Senior Population Research Articles

Anatomic healing of greater tuberosity improves range of motion and functional outcomes after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures. An updated systematic review and meta-analysis on 21 studies.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is increasingly being used to treat complex proximal humerus fractures, especially in the senior population. The question of whether it is worthwhile to repair the greater tuberosity (GT) after rTSA for proximal humerus fractures still needs to be answered. A systematic review was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane library and EMBASE, for studies available up to February 2024 focused on tuberosity repair following rTSA for proximal humerus fracture and reporting clinical outcomes and range of motion (ROM) between patients with anatomic GT healing and patients with malunion or nonunion of GT. The primary outcome was the rate of anatomical healed GTs. Patients with GT malunion or non-union were collectively categorized as non-healed. The secondary outcomes were active ROM and functional scores. A random-effects proportion meta-analysis (weighted for individual study size) was generated for calculation of the pooled rate of GT non-healing. The plausible predictive factors for GT non-healing (gender distribution, mean age, mean time from injury to surgery, dominant side distribution, humeral inclination of the implanted prostheses) were analyzed by performing a meta-regression. Any statistically significant difference in terms of ROM (active anterior elevation, abduction and external rotation) between healed and non-healed GT groups was detected by constructing individual forest plots. A total of 21 studies was selected and included in the meta-analysis, with a sample of 1616 rTSAs in 1614 patients. The rate of GT non-healing ranged from 15.0% to 63.2%, with a pooled rate of 31.9% (95% CI, 25.6%-38.2%; I2 = 86.8%). The meta-regression failed to individuate any plausible predictive factor among the evaluated elements. Anatomic GT healing provided improved ROM in active abduction (p=0.002), anterior elevation (p<0.00001) as well as external rotation (p<0.0001). With regard to internal rotation, a statistically significant difference in favor of GT healed group was reported in only 3 out of 13 studies. Similarly, the random-effect meta-analysis demonstrated better functional scores in patients with healed GT according to 3 out of 5 functional scores. GT healing following rTSA for proximal humerus fracture provides increased ROM and better functional outcomes. Moreover, this does not result in higher level of pain for patients. Future prospective studies with more rigorous selection criteria are welcome to increase the level of evidence on this topic.

Gender differences in associations between obesity and hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia: evidence from electronic health records of 3.5 million Chinese senior population

BackgroundObesity has been arousing a critical public health issue, and posting threats to senior population. We aimed to explore gender differences in associations between general/central obesity (body mass index/waist circumference) and hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia based on electronic health records of 3.5 million Chinese senior population over 65 years.Methods3571189 electronic health records of Chinese senior population were collected from platform of Zhejiang provincial Basic Public Health Services Project. Sociodemographic characteristics, behavioral lifestyle, physical data, and biochemical indices were included in the research. Multivariate logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline models were used to explore associations between obesity and diseases.Results7.7% (5.3% for male, 9.7% for female) senior population were having general obesity, and 31.8% (25.2% for male, 37.4% for female) of them had central obesity. 48.0% (46.0% for male, 49.7% for female), 14.0% (12.3% for male, 15.5% for female), and 58.9% (51.6% for male, 65.2% for female) senior population were having hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, respectively. 37.9% (29.5% for male, 45.1% for female) and 33.7% (28.1% for male, 38.5% for female) senior population were having abnormal TC and TG, respectively. General obesity and central obesity strongly and negatively associated with hypertension [OR = 2.61 (95%CI: 2.58–2.63), and 2.20 (95%CI: 2.18–2.21)], diabetes [OR = 1.33 (95%CI: 1.31–1.35), and 1.56 (95%CI: 1.54–1.57)], and dyslipidemia [OR = 1.66 (95%CI: 1.64–1.68), and 1.84 (95%CI: 1.83–1.85)] based on existing obesity standards. Male population with BMI higher than 28.7 kg/m2, 30.1 kg/m2, 22.7 kg/m2, and with WC higher than 99.0 cm, 95.9 cm, 82.1 cm, while female population with BMI higher than 26.9 kg/m2, 23.3 kg/m2, 18.1 kg/m2, and with WC higher than 92.1 cm, 83.1 cm, 65.7 cm, the ORs were over 1.0 for having hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, respectively.ConclusionsSenior population were more likely to have central obesity over general obesity, and nearly half of them were having hypertension and dyslipidemia. Obesity negatively and strongly associated with chronic diseases in senior population, yet general obesity exerted more impact on hypertension, whereas central obesity exerted more impact on diabetes and dyslipidemia. Female population with obesity were in higher risk than male having hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. We recommended senior population control BMI lower than 28.7 kg/m2 and 23.3 kg/m2, as well as WC lower than 95.9 cm and 83.1 cm for male and female, respectively. Optimal BMI and WC in senior population may be around the overweight or mild obesity range. There were risks for having dyslipidemia or abnormal lipid-related indices even in senior population without obesity. TC and TG were major indicators of discovering disease and preventing senior population from dyslipidemia.

Esports as Senior Citizen Welfare: Current Trends and Roles

OBJECTIVES This study aims to explore how Esports can serve as a form of welfare for the senior generation, focusing on its impact on their cultural, recreational, and health-related well-being.METHODS A review of literature and case studies on Esports participation among senior citizens was conducted. Domestic and international examples were analyzed to identify potential benefits and challenges.RESULTS Findings indicate that Esports can enhance social participation, cognitive engagement, and recreational satisfaction for seniors. The generational familiarity with digital technology supports the integration of Esports into senior welfare programs.CONCLUSIONS Esports has the potential to become a valuable tool for improving the cultural and recreational welfare of the senior population. As seniors increasingly embrace digital lifestyles, Esports initiatives tailored to their needs could contribute to their overall well-being.

Validation of a scale based on the DigComp framework on internet navigation and cybersecurity in older adults

The global COVID-19 pandemic revealed the persistence of the digital divide in older adults. The need to use technologies in order to communicate, remain informed and have contact with society, along with the need to perform online transactions, led to increased susceptibility, given the potential for scams and cyberattacks. This was a cause of concern amongst the general population, and especially amongst the elderly. The aim of this study is to validate a useful and reliable scale that measures the digital literacy of the senior population. This literacy refers to how they safely search for and manage information, as well as their competencies with regard to the security of their own devices. This scale was created through the adaptation of competencies 1.1, which consist of “browsing, searching and data filtering,” as well as 4.1, which considers “protecting devices,” from the DigComp model. The quantitative and qualitative analyses have required three samples: (1) a group of experts (N = 20) to adapt the scale to the Active Aging Model, (2) a group of older adults (N = 50) to carry out the exploratory factor analysis and (3) another group of older adults (N = 174) for the confirmatory factor analysis. The results of the analysis reveal the validity and reliability of the designed scale. To conclude, on one hand, the proposed model reveals a goodness of fit; on the other hand, older adults continue to demonstrate a reluctance to use the technologies for financial dealings. In this study, we present a new and reliable instrument adapted to the digital needs of seniors, which can be used by organizations and administrations to promote support policies and training activities for older adults within the active aging framework.

Topical Application onto the Eyelid Skin: Is it a Feasible Delivery Route of Ophthalmic Drugs?

Topical application of ophthalmic drugs remains to be the preferred delivery method. Eye drops lead the pharmaceutical forms due to ease of application. Despite the poor bioavailability of drugs administered topically, especially related to the dilution and excretion by tear fluid, the absence of controlled drug delivery, and the poor compliance within pediatric and senior populations, eye drops and ointments are still the first choices in eye--related disorders management. Only a few studies have explored the eyelid skin as a site for drug application and transdermal delivery as an alternative route of administration of ophthalmic drugs. Such works have validated the delivery of drugs into the ocular tissues through the eyelid barrier. The eyelid represents a differentiated skin barrier concerning the thickness, the structure of the stratum corneum, the vasculature, and the amount of lipids. This work intends to question why the eyelid, being an accessible, non-invasive, comfortable route of administration is not considered a feasible route for ophthalmic drugs. The eyelid structure is presented, and the anatomical and physiological distinctive characteristics are presented. The work also presents the research work on topical drug application to the eyelid skin that has been published so far.

Bayesian doubly robust estimation of causal effects for clustered observational data

Observational data often exhibit clustered structure, which leads to inaccurate estimates of exposure effect if such structure is ignored. To overcome the challenges of modelling the complex confounder effects in clustered data, we propose a Bayesian doubly robust estimator of causal effects with random intercept BART to enhance the robustness against model misspecification. The proposed approach incorporates the uncertainty in the estimation of the propensity score, potential outcomes and the distribution of individual-level and cluster-level confounders into the exposure effect estimation, thereby improving the coverage probability of interval estimation. We evaluate the proposed method in the simulation study compared with frequentist doubly robust estimators with parametric and nonparametric multilevel modelling strategies. The proposed method is applied to estimate the effect of limited food access on the mortality of cardiovascular disease in the senior population.

Distribution and determinants of the utilization of senior residential care homes in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study.

With the accelerated increase in the population of seniors aged 60 years or older in Saudi Arabia, understanding the utilization of senior residential care homes is crucial for improving service delivery and policy planning to meet the care transformation objectives of Vision 2030. To assess the distribution and determinants of senior residential care home utilization across Saudi Arabia's 13 administrative regions, focusing on predictors of functional dependency among different socio-demographic groups. This study analyzed data from 283 Saudi individuals aged ≥65 admitted to social residential care homes in 2021. Variables included age, sex, education level, marital status, region, and reasons for service use. Statistical analyses comprised descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and multivariable logistic regression. The Makkah region had the highest number of senior residential care home users (56.8%; p < 0.0001). Most participants were men (67.8%), while women constituted 32.2%. The mean age was 78.9 years (SD = 10.6), with women being significantly older than men (p = 0.014). Illiteracy was prevalent (73.5%), particularly among women (82.4% vs. 69.3% for men; p = 0.006). Most participants were divorced (68.2%), with higher rates among men (84.9% vs. 33% for women; p < 0.0001). The primary reasons for utilizing residential care home services were old age and functional dependency (88.5% of men and 83.4% of women). Multivariable logistic regression indicated that being in the age group 75-84 years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-1.81, p < 0.001), 85 years and above (OR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.28-3.11, p < 0.001), and being single (OR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.14-5.13, p = 0.019) were significant predictors of old age and functional dependency. The study highlights regional and socio-demographic variations in senior residential care home service utilization in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and policies aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to enhance service accessibility and effectiveness for the aging population.

Organoleptic properties and neuroimaging response on the perception of edible gels.

The rapidly increasing number of elderly people in the world highlights the need for the development of innovative foods with modified textures that do not expose the elderly to the risks associated with food consumption (risk of aspiration, suffocation, and chocking). Providing specific food such as edible gel for the elderly population and the study of their properties is a challenge for the scientific community. There are some available gels in the supermarkets destined for the sports population, with specific texture and technological properties that could be used and extrapolated for senior people. To explore this potential, five types of sport commercial gels purchased from a local Slovak market were characterized in order to evaluate their technological properties and to know if these types of gels are suitable for the senior population. The energy gels were evaluated using acceptance testing, involving 75 seniors who evaluated important organoleptic attributes by a combination of hedonic and intensity scales. The same consumer panel then profiled the gels using the Temporal Dominance of Sensations (TDS) technique. The prevalence of food neophobia was measured with the Food Neophobia Scale (FNS) and also using neuroimaging and biometric methods. The results suggest that there are significant differences in the perception of edible gels, as confirmed by measurements via electroencephalography (EEG) and Facereading. We conclude by suggesting the potential of specific foods such as edible gels for the elderly population as our findings also confirm that the composition of these specific and sustainable foods may elicit different perceptions. This highlights the need to use biometric and neuroimaging methods in food research in order to create more optimal formulations for specific populations.

Establishment of reference audiometric norms for the elderly population: A community-based study on mean and median hearing thresholds.

This investigation quantifies the mean and median hearing thresholds and assesses the prevalence of age-related hearing loss within the senior population of Taipei. In a substantive geriatric assessment supported by government initiative, 1696 individuals from a community hospital partook in this cross-sectional study (2016-2018). Detailed audiometric evaluations logged pure-tone thresholds across critical frequencies (0.5k, 1k, 2k, 4k Hz), in conjunction with participant ages, genders, and HHIE-S questionnaire results. The findings indicated mean and median pure tone averages (PTA) of 25.3±15.6dB HL and 22.5dB HL, respectively. Gender-based analysis showcased higher PTAs for males than females. The study illuminated a progressive increase in hearing thresholds with age and higher frequencies. A 41% prevalence of hearing impairment was recorded, with a notable 15.2% deemed disabling, and a potential candidacy for cochlear implantation in 1.5% of the study group. Hearing loss was prevalent in 41% of the non-hospitalized elderly demographic, chiefly characterized as mild. However, older age groups, particularly those over 85, presented an elevated occurrence of moderate hearing loss.

Socioeconomic inequalities and their impact on the health of seniors 65.

The main aim of the article is to indicate how selected socioeconomic factors contribute to the selected characteristics of the subjectively perceived health of seniors 65+ living in the Czech Republic. Data collection took place in the Czech Republic from 27 January 2020 to 14 February 2020. The total number of interviews carried out in the research was 1,172, from a representative quota sample of seniors from the senior population living in the Czech Republic. Questionnaires were distributed in the form of PAPI interviews. The assessment of subjective social status increases with education and employment (these three aspects are closely linked), and the assessment transferred to the senior years. The accumulation of advantages and disadvantages should encourage the Government of the Czech Republic, as well as other European states, to focus on those who, based on their low levels of education and social status, have very low assessments of their subjective health. Prevention (in both health and social fields), which includes access to information and the subsequent better life decisions, must be implemented throughout a person's lifetime (so as to reduce the disadvantages that accumulate from the cradle to the grave).

Research on Age-Friendly Renewal Design of Community Parks Based on Elderly Participatory Construction: A Case Study of Xinmenkou Community Park Renewal

Age-friendly design embodies a pivotal urban development endeavor in addressing the aging society during China’s urban renewal era. Among the key components of this renewal process, community parks occupy a prominent position, and their adaptation to cater to the older population stands as a significant area of research and development. Drawing upon an analysis of the characteristics and requirements of the senior population, along with factors influencing their participatory construction of community parks, this study proposes methodologies for elderly-involved construction activities encompassing design, planting, maintenance, and activity participation. Capitalizing on a user-centric approach, the study targets three primary aspects—space, facilities, and activities—to proceed with an age-friendly renovation for the Xinmenkou Community Park in Gulou District, Nanjing, China. By introducing tailored zones such as a self-created space zone, a planting experience zone, a voluntary maintenance zone, and an activity participation zone, the design aims to fulfill the aspirations of older residents for the participatory construction of community parks. This innovative scheme revitalizes aging urban communities and presents a fresh perspective for urban renewal strategies.

Detecting muscle fatigue among community-dwelling senior adults with shape features of the probability density function of sEMG

BackgroundPhysical exercise is an important method for both the physical and mental health of the senior population. However, excessive exertion can lead to increased risks of falls, severe injuries, and diminished quality of life. Therefore, simple and effective methods for fatigue monitoring during exercise are highly desirable, particularly in community settings. The purpose of this study was to explore the possibility of real-time detection of exercise-induced fatigue using surface Electromyogram (sEMG) features, including the kurtosis and skewness of the Probability Density Function (PDF) in the community settings to solve the issues of low sensitivity and high computational complexity of commonly used sEMG features.MethodssEMG signals from six forearm muscles were recorded during hand grip tasks at 20% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) task-to-failure contractions from 30 healthy community-dwelling elders at their respective community centers. PDF shape features of the sEMG, namely kurtosis and skewness, were computed from 25 s of non-fatigue stable phase and 25 s of fatigue data for comparison. Statistical tests were conducted to compare and test for the significance of these features. We further proposed a novel fatigue indicator, Temporal-Mean-Kurtosis (TMK) of channel-averaged kurtosis, to detect fatigue with relatively low computational complexity and adequate sensitivity in community settings. ANOVA and post-hoc analyses were performed to examine the performance of TMK.ResultsStatistically significant differences were found between the non-fatigue period and the fatigue period for both kurtosis and skewness, with increasing values when approaching fatigue. TMK was shown to be sensitive in detecting fatigue with respect to time with lower computational complexity than the Sample Entropy.ConclusionThis study investigated PDF shape features of sEMG signals during a handgrip exercise to identify muscle fatigue in older adults in community experiments. Results revealed significant changes in kurtosis upon fatigue, indicating that PDF shape features were suitable convenient detectors of muscle fatigue in community experiments. The proposed indicator, TMK, showed potential sensitivity in tracking muscle fatigue over time in community-based settings with limited computational complexity, highlighting the promise of sEMG’s PDF features in detecting muscle fatigue among the elderly.

Challenges and opportunities in implementing telemedical solutions for COPD management in the Polish healthcare sector: a presenting own experience.

Aim: The aim of this article is to present and discuss the conclusions of a fi nalized pilot project implementing telemedical solutions for COPD management within the senior population in Wrocław and the Lower Silesian Voivodeship during 2022-2023. It also aimed to contribute to the development of innovative strategies to improve care for individuals with COPD through the use of telemedical technologies. Materials and methods: An interdisciplinary and comprehensive pilot project in pulmonology was applied, dividing it into health, organizational, and tech-nological areas. The steps and data collection strategy were presented, enabling the implementation of telemedical solutions among COPD patients in Poland. Results: The implementation of telemedical solutions in COPD represented an innovative approach to improving care. Among the main goals of the project were to reduce patient waiting times, enhance disease progress monitoring, and provide access to specialized healthcare through the use of modern telemedical technologies. Various telemedical solutions were implemented, including remote monitoring of health parameters, online consultations with pulmonology specialists, and patient education on self-monitoring of symptoms. The fi nal summary of the materials collected within the described methodology allowed for a holistic view of the implementation of telemedicine in pulmonary healthcare in Poland, using the discussed pilot project as an example. Conclusions: The analysis of the pilot project implementing telemedical solutions in the fi eld of pulmonology in the Polish healthcare sector has shown that telemedicine can improve care for COPD patients. The project's outcomes indicate the potential for reducing patient waiting times and better monitoring of disease progression. However, these aspects require improvement and ref i nement, particularly in terms of systemic solutions.

Abstract 044: Endovascular photobiomodulation accelerates the complete healing of intracranial aneurysms treated with flow diverters

Introduction Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms (IA) with use of flow diverters (FD), coils and endosaccular implants has been challenged by incomplete occlusion in up to 50% of the patients, delayed aneurysm recanalization. Other shortcomings include delayed or incomplete aneurysm occlusion in senior population, early spontaneous rupture of large and giant aneurysms as well as continued aneurysm growth despite angiographic occlusion. Photobiomodulation is being used successfully for the treatment of superficial birthmarks. Material and Methods A highly flexible optical microfiber system was developed to deliver laser light through a standard microcatheter. Optimization of delivery technology was carried out in vitro in cerebrovascular/aneurysm replica. Subsequently, the PBM system was assessed using a rabbit elastase aneurysm model. Laser wavelength and energy dose calculations based on aneurysm size were obtained from previous cell culture and animal studies. A total of 85 rabbit elastase aneurysms were treated with PBM followed by coils or flow diverters (test group) or with FD or coil only (control group). Pre‐ and post‐treatment and follow‐up angiograms were compared at 3, 7, and 10 days. Following angiograms, animals were sacrificed and aneurysm and parent artery samples were processed for histology. The PBM system was then used in 11 patients with 12 7‐20 mm wide‐necked large aneurysms. Patients were treated with an FD and endosaccular PBM in 9 aneurysms, while in 3 aneurysms the laser was activated within the parent artery. Depending on IA size, treatment time varied from several to 20 minutes. Results Control samples in experimental studies showed no significant endothelialization at 3 days and still filling the aneurysm. Albeit partial filling, a 3‐day sample treated with PBM showed an amorphous clot filling the aneurysm with early endothelialization of the aneurysm neck and the implant within the parent vessel. At 7‐10 days, FD treated with PBM showed a complete aneurysm occlusion in most of the samples and neck endothelialization, while control aneurysms were still patent with sparse endothelial cells attached to the FD at the aneurysm neck. At 7‐10 days, smooth muscle cell actin and CD 31 positive cells were found in large numbers in samples treated with PBM. Although coil compaction at 10 days was seen in both coiled groups, PBM‐treated samples revealed a high concentration of Fibroblasts and myofibroblasts near the aneurysm wall and a small number of primarily Lymphocytes and Neutrophils inside the thrombus compared to coiled‐only aneurysms. In patients treated with FD and LT, at 7‐30 days follow‐up, a nearly complete occlusion of the aneurysms with neck remnant was found in 6 out of 12 aneurysms. No implant stenosis or intimal hyperplasia was observed. None of the patients experienced any adverse events. Conclusion Our preliminary preclinical study shows that PBM delivered in situ is feasible and applicable in patients treated with FD. PBM may lead to an early and more complete aneurysm occlusion without any added treatment risk. Our technology represents a unique introduction of regenerative medicine into the endovascular therapeutic realm. Adjustment of energy applied and a larger long‐term cohort study are needed.

Prevalence of Depression Among Elderly Population in India - A Systematic Review &amp; Meta-Analysis

Background: Depression among the elderly is a global public health concern, impacting quality of life and overall well-being. However, there is a lack of recent systematic reviews or meta-analyses on its prevalence in India. This study aims to update this information through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: The study utilized the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) as a screening tool for depression among individuals aged 60 and older in India, utilizing electronic databases for community-based cross-sectional studies from inception to date. Pooled prevalence with 95% CI was performed using R statistical software. Results: 23 community-based cross-sectional studies were included representing 13 Indian states, meeting the inclusion criteria. The combined prevalence of depression among the elderly was estimated to be 47% (95% CI: 0.39; 0.55), with significant heterogeneity observed among studies (I²=98%, p&lt;0.01). The study underscores the considerable depression issue among India's elderly population, emphasizing the urgent need for tailored mental health interventions. Conclusion: The meta-analysis reveals a high prevalence of depression among India's senior population, highlighting the need for targeted public health initiatives to address this growing crisis and support the mental health needs of the elderly.

The Practice Deviation and Governance of the Smart Care Policy——Take Jining City as an Example

Due to the difference between the supply and demand of the policy, as well as the multifaceted conundrum surrounding the policy’s implementation, it is necessary to define the subject’s boundaries of duty while implementing smart care policies. In order to examine the elements that lead to practice deviation and their governance plans, this study employs the research methodology of case analysis and literature analysis to examine Jining City’s smart care policy from the standpoint of public policy. With limited financial resources, it seeks to better serve the demands of the senior population, encourage the efficient development of the old-age care service system, and achieve better resource allocation for old-age care. As a result, the paper recommends enhancing the relationship between the supply of pension services and the demand from the elderly population, encouraging the efficient and well-balanced development of the pension service system, bolstering the development of professional talent, and making it clearer who is responsible for what when it comes to implementing wise pension policy.

Adoption and Utilization of Telemedicine and Digital Health Services among Older Adults in Israel

Abstract Background As the population ages and the prevalence of long-term diseases rises, telecare is being used increasingly frequently to aid elderly people. Aims We aimed to explore the usage and adoption of 3 types of telehealth services among the senior population in Israel- prior, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic rise in Israel. Methods We explored the usage characteristics of older adults (age 65 and above) belonging to ‘Clalit’, in the use of three types of telehealth services: digital services for administrative tasks, synchronous ‘online visits’ with the patient’s personal physician during clinic business hours, and ‘afterhours’ consultations during evenings, nights, and weekends. The data was collected and analyzed throughout three distinct time periods in Israel: before the COVID-19 pandemic, during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and following the COVID-19 ‘peak’. Results Data of 618850 patients who met the inclusion criteria was extracted. Telehealth services utilized for administrative purposes were the most popular. The older population significantly increased their use of all types of telehealth services during the COVID-19 period, and in the majority of types, this usage decreased after the COVID-19 peak, but to a level that was higher than the baseline level prior to the COVID-19 period. Prior to the COVID-19 period, 23.1% of the study population used ‘online visits’, and 2.2% used ‘afterhours’ consultations, at least once. The percentage of usage for these services increased during the COVID-19 period to 59.2% and 5.0%, and then decreased during the third period to 39.5% and 2.4%, respectively (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Multiple patient variables have been found to be associated with the use of the different telehealth services, in each time-period. Conclusions The senior population uses telehealth services, and can increase their consumption, when they are needed. Suitable and straightforward telehealth solutions tailored for this population should be created. Key messages • The senior population uses telehealth services, and can increase their consumption, when they are needed. • Suitable and straightforward telehealth solutions tailored for this population should be created.

Digital competency among the aged entrepreneurs under the silver economy with soft power in Thailand

The rise of the elderly in Thailand experiencing a significant demographic transformation resulted in a growing senior population to become a super-aged society by 2030. This affacted the demand for “silver economy in Thailand. The objectives are to study (1) the overview of digital competency among the aged entrepreneurs under the silver economy with soft power; and (2) the mechanism for digital competency empowerment among the aged entrepreneurs under the silver economy with soft power in Thailand. Mixed-research method was employed by quantitative (survey questionnaire) and qualitative (Focus group discussion and interview) with a total of 100 samples and 15 key informants involved: the government workers, the aged entrepreneurs, the private &amp; industrial workers, the digital competency expertise, the elderly expertise, and the community leaders. Two main results reflected the objectives accordingly: 1) the overview of digital competency summarized from survey questionnaire found most of the positive factors as follow; 1.1) positive attitude toward digital competency even of their quite low educational background; 1.2) their positive practical existing skilled in digital competency : digital communication, digital media production, privacy, security, analytic thinking skills that can be well applied with their silver economy’s activities. 2) the mechanism for digital competency empowerment among the aged entrepreneurs found most urgent needs in more closed collaboration among all relevant sectors, starting from the lead government sector, private sector, and the local sectors to help expanding all kinds of empowerment activities. Deepen links by driving more inter-sectoral mechanism, resources sharing, regular consultation for internship, apprenticeship, on-site training, employment, market outlet and other schemes with equity, quality and sustainable practices.

Age Discrimination of Senior Citizens in European Countries

This paper addresses perceived age discrimination of older persons in European countries. This disturbing issue has become all the more prominent, having doubled over a relatively short period between 2018 and 2021. Strongly associated with bad health outcomes, low levels of wellbeing, and considerable social tensions, age-related discrimination against senior citizens is a sign of the lack of their social integration. Our study used secondary data analysis based on survey methodology. Statistical analysis was performed on data from the European Social Survey wave 10 (2021) subsample of people aged 65 and above to assess the senior population’s age-based discrimination experiences and its individual and macro-level determinants. The results indicate that in all European countries, low socioeconomic status, older age, and living alone are strongly associated with the experience of age discrimination. Having bad health and being functionally limited in everyday activities results in a state of dependency that is connected to a higher risk of perceived exposure to age discrimination. Smaller populations, such as those in villages, are protective against discrimination at older age. Finally, compared to other welfare regimes, in social democratic welfare states with egalitarian redistribution systems and high levels of social benefits, there is a significantly larger share of old people who reported to have been victims of age discrimination. Our results have implications for policy in the context of ageing societies.

Human behavior recognition method based on wearable devices

Abstract Human behavior recognition remains a prevalent subject of inquiry in contemporary scientific studies. Behavior recognition technology has penetrated into every aspect of our lives, mainly in video surveillance, health monitoring, and smart homes. Aiming at some people who need behavioral monitoring to prevent danger, a human behavior recognition method based on wearable devices is proposed, which first acquires the three-axis acceleration data of behavioral activities of such people through wearable devices and then performs sliding window segmentation and feature extraction on the acquired data and finally inputs the obtained features into the dual-directional long and short term memory framework (BiLSTM) model to complete the identification of human behavior. To affirm the method’s reliability, we performed activity detection tests on a dataset from UCI featuring a non-powered wearable sensor used by the senior population. The outcomes indicate that the method is proficient in identifying the routine daily activities of this demographic, demonstrating its practical utility.