Life Of Older People Research Articles

Factors Correlating with Functional Capacity in Older People with Chronic Pain.

Chronic pain in older people is a global health problem not only in terms of a negative subjective feeling, but also as a social and economic factor. Deterioration of functional capacity is one of the main symptoms of chronic pain; therefore, it should be assessed as a basic parameter in the life of older people. The aim of the study was to analyze the factors which have an impact on the functional capacity of older people with chronic pain. The study was conducted among 181 people over 65 suffering from chronic pain lasting more than 6 months. The study used a questionnaire that included questions about demographic and social characteristics and the following scales: Abbreviated Mental Score (AMTS), Personal Activities of Daily Living (PADL) by Katz, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) by Lawton, Geriatric Pain Measure-24 (GPM-24). In the study group, a positive correlation was found between: coexisting diseases and withdrawal due to pain, pain intensity, pain resulting from walking or from the effort from other activities, and in terms of the total GPM-24 score. A positive correlation was also found between the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and withdrawal due to pain, pain intensity, pain resulting from walking or from the effort from other activities, and in terms of the total GPM-24 score. A significantly negative correlation was found between: AMTS, ADL, IADL performance and: withdrawal due to pain, pain intensity, pain resulting from walking or from the effort from other activities, and in terms of total GPM-24 score. Chronic pain is more common in people with disabilities in basic and complex activities of daily living, with limited efficiency in cognitive functions and an increased sense of depression. The standard in everyday practice and clinical trials should be taking a history of chronic pain in every older person, monitoring the pain's intensity and accompanying characteristics by using a multidimensional scale for assessing pain in older people.

Design and psychometric properties of the family support for older people questionnaire.

The population of older people is increasing across the world. Older people need care and support from their families to be able to live independently. This study aimed to design and evaluate the psychometric properties of the family support for older people (FSOP) questionnaire. In this instrument development study using a mixed-methods design, the psychometric properties of the FSOP questionnaire in terms of validity and reliability were evaluated. The FSOP questionnaire consisted of 50 items in six domains. It was shown to have appropriate qualitative and quantitative validities (score > 1.5). The indicators of content validity (CVR > 0.62, ICVI ≥ 0.80, and SCVI > 0.94) and confirmatory factor analysis (indexes of χ2/df = 2.50, CFI = 0.96, GFI = 0.97, AGFI = 0.96, NNFI = 0.96, PNFI = 0.89, TLI = 0.96, and RMSEA = 0.06) were satisfactory. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for reliability was 0.94, indicating an optimal score. Healthcare providers and family caregivers are suggested to use the FSOP questionnaire for improving the quality of life of older people at home.

Assessment of Food Intake Assisted by Photography in Older People Living in a Nursing Home: Maintenance over Time and Performance for Diagnosis of Malnutrition.

Malnutrition is related to poor outcomes. Food intake semi-quantitative assessment is helpful for malnutrition screening. Aims: to assess maintenance over one month of one-day semi-quantitative assessment of food intake (primary aim) and its performance in diagnosing malnutrition (secondary aim) in older people living in a nursing home. Food portions consumed at lunch and dinner were measured during 20 days by the Simple Evaluation of Food Intake (SEFI)® assisted by photography (SEFI®-AP) in 70 residents. Nutritional status was assessed in each patient during the first week of food intake monitoring according to Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria. Food intake was decreased, i.e., SEFI®-AP < 7, in 39% (n = 27/73) of patients. According to the methods, 36 to 48% (n = 25 to 33/73) of patients had malnutrition, and 6 to 37% (n = 4 to 25/73) sarcopenia. According to a generalized linear model on ranks with repeated measures, the SEFI®-AP medians of lunch (p = 0.11) and means of lunch and dinner (p = 0.15) did not vary over time. Day 3 SEFI®-AP anticipated decreased food intake from days 4 to 20, with a sensitivity of 78% (95% confidence interval (CI), 62-94), a specificity of 30% [95%CI, 17-44] and positive and negative predictive values of 41% [95%CI, 28-55] and 68% [95%CI, 48-89]. The performance of SEFI®-AP for diagnosis of malnutrition using calf circumference <31 cm as a phenotypic criterion was correct: area under the curve = 0.71 [95%CI, 0.59-0.83]. SEFI®-AP sensitivity was better if ≤9.5 than <7, and inversely for specificity. The food intake of older people living in nursing homes is stable over one month. One-day SEFI®-AP correctly anticipates food intake during the following month and predicts diagnosis of malnutrition. Any decrease in food intake should lead to suspect malnutrition.

Music to combat stress during the pandemic: brief theoretical review

Music, every day more, is used for quality of life. In recent years we have attended projects and experiences where music is used as therapy, in hospitals, in residences for the elderly people etc. In addition, music is used in education, to improve concentration, strengthen memory, facilitate communication skills and body expression, and even to relax students. The situation caused by COVID-19 has generated an increase in stress and poor quality of life in all people, regardless of age, however, this work focuses on the quality of life of adults and older people. This manuscript is a literature review. In this proposal includes articles and other documents that show the importance of music during confinement and the need to promote musical education and training in both young people, adults and elderly people. The methodology used combines qualitative and quantitative data. The results respond, through the selected articles, to the need to include music as a tool for quality of life. The conclusions point out the need to continue researching in this line of action that unites music and health.

Music to combat stress during the pandemic: brief theoretical review

Music, every day more, is used for quality of life. In recent years we have attended projects and experiences where music is used as therapy, in hospitals, in residences for the elderly people etc. In addition, music is used in education, to improve concentration, strengthen memory, facilitate communication skills and body expression, and even to relax students. The situation caused by COVID-19 has generated an increase in stress and poor quality of life in all people, regardless of age, however, this work focuses on the quality of life of adults and older people. This manuscript is a literature review. In this proposal includes articles and other documents that show the importance of music during confinement and the need to promote musical education and training in both young people, adults and elderly people. The methodology used combines qualitative and quantitative data. The results respond, through the selected articles, to the need to include music as a tool for quality of life. The conclusions point out the need to continue researching in this line of action that unites music and health.

Associations of the COVID-19 pandemic with quality of life: A cross-sectional study of older-age people with and without HIV in rural Uganda.

COVID-19-related lockdowns and other public health measures may have differentially affected the quality of life (QOL) of older people with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in rural Uganda. The Quality of Life and Aging with HIV in Rural Uganda study enrolled people with and without HIV aged over 49 from October 2020 to October 2021. We collected data on COVID-19-related stressors (behavior changes, concerns, interruptions in health care, income, and food) and the participants' QOL. We used linear regression to estimate the associations between COVID-19-related stressors and QOL, adjusting for demographic characteristics, mental and physical health, and time before vs after the lockdown during the second COVID-19 wave in Uganda. Interaction between HIV and COVID-19-related stressors evaluated effect modification. We analyzed complete data from 562 participants. Mean age was 58 (standard deviation (SD) = 7); 265 (47%) participants were female, 386 (69%) were married, 279 (50%) had HIV, and 400 (71%) were farmers. Those making ≥5 COVID-19-related behavior changes compared to those making ≤2 had worse general QOL (estimated linear regression coefficient (b) = - 4.77; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -6.61, -2.94) and health-related QOL (b = -4.60; 95% CI = -8.69, -0.51). Having access to sufficient food after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (b = 3.10, 95% CI = 1.54, 4.66) and being interviewed after the start of the second lockdown (b = 2.79, 95% CI = 1.30, 4.28) were associated with better general QOL. Having HIV was associated with better health-related QOL (b = 5.67, 95% CI = 2.91,8.42). HIV was not associated with, nor did it modify the association of COVID-19-related stressors with general QOL. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in an HIV-endemic, low-resource setting, there was reduced QOL among older Ugandans making multiple COVID-19 related behavioral changes. Nonetheless, good QOL during the second COVID-19 wave may suggest resilience among older Ugandans.

1195 EFFECTIVENESS OF A NEW PROACTIVE MULTIDISCIPLINARY CARE SERVICE FOR OLDER PEOPLE WITH FRAILTY: A NON-RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract Introduction Integrated care potentially improves health outcomes for older people with frailty. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of a new, proactive, multidisciplinary care service in improving the wellbeing and quality-of-life of older people with frailty. Methods A community-based non-randomised controlled trial. Participants (≥65 years, electronic Frailty Index ≥0.36) received either this new integrated care service plus usual care, or usual care alone. Data collection was at 3 time points: baseline, 2-4 weeks, and 10-14 weeks; the primary outcome was patient well-being at 2-4 weeks, measured using the Integrated Patient Outcome scale, IPOS. The secondary outcome was quality-of-life, measured using EQ-5D. Wellbeing and quality-of-life at 10-14 weeks were measured to test safety and duration of effect. Data was analysed with STATA v17. Results 199 intervention and 54 control participants were recruited. At baseline, participants were similar in age/gender/body mass index/ethnicity/living status. At 2-4 weeks, the intervention group had improved well-being (median IPOS reduction 5, versus control group increase 2, p&amp;lt;0.001) and improved quality of life (median EQ-5D index values increase 0.12, versus control 0.00, p&amp;lt;0.001); these were clinically significant. After adjusting for age, gender and living status, intervention group had an average total IPOS score reduction of 6.34 (95% CI: -9.01: -4.26, p&amp;lt;0.05). Propensity score matching analysis based on functional status/deprivation score showed similar results (reduction in IPOS score in intervention group 7.88 (95% CI: -12.80: -2.96, p&amp;lt;0.001). At 10-14 weeks, the intervention group sustained well-being improvement (median IPOS score reduction 4, versus control increase 2, p&amp;lt;0.001) and improved quality of life (median EQ-5D index values increase 0.06, versus control -0.01, p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion This new integrated care service improves the overall wellbeing and quality of life of older people with frailty at 2-4 weeks; improvement was sustained at 3 months. Ethics Approval: IRAS-250981 and NHS Research Ethics Committee 18/YH/0470.

High Prevalence of Geriatric Conditions Among Older Adults With Cardiovascular Disease

As the population ages, the global cardiovascular disease burden will continue to increase, particularly among older adults. Increases in life expectancy and better cardiovascular care have significantly reshaped the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease and have created new patient profiles. The combination of older age, multiple comorbidities, polypharmacy, frailty, and adverse noncardiovascular outcomes is challenging our routine clinical practice in this field. In this review, we examine noncardiovascular factors that statistically interact in a relevant way with health status and quality of life in older people with cardiovascular disease. We focused on specific geriatric conditions (multimorbidity, polypharmacy, geriatric syndromes, and frailty) that are responsible for a major risk of functional decline and have an important impact on the overall prognosis in this patient population.

Impact of Physical Activity on Anxiety, Depression, Stress and Quality of Life of the Older People in Brazil.

Population aging all over the world invites older people to be active, considering physical activity (PA) as associated with reduced anxiety, depression and stress and a high quality of life (QOL) in older people. To analyze anxiety, depression, stress and QOL as a function of PA in older people. Descriptive analytical research. Six hundred and ninety older people answered the instrument composed of sociodemographic questions, followed by questions from the WHOQOL-Old, Baecke-Old, WHOQOL-SRPB, Stress Perception Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory. The beneficial effect of PA on the elderly is evident in this sample with such a high QoL (73%) and such a high level of physical activity (84%), and even with an advanced level of education (75%) and high spirituality (99.6%). The influence of PA on the anxiety and stress cluster showed Pearson's chi-square = 9.9, DF = 4, p = 0.04239, critical value = 9.5. The influence of PA on the anxiety, depression and stress cluster showed Pearson's chi-square = 6.8; DF = 5; p-value = 0.24; critical value = 11.1. In the elderly, PA has a significant relationship with anxiety, stress and QOL. In addition, the high level of QOL of the elderly in the sample demonstrates the capacity for PA, educational level and spirituality for personal satisfaction.

A non-randomised controlled study to assess the effectiveness of a new proactive multidisciplinary care intervention for older people living with frailty

Abstract Background Integrated care may improve outcomes for older people living with frailty. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of a new, anticipatory, multidisciplinary care service in improving the wellbeing and quality of life (QoL) of older people living with severe frailty. Methods A community-based non-randomised controlled study. Participants (≥65 years, electronic Frailty Index ≥0.36) received either the new integrated care service plus usual care, or usual care alone. Data collection was at three time points: baseline, 2-4 weeks, and 10-14 weeks. The primary outcome was patient wellbeing (symptoms and other concerns) at 2-4 weeks, measured using the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale (IPOS); the secondary outcome was QoL, measured using EQ-5D-5L. To test duration of effect and safety, wellbeing and QoL were also measured at 10-14 weeks. Descriptive statistics were used to characterise and compare intervention and control groups (eligible but had not accessed the new service), with t-test, Chi-Square, or Mann-Whitney U tests (as appropriate) to test differences at each time point. Generalised linear modelling, with propensity score matching, was used for further group comparisons. Data were analysed using STATA v17. Results 199 intervention and 54 control participants were recruited. At baseline, intervention and control groups were similar in age, gender, ethnicity, living status, and body mass index, but not functional status or area deprivation score. At 2-4 weeks, wellbeing had improved in the intervention group but worsened in the control (median IPOS -5 versus 2, p&lt;0.001). QoL improved in the intervention group but was unchanged in the control (median EQ-5D-5L 0.12, versus 0.00, p&lt;0.001). After adjusting for age, gender, and living status, the intervention group had an average total IPOS score reduction at 2-4 weeks of 6.34 (95% CI: -9.01: -4.26, p&lt;0.05); this improvement was sustained, with an average total IPOS score reduction at 10-14 weeks of 6.36 (95% CI: -8.91:-3.80, p&lt;0.05). After propensity score matching based on functional status/area deprivation, modelling showed similar results, with a reduction in IPOS score at 2-4 weeks in the intervention group of 7.88 (95% CI: -12.80: -2.96, p&lt;0.001). Conclusions Our findings suggest that the new, anticipatory, multidisciplinary care service may have improved the overall wellbeing and quality of life of older people living with frailty at 2-4 weeks and the improvement in wellbeing was sustained at three months. Ethics approval NHS Research Ethics Committee 18/YH/0470 and IRAS-250981. Trial registration The trial was retrospectively registered at the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) registry (registration date: 01/08/2022, registration number: ISRCTN10613839).

Development and psychometric properties of a questionnaire to measure the active aging index for older people

Background: The world's aging is a global phenomenon. The active aging framework responds to this phenomenon by emphasizing on the connections between good health, participation, and security in the lives of older people. Objectives: This study developed a novel measurement of active aging for older people by integrating the international concept with specific features of Thailand. Materials and methods: Active aging measurement components were generated through relevant literature reviews, with content validity examined by experts. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were used for examining measurement reliability. Two hundred older people living in Chiang Mai Province participated in a pilot survey. Results: The active aging measurement was composed of four components including health, social participation, security, and enabling an environment for active aging. Good internal consistency was represented overall by Cronbach’s alpha=0.77, while the test-retest reliability value was 0.89. Conclusion: The active aging measurement was developed for older people. It is a valid and reliable measure of an active aging index.

Do Determinants of Quality of Life Differ in Older People Living in the Community and Nursing Homes?

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to examine and compare the relationship between nutritional status, physical activity (PA) level, concomitant chronic diseases, and quality of life (QoL) in community-dwelling (CD) older people and nursing home (NH) residents. Material and Methods: One hundred NH residents aged 60 years and above and one hundred sex- and age-matched CD older adults were examined. The QoL was examined with the EuroQol-5D questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed with the Mini Nutritional Assessment questionnaire (MNA), anthropometric measures, and bioimpedance analysis (BIA). The 7-Day Recall Questionnaire and the Stanford Usual Activity Questionnaire were performed to evaluate the PA energy expenditure level (PA-EE) and the health-related behaviours (PA-HRB), respectively. Results: CD subjects presented a significantly higher self-assessment in the VAS scale in comparison with NH residents (CD: 65.3 ± 19.4 vs. NH 58.2 ± 21.4; p < 0.05), but there were no differences within the five dimensions of QoL. In NH patients, the VAS scale was not correlated with any of the variables evaluating the nutritional status and body composition, while in the CD group correlated positively with MNA (rS = 0.36; p < 0.001), % of FFM (rS = 0.22; p< 0.05), body density (rS = 0.22; p < 0.05) and negatively with % of FM (rS = −0.22; p < 0.05). In an institutional environment, only concomitant diseases (mainly urinary incontinence) were found as independent determinants for QoL. In the community, independent determinants of QoL besides concomitant diseases (mainly ischaemic heart disease) were nutritional status or PA-HRB. Conclusions: Determinants of QoL are different depending on the living environment the older adults. Proper nutritional status and beneficial PA behaviours, are crucial for higher QoL of CD elderly, while for NH residents, the main determinants of QoL are chronic conditions.

Grow Old with You: Internet in the Lives of Old People In Southern Philippines

Background: The advent of the internet has brought about a profound transformation in the lifestyles of individuals, significantly shaping the perspectives and strategies adopted by older adults in addressing the complexities associated with ageing. Objective: This study aims to explore the influence of the internet on improving the quality of life of older adults. To achieve this, a narrative research design was employed. Methods: With the use of open-ended questions, the researcher conducted a 30-45-minute one-on-one interview with elderly adults from Southern Philippines who had encountered health problems and utilized the internet to maximize their access to health care services. The process of qualitative data analysis involved the meticulous examination of the narratives, followed by a comprehensive "restoring" of these accounts into a format that encapsulated the diverse stages of their experiences. Results: The results yielded a total of eight pivotal stages, namely: "The Rat Race," "In Distress, Yet Denial," "A Near Death Experience," "Discovering Life Online," "Finding Support in the Digital World," "The Internet: Friend or Foe?," "Encouraging the Non-Tech Savvy," and "The Value of the Internet in Enhancing Quality of Life.". Conclusion: These stages highlight the modifications in the living conditions and health outcomes of the respondents as they accessed and utilized the different online programs and maximized their access to health care services. The results show that the difficulties faced by older adults strongly impact their desire to use the internet's potential, which in turn improves their overall quality of life.

Understanding the Significance of Listening to Older People's Life Stories in Whole Person Care-An Interview Study of Nurses in Gerontology.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore the significance of performing a life story interview for gerontological nursing students. Method: The study had a qualitative exploratory design, focusing on hermeneutical understanding using thematic analysis. Seven nurses in older people nursing were interviewed. Findings: Two main themes emerged from the analysis: "Engaging fellowship" and "Understanding the importance of life stories." The participants experienced increased engagement and fellowship with their patients after the life story interview; the change in their perspective was characterized by renewed interest, connection, and recognition of the individual person. The participants also gained a deeper understanding of the significance of listening to an older person's life story narrative, and this was expressed through them gaining an understanding of people's actions, achieving an altered mindset, gaining a greater generational understanding, and integrating a life story focus in their everyday professional life. Conclusion: Knowledge of human life and stories makes older people's situations easier to understand; this insight affects how we as nurses think about others. Seeing each patient as an individual and unique person and being aware of this in daily care is essential for nursing.

Possibilities of Assessing Respiratory Muscle Strength and Trunk Muscle Mass in the Prevention of Sarcopenia in Older People Living in the Community

Possibilities of Assessing Respiratory Muscle Strength and Trunk Muscle Mass in the Prevention of Sarcopenia in Older People Living in the Community

Влияние одинокого проживания на установки пожилых людей в отношении здоровья

Today there are a number of works devoted to the study of the health of older people and the particularities of their lives with various chronic diseases. In sociological research, the issue of loneliness among older people is considered separately from the issue of health. Older people's loneliness is often studied as an imposed condition rather than a conscious choice. In this study, our goal was to analyze the understanding of older people's loneliness and possible health problems of older people living alone in both urban and rural areas. The aim of this article is to consider the characteristics of everyday health care for older people in everyday life. The research method is semi-structured interviews with older people living separately in St. Petersburg and in villages of the Republic of Karelia. The method used to analyze the interviews is thematic. The main results of the work are the key issues highlighted in the study in relation to the daily life of older people and the impact of loneliness. The article shows that older people's main concern is mental health and how to maintain it, as well as the importance of communication and interaction in improving mental health. The results of the study make it im-portant to revise some ideas about the concept of active longevity, as well as the need for a special approach and planning of social policies with a focus on those older people for whom loneliness is a conscious choice. It is important to maintain mental health and support physical health for such older people.

Mitochondria Transplantation from Stem Cells for Mitigating Sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia is defined as the age-related loss of muscle mass and function that can lead to prolonged hospital stays and decreased independence. It is a significant health and financial burden for individuals, families, and society as a whole. The accumulation of damaged mitochondria in skeletal muscle contributes to the degeneration of muscles with age. Currently, the treatment of sarcopenia is limited to improving nutrition and physical activity. Studying effective methods to alleviate and treat sarcopenia to improve the quality of life and lifespan of older people is a growing area of interest in geriatric medicine. Therapies targeting mitochondria and restoring mitochondrial function are promising treatment strategies. This article provides an overview of stem cell transplantation for sarcopenia, including the mitochondrial delivery pathway and the protective role of stem cells. It also highlights recent advances in preclinical and clinical research on sarcopenia and presents a new treatment method involving stem cell-derived mitochondrial transplantation, outlining its advantages and challenges.

Quality of Life of Elderly People in Nursing Homes During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Covid-19 and the restrictive measures it brought with it significantly impacted the daily habits and routines of elderly people. Residential care facilities for the elderly were high-risk environments during the Covid-19 pandemic, as the residents themselves were a vulnerable group with various morbidities and co-morbidities. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing the quality of life of older people living in nursing homes. The research included 153 participants who were residents of nursing homes and was conducted from May to August 2021. The study included "Naš dom" in Travnik, "Revitalis" in Bugojno, "Linija života" in Donji Vakuf, "Sentivo 1" and "Sentivo 2" in Ilidža, and "Vitalis" in Ilidža. The research used the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, which is a shortened version of the WHOQOL-100 questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess the quality of life. The results showed that older people did not experience a significant decline in quality of life, but the results varied between institutions. Women had a lower quality of life than men, as did older participants compared to younger ones. Gender, age, educational status, and experience with COVID-19 are significant factors that may influence the quality of life of elderly people living in nursing homes.

THE IMPACT OF LIFE-COURSE SOCIO-ECONOMIC POSITION ON QUALITY OF LIFE AT LATER AGES : EVIDENCE FROM ESTONIA

This study, guided by life-course theory and cumulative (dis)advantage theory, investigates the impact of the accumulation of socio-economic advantages and disadvantages, over the life course, on the quality of life (QoL) of the older population, and the mediating role of their current financial distress. In our study, we focus on the accumulation model. The study primarily uses data from Estonia in wave 4 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), with supplemental data from wave 5. Linear regression models were calculated based on two measures of quality of life : CASP-12 and life satisfaction. When measured by CASP-12, the socio-economic position in adulthood seems to play a more important role than that of childhood for the current quality of life of older people and even seems to compensate for it slightly when the current financial distress level is controlled for. However, when measured by life satisfaction, accumulated socio-economic (dis)advantages, especially in early youth, have a greater impact on the current quality of life of older people. It is important to acknowledge that different measures of QoL might yield different results.

COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND INDEPENDENCE IN THE OLDEST-OLD: REVIEW STUDY BASED ON AGING IN PLACE

Some older adults desire to continue living in the community in which they reside. The concept of Aging in Place (AIP) is appropriate for this idea. For AIP to be successful, the oldest-old need to demonstrate their abilities and live safely, independently, and comfortably in their homes and communities. Conversely, AIP in an inappropriate manner, without a safe environment, and without support provided, comprising dangerous situations caused by declining cognitive and physical function, lead to reduced quality of life for older people. Therefore, this study aimed to examine cognitive function in the oldest-old to understand differences between normal aging and cognitive decline due to dementia. Cognitive decline due to normal aging in the oldest-old is caused by impaired frontal lobe function, while decline due to Alzheimer’s disease is caused by impaired temporal-parietal lobe function, suggesting that this impairment may be useful for achieving independence for AIP.