Oldest-old Women Research Articles

Vitality at home: a phenomenological study of tele-exercise in women aged 80 and older

BackgroundSince the onset of coronavirus 2019, there has been an upsurge of tele-exercise delivery. Previous studies showed old adults find tele-exercise feasible and acceptable. However, there is limited understanding of the oldest-old’s experiences.MethodThis study used the interpretative phenomenological approach. Two semi-structured interviews and home visits were conducted with six oldest-old women, aged between 81 and 91 years, who participated in tele-exercise classes.ResultsFour superordinate themes were identified: ambivalent perception of safety, ease in regular participation, reminded and guided to move the aged body, and technological adaptation.ConclusionOur findings indicate that tele-exercise has the potential to assist the oldest-old living in the community in maintaining an adequate activity levels at home, which they perceive as the safest place. Emerging themes provide insights into their lived experiences, enabling service providers to enhance tele-exercise services for this group in the tele-health era.

An investigation on the prevalence and patterns of multi-morbidity among a group of slum-dwelling older women of Kolkata, India

BackgroundMulti-morbidity is a pervasive and growing issue worldwide. The prevalence of multi-morbidity varies across different populations and settings, but it is particularly common among older adults. It poses substantial physical, psychological, and socio-economic burdens on individuals, caregivers and healthcare systems. In this context, the present study aims to provide an insight on the prevalence and degree of multi-morbidity; and also, on the relationship between level of multi-morbidity and morbid conditions among a group of slum-dwelling older women.MethodsThis community based cross-sectional study was conducted in the slum areas of urban Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It includes total 500 older women, aged 60 years or above. Pre-tested schedules on so-demographic and morbidity profile have canvassed to obtain the information by door-to-door survey. To determine the relationship between the level of multi-morbidity and morbid conditions, correspondence analysis has performed.ResultsThe study revealed three most prevalent morbid conditions- back and/or joint pain, dental caries/cavity and hypertension. The overall prevalence of multi-morbidity was 95.8% in this group of older women. It was highly over-represented by the oldest-old age group (80 years and above). Majority were found to suffer from five simultaneous morbid conditions that accounted for 15.2% of the total respondents. All of the oldest-old women of this study reported to suffer from more than two medical conditions simultaneously. Three distinct groups were formed based on the inter-relationship between level of multi-morbidity and morbid conditions. The group 1 and 2 represents only 27.8% and 18% of the total sample. Whereas, group 3 comprises the highest level of morbidities (≥ 6) and 52.8% of total sample, and strongly related with general debilities, cardiac problems, asthma/COPD, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal problems, neurological disorders, hypothyroidism and oral health issues.ConclusionThe findings confirmed the assertion that multi-morbidity in slum living older adults is a problem with high prevalence and complexity. This study proposes an easily replicable approach of understanding complex interaction of morbidities that can help further in identifying the healthcare needs of older adults to provide them with healthy and more productive life expectancy.

Low adoption of mobility device in later life: Insights from the lens of intersectionality

ObjectivesTo investigate the utilization of mobility device, whether age and gender-related use disparities exist, and whether falls can further explain use disparities over time among Chinese older adults in need of devices. MethodsCommunity-dwelling older adults who needed mobility devices and completed four waves of the China Health and Retirement Survey 2011–2018 were included (N = 1,302). A categorical variable was created to represent respondents’ intersectionality of age (50–64, 65–74, and ≥75 years) and gender (men vs. women). ResultsThe baseline prevalence of device use was 18.2 % (n = 237). Overall, the device use increased over time. Intersectionality-wise, oldest-old women were 1.53 times more likely than youngest-old men to use devices over time. Respondents with falls were more likely to use devices over time. ConclusionsOlder adults with mobility impairment, especially the oldest-old women and those with falls, lag in mobility devices utilization, suggesting future tailored interventions to support these populations.

Prevalence of Outpatient Use of Medicines by the Elderly Population in Portugal: A Cross-Sectional Study

Like in other countries, the age pyramid in Portugal has been changing considerably, with a substantial increase in the size of the older population and a significant reduction in the number of young people. With aging, co-occurrence of several conditions becomes frequent, often leading to the use of multiple medications (polypharmacy). Polypharmacy in the older population is particularly relevant considering the physiological changes of the ageing process, which increase the risk of drug interactions, poor adherence to treatment, and adverse drug reactions, especially in the oldest-old population (85 years or older). As the size of the older population is likely to increase significantly, it is important to characterize the pattern of medicines' use by the elderly while also identifying cases of polypharmacy in order to obtain evidence that can be used to develop specific measures to tackle the high prevalence of use and its associated risks. To this end, the aim of this study was to characterize medication use by older individuals in Portugal. Cross-sectional study with data from the National Health System's Control and Monitoring Center on reimbursed medicines that were prescribed and dispensed to individuals aged 65 years or older in 2019 in all community pharmacies of the Portuguese mainland. We performed a demographic and geographic analysis of the data by international nonproprietary name and therapeutic group. The number of reimbursed packages and the number of reimbursed packages per capita were the metrics used (data from Instituto Nacional de Estatística). A higher consumption of medicines was observed in women, increasing with age, except in the oldest olds, in which the sex difference tended to shrink. Use per capita showed an opposite trend, with the oldest-old men surpassing the oldest-old women (mean reimbursed packages: 55.5 in men versus 55.1 in women). In women, consumption was led by cardiovascular medicines (31%), followed by central nervous system medications (30%) and antidiabetics (13%); in men, 37% of TOP 10 consumption was due to cardiovascular medications, antidiabetics (16%) and drugs for benign prostatic hypertrophy (14%). In the elderly, there were sex differences in the pattern of medicines' use, and there were also significant age-related differences in 2019. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first nationwide analysis of reimbursed medicines' consumption data in the elderly, which is essential to characterize the use of medicines in this age group in Portugal.

Positive associations between menstrual lifespan, geriatric depression and healthy longevity in Chinese oldest-old and centenarian women

ObjectiveMenstrual lifespan (ML) is an important biological characteristic for women. Rare evidence has established the associations between menopause age (MI), geriatric depression and healthy longevity. This study aimed to address these associations in Chinese oldest-old and centenarian women, and explore their related factors in order to provide strategy support for healthy aging. MethodsThe China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study provides a population-based sample in Hainan, China. A total of 723 women including 318 centenarian women and 405 oldest-old women aged 80–99 years were included in this study. Data on demographic information were collected using a structured questionnaire. Physical examination and blood samples were obtained following standard procedure. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) was used to evaluate depressive symptoms for all participants. ResultsThe proportions of participants with depression and longevity were 19.78 % (143 older adults) and 43.98 % (318 older adults), respectively. After adjusting for a wide range of other covariates in multiple logistic regression analyses, ML was positively and significantly associated with depression and longevity [Exp(β) 1.076 and 1.121; P < 0.05 for all]. In multiple linear regression analyses, there were significantly positive associations of ML with GDS-15 (β = 0.061) and age (β = 0.238, p < 0.05 for all) after adjusting for all covariates. ConclusionsThis study provides epidemiological evidence that menstrual lifespan has positive associations with geriatric depression and healthy longevity in Chinese oldest-old and centenarian women. Future researches should focus on the effects of intervening MI on psychological health and successful longevity.

Socioeconomic Classes among Oldest-Old Women in South Korea: A Latent Class Analysis.

Oldest-old women are known to live at the intersection of multiple socioeconomic disadvantages in South Korean society. This study classified oldest-old Korean women into several socioeconomically homogeneous classes based on various socioeconomic status (SES) risks and compared health characteristics among the identified classes. This cross-sectional study utilized the 2019 Korean Community Health Survey, including data from 11,053 women (≥80 years). Latent class analysis determined the number of underlying socioeconomic classes based on nine selected SES variables. Four distinct socioeconomic classes were identified: “Urban, living alone, recipient of NBLSS, moderate education, leisure activity” (Class 1), “Rural, traditional house, living with others, not financially deprived, low education, employed” (Class 2), “Urban, living with family, financially affluent, not employed, no barriers to healthcare” (Class 3), “Rural, traditional house, living alone, financially deprived, uneducated, employed, barriers to healthcare” (Class 4). Depressive symptoms, subjective stress, and the prevalence of sleep disorder and diabetes were higher in Class 1 compared to other classes. Health-related quality of life, perceived health, and self-rated oral health were the poorest in Class 4. Class 3 reported the best health status. Understanding the intersecting SES risk factors in this group can aid in developing targeted interventions.

Determinants of driving among oldest-old Australian women

ABSTRACT This study examined predictors of driving among oldest-old Australian women in their late 80s in accordance with the World Health Organization’s healthy aging framework. The study used data from the 1921–26 cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, wave-6 (n = 4025). The result of the multivariable logistic regression showed providing care, living alone, volunteering, living in rural/outer regional Australia, having higher educational attainment, and social interactions were associated with driving. The findings indicate driving should not be dismissed based on age alone. Policymakers need to also consider social roles, driving environment and context with the goals of healthy aging.

Air Pollution and the Dynamic Association Between Depressive Symptoms and Memory in Oldest-Old Women.

Exposure to air pollution may contribute to both increasing depressive symptoms and decreasing episodic memory in older adulthood, but few studies have examined this hypothesis in a longitudinal context. Accordingly, we examined the association between air pollution and changes in depressive symptoms (DS) and episodic memory (EM) and their interrelationship in oldest-old (aged 80 and older) women. Prospective cohort data from the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study-Epidemiology of Cognitive Health Outcomes. Geographically diverse community-dwelling population. A total of 1,583 dementia-free women aged 80 and older. Women completed up to six annual memory assessments (latent composite of East Boston Memory Test and Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status) and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). We estimated 3-year average exposures to regional particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter below 2.5 μm (PM2.5 ) (interquartile range [IQR] = 3.35 μg/m3 ) and gaseous nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ) (IQR = 9.55 ppb) at baseline and during a remote period 10 years earlier, using regionalized national universal kriging. Latent change structural equation models examined whether residing in areas with higher pollutant levels was associated with annual changes in standardized EM and DS while adjusting for potential confounders. Remote NO2 (β = .287 per IQR; P = .002) and PM2.5 (β = .170 per IQR; P = .019) exposure was significantly associated with larger increases in standardized DS, although the magnitude of the difference, less than 1 point on the GDS-15, is of questionable clinical significance. Higher DS were associated with accelerated EM declines (β = -.372; P = .001), with a significant indirect effect of remote NO2 and PM2.5 exposure on EM declines mediated by DS. There were no other significant indirect exposure effects. These findings in oldest-old women point to potential adverse effects of late-life exposure to air pollution on subsequent interplay between DS and EM, highlighting air pollution as an environmental health risk factor for older women.

Common combinations of medications used among oldest-old women: a population-based study over 15years.

Older people use many medications, but combinations of medications used among the oldest old (≥ 80years) are not commonly reported. This study aimed to determine common combinations of medications used among women aged 77-96years and to describe characteristics associated with these combinations. A cohort study of older women enroled in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health over a 15-year period was used to determine combinations of medications using latent class analysis. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine characteristics associated with these combinations. The highest medication users during the study were for the cardiovascular (2003: 80.28%; 2017: 85.63%) and nervous (2003: 66.03%; 2017: 75.41%) systems. A 3-class latent model described medication use combinations: class 1: 'Cardiovascular & neurology anatomical group' (27.25%) included participants using medications of the cardiovascular and nervous systems in their later years; class 2: 'Multiple anatomical group' (16.49%) and class 3: 'Antiinfectives & multiple anatomical group' (56.27%). When compared to the reference class (class 1), the risk of participants being in class 3 was slightly higher than being in class 2 if they had > 4 general practitioner visits (RRR 2.37; 95% CI 2.08, 2.71), Department of Veterans Affairs' coverage (RRR 1.59; 95% CI 1.36, 1.86), ≥ 4 chronic diseases (RRR 3.16; 95% CI 2.56, 3.90) and were frail (RRR 1.47; 95% CI 1.27, 1.69). Identification of combinations of medication use may provide opportunities to develop multimorbidity guidelines and target medication reviews, and may help reduce medication load for older individuals.

Changes in the Clinicopathological Demographics of Vulvar Cancer in Japan: Increasing Oldest-Old, Stage Shifting, and Decreasing Cohort-Level Survival †.

Background: To examine trends in the clinicopathological characteristics of vulvar cancer in Japan. Methods: This is a nationwide retrospective study examining consecutive women with vulvar cancer between 2001 and 2010 in Japan (n = 1061). Temporal trends in demographics, tumor characteristics, and survival were assessed by cohort-level analysis. The National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result Program was used for external validation (n = 10,154). Results: The number of oldest-old women aged ≥80 years significantly increased (from 18.0% in 2001 to 30.6% in 2010; 70.5% relative increase) in the study period. A stage shift was observed, with stage I disease decreasing from 43.0% to 34.0% (21.0% relative decrease), and tumors with distant metastases increasing from 23.2% to 35.6% (53.3% relative increase, p < 0.05). The number of women who underwent surgical treatment decreased from 84.0% to 69.7% (17.0% relative decrease), whereas utilization of radiotherapy increased from 34.4% to 43.2% (25.7% relative increase) over time (p < 0.05). In the cohort-level analysis, the five-year survival rates significantly decreased from 2001 to 2010 (p < 0.05), specifically, 66.9% to 51.0% for progression-free survival (23.7% relative decrease), 79.5% to 67.9% for cause-specific survival (14.6% relative decrease), and 74.9% to 62.3% for overall survival (16.9% relative decrease). In the patient-level analysis, oldest-old women were less likely to undergo surgical treatment and were independently associated with decreased survival (p < 0.05). In the US cohort, the number of oldest-old women (25.2% to 27.8%) and the five-year cause-specific survival rate (81.8% to 79.9%) remained unchanged during the study period (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Demographics and outcomes of vulvar cancer in Japan significantly changed during the study period. An increasing oldest-old population and a stage shift to more metastatic disease resulted in a cohort-level decrease in survival rates.

Socieconomic Conditions Among the Urban Oldest-Old Females : A Gerontological Study in Medinipur Municipal Town, West Bengal

Gerontology has developed as a discipline to study aged people, and it is becoming a subject of immense significance all over the world. Thus, studies related to this area have a significant role and importance to tackle the problems of the aged people and make a bridge between the socioeconomic needs of the aged and existing resources. However, the term "oldest old" refers to aged individuals who survive in the upper segments of the age pyramid. The present paper aimed to highlight the socioeconomic milieu of the oldest-old women residing in different municipal wards under Midnapore Municipality of Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal, India. The study explored some basic demographic features as well as other features like housing and living arrangements, different sources of financial support, which dealt with the information related to the economic condition of the oldest old.

1058P - Changes in clinico-pathological characteristics of vulvar cancer in Japan: Increasing oldest-old, stage-shifting, and decreasing cohort-level survival

BackgroundVulvar cancer is a rare malignancy. Its occurrence in Japan is 1/6-1/10 of that in the Western countries. Population-based statisics for vulvar cancer has been missing in Japan. To examine trends in clinico-pathological characteristics of vulvar cancer in Japan. MethodsThis is a nationwide retrospective study examining consecutive cases of women with invasive vulvar cancer in Japan between 2001-2010 (n=1,061). Temporal trends of demographics, tumor characteristics, and survival outcome were assessed with cohort-level analysis. The National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result Program served as the external validation (n=10,154). ResultsThe number of oldest-old women aged ≥80 years significantly increased from 18.0% to 30.6% (70.5% relative increase) over time. There was a stage-shift observed, and stage I disease decreased from 43.0% to 34.0% (21.0% relative decrease) whereas tumors with inguino-femoral nodal or distant metastasis increased from 23.2% to 35.6% (53.3% relative increase) during the study period (P<0.05). The number of women who underwent surgical treatment decreased from 84.0% to 69.7% (17.0% relative decrease) whereas utilization of radiotherapy increased from 34.4% to 43.2% (25.7% relative increase) over time (P<0.05). In the cohort-level analysis, the 5-year survival rates significantly decreased between 2001-2010 (P<0.05): 66.9% to 51.0% for progression-free survival (23.7% relative decrease), 79.5% to 67.9% for cause-specific survival (14.6% relative decrease), and 74.9% to 62.3% for overall survival (16.9% relative decrease). In the patient-level analysis, oldest-old women were less likely to undergo surgical treatment and independently associated with decreased survival (all, P<0.05). In the US cohort, the number of oldest-old women (25.2% to 27.8%) and the 5-year cause-specific survival rate (81.8% to 79.9%) stayed unchanged during the study period (all, P>0.05). ConclusionsDemographics and outcomes of vulvar cancer in Japan have significantly changed during the study period: Increasing oldest-old population and stage-shift to more metastatic disease resulted in cohort-level decrease in survival rates. Legal entity responsible for the studyThe authors. FundingHas not received any funding. DisclosureAll authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Bone and skeletal muscle changes in oldest-old women: the role of physical inactivity.

Alterations in bone and muscle parameters related to advanced aging and physical inactivity have never been investigated in oldest-old women. To investigate the impact of physical inactivity on bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition at the systemic and regional levels in oldest-old (> 75years old) women. We hypothesized that, further to aging, alterations in bone and body composition parameters are exacerbated in the locomotor limbs that have experienced physical inactivity. Whole-body and regional (lower limbs and trunk) BMD and fat-free soft tissue mass (FFSTM) were measured by means of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 11 oldest-old wheelchair-bound women (OIW), 11 oldest-old mobile women (OMW), and 11 young healthy women (YW), all matched for weight (± 10kg), height (± 10cm). Whole-body BMD was reduced by 15% from YW to OMW and 10% from OMW to OIW. Whole-body FFSTM was also reduced from YW to OIW (- 13%). Lower limb BMD was progressively reduced among YW, OMW and OIW (- 23%). Similarly, lower limb FFSTM was reduced among YW (12,816 ± 1797g), OMW (11,999 ± 1512g) and OIW (10,037 ± 1489g). Trunk BMD was progressively reduced among YW, OMW and OIW (- 19%), while FFSTM was similar among the three groups ~ 19801g. The results of the present study suggest that the alterations in bone and body composition parameters are exacerbated in the physical inactive oldest-old. These negative effects of physical inactivity are not confined to the locomotor limbs, and a systemic decline of bone and muscle parameters are likely associated with the physical inactivity.

Gender differences in cognitive impairment among the old and the oldest-old in China.

To examine gender differences in the prevalence of cognitive impairment across two age cohorts in China: the old (aged 65-79 years) and the oldest-old (aged 80-116 years). The Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey with waves from 2008 to 2011 was used (N = 13 586). Regression analysis was used to model the gender effects on baseline cognitive function and onset of cognitive impairment. Independent variables included demographics, socioeconomic status (SES), social network, leisure activities and functional disabilities. Among the oldest-old, women (32.9%) were twice as likely as men (15.7%) to have cognitive impairment. For the old, women (2.2%) were only slightly more likely than men (1.9%). Regression models showed the oldest-old women having a significantly higher risk of cognitive impairment than men (P < 0.001), even after adjusting for independent variables. No significant gender differences were found among the old cohort. SES, social network and leisure activities appeared to affect gender differences, especially among the oldest-old. Of the independent variables examined, the gender effects were reduced the most when incorporating SES for both age cohorts. For the oldest-old, gender differences in cognitive impairment could be due to differences in SES between men and women. The old cohort showed no statistically significant gender difference at this time; however, we should follow this old cohort for their future potential gender differences in the prevalence of cognitive impairment. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 586-592.

Residential greenness and mortality in oldest-old women and men in China: a longitudinal cohort study

SummaryBackgroundExposure to natural vegetation, or greenness, might affect health through several pathways, including increased physical activity and social engagement, improved mental health, and reductions in exposure to air pollution, extreme temperatures, and noise. Few studies of the effects of greenness have focused on Asia, and, to the best of our knowledge, no study has assessed the effect on vulnerable oldest-old populations. We assessed the association between residential greenness and mortality in an older cohort in China.MethodsWe used five waves (February, 2000–October, 2014) of the China Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), a prospective cohort representative of the general older population in China. We assessed exposure to greenness through satellite-derived Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values in the 250 m and 1250 m radius around the residential address for each individual included in the study. We calculated contemporaneous NDVI values, cumulative NDVI values, and changes in NDVI from the start of the study over time. The health outcome of the study was all-cause mortality, excluding accidental deaths. Mortality rate ratios were estimated with Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, marital status, geographical region, childhood and adult socioeconomic status, social and leisure activity, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and physical activity.FindingsAmong 23 754 individuals (mean age at baseline 93 years [SD 7·5]) totaling 80 001 person-years, we observed 18 948 deaths during 14 years of follow-up, between June, 2000, and December, 2014. Individuals in the highest quartile of contemporaneous NDVI values had 27% lower mortality than those in the lowest quartile for the 250 m radius (hazard ratio [HR] 0·73, 95% CI 0·70–0·76), and 30% lower mortality for the 1250 m radius (0·70, 0·67–0·74). No clear association was observed for cumulative NDVI measurements and mortality. We did not detect an association between area-level changes in NDVI and mortality.InterpretationOur research suggests that proximity to more green space is associated with increased longevity, which has policy implications for the national blueprint of ecological civilisation and preparation for an ageing society in China.FundingBill & Melinda Gates Foundation, US National Institute on Aging, US National Institute of Health, Natural Science Foundation of China, UN Population Fund, China Social Sciences Foundation, and Hong Kong Research Grants Council.

Residential greenness and mortality in oldest-old women and men in China: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundExposure to nature, or greenness, may affect health through several pathways, including health-promoting activities and influencing psychological wellbeing. How greenness affects vulnerabilities due to old-age health has not been assessed. We assessed the relationship between residential greenness and mortality in an elderly cohort representative of China. MethodsWe used the prospective China Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), a cohort representative of general elderly population in China. Our exposure was assessed by satellite-derived Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in 250 m and 1250 m radius around each participant's residential addresses between 2000 to 2014. We calculated cumulative NDVI, contemporaneous NDVI, and changes in NDVI values over time. We used all-cause mortality, excluding accidental death, as our outcome. The CLHLS was granted ethical approval from Research Ethics Committees of Peking University and Duke University. All subjects signed written informed consent before interview. FindingsWe followed up 3839 people at least 80 years of age between 2000 and 2014 totalling 13 253 person-years. The mean age at baseline was 92 years (SD 7·6). During 14 years of follow up, we recorded 3244 deaths. We used cox-proportional hazard models, adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, urban/rural residence, geographical region, education years, occupation before age 60 years, marital status, smoking status, alcohol consumption, exercise, financial support, co-residence status, and annual average PM2·5. Compared with the lowest quartile of contemporaneous NDVI values, the highest quartile had a decreased risk of mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0·78, 95% CI 0·70–0·87, for the 250 m radius; HR 0·77, 0·69–0·85, for the 1250 m radius). No significant effects on mortality were found for cumulative NDVI measurement (HR 1·12, 95% CI 0·99–1·27, for the 250 m radius; HR 1·09, 0·96–1·23, for the 1250 m radius). Compared with people living in regions with a significant decrease in NDVI from 2000 to 2014 (p <0·05), among people living in region with a significant increase, we saw a HR of 0·90 (95% CI 0·80–1·01) for the 250 m radius, and 0·88 (0·79–0·99) for the 1250 m radius. InterpretationOur research suggests that more green space might promote healthy longevity, which has policy implications for eco-civilisation and preparing for ageing societies in China. FundingNone.

Socio-Economic Situation of the Rural Oldest-Old Females: Anthropological Study in Paschim Medinipur District, West Bengal.

In India, as well as in states across the world the population aging increases very rapidly. Aging is a natural process in a lifecycle. The paper outlines the status of research on Super Senior Citizen in India and provides a situational analysis of Super Senior Citizen in terms of economic and social.Therefore, the present paper aims to highlight socio-economic milieu of the oldest-old women residing in different gram panchayats under Medinipur Sadar Block of Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal, India. The areas, which were explored, include some basic demographic features as well as other features like housing and living arrangement, different sources of financial support, etc. However, the study demonstrate that, some positive scenario mentioned above the oldest old women under study area are seriously in disadvantageous position in many respects, which may be exemplified with the following facts: they are far less educated; economically more dependent; most of them are non-worker; a very good number of them do not get/receive any pension from any sources.

The differences of metabolic syndrome in elderly subgroups: A special focus on young-old, old-old and oldest old

Abstract Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is known to be correlated to future diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Due to the aging society, the increasing prevalence of MetS in the elderly is an important health issue. However, there were few studies focusing in this field. We investigated the changes of MetS components in the subgroups of the elderly. Methods Subjects aged above 65 years old who underwent routine health checkups in Taiwan (N = 18916) were divided into three groups (young-old: ≧65 and Results For men, the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased as the age got older. On the contrary, the diastolic blood pressure and triglycerides (TG) decreased. In women, the waist circumference and SBP increased significantly from the young-old to the oldest-old groups. The highest percentage having MetS was 35% in old-old men and 62% in oldest-old women. Finally, subjects with high TG had the highest and BP had the lowest ORs for having MetS in both genders except oldest-old women. Conclusions In the elderly, the MetS and its components have different patterns not only in young-, old- and oldest-old groups but also in men and women. Moreover, among the five components, hypertension was always the most prevalent one. Finally, subjects had high TG had the highest ORs to have MetS compared to other components.

The differences of metabolic syndrome in elderly subgroups: A special focus on young-old, old-old and oldest old

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is known to be correlated to future diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Due to the aging society, the increasing prevalence of MetS in the elderly is an important health issue. However, there were few studies focusing in this field. We investigated the changes of MetS components in the subgroups of the elderly. MethodsSubjects aged above 65 years old who underwent routine health checkups in Taiwan (N=18916) were divided into three groups (young-old: ≧65 and <75, old-old: ≧75 and <85 and oldest-old ≧85). By using multiple logistic regressions, the odds ratio (OR) of subjects with abnormal MetS components to have MetS were evaluated. ResultsFor men, the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased as the age got older. On the contrary, the diastolic blood pressure and triglycerides (TG) decreased. In women, the waist circumference and SBP increased significantly from the young-old to the oldest-old groups. The highest percentage having MetS was 35% in old-old men and 62% in oldest-old women. Finally, subjects with high TG had the highest and BP had the lowest ORs for having MetS in both genders except oldest-old women. ConclusionsIn the elderly, the MetS and its components have different patterns not only in young-, old- and oldest-old groups but also in men and women. Moreover, among the five components, hypertension was always the most prevalent one. Finally, subjects had high TG had the highest ORs to have MetS compared to other components.

Long-term Cognitive Trajectories and Mortality in Older Women.

Few studies have examined whether change in cognition is linked to mortality. This study examined the relationship between cognitive trajectories in older age and risk of death. We studied community-dwelling, nondemented women aged 65+ (mean age = 71) enrolled in a prospective study of aging and followed up to 25 years. A modified Mini-Mental State Examination (mMMSE) and Trail Making Task Part B (TMTB) were administered at multiple visits during follow-up. We examined the association between cognitive trajectories (analyzed by quintiles) from baseline to age 80 (n = 7,477 for mMMSE and n = 6,503 for TMTB) and all-cause mortality after age 80 using Cox regression models, both unadjusted and adjusted for education, physical activity, alcohol, depression score, current smoking and history of hypertension and diabetes. Cause of death was determined from death certificates, classified as cardiovascular, cancer and other. Women with greater rate of decline were older, less educated, less physically active, had higher depression score and were more likely to have a history of hypertension and diabetes (all p < .01). Participants with the greatest decline (quintile 1) had an increased risk of death (mMMSE hazard ratio [HR] = 1.28; TMTB HR = 1.43] and those with the least decline (quintile 5) had a decreased risk of death (mMMSE HR = 0.73; TMTB HR = 0.61) compared with intermediate decliners (quintiles 2-4). Cognitive trajectories were associated with cardiovascular mortality and other causes of death, but not cancer deaths. Our study suggests that greater decline in general cognition or executive function is associated with higher rates of mortality in oldest-old women.