Life In Old Age Research Articles

Determinants of Healthy Lifestyles

Advances in science and technology have had a great impact on improving people's health, but there has also been an increase in chronic noncommunicable diseases (CNCDs), some of them related to lifestyle (LS). This work deals with the study of LSs and their impact on the health of the individual, its most representative elements are analyzed, and recommendations are made about healthy behaviors. The LS refers to the habitual behaviors of the individual, characteristics of the individual behavior that are repeated throughout life. A healthy LS refers to behaviors that maintain health and reduce the risk of getting sick. Many of the CNCDs are related to four modifiable risk factors: tobacco use, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, and alcohol abuse. Diet, as part of lifestyles, involves a great complexity; however, the common element to prevent the development of chronic non-communicable diseases is the recommendation to address the intake of specific foods, such as limiting saturated fatty acids, increasing the consumption of dietary fiber, decreasing the consumption of simple carbohydrates, sodium, and alcohol. Food involves great complexity that ranges from food selection, consumption capacity, cultural aspects, knowledge about food, among others. Physical activity favors the ability to maintain independence, vitality, and quality of life in old age, it is important to have a balanced program. Substance abuse leads to risk behaviors and can lead to addiction. Adequate sleep is important for maintaining brain health throughout life. Maintaining a large social network can help promote healthy cognitive aging. Jobs that have the common characteristic of spending a lot of time sitting are a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

Trauma and Attachment in Older Patients with Common Mental Disorders

Abstract. The question of the consequences of earlier traumatic experiences in older age cannot be limited to a symptomatic level but should also include additional psychological functions. Of particular interest here is attachment orientation. The present study investigates the question of the connection between potentially traumatic events experienced in the course of life and attachment orientations in old age in a sample of patients of a psychosomatic clinic ( N = 150). The results show that such events are associated with reduced attachment security in older adulthood. However, I could not confirm that this connection becomes more vital in old age. Nevertheless, the results also have a high clinical significance. Finally, I discuss the therapeutic consequences.

Bestform-F - Best Function of Range of Motion: A Feasibility Study of a Multimodal Exercise Training Program for Older Adults in Retirement Homes.

PurposeMobility is a crucial factor for independence and quality of life in old age. Nevertheless, many old people in retirement homes do not meet the physical activity recommendations. The aim of the Bestform-F – Best Function of Range of Motion feasibility study (bestform-F) was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a machine-based multimodal exercise training program in older residents in retirement homes.Materials and MethodsThe participants (n = 77) were recruited from two retirement homes and took part in a six-month multimodal exercise training program (2x/week, 45 minutes) on pneumatic strength training machines, a balance platform and bicycle ergometers. Feasibility criteria were recruitment number ≥ 35 participants within six months, dropout rate < 40% of participants within six months of exercise, and training adherence ≥ 50% of participants taking part in at least 50% of offered training sessions. Additionally, physical performance, fear of falling, cognitive function, and quality of life were assessed at baseline and after six months.ResultsFor the bestform-F study, 77 (85.6 ± 6.6 years; 78% women) out of 215 eligible residents from two senior residences were recruited. The dropout rate over six months was 10% (8/77 participants). The training adherence rate for the finishing participants was 77% (53/69 participants). In addition to the achieved feasibility criteria, significant improvements were recorded in the Chair Stand Test, Six-Minute Walk Test, and fear of falling after six months.ConclusionAll feasibility criteria have been fulfilled. The high number of recruited participants, the low dropout rate, and high adherence to the training program confirm the feasibility of a multimodal machine-based exercise training program offered to residents in retirement homes. The results provide a basis for a cluster-randomized controlled trial aimed at further investigating the efficacy of the bestform-F program.

Long-term risk factors for old-age social exclusion in Sweden: a 30-year longitudinal study

Purpose of the researchSocial exclusion threatens quality of life in older age. However, there is a lack of research on social exclusion from life-course and gender perspectives. We investigated early- and midlife risk factors for old-age social exclusion among women and men. Materials and methodsTwo individually linked studies of Swedish nationally representative samples provided longitudinal data over a 30-year period on 1,819 people at baseline. Indicators of economic exclusion, leisure/social exclusion, and civic exclusion were assessed at early late life (M=70 years) and late life (M=81). Educational attainment, non-employment, psychological health problems and mobility problems were measured as risk factors at midlife (M=54) and late midlife (M=61). Path analysis derived a model of old-age social exclusion. ResultsExclusion on a domain in early late life led to exclusion on the same domain in late life, except for the economic domain. Leisure/social exclusion in early late life also led to civic exclusion in late life. Midlife risk factors influenced late-life exclusion almost exclusively through early late-life exclusion. While model fit could not be significantly improved by allowing coefficients to vary freely by gender, there was a stronger effect of non-employment on exclusion in women and a stronger effect of psychological health problems on exclusion in men. ConclusionsThis study confirms that old-age exclusion is persistent and dynamic, and influenced by risk factors experienced earlier in life. A holistic approach with integrated efforts across different policy areas is needed to efficiently reduce old-age social exclusion.

Vague Pension Future: Empirical Evidence from the Israeli Radical Privatized Market

We examine the future benefits of the Israeli privatized pension system, which is considered as a model of transition to funded pension systems worldwide. This research is based on an extensive database obtained from one of the largest traditional private funds in the market. The results paint a concerning picture regarding the adequacy of benefits and quality of life in old age. Israel’s radical privatized pension model signals a warning to other nations. We show that, even with high returns, most individuals cannot handle the magnitude of financial and labor risks accumulated during their career and retirement. We recommend more balanced government intervention as well as the use of risk-sharing mechanisms such as providing minimum pension guarantee and strengthening the unfunded social security pillar.

Quality of life of post-stroke patients

IntroductionStroke is a disease whose consequences have a considerable impact on the quality of the patient’s life. It is a widespread disease that has a disabling impact on life and, in addition to physical changes, brings about a number of psychological and cognitive processes.GoalThe goal of the study was to identify and describe the quality of life of post-stroke patients.MethodologyThe study design was quantitative. A questionnaire of the authors’ own design and the SF-36 questionnaire were used to obtain the data.ResultsSignificant differences in patient quality of life were identified in relation to patient gender. Moreover, the quality of life in all individual SF-36 dimensions, except for mental health, deteriorated with age. With regard to occupational placement, employed respondents gave the highest evaluation of quality of life according to SF-36 and old-age pensioners the lowest. The analysis shows that quality of life in individual dimensions is positively influenced by respondents’ higher education. The evaluation in individual dimensions improves with the time that has passed since the stroke.ConclusionThe quality of life of post-stroke patients deteriorates with age. The deteriorating level of patient quality of life in older age requires programmes that include assessments and interventions that lead to the treatment of these patients.

Explainable Artificial Intelligence and Wearable Sensor-Based Gait Analysis to Identify Patients with Osteopenia and Sarcopenia in Daily Life.

Osteopenia and sarcopenia can cause various senile diseases and are key factors related to the quality of life in old age. There is need for portable tools and methods that can analyze osteopenia and sarcopenia risks during daily life, rather than requiring a specialized hospital setting. Gait is a suitable indicator of musculoskeletal diseases; therefore, we analyzed the gait signal obtained from an inertial-sensor-based wearable gait device as a tool to manage bone loss and muscle loss in daily life. To analyze the inertial-sensor-based gait, the inertial signal was classified into seven gait phases, and descriptive statistical parameters were obtained for each gait phase. Subsequently, explainable artificial intelligence was utilized to analyze the contribution and importance of descriptive statistical parameters on osteopenia and sarcopenia. It was found that XGBoost yielded a high accuracy of 88.69% for osteopenia, whereas the random forest approach showed a high accuracy of 93.75% for sarcopenia. Transfer learning with a ResNet backbone exhibited appropriate performance but showed lower accuracy than the descriptive statistical parameter-based identification result. The proposed gait analysis method confirmed high classification accuracy and the statistical significance of gait factors that can be used for osteopenia and sarcopenia management.

Embodied Prevention.

Evidence-based recommendations for lifestyles to promote healthy cognitive aging (exercise, education, non-smoking, balanced diet, etc.) root in reductionistic studies of mostly physical measurable factors with large effect sizes. In contrast, most people consider factors like autonomy, purpose, social participation and engagement, etc. as central to a high quality of life in old age. Evidence for a direct causal impact of these factors on healthy cognitive aging is still limited, albeit not absent. Ultimately, however, individual lifestyle is a complex composite of variables relating to both body and mind as well as to receiving input and generating output. The physical interventions are tied to the more subjective and mind-related aspects of lifestyle and wellbeing in the idea of the “embodied mind,” which states that the mind is shaped by and requires the body. The causality is reciprocal and the process is dynamic, critically requiring movement: the “embodied mind” is a “embodied mind in motion.” Hiking, playing musical instruments, dancing and yoga are examples of body–mind activities that assign depth, purpose, meaning, social embedding, etc. to long-term beneficial physical “activities” and increase quality of life not only as delayed gratification. The present motivational power of embodied activities allows benefiting from the side-effects of late-life resilience. The concept offers an access point for unraveling the mechanistic complexity of lifestyle-based prevention, including their neurobiological foundations.

Longitudinal Associations of Mental Disorders With Dementia

Mental disorders are an underappreciated category of modifiable risk factors for dementia. Developing an evidence base about the link between mental disorders and dementia risk requires studies that use large, representative samples, consider the full range of psychiatric conditions, ascertain mental disorders from early life, use long follow-ups, and distinguish between Alzheimer disease and related dementias. To test whether mental disorders antedate dementia across 3 decades of observation. This population-based administrative register study of mental disorders and Alzheimer disease and related dementias included all individuals born in New Zealand between 1928 and 1967 who resided in the country for any time during the 30-year observation period between July 1988 and June 2018. Data were from the New Zealand Integrated Data Infrastructure, a collection of whole-of-population administrative data sources linked at the individual level. Data were analyzed from October 2020 to November 2021. Diagnoses of mental disorders were ascertained from public-hospital records. Diagnoses of dementia were ascertained from public-hospital records, mortality records, and pharmaceutical records. Of 1 711 386 included individuals, 866 301 (50.6%) were male, and individuals were aged 21 to 60 years at baseline. Relative to individuals without a mental disorder, those with a mental disorder were at increased risk of developing subsequent dementia (relative risk [RR], 4.24; 95% CI, 4.07-4.42; hazard ratio, 6.49; 95% CI, 6.25-6.73). Among individuals with dementia, those with a mental disorder developed dementia a mean of 5.60 years (95% CI, 5.31-5.90) earlier than those without a mental disorder. Associations held across sex and age and after accounting for preexisting chronic physical diseases and socioeconomic deprivation. Associations were present across different types of mental disorders and self-harm behavior (RRs ranged from 2.93 [95% CI, 2.66-3.21] for neurotic disorders to 6.20 [95% CI, 5.67-6.78] for psychotic disorders), and were evident for Alzheimer disease (RR, 2.76; 95% CI, 2.45-3.11) and all other dementias (RR, 5.85; 95% CI, 5.58-6.13). In this study, mental disorders were associated with the onset of dementia in the population. Ameliorating mental disorders in early life might also ameliorate neurodegenerative conditions and extend quality of life in old age.

Relationship between local seniors' longest-held occupation, current work situation, and reasons for working

Objective The purpose of this study was to clarify how the type and industry of longest-held occupations correlate with current work situations and reasons for working.Methods In August 2015, we mailed anonymous, self-administered questionnaires to all 8,075 residents aged 65 and over of a district in Ota Ward, Tokyo, excluding those admitted to institutions. The questionnaire inquired about their basic attributes, current employment status, as well as the type of work and industry of their longest-held occupation. Furthermore, those who were currently employed were asked about their reasons for working. We conducted a multinomial logistic regression analysis with the current employment situation as the dependent variable, and a binary logistic regression analysis with the applicability of individual reasons as the dependent variable.Results A total of 5,184 questionnaires were returned (response rate: 64.2%), and 5,050 were analyzed. For the longest-held form of work, the most common response was full-time and part-time employment (42.7%), and the most common industry was sales and service (24.2%). Roughly 30% of respondents were currently working, with the most common reason being "For a living," followed by "For my health," "To have a purpose in life (ikigai)," and "To contribute to society and build connections." The industry of the longest-held occupation for those currently working was most often self-employment; executive roles in independent businesses, companies, or organizations for those in full-time positions; and professional jobs for those working part-time. For those not currently working, most had been full-time employees or unemployed. With regard to the longest-held occupations, those currently working and who gave the reason "For a living" were most often owners of independent businesses or self-employed, while those stating "For my health," "To have a purpose in life," and "To contribute to society and build connections" had often been full-time employees, executives at a company or organization, or in administrative or technical positions.Conclusion For seniors' employment or social participation to go smoothly, we believe a support that emphasizes individuality would be effective, including an emphasis on their longest-held occupation, which is deeply connected to their health conditions and quality of life in old age.

Neuroimaging-derived brain age is associated with life satisfaction in cognitively unimpaired elderly: A community-based study

With the widespread increase in elderly populations, the quality of life and mental health in old age are issues of great interest. The human brain changes with age, and the brain aging process is biologically complex and varies widely among individuals. In this cross-sectional study, to clarify the effects of mental health, as well as common metabolic factors (e.g., diabetes) on healthy brain aging in late life, we analyzed structural brain MRI findings to examine the relationship between predicted brain age and life satisfaction, depressive symptoms, resilience, and lifestyle-related factors in elderly community-living individuals with unimpaired cognitive function. We extracted data from a community-based cohort study in Arakawa Ward, Tokyo. T1-weighted images of 773 elderly participants aged ≥65 years were analyzed, and the predicted brain age of each subject was calculated by machine learning from anatomically standardized gray-matter images. Specifically, we examined the relationships between the brain-predicted age difference (Brain-PAD: real age subtracted from predicted age) and life satisfaction, depressive symptoms, resilience, alcohol consumption, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Brain-PAD showed significant negative correlations with life satisfaction (Spearman’s rs= −0.102, p = 0.005) and resilience (rs= −0.105, p = 0.004). In a multiple regression analysis, life satisfaction (p = 0.038), alcohol use (p = 0.040), and diabetes (p = 0.002) were independently correlated with Brain-PAD. Thus, in the cognitively unimpaired elderly, higher life satisfaction was associated with a ‘younger’ brain, whereas diabetes and alcohol use had negative impacts on life satisfaction. Subjective life satisfaction, as well as the prevention of diabetes and alcohol use, may protect the brain from accelerated aging.

Comparison between EWGSOP1 and EWGSOP2 criteria and modelling of diagnostic algorithm for sarcopenic obesity in over 70years old patients.

Sarcopenic obesity (SO) as a new diagnostic entity defined by presence of obesity in combination with sarcopenia represents serious health condition negatively affecting quality of life in old age. Despite the rapidly increasing incidence of SO associated with demographic aging, clear diagnostic criteria for SO have not yet been established. We describe here the applicability of the EWGSOP2 and EWGSOP1 diagnostic criteria in identifying sarcopenia and SO and the development of a refinement algorithm for SO detection. In total 156 subjects were pre-screened, 126 had a complete dataset and were included, 20.6% (n = 26) were men and 79.4% (n = 100) women, mean age 81 ± 6.3years in tertiary hospital, Prague, Czech Republic. Testing of physical performance (hand-grip test, 400m walk test, chair stand test, gait speed), anthropometric measures and SARC-F, SPPB and MNA-SF were used to determine physical, functional, and nutritional status, while muscle mass and fat mass were measured by DXA scans to confirm sarcopenia and SO diagnosis. The prevalence of sarcopenia (BMI adjusted ALM < 0.789 for men, < 0.512 for women) was 26.2% (n = 33), SO in 20.6% (n = 26). 78.8% of all sarcopenic subjects fulfilled the criteria of SO (FM > 27% for men and > 38% for women; waist circumference > 90cm for men and > 85cm for women). EWGSOP1 criteria for diagnosing sarcopenia showed better sensitivity of 97.0% than the EWGSOP2 66.7%, while specificity reached 100% for both criteria. According to DXA measurement, EWGSOP1 identified 3.0% cases (1 out of 33) as false negative meanwhile EWGSOP2 identified 33.3% cases as false negative and this difference was statistically significant (McNemar's test, p < 0.001). An algorithm for SO was developed (which uses sex, BMI, height, waist circumference and SPPB) with sensitivity and specificity of 88.5 and 91.0%, respectively. High prevalence of obesity among elderly people and rather low sensitivity of current diagnostic criteria for SO call for ongoing research. Broader international consensus for SO diagnostic criteria, screening and diagnosis algorithm are crucial for early detection of SO in older people in clinical practice so that optimal multi-component therapy can be initiated.

Life and death in old age. How to structure the end of life

Life and death in old age. How to structure the end of life

Brain and cognitive ageing: The present, and some predictions (…about the future).

Experiencing decline in one's cognitive abilities is among the most feared aspects of growing old [53]. Age-related cognitive decline carries a huge personal, societal, and financial cost both in pathological ageing (such as dementias) and also within the non-clinical majority of the population. A projected 152 million people worldwide will suffer from dementia by 2050 [3]. The early stages of cognitive decline are much more prevalent than dementia, and can still impose serious limitations of performance on everyday activities, independence, and quality of life in older age [5], [60], [80]. Cognitive decline also predicts poorer health, adherence to medical regimens, and financial decision-making, and can herald dementia, illness, and death [6], [40]. Of course, when seeking to understand why some people experience more severe cognitive ageing than others, researchers have turned to the organ of thinking for clues about the nature, possible mechanisms, and determinants that might underpin more and less successful cognitive agers. However, that organ is relatively inaccessible, a limitation partly alleviated by advances in neuroimaging. Here we discuss lessons for cognitive and brain ageing that have come from neuroimaging research (especially structural brain imaging), what neuroimaging still has left to teach us, and our views on possible ways forward in this multidisciplinary field.

Digital transformation of home care: Literature Review and Research Agenda

At the time of demographic changes, the development of integrated care, technology and various digital solutions in the context of long-term care, is increasingly gaining ground as one of the ways of enabling independent and safe living in the home environment as also prevention in the field of health of older adults. But despite of the rapid technological development, digitization is still not fully utilized by older adults, questions arise as to whether such solutions are really effective, to what extent and in what manner, and what are the obstacles we face in the implementation. Literature review in the Web of Science database initially found 670 papers. The paper analysis benefits of such solutions and compares the results with the solutions that are currently available in Slovenia. Findings show that remote monitoring of health and general psychophysical condition can greatly improve the quality of life in old age, enable independent living in the home environment, prevent falls in the home environment, and enables faster interventions and reduces health and social care costs. Despite large number of research papers, the mentioned area is still poorly implemented, which leaves room for further research.

Neuroticism and satisfaction with relationships and with life in old age

Resumo Objetivos Investigar a associação entre neuroticismo e satisfação com a vida e apoio social em pessoas idosas casadas; além de verificar se a satisfação com o casamento e com as relações familiares e de amizade são mediadoras dessas associações. Método Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com dados do estudo Fragilidade em Idosos Brasileiros (FIBRA). Participaram 94 pessoas idosas recrutadas em domicílios residenciais. Utilizou-se um questionário sociodemográfico; a escala NEO-PI-R-Neuroticismo, integrante do Inventário dos Cinco Grandes Fatores de Personalidade; cinco itens semanticamente adaptados da ISEL (Interpersonal Support Evaluation List), e itens únicos escalares (com cinco pontos cada um) para as variáveis satisfação com as relações conjugais, familiares e de amizade e para satisfação com a vida. Foi realizada análise de equações estruturais via análise de caminhos. Resultados a amostra foi composta em sua maioria por homens (54.6%) que relataram estar muito ou muitíssimo satisfeitos com a vida, o casamento, as amizades e os relacionamentos familiares. Pessoas idosas com menores escores de neuroticismo apresentaram maior satisfação com a vida, o casamento, as amizades e os relacionamentos familiares. Maior satisfação com o casamento e com as amizades relacionaram-se diretamente com mais apoio social. Satisfação com os familiares e com os amigos mediaram a associação entre neuroticismo e satisfação com a vida. Conclusão Indivíduos com níveis mais altos de neuroticismo estão menos satisfeitos com seus relacionamentos e com a vida. Pesquisas longitudinais são necessárias para explicar as relações observadas.

Aspects of Internet use among older people: Sociological research

Information and communication technologies have become an integral factor in the daily lives of people over the last decade. Although their usage allows significant advantages, there are still a lot of people in the world who do not use such technologies. In industrialized countries, the reason for this is not in economic factors, but age seems to be a significant determinant of the digital divide. Recently, however, the number of older adults taking advantages of the Internet has been growing. Numerous authors state that a key aspect of successful aging is to remain actively involved in life in old age. In this regard, it is pointed out that online communication and new media present many new opportunities and challenges for the social inclusion of older people. The aim of this paper is to examine the attitudes and opinions of older people towards the use of the Internet and the reasons for its use. The research was conducted using the 2019 survey method on a sample of 240 people over the age of 65 residing in the Šibenik-Knin County in the Republic of Croatia. The results of the survey show that, although more than half of the respondents have an Internet connection, only a fifth own a computer or a laptop. One third of the respondents uses the Internet every day, and most of them did not attend a course to help them use it. They point out that they easily mastered the rules of the network, in which their family members gave them a support and help. Respondents most often search the Internet for the purpose of informing, especially about daily events, then for the entertainment, cultural education and communication with others. More than half of them have a profile on social networks, mostly on Facebook. Despite all this, they do not emphasize the great impact of the Internet on their lives, and believe that the Internet often takes up a lot of free time. Also, more than half of the surveyed population does not use the Internet because they are not interested in it, do not have the financial means to buy a computer. The reason is that they are suspicion of endangering their own security and privacy. However, those not using the Internet state that their accessing to information is not limited because of that. They also point out that the only motivation for starting using the Internet would be the necessity of communicating with their families.

Digital Divide and Quality of Life in Old Age

COVID-19 감염의 확산 예방을 위한 ‘사회적 거리두기’ 정책이 일반화되면서 고령자들도 과거에 비해 정보통신기술을 더 많이 의존하면서 생활하고 있다. 그러나 고령층은 디지털 기기에 접근할 수 있는 수단과 능력이 젊은 세대들에 비해 뒤처질 뿐만 아니라 접근했다고 하더라도 활용능력이 더 미약한 편이다. 곧 정보격차로 인하여 고령자들의 사회적 고립 현상이 더 심화될 수 있다. 이에 본고에서는 정보격차가 일상생활에 미치는 영향을 비롯하여 정보격차에 따른 노년기 삶의 질이 변화하는 양상, 그리고 고령자의 스마트 기기나 디지털정보의 활용 능력 등을 간략하게 개괄하였다. 마지막으로 정보격차를 해소시키는 다양한 방안들이 고령자에 초점을 맞추면서 논의되었다.

Quality of life for social care centre clients

Introduction:There are approximately 60 million people over 60 years of age in the world. The United Nations predicts that by 2050 the number of people aged 60 years and older could be around 2 billion (Zaļkalns, 2015). In Latvia, every fourth inhabitant is a pensioner. Given Latvia's socio-economic situation, social and health care options for older, lonely people are becoming increasingly less accessible. A large part of the population of Latvia cannot provide themselves with quality of life in old age. If there is no family or, due to various circumstances, relatives cannot take care of the elderly, the only option is social care institutions (Slokenbeka, Zepa, 2013). The quality of life of an elderly person remains an issue when he or she is in a social care centre. Quality of life is a complex, interacting set of objective and subjective indicators in different areas of life. The World Health Organisation defines quality of life as “the perception of an individual's personal life position in the context of the cultural and value system in which the individual lives in relation to the individual's goals, expectations, standards and concerns. It is a broad concept that is influenced in complex ways by a person's physical health, psychological state, personal beliefs, social relationships and key environmental factors” (Scester, 2012).&#x0D; The Aim of the study:To analyse the quality of life for social care centre clients.Materials and methods:Quantitative research method was chosen to obtain the results. A questionnaire with 25 questions was developed. The participants of the research were clients of two social care centres (hereafter SAC) (SAC “X”, n = 50; SAC “Y”, n = 50).&#x0D; Results:The majority of SAC respondents have lived in the institution for more than four years (SAC “X” = 54%; SAC “Y” = 70%). In both groups, the predominant reason for being in SAC is “I am lonely, I cannot take care of myself” (SAC "X" = 62%; SAC "Y" = 58%). On the questions about the frequency of meals and the quality of food in the SAC, the data show that 78% of clients in SAC “X” and 94% in SAC “Y” are satisfied with the frequency of meals, while on the quality of food the dominant answer is “the food is satisfactory” (SAC “X” = 54%; SAC “Y” = 32%). The questions on living conditions show that SAC clients live both alone and in pairs (mainly spouses). The relationship with the roommate is described by 52% in SAC “X” and 38% in SAC “Y” with the phrase “we get along peacefully, without quarrels”. 26% of respondents in both groups describe their relationship as “very good and friendly”. SAC clients describe their financial situation as “modest”. Emotional support is received from other residents, staff and family members/relatives. Emotional uplift is also provided by various activities in the SAC and by doing things that they enjoy and find interesting, e.g., handicrafts, crossword puzzles. SAC clients note that they try to attend all events organised by the SAC, especially concerts by amateur groups and famous artists. The “feeling of security” in the SAC is prevalent in both groups of respondents (SAC “X” = 56%; SAC “Y” = 70%). Although there is a feeling of security, both groups of respondents report that they “miss the feeling of home” when living in SAC (SAC “X” = 24%; SAC “Y” = 34%).&#x0D; Conclusions:Clients in the social care centre are satisfied with the quality of life in the physical and social spheres, but are partially satisfied or dissatisfied with the quality of life in the emotional and area of independence. The participants often feel lonely and sad and experience longing and anticipation. Respondents in both social care centres never or rarely experience feelings such as love, joy and happiness. Respondents indicate a lack of independence, acknowledging that they have limited autonomy and that they cannot be who they are because they have to adapt to the existing regime.&#x0D; Bibliography:1. Zaļkalns J. (2015). Novecošana – aktualitātes un problemātika. Retrieved 25 January 2017 from http://www.afonds.lv/editor/uploads/files/prezentacijas/1_Zalkalns_Novecosana_aktualitates_ problematika.ppt2. Slokenbeka A., Zepa D. (2013). Vecums – liktenis, izaicinājums, dāvana. Rīga: RAKUS Atbalsta fonds. 96 lpp3. Šķestere, I. (2012). Pētījums par dzīves kvalitātes izvērtējuma metodēm un instrumentiem. Rīga: ES Eiropas Sociālais fonds. 43 lpp.

DIGESTIVE DISORDERS (ANNAVAHA SROTAS VYADHI) IN OLD AGE – ISSUES AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

Old age is the result of the natural process of ageing and the time to enjoy life. As at this time, we are almost free from all responsibilities. But it can be enjoyed only when one is free from major ailments otherwise it becomes a great burden on ourselves as well as on others too. Due to increased health awareness, the average age of people is increasing day by day and the advancement in medical science provides great help in this regard. Therefore, peo- ple live longer but the natural process of ageing and exposure to unfavourable things causes a lot of derangements and weakening of bodily systems and organs in old age. So, there is a great need for geriatric health care in day- to-day practice so that we can improve the quality of life of old age. Besides a lot of major health problems of old age like Heart Disease, Hypertension, Diabetics, Joint disorders, Dementia, Strokes, etc; some minor ailments are equally important as they are often the cause of many major ailments e.g., Gastric Upsets, Insomnia, Anxiety, etc. Keywords: Digestive Disorders, Old age, Vriddhaavastha, Annavahasrotasvyadhi, Issues, Solutions, Agni