Well-being Of Older People Research Articles

The Role of Family Support in the Well-Being of Older People: Evidence from Malaysia and Viet Nam

The Role of Family Support in the Well-Being of Older People: Evidence from Malaysia and Viet Nam

Community-based intervention for promoting healthy habits through MAHA mobile application in Basque elderly population.

Background: Population over 65 years of age in EU is increasing, rising costs in health and social care systems and making changes in biological, physiological, and psychosocial field. Promoting healthy ageing has become a key to improve the lifelong health and wellbeing of ageing population. Health technologies and eHealth tools can be an effective instrument to address the challenge of ageing. They provide an opportunity to improve the health and well-being of older people, and to prevent, treat and ensure the sustainability of health systems.
 Digital technologies aimed at promoting active ageing enable access to greater knowledge, better communication and a better relationship with people's environment, if they are designed in a person-centred way. They open up a range of new possibilities and resources that represent a way to reduce the generation gap and bring older people closer to the rest of the community.
 Methods: The Basque Country region has implemented a community-based intervention to promote active and healthy ageing through the use of a self-managed mobile MAHA App within Gatekeeper European project (H2020, nº857223). MAHA app developed in a co-creation process involving end-users and professionals from community settings is available in Google Play and App Store for iOS. The tool offers activities and materials to reinforce socialization and, promote healthy, meaningful, creative and fulfilling lives among elderly people.
 This quasi-experimental and longitudinal study is targeted at 10,000 older people and/or their caregivers from the Basque Country (Spain). The community-based intervention in the Basque Country has been designed to involve Primary Health Care services and key agents from different sectors at the community level that can influence the well-being and health of the elderly population. The Support Network created for the intervention has the participation of 39 community organisations and entities belonging to the Basque Health Ecosystem.
 Results: A mixed methods approach to evaluation will be carried out, using quantitative techniques, through validated questionnaires and usage metrics to assess effectiveness; and qualitative techniques, to collect user experience. An analysis of the implementation process has been executed, to identify the determinants, factors, and aspects that impact the intervention, and the commitment, adherence and dropout rate towards user engagement. The intermediate data shows that the actions implemented are effective, as the intervention has been widely disseminated and many people have been contacted. Although more than half have accepted to participate in the intervention, only 3% finally registered in the application. This intervention also shows low adherence to the intervention and a high level of dropout, as it is understood that once the user accepted to participate, they do not follow the study protocol. 
 Discussion and Conclusions: The community-based intervention implemented will contribute to generating awareness and new data on research into the intention-to-treat, adherence and attrition rate of the use of self-managed eHealth applications by the elderly. Likewise, a tool with these characteristics can be considered an effective health asset for improving elderly people's health, making healthy options more accessible and incorporating new habits in this population.
 

THE JOURNAL OF APPLIED GERONTOLOGY: AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract The mission of applied gerontology is to bridge science and practice to benefit the health and well-being of older people, their families, their communities, and other contexts. The Journal of Applied Gerontology features original investigations or meta-analyses/systematic reviews with significant clinical, policy, and/or practice implications. This presentation will provide insights from the Journal of Applied Gerontology and its commitment to publish and disseminate scholarship with international application. Following an overview of the growing internationalization of peer-reviewed submissions to the Journal on a variety of topics and from a range of perspectives, the presentation will highlight opportunities to apply gerontological scholarship to aging contexts worldwide. Concluding comments will examine how outlets for dissemination and authors themselves can better position their work to enhance their influence on aging in an international context.

IMAGINING THE FUTURE OF AGETECH

Abstract The intersection of global population aging and technological trends in e-health, robotics, artificial intelligence, and mobile technologies has led to the emergence of “AgeTech” as a way to improve the health and well-being of older people. While this might be seen as an almost deterministic process of technological change, the visioning, development and implementation of technology is essentially a creative and socially-situated process. This requires us to understand AgeTech as a socio-technical imaginary, examining the intersecting spheres of social action and technological development. This idea of technological development as a creative process, runs counter to an idea of technology in purely rational and instrumental terms and brings into play cultural, political and behavioural factors. Our symposium examines the socio-technical imaginary of AgeTech in three papers: Paul Higgs and Chris Gilleard discuss Fourth Ageism and the Technological Imaginary of Long-term care and argue that the problematizing of aging present in current thinking needs to be challenged at the conceptual stage of technological development. Andrew Sixsmith et al will present on A Global AgeTech Agenda, with a particular focus on how AgeTech development and innovation should connect with global initiatives such as the UN’s Strategic Development Goals. Mei Lan Fang et al will take an Ethical Perspective on AgeTech to discuss some of the complex challenges around the creation and use of technologies and argue that culture change is needed within the research and innovation communities to develop ethically grounded AgeTech. This is a Technology and Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.

P200: Association between sleep disturbance and subjective well-being among community- dwelling older people: a serial multiple mediation model

Objective:Sleep disturbance is negatively associated with subjective well-being in older people, but the potential underlying mechanisms of this association remain unclear. This study aimed to disentangle the pathways linking subjective versus objective sleep disturbance to subjective well-being through the serial mediation effect of loneliness and depression among community- dwelling older people.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted in Sakai city of Japan. A total of 212 aged 65 and over participated in this study. The Athens Insomnia Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, and Self-perceived well-being were used to assess subjective sleep quality, loneliness, depression, and subjective well-being, respectively. A non-wearable actigraphy device was used to evaluate the objective sleep quality. Total sleep time, sleep latency, sleep efficiency, wake after sleep onset, number of awakenings, and average activity during sleep were recorded. Serial multiple mediation analysis was performed using SPSS PROCESS Version 4.1 macro. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Osaka University.Results:Subjective sleep disturbance was found to impact subjective well-being through three significant mediation pathways: (1) loneliness (B=-0.024, 95% CI=-0.055, -0.004), which accounted for 25.72% of the total effect, (2) depression (B=-0.020, 95% CI=-0.044, -0.001), which accounted for 20.94% of the total effect, and (3) loneliness and depression (B=-0.008, 95% CI=-0.019, -0.001), accounting for 8.93% of the total effect. The total mediating effect was 55.58%. As for the objective sleep disturbance, the wake after sleep onset can indirectly impact subjective well-being through loneliness (B=0.005, 95% CI=0.001, 0.010), depression (B=-0.005, 95% CI=-0.011, -0.001), and both (B=0.002, 95% CI=0.001, 0.004); the number of awakenings can indirectly impact subjective well-being through loneliness (B=0.041, 95% CI= 0.012, 0.085), depression (B=-0.034, 95% CI=-0.076, -0.002), and both (B=0.018, 95% CI=0.005, 0.036); the average activity during sleep can also indirectly impact subjective well- being through loneliness (B=0.137, 95% CI=0.034, 0.275), depression (B=-0.128, 95% CI=- 0.282, -0.010), and both (B=0.055, 95% CI=0.011, 0.118).Conclusion:These findings provided new insights into possible avenues for improving subjective well- being among older people through sleep-based interventions with a multi-faceted approach to mental health.

A Nonpharmacologic Treatment for Anxiety in Older Adults Based on Cognitive-Motor Training With Response-Generated Feedback.

Simultaneous combinations of cognitive and physical exercises (cognitive-motor dual-task training [CMDT]) are more effective than physical and cognitive training alone in counteracting the decline of older adults and promoting physical and psychological well-being. The CMDT can be particularly effective in improving cognitive and functional abilities. Here, we validated an innovative nonpharmacologic intervention for anxiety and general well-being in older people by combining CMDT and response-generated feedback (RGF) principles. As outcomes, anxiety, cognitive functions, and functional mobility were evaluated. In addition, electroencephalographic methods were employed to investigate the neural basis of the possible intervention effects. Thirty older adults were divided into an experimental group trained using a CMDT + RGF protocol and a control group using the CMDT only. The CMDT + RGF consisted of the simultaneous execution of whole-body exercises, cognitive tasks that were realized using interactive devices, and continuous feedback on every response. Results showed decreased anxiety and increased response speed in the experimental group, and both groups improved their functional ability and response accuracy after the intervention. According to electroencephalographic results, both groups showed an increase in the bilateral prefrontal cortex anticipatory activity, but the experimental group also showed a further increase in the left prefrontal cortex and in the premotor areas anticipatory functions. This study confirms the effectiveness of the proposed intervention on anxiety by adopting a nonpharmacology treatment that could affect public and individual health costs by proposing an alternative approach to expensive medications and psychotherapy and could significantly improve older adults' quality of life.

Examining Quality, Use and Impact of Psychotropic (Use) in older adults with intellectual disabilities (EQUIP): study protocol

Widespread, and sometimes inappropriate use of psychotropics in adults with intellectual disability has been an international concern. These medicines have been used to treat mental health conditions, but also, controversially, some types of behaviours not necessarily associated with the diagnosis or in the absence of a relevant diagnosis. Results from the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA) study of older adults with intellectual disability in Ireland revealed that 60% were taking psychotropics in 2010. In the intervening decade changes in regulations, policy, and increased decongregation of people with intellectual disability have taken place likely influencing the use of psychotropics. The HSE National Clinical Programme for People with Disability (NCPDD) established in the 2020 has medicines optimisation as a key priority. Existing multi-wave data from the IDS-TILDA study and the HSE national prescribing database offers an opportunity to better understand psychotropic use and prescribing patterns. This is a novel collaboration on lived experience, research, practice and policy. The aim of this research is to examine the quality and trends of psychotropic use of older adults with intellectual disability over a ten-year period in Ireland to evaluate the effects of and to inform both practice and policy to optimise medicines use and health outcomes. Health and medication data from ten years (four waves) of the IDS-TILDA study and corresponding medicines data from the HSE-PCRS prescribing database are available. Descriptive and longitudinal analysis will examine association between long-term psychotropic use, changes in trends of use, and the impact of decongregation on medicines use. This research will inform the development of national guidance on medicines optimisation for older people with intellectual disability and has the potential to change prescribing practices and improve health and wellbeing for older people with intellectual disability.

Climate, extreme weather and the health of older people: An umbrella review and framework for action

Abstract Background Older people are affected more severely and unequally by disturbances in climate and ecosystems. Directly, from extreme weather events such as heat waves, flooding, and severe storms; and indirectly, through droughts and compromised water safety catalysing food insecurity, displacement and poverty. Limited understanding of the impacts and interfaces of climate and extreme weather on older people and subgroups at potential increased risk hinders our ability to plan and respond effectively to protecting older populations as climatic instability continues. Objectives To progress this agenda, our work aims to i) systematically assess the health impacts of extreme weather on older people ii) synthesise the evidence to examine interfaces and subgroups at increased risk iii) develop a framework to inform responses. Methods An umbrella review is being conducted to systematically examine and synthesise the links between extreme weather events and health impacts on older people. The review will include original or primary research published between 2013 and 2023. Electronic searches will be conducted in Medline via Ovid, Embase via Ovid, Web of Science, CINAHL via EbscoHost, Cochrane Library, ASSIA via Proquest and PsycINFO via EbscoHost. Reference lists of retrieved articles will be checked for further relevant studies and experts in the field will be consulted to identify any further potentially relevant papers. Quality will be assessed using STROBE checklists and a narrative synthesis of the results conducted. Findings The results of this review will provide a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the impacts of climate instability and extreme weather events on the health and wellbeing of older people. It will be used to develop a framework demonstrating the interfaces between climate, extreme weather and the health of older people which will inform guidance on which subgroups are at increased risk and which actions and responses are needed.

Enhancing the Lives of Older Adults in the WHO European Region: Assessing the Implementation of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing

Abstract The WHO European Region has one of the world's highest median age with many countries having the longest life expectancies. However, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the challenges faced by older adults in Europe, leading to excess deaths and highlighting the need to improve their lives. The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030) aims to enhance the lives of older people, their families, and communities. The Decade focuses on four action areas to improve older people's health and wellbeing, combat ageism, ensure age-friendly environments, provide integrated care, and ensure access to long-term care. There are four enablers for the Decade: connecting stakeholders, strengthening research and innovation, engagement, and leadership. A process evaluation survey to assess the implementation of the Decade has been conducted with 48 out of the 53 Member States of the WHO European Region. The survey assessed countries’ policies, regulations, guidelines, strategies, and data on healthy ageing. Preliminary analysis shows that when compared to baseline data, there are more countries with national policy and strategy on ageing with more countries reporting national programme on age-friendly communities, policies to support comprehensive needs assessment of older people and national population-based survey on ageing. Analyses were also conducted based on indicators related to national focal points, multistakeholder forum and legislation on age-discrimination. The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing provides a framework to address the challenges faced by older adults. By focusing on the four action areas and enabling factors, we can enhance the health and wellbeing of older people, their families, and communities. This presentation highlights the importance of the Decade and provides evidence of its early impact, demonstrating the potential to create positive change for the ageing population in Europe.

Experiences of COVID-19 lockdown among older people in Aotearoa: idyllic or dystopian?

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic prompted concern about the wellbeing of older people, however, there have also been accounts of increased sense of community in response to the disruption of established routines. To explore how older people experienced lockdown in Aotearoa/New Zealand, we analysed 635 written comments on the 2020 wave of the Health, Work and Retirement longitudinal survey of people aged 55–85 years. Using narrative genre analysis, we discuss two narratives of lockdown: a narrative of lockdown as ‘idyllic’ and a ‘dystopian’ narrative of distrust. Using the idyllic narrative, people described pleasant activities and linked these stories to earlier times when community life was less time-pressured and people were more connected to one another. The dystopian narrative was used to describe politicians and the media as untrustworthy and to depict new vulnerabilities created by the rules of lockdown. These narrative genres provide different positions for older people. In the idyllic narrative, older people are treasured and supported by younger community members, whereas in the dystopian narrative older people feel abandoned and manipulated. These genres draw on possible late-life futures that are familiar to older people: either treasured or discarded. Identifying these narrative genres reveals the different vulnerabilities older people experience. This information can be used to support older people to experience security and to flourish in uncertain times.

Residential Long-Term Care and the Built Environment: Balancing Quality of Life and Infection Control.

This article explores expert insights into residential long-term care (RLTC), specifically regarding the built environment, its impact on infection control (IC) measures and on resident, staff, and family member quality of life. The interviews discussed in this report form part of a larger mixed methods research design, examining the planning, design, and operation of RLTC. Specifically, this report discusses findings from one aspect of this research, a series of semistructured interviews. Interviews were conducted online through video conferencing platform Zoom. The project's steering committee were asked to suggest key organizations involved in IC and RLTC provision and policy, with 23 representatives (17 organizations) being invited to interview. Where representatives were unable to participate, they suggested alternate representatives. The research team conducted 20 interviews with key representatives or "experts" from different aspects of RLTC provision, policy, and IC. A thematic analysis was employed to analyze and generate key themes. For brevity, the codes that had been mentioned by >5 interviewees, specific to the built environment, IC and quality of life were prioritized, resulting in 16 prioritized themes grouped according to spatial scale. This research demonstrates the growing awareness of the built environment as a critical partner in the RLTC health and social care model, as well as illustrating the need for a holistic design approach across all key spatial scales to support the health and well-being of older people in RLTC. Further research is needed on various aspects of RLTC, including the impact of care models and setting size on IC, quality of life, and cost implications. RLTC policy needs a more integrated approach to planning and design, specifically around RLTC location. This research suggests that RLTC providers look to evidence-based, inclusive design guidelines to inform the design and retrofit of RLTC. Additionally, the operation and management of space should be considered by providers.

A Scoping Review of the Costs, Consequences, and Wider Impacts of Residential Care Home Closures in a UK Context

Background. Between 2015 and 2020, 1,578 care homes in the UK closed, displacing nearly 50,000 older and disabled people with very significant care and support needs. It is widely thought that relocation can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of older people. Yet, evidence is limited due to sensitivity and logistical difficulties with data collection. This study aimed to review the published literature in order to (i) identify evidence on the costs, consequences, and wider impacts of care home closures, for older people, family members, care home staff, and local authorities and (ii) understand the causes of and processes surrounding the closure of residential care homes in the UK. Methods. Eight electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, ASSIA, HMIC, AgeInfo, and SPP) were searched from 1st January 2000 to 9th February 2023; Google and Google Scholar were searched for guidance/policy documents from the grey literature. Data on the objectives, methods, and main results were extracted, and the findings were narratively reported. Results. Eighteen records, comprising guidance documents and academic publications (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method approaches), met the inclusion criteria. We found a lack of good quality evidence on costs of closure and no consideration of outcomes for staff. Studies reporting on outcomes for residents suggest there may not be any long-term adverse effects on their health, in contrast to often-expressed views that care home closures result in harm. Conclusion. Future research should consider the stress and anxiety experienced by staff and families as relevant outcomes and show caution with respect to the use of proxy reporting of resident health outcomes. Given that a sizable portion of the costs associated with care home closure falls on local authorities, an evidence-based approach to closures that includes an assessment of cost-effectiveness will help to improve future outcomes and guide the most efficient use of limited public resources.

142 Identifying common housing conditions affecting older people relevant to integrated Care for Older Persons in Ireland

Abstract Background The health and well-being of older people is significantly affected by housing, representing an essential aspect of preventative healthcare in the community. Good quality housing is an important factor in a person’s ability to maintain mental and physical health, as well as sustain optimal quality of life. This is particularly true for older people who may spend more time at home than other demographic groups. This study explores the linkages between housing conditions and the health and wellbeing of older people with the aim to inform housing designers, providers, and policy makers about the key aspects of healthy homes and common housing hazards, affecting older people. Methods The qualitative research programme involved an in-depth stakeholder engagement strategy, with activities including focus groups, diaries, and interviews to place the perspectives of older people at the centre of the work. The research also included a series of case study visits to the homes of patients of an Integrated Care Programme for Older People, where the research team conducted a series of qualitative semi-structured interviews with the patient, as well as a technical and quantitative survey of the home. Results Key themes identified throughout the research programme include overarching themes such as healthy ageing and housing and ageing in place; themes related to the hospital and integrated care, and the local authority; housing conditions and hazards; and built environment issues across the key spatial scales. Conclusion There is a need for better, more accessible data on the housing issues, conditions, and hazards for older people throughout Ireland. Additionally, it is essential to consider the needs of patients with additional care requirements, such as those living with dementia, as the built environment greatly impacts them.

The effects of therapeutic virtual reality experience to promote mental well-being in older people living with physical disabilities in long-term care facilities

BackgroundMental well-being is poor in long-term care facilities (LTCF) residents. Physical disabilities, impaired social engagement, and environmental stress are also common in LTCF which exacerbate the decline of the mental well-being of older people living in LTCF. Protective elements, including nature-based, reminiscence, outdoor, and group activities, are known to be effective to promote the mental well-being of older people living in LTCF. However, limited by their physical disabilities and poor social support, older people living in LTCF are not likely to benefit from these effective measures. Virtual reality has been proven to be feasible to be environmentally unrestricted to providing LTCF residents with all protective elements promoting mental well-being. However, its effects on the mental well-being of LTCF residents living with physical disabilities are unclear.MethodsThis study employs a single-blinded, two-parallel-group (intervention-to-control group ratio = 1:1), non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial. Eligible participants are aged 60 years or above, LTCF residents, and living with physical disabilities. The study will be conducted in LTCF. In the intervention group, participants will receive a 6-week VR experience program. In the control group, participants will receive the usual care provided by the LTCF. The primary outcome is mental well-being, as measured by World Health Organization Five Well-being Index at the time point of baseline (i.e., week 0) and after completion of the intervention (i.e., week 7). This study aims to recruit a total of 216 participants. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) will be used to examine the effects of the intervention.Trial registrationThe trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT05818579), Registered on April 5, 2023. The latest version of the protocol was published online on 19 April 2023. All items come from the World Health Organization Trial Registration Data Set. This study has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Tung Wah College, Hong Kong (reference number: REC2023158). The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, presented at international and local conferences with related themes, and shared in local media.

Practicing Taichi together in the park: A case study of Taichiscape and older people's wellbeing

AbstractInspired by Gesler's notion of therapeutic landscapes, this paper proposes a new concept, ‘Taichiscape’, to demonstrate how older people obtain a sense of healing and wellbeing through the practice of group Taichi in the park. Based on extensive fieldwork with 42 older people between 2020 and 2021 in Tianhe Park in Guangzhou, China, the paper presents Taichiscape in three aspects: (1) From the physical aspect, the Chinese traditional health concepts of ‘becoming one with nature’ and the form of Yin‐Yang balance, allowing older people to maintain closeness and be immersed in the natural environment, rhythmically connecting with natural elements, and relaxing via flourishing positive affect (PA); (2) In terms of socialising, older people practice Taichi together to establish a synchronised rhythm in a spatiotemporal order and collectively create a positive social atmosphere, where they gain a sense of PA through belonging, self‐esteem and pleasure; (3) At the body level, through the rhythm of slowness, older people enjoy diverse and bodily sensations that temporally nurture their minds and souls and initiate the therapeutic process of embodied restoration. Theoretically, the healing power of Taichiscape is habitually, contextually, and temporally constructed through a dynamic creation between human and nonhuman elements. This work extends knowledge of therapeutic landscapes by underlining how slowness in Taichiscape can be seen as a sign of progress and an active pursuit of wellbeing, and older people's sense of control over their lives.

Cognitive aging at work and in daily life-a narrative review on challenges due to age-related changes in central cognitive functions.

Demographic change is leading to an increasing proportion of older employees in the labor market. At the same time, work activities are becoming more and more complex and require a high degree of flexibility, adaptability, and cognitive performance. Cognitive control mechanism, which is subject to age-related changes and is important in numerous everyday and work activities, plays a special role. Executive functions with its core functions updating, shifting, and inhibition comprises cognitive control mechanisms that serve to plan, coordinate, and achieve higher-level goals especially in inexperienced and conflicting actions. In this review, influences of age-related changes in cognitive control are demonstrated with reference to work and real-life activities, in which the selection of an information or response in the presence of competing but task-irrelevant stimuli or responses is particularly required. These activities comprise the understanding of spoken language under difficult listening conditions, dual-task walking, car driving in critical traffic situations, and coping with work interruptions. Mechanisms for compensating age-related limitations in cognitive control and their neurophysiological correlates are discussed with a focus on EEG measures. The examples illustrate how to access influences of age and cognitive control on and in everyday and work activities, focusing on its functional role for the work ability and well-being of older people.

Factors associated with the perception of loneliness among older people living in the community

Chilean community-dwelling older people are a vulnerable population with a high risk of being self-perceived as lonely. To examine the factors associated with the self-perception of loneliness in a group of Chilean community-dwelling older people. Cross-sectional study design with 540 participants aged 65 years and above (72.20 ± 6.22). Measures for sociodemographic, health status, and integral geriatric assessment were assessed. Correlations and multiple linear regression models were conducted. Factors such as low perception of social support in everyday situations or cases of emergency, experiencing high depressive symptoms, and perceiving a poor quality of life were significantly associated with a higher self-perception of loneliness. Preventive strategies and age-appropriate psychosocial interventions to mitigate or reverse the impact of these factors may be essential to reduce the self-perception of loneliness and consequently improve older people's well-being.

Digital Ageism: Emerging Challenges and Best Practices of Age-Friendly Digital Urban Governance

The ageing of urban populations poses serious challenges for policymakers and urban planners alike. While the number of people over 65 is increasing in urban areas, the digital transition in cities raises concerns about the persisting digital divide facing older citizens, as well as the digital inequality and ageism inherent to most digital domains. As ageing in place and place attachment play a significant role in the social engagement and well-being of older people, the purpose of this research is to shed light on the novel approaches taken by local governments to foster active participation among senior residents in the digital public sphere. Using semi-structured interviews with public officials from three age-friendly cities in Spain, we have explored innovative urban projects for digital inclusion, active ageing, and autonomy for older people. The findings of the study reveal the importance of coordinated multi-stakeholder initiatives in promoting digital literacy and overcoming barriers rooted in ageism in the digital world. True representation of older people in local governments, the promotion of co-creation initiatives led by seniors, and the standardisation of universal design and accessibility are some of the key contributions made by Spanish cities in their transition toward places that are digitally inclusive and age-friendly.

Solutions for healthy ageing: how technology can make a difference

Solutions for healthy ageing: how technology can make a difference How do we help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life with healthy ageing? Professor Alex Mihailidis, Scientific Director and CEO of AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence argues that improving wellbeing in older people should come from innovative technology. Research finds that technological advancements can help older people maintain relationships with family and friends, reduce social isolation, pursue hobbies, manage all aspects of health, and stay active and in their own homes as they age. To further this research, AGE-WELL brings together researchers, older adults, caregivers, partner organizations (industry, government, community) and future leaders to accelerate the delivery of technology-based solutions that increase safety and security, support independent living and enhance social participation. While technology can never replace the human touch, it is an essential tool in the toolbox to support healthy ageing, and for this to improve for the older generation, technologies must become accessible, affordable and available to all.

Psychosocial-Spiritual Factors Associated With Well-being of Older Population in Africa

Background: The quality of well-being of the older population is a crucial determinant of successful aging as well as the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG target 3). However, the impact of psychosocial-spiritual factors on well-being is affected by the level of general health conditions in the older population. Previous studies have focused more on the physical health and psychological well-being nexus, but the role of general health conditions in mediating the association between psychosocial-spiritual factors and well-being in the older population in Africa was not investigated. This study, therefore, examined the psychosocial-spiritual factors associated with well-being in the older population in Africa with a focus to determine the contribution of all the psychosocial-spiritual factors when mediated by general health conditions. Methods: In this regard, a quantitative research methodology was adopted using a descriptive survey. A total of 833 elderly people with a mean age of f 68.04±6.71 years were recruited, comprising 484 females and 399 males in five municipalities. Results: The findings revealed that general health conditions, quality of life, social support, and social network are significantly associated with well-being in older people. Furthermore, the mediating effect of general health conditions had an inverse association with well-being. Conclusion: Accordingly, a commitment to quality of life, healthcare services, social support, and family social network is effective for Africa to achieve healthy lives and promote well-being for individuals of all ages.