Life In Elderly Adults Research Articles

Quality of life in elderly adults with infarct code in cardiac rehabilitation

Quality of life in elderly adults with infarct code in cardiac rehabilitation

Association between nut consumption and frailty in the elderly: a large sample cross-sectional study.

Limited literature has addressed the impact of nut consumption in mitigating frailty. This study aimed to investigate the association between nut consumption and frailty among Americans aged above 60 years, employing two 24-h dietary recalls for analysis. The data sets of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2003-2018) and the Food Patterns Equivalents Database were utilised for a weighted multiple logistic regression model to evaluate the association between nut consumption and frailty in elderly adults. Furthermore, a restricted cubic spline model was employed to investigate the nonlinear relationship between nut intake and frailty. Besides, stratified and interaction analyses were conducted to explore the sensitivity of nut consumption in reducing the risk of frailty in diverse subgroups. The research study comprised 10,033 individuals aged 60 years or above, of whom 3591 were classified as frailty and 5302 consumed nuts. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis that adjusted for covariates, the weighted multivariate adjusted odds ratios demonstrated that the prevalence of frailty was lower in the nut intake group than in nonconsumers. The stratified analysis indicated that nearly all subgroups who consumed nuts had a significantly lower risk of frailty compared to nonconsumers, and an interaction was observed between nut intake and nonhypertensive populations. The optimal threshold for nut intake to decrease the risk of frailty was identified as 1.02 ounces. The study concluded that nut consumption has a constructive impact on averting frailty in elderly adults, particularly in nonhypertensive individuals. Nut intake of ~1.02 ounces per day is advantageous in improving the quality of life in elderly adults.

Effects of social isolation on quality of life in elderly adults.

Prolonged periods of social isolation are known to have significant negative health consequences and reduce quality of life, an effect that is particularly pronounced in older populations. Despite the known deleterious effects of social isolation, a key component of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been the issuance of stay at home and/or shelter in place orders. Relatively little is known about the potential effects these periods of social isolation could have on older adults, and less still is known about potential risk factors or protective factors that modulate these effects. Here, we describe results from a longitudinal study in which we measured quality of life both prior to and immediately following a one-month period of social isolation associated with the issuance and revocation of a shelter in place order (April 6, 2020 through May 4, 2020) in the state of South Carolina. Healthy adult participants (N = 62) between the ages of 60 and 80 who had already completed quality of life questionnaires prior to isolation again completed the questionnaires following a one-month order to shelter in place. Quality of life significantly decreased during the social isolation period, with older participants showing the greatest declines. Participants with higher levels of physical activity and better physical/mental health going into the isolation period tended to show greater decreases in quality of life over time. These results highlight the negative consequences of even short bouts of social isolation for the elderly and suggest that reductions in social contact related to COVID-19 may have significant effects on mental health and emotional well-being, at least among older individuals.

Adiponectin promotes muscle regeneration through binding to T-cadherin

Skeletal muscle has remarkable regenerative potential and its decline with aging is suggested to be one of the important causes of loss of muscle mass and quality of life in elderly adults. Metabolic abnormalities such as obesity were linked with decline of muscle regeneration. On the other hand, plasma levels of adiponectin are decreased in such metabolic conditions. However, plasma levels of adiponectin have been shown to inversely correlate with muscle mass and strength in elderly people especially with chronic heart failure (CHF). Here we have addressed whether adiponectin has some impact on muscle regeneration after cardiotoxin-induced muscle injury in mice. Muscle regeneration was delayed by angiotensin II infusion, mimicking aging and CHF as reported. Adiponectin overexpression in vivo decreased necrotic region and increased regenerating myofibers. Such enhanced regeneration by excess adiponectin was also observed in adiponectin null mice, but not in T-cadherin null mice. Mechanistically, adiponectin accumulated on plasma membrane of myofibers both in mice and human, and intracellularly colocalized with endosomes positive for a multivesicular bodies/exosomes marker CD63 in regenerating myofibers. Purified high-molecular multimeric adiponectin similarly accumulated intracellularly and colocalized with CD63-positive endosomes and enhanced exosome secretion in differentiating C2C12 myotubes but not in undifferentiated myoblasts. Knockdown of T-cadherin in differentiating C2C12 myotubes attenuated both adiponectin-accumulation and adiponectin-mediated exosome production. Collectively, our studies have firstly demonstrated that adiponectin stimulates muscle regeneration through T-cadherin, where intracellular accumulation and exosome-mediated process of adiponectin may have some roles.

Self-care and sense of life in elderly adults who have diabetes mellitus in Tumbes hospital

Self-care and sense of life in elderly adults who have diabetes mellitus in Tumbes hospital

Quality of life in elderly adults before and after hearing aid fitting

Presbycusis is a common disorder in the elderly, which causes hearing loss and may contribute to the development of some psychiatric disorders, leading to isolation due to communication difficulties in the social environment. ObjectiveTo identify through the WHOQOL (World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire), the quality of life of hearing impaired individuals before and after hearing aid fittings. MethodWe had 30 individuals with hearing loss, all over 60 years of age - patients from a Speech Therapy Clinic. The patients answered the WHOQOL questions without the use of hearing aids; and after the effective use of a sound amplification device for a period of three months they answered it again. The WHOQOL - Bref consists of 26 questions, two general quality-of-life questions and 24 associated with four aspects: physical, psychological, environmental and social relations. ResultsThere was a significant improvement in quality of life in general, as far as leisure activities were concerned, there were no major changes regarding the frequency of negative feelings; even after the hearing aid fitting, the patients continue to have such feelings. ConclusionThe use of hearing aids favored the overall quality of life of the individuals evaluated.

노인의 아침식사에 따른 건강관련 삶의 질

본 연구는 노인의 아침식사와 건강관련 삶의 질의 관련성을 파악하기 위해 시행되었다. 2010년부터 2012년까지 국민건강영양조사 자료를 분석하였으며 65세 이상 4035명의 자료를 분석하였고 SAS 9.3 version을 이용하여 복합표본설계를 고려한 SAS SURVEY procedure로 t-test, 카이스퀘어, 로지스틱회귀분석으로 분석하였다. 노인의 아침 결식률은 4.7%였고 여성, 혼자 사는 노인에게서 아침결식률이 높았으며 음주, BMI에서 유의한 차이를 보였다. 아침식사를 하는 노인의 건강관련 삶의 질은 0.85, 아침을 결식하는 노인의 건강관련 삶의 질은 0.81이었다. 식사의 횟수가 증가할수록 건강관련 삶의 질은 높은 것으로 나타났고 아침식사를 하는 노인들이 건강관련 삶의 질 중 통증/불편감, 불안/우울 영역에서 삶의 질이 높은 것으로 나타났다. 아침식사는 노인의 건강관련 삶의 질과 관련이 있는 것으로 나타나 노인을 대상으로 아침식사의 중요성에 대한 인식과 개선이 필요하며 식습관을 개선하기 위한 프로그램 개발과 적용을 통한 건강관련 삶의 질 향상을 도모해야 한다. 【This study was conducted to determine the correlation between breakfast consumption and health-related quality of life in elderly adults. It analyzed the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2010 to 2012, using a sample of 4,035 people aged 65 or above. Analysis followed the SAS SURVEY procedure, considering the complex sample design. A t-test, a chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis were performed using SAS version 9.3. The rate of skipping breakfast by elderly adults was 4.7%, and it was higher in women and elderly adults living alone. It also significantly differed by drinking status and BMI. Elderly adults consuming breakfast had slightly higher scores on the health-related quality of life measure than those who did not (0.85 vs 0.81). Results revealed that health-related quality of life increased with meal frequency, and that elderly adults who ate breakfast tended to score better on the pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression domains of the health-related quality of life measure. It was found that breakfast consumption associated with health-related quality of life in elderly adults. Accordingly, it is necessary to increase awareness among elderly adults regarding the importance of breakfast, and to improve their health-related quality of life by developing and implementing interventions to improve dietary habits.】

Effects of Intermittent Hypoxia on Cognitive Performance and Quality of Life in Elderly Adults: A Pilot Study

Background: Physical exercise has a positive effect on cognitive performance and quality of life (QoL). One reason for this is the upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which improves brain plasticity. Intermittent hypoxia promotes first the proliferation of endogenous neuroprogenitors which leads to an increased number of newborn neurons and second the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the adult hippocampus. Intermittent hypoxia may, therefore, support synaptic plasticity, the process of learning and provoke antidepressant-like effects. Hence, intermittent hypoxia might also lead to improved cognitive functioning and QoL. Objective: This study aims to evaluate to what extent physical activity with preceded intermittent hypoxic training is more effective than solely strength-endurance training on cognitive performance and QoL. Methods: 34 retired people aged between 60 and 70 years were randomly assigned to a control group or intervention group. Contrarily to the control group, which was supplied with a placebo air mixture, the intervention group was supplied with an intermittent hypoxic training prior to a strength-endurance exercise program. The cognitive performance of individuals was examined using the d2 test and the Number Combination Test (ZVT) both before and after the exercise program. We assessed QoL with the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-12) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the strength-endurance capacity using the Spring test. Results: Regarding the d2 test, a time × group effect was observed. Speed of cognitive performance in seconds was measured using ZVT. Here, no interaction effect was discovered. An interaction effect was not found in the Physical Component Summary scores (SF-12). Regarding the Mental Component Summary, an interaction effect just failed to become statistically significant. Furthermore, we determined sleep quality with the PSQI. Here, an interaction effect was observed. The analysis of the strength-endurance test revealed no interaction effects. Conclusion: The data of the current study suggest that an additional intermittent hypoxic training combined with physical exercise augments the positive effects of exercise on cognitive performance and QoL in elderly humans.

Long-term Aerobic Exercise Is Associated With Greater Muscle Strength Throughout the Life Span

Aging is associated with a progressive decline in muscle strength, muscle mass, and aerobic capacity, which reduces mobility and impairs quality of life in elderly adults. Exercise is commonly employed to improve muscle function in individuals of all ages; however, chronic aerobic exercise is believed to largely impact cardiovascular function and oxidative metabolism, with minimal effects on muscle mass and strength. To study the effects of long-term aerobic exercise on muscle strength, we recruited 74 sedentary (SED) or highly aerobically active (ACT) men and women from within three distinct age groups (young: 20-39 years, middle: 40-64 years, and older: 65-86 years) and tested their aerobic capacity, isometric grip and knee extensor strength, and dynamic 1 repetition maximum knee extension. As expected, ACT subjects had greater maximal oxygen uptake and peak aerobic power output compared with SED subjects (p < .05). Grip strength relative to body weight declined with age (p < .05) and was greater in ACT compared with SED subjects in both hands (p < .05). Similarly, relative maximal isometric knee extension torque declined with age (p < .05) and was higher in ACT versus SED individuals in both legs (p < .05). Absolute and relative 1 repetition maximum knee extension declined with age (p < .05) and were greater in ACT versus SED groups (p < .05). Knee extensor strength was associated with a greater amount of leg lean mass in the ACT subjects (p < .05). In summary, long-term aerobic exercise appears to attenuate age-related reductions in muscle strength in addition to its cardiorespiratory and metabolic benefits.

Asthma in Cincinnati's Elderly Study: Asthma and Quality of Life in Elderly Adults

RATIONALE: The incidence rate of asthma has increased in all age groups in the past 40 years. Asthma in older adults is underdiagnosed and undertreated, resulting in suboptimal asthma control. The objectives of the study are to evaluate differences in host characteristics between older asthmatics and non-asthmatics and how these differences impact overall quality of life.

A randomized controlled trial of a Chinese herbal remedy to increase energy, memory, sexual function, and quality of life in elderly adults in Beijing, China

Background Chinese herbal medicines are commonly used to improve general health and well-being despite limited scientific data to support their efficacy. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine whether an herbal remedy that is used widely in China was associated with changes in quality of life, energy, memory, sexual function, and qi (the Chinese concept of “vital energy” that is important in general health). Methods Residents (n = 237) of Beijing, China, who were aged ≥60 years and had self-reported decreased energy, memory, or sexual function, were randomly assigned to take four tablets of a Chinese herbal formula or of an identical placebo, three times a day for 30 days. Patients returned for one follow-up visit after 30 days for assessment of all outcomes. The main outcome measures were changes in quality of life at 30 days as measured by the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) Mental and Physical Component Summary scales. Results Use of Chinese herbs was associated with a small benefit in the Mental Component scale (difference of 1.9 points; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.1 to 3.6) and no benefit in the Physical Component scale (difference of –0.1 points; 95% CI: –1.7 to 1.5) as compared with placebo. A small improvement in the qi scale was no longer significant after adjusting for baseline differences in this score between groups. There was no improvement in physical performance, memory, or sexual function. The herbal product was well tolerated. Conclusion Short-term use of a mixture of Chinese herbs was associated with a small benefit in one measure of mental health that is of unclear clinical importance.

Temporal and reciprocal relationship between IADL/ADL disability and depressive symptoms in late life.

A strong association between functional disability and depressive symptoms in older people has frequently been reported. Some studies attribute this association to the disabling effects of depression, others to the depressogenic effects of physical health-related disability. The authors examined the reciprocal effects between depressive symptoms and functional disability and their temporal character in a community-based cohort of 753 older people with physical limitations who were assessed at yearly intervals. They compared structural equation models that differed in terms of direction and speed of effects between patient-reported disability in instrumental and basic activities of daily living (IADL/ADLs) and depressive symptoms. The association between disability and depression could be separated into three components: (a) a strong contemporaneous effect of change in disability on depressive symptoms, (b) a weaker 1-year lagged effect of change in depressive symptoms on disability (probably indirect through physical health), and (c) a weak correlation between the trait (or stable) components of depression and disability. IADL/ADL disability and depressive symptoms are thus mutually reinforcing over time. Compensatory forces like effective treatment and age-related adaptation may protect elders against this potential downward trend. To improve quality of life in elderly adults, treatment should target disability when it is new and depression when it is persistent.

Amy's Chat Room: health promotion programmes for community dwelling elderly adults.

Clinical nurse specialists in community health nursing promote wellness and quality of life in elderly adults who live within the community. Major health concerns including inappropriate knowledge of chronic diseases, improper eating habits and inadequate nutrition, lack of exercise, and poor social relationships among elderly adults residing in a government-supported apartment complex in north-eastern Ohio were identified using Neuman's Systems Model. 'Amy's Chat Room', a series of health education programmes on disease prevention, including appropriate nutrition and exercise, was developed and implemented based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED programme-planning model. Evaluation of the programmes indicated positive results for the older adults that increased their knowledge and awareness of disease prevention and modifications in lifestyle, and were encouraged to promote supportive relationships. Implications for clinical nurse specialist roles within community health nursing were discussed.