Values For Older Adults Research Articles

Determining Life-Stage Groups and Extrapolating Nutrient Intake Values (NIVs)

The derivation of reference values in 11 current dietary reference standards is often based on methods of extrapolation or interpolation, but these are not consistent across reports. Such methods are frequently employed to derive nutrient intake values (NIVs) for infants and children owing to the paucity of relevant research data available. The most common method is to extrapolate values for children down from those of adults, employing a weight or metabolic factor and adjusting for growth. In some instances, values for young children are extrapolated up from infants, values for adults are extrapolated up from children, or values for older adults are extrapolated up from young adults. Extrapolation is employed to estimate not only nutrient requirement or adequate intake but also the upper tolerable levels of intake. Extrapolation methods may also form the basis of estimates of tissue deposition of nutrients during growth in children and for the maternal/fetal dyad in pregnancy with adjustments for metabolic efficiency. Likewise, recommended intakes during lactation are extrapolated from known secretion of the nutrient in milk with adjustments for bioavailability. For future dietary standards, a first priority is to obtain relevant scientific data using current methodology, such as stable isotope tracers, body composition analysis, and appropriate biomarkers, from which NIVs for each age group can be derived. Extrapolation to derive an NIV is only acceptable in the sheer absence of sound scientific data and must be modeled with a consistent approach. For the purpose of harmonization of dietary standards, we recommend the following approaches that should be clearly described in reports: standardization of age groups on a biological basis (growth and pubertal stages) with consideration of relevant developmental milestones throughout childhood; application of internationally accepted standards for growth, body size, body composition, fetal and maternal nutrient accretion in pregnancy, and milk composition; and inclusion of appropriate adjustments (metabolic efficiency, weight change, or physical activity).

Development of a Seniors' Mental Health Policy Lens: An Analytical Tool to Assess Policies and Programs from a Seniors' Mental Health Perspective

The Seniors Mental Health Policy Lens (SMHPL) is an analytical tool developed to identify unintended negative effects of current and planned policies, programs, and practices on seniors' mental health. It is designed (a) to promote social environments, including health services, supportive of older adults' mental health, and (b) to help ensure that the way mental health services are defined, delivered, and funded will result in increased emphasis on mental health promotion and on the prevention of mental health problems. The SMHPL incorporates Canadian seniors' perspectives on the factors influencing their mental health, and reflects the values of older adults.

Within- and between-session consistency of electromyographic temporal patterns of walking in non-disabled older adults

Abstract This study examined the inter-cycle and between-session reliability of EMG temporal patterns during walking in older adults. Twenty subjects, 50–78 years of age, walked at three speeds in two sessions. Burst duration and onset latency of the tibialis anterior, lateral gastrocnemius, vastus lateralis and biceps femoris muscles for ten gait cycles were calculated for each session. EMG patterns were consistent within and between sessions; however, slow walking generated more inter-cycle variability than self-selected or fast walking. Similar inter-cycle variability in both sessions suggests no practice effect. A single session using self-selected or fast walking may provide reliable EMG values in older adults.

39 Test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of a posturographic protocol

This study examined the inter-cycle and between-session reliability of EMG temporal patterns during walking in older adults. Twenty subjects, 50–78 years of age, walked at three speeds in two sessions. Burst duration and onset latency of the tibialis anterior, lateral gastrocnemius, vastus lateralis and biceps femoris muscles for ten gait cycles were calculated for each session. EMG patterns were consistent within and between sessions; however, slow walking generated more inter-cycle variability than self-selected or fast walking. Similar inter-cycle variability in both sessions suggests no practice effect. A single session using self-selected or fast walking may provide reliable EMG values in older adults.

The meaning of work for older adults seeking employment: the generativity factor.

This study is a theory-based examination of the meaning of work for older adults in a sample of 146 older job-seekers. It proposes four factors to the meaning of work: Financial, Personal, Social, and the Generativity factor. The Generativity factor, unique to older adults, refers to viewing work as a way to teach, train and share skills with younger generations. A factor analysis of a 16-item Meaning of Work Scale (MWS) supports the proposed four factors. The results indicate ethnic and employment differences with respect to the meaning of work, but no gender differences. Significant differences were detected between older adult job-seekers who obtained a job within a year of job search and those who did not, with respect to the personal factor of the MWS and with respect to ethnicity. The findings indicate that jobs providing opportunities for transfer of knowledge and experience to younger generations may be of particular value for older adults.

Interpretation of Abnormal Laboratory Values in Older Adults: Part II

Interpretation of Abnormal Laboratory Values in Older Adults: Part II

Interpretation of abnormal laboratory values in older adults.

Interpretation of abnormal laboratory values in older adults.

SOME ROOTS AND RELATIVES OF CREATIVE DRAMA AS AN ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY FOR OLDER ADULTS

Creative (improvisational) drama is an arts activity that has been found to have considerable personal and social value for older adults as a concurrent benefit or immediate outcome of their participation in a series of such activities. Possible reasons for the multiple effects of these holistic experiences are best understood within an historical, multidisciplinary framework. This approach acknowledges the contributions of Greek theatre, religious pietism, psychodrama, psychotherapy, humanistic psychology, and group dynamics to the processes inherent in creative drama workshops and certain other related group activities for older adults. A review of literature, including empirical research, reactions of participants, and observations of leaders reveals reported increases in certain behaviors and attitudes of participants, including self‐confidence, cooperation, communication skills, self‐expression, relaxation, and sense of accomplishment. Decreases in anxiety, boredom, self‐centeredness, and focus on ph...

Matching Helping Roles with the Characteristics of Older Natural Helpers

In order to lessen isolation and promote meaningful lives, new roles are needed for retired adults. The authors examine the process of matching new roles to the capacities, characteristics, and values of older adults. Patterson's study of the role of natural helper revealed that older helpers had different values and employed different techniques than their younger counteparts, although they encountered similar problems. Achieving a good fit between helper, task and recipient is discussed in terms of its potential for enhancing mental health for both participants in the helping situation.