Phenomenon Of Population Aging Research Articles

Bidirectional and Dynamic Relationships Between Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older Adults in China

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the bidirectional associations and temporal dynamics between social isolation (SI) and loneliness among older adults. DesignThis is a prospective cohort study. Setting and ParticipantsWith the global phenomenon of population aging, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of SI and loneliness among older adults. These factors exert substantial impacts on the health and well-being of this population. Consequently, it is imperative to implement more effective interventions targeting SI and combating loneliness in order to enhance the overall health and well-being of older adults. MethodsData from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) were analyzed, focusing on individuals aged 65 and older. Generalized Cross-Lagged Modeling (GCLM) was used to assess these associations. ResultsThe findings reveal significant cross-lagged effects between SI and loneliness over the course of 16 years. Higher levels of SI at 1 time point predict increased loneliness scores in subsequent periods, and greater levels of loneliness at 1 time point predict higher SI scores in future periods. Notably, the impact of SI on loneliness is found to be larger and more enduring compared to the influence of loneliness on SI. These cross-lagged effects persist over an extended period, indicating a long-term reciprocal relationship between SI and loneliness among older adults. Conclusions and ImplicationsThis study provides valuable insights into the bidirectional associations between SI and loneliness among older adults. Given that the effect of SI dominates, the findings suggest that public health strategies aimed at promoting health and well-being should prioritize interventions that enrich older adults’ social networks. Emphasizing early interventions aimed at enhancing social networks is essential for promoting healthy aging and overall well-being.

The Impact of Population Ageing on the Economy

In the face of the escalating global phenomenon of population aging, this comprehensive study seeks to explore the intricate and far-reaching consequences of aging on the global economy. The research background accentuates the profound reshaping of familial, societal, and national structures induced by this pervasive trend, giving rise to extensive economic apprehensions. Delving into critical domains such as the labor market, consumption patterns, and the social security system, the present paper systematically unravels the manifold opportunities and challenges arising from the aging population, drawing insights from an exhaustive review of both domestic and international literature and empirical cases. Employing a methodology encompassing literature reviews and in-depth case analyses, the study capitalizes on diverse global experiences to formulate adaptable and responsive strategies. The conclusive findings underscore the pressing need for the expeditious implementation of flexible policies and the fortification of social support structures. This study serves as a fount of profound insights for policymakers, offering a roadmap towards fostering sustainable societal development amidst the prevailing wave of population aging.

Mitigating cellular aging and enhancing cognitive functionality: visual arts-mediated Cognitive Activation Therapy in neurocognitive disorders.

The growing phenomenon of population aging is redefining demographic dynamics, intensifying age-related conditions, especially dementia, projected to triple by 2050 with an enormous global economic burden. This study investigates visual arts-mediated Cognitive Activation Therapy (CAT) as a non-pharmacological CAT intervention targets both biological aging [leukocyte telomere length (LTL), DNA methylation age (DNAmAge)] and cognitive functionality. Aligning with a broader trend of integrating non-pharmacological approaches into dementia care. The longitudinal study involved 20 patients with mild to moderate neurocognitive disorders. Cognitive and functional assessments, and biological aging markers -i.e., LTL and DNAmAge- were analyzed before and after CAT intervention. Change in LTL was positively correlated with days of treatment (p =0.0518). LTL significantly elongated after intervention (p =0.0269), especially in men (p =0.0142), correlating with younger age (p =0.0357), and higher education (p =0.0008). DNAmAge remained instead stable post-treatment. Cognitive and functional improvements were observed for Copy of complex geometric figure, Progressive Silhouettes, Position Discrimination, Communication Activities of Daily Living-Second edition, Direct Functional Status (p < 0.0001) and Object decision (p =0.0594), but no correlations were found between LTL and cognitive gains. Visual arts-mediated CAT effectively mitigates cellular aging, especially in men, by elongating LTL. These findings underscore the potential of non-pharmacological interventions in enhancing cognitive and functional status and general well-being in dementia care. Further research with larger and longer-term studies is essential for validation.

The Impact of Population Aging on Risk-free Rate

This study delves into the relationship between the long-term trend of population aging and the risk-free rate against the backdrop of China's diminishing demographic dividend and declining birth rate. It further examines the mechanisms via which population aging affects the risk-free rate. The phenomenon of population aging is distinguished by a rise in the percentage of older individuals and a decline in the percentage of younger individuals, hence exerting a diverse range of effects on the economy. The demographic transition holds significant influence over savings, investment, labor supply, and interest rates, making it a crucial macroeconomic issue. This study employs a literature review methodology and conducts data analysis to construct a "elderly population ratio" framework grounded in life cycle theory. The objective is to investigate the correlation and knowledge significance of the risk-free rate.

Nutritional needs and dietary disease prevention measures of the elderly

In recent years, the phenomenon of population aging has become increasingly severe, and population aging and chronic diseases in the elderly have become a serious global challenge that must be addressed immediately. Due to deteriorating physiological functions, the elderly's metabolic rate has slowed, their ability to absorb and digest nutrients is poor, and their resistance to disease has progressively diminished. Therefore, the elderly should adhere to a rational and scientific diet to supplement the various nutrients their bodies require for optimal health. In this paper, the author examines the nutritional requirements of the geriatric and the diseases associated with nutritional deficiencies, such as osteoporosis, hyperglycemia, stomach diseases, intestinal diseases, and dental diseases, among others. Suitable preventative measures are also proposed, which can strengthen the dietary structure of senior citizens in China, improve their health, and reduce their risk of chronic diseases to a certain degree.

A novel for an ageing population? Masculinity and demographic shift in David Lodge's Deaf Sentence (2008)

AbstractThis article examines David Lodge's novel Deaf Sentence (2008), which focuses on the life of Desmond, a retired professor of linguistics. I argue that this text offers a standpoint through which readers can visualise the global phenomenon of population ageing and address the question of global responsibility. I look at Deaf Sentence within the tradition of the Bakhtinian polyphonic novel and through the lens of the campus novel that Lodge discusses in his critical writing. The analysis of dialogism and self‐reflexivity illuminates the reverberations of global ageing on the life of Desmond, situating questions of wellbeing and demography within a narrative perspective. Detailing their struggles with isolation, incontinence and erectile dysfunction, the narration of Desmond and his father growing older sheds light on the limitations of biomedical scripts for older men based on bodily control and sexual performativity. Considering the tension of biomedical discourses and gender expectations informing the cultural construction of ageing in the global North, I contend that Lodge's writing exposes the limits of the neoliberal ideals of self‐sufficiency and individual responsibility at the heart of the notion of successful ageing. Echoing Desmond's self‐reflection, Deaf Sentence offers its reader a standpoint through which to reflect on his problematic participation in the neoliberal, patriarchal regimes that marginalise him. Interpreting the novel as a space for deconstructing the ideal of an autonomous and independent subject postulated by neoliberal discourses, I read Deaf Sentence as an invitation to its readers to embrace their own vulnerability, fostering ethics of care towards themselves and the other.

Association between co-exposure to phenols, phthalates, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with the risk of frailty.

The phenomenon of population aging has brought forth the challenge of frailty. Nevertheless, the contribution of environmental exposure to frailty remains ambiguous. Our objective was to investigate the association between phenols, phthalates (PAEs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with frailty. We constructed a 48-item frailty index using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The exposure levels of 20 organic contaminants were obtained from the survey circle between 2005 and 2016. The association between individual organic contaminants and the frailty index was assessed using negative binomial regression models. The combined effect of organic contaminants was examined using weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression. Dose-response patterns were modeled using generalized additive models (GAMs). Additionally, an interpretable machine learning approach was employed to develop a predictive model for the frailty index. A total of 1566 participants were included in the analysis. Positive associations were observed between exposure to MIB, P02, ECP, MBP, MHH, MOH, MZP, MC1, and P01 with the frailty index. WQS regression analysis revealed a significant increase in the frailty index with higher levels of the mixture of organic contaminants (aOR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.05-1.20; p < 0.001), with MIB, ECP, COP, MBP, P02, and P01 identified as the major contributors. Dose-response relationships were observed between MIB, ECP, MBP, P02, and P01 exposure with an increased risk of frailty (both with p < 0.05). The developed predictive model based on organic contaminants exposure demonstrated high performance, with an R2 of 0.9634 and 0.9611 in the training and testing sets, respectively. Furthermore, the predictive model suggested potential synergistic effects in the MIB-MBP and P01-P02 pairs. Taken together, these findings suggest a significant association between exposure to phthalates and PAHs with an increased susceptibility to frailty.

Unveiling the Evolution of Eldercare Facilities in Rural China: Tracing the Trajectory from Eldercare Support Pattern and Service to Facilities for the Aging Population.

The phenomenon of population aging in rural China presents a compelling societal challenge, necessitating a growing demand for both the quantity and quality of facilities supporting the needs of older people. However, a lack of comprehensive understanding concerning the underlying mechanisms that drive the emergence of these facilities, coupled with the distinctive historical backdrop and social development stage of the nation, engenders complexities in achieving sustainable rural eldercare services. This paper endeavors to comprehensively elucidate diverse eldercare facility types in rural China, delineating their intrinsic characteristics and prerequisites for construction. Additionally, the research delves into the political and economic contexts and advancements in healthcare and eldercare services, culminating in the formulation of an integrated framework that interconnects eldercare support patterns with the political landscape and public service provisions. The implications derived from this nuanced framework provide insightful reflections on significant historical transitions, intricacies faced by rural eldercare facilities, and strategic pathways for fostering future eldercare service delivery systems and allied facilities. The paper's findings furnish insights for bolstering the well-being of the aging population in rural China and lay a substantive foundation for addressing the evolving requisites of eldercare within this distinctive context.

Ageing and its consequences - the use of virtual reality (VR) as a tool to visualize the problems of the elderly.

The population ageing phenomenon is mainly attributable to the increasing proportion of people >60 years of age. This demographic situation requires more attention to the needs of the elderly. Given the lack of effective methods to expand the knowledge of and increase sensitivity to elderly people's problems, especially among the younger generation, an attempt has been made to use virtual reality (VR) to prepare an educational tool focused on these problems. This paper will focus on the use of VR in depicting fundamental problems in the daily live of older people. For project purposes, a questionnaire (26 question) was developed, concerning data on socio-demographic situation, health and physical conditions; social, living and housing support needs. Additionally, qualitative interviews were conducted with elderly people regarding their needs about housing arrangements and daily activities. It was distributed to 100 people, 34 completed questionnaires were obtained from 30 women and 4 men. The study results were intended as information that would provide the basis for developing VR scenarios, not for the epidemiological purposes. The mean age of the respondents was 73.7±7.5 (60‒86 years). Different situations, as heavy housework, lifting/carrying heavy objects, lifting hands above the shoulder level, bending and squatting were identified that pose problems for elderly people. Based on these results, 3 scenario proposals were prepared, including situations: in the bathroom, in the supermarket, on a trip to the city. These scenarios were used to prepare the exercises in VR in the frame of European project - the Mixed Reality on Universal Design's Secret Service (Mr. UD) Project. The use of immersive technology such as VR can be beneficial for young people to be able to see perspectives of the elderly. Students from various fields (medicine, nursing, future engineers, designers, sociologists, etc.) may feel like the elderly and experience their daily challenges. Med Pr. 2023;74(3):159-70.

Biomarkers of ageing: Current state‐of‐art, challenges, and opportunities

AbstractGiven the unprecedented phenomenon of population ageing, studies have increasing captured the heterogeneity within the ageing process. In this context, the concept of “biological age” has been introduced as an integrated measure reflecting the individualized ageing pace. Identifying reliable and robust biomarkers of age is critical for the accurate risk stratification of individuals and exploration into antiageing interventions. Numerous potential biomarkers of ageing have been proposed, spanning from molecular changes and imaging characteristics to clinical phenotypes. In this review, we will start off with a discussion of the development of ageing biomarkers, then we will provide a comprehensive summary of currently identified ageing biomarkers in humans, discuss the rationale behind each biomarker and highlight their accuracy and clinical value with a contemporary perspective. Additionally, we will discuss the challenges, potential applications, and future opportunities in this field. While research on ageing biomarkers has led to significant progress and applications, further investigations are still necessary. We anticipate that future breakthroughs in this field will involve exploring potential mechanisms, developing biomarkers by combining various data sources or employing new technologies, and validating the clinical value of existing and emerging biomarkers through comprehensive collaboration and longitudinal studies.

The socioeconomic consequences of population ageing: aspects of modern challenges in the Russian Federation

Purpose: the article summarizes the key characteristics of the population ageing phenomenon and identifies the channels through which it has an impact on the demographic crisis parameters as well as the socioeconomic growth of the country.Methods: the study is based on tracking the consequences associated with the phenomenon of population ageing. Simultaneously, computational and graphical methods, comparative and retrospective analysis of the sex and age pyramids, expert and empirical assessment of the trends in the structure of the population older than 60-65 years, as well as its economic burden per 1,000 able-bodied people, were used.Results: the main parameters of the socioeconomic impacts of population ageing are determined. Age limits and essential features of this phenomenon are revealed. The forecast trend of socioeconomic parameters of population ageing is supported by the SWOT analysis matrix, and a conceptual model for the implementation of systematic adjustment measures for the ongoing demographic crisis is proposed.Conclusions and Relevance: the article demonstrates that population ageing is not a fundamental socioeconomic problem that endangers the well-being of the population over working age. However, it has many negative consequences for the socioeconomic growth of the country that are still being researched; the real threats come not from population ageing as such, but from the existing disproportion in the workload of the population over 60-65 years old per 1,000 able-bodied population. Despite the relative parameters of the ageing trend in Russia, in the future, the life expectancy of the population will be 73.58-75.03 years.

Aging of the population and the quality of life

The paper aims at presenting the quality of life in terms of the deepening population aging process conditioned (to a great extent) by the progressive convergence of technologies. The interdisciplinary, theoretical nature of the considerations is a voice in the discussion on the interpretation, place, and role of quality of life, with particular emphasis on the extension of human life as a consequence of medical development.&#x0D; The authors applied the descriptive analysis method to present the category of quality of life, the phenomenon of population aging, the specificity of technological changes, and selected issues in the field of demographic changes. Polish and foreign literature on the subject was the basis for the considerations. The theoretical aspect of the research is supplemented by the empirical part supported by available secondary data published by Eurostat and Statistics Poland (Główny Urząd Statystyczny).&#x0D; Poland has been in the top thirty demographically old countries in the world for many years. In 1967, it crossed the threshold of demographic old age, and in 1980 — the threshold of advanced demographic old age. The demographic forecasts of Statistics Poland indicate that the number of people in retirement age will increase, and in 2035, it will reach 26.7% of the population. The observed and forecasted decline in the total population and the growth in the number of people in the senior age lead to an increase in the demographic dependency ratio of the elderly.&#x0D; The convergence of technologies revealed in medicine creates a new perspective on the population aging process. Extending human life allows one to recognize that the quality of life becomes: 1. the most desirable result of all healthcare policies; 2. dependent on the change of the healthcare model, i.e., the transition from the dominant model of reactive and retrospective care to the desired proactive and prospective model.

Demographic dynamics and characteristics of urbanization in Albania in the third decade of transition: the determining steps in shaping the demographic-territorial model of transition

The third phase of urbanization of Albania in transition was shaped by: (i) external migration; (ii) decline in natural population growth; and (iii) internal migration. In the period 2014-2022, 178,094 more inhabitants left Albania than returned. This number has increased a lot in the last two years, which also shows the future trend of the phenomenon. Another contributor to this basic national phenomenon remains the level of natural population growth. During the years 2014-2022, Albania: (i) grew by 42,054 new inhabitants, as a result of natural growth (birth-death difference); and, this growth has generally come in a downward trend, where it is worth differentiating the year 2021 where the natural growth is negative. The phenomenon of population aging accompanied this transition decade. Internal migration led to large-scale urbanization of some areas and drastic depopulation of others. The internal migration scheme contributed to the further deepening of the demographic difference between the three main regions of the country: Greater Region Tirana-Durres; The Middle Region Fier-Vlora and the Abandoned Region that includes the other eight districts of the country. Internal migratory movements are also clearly visible at the inter-county level. For the period 2014-2016, the districts of Tirana, Fier, Durrës and Vlora experienced growth and hold the main weight of the total population, which is expressed by about 58%. Internal demographic movements continued to contribute to the deepening of demographic differences between the three regions of the country, even in the 2017-2019 period. Large districts will continue to remain so and grow further, while small districts will continue to shrink. Even in the following three years, 2020-2022, internal demographic movements continued to contribute to the deepening of demographic differences between the three regions of the country. These demographic dynamics established the demographic-territorial model of the country and the dominance of the District of Tirana over the other 11 districts of the country.

Unsolved Questions in the Revascularization of Older Myocardial Infarction Patients with Multivessel Disease

Background: In cardiology, the global phenomenon of population ageing poses new major challenges, ranging from more comorbid and frail patients to the presence of complex, calcified and multiple coronary lesions. Considering that elderly patients are under-represented in randomized clinical trials (RCT), the aim of this systematic review is to summarize the current knowledge on the revascularization of the elderly patient with myocardial infarction and multivessel coronary artery disease. Methods: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines has been performed. The search was conducted on Pubmed (Medline), Cochrane library, Google Scholar and Biomed Central databases between January and February 2022. We selected the articles focusing on patients hospitalized for myocardial infarction (MI) with multivessel disease and aged 75 years or older. A total of 36 studies have been included. Results: Multivessel coronary artery disease is present in around 50–60% of older patients with MI. The in-hospital mortality rate of patients older than 75 years is double compared to their younger counterpart, and the most prevalent complications after revascularization are bleeding and renal failure. In the treatment of patients with ST elevation MI (STEMI), primary percutaneous coronary intervention should be the first choice over fibrinolysis. However, it is not clear whether this population would benefit from complete revascularization or not. In patients with non-ST elevation MI (NSTEMI), an invasive approach with either percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft may be chosen, but a conservative strategy is also accepted. There are no data from large trials about the comparison of possible revascularization strategies in NSTEMI patients. Conclusions: This systematic review shows that this field of research lacks randomized clinical trials to guide revascularization strategy in older STEMI or NSTEMI patients with MI. New results are expected from ongoing trials.

Visual post-occupancy evaluation of a restorative garden using virtual reality photography: Restoration, emotions, and behavior in older and younger people.

Natural environments have a restorative effect from mental/attentional fatigue, prevent stress, and help to revitalize psychological and physical resources. These benefits are crucial for promoting active aging, which is particularly relevant given the phenomenon of population aging in recent decades. To be considered restorative, green spaces have to meet specific requirements in ecological and psychological terms that can be assessed through Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE), a multimethod approach commonly used by environmental psychologists and landscape architects after construction to evaluate the design outcomes from the users’ perspective. Generally, POEs consist of surveys and/or interviews accompanied by more or less structured observations of onsite users’ behavior. Despite this, various practical constraints can prevent physical access to the renovated area (e.g., weather conditions, time/resources limits, health issues, bureaucratic constraints). Exploiting digital tools for such an assessment can be a crucial support in such circumstances. The current study presents the visual POE of a restorative garden for older adults in Milan, Italy. We developed a web application, that includes the exp-EIA© patented method, which allows participants to virtually explore a visual simulation of the environment and provide their feedback. We identified 3 representative viewpoints in the redeveloped garden differing from each other for the functions and the design principles that inspired the transformation. For each point of view, we created 360° Virtual Reality photographs, that can be navigated by looking around, i.e., panning, from the standing point of each view. In connection to each virtual scene, a survey was conducted (N = 321). The focus was the psychological experience related to each viewpoint, assessed with two psychometric scales investigating the constructs of emotions (pleasure and arousal) and restoration (fascination, being away, coherence, scope, and environmental preference); such information is integrated with behavioral aspects, including the main activities prefigured by participants and their visual exploration of the VR photography. The results of the virtual exploration show that the garden is perceived as restorative, with a more intense effect in a spot purposely designed. The emotions experienced in the garden are positive and a mild level of arousal is observed. The behavioral dimension is characterized by predominantly contemplative activities and contact with nature. A cartographic representation of the psychological and behavioral data is developed, to support the maintenance of the garden.

Aging Population Spatial Distribution Discrepancy and Impacting Factor

The phenomenon of population aging is gradually spreading around the world. Consequently, it is leading to unsustainable economic development due to the decline of the labor force. Therefore, many people identify the aging population from national and intercontinental levels, as it would not be possible to recognize specific population spatial distribution characteristics and impacting factors in a province or state because of the spatial and temporal differences. In this paper, Jiangsu Province was selected as the study area to represent its aging population’s spatial characteristics and to identify the spatial heterogeneity with impacting factor by Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR), as well as to determine the impacting situation by marginal effect. The results show the following: (1) The impact factor’s spatial heterogeneity from the cities in Jiangsu Province is small but occurs in the city groups, while the impacting situation is the same in the north, central and south city groups, showing a disparity among them. (2) There is a significant change in the impact factor’s influence from 2010 to 2020. (3) The social–economic factor negatively relates to the aging population in 2020, with an interval value of [−1.0585, −1.0632]. This finding indicates that the spatial heterogeneity of the aging population at the province level is not the same as that at the national level. Therefore, we need to consider the local situation more. These findings further provide an empirical basis for the province-level study of the aging population, which differs from the national level.

Research on the influence of short video use of urban “old drifters” on their social integration in the post-epidemic era

With the continuous improvement of urbanization rate, the phenomenon of population aging is becoming more and more serious, and the number of "old drifters" continues to rise. Through the research methods of questionnaire survey and in-depth interview, this study analyzes the use of short videos of "old drifters", and from the perspective of "use and satisfaction", preliminarily discusses the influence of short videos of "old drifters" on their social integration and identity in the post-epidemic era. It is found that the self-presentation behavior and identity of the old drifters are in direct proportion to the number of new friends.

Injuries and risk factors associated with bicycle and electric bike use in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Bicycles and electric bike riding have reshaped the transportation system worldwide and have significantly contributed to road traffic injuries. However, the risk factors associated with such injuries remain unclear. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to update and summarize the available evidence regarding risk factors that have been associated with bicycle and electric bike-related injuries in China. We searched for studies related to bicycles and electric bike-related injuries and deaths in China that were published in English from January 2000 to December 2020. In total, 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. Four domains of risk factors associated with such injuries were identified, including sociodemographic factors (e.g., age, sex, education level), riding behaviour (e.g., traffic rule violations, not wearing a helmet), vehicle and road factors (e.g., type of nonmotor vehicle and type of road), and temporal factors (such as commuting-hour riding or rush-hour riding). The pooled analysis showed that the mortality rate of e-bike injuries in China was 9.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.0%–13.0%). Understanding and identifying injury-related risk factors associated with bicycles and electric bike riding could provide important evidence to guide traffic safety management. More efforts are needed to reduce bicycle- and electric bike-related injuries in China. Targeted interventions, including enforcing helmet usage, requiring a driver’s licence to operate scooter-style electric bikes, and establishing a data collection and safe-riding credit system, may need to be developed. Moreover, given the global phenomenon of population ageing, targeted injury prevention interventions should be developed for senior riders, who are more likely to sustain severe bicycles and electric bike-related injuries and die due to injury.

Research Advances on Passive Knee Joints Rehabilitation Device

Background: After a smooth development of life expectancy per capita and fertility in the nineteenth century, the global population increased in size. Along with the demographic shift in the late nineteenth century, the phenomenon of population aging began to appear in developed countries. A survey from UN reports that by 2050, one in six people worldwide will be over 65 years old (16%), compared to 11 (9%) in 2019. According to another survey, 55% of people over the age of 60 suffer from joint diseases, and the number of people suffering from stroke, arthritis and other knee diseases will also increase accordingly. Objective: An overview of the classification and characteristics of today's knee rehabilitation devices and future developments. Methods: This review discusses the existing knee rehabilitation devices, including various products on the market, patents and some conceptual devices, in the context of the structural characteristics of the knee joint and the rehabilitation requirements of different knee conditions or after knee arthroplasty, and systematically introduces their structural features, differences and the rehabilitation effects achieved. Results: A comparative analysis of three types of passive knee rehabilitation devices according to their use was conducted to summarize the typical characteristics. The problems that exist in today's rehabilitation devices are also analyzed, and their development trends are looked forward to. Conclusion: Knee rehabilitation equipment has a high degree of structural richness, but it does not achieve a good balance of convenience, comfort and functionality, and there should be some room for improvement in the materials, volume of the power source and transmission form of the power system. There will be a good development in the future of knee joint recovery.

Executive Women and their Bodies: Marks of Aging

Abstract The present article regards executive women and their aged bodies. The population aging phenomenon and old age feminization are global factors. Based on the literature about the socio-hierarchized body, white, thin, male bodies are privileged in organizations. The aim of the present study is to investigate how executive women experience their aged bodies within the organizational context. The discussion emerges as relevant, since there are few studies related to aging women; studies on body-related factors are even scarcer, a fact that shines light on a theoretical gap. In total, twenty semi-structured interviews were carried out with women in the age group 40 years, or older, who act or had acted in several market segments in the country. The research allowed concluding that, in addition to challenges, choices and doubts faced on a daily basis throughout their professional journey, women have to live with a body-under-decay process, a heavy, tired, slow, stiff, limiting and less-attractive-to-the-eye body. The present study has revealed that besides gender, age also matters in organizations, nowadays. The bodies of older women are less valued and seem to have to occupy underprivileged positions in social hierarchy. In order to mitigate losses, women seek aesthetic procedures, change their eating habits and exercise to disguise the aging process.