Senior Citizens Research Articles

Can digital economy compensate the effect of aging on total factor productivity?

In China, the number of senior citizens has grown, along with the burden of old age, and aging has hampered economic growth. The advent of the digital age has led to the emergence of the digital economy as a new engine for economic growth. This paper uses DEA-Malmquist index model to measure the total factor productivity growth rate of 31 provinces in China from 2011 to 2021, and uses the moderating effects model to empirically investigate the relationship between the digital economy, aging and total factor productivity, and to verify whether the development of the digital economy can mitigate the negative impact of aging on total factor productivity. The results show that aging inhibits total factor productivity growth, and the digital economy can promote total factor productivity growth. Digital economy can alleviate the negative impact of aging on total factor productivity growth, and has a moderating effect. Digital economy plays a moderating role by improving the level of human capital and facilitating technological progress. The regional heterogeneity analysis shows that the moderating effect of the digital economy exists in the eastern and western regions and the southern region, but not in the central region and the northern region. Furthermore, the digital economy has a moderating effect on both the high and low aging groups. The research in this paper not only helps to evaluate the productivity effects of the digital economy, but also has important implications for finding ways to mitigate the negative effects of aging.

The U.S. Federal and State Tax Simplification and Reform for Senior Citizens

The U.S. Federal and State Tax Simplification and Reform for Senior Citizens

SOCIAL ISOLATION OF ELDERLY PEOPLE IN URBAN SPACES

The growing number of problems experienced by the elderly living in the cities of Kazakhstan, who experience social isolation, are causing a new perspective on the problem. The purpose of the research is to examine the impact of social and spatial isolation on daily activities and the loneliness perception of elderly people living in Kazakhstan cities. 78 senior citizens participated in this study from these three locations; they filled out questionnaires which were then used to collect data regarding their loneliness levels as well as how often they feel cut off from others around them due to where they reside. The responses were analyzed statistically through SPSS software version 27 for Windows which employed both descriptive statistics techniques alongside the correlation analysis method to reveal any possible relationships existing among different variables considered by researchers during the investigation process. It is suggested that in Kazakhstan cities, research is needed to develop comprehensive programs that take into account social status and resource accessibility as well as the necessity for social contacts and support of family ties. Study results can be used to work out effective strategies aimed at preventing and overcoming social isolation among old people living in towns of Kazakhstan thus improving their life quality and creating a friendlier environment for citizens of all age groups. The findings of the research emphasize the importance of purposeful assistance to elderly persons for their social integration to improve their quality of life and makethe urban environment more friendly to all groups of the population.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Sarcopenia among a Sample Aged 60 Years and Older in Iraq

Abstract Background: Aging is an unavoidable process characterized by a progressive decline in body organs and skeletal muscle. Sarcopenia is defined as low muscle mass and function; it is diagnosed according to the working group of sarcopenia definition; also, it can predict the adverse disability outcome and subsequent functional deterioration. Objectives: This study aims to estimating the prevalence of sarcopenia in old Iraqi adults and determines some sociodemographic factors that may be related. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 elderly aged ≥60 years in a community-dwelling and senior citizen center in Baghdad. The data were obtained from a questionnaire (sociodemographic and behavioral data) in addition to anthropometry measurements. The cut-off point score was derived from the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2. Results: Sarcopenia was present in 15%, 21.5% in males and 8.2% in females. It was positively associated with aging, significantly associated with males, marital state, retirement, nonsmoker, alcoholic, fall history, normal body mass index, and elderly. While it was negatively related to educational level and physical activity. Conclusions: Sarcopenia prevalence was presented with a considerable prevalence among old adults, as well as had a great association with all behavioral and lifestyle variants studied.

Research on the Interface Design of Smart Tourism APP for the Elderly Based on KANO-QFD

Abstract This paper analyzes the integration process of the Kano model and the QFD model, combines the advantages of the two, and proposes a method of obtaining the importance of user requirements based on the integration method of the QFD and Kano model. Organize older people’s smart tourism needs and use the Kano model analysis method to categorize each demand attribute. Obtain the self-scoring importance degree of the elderly demand, calculate the satisfaction index of the elderly demand, and get the comprehensive ranking of the importance degree centered on the elderly demand according to the SII, DDI, T i, and K values of the demand elements. Clarify the elements of smart tourism APP interface design services, establish the relationship matrix between the needs of older people and the service index, and build the service quality house of smart tourism APP interface design for the elderly. Use the smart tourism APP functional interface planning strategy to present the functional design of the APP interface. It can be found that those with higher importance ratings are mainly basic functional requirements, attraction guides, and personalization center, of which the four importance indexes of U6 personalization center are U61=4.72, U62=4.75, U63=4.16, and U64=4.23. The calculation results of the quality house show that the importance of the service elements of the interface design of the APP for senior citizens’ smart tourism is ranked as APP content professionalism, service attitude, recommendation rationality, and service quality. Degree > service attitude > recommendation rationality > after-sale reliability.

Situation, Risks and Prevention Strategies of Elder Abuse: A Lesson for Nepal

The purpose of this paper is to identify and summarize the body of research on elder abuse in order to offer a more thorough understanding of the topic. Specifically, the goal is to identify and discuss the situation, risks and preventive measures related to elder abuse in light of Nepal's aging population. This narrative review was conducted after searching the article databases including Google Scholar, PubMed and Nepjol. A total of twenty seven journal articles, four systematic review articles, five books, five reports, one dissertation, two national acts of Nepal, four webpage articles and one methodological journal article were reviewed during a period from September 2022 to June 2023. The narrative review in the area of elder abuse is reflected in this article. Studies have shown that several misuse hazards are higher for senior citizens. Elder abuse is any single or recurrent act that hurts or distresses an older person and takes place in any relationship where there is an expectation of trust. The aging populations of many nations, including Nepal, are growing quickly, as are the number of senior abuse incidents. There are numerous government organizations, international and national non-governmental organizations, and local bodies doing admirable work concerning the investigation of elder abuse and the provision of assistance to elder abuse victims through the sharing of research experiences and the practical implementation of various prevention strategies. However, much more needs to be done for this at-risk population group in our society. In addition to raising social security for all seniors, it is recommended that each municipality in Nepal build an Elderly Service Center.

Factors Influencing Revitalization of Senior Citizen Centers in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Factors Influencing Revitalization of Senior Citizen Centers in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Waste Management through Waste Segregation: Survey Analysis of a North Delhi Locality

Waste generation and its management is a critical crosscutting concern given its impact on health, climate change, poverty reduction, food and resource security, sustainable production and consumption, environment and the concomitant economic costs associated with it. This comprehensive study using data from 708 households of a North Delhi locality examines factors that influence household behaviours related to waste segregation through a multifaceted analysis employing crosstabulation analysis and logistic regression analysis. The research explores factors influencing awareness and adoption of waste segregation practices, providing nuanced insights for effective policy formulation. Key findings highlight the intricate relationships among demographic characteristics, education, awareness, and economic factors in shaping household waste management practices. The analysis of determinants reveals the impact of household size, education levels, and the presence of senior citizens and working members on awareness about waste segregation. Additionally, infrastructure elements, such as the availability of coloured dustbins and waste disposal methods, significantly influence awareness. Waste segregation adoption patterns exhibit diverse influences, with larger households and higher self-reported awareness positively affecting practices. Policy implications derived from the analysis emphasise targeted educational programmes, income-related strategies, and tailored outreach for specific demographic groups. In conclusion, the study underscores the need for a comprehensive, multifaceted approach that considers demographic, educational, and economic factors in waste management policies. The findings contribute to fostering a culture of responsible waste management, offering practical insights for policymakers and communities striving towards environmental sustainability.

팬데믹 환경에서의 뉴스 읽기

During the COVID-19 pandemic, this study sought to understand economically disadvantaged individuals’ media dependency, motivations and reasons for reading the news, and challenges they experienced. Through a survey of a newspaper subscription support program participants in South Korea, the study found differences in patterns of media dependency and motivations for reading the news by age groups. Interviewees in their 50s responded that they read newspapers to understand and make sense of the world. Those in their 40s utilized broadcast news to communicate with and educate their children, and ones in their 20s and 30s searched for news on social media for self-actualization. As the older generation still perceived the digital environment as uncomfortable and confusing, digital literacy education is necessary for senior citizens. Young people responded that newspapers facilitated balanced news consumption. Findings of this study suggest that media access support should be differentiated by age groups.

Demographic dynamics and role of senior citizens in Nepal

The demographic shift from high fertility to low mortality naturally leads to population aging. Global ageing, the success story of the 21st century has been made possible by advancements in medicine, socioeconomic development, and public health initiatives. This paper explores the demographic dynamics of the senior citizen in Nepal and their roles for developing the society and the country as a whole. Elderly people are not only the burdens and beneficiaries but also the assets of society, repository of boundless knowledge, and skills. The seniors play a role of counselor, care taker, main source of ethical instruction, and source of income. Moreover, they are living history and socio cultural transformer.

UCLA Loneliness Scale in Nepal

The intention of this examination was to present innovative empirical evidence regarding the adaptation of the UCLA Loneliness Scale to Nepal and investigate the validity and reliability of the scale for Nepalese young elderly. The participants in this study were 513 young senior citizens aged in the age range 60 and 74. Among the participants, 243 (47.4%) were male, 270 (52.6%) were female and the mean age was found to be 65.86 (SD = 4.203). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Maximum Likelihood Analysis were used to evaluate the UCLA loneliness scale. The factor analysis resulted in one factor, where factor loadings of the items varied between 0.561 and 0.784 measuring in SPSS 20. The LISREL 8.8 program showed the factor loadings through ordinal analysis in the range of 0.695 and 0.917, and accordingly calculated Average Variance Explained (AVE) was 0.72. The computation of Cronbach alpha level was 0.945 and composite reliability was 0.98 in the examination of internal consistency of the variables. Findings suggested that the UCLA loneliness scale was found appropriate for use among Nepalese young senior citizens.

Health Problems and Illnesses: Overwhelming on Living Conditions of Elderly Individuals

The main objective of this research paper is to acquire an efficient understanding of various types of health problems and how they are overwhelming on living conditions of elderly individuals. The senior citizens are overwhelmed by different types of health problems and illnesses. These are experienced in a major or minor form. The senior citizens are required to be well-versed in terms of different types of methodologies and procedures, which would be facilitating in treating various types of health problems and illnesses. Within rural communities, the health care and medical facilities are not in a well-developed state, whereas, in urban communities, these are in a well-developed state. The senior citizens, migrate to urban communities in order to get their health problems and illnesses treated. As a consequence of promoting good health and well-being, the individuals in old age will render an important contribution in bringing about improvements in their overall quality of lives. The senior citizens in some cases are not ambulatory and are required to depend upon other individuals in order to take care of their needs and requirements. Hence, they are required to form cordial and amiable terms and relationships with other individuals, including family and community members. Hence, it is of utmost significance to take care of different types of health problems and illnesses. Therefore, it is understood on a comprehensive basis that health problems and illnesses are overwhelming on living conditions of elderly individuals. The main concepts that are taken into account in this research paper are, health problems and illnesses are overwhelming in old age, health issues in geriatrics, health issues among senior citizens and measures to be implemented in promoting good health and well-being.

Usage of Technology in Promoting Well-being of Senior Citizens

In the present existence, with advancements taking place and with the advent of modernization, the utilization of technologies have acquired prominence. The internet is regarded as one of the eminent factors that is utilized in augmenting information in terms of all subjects and concepts. Furthermore, individuals are able to obtain answers to all types of questions that are overwhelming to them. The senior citizens make use of technologies and internet for number of purposes. In addition, they are required to obtain help from others as well in putting into operation different tasks and activities in a well-ordered manner. In cases of visual impairments and other types of health problems and illnesses, the senior citizens are unable to carry out job duties on their own, hence, they are required to obtain help from others. The senior citizens are not only incurring the feeling of satisfaction, but they are able to contribute efficiently in leading to up-gradation of overall standards of living, when they are making use of different types of technologies and internet. The senior citizens in some cases are overwhelmed by feelings by apprehensiveness and vulnerability. But understanding the concepts and getting engaged in regular practice will be facilitating in honing technical skills. Therefore, the role of technology is considered important in promoting well-being of senior citizens. The main concepts that are taken into account in this research paper are, understanding the meaning and significance of technologies, factors highlighting usage of technology in promoting well-being of senior citizens and measures to be implemented in augmenting technical skills by senior citizens.

Predictors of Dementia Among Elderly Residents in Nursing Home

Dementia is a syndrome characterized by a decline in intellectual ability that is severe enough to interfere with an elderly person's daily activities. It is still unknown whether specific variables are most frequently linked to dementia in nursing homes, despite the fact that a number of factors are known to cause dementia symptoms. The purpose of this research was to identify the risk factors for dementia in senior citizens residing in assisted living facilities. This study has a cross-sectional design. Eighty-six senior citizens, ages 60 to 90, who resided in two nursing facilities in Bandung and Garut, Indonesia, made up the research sample. The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), which has a cut-off score of 24, is used to screen for dementia. Data analysis used the Chi-Square test and logistic regression to examine the link between risk factors and dementia. Education (p = 0.001), BADL (p = 0.014), IADL (p = 0.023), phonemic fluency (p0.001), semantic fluency (p = 0.001), QoL-physical (p = 0.007), QoL-psychological (p = 0.002), QoL-environment (p = 0.001), diabetes (p = 0.013), and depression (p = 0.001) were all significantly correlated with dementia, according to the results. Logistic regression tests showed that education (p = 0.005), phonemic fluency (p = 0.001), and QoL-psychological (p = 0.043) are known to provide the most significant contribution to the occurrence of dementia in senior individuals in nursing homes. It is advised that healthcare professionals offer preventative and promotional actions for senior dementia prediction.

Decision tree analysis of thermal comfort in the courtyard of a senior residence in hot and humid climate

With global population aging, Taiwan is expected to become a super-aged society by 2025. Senior citizens, who are more susceptible to heat stress, engage in activities in the outdoor spaces of senior homes; the risk of heat hazards for this group requires particular attention during hot and humid summers. This study simulated and analyzed thermal comfort in an outdoor garden of a senior residence and identified key factors affecting thermal comfort by using decision tree classification. Strategies for improving thermal comfort based on these factors were proposed. Simulation revealed that the modified garden design increased the surface area with physiological equivalent temperatures (PETs) of 34–38 °C at 2:00 p.m. from 30.6% to 45%, whereas the area with PETs of 38 °C or higher decreased by 14.3%. The surface area with PETs of 30–34 °C (slightly warm) at 4:00 p.m. increased to 54.1%, accounting for more than half the garden. The modifications improved overall thermal comfort and reduced climate-related risk considerably. These results can be referenced during the preliminary stages of outdoor space design to ensure thermal comfort.

Перспективные направления дидактических исследований в России

The article presents the findings of the study undertaken as part of the project for the Russian Foundation for Basic Research — Promising Areas of Didactic Research in Russia. The authors discuss social and cultural issues in didactics, such as instability and non-standard living and professional conditions, the dynamism of the professional arena, unexpected intricacy of job responsibilities, and others. The study reveals how the research area has expanded beyond the discovery of common patterns in schooling and higher education to include preschool, postgraduate, corporate, domestic, and senior citizen education, as well as tutoring. It raises new didactic challenges related to the digital transformation of education and describes changes in the methodological regulation of didactic research using V.S. Styopin’s typology of scientific rationality, which encompasses classical, non-classical, and post-nonclassical kinds.
 The authors present a review of didactic research in higher education based on the integration of competency and value-semantic methods that focus on the search and application of perso­nal meanings in both education and subsequent activities. They also discuss the specific features of adult education practices as well as the challenges they pose to didactics, including changes in subjects of education, multi-agency in the educational process, multiple ‘integration points,’ ‘non-cognitive’ types of experience, a shift in the teacher’s position, and the coherence and complexity of didactic theory.

Development Elderly Exercises to Improve The Quality of Elderly Life

Abstract. The objective of this community service project is to devise exercises that can enhance the quality of life of senior citizens. A literature review was conducted and healthcare professionals were consulted to devise a comprehensive set of exercises targeting multiple aspects of physical health. Participants were provided with instructional videos and printed materials, and the group exercise sessions were organized. The initiative improved the physical and mental health of the participants, who reported feeling more confident, energized, and less fatigued. The development of these exercises can be replicated to improve the quality of life of the elderly in other communities.

노인의 인지기능 저하 예방을 위한 청각 집중력 게임 개발에 관한 연구

The purpose of this study is to develop an auditory concentration game to prevent cognitive decline in the elderly. Previous studies have identified that hearing loss affects cognitive function due to the process of aging, and it has been confirmed that it is necessary to prevent this. Accordingly, based on Keller's (2013) ARCS model, an auditory concentration game was developed to prevent cognitive decline in the elderly with advice from two board game developers and an education expert. The auditory concentration game is, first, a card image and sound source that consider the emotions of the elderly with the goal of maintaining and improving cognitive function of the elderly. Through the auditory concentration game, interest and motivation for the prevention of cognitive decline were induced through the auditory concentration game, and the will to prevent dementia was promoted to improve cognitive function. Second, the stage of game development was reorganized into ideas and concept planning → category and mechanism → game rule production → game design and component production → game test five-step procedure, and it was produced with images and sound source considering the emotions of the elderly. Third, the sound source is significant in that it can be recorded in consideration of the emotions of the elderly and enjoyed various game methods, and can be applied to the cognitive program of the elderly by adjusting the difficulty of the game. Based on this study, the following studies are needed in subsequent studies. First, since it was developed as an auditory concentration game to prevent cognitive decline in the elderly, it is necessary to analyze whether it has an effect on the improvement of cognitive function. Second, it is necessary to analyze the correlation or difference because it was targeted at the entire elderly regardless of gender. Third, it is necessary to develop a specific instructional plan that can be used for the cognitive program of the elderly, and it is expected to be used as a cognitive program for the elderly such as senior citizen centers after supplementing and modifying the currently developed auditory concentration game to produce a complete game.

Social service delivery for senior citizens in rural Philippines and secrets to longevity of Apo Whang-od

Access to social services such as healthcare, transportation, and financial support can be limited, leaving many elderly individuals vulnerable to poverty and social exclusion. This paper examined the recent elderly demographics, status of social service delivery, the roles of traditional and cultural practices, and specific challenges faced by older persons in rural areas, using the case of Apo Whang-od and her community, Buscalan that is in the municipality of Tinglayan, Province of Kalinga, Philippines. Using a mixed methods approach, this paper revealed that almost 11% of Tinglayan’s population is elderly, mostly indigenous people with a relatively low literacy rate, and low-income earners who are engaged mostly in subsistence farming and small-scale traditional craft making. Also, there are substantial government programs and services offered by existing laws; however, access to these is challenged by limited access to education and healthcare services, with long travel distances and a lack of transportation being major barriers. Financial difficulties were also observed, with no or few having access to social security benefits and reasonable amounts of pensions. The challenges can also be attributed to an unfavorable geographical location, conflicts with neighboring tribes, limited local government funds, lack of knowledge, and inadequate social service centers within the locality. Tinglayan’s cultural values were also found to play a pivotal role in supplementing the scarce social services by fostering a supportive atmosphere for the elderly. Analysing Apo-Whag-od's longevity, it was revealed that she lived a longer life because she ate organic and locally sourced food, slept well, laughed a lot, engaged in regular physical activity, nurtured her spiritual well-being, built strong relationships with her family and community, and kept a positive outlook. In conclusion, social demographics shows that elderlies in rural areas are disadvantaged, which calls for more efficient and effective access, delivery, and availability of social services. Moreover, policymakers are enjoined to accelerate social infrastructures, expand social protection programs, and support intergenerational solidarity and resilience and cultural preservation. Lastly, Apo Whang-od’s legacy lives on. Her popularity not only gained revitalization of the Kalinga tattoo culture, but it also inspired people to follow her steps to longer and happier way of life.

Культурные ценности: их связь с аттитюдами и поведением в отношении пожилых людей

<p>In Asian societies, the quality of life among senior citizens depends on the support they receive from their younger generation. Accordingly, this study adopted the 'value-attitude-behavior hierarchy' in examining the impacts of Chinese traditional cultural values on the attitudes and behaviors of Malaysian Chinese adolescents towards senior citizens. 482 Malaysian Chinese adolescents were recruited for participation in a purposive sampling and surveys. Participants were asked to fill three scales: Chinese values survey, Kogan’s attitudes towards older people, and interaction with older people. The results implied that traditional cultural values significantly impact the attitudes of these Chinese adolescents toward senior citizens. Besides, the attitudes toward older people are associated with interaction with older people. In addition, the findings also showed that attitudes toward senior citizens are statistical mediators of the cultural values impact on adolescents' interaction with senior citizens. The results supported applying the value-attitude-behavior hierarchy to better understand the influence of cultural values on the attitudes and behaviors toward senior citizens. Besides, the results also indicate that perseverance in particular cultural values will help the younger generation to improve the intergenerational relationships, especially among the younger generation whose values have been changing to individualistic ideas.</p>