Life In Older Women Research Articles

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

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

Physical activity level and quality of life in older women during the pandemic

The aim of the study was to identify the level of physical activity and quality of life in elderly women during the pandemic. A total of 2,269 women took part (X= 66.46 ± 5.73 years). A sociodemographic questionnaire, the WHOQOL-Old for quality of life and the Baecke questionnaire for level of physical activity were used. The study population was 57.14% mulatto; 35.71% single; 40% literate; 50% retired; 60% with a monthly income ≤ 2 salaries (≤ US$200.00). 77.14% reported having some pre-established illness or continuous use of medication, and 86% had a sick parent. The results show that 90% of the participants had a low physical activity index (PAI) (X= 4.44 ± 3.79; PAI ≤ 9.11) and 61.4% had an average overall quality of life (OHQoL) (X= 13.56 ± 1.75; OHQoL between 10 - 14). It was concluded that the pandemic has a negative effect on the physical activity of elderly women, causing a decline in quality of life.

Effect of Fluid and Caffeine Management on Quality of Life in Older Women with Overactive Bladder in Rural Korea: A Pilot Study.

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the simplified intervention, consisting of fluid and caffeine management alone in older women with overactive bladder symptoms. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was used. Rural, community-dwelling older women were recruited at four senior centers in South Korea. Of the 63 participants initially enrolled, 34 met the inclusion criteria. One group (n = 15) used fluid and caffeine management alone (FM), and the other group (n = 12) used a combination of fluid and caffeine management and pelvic floor muscle training (FM+PFMT). Urinary symptom-specific health-related quality of life was measured using the Korean version of KHQ. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. After the intervention, participants were assessed 4 and 8 weeks. A linear mixed model was used for the analysis. The mean age of the participants was 74.44 ± 5.67 years. Among the nine domains of KHQ, impact on life and physical limitations decreased significantly in both groups, without significant between-group differences. Sleep/energy increased in both groups, and the scores in the FM+PFMT group were significantly improved. The number of micturition episodes per day and the quality of sleep did not differ significantly between the two groups. A simplified intervention, consisting of fluid and caffeine management alone can be considered as the first-line intervention to improve health-related quality of life in rural, community-dwelling, older women with overactive bladder symptoms. Healthcare providers should consider providing a relatively simple, but equally effective intervention to maximize the adherence and effectiveness.

WOMEN’S STORIES: NARRATIVES ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS AND RESILIENCE

Abstract Research has demonstrated that relationships are important in the lives of older women. Thirty-one women between the ages of 64-86 participated in interviews about their lives and relationships across the life course. In the interviews, women talked about their family of origin, friendships, romantic relationships, and their children and grandchildren. They explained how their relationships developed across the life course and how they have maintained their relationships, including how COVID-19 affected their maintenance behaviors. In the interviews, women constructed narratives that explained who they are as individuals and who they are in relationships. Through a poetic analysis of the interviews, resilience stood out as an overarching theme across the stories from women of different ages, marital statuses, economic backgrounds, and current and former occupations. Many women spoke of growing up in poor, rural areas and finding the strength to build a better life for themselves. There were stories of abuse, both in their family of origin and in chosen partners. Narratives included many instances of loss and hardships through caregiving, deaths of friends and relatives, and dissolution of relationships. Throughout it all, these women claimed resilience brought about through their own strength and determination and through relationships with people who supported them, mentored them, and built them up. This paper will discuss the many ways in which these thirty-one women exemplified resilience in their past, in their current lives, and as they looked toward their futures.

Health-related quality of life in older women with injuries: a nationwide study.

This study aims to describe the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and influencing factors of older women who experienced injuries. This study is a secondary analysis of data from 4,217 women aged 65 years or older sampled from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) (2016-2020) database. Two-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. The mean HRQoL scores of older women with and without injuries were 0.81 ± 0.19 (n = 328) and 0.85 ± 0.17 (n = 3,889), respectively, which were significantly different (p < 0.001). The results of multiple regression analysis revealed that working, physical activity, BMI, osteoarthritis, stress, and subjective health status significantly affected the HRQoL of older women with injuries, and the explanatory power of the model was 29%. The results of this study on factors affecting HRQoL can contribute to the understanding of the experience of older women with injuries and can be used as a reference to develop health promotion programs.

(071) Vulvo-vaginal Obliteration: Presentation of 6 Cases

Abstract Introduction Between December 2018 and July 2022, six cases of vulvovaginal fusion (obliteration) were diagnosed, evaluated, and treated at our centers. Less than 30 cases have been reported according to our reviews of the medical literature. All of the cases presented shared certain features such as more than 2 decades without sex or masturbation, no use of hormone replacement therapy, and a history of chronic urinary tract infections. Objective 1. Present information from 6 cases of a rare genitourinary disorder, its diagnosis, medical &amp; surgical management, follow-up, and resolution. 2. Place vulvovaginal obliteration or labial fusion as one of the most extreme late consequences of untreated genitourinary syndrome of menopause. 3. Emphasize not only the importance of the use of local estrogen in all women going through menopause but also clarify and promote the importance of the maintenance of penetrative sexual activity in the lives of older women. This can be achieved either naturally or with the use of dilators and sexual toys. Methods We analyzed 6 cases of patients with vulvo-vaginal obliteration that presented in our facilities. Results Analysis of the 6 cases showed: In 3 out of the 6 cases, the patient didn’t have a partner, while in the other 3 cases, they were not sexually active with their partner in any way. In 2 of the cases, the patient’s main complaint was the inability to urinate due to obstruction of the urethral outlet by a fused labia. In both cases, urinary leakage from overflow was present in the area of the posterior fourchette, along with urocolpos, an extremely distended urinary bladder, bilateral megaureter, and hydronephrosis. The ages of these 6 women were between 72 to 94. The most severe case involved a patient with the longest time without penetration (&amp;gt; 30 years). Conclusions Total and partial vulvovaginal obliteration is a disease that hasn’t been commonly described. By obtaining the sexual history of each patient and the practice of geriatric gynecology, we have been able to diagnose this disorder. There is no doubt that vulvovaginal obliteration, also known as labial fusion, is one of the most extreme complications of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause but has not been medically described as part of its findings up till now. The prevention and treatment include not only the local use of estrogen but also the education of the patients on the need to maintain penetrative sexual activity in order to prevent the atrophy of the genitourinary area and maintain its functional ability. This can be done with a partner, penetrative dilators, or sexual toys. Disclosure No

Effects of Microfiltered Seawater Intake and Variable Resistance Training on Strength, Bone Health, Body Composition, and Quality of Life in Older Women: A 32-Week Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial

The aim was to explore the effects of a 32-week resistance training (RT) intervention with elastic bands with or without microfiltered seawater (SW) supplementation on isokinetic strength, bone mineral density (BMD), body composition, and subjective quality of life in postmenopausal women. Ninety-three untrained women (age: 70.00 ± 6.26 years; body mass index: 22.05 ± 3.20 kg/m2; body fat: 37.77 ± 6.38%; 6.66 ± 1.01 s up-and-go test) voluntarily participated in this randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial. Participants were allocated into four groups (RT+SW, RT+PLA, CON+SW, and CON+PLA). The RT intervention (twice weekly) consisted of different exercises for the whole body performed at submaximal intensities with elastic bands. Both control groups were not involved in any exercise program. A two-way mixed analysis of variance of repeated measures revealed significant improvements in almost all the variables in both intervention groups (p < 0.05). However, significant differences with controls were encountered in isokinetic strength, body fat percentage, and bodily pain. Although the group with SW supplementation obtained greater effect sizes, non-significant differences between both RT groups were observed. In conclusion, the determinant factor of the adaptations seems to be RT rather than SW.

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome/hypermobility spectrum disorders in older women: A feasibility study.

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders cause joint instability, chronic pain, fatigue and progressive multisystemic dysfunction, increasing symptom burden and decreasing quality of life. Researchers know little about how these disorders progress in women as they age. This research aimed to determine the feasibility of an internet-based study to understand the clinical characteristics, symptom burden and health-related quality of life in older women with symptomatic hypermobility disorders. This cross-sectional, internet-based survey studied recruitment methods, suitability and usability of survey instruments and obtained baseline data on women aged 50 and older with hEDS/HSD. Researchers recruited participants from a Facebook group for older adults with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Outcome measures included health history, the Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire and the RAND Short Form 36 health survey. Researchers recruited 32 participants from a single Facebook group within 2weeks. Nearly all participants were satisfied with the survey length, clarity and navigation, with 10 participants providing free-text recommendations for survey improvement. The survey suggests a high symptom burden and poor quality of life in older women with hEDS/HSD. The results support the feasibility and importance of a future internet-based comprehensive study about hEDS/HSD in older women.

Sexual function and its association with sexuality and quality of life in older women

Resumo Objetivo analisar a função sexual e sua associação com a sexualidade e com a qualidade de vida de mulheres idosas. Método trata-se de um estudo transversal, do tipo web survey, desenvolvido com 166 mulheres idosas. Foram utilizados quatro instrumentos autoaplicáveis para a obtenção dos dados biosociodemográficos, da função sexual, sexualidade e qualidade de vida. A análise foi realizada com o teste de Mann-Whitney, correlação de Spearman e regressão linear, considerando um intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados a maior influência da função sexual foi observada na dimensão ato sexual da sexualidade (β=0,524; [IC95%=0,451-0,597]; p&lt;0,001; R2=54,8%) e entre a faceta intimidade da qualidade de vida (β=0,501; [IC95%=0,380-0,622]; p&lt;0,001; R2=29,0%). De modo geral, o modelo de regressão demonstrou que a função sexual permaneceu associada à sexualidade (β=0,888; [IC95%=0,749-1,028]; p&lt;0,001; R2=49,1%) e à qualidade de vida das participantes (β=0,352; [IC95%=0,264-0,439]; p&lt;0,001; R2=27,7%). Conclusão e implicações para a prática a função sexual está associada à sexualidade e à qualidade de vida das mulheres idosas, assumindo comportamento diretamente proporcional que, por sua vez, pode se tornar uma estratégia para agregar qualidade aos anos adicionais de vida dessa população.

Effects of 12 Weeks of Physical-Cognitive Dual-Task Training on Executive Functions, Depression, Sleep Quality, and Quality of Life in Older Adult Women: A Randomized Pilot Study

This study aims to examine the effects of 12 weeks of physical-cognitive dual-task training on cognition, depression, sleep quality, and quality of life in older women (n = 44; 66.20 ± 4.05 years). Of these, 22 were randomly allocated to the dual-task training (DT) group, and 22 participated in the activities of the education control group (CG). Assessments were performed at baseline, at the end of 12 weeks of intervention, and after 12 weeks of follow-up using the following instruments: Trail Making Test parts A and B, ΔTMT (B-A), Stroop test parts A, B, C, and ΔStroop (C-B), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), sleep quality (PSQI), quality of life (SF-36). The results showed a positive and significant time-group interaction for two cognitive domains (TMT and Stroop). No time-group interaction effect was indicated for depression and sleep quality perception. There was a positive and significant interaction effect between time and group for three SF-36 subcategories (physical function, physical role, and general health). Our training protocol was not able to improve depressive symptoms and sleep quality. On the other hand, DT training was able to promote the performance of executive functions and the physical and mental component summary of the quality of life with lasting effects of up to 12 weeks after the intervention.

WHAT I KNOW NOW THAT I WISH I HAD KNOWN WHEN I WAS YOUNGER: OLDER WOMEN’S RELATIONSHIP ADVICE AS SKINNY POETRY

Abstract Research has demonstrated that relationships are important in the lives of older women. Eighteen women between the ages of 64–84 participated in interviews about their lives and relationships across the life course. As a final question, the women were asked, “What do you know now about relationships that you wish you’d known when you were young?” Responses to that question were examined using a skinny poem. The Skinny poem is a short poetry form that portrays a vivid image in 11 “skinny” lines. It is a type of lyric poem that uses condensed images, expressions of personal feelings, and demonstrations of emotional context in musical lines. Skinnys were written by one author and analyzed by a second author. This poster will present the 18 skinny poems and the analysis of the poems. In these skinnys, one can see the relationship experiences the women had throughout their lives. There is a connection to wisdom, a recognition that they have grown and learned about relationships over time and have advice they wished their younger selves had known. Emotions range from anger and anxiety to trepidation and regret. Most of the women reflect on things they would have done differently, from how they treated others to how they felt about themselves. They recognize that relationships take work and that as older women, they still do not know everything about relationships. They also learned about themselves as individuals and wished they had not searched for their identity and self-worth in their connection to others.

Urban Ageing, Gender and the Value of the Local Environment: The Experience of Older Women in a Central Neighbourhood of Madrid, Spain

Urban ageing is an emerging domain that mixes two challenges of current societies: the ageing of the population and the increasing urbanisation. While ageing in place has demonstrated numerous benefits, some social sectors question whether the city is the right environment for ageing, since cities are home to many of the social problems that characterise contemporary societies. Urban environments are widely described as rootless in most academic articles, with a focus on the impersonality, transience, and segmentation of links between city dwellers. However, this portrayal coexists with contrasting views of urban life that instead emphasise the importance of the local setting and other experiences of attachment to the place of residence. From the age and gender perspectives, in some urban areas, the neighbourhood plays a fundamental role in the lives of many older women, as a natural setting for interaction and an area conducive to collaborative relationships and practical and emotional support in times of need. This article analyses the role that the local space plays in the lives of older women, the value they attach to it and the meaning they attribute to neighbourhood relations in the local urban environment. In order to analyse this reality, the Universidad (Malasaña) neighbourhood, has been selected as a case study, a central area in Madrid (Spain) exposed to numerous processes of transformation, which shows the highest rate of residential mobility in the area. Despite this reality, in a context marked by new difficulties, the conclusion shows that elderly women have a strong attachment to their neighbourhood. This attachment is not necessarily characterised by deep friendships, but by the existence of a significant social network that responds in case of need.

Abstract 5866: Racial ethnic variations in trajectory of health-related quality of life in older women with breast cancer

Abstract The purpose of the research study was to explore the ethnic/racial variations in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores, and the trajectory of comorbidities in older women with breast cancer. This study analyzed data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Results (SEER) – Medicare Health Outcomes Survey (MHOS) linked data resource. The study population consists of 982 women (≥ 65 years old at diagnosis) with primary breast cancer who were diagnosed in 1998-2012 and completed the MHOS survey within 24 months before diagnosis and completed at least one more survey after diagnosis. The study population was grouped into three ethnic/racial groups: Whites (n=791), Black/African American (n=104) and Hispanics (n=87). The mean age of the population was 74.8 ± 6.1. HRQoL was measured using SF-36/VR-12 questionnaire and summarized as Physical Component Summary (PCS) Score and a Mental Component Summary (MCS) Score. Results showed an increase in the PCS score at month 6 after diagnosis, and a decrease at month 12 was observed in Whites and Black/African Americans. A continuous decrease in the PCS score till month 12 and an increase at month 24 was observed in Hispanics. All three groups showed similar trends in MCS scores over time - the MCS score dropped at month 6 but was back at baseline by month 12. The Whites had the highest MCS score out of the three, and Hispanics had the lowest. The MCS score for Hispanics decreased by month 36, whereas it increased for Black/African Americans. The MCS score for Whites remained fairly the same. The results also showed an increase in the total number of comorbidities at month six after diagnosis, along with a decrease to the baseline comorbidities by month 12. Hispanics had the highest increase in comorbidities at month 6 and Whites had the lowest and most stable. The number of comorbidities remained fairly the same in Whites and Black/African Americans, whereas the number of comorbidities increased slightly at month 24 for Hispanics and drastically increased at month 36. Overall, changes in the total number of comorbidities had a negative correlation with the changes in MCS scores, therefore it can be concluded that the number of comorbidities have a negative effect on a patient’s mental health. Whites were observed to have less comorbidities and better MCS scores than Black/African Americans or Hispanics. The information gained from this study will help clinicians and patients in the shared treatment decision process and guide individualized survivorship care plans among older women with breast cancer. Citation Format: Sushantti Rupesh, Eunkyung Lee. Racial ethnic variations in trajectory of health-related quality of life in older women with breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5866.

For the Love of the Game: An Exploration of the Experiences and Psychosocial Development of Women 70 Years of Age and Older Who Play Volleyball.

There is much to learn about the lived experience of sport participation in later life for older women. This qualitative study explored the experiences of 18 women volleyball players, ages 70 years and older. Four themes emerged from an inductive analysis of in-depth, semistructured interviews: (a)seeking and enjoying optimal challenge, (b)demonstrating physical competence through skill mastery, (c)commitment to continue playing while navigating declining competence, and (d)connection with teammates and positive reinforcement. Following the inductive analysis, the themes were analyzed using personal assets frameworks as lenses through which to further understand how these women's psychosocial development through sport compared with youth and Masters sport. Challenge, competence, connection, and commitment to continue were salient personal assets identified for these women. Researchers should continue to explore how positive sport development across the lifespan can be both universal and nuanced for diverse cohorts of athletes.

Does Heavy-Resistance Training Improve Mobility and Perception of Quality of Life in Older Women?

Simple SummaryHeavy-resistance training can offer physicians a viable option for improving functional performance, helping their patients stay independent, active and healthy. The present results clearly demonstrate that circuit weight training is as effective as traditional resistance training for improving functional mobility but is more effective in stimulating positive perception of health-related quality-of-life adaptations in older women.Regular physical exercise has shown great benefits in preventing age-related functional losses and in improving the perception of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older people. To optimize these benefits, it would be interesting to evaluate what type of exercise is better. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the effects of heavy-resistance training on mobility and HRQoL in older women. Forty healthy, untrained older women (60–75 years) were randomly assigned to three groups: circuit resistance training (CRT, n = 15), traditional resistance training (TRT, n = 15) or the control group (CG, n = 10). During the 12-week training period, both experimental groups performed training with heavy loads, twice a week. Before and after the training period, the Timed Up and Go test, as a proxy of mobility, and the perception of HRQoL were evaluated. TRT and CRT resulted in a statistically significant improvement in the Timed Up and Go test (−5.4 and −10.3%, respectively; p < 0.05), but only the improvement after CRT was significantly greater than changes in the CG (p < 0.001). Only CRT elicited improvements in several dimensions of the perception of the HRQoL questionnaire, such as: physical functioning (13%, p < 0.001), general health (8.1%; p = 0.048), vitality (17.7%; p < 0.001), role emotional (6.7%; p = 0.044) and physical component summary (6.3%; p = 0.001). The change in the CRT group was greater than in the CG (p < 0.001) in the physical functioning score. The present findings show that CRT might be a time- (and hence cost-) effective alternative to trigger multiple positive functional and psychological adaptations in older women.

Predictors of Sexual Function and Performance in Young- and Middle-Old Women.

Background: Maintaining sexual life in older women might be perceived as a measure of healthy and successful aging. This study aimed to establish the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) based on the DSM-5 criteria and predictors of sexual performance in older women. Methods: A total of 185 women between 55 and 79 years old were included in the study. Validated scales were used to assess sexual function (Changes in Sexual Function Questionnaire (CSFQ)), the propensity for sexual excitation/inhibition (Sexual Excitation/Sexual Inhibition Inventory for Women), and sexual anxiety/avoidance (Body Exposure during Sexual Activity Questionnaire (BESAQ)). Multiple regression was used to assess the factors affecting sexual function and the prevalence of FDS. Results: Sexual distress was diagnosed in 14.1% of women, and FSD in 16.2% (n = 53), whereas sexual problems (CSFQ) were diagnosed in 33.3% of women, and distressing sexual concerns in 35.1%. Women with a lower number of male sexual partners (β = −0.22), a better attitude toward sex (β = 0.25), higher importance of sex (β = 0.31), a higher level of sexual excitation (β = 0.34), and that were sexually active (β = 0.39) had better sexual function, as evaluated by CSFQ. Conclusions: Most older women remain sexually active. The diversity of sexual activity in later life should be affirmed to encourage women to be sexually active and to strengthen the response to sexual stimuli.

Explicating the negative impact of obesity on the quality of life in older women with stress urinary incontinence

Objective. To study the negative impact of obesity on the quality of life in older women with stress urinary incontinence. Patients and methods. This cross-sectional study included 100 women aged 65 years and over who sought treatment for stress urinary incontinence at Ain Shams and Al-Azhar University teaching hospitals (Urogynecology and Internal Medicine Departments). Patients were classified by their body mass index [BMI], the severity of urinary incontinence according to the Incontinence Severity Index was assessed, as well as the results of the Incontinence Quality of Life questionnaire. Results. There was no statistically significant difference regarding the demographic data of participants between two groups. Mean age of women in group I was 66.3 (SD 1.2) years and in group II – 67.2 (SD 2.4) years. Mean (±SD) BMI in group I was 35.1 (4.6) and in group II – 23.2 (2.2). Women in group I suffered more from frequent episodes of incontinence, with more negative impact on the quality of life. Conclusion. Obesity affects the severity of stress urinary incontinence and reduces the quality of life in older women. Key words: obesity, stress urinary incontinence, older women

Till Death Do Us Part?: Exploring the Influence of Deceased Romantic Partners on the Lives of Older Women

Abstract Recent research integrating the hierarchical mapping technique (HMT) and the continuing bonds framework has suggested that deceased individuals may be influential social convoy members. Building off this pilot work, the current qualitative descriptive study focused on how older women viewed the role of a longstanding deceased romantic partner in their current social network. Twenty women (Mean age = 78 years), recruited via social media and snowball sampling, participated in one 90-minute semi-structured interview. Each discussed their bereavement journey and completed a HMT diagram to comment on their social network and the presence or absence of the deceased within it. Nineteen participants described the deceased as being an active member of their convoy. Interestingly, 15 women placed them within the innermost circle of the diagram, separate from their other network members. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts expanded upon the HMT diagram exercise to reveal five major themes: “We’re part of each other,” “I think he supports me,” “He would want me to be happy,” “I just feel so grateful,” and “I think about him every day but I don’t talk about him every day". Perceptions that deceased romantic partners continue to play a key role in participants' lives offers researchers and practitioners with a unique opportunity to examine how losses are experienced and carried into old age. Further, this study may assist with the development of interventions that help support bereaved individuals, specifically, interventions that focus on destigmatizing continuing bond expressions and provide assistance with communicating memorialization preferences.

The Effect of Chinese Square Dance Exercise on Cognitive Function in Older Women With Mild Cognitive Impairment: The Mediating Effect of Mood Status and Quality of Life.

The present study aimed to assess the effects of square dance exercise on the cognitive function and quality of life in older women with mild cognitive impairment and to investigate the mediating role of a depressed mood and reduced quality of life in the relationship between square dance exercise and cognition. The study design was a single-blind whole-group controlled trial. A total of 136 eligible participants were divided according to their nursing home into either an experimental or control group. The nursing home grouping was determined by the drawing of lots. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Quality of Life (SF-12) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) were used to assess participants at baseline, week 9, and week 18, respectively. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to compare the results at baseline with mid-test and post-test changes in cognitive function and quality of life. Maximum likelihood estimation (ML) and robust standard errors were used to perform the mediation model. The study results indicated that the experimental group (compared to the control group) had a significant improvement in cognitive function, quality of life, and mood state at baseline in the mid-test and post-test results. The results of this 18-week experiment showed that the exercise–cognition relationship was significantly mediated by a reduction in depressive symptoms (indirect effect: β = −0.375; 95% CI = −0.864 to −0.069) and an improvement in quality of life (indirect effect: β = −0.678; 95% CI = −1.222 to −0.290). This study revealed the effects of moderate-intensity square dance exercise on cognitive function and quality of life in older Chinese women with mild cognitive impairment and explored the potential mediating mechanisms. These findings can be used to inform the development of public health policies to promote brain health in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

The effect of physiotherapy on the symptoms of urgency urinary incontinence and the quality of life of older women

The effect of physiotherapy on the symptoms of urgency urinary incontinence and the quality of life of older women