortem from 18 subjects free of neurologic or psychiatric disease whose ages ranged from 3 days to 92 years. The G s and G iα subunit immunoreactivities were correlated significantly and inversely with age. The G iα immunoreactivity declined markedly (46%) after the age of 40. As other G-protein subunit concentrations showed no age-dependent changes, the observed relationship between G s and G iα subunits and age is not likely due to cell loss occurring with advancing age. Of particular interest, the ratio of 52 to 45 kDa G sα subunit immunoreactivities was significantly higher in infants than that found for adult parietal cortex. Given that changes in G-protein subunit abundance directly affect receptor-G-protein-effector functionality and response, these age-related alterations may be of importance in cerebral dysfunction and the development of neuropsychiatric disease in the later years of life.

SELF‐PERCEIVED CREATIVITY IN THE LATER YEARS: CASE STUDIES OF OLDER NEBRASKANS

Creativity has been thought to decline in the later years of life. Recent research and thought in the fields of aging and creativity challenge that assumption. The later years are rich with opportunities for creative expression. This study examined the creative lives of 20 older Nebraskans using a single‐factor, embedded case‐study design. Four research areas were considered: (a) patterns of creativity; (b) factors affecting creativity; (c) loci of control; and (d) new insights on creativity and aging. The results corroborated findings from recent research challenging the assumption of an inevitable decline in creativity with age. Three patterns of creativity were found: up‐down‐up, rising, and consistent. Having time available was found to be the factor most important to creative expression in the later years. Locus of control was not found to affect patterns of creativity. Subjects expressed their own insights and ideas about creativity and aging in response to an open‐ended question. Further analysis o...

Child growth and duration of breast feeding in urban Zambia.

The aim was to investigate the relationship between duration of breast feeding and growth of children. The study was a survey of randomly selected clusters of households. The study was community based and took place in an urban township with a population of over 43,000 people in Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. The sample consisted of 438 children aged 0 to 59 months surveyed between October 1984 and June 1986. Due to missing information, 394 children were used in the analysis. After controlling for confounding variables, duration of breast feeding was found to be associated with height for age among children in their first two years of life, but not in the later years of life. There was no significant protective effect of breast feeding on undernutrition and acute malnutrition as measured by weight for age and weight for height. The findings suggest that, in this community, duration of breast feeding is strongly associated with the linear growth experiences of children and the association changes with the infant's age. One strong risk factor suspected to be responsible for the poor growth performance of children in this study is the low nutritional quality of the weaning foods which are used to supplement breast milk during the lengthy weaning period.

Can Regular Sports Participation Slow the Aging Process? Data on Masters Athletes.

In brief: Even moderate sports participation is associated with enhanced functional capacity, according to data collected on 554 men and 202 women who underwent maximal exercise testing during the 1985 World Masters Games in Toronto. Their training was modest relative to elite competitors. Nevertheless, their peak power output during cycle ergometry and peak oxygen intake were above the norm for nonathletes of the same age, resembling the values of sedentary 25-year-olds. Such gains have major implications for maintaining independence in the later years of life. Thus encouraging older people to increase their physical activity would seem an important public health measure.

Nutritional Profile of Saudi Primary Schoolgirls in an Urban Region

Two hundred eighty-five primary schoolgirls from the urban area of Thugba, Al-Khobar, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia were examined anthropometrically. Hemoglobin estimations and laboratory...