Life In Older Adults Research Articles

Use of the Time-Based Experience Sampling Method in Older Adults

Abstract: Older adults represent an increasing proportion of the world’s population and are an important target group for psychological research. The experience sampling method (ESM) has the potential to generate unique insights into the daily lives of older adults, but its application also brings challenges. We provide a systematic review of studies applying time-based ESM (tb-ESM) with participants of 65 years and older in their natural environment, focusing on the studies’ specific (1) (sub)populations and contexts, (2) tb-ESM designs, and (3) rate of study adherence. We searched Medline, Web of Science, Cinahl, Psychology Database, and OSF preprints for eligible reports published from 2007 onwards. After screening 549 records, 54 reports on 31 unique studies were included in the narrative synthesis. Most studies sampled healthy community-dwelling older adults and applied semi-randomized signal schedules. Mobile assessments were much more common than in an earlier review with studies published before 2007 and could be implemented successfully. Recommendations for future tb-ESM studies in older adults are made regarding training and follow-up, custom signal modalities and schedules, and adapted response recording methods. Future aging tb-ESM studies should be mindful of the inclusion of more diverse samples and the evaluation of participant adherence and burden.

Coercive control of older adults in filial relationships: a hybrid concept analysis

Purpose This study aims to synthesise published evidence relating to filial coercive control to generate an understanding of this under-explored concept. This paper identifies its defining characteristics and explores the circumstances under which the phenomenon manifests in the lives of older adults. Design/methodology/approach A scoping review methodology was adopted to guide the literature review, while a concept analysis methodology guided data extraction and analysis. Drawing on Rodgers’s (1989) evolutionary concept analysis method, a co-constructed research methodology was developed for this study. Findings The concept of filial coercive control was understood in the context of the following antecedents: ageist norms, a parental relationship (both biological and non-biological), physical proximity and the controlling characteristics and tendencies of the abusive adult child. The defining attributes included the exercise of power through control, dependency and entrapment, isolation and confinement and fear and intimidation. Using the dominant themes, models and contrary cases were constructed to illustrate the findings. Originality/value Existing bodies of theory fail to adequately describe the phenomenon of filial coercive control adequately; as a consequence, a co-constructed concept analysis was conducted. A tentative operational definition and a conceptual model are proposed providing a starting point for future research and informing professional practice and education.

Analysis of Underlying Factors in Financial Neglect and Abuse in Older Adults: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Objectives: To analyze underlying factors in financial neglect and abuse to enhance understanding and inform interventions that can protect the financial well-being of older adults. Design: A qualitative content analysis approach. Setting(s): Borujen, Shahrekord, Iran. Participants: A sample of 15 older adults (8 females and 7 males) aged 60 and above was selected through a purposeful sampling method from healthcare centres in Borujen, based on specific inclusion criteria. Outcome measures: Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth individual face-to-face interviews. Results: The findings displayed one overarching category, which is lost property, along with four subcategories, including forced reluctance to pursue the recovery of lent money, deprivation of financial independence, distress due to an inability to recover lent money, and children’s financial evasions in repaying the lent money. Collectively, these factors contributed to older adults perceiving their property as lost. Conclusions: Addressing the burden imposed by financial neglect and abuse necessitates coordinated efforts from authorities, ensuring that policymakers and planners in the fields of health and aging implement concrete measures to raise awareness among families, older adults, and service providers regarding elder abuse. Ultimately, these efforts should aim to improve the quality of life for older adults.

Effectiveness of Ayush Rasayana A and B on the Quality of Life of Older Adults: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

With advancing age among older adults, the associated debilities increase, indicating a deteriorating health status as there is a gradual loss of muscle mass, strength, and functionality. Ayush Rasayana A and B are coded Ayurvedic medicines developed from herbal extracts. This study has been planned to prevent debilitating conditions and improve the quality of life (QOL) in older adults. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Ayush Rasayana A and B on the QOL, quality of sleep, and functionality of older adults, along with the tolerability of the intervention. This was a multicenter, open-label, cluster randomized controlled trial conducted with 720 participants aged 60 to 75 years. The participants were divided into 2 groups (intervention and control), with both receiving Ayurvedic ancillary treatment for 3 months. The intervention group additionally received 10 g of Ayush Rasayana A orally once daily at bedtime for 6 days, followed by 1.5 g of Ayush Rasayana B orally twice daily before food for the remaining 84 days. The assessment criteria included the Older People's Quality of Life Questionnaire Brief, Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test, and shoulder and scapular movements. Any change in hematological and biochemical parameters and occurrence of treatment-emergent adverse events were also assessed during the study period. The recruitment of the participants started in December 2023, and the final follow-up was completed in April 2024. Out of the total 720 enrolled participants, 686 (95.3%) completed the study up to the last follow-up. This study may provide evidence-based data to establish preventive treatment protocols for enhancing the QOL and functionality among older adults. The study results may also be helpful for the planning of interdisciplinary health policies for improving the health conditions of different populations. DERR1-10.2196/58186.

Supporting Aging in Place with the Introduction of Artificial Intelligence Technologies

As our growing population ages, there is a stronger push to age in place. Adults want to stay in their homes and communities as long as possible despite degenerative health issues. With adequate education and support, the growing desire for adults to age in their homes can be met with the strategic integration of AI technologies to maximize safety and bolster engagement in meaningful activities. This seemingly simple solution is complicated by the intersection of unique learning styles and the complexities that come with a generation that is cautious of even the simplest technology. Adopting a person-centered framework is vital for the success of AI-supported aging in place. As an occupational therapist, with experience across geriatric populations and a special interest in adaptive technology, I provide unique insight into effectively introducing AI technologies into the daily lives of older adults throughout this experiential report.

Understanding the Daily Lives of Older Adults: Integrating Multi-modal Personal Health Tracking Data through Visualization and Large Language Models

Understanding the daily lives and routines of older adults is crucial to facilitate aging in place. Ubiquitous computing technologies like smartphones and wearables that are easy to deploy and scale, have become a popular method to collect comprehensive and longitudinal data for various demographics. Despite their popularity, several challenges persist when targeting the older adult population such as low compliance and hard to obtain feedback. In this work-in-progress paper, we present the design and development of a multi-modal sensing system that includes a phone, watch, and voice assistant. We are conducting an initial longitudinal study with one older adult participant over 30 days to explore how various types of data can be integrated through visualization techniques and large language models (LLMs). As a work-in-progress, we discussed our preliminary insights from the collected data, and conclude with a discussion of our future plans and directions for this research.

The Digital Rights and Interests of the Elderly and Their Legal Protection

Abstract: As digitalization advances, safeguarding the digital rights of the elderly is a growing concern. This paper examines legal measures to protect elderly rights in the digital age, using literature review and case study methods, with data from legal documents and national statistics. The elderly have obvious disadvantages in the application of digital technology, which not only hinders their ability to benefit from the achievements of the digital society but poses a challenge to achieving universal digital inclusion. In addition, this paper proposes an improvement plan from a legal perspective, aiming to improve the digital literacy of the elderly and narrow the digital divide through technological innovation and scientific popularization. In short, ensuring the digital rights of older adults requires a joint effort from the government, society, businesses, and families, including strengthening the rule of law, optimizing the policy environment, and promoting age-friendly technology. Such measures are essential for effectively improving the digital quality of life for older adults, helping them integrate better into the digital society, and enjoy its benefits

A multi-method feasibility trial of a multi-component behaviour change intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour and increase physical activity among ethnically diverse older adults

IntroductionEvidence suggests that sedentary behaviour (SB) and physical activity (PA) are important indicators of well-being and quality of life in older adults (OAs). However, OAs are the least active and...

Neighbourhood-based participatory action research with older adults: Facilitating participation through virtual and remote methods

Participatory action research (PAR) is an effective means of collaborating with older adults to support community change. Limited PAR literature exists in which older adults catalyse social change within neighbourhoods, particularly using virtual methods. In this paper, we discuss a virtual PAR process with older adults that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the results of inquiry into our application of PAR principles. We conducted PAR in a collective involving university researchers, older adult residents and community partners in an urban core neighbourhood in a mid-sized Canadian city and focused on enhancing daily life for older adults. The PAR project emerged through reflection on previous ethnographic findings regarding older adults’ daily life in neighbourhoods. Our PAR collective collaboratively identified a need among older adults for more accessible information about community resources. To support older adults’ participation and access to community information, the PAR collective created and distributed a free neighbourhood resource booklet, in print and digital formats, to promote equitable access. We evaluated the impact of the booklet through a survey and discussions with community partners. During our PAR process we found challenges and solutions related to using technology, engaging in discussion during virtual meetings, and making collaborative decisions. A combination of in-person, remote and online interactions seemed to facilitate relationship development amongst co-researchers and completion of the project. Future PAR projects would benefit from incorporating in-person, remote and online methods from the outset, as well as ways to support older adults in using and accessing technology. We further noted the value of a local resource booklet, in print and digital formats, in promoting neighbourhood information sharing.

Blackcurrant Supplementation and Habitual Physical Activity Enhance Functional Capacity and Quality of Life in Previously Sedentary Older Women.

Loss of functional capacity negatively impacts the quality of life in older adults. This single-site randomized controlled study examined whether short- (one week) and long-term (three months) blackcurrant supplementations combined with habitual physical activity would improve functional capacity and quality of life in previously sedentary older women. Thirty sedentary, healthy older women were randomly assigned to receive blackcurrant supplementation (400 mg of blackcurrant extract) (Polyphenol group, n=15; 74.2±10.0 years) or no supplementation (capsules of 400 mg of corn flour) (Placebo group, n=15; 72.8±8.7 years). Each group consumed two capsules daily for one week and three months, with a washout period of one week between the two phases. The polyphenol group was required to increase habitual activity levels. Participants underwent a functional capacity assessment consisting of a sixminute walk, sit-to-stand test, Berg balance scale measurement and quality of life evaluation with the Scale of Life Satisfaction Index (LSI) at the start, after one week, and after three months of supplementation. Walking distance and time to sit-to-stand improved by 2.5% (p=0.005) and 7.5% (p=0.005), respectively, after one week in the polyphenol group. After 3 months, walking distance in the six-minute walk test increased by 12.3% (p=0.001) while the time to sit-to-stand decreased by 16% (p=0.002) in the polyphenol compared to placebo group, respectively. No differences in Berg balance scale were observed. Quality of life, indexed by LSI, improved by 39% (p=0.001) in the polyphenol compared to the placebo group. Blackcurrant supplementation, combined with habitual activity, may enhance functional capacity and quality of life in older women, offering a potential strategy to maintain independence. However, future studies should address longer durations to validate these findings.

Exploring the essence of a creative dance programme for older adults: Programme overview and research insights

IntroductionDance is recognised as a safe, effective, and enjoyable means to boost physical, mental, and cognitive health in older adults. Detailed content of dance programmes for this age group is sparsely described. AimsThis study provides a comprehensive description and evaluation of a Creative Dance Programme for older adults. MethodThe dance programme, described in detail in our study, was analysed with three quantitative (i.e., gait, balance and executive function tests) and one qualitative (i.e., interviews) pilot studies to gain insights into health effects of the programme. ResultsCreative dance increased participants walking speed in both the single (t(13) = 6.65, p < 0.001) and dual-task conditions (t(13) = 5.51, p < 0.001) and reduced participants’ dual-task costs of walking (t(13) = -2.24, p = 0.043). Moreover, participants reported that they felt energised after the sessions and more confident in daily activities. ConclusionOur research highlights that creative dance programmes can have a positive effect on the dual task costs of walking and movement adaptability in daily life of older adults.

Combining motivational and exercise intervention components to reverse pre-frailty and promote self-efficacy among community-dwelling pre-frail older adults: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundExercise is effective in preventing frailty status in older adults, but the effect of an exercise program based on Wellness Motivation Theory (WMT) on the frailty status, self-efficacy for exercise, and quality of life for older adults with pre-frailty remains unclear. Our objective was to examine the efficacy of a multicomponent exercise program based on WMT on frailty status, self-efficacy, and quality of life among pre-frail older adults.MethodsThis was a randomized controlled trial of pre-frail older adults aged from 60 years to 85 years. Participants in the intervention group performed exercise three times a week for 24 weeks, once at a community health service station instructed by two researchers and two times at home. Participants in the control group were given one-time advice on physical activity. The assessor was the only one blinded. The primary outcome was the reversal rate of pre-frailty. The secondary outcomes included self-efficacy and quality of life.ResultsOne hundred and forty-four participants were randomized into two groups (n = 72 in the intervention group and n = 72 in the control group) and analyzed. After 24 weeks, the proportion of pre-frailty was significantly lower in the intervention group than in control (31.8% versus 74.6%, P < 0.001). The absolute risk reduction was 42.8% [95% CI, 25.1–57.1]. In the 8th week and the 24th week, the frailty score of the intervention group was significantly lower than that of the control group. There were significant improvements in self-efficacy at week 2, week 8, and week 24. In weeks 8 and 24, participants in the intervention group reported a higher quality of life than the control group. There were no exercise-related injuries or falls among the participants.ConclusionsThe exercise intervention based on WMT for pre-frail older adults could reverse pre-frailty, increase self-efficacy for exercise, and improve the quality of life in older Chinese.Study registration detailsThis study was registered in www.ClinicalTrials.gov on the 25th of July, 2024, with the identifier NCT06519695.Reporting methodThe Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) checklist was used in this study for properly reporting how the randomized trial was conducted.

Developing a battery of physical performance tests to predict functional disability in Japanese older adults: A longitudinal study from the Kasama study.

Preventing functional disability benefits the quality of life of older adults and mitigates the economic burden of an aging society. However, the most effective physical performance tests and optimal cut points for identifying older adults at risk of functional disability remain unclear, and Japan lacks physical function-based assessment tools. We aimed to identify the physical performance tests related to functional disability and to develop a predictive test battery for it. We included 975 older adults (mean 72.8 ± 5.2 years, 55.4% women) in Kasama City, Japan. Functional disability was defined as certification of care level 2 or above based on the long-term care insurance system. Cox proportional hazards analysis examined the association between physical performance tests and incident functional disability. During a mean follow-up of 8.6 years (maximum 14 years), 236 participants (24.2%) developed functional disability. After adjusting for covariates, higher performances in grip strength, single-leg balance with eyes open (SLB), timed up-and-go (TUG), five-repetition sit-to-stand (5-STS), and 5-m habitual walk were significantly associated with a lower risk of functional disability. In a stepwise model, SLB, TUG, and 5-STS were key predictors of functional disability. Receiver operating characteristic analysis determined optimal cut points of 32.6/32.7 s for SLB, 6.5/6.6 s for TUG, and 7.8/7.9 s for 5-STS. We developed a predictive battery combining these cut points (area under the curve = 0.78). The developed battery of physical performance tests predicts future functional disability and is useful for screening older adults at high risk. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; ••: ••-••.

Linking health-related behaviours to quality of life in older adults: A latent class analysis

Abstract Background Life expectancy and healthy life years diverge considerably in Austria, and quality of life (QoL) varies widely among older people. Identifying the factors most relevant to QoL in older people is crucial. We aimed to investigate the association between health behaviour, including lifestyle and preventive behaviour, and QoL in this population. Methods Cross-sectional data from the Austrian Health Interview Survey (2019) were used, including 3,995 individuals aged 65 years and older. We performed latent class analysis (LCA) to identify patterns of health behaviours. Variables were selected based on the WHO framework of Active Ageing including factors related to lifestyle (physical exercise, fruit/vegetable intake, BMI, oral health, smoking, alcohol use) and the health care system (satisfaction, unmet needs, participation in screening, health checks and vaccination). Domain scores of the WHOQOL-BREF were used for QoL assessment. Class differences were assessed by survey regressions. Results In the LCA, four different behavioural classes emerged among the older-aged Austrian population, including (class 1) ‘best preventive behaviour and very good lifestyle’ (17.7%), (class 2) ‘worst lifestyle and worst preventive behaviour, high unmet healthcare needs and unsatisfied with the system’ (16.5%), (class 3) ‘very good preventive behaviour and best lifestyle, but worst vaccination probability’ (24.8%) and (class 4) ‘poor preventive behaviour, good lifestyle, but no physical activity’ (41.0%). The classes with unhealthy lifestyles (classes 2 and 4) had worse QoL in all domains compared to the classes with healthy lifestyles (classes 1 and 3). The four classes differ on demographic, socio-economic and health characteristics. Conclusions To improve the QoL of the older population, policies and interventions need to be tailored to the specific characteristics and needs of each behavioural class. Key messages • This study explores the relationship between health behaviour and QoL in older Austrians. • Findings support the development of differentiated interventions targeting different types of behaviour.

Temporal Trends in Dementia Incidence in Sweden: Insights from NEAR Data

Abstract Background This study investigates the temporal trends of dementia incidence in Sweden over a span of 35 years, drawing on data from the National E-Infrastructure for Aging Research (NEAR). Methods Our comprehensive analysis encompassed over 10,000 participants aged 50 and above. We estimated dementia incidence rates across the study period, considering birth cohort, age, and sex while controlling for potential confounders. Additionally. We explored potential modifiers influencing the estimated trend of dementia incidence. Results The analysis reveals a notable decline in dementia incidence rates, particularly among individuals born in more recently. Octogenarians born in the 1920-1930 cohort had a 74% lower dementia incidence rate compared to their counterparts born before 1900. Similarly, nonagenarians born in the 1910-1920 cohort experienced a 45% lower incidence rate. We further investigate determinants influencing this declining trend, shedding light on various factors shaping the observed patterns. Conclusions The incidence rate of dementia in Sweden has shown a consistent decline over the past 35 years, with a notable birth cohort effect indicating lower rates among individuals born more recently. This finding suggests evolving factors in lifestyle, healthcare, or environmental conditions contributing to improved cognitive health outcomes. Key Messages • These findings underscore the importance of proactive public health measures aimed at sustaining and enhancing cognitive health outcomes among aging populations. • Understanding the temporal dynamics and underlying factors driving these trends can inform strategies for promoting healthy aging and improving the quality of life for older adults.

Mandibular third molar coronectomy in older adults and its effects on oral health-related quality of life.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of coronectomy on postoperative quality of life in older adults. Coronectomy is an alternative to complete surgical removal of a mandibular third molar that lies close to the inferior alveolar nerve. This prospective study included patients >60 years old who had an indication for coronectomy of a mandibular third molar. Patients were asked to complete the Dutch version of the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) daily during the first postoperative week. Postoperative pain, swelling, limited mouth opening, chewing ability and infection were also recorded. Furthermore, the effect of the impaction pattern, state of eruption, presence of preoperative pathology, patient health status according to the American Society of Anaesthesiologists score, gender, smoking on the postoperative OHIP-14 and pain scores were investigated. Thirty patients (16 males, 14 females) with a mean age of 71.2 (SD 8.3, range 60-91) years were included in the study. OHIP-14 and pain scores were highest on the first postoperative day and gradually declined during the first postoperative week. Patients who underwent coronectomy of a fully impacted mandibular third molar had significantly higher OHIP-14 scores on the first postoperative day than those who underwent coronectomy on a (partially) erupted mandibular third molar. We did not observe any postoperative complications up to 1 year after the surgery. Mandibular third molar coronectomy seems to present a valid treatment option in older adults.

Towards more inclusive understandings of creativity

Creativity research could advantageously turn away from the notion that being creative is solely connected to novelty, youth, and renewal, and that the ability to be creative declines with age. On the contrary, it seems that people can find great value in being active, participating in the community, and creating—in the vegetable garden, with knitting, or together with others in choirs and community life. This commentary on Adams-Price and Morse “Creativity, aging, context and culture: Reimagining creativity in everyday life in older adults” invites the authors to go even further in their theoretical exploration of models of creativity adding an even stronger lifespan perspective on creativity.

Smart Home Technologies for Enhancing Independence of Living and Reducing Care Dependence in Older Adults: A Systematic Review.

To systematically review the potential of smart home technology to enhance the independence of older adults and reduce their dependence on care. Additionally, it sought to examine the positive impacts of such technology on their golden years. A systematic review based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The search was conducted on 8 April 2024. Peer-reviewed studies in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, CNKI, WANFANG DATA and VIP from 1 January 2000 to 8 April 2024 were searched. The methodological quality assessment used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Positive findings relevant to this study were extracted from the literature and analysed using thematic synthesis. After meticulously examining 3404 studies, we identified 21 relevant sources for in-depth analysis, including qualitative studies (n = 10), experimental studies (n = 9) and mixed method studies (n = 2). These sources were grouped into five core themes based on the pivotal role of smart home technologies in enabling ageing in place: daily monitoring, assisted living activities, life reminders, functional improvement and emotional companionship. The study found that smart home technology offers numerous benefits to the lives of older adults, including increased independence, psychological support, improved cognitive functioning, enhanced self-management, increased mobility, support for caregivers, promoted social engagement and enhanced quality of life. Smart home technology can enhance the independence of older adults' lives, reduce their dependence on care, alleviate the burden on caregivers and promote home-based elderly care. This systematic review contributes to understanding the capability of smart home technology to promote elderly care at home and help better utilise smart home technology to benefit older adults. Older adults and their caregivers should be encouraged to adopt this technology to improve older adults' quality of life. No patient or public contribution.

Anthropometric indices in older adults with and without Locomotive Syndrome

BackgroundLocomotive syndrome is a major challenge for older adults, and anthropometric indices can greatly affect the musculoskeletal system. This study aimed to compare the anthropometric indices between older adults with and without locomotive syndrome.MethodsThis descriptive-analytical study was performed on 211 older adults using random cluster sampling from a population of over-60 individuals covered by comprehensive health service centers in Sari in Autumn, 2021. Participants were divided into two groups: with and without locomotive syndrome. Locomotive syndrome was assessed via the 25-item Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale questionnaire, and the level of anthropometric indices was determined through the Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis device. Data were analyzed by independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U, Chi-Square, and Binary logistic regression in SPSS, Version 23 (P < 0.05).ResultsThe average age of older adult participants was 78.4 ± 6.6 years. In older adults with locomotive syndrome, the average percentage of fat-free mass (P < 0.001) was significantly lower while the average percentage of fat mass and fat mass index (P < 0.001) was significantly higher. Older adults with locomotive syndrome were shorter in height (P < 0.001) and had a higher body mass index (P < 0.05). Fat-free mass percentage (OR = 0.59) and body mass index (OR = 1.4) predicted the incidence of locomotive syndrome in the subjects. Significant differences such as chronic diseases, chronic pain, falls, age, and gender were observed between the two groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionAnthropometric indices can play an important role in the occurrence of locomotive syndrome in older adults. Evaluation of anthropometric indices and management of body composition can help prevent locomotive syndrome and improve the quality of life of older adults.

A Roadmap for the Design of a Public-participation Geographic-Information System to Support Urban Ageing

Geospatial technologies have the potential to transform the lives of older adults by providing them with necessary tools to navigate their local communities, access services, connect with others, and access valuable information. However, the usability and accessibility of such technologies often fall short of the needs of older adults. Many existing geospatial tools are not designed with the needs and preferences of older adults in mind; this can lead to usability challenges and limit their usage. This paper explores a participatory approach in developing an inclusive geodata-collection tool that is specifically tailored to older users’ needs. The paper also highlights the importance of incorporating user-centered design principles, participatory design methods, and accessibility guidelines throughout the entire geodata-tool-development process. It also emphasizes the need for ongoing user engagement and feedback in order to ensure that the tool remains relevant and usable in the evolving digital landscape. This participatory approach has resulted in a tool that is easy to use and accessible for older adults; it is available in various languages, thus ensuring that the elderly can actively participate in the prototype’s creation and contribute to the collection of the geospatial information that reflects their lived experiences and needs.