Life In Older Adults Research Articles

Daily activities of older adults before and during the COVID pandemic.

This study examines how older adults' (65 years old plus) daily activities shifted in the years around the coronavirus disease (COVID) pandemic. Using data from American Time Use Survey, this study compares activities across the pre-pandemic (2019 to March 2020), early-pandemic (May to December 2020), and pandemic-normal (2021) periods. In the first year of the pandemic, there was less time spent on average on leisure outside the home, traveling, and with nonhousehold members, and more time alone and at home, compared with before the pandemic. Moving beyond averages, sequence and cluster analyses find 5 similar typologies of days across the three periods, characterized by days predominated by (a) housework, (b) leisure at home, (c) TV, (d) a combination of leisure at home and outside with TV, and (e) paid work. Duration of time across various daily activities differed, however, even for the same clusters. For example, in days predominated by indoor leisure, adults spent 405min in this activity before the pandemic, 432min during the early-pandemic period, and 549min during the pandemic-normal period. We also observed changes in the proportion of older adults in each cluster. Across the pre-pandemic and early-pandemic periods, the proportion of days predominated by leisure at home increased (9.9%-17.9%) whereas the proportion belonging to days predominated by housework decreased (45.7%-17.6%). COVID-19 shifted the daily life of older adults, and our findings are consistent with selection, optimization, and compensation theory, documenting that older adult adapted across the first 2 years of the pandemic.

Opportunities and Challenges in the Use of Technology to Support Aging in the Right Place.

This paper explores the rapidly growing integration of technology in the delivery of health and social care specifically focused on enabling "Ageing in the Right Place" (AIRP) (Iciaszczyk et al. 2022: 1). While exploring emerging opportunities and challenges, it specifically highlights growing disparities that are creating digital divides, as well as ethical concerns that will need to be addressed and supported by comprehensive evaluation frameworks and policies. Ultimately, the development of inclusive and ethical technologies for enabling AIRP in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders - including policy makers, researchers, caregivers and older adults - is needed to ensure that new technologies can both empower and ultimately improve the lives of older adults.

Remote and in-person Pilates impact on the quality of life of older adults: A controlled and randomized clinical trial

IntroductionSedentary behavior and physical inactivity pose significant concerns for the elderly population due to their detrimental effects on physical autonomy and quality of life. The Pilates method practiced remotely on the ground may be a promising option to enhance the quality of life for older adults. ObjectiveTo compare the effects of remote and in-person Pilates solo training on older adults' quality of life (QOL) through a controlled and randomized clinical trial. MethodologyElderly individuals aged 60 to 70 were assigned to three groups: remote training (RT), in-person training (IT), and a control group (CG). The effect size was calculated, and comparisons were conducted using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) with a Bonferroni complementary test (α = 0.05). ResultsAll groups showed improvement in most QOL domains. However, the IT group exhibited a more significant effect size in the physical, psychological, social relationships, autonomy, death, and dying domains, as well as total scores compared to the RT group. ConclusionPilates practiced solo, whether in-person or remotely, enhances various aspects of older adults' quality of life. Nevertheless, in-person training demonstrates superiority for these outcomes.

Subjective Successful Aging in the Presence of Mobility Disability.

Researchers often define successful aging as freedom from disability and disease, yet the perceptions of older adults living with disability challenge this conception, demonstrating that they can indeed age successfully. This paper adapts a framework of successful aging with disability, basing it on the subjective assessment of key components contributing to success among older adults living with mobility disability due to multiple sclerosis. Employing a qualitative, theory-grounded methodology, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 individuals aged 60-75 who live with mobility disability attributed to multiple sclerosis. The open-ended questions explored their perspectives on the aging process, their definition of successful aging, and the coping strategies they employ in navigating challenges associated with age and their condition. Despite facing mobility disabilities, the majority (16 out of 20) expressed a sense of successful aging, identifying five key themes: accepting reality, maintaining a positive attitude, fostering independence, nurturing a social life, and preserving cognitive abilities. They achieved successful aging by focusing on alternatives, relying on external support, having a good attitude and faith, and accepting their challenges. The themes identified in this research contribute to redefining successful aging in future studies and facilitating the development of interventions aimed at improving the quality of life for older adults coping with mobility disability.

Application, understanding, and appropriation of the Montessori method for persons with dementia: A qualitative pilot study.

The Montessori method applied in nursing homes is a person-centered approach targeting the enhancement of autonomy, well-being, and quality of life for older adults with dementia. Despite its potential in the aging field, its operationalization remains unclear in the context of institutionalization. This study aims to outline the method's components and adoption factors using a behavior change intervention framework among professionals from a French institution demonstrating a high level of method application. We employed a qualitative descriptive approach based on thematic analysis. Nine professionals from the same institution underwent a semi-structured individual interview within the facility. The findings were modeled using the Behavior Change Intervention Ontology. We obtained a final framework defining the intervention, mechanisms of action, exposure, contextual factors, and behavioral outcomes. The method is based on values, principles, and techniques such as facilitation, choice, meaningful activities, environmental adjustments, and specific tools. Applied continuously to residents, families, and professionals, its implementation is influenced by several contextual factors leading to practice changes at various levels. This study constitutes both a theoretical and practical contribution, providing a better definition of the method and the key factors influencing its appropriation.

Clinical and physiological risk factors contributing to the restricted mobility in older adults: a longitudinal analysis

BackgroundMobility limitations (e.g., using wheelchair) have been closely linked to diminished functional independence and quality of life in older adults. The regulation of mobility is pertaining to multiple neurophysiologic and sociodemographic factors. We here aimed to characterize the relationships of these factors to the risk of restricted mobility in older adults.MethodsIn this longitudinal study, 668 older adults with intact mobility at baseline completed the baseline assessments of clinical characteristics, cognitive function, sleep quality, activities of daily living (ADL), walking performance, beat-to-beat blood pressure, and structural MRI of the brain. Then 506 of them (mean age = 70.7 ± 7.5 years) responded to the follow-up interview on the mobility limitation (as defined by if using wheelchair, cane, or walkers, or being disabled and lying on the bed) after 18 ± 3.5 months. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the relationships between the baseline characteristics and the follow-up mobility restriction.ResultsAt baseline, compared to intact-mobility group (n = 475), restricted-mobility group (n = 31) were older, with lower score of ADL and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), greater score of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), poorer cardio- and cerebral vascular function, and slower walking speeds (ps < 0.05). The logistic regression analysis demonstrated that participants who were with history of falls, uncontrolled-hypertension, and/or greater Fazekas scale (odds ratios (ORs):1.3 ~ 13.9, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) = 1.1 ~ 328.2), walked slower, and/or with lower ADL score (ORs: 0.0026 ~ 0.9; 95%CI: 0.0001 ~ 0.99) at baseline, would have significantly greater risk of restricted mobility (p < 0.05; VIFs = 1.2 ~ 1.9).ConclusionsThese findings provide novel profile of potential risk factors, including vascular characteristics, psycho-cognitive and motor performance, for the development of restricted mobility in near future in older adults, ultimately helping the design of appropriate clinical and rehabilitative programs for mobility in this population.

Integrative Geriatric Oncology: A Review of Current Practices.

This article aims to offer a comprehensive review of optimal integrative medicine practices for geriatric oncology patients. Given the aging population and the global rise in cancer incidence, it is crucial to identify evidence-based modalities and employ an integrated approach to enhance cancer outcomes and quality of life in older adults. It has been predicted that 20.5% (6.9 million) of new cancer cases in 2050 will occur in adults over 80years old.1 The increasing focus on lifestyle factors in healthy aging has shed light on various overlooked areas of significance. Notably, anti-inflammatory diets and the promotion of a healthy gut microbiome have demonstrated significant impacts on overall health outcomes, bolstering the body's innate capacity to combat disease. This review delves into further evidence and extrapolation concerning integrative approaches and their influence on cancer outcomes and older adults quality of life. The complexity and unique nature of cancer in older adults requires a wide range of support from medical providers. Incorporating various integrative techniques as part of cancer treatment and side effect support can improve health outcomes and patient's quality of life. Familiarity with the lifestyle interventions and other topics explored in this review equips healthcare providers to offer tailored and holistic care to geriatric patients navigating cancer.

Is It Possible to Improve the Perceived Quality of Life of Overweight or Obese Older People through a Multicomponent Physical Exercise Program?

Multicomponent exercise is a physical exercise modality in which various physical qualities (strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and balance) are developed with an equal distribution of volume in the same session (approximately 60 min) and that has been little explored in improving the quality of life of older adults. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of multicomponent training on self-perceived quality of life in Chilean overweight or obese older people. To this end, a quasi-experimental study with a control group was designed to evaluate self-perceived Quality of Life using the World Health Organization Quality of Life, brief version [Overall Quality of Life (OQOL); Overall Health (OH); Physical Health (PH); Psychological Health (PsH); Social Relations (SR); Environment (E)]. Seventy overweight or obese people aged between 60 and 86 years participated (M = 73.15; SD = 5.94) and were randomized into a control group (CG, n = 35) and an experimental group (EG, n = 35). The results in the EG (pre vs. post-intervention) indicated that there were statistically significant differences in OQOL (p = 0.005), OH (p = 0.014), PH (p < 0.001), PsH (p < 0.001), E (p = 0.015), and SR (p < 0.001) which were not found in the CG in any of the variables (p > 0.050) except in SR (p < 0.001). Regarding sex, post-intervention differences were only found between CG and EG in women in OQOL (p = 0.002), PH (p < 0.001), PsH (p = 0.003), and SR (p < 0.001), but not in OH or E (p > 0.050). These differences were not found among men in any of the variables (p > 0.050). As a conclusion, we can say that a multicomponent physical exercise program applied for 6 months significantly improves the perception of OQOL, OH, PH, PsH, SR, and E in overweight or obese older people. This perception is greater in men than in women.

Family Involvement in the Care of Nursing Home Residents With Dementia: A Scoping Review.

Family members are involved in the lives of older adults with dementia in complex ways. This scoping review synthesizes existing research on family involvement in the care of nursing home residents with advanced dementia. Using the Arksey and O'Malley scoping review framework, electronic searches of PubMed, EBSCO's CINAHL Complete, and APA PsychInfo on the Ovid platform were conducted. Twenty-eight studies met inclusion criteria. Emergent themes and definitions of involvement were obtained through thematic analysis, including: (1) contact (through visitation, calling, or writing letters); (2) engagement in care activities (instrumental/activities of daily living); (3) planning and monitoring care (being aware of health and treatment changes, partnership with care staff, ensuring adequate care, and decision-making); and (4) supporting the resident (advocacy, socioemotional support, and financial support). Moreover, limited psychometrically sound instruments exist to measure family involvement. These limitations stall the progression of research targeting family involvement.

The Quality of Life of Elderly Persons in the Institutional Form of Protection Through the User’s Perspective

The quality of life of older adults is a highly relevant topic for researchers worldwide. Studies suggest that in Bosnia and Herzegovina, this topic is under-researched. Based on this knowledge gap, this study aimed to investigate the quality of life of elderly people living in institutional care facilities. The research focused on a sample (N=58) of individuals over 65 years old residing in public institutions: the Gerontological Center Sarajevo and the Pensioner's Home Tuzla. Data was collected through a survey using a questionnaire specifically designed for this study. The research aimed to understand the quality of life of elderly people in these facilities from their perspective. Additionally, the quality of services provided within the institutions and the material living conditions were investigated. The results showed that while most participants rated their overall life quality as poor, two-thirds reported being satisfied with their life within the institutions. When evaluating factors influencing quality of life, health emerged as the most important aspect for the majority of participants. In terms of satisfaction with specific areas, most participants expressed the highest satisfaction with services provided by the institutions and support from social workers. Conversely, reported satisfaction with support from family, neighbors, and friends was the lowest. Services within the institutions were generally rated well, with organized activities and social interaction receiving particularly high marks.

Types of Home and Community-Based Physical Activity and Their Effects on the Older Adults' Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Home and community-based physical activity (HCBPA) has been extensively utilized among older adults. Nevertheless, the varying types of HCBPA, including different duration, intensity, and frequency, have sparked controversy regarding their impact on the quality of life in older adults. This study aims to explore the effects of HCBPA on QoL in older adults. We conducted a systematic review and retrieved studies published from January 2000 to April 2023 from multiple databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and the Web of Science Library). Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria for this study. Long-term HCBPA interventions may have a more pronounced positive impact on older adults' quality of life than short-term ones, with the intervention's intensity and frequency playing a key role in its effectiveness. The results of the meta-analyses showed significant differences in PCS but not in MCS, both with low certainty of evidence. Policymakers should prioritize the importance of promoting HCBPA interventions with appropriate duration, intensity, and frequency to create a more age-inclusive society.

The Association Between Social Support and the Quality of Life of Older Adults in China: The Mediating Effect of Loneliness

ABSTRACT Background Quality of life, social support, and loneliness are common problems among older adults in China , but the relationships among these issues have not been clearly identified. Objectives The present study aimed to determine the relationships among Quality of life, social support, and loneliness. Methods A total of 560 older adults were randomly selected , the social support rating scale (SSRS), University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) loneliness scale, and Short-Form 12 (SF-12) were employed to measure their degree of social support, level of loneliness, and quality of life. Results The average physical component summary (PCS) score was 49.97±16.33, and the average mental component summary (MCS) score was 47.26±11.49. Loneliness plays a partial mediating role between social support and quality of life. Conclusion Loneliness and a lack of social support will affect the quality of life of the older adults. Thus, we need to urgently strengthen the care and support for the older adults and alleviate the loneliness of the older adults in the community.

Exploration of the Determinants of Subjective Health and Depression Using Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging Data.

Aging is an imperative issue in Korean society, and a healthy life is important for a better quality of life for older adults. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to investigate the determinants of subjective health and depression in middle-aged and elderly Korean individuals. This study used three attributes as the determinants of subjective health and depression, including the curve linear effect of medical expenses and eating-out expenses and the linear impact of regular exercise. We utilized the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLOSA) to determine the associations between five attributes: subjective health, depression, medical expenses, eating-out expenses, and regular exercise. Research panel data were employed as the data source. The study period was between 2018 and 2020. This research implemented various multiple linear panel regression econometric analysis instruments: ordinary least squares, random effects, and fixed effects. The mean age of survey participants was 72.10 years, and 35 percent of participants were female. The number of observations for data analysis was 7197. The results revealed that medical and eating-out expenses had a curved linear effect on subjective health and depression. Moreover, regular exercise positively affected subjective health and resulted in less depression. These findings may inform policy decisions that promote regular exercise and manage medical and eating-out expenses, thereby enhancing subjective health and mitigating depression.

Effect of virtual cardiac rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic on health-related quality of life of older adults with cardiac problems

BACKGROUND: In March 2020, on the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer, routine elective hospital medical activity was suspended and a national ‘stay at home order’ was implemented for a period of 16 weeks in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Most hospitals suspended their Cardiac Rehabilitation services. Many older adults did not receive the medical help they needed. This will have an impact on their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) now and thereafter. OBJECTIVE: Explore the effect of Virtual Cardiac Rehabilitation VCR delivered during Covid-19 Pandemics on the overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of older adults with cardiac problems. METHODS: A retrospective study design was used. Rand-36 scores in a population of older adults aged 60+ who participated in VCR between March 2020 and September 2021 were compared pre- and post-program. Convenience sampling method was used and only those who gave informed written consent for data use were included. SPSS version 27 was used to analyze data using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Significant increases in median post-VCR scores, compared to pre-VCR scores (p &lt; 0.001) were shown in the Physical domain from (95% CI 307.5–342.5). Mental health domain from (95% CI 301.5–340.5). There was statistically highly significant difference in scores in Chester Step Test METs pre- post VCR 16% (p &lt; 0.001). There were no significant differences found in patients’ perception of Physical Function, Role Limit (Emotional) and Energy/Fatigue (p &gt; 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: VCR delivered during Covid-19 Pandemic, had positive effect on the overall HRQoL of older adults with cardiac problems. VCR offered as an option in CR may potentially improve completion rate and facilitate behavioral modifications.

Influence of prosthodontic rehabilitation and dietary advice on glycaemic control, nutritional status and oral health-related quality of life of older adults with type 2 diabetes.

This prospective clinical study aimed to determine the influence of oral prosthodontic rehabilitation with partial removable dentures and simplified dietary advice on glycaemic control, nutritional status and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of older adults with type 2 diabetes. Individuals with tooth loss who did not wear complete or partial dentures are more likely to be at nutritional risk, suggesting that using dental prostheses would benefit the re-establishment of an adequate nutritional status and potentially improve quality of life. Nutritional therapy is essential for diabetes prevention, treatment and management, favouring glycaemic control. The literature provides little evidence on the contribution of partial removable dentures to improving diabetes control, nutritional profile and satisfaction in older adults, especially those with type 2 diabetes. Older individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, aged 60 years or older and needing oral rehabilitation with partial removable dentures were eligible for this prospective study. The primary outcome measure was glycaemic control, measured by glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire and the Mini Nutritional Assessment short-form (MNA-SF) represented secondary outcome measures. These measures were assessed at baseline and 12 months of follow-up after prosthesis delivery, combined with simple dietary advice in pamphlet form. The data were analysed using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs test. Forty-four patients who met the inclusion criteria and required treatment with removable partial dentures were selected for this study, which was carried out for a year. During this period, seven participants declined to participate because they moved to another city. Hence, a final sample of 37 participants (16 men and 21 women, average age of 65.8 years, ranging from 60 to 83 years) were included in the study. No laboratory parameter (HbA1c levels) changed significantly during the investigation. The number of older adults at risk of malnutrition was significantly lower at 12 months than at baseline. Furthermore, nutritional status significantly improved 12 months after prosthodontic treatment combined with dietary advice, and the effect sizes were large. OHRQoL significantly improved after prosthodontic therapy combined with dietary advice. Prosthodontic treatment with partial dentures associated with simple dietary advice did not influence glycaemic control but improved the nutritional status and OHRQoL of older adults with type 2 diabetes.

Improving Functional Status of Older Adults Through Health Literacy Media: A Systematic Review

Older age can be followed by an aging process that shows a decrease in physical function due to various degenerative problems that reduce immunity caused the older adults vulnerable to infectious diseases. Health literacy can improve the physical function of the older adults in using self management agents, social support, access to health services and increasing the quality of life of older adults. The aim of this paper is to obtain the existence evidence of health literacy impact in improving older adults health status and functional or physical well-being living in community-setting and clinical setting. This paper used some databases Proquest database, PubMed, Sage Journal, Scopus, Ebscohost, Science Direct, anf Taylor &amp; Francis. There are 11 articles published between 2014 - 2024 were reviewed using the PRISMA method. This review found that there are different types of health literacy media (print and digital) and there are combination of health literacy with physical activity interventions to deliver health information to older people. Standardized health literacy media in readability, and easy to use such as video/web/electronic, game-based, digital, and mobile-based and health literacy interventions combined with planned physical activities can increase knowledge, self-efficacy, cognitive function, quality of life, and reducing frailty score, fall risk, depression score.

Association between malnutrition and cognitive frailty in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundTo systematically assess the association between cognitive frailty (CF) and malnutrition in older adults. Methods8 databases were retrieved up until April 2023 by two reviewers in dependently, and meta-analysis was performed by Stata 16.0 software. ResultsA total of 19 studies were meta-analyzed to assess the relationship between CF and malnutrition in older adults. The pooled prevalence of CF from 17 studies was 23 %, and the pooled prevalence of malnutrition among patients with CF from 12 studies was 57 %. Data from 13 studies on the association between CF and malnutrition unveiled a high risk of CF in older adults with malnutrition (OR = 3.77, 95 % CI: 2.49–5.69). ConclusionThe prevalence of malnutrition is high in older adults with CF, and there is a significant delve into targeted treatment and preventive measures to ameliorate the quality of life of older adults.

Social Robots for Meaningful Seated Activities: Acceptance & Use by Older Adults.

Healthy aging requires the maintenance of good physical and cognitive activity. However, as they age, older adults often experience a decline in physical and cognitive activity, leading to a more sedentary lifestyle. Some older adults may not have a choice but to become increasingly sedentary as they age due to injury or deteriorated physicality. As such, they require assistive technologies to aid in their daily lives and activities to maintain healthy cognitive function. Social Robots are a newer form of assistive technology, specifically designed for social interactions and gameplay. As with other assistive technologies, compliance barriers to their acceptance and use for meaningful, seated activities among older adults are expected. To better explore this phenomenon, improve quality of life and understand what drives older adults to accept and use newer forms of technology like social robots, this conceptual paper conjoins two theoretical frameworks: The Activity Theory of Aging (ATA) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). As social robots hold great promise for improving the quality of life for older adults, exploring what driving factors could enable their greater acceptance and use is essential to furthering this field of study within Australia.

Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults: Findings from the IRanian Longitudinal Study on Ageing.

Objectives: There are some studies without consensus on the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and few studies among elderly participants; therefore, the aim of this study is evaluating the association between MetS and HRQoL between elderly participants after adjusting for possible confounding factors. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted with the data from baseline phase of the IRanian Longitudinal Study on Ageing. The MetS diagnosis was conducted based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. The participants were 3452 subjects aged ≥60 years with and without MetS. The Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran version of the SF-12 questionnaire was used to examine subjects' perspectives on their well-being and general health level. The association between MetS and HRQoL was evaluated through multivariable linear regression model after adjusting for possible covariates. Results: MetS independently had an inverse association with subscales of HRQoL including physical functioning, physical problems, general health, social functioning, and emotional problems, even after fully adjusting for studied confounding factors. An inverse association was also observed between MetS and both mental component summary and physical component summary in the fully adjusted model. Conclusion: Older adults with MetS had a relatively worse physical and mental HRQoL in comparison with individuals without MetS. Independent of any underlying factors, the inverse association of MetS with HRQoL emphasizes the necessity of routine screening and treatment of MetS in older populations.

Falls prevention in older people and the role of nursing.

Falls among older individuals pose a significant public health challenge globally, impacting both individual wellbeing and healthcare systems. This article examines the importance of falls prevention in older people and the pivotal role of nursing in this domain. It presents statistics indicating the high prevalence of falls among older adults, highlighting their substantial impact on morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Furthermore, it discusses the multifactorial nature of fall risk factors, including age-related changes, chronic health conditions, medication use, impaired mobility, sensory deficits and environmental hazards. Nursing interventions encompass comprehensive assessments, personalised care plans, patient education and advocacy efforts aimed at reducing fall risks and enhancing safety. By addressing intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to falls, nurses contribute significantly to improving the quality of life for older adults and reducing the economic burden associated with fall-related injuries.