Participation Of Older Adults Research Articles

The effect of clean cooking on the social participation of middle-aged and older adults in China: A prospective cohort study

BackgroundIndoor air pollution stemming from the use of solid fuels, such as biomass and coal, is a significant public health concern, especially in developing countries. Understanding the connection between indoor air quality and social participation is essential for crafting effective interventions and enhancing the well-being of these populations. This study aims to investigate the influence of indoor air pollution on social participation among middle-aged and olderly individuals in China. MethodsThis study utilized data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), encompassing 17,711 samples, to investigate the link between cooking fuel type and social participation. Survival analysis Cox regression was used, complemented by logistic regression for supplementary analyses. FindingsUpon accounting for confounding factors, the analysis revealed that individuals who consistently used clean fuels and those who switched to clean fuels exhibited a significantly higher likelihood of increased social participation compared to those using solid fuels. The hazard ratios were 1.31 (95 % CI: 1.19–1.44) and 1.39 (95 % CI: 1.28–1.51), respectively. These findings remained consistent across various regression models and showed no signs of population heterogeneity. Furthermore, this study found that in the investigation of mediating effects, chronic disease did not demonstrate any mediating effect on social participation. However, the mediating effects of depression level and IADL (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) were significant, accounting for 1.82 % and 7.35 % of the impact of clean cooking on social participation, respectively. InterpretationThis study provides compelling evidence that adopting clean cooking practices positively influences social participation among middle-aged and older individuals in China. We recommend that governments, communities, and individuals prioritize measures to enhance indoor air quality.

An empirical study of the personality factors and individual characteristics of older adult participation in third age education

ABSTRACT In China, the innovative development of education for older people is an important response to the aging population, and an important way to meet the spiritual, cultural, and social needs of older people. Current academic research mainly focuses on the social factors that affect the participation of older people in education and there are few empirical studies on the individual psychological characteristics of older adult learning behavior. This study takes a positive psychology approach to the exploration of the factors influencing the participation of older adults in education in a number of universities of the Third Age in Fujian Province, China. The study is based on curriculum preferences and frequency of participation in extracurricular activities. The results show that the personality traits of extraversion and neuroticism, as well as gender, age, level of educational attainment, and family economic status significantly affect frequency of participation in extracurricular activities and the curriculum preferences of older learners. The results of this study suggest that we can strengthen personality matching to promote the learning enthusiasm of older people in education, and adhere to the demand-oriented to promote the Third age education curriculum personalized. Furthermore, we should increase the scope for popularizing Third age education, improve the accessibility of education for the older people, accelerate the integration of older adult education with the Internet, innovate the form of older adult education, and then promote the development of customized curricula.

The status of drug evaluation in older adults in the United Kingdom: Bridging the representation gap.

Older adults are persistently underrepresented in clinical drug trials worldwide, despite increasing multiple long-term conditions and significant prescribing in this demographic. We discuss systemic challenges such as the exclusion of people with comorbid conditions and the lack of assessment for comorbidities as modifiers of treatment effects and highlight the rising trend of polypharmacy, especially among the oldest age groups, which is linked to a significant percentage of unplanned hospitalizations and medication errors. The consequences of these trends prompted the United Kingdom National Overprescribing review, culminating in a set of recommendations for drug development tailored to older adults. Building on this, two critical reports released in April 2023 by the International Longevity Centre (ILC) and the Nuffield Council on Bioethics (NCOB) are discussed. These reports emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion in clinical trials, advocating for ethical frameworks and methodologies that cater to the complex needs of older adults. The development of inclusive criteria, innovative statistical methodologies, and the integration of patient-reported outcomes are needed to address the persistent barriers to older adult participation in research, suggesting that pragmatic trials, exemplified by the UK's RECOVERY trial during the COVID-19 pandemic, could pave the way for more inclusive research practices.

Association between formal social participation and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults: a longitudinal study using SHARE data

ABSTRACT Formal social participation significantly impacts health and well-being, potentially mitigating cognitive decline, although not consistently across all studies. Existing research often focuses solely on baseline participation levels, and age-related differences have primarily been explored among the Asian population. Therefore, this longitudinal study aims to assess the association between formal social participation and cognition across different age groups in individuals aged 50+ living in Europe and Israel, while capturing the dynamic nature of formal social participation. We use data from three waves (four, six, and eight) of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), comprising 85,601 respondents. Linear mixed-effects models were applied. The results show that participation in formal social activities mitigates cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults, especially among those aged 70 to 79 and 80+. These findings support the need for social policies promoting formal social activities, for lasting cognitive health benefits.

Digitalization of Activities of Daily Living and Its Influence on Social Participation for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Scoping Review.

Everyday technology (ET) has been defined as the broad set of devices and artefacts that are currently present in people's lives both inside and outside of the home. A subgroup within ET is known as everyday information and communication technologies (EICTs). The main characteristic of these technologies is that they can facilitate or disrupt the engagement of individuals in their daily activities. This scoping review aims to identify what is known about how ET can function as facilitators or barriers to occupations, such as the social participation of older adults. The proposed scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines and checklist. The scoping review was conducted across five online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE and PsycoINFO [EBSCO]) to identify published, peer-reviewed records. Studies were screened by two independent reviewers against the inclusion criteria. This review considered studies concerning the use of ET or EICTs in community-dwelling adults aged over 60 years, with or without cognitive impairment or dementia. All of the articles were in English, and reviews were not included. Eleven papers were selected and showed that despite the increasing demand for technologies of daily life and the digitalization of society and processes, according to our research, few studies addressed the limitations in the social participation of older adults. In conclusion, ET can provide a way to promote and maintain the personal autonomy for older adults in community dwellings. However, cognitive impairment hinders the use of electronic technologies and increases perceived problems.

Risks and protection: a qualitative study on the factors for internet addiction among elderly residents in Southwest China communities

BackgroundIn the global trend of actively promoting the participation of older adults in the digital age, the relevant negative issues featuring potential Internet Addiction (IA) among them has risen to be a new challenge facing the global public health. However, there is a severe lack of related research. This study aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon and process of IA among the elderly. The purpose of this paper is to introduce factors that may influence IA in the demographic.MethodsThis study employed qualitative descriptive research methods to investigate older adults’ perceptions and experiences of IA. Semi-structured in-depth personal interviews were conducted between March and June 2023 with 36 senior citizens from urban communities in Chongqing, Southwest China. Data were analyzed via inductive content analysis methods.ResultsThrough data analysis, 2 main categories concerning IA in older adults were identified: risk factors and protective factors. The risk factor categories include 5 individual factors (e.g., Internet as the major avenue for pursuing personal hobbies and interests, etc.), 3 family factors (e.g., household WIFI increasing the risk of prolonged Internet use indoors, etc.), 2 peer factors (e.g., peer recommendation and guidance as catalysts for intensified Internet engagement, etc.), 2 socio-environmental factors (e.g., the widespread daily Internet use spurs offline intolerance, etc.), and 3 Internet platform factors (e.g., the plenitude of online content triggers endless viewing/browsing behaviors, etc.). The category of protective factors encompasses 2 individual factors (e.g., a higher level of perceived risk regarding internet health hazards, etc.) and 2 family factors (e.g., more family commitment, etc.).ConclusionsOlder adults’ Internet addictive behaviors are shaped by multiple and complex internal and external factors. A higher level of online health risk perception is a key protective factor to effectively avoid the occurrence and deterioration of IA among the aged, a distinct finding from this study. It is believed that the “individual-family-peer-community” synergy strategy is expected to become an essential direction for IA intervention for older adults, in order to promote healthy Internet use among older adults.

A Collaborative Initiative for Mobility and Autonomy of Older Adults

ABSTRACT Social participation is associated with successful aging. However, older adults encounter many barriers for social activities. The study aims for the proposition of solutions in favor of increasing the participation of older adults in daily life activities. A living-lab design was chosen to ensure the active participation of older adults and the stakeholders. The data collected included questionnaires, workshops writings and surveys. A total of 159 older adults and 126 collaborators participated in the study. The results showed a gap between the perception of the geriatric professionals and the reality of the difficulties reported by the older adults. Professionals perceived for 80% that walking was the main issue for mobility while only 23% of older adults said so. Seven topics were investigated: Technology, Nutrition, Health, Housing, Transportation, Social Network and Activities. To maintain autonomy and mobility, Social Network was the most important topic before health and transportation. Older adults and collaborators were unaware of the variety of local existing solutions. That shows malfunctioning in the communication strategy. The study detected contact person among the older adults who are highly motivated and convinced by the action. The collaborators should rely on contact persons for the transmission of the information to their peers.

Significance of an Interprofessional Healthy Aging Program for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Narrative Study.

Participation is widely recognized as an important health determinant for older adults. Exploring interventions to promote active participation of community-dwelling older adults is an important step in translating current knowledge into practice. Few studies have examined community-level interventions to support older adults' participation. The study purpose was to examine the significance of the lived experiences of community-dwelling older adults who participated in an interprofessional healthy aging promotion program. The specific aims were to uncover the narrative significance of the lived experiences and how they evolved and intertwined with the life histories of the older adults 2 years after the intervention ended. A narrative inquiry design was used. Four key informants participated in two semi-structured interviews and a member-checking process. The data were analyzed from a three-dimensional inquiry space of time and continuity, place and context, and social interactions. The findings affirmed three core threads that wove the participants' lived experiences within the program together with their life histories after the intervention. These were enjoyment, learning, and sharing. Four themes revealed the essential elements of the lived experience, and three others exposed participants' growth and life enrichment, all being fundamental to participation. The 3-year community-level intervention was valued and a novel opportunity for facilitating participation and successful aging. It allowed the participants to acquire an evolved vision of self, have meaningful interactions, develop the means to engage in future community activities, implement new self-care strategies, and establish memories and friendships significant for life participation.

Nurturing the Seeds of Participation: Unveiling the Foundational Path for Understanding Aging in Place Barriers and Facilitators From the Perspective of Older Adults Using Mixed Methods and Translational Science.

Participation in society is a cornerstone for quality of life, active aging, and aging in place. While the majority of older adults prefer aging in place, health and financial challenges can hinder this vision. Conducted in suburban South Jersey, this study utilized mixed methods, including surveys and interviews with older adult participants. Surveys indicated that satisfaction with participation in the community is influenced by functional ability, healthcare service availability, and information access. Interviewees identified suggestions to overcome barriers (e.g., improve access to community and address ageism). Combined results provide a theory of change which suggests older adults' empowerment in community participation hinges on home living support, participation options aligning with ability and interest, and accessible information on community events. This person-centered planning approach emphasizes the importance of older adult and stakeholder participation in foundational community planning, offering translational foundational tools for evidence-based strategies to engage them in future community action plans (CAPs).

Disentangling the reasons why older adults do not readily participate in cancer trials: a socio-epidemiological mixed methods approach.

Few studies of the under-representation of older adults in cancer clinical trials (CTs) have encompassed the entire pathway from a trial being available in a cancer centre to the patient's invitation to participate and then agreement or refusal to participate. The study's primary objective was to evaluate CT non-invitation and refusal rates. The secondary objectives were to identify factors associated with non-invitation and refusal and to assess experiences of CT participation from the patients' and professionals' perspectives. Here, we used mixed methods and a socio-epidemiological approach to analyse reasons for the non-participation of eligible older patients with a solid cancer in cancer CTs in France. We found that non-invitation and low CT participation are mainly related to the patients' sociodemographic characteristics and living conditions (such as social isolation, being single, divorced or widowed, not having children and the absence of close family members) and the healthcare professionals' perceptions of insufficient informal support or a high homecare requirement. Our results suggest that efforts to increase fair inclusion and the participation of older adults in CTs should target the physician-patient relationship, the medical profession and hospital funding, rather than the patient alone.

Social participation experiences of older adults with an early-onset physical disability: a systematic review protocol.

The objective of this review is to assess and synthesize the available qualitative evidence on the experiences of social participation of older adults with an early-onset physical disability. Understanding the experiences of social participation among older adults with a physical disability acquired earlier in life can guide the development of interventions and policies. It will also help with fostering meaningful community participation and aid in improving the quality of their social participation. This review will consider primary studies that explore the experiences of social participation of older adults with an early-onset physical disability. The review will focus on qualitative data, including methods such as phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, action research, and feminist research. Studies in French or English will be considered for inclusion, and there will be no limitation on publication dates. A keyword search strategy will be carried out in MEDLINE (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (ProQuest) will be searched for unpublished articles. Two independent reviewers will perform the screening and inclusion process, assess the quality of the evidence, and complete data extraction. The JBI approach to critical appraisal, study selection, data extraction, and data synthesis (meta-aggregation) will be used. The ConQual approach will be used to establish confidence in the synthesized findings. PROSPERO CRD42022371027.

Examining behaviour change techniques (BCTs) in technology-based interventions for enhancing social participation in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionTechnology-based interventions have improved the social participation of older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. Nevertheless, how these interventions modify social participation remains to be seen, and what...

A comprehensive view of the promotion and prevention of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases in older adults at the Clemencia Foundation and the Sofia Ratinoff Nursing Home

Health promotion and disease prevention in older adults are essential to improve their quality of life and reduce health care costs in this growing population. A diagnostic study in this area focuses on identifying specific health needs, assessing risk factors, and proposing effective interventions. The objective of this study is to characterize the current state of health promotion and NCD prevention in older adults at the Clemencia Foundation and the Sofia Ratinoff Asylum in the city of Guayaquil. This research is developed by students and teachers of the Emergency Medical career of the Instituto Superior Universitario Espiritu Santo, as part of the project "Promotion and control of NCDs in older adults". The study uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, including surveys, interviews and statistical data analysis. The population studied includes older adults and health professionals from the Clemencia Foundation and the Sofia Ratinoff Asylum, providing a comprehensive view of their health conditions and needs. The results conclude that chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and arthritis are common in older adults, as are respiratory and mental health problems. Risk factors identified include poor dietary habits, lack of physical activity, poor vital sign monitoring, and limited participation of older adults in health promotion programs.

Intergenerational Programs and Projects as a Proposal for Psychosocial Action in the Promotion of Active Aging

Introduction: Active aging promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) promote not only to add years to life, but also life to years. The pillars of active aging are based on health, safety, participation and education for life. To offer the possibility for older people to actively participate in society, there are different strategies, among which intergenerational programs and projects stand out. Objective: This mini-review aimed to review the value of intergenerational programs and projects in promoting active aging, through one of its fundamental pillars: the integration and participation of older adults. Method: The methodological procedure used in this paper involved a narrative approach with analysis from different sources. Different databases were consulted (WoS, PubMed, SciELO), and organizations such as the WHO and various oficial resources were used as sources of information. Results: Intergenerational programs and projects are plans coordinated and designed by educational centers, senior centers and other organizations and associations - public and private - that want to work together for the mutual benefit of older adults, children and youth. After review the benefits of intergenerational programs and projects, it stands out one of the recent and successful iniciative implemented in Spain -the intergenerational program “Adopt a Grandparent”. This iniciative is dedicated to fostering connections between different generations with the aim of alleviating situations of loneliness among older people. Discussion and Conclusions: Participation between generations brings us closer to a more intergenerational society. The social network formed through bidirectional synergies can positively impact aging, serving as a compass for the health and psychological well-being of older people. In essence, advocating for the promotion of intergenerationl programs and projects, as leading of the sphere social policies enables the construction of a society for all ages with psychosocial benefits.

The negative impact of poor health on civic participation in older adults of the Baltic countries

Civic participation as a specific subtype of social participation in later life has received little attention from researchers. How to maintain the well-being and health of older adults through their involvement in the community is crucial to understand the prevalence of civic participation in older age, especially for those in poor health. This study fills the gap in knowledge on the relationship between the civic participation of older adults in the Baltics and their health status. The data come from a quantitative survey of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia’s residents aged 50 years and older (N = 2015) conducted in 2019-2020. Data were analysed based on Serratet et al. [1] concept of civic activity and health status, using descriptive statistics and multinomial regression analysis. The results show that the profile of civic participation people aged 50+ is asymmetrical: 1) individual rather than collective and social rather than political participation is prevalent, and 2) poor health limits the participation of older adults in almost every civic activity (especially those that are more resource-intensive). The research results can be helpful for social policymakers and practitioners (social workers).

Depressive Symptoms Associated With Social Participation in Older Adults Living With Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) affects 15% of adults 50 years old and over. Individuals living with MCI have shown decreased social participation, a critical activity as it may delay cognitive decline. Depression may be a key factor in limiting participation. This study is a secondary data analysis of 30 older adults living with MCI, looking for associations with participation. Participation was examined using the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) Satisfaction with Participation in Social Roles Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) form. Depressive symptoms were reported using the PROMIS Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders Depression CAT form and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PhQ-9) form. Results showed that demographics (age, sex) were not significantly associated with participation, but depressive symptoms were significantly associated. This suggests that adults living with MCI who have higher levels of depressive symptoms may be a uniquely vulnerable population who benefit from interventions that support participation.

Analysis of digital capacity-related factors influencing health promotion participation and active aging of older adults residing in rural areas in South Korea: A structural equation model.

This study aimed to identify the correlation between digital capacity, health promotion participation, and active aging of older people living in rural areas in South Korea to assess the factors influencing participation in programs for health promotion and active aging. Data were collected through a 1:1 face-to-face survey using a structured questionnaire from 13 February to 24 February 2023 during the older individuals' visits in the senior citizen welfare centers and senior citizen centers in the region. The Measuring Digital Skills questionnaire used to assess the digital competence of South Korean individuals was employed in this study. To confirm the structural relationship between digital capacity and health promotion participation and active aging in the older population aged 65 years and older based on the collected data, a structural equation modeling analysis was performed. Active health promotion participation had a positive effect on active aging. The pathway that older adults in Korea can led to participation in health promotion and active aging in the current situation is not mainly through the digital competency whereas mobile internet skill showed positive influneces. In the digital era and super-aged society, various programs are provided to older individuals to enhance the utilization of smartphones. However, education and programs for strengthening digital capacity should be organized to explain the advantages of digital use and to inform of the dangers of addiction to ensure healthy aging through social participation and exchange both online and offline.

An RCT META analysis based on the effect of tai chi exercise therapy on the outcome of elderly patients with moderate-to-severe sleep disorders-A systematic review study

BackgroundAccording to statistics, about one-fifth of the world's elderly people suffer from sleep disorders, and the problem of sleep disorders in the elderly is extremely serious, and this problem is one of the important causes of chronic diseases such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and coronary heart disease in the elderly. The positive effect of Tai Chi exercise therapy on sleep problems has been confirmed, but at present, the effect of the specific duration of Tai Chi exercise on the improvement of elderly people with moderate to severe sleep disorders varies. ObjectiveMETA analysis was used to investigate and find that long-term Tai Chi exercise therapy has the best effect on improving sleep in elderly patients with moderate to severe sleep disorders. Methods: META analysis was performed using Revman 5.3 after searching Web of science, Pubmed, Scopus, The Cochroae Library, OVID, CBM, CNKI, VIP, and other databases, and then filtering and extracting. ResultsA total of seven papers were included. Meta-analysis showed that tai chi exercise was more effective in improving sleep problems in elderly patients with sleep disorders compared to the control group, and the difference was significant. This was demonstrated by a decrease in the global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score [SMD = −0.66, 95 % CI (−0.91, −0.41), P < 0.00001], as well as its subdomains of subjective sleep quality [SMD = −0.79, 95 % CI (−1.06, −0.52), P < 0.00001], sleep latency [SMD = −0.80, 95 % CI (−1.21, −0.40), P < 0.00001], sleep duration [SMD = −0.38, 95 % CI (−0.72, −0.04), P = 0.03], habitual sleep efficiency [SMD = −0.58, 95 % CI (−0.84, −0.31), P < 0.0001], sleep disturbance [SMD = −0.51, 95 % CI (−0.78, −0.25), P = 0.00001] and daytime dysfunction [SMD = −0.33, 95 % CI (−0.59, −0.07), P = 0.01]. Improvement was also observed in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Insomnia Severity Index Scale (ISI). The results showed that the optimal duration and frequency of Tai Chi exercise therapy for improving moderately severe elderly patients with sleep disorders was long-term. ConclusionThis study systematically assessed the efficacy of Tai Chi exercise therapy for elderly patients with moderate-to-severe sleep disorders. Through a meta-analysis of relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs), it aims to determine the effectiveness of Tai Chi exercise in improving sleep quality in elderly patients with moderate-to-severe sleep disorders, as well as to compare its effects with those of traditional treatments; to analyze the safety of Tai Chi exercise for this patient population and assess its feasibility as a non-pharmacological therapy; and to fill the research gaps and provide more comprehensive and systematic evidence support. This study provides a practical approach to reducing the risk of medication side effects in older adults with sleep disorders and offers a potentially effective non-pharmacological treatment option, especially for those who are unable or unwilling to use medication. Tai chi exercise may not only improve sleep, but also improve coordination, muscle strength, balance, and reduce stress and anxiety in older adults. It also helps older adults socialize and enhances their social connections and emotional support. This study suggests that community centers or activity centers for the elderly can organize tai chi classes to promote the participation of older adults, and can be used as a scientific exercise rehabilitation tool in clinical treatment, incorporating tai chi practice into daily life, such as tai chi practice at a fixed time every day or every week, which not only helps to improve the sleep disorders of older adults, but also improves their overall quality of life.

Usability and acceptance as facilitators of behavioral intention to use a mixed reality exercise program in older adults: A structural equation model

BackgroundStaying active has been one of the mainstays in promoting health in older adults. Despite the potential of innovative health technologies for fitness, there is limited understanding of the factors influencing older adults’ behavioral intention to engage in mixed reality physical exercise. PurposeTo develop a theoretical model of technology usability and acceptance influencing behavioral intention to use a mixed reality physical exercise program among older adults. DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted to develop a virtual exercise coach in a mixed-reality environment. Older adults (n = 64) were purposively selected from a community senior center in the Philippines and participated in the exercise program. Their responses were analyzed using a partial least square approach to structural equation modeling. ResultsThe generated measurement model demonstrated valid and reliable estimates. Its structural model (R2 = 0.64) had a good fit (GoF = 0.56) with consistent quality indices. It also indicated that performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, and information quality are significant (p < 0.05) factors explaining behavioral intention to use the virtual coach system among older adults. ConclusionThe belief in technology usefulness, trust, data quality, and the value of shared responsibility between the technology promoters and users significantly facilitates behavioral intention to use mixed reality virtual coach systems. The study results are valuable in developing technologies and improving older adult participation in technology-driven community health programs.

Social Participation of Independent Older Adults: Analysis of the Items of the LIFE-H 3.1-Brazil

Social Participation of Independent Older Adults: Analysis of the Items of the LIFE-H 3.1-Brazil