Life Of Seniors Research Articles

신체활동에 참여한 액티브 시니어의 디지털 리터러시에 대한 어려움 분석

The purpose of this study is to analyze in depth the difficulties of digital literacy targeting active seniors participating in physical activities. Using the nomadic sampling method from early February to the end of April 2023, five active seniors who joined a sports club and participated in physical activities 2-3 times a week were selected as targets. Data analysis was conducted by transcribing and documenting the data obtained through in-depth interviews, and consisted of three stages: coding by subject, categorization, and conceptualization. As a result of the analysis, active seniors who participate in physical activities suffered from embarrassment due to digital literacy, uncomfortable due to complicated procedures, and anxiety due to being noticed. These difficulties led them to restrict and control their physical activities along with psychological atrophy. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a policy or educational program to strengthen the digital literacy of active seniors, and this will provide an opportunity to provide important data for promoting digital literacy, which improves the quality of life of active seniors as members of society.

Communication for Seniors’ Inclusion in Today’s Society: The Effects of Digitisation on Active Ageing

The progressive ageing of developed societies requires strategies and tools to ensure the well-being of older adults. The new communication paradigm offers ways to reduce the stigma associated with ageing and to improve the quality of life for older adults, but it can also create a dynamic that could put their inclusion at risk. The internet has fomented digital gaps that have exacerbated some of the exclusionary barriers faced by many older adults, while allowing a considerable number of others to maintain emotional ties with loved ones during the worst moments of the pandemic. This thematic issue addresses the different opportunities offered by Information and Communication Technology in improving the social inclusion and quality of life of seniors, but it also considers the risks that digitisation may pose by limiting certain rights of this group. Through the different articles in this issue, the repercussions of communication on the management of ageing are highlighted from different perspectives and methodological approaches. In this way, the complexity of the issue has been revealed, along with the need to address it from positive and constructive perspectives that reassess the role of older adults in the societies in which they live.

Sex-related differences in the energy cost of physical activity in seniors

Introduction. The aging of the human body, which is an inevitable and irreversible process, causes changes in the structure and functions of organs and a decrease in intellectual and cognitive functions. Physical activity is essential for the quality of life of seniors. The aim of the study was to compare the energy cost of physical activity of women and men over 65 years of age, living in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. Material and methods. Cross-sectional study covered seniors at the age of 65-74, from Podkarpackie Province. The research tool was an International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for the analysis. Results. Energy expenditure related to energy cost of vigorous (p = 0.031), moderate (p = 0.014) and total effort (p = 0.007) job-related, motor vehicle-related effort (p < 0.001), and leisure-time physical activity (p = 0.005) was statistically significantly higher in men. In women, higher values of vigorous physical activities in the garden or yard (p = 0.049) and moderate physical activities at home (p = 0.014) were observed. Conclusions. The energy cost of activities requiring job-related vigorous, moderate and total physical activity, as well as the energy cost of effort related to train, bus, car, tram, or other kind of motor vehicle, as well as recreation, sport, and leisure-time physical activity is higher in men. On the other hand, women are characterized by a higher energy cost of vigorous physical activities in the garden or yard and moderate physical activities inside home. The time spent sitting does not differentiate the surveyed women and men.

Monitoring of functional ability, mobility and quality of life in seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic

Aim. The aim of the work is to map the functional fitness, level of mobility and quality of life of seniors at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. The study group consisted of 130 seniors from the Prešov Region, with an average age of 74.1 (max. 94, min. 65) years and an average Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27.13 (max. 41.09, min 16.00). There were 54 men (41.5%), with an average age of 74.3 years and an average BMI of 26.78, women with an average age of 74.0 years and an average BMI of 27.37. In all seniors we assessed physical fitness by Senior Fitness Test, level of mobility by the Up & go test and quality of life and mental health by the WHOQOL-BREF test during the lockdown in COVID-19 pandemic. Results. Seniors living in rural areas (t = -2,341; p = 0.020) and living alone (t = -2.05; p = 0.042) had slightly higher rate of mild obesity (according to BMI). Seniors living alone had a lower quality of life compared with seniors living partner or family member (t = 3.728; p < 0.001). Finally, seniors living in rurar areas had worse physical (t = 3.113; p = 0.002) and mental health status (t = 2.601; p = 0.010). Women had slightly worse mental health status than men (t = 2.308; p = 0.022). Conclusions. Restrictions on movement due to the COVID-19 pandemic put seniors who live alone, at risk, especially women. Men show higher resistance to these measures, mostly in physical and psychological health area.

Towards the Senior Resident Social Interaction System: A Case Study of Interactive Gallery

The number of older adults residing in nursing institutions is increasing, and many of them experience social isolation. The social interaction of older adults constitutes a complex system that involves multiple stakeholders, including fellow residents, caregivers, members of the local community, etc. This paper proposes an Interactive Gallery, comprising a cluster of scenery collectors and an interactive installation resembling a gallery. It aims to promote social interaction among nursing home residents and members of the local community, as well as between senior residents within the nursing home. We conducted a field study that employed behavior observation and semi-structured interviews. Our findings show that the Interactive Gallery had a positive impact on the social interaction of senior participants, and it also stimulated their interest in sharing their experiences with individuals outside of the nursing home. The implications of our field study are significant. We highlight the social interaction system and behavioral characteristics of senior residents, strategies for enhancing social interaction within the nursing home, and strategies for promoting social interaction between senior residents and members of the local community. The Interactive Gallery presents a novel approach to addressing the issue of social isolation among senior residents in nursing homes. Our field study findings demonstrate its potential to improve the quality of life of seniors by promoting social interaction and engagement.

COGNITIVE AGEING BETWEEN CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF LIFESTYLE AND CATCH-UP COGNITIVE INTERVENTIONS

Normal neurocognitive aging is characterized by its selective effect on the damaged neuronal regions and at the cognitive level. This heterogeneous nature constituted a strong motive for deepening the research on the causes of the emergence of interindividual cognitive differences within the same age group, helped by functional brain imaging techniques. The study starts from this premise and aims to shed light on the concept of "successful aging" from a neurocognitive perspective. This concept is at the center of attention of many researchers in various disciplines as it is related to two basic concepts: The firs concept is "brain reserve." It is related to people’s lifestyle, and is built and accumulated over the course of life through people's behaviours that are neurologically, and cognitively (reserve indicators) stimulated. The second concept is "Overdue reserve”. It is related to intensive cognitive interventions (indicators of Overdue reserve), as a catch-up and efficient mechanism that enables people with low levels of brain reserve to stimulate neuroplasticity, which contributes to enhance their cognitive performance. This study aims to explore the appropriate conditions, and effective ways, to help people develop functional neurological resistance against the decline that characterizes human cognition with advancing age. Hence, maintaining proper cognitive functioning contributes to improving the quality of life of seniors as well as enabling them to age healthily: psychologically, cognitively, and socially.

The Quality of Life of Seniors with Eye Diseases during COVID-19.

To assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL), vision-related quality of life (VRQoL), depression and anxiety symptoms, and social support and community integration of seniors with eye diseases and to identify important predictor variables of the outcomes. A cross-sectional survey was performed in seniors with eye diseases (n = 90). Demographic characteristics and questionnaire scores were summarized. Linear regression analysis with backward stepwise selection was used to predict the value of the outcomes of eye disease. Preference-based HRQoL of the study patients with eye diseases during the pandemic was likely good with a mean utility value of 0.88. VRQoL and sleep quality appeared to be good as well. Depression and anxiety symptoms appeared to be low, while community integration and social support were moderate. Furthermore, the presence of retinal disease, number of nonocular comorbidities, and education appeared to have significant negative effects on social support and community integration. The presence of retinal disease and the number of nonocular comorbidities both appeared to negatively impact VRQoL. The use of a mobility aid appeared to negatively affect depressive symptoms and sleep quality. Overall quality of life and wellness among seniors with eye diseases appeared to be good during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the presence of retinal disease and the number of nonocular comorbidities both appeared to negatively impact VRQoL and social support and community integration. Education appeared to impact social support and community integration negatively. The use of a mobility aid appeared to negatively affect depressive symptoms and sleep quality.

Towards Ageing Societies. Exemplifications and Challenges

Goal – the text presents selected areas of functioning of people 65+ against the background of demographic changes in Europe (taking into account the statistical data of Poland and Lithuania), with particular attention to the life situation of the elderly, quality of life, experiencing widowhood. The study is not strictly comparative. Its aim is to point out the consequences of ageing societies and the resulting challenges. Research methodology – the author of the article used the analysis of the literature on the subject, the analysis of existing statistical data and the method of document research. Score/results – the data of the European Statistical Agencies (also taking into account the findings of Poland and Lithuania) clearly indicate the process of ageing of societies, emphasizing their current and future (projected) dynamics. The demographic ageing of societies, taking into account the so-called double ageing mechanism (i.e. the emergence of an increasing number of the oldest people in the elderly population), is becoming a real context for our coexistence. On the basis of European, Polish and Lithuanian statistical agencies, I present selected areas of seniors’ functioning. In the case of existing quantitative statistical data, I have attempted to compare them in selected areas. I have supplemented the picture of the functioning of seniors with qualitative data, which should be interpreted as specific signals and tendencies. Demographic changes have an impact on the living situation of people aged 65+ and on the quality of their life. The changes bring both: opportunities and threats. Such a situation requires special intervention and preventive measures, which I refer to in the conclusion. Originality/value – the article expands knowledge about the aging of societies and its impact on the functioning and quality of the life of seniors. Particular attention was paid to the experience of widowhood and its consequences for the life situation of widowed people.

Evaluation of Self-Sufficiency in seniors

Background: Performance falls in old age and the onset of chronic diseases is developing a series of malfunctions and consequently there is impaired self-sufficiency and dependence. Methods and Sample: The aim of this work was to determine how perceived self-sufficiency and quality of life among seniors in the institutional facilities. We selected in this work a sample of 212 seniors with standardized questionnaire surveyed the relationship of self-sufficiency and quality of life of the seniors population. Based on statistical comparisons, using Mann - Whitney test. Results: We found poorer self-sufficiency in geriatric patients (ADL score, M=11,65) compared with residents in facilities for the elderly (ADL score, M=8,92). In our study confirmed a clear dependence on the level of self-sufficiency and quality of life of seniors (p < 0.001). ADL test has been identified in the region of Presov from the group of 1028 seniors 65 years and older 149 probants who completed the test insufficiently. Conclusions: Recommendations contained in the ADL tests, balance tests and others are part of a comprehensive geriatric assessment. The quality of life of seniors is an important indicator of their care

The Effect of Tai Chi on quality of life in seniors

Objective: This study investigates the effect of Tai Chi exercise on the quality of life of seniors from a demographic perspective. Methods: The SF-36 Quality of Life Scale questionnaire was administered to 224 seniors in Wuhan, divided into an experimental group (n = 134, seniors who had participated in Tai Chi exercise for three years or more) and a control group (n = 90, seniors who had not received Tai Chi exercise). An independent samples t-test, one-way Analysis of Variance ANOVA, and dummy regression analysis are conducted using multivariate statistics. Results: (1) The quality of life scores for seniors who participated in Tai Chi exercise were significantly different from those who did not (p < 0.01), mainly in the dimensions of Physical Functioning , Social Functioning , General Health , Vitality, and Health Transition; (2) The quality of life scores of the Tai Chi exercise group differed significantly (p < 0.05) between the genders, with women being higher than men, but not between the age groups, residence patterns and pre-retirement occupations (p > 0.05); (3) Highly significant differences in quality of life scores between the 61-90 minutes Tai Chi group and the <60 minutes and >90 minutes Tai Chi groups (F = 5.43, p < 0.01); (4) There was a highly significant difference in quality of life scores between the Tai Chi group exercising 5-6 times a week or every day and the Tai Chi group exercising less than 4 times a week (F = 5.28, p < 0.01), but not between the group exercising 5-6 times a week Tai Chi and the group exercising every day Tai Chi (t = -1.403, p > 0.05). Conclusion: Practicing Tai Chi Chuan can improve the quality of life of seniors, but the effect is influenced by gender and the length and frequency of exercise.

시니어의 사회적 자본이 삶의 질에 미치는 영향에 관한 연구

It can be said that seniors’ social capitals have large effects on leading a happy life in old age and the development of local communities and the nation. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to present social capital, self-efficacy, and intention to participate in social activities as determinants of the quality of happy life of seniors in the local community, and analyze the effects of these determinants on the quality of life of seniors in the community. To that end, based on previous studies, a questionnaire survey was conducted with 316 seniors in the local community, and the hypothesis was verified through statistical analysis based on the data from the survey.BR As a result of the study, first, it was shown that while network and trust, which are sub-factors of social capital, have positive effects on self-efficacy and intention to participate in society, but norms do not have any significant effect on self-efficacy and intention to participate in society. Second, the self-efficacy of seniors was found to have a positive effect on the quality of life. Third, the intention of seniors to participate in society was found to have a positive effect on the quality of life. Finally, it was found that self-efficacy and intention to participate in society had mediating effects on the relationship between social capital and the quality of life. This study is meaningful in that it identified that seniors’ social capital, self-efficacy, and intention to participate in society are prerequisites for maintaining the quality of life thereby providing basic data for improvement of the quality of life of seniors.

ROLE OF REZEKNE RETIREMENT DAY CENTRE IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF SENIORS

Life expectancy is increasing worldwide, and the proportion of seniors, which poses challenges to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their age, enjoy equal opportunities in both the private sector and the labour market, regardless of their state of health, without adversely affecting quality of life components.The purpose of the scientific article is to find out how the quality of life of Seniors is affected and how it is influenced by the functioning of the Senior Day Center, to improve the quality of services and collateral of the Senior Day Centre in Rezekne.

Long-Term Care Insurance and Medical Services for the Elderly: The Role of the Healthcare Industry

The long-term care insurance for the elderly system was officially implemented in July 2008, following a 3-year pilot program starting in 2005. The purpose of this system was to improve the quality of life of seniors and reduce the burden of care among family members, given the growing elderly population. By 2021, the scale of the system had increased by two to four times, with 860,000 beneficiaries and 9,824,800,000,000 KRW worth of insurance benefits. In line with this increase, it is necessary to efficiently establish and improve the system so that it can directly meet the medical needs of the beneficiaries. This may serve to reduce the rapidly increasing expenditure related to the elderly medical expenses, which in turn leads to a decrease in societal costs. In conclusion, senior care needs to be properly established and implemented in order to create organic intra- and inter-field connections between medicine, healthcare, and welfare.

Government recommendations during the COVID-19 epidemic in Switzerland: clarity, compliance and impact on the daily life of seniors in a population-based cohort.

In March 2020, the Swiss Federal Council issued recommendations for a partial lockdown, with an emphasis on people aged 65 years and over because of their vulnerability to COVID-19. This study investigated whether seniors clearly understood the meaning of four recommendations (do not go grocery shopping; do not use public transport; avoid personal contact; stay at home), whether they complied with them, and what was the impact of the partial lockdown on their daily life, including difficulties and opportunities. In April 2020, a questionnaire about how seniors experienced the partial lockdown was sent to the participants in the Lausanne Cohort Lc65+, a population-based study. The response rate reached 89%, with 2746 participants aged 72-86 years included in the analysis. Bivariable analyses and multivariable logistic models were used to identify sociodemographic and health-related characteristics associated with each outcome (clarity; compliance; impact). Most seniors rated the recommendations as clear (84-91%, depending on the recommendation) and complied with them (70-94%). In multivariable analyses, men were more likely to rate the recommendations as unclear. Perceiving the recommendation as unclear and having a low level of fear of the virus were associated with noncompliance. People who complied with the recommendations were more likely to experience difficulties, but also to seize opportunities during the partial lockdown. Most seniors followed the recommendations and found them clearly worded. However, some subgroups, such as men and seniors who do not fear the virus, were less likely to clearly understand the recommendations. As a correct understanding is a key factor for compliance, the findings emphasise the importance of tailoring public health communications to the characteristics of the target group, and of testing whether they are correctly understood.

OLDER PEOPLE AS A SUBJECT OF RESEARCH ON THE INFORMATION SOCIETY

The aim of the article is to present the legitimacy and conditions of research on seniors and its challenges in the context of further development of the information society (IS). The conducted considerations lead to the conclusion that research of this nature is limited by the lack of unambiguity in the concept of elderly persons and the information society. Nevertheless, it has been argued that studies of older people as members of the IS are fully justified by the importance of this group in society as a whole. Whereas analysis conducted on those aged 60 years and over, or 65 years and over, is insufficient. Older people should be analyzed in smaller age ranges and the analyses require both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Qualitative approaches improve our understanding of the reasons that new technologies are used or rejected, which can help to achieve one of the goals of IS development – to increase the quality of life for seniors in the future.

A Model for Research of Transitions among Different Care Settings in Smart Lifetime Neighbourhoods

Neighbourhoods in EU member states are ageing, increasingly becoming the subjects of geo-gerontology and supply network analyses. Geo-gerontological aspects of the care and supply networks are becoming essential in the processes of deinstitutionalisation of long-term care and services and are crucial for the successful development and implementation of Ambient Assisted Living technologies (AAL_T). A growing number of older adults suffer from declining functional capacities and, thereby, experience decreased mobility and increasing frailty, which can lead to difficulties in carrying out essential activities of daily living as well as increased exposure to the risk of falls. Aid in managing one's daily life needs to be provided on time and in a properly built environment. Ambient intelligence for real-time monitoring of daily activities and supporting older residents with AAL_T will become essential means by which ageing cities will be able to maintain and improve the quality of life for older adults with declining functional capacities. This development will further influence the delineation of service areas and the timing of services. AAL_T and ambient intelligence will enable older adults to live longer in their dwellings and specialised facilities in the community and postpone or even avoid relocation to a nursing home altogether. Development in AAL_T has raised the possibility of developing more efficient services if the functional area of service networks is optimised. Based on these developments, we propose the adaptation of a multi-state competing risk model based on time to failure as modelled in reliability engineering to model and control the trajectories of declining functional capacities and related events that lead to the ill-health and disabilities. In this model, the built environment and timing in service networks are supposed to be embedded. The final goal of such a model is to support decision making that would extend the physically and mentally active life of seniors and enable them to live autonomously and be engaged with their communities. This paper aims to review the development of condition monitoring systems in ambient technologies, shape the model and propose a future research agenda.

Výživa a jej význam v liečebno-preventívnej starostlivosti o seniorov

Objectives: Nutrition is an important part of non-pharmacological interventions in the treatment of the elderly and geriatric patients. It is also one of the important areas of primary prevention. The aim of the paper is to point out its benefits in the treatment of diseases and geriatric syndromes. Present the most common ways of application of nutrition in health and social care facilities. Point out the role of the nurse in assessing the nutritional status of the senior and its administration. To find out the possibilities of cooperation with other team members in institutional health and social care facilities. Material and methods: We used methodological triangulation and a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to collect data. A nonstandardized questionnaire was first administered. After its evaluation, we carried out a narrative review and a semi-structured interview. We used descriptive, inductive statistics and comparison to process the results. The research set for the questionnaire consisted of nurses working in institutional health and social care facilities. The total number was 226. 24 nurses took part in the semi-structured interview. The last file was electronic and printed documents. Results: Analyzing the data, we found that nurses consider nutrition to be an important part of non-pharmacological treatment of the elderly. The most common interventions included the administration of food orally and, in the case of indication, also enterally. The nurses obtain data on the nutritional history of the senior and carry out education. More often, education is implemented in social services facilities. The results of the interview and narrative review showed that nutrition is important in the treatment of geriatric syndromes, but also acute diseases and reduces the risk of complications after surgery. Conclusion: Through research, we have pointed out current nutrition strategies, which are important to adhere to, especially in community care for the elderly. Good nutritional status reduces the risk of complications of chronic diseases and also affects the quality of life of seniors.

Successful promotion of social business on the global stage: Case of the City of Kitakyushu, Japan

This case study highlights how a local city, Kitakyushu, with a dark history of industrial pollution in Japan, turned into an eco-friendly role model and was named by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) as one of four Green Growth Model cities along with Chicago, Paris, and Stockholm. The city has actively promoted green business through collaborative research opportunities, government-issued green certi cates, innovative green product promotion, a supportive business environment for social entrepreneurs, and international technical cooperation projects. The city continues to challenge itself using the United Nation's 17 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) to expand success into social performance such as quality of life for seniors, gender equality, and sustainable communities. While Japan scores high on social and civil health, female leadership has been a signi cant struggle in social performance in the masculine culture of Japan. Addressing both accomplishments and challenges, this paper provides insights and practical implications for local governments around the world, so they can learn from Kitakyushu, in a more balanced way, with the purpose of achieving their own social objectives through social business.

Ageing policy in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Poland is engaged in the implementation of activation programmes for seniors at governmental as well as non-governmental levels. Among these programmes may be mentioned, 'Active+', 'Senior+', 'Care 75+', and 'Senior Caritas'. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for the inclusion of seniors into social life, and concern about their health. An important challenge for social and ageing policy is the provision of proper standards of care and health protection, especially during an increased sanitary regime. The aim of the study was analysis of the ageing policy strategy and the quality of life of seniors before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was conducted by the method of analysis of data in the area of national initiatives concerning activation programmes for seniors implemented during 2020-2021. The starting point was the well-established definition of the quality of life by the WHO. The analysis performed showed a multitude of factors determining the needs of seniors at the time of the pandemic, which often differed from those observed earlier. The latest studies of the quality of life of the elderly in Poland demonstrated that nearly 60% of respondents assessed their psychological condition as worse than before the pandemic. Another problem was the issue of physical activity, which was limited by more than 62% of seniors, and difficulties with access to health care system services. It seems necessary to implement forms of assistance which could be adjusted to the changing epidemiological conditions, in order to improve the quality of life of persons who, in the near future, will constitute a considerable percentage of Polish society.

Mapping of the determinants of satisfaction with life of portuguese seniors: proposal for preventive intervention at an organizational level

This study focuses on the impact of demographic, socioeconomic, geographic and health determinants on Portuguese seniors’ life satisfaction. The aim of this research is, therefore, to map the determinants of satisfaction with the life of the Portuguese seniors at a national and regional level. This knowledge brings insights to improve quality of life, starting with prevention in their active life (organizational level). We used data collected by the National Health Survey of 2014 and estimated a linear OLS regression both for Portugal and its regions. The main results show that determinants that contribute positively to the level of satisfaction with life are: marital status of being “married”; higher levels of education; higher levels of income; being men and people living in rural areas. The determinant that contributed negatively to the level of satisfaction with life is the existence of chronic diseases.The results at the regional level maintain the trends observed at the country level, showing income and chronic diseases as determinants that have an impact on life satisfaction in all regions. A general profile of the Portuguese seniors is provided for the country and by region, as well as proposals, generic and transversal, at the organizational level are outlined.