Well-being Of Older Adults Research Articles

A - 92 Association of the Grit Scale with Cognitive/Emotional Symptom Endorsement in Older Former College Athletes

Abstract Objective The Grit Scale is a validated measure of trait-level perseverance, often linked with resilience, and has been associated with better cognition and psychological well-being in older adults. As the ability to respond positively to setbacks is essential for a successful athlete, investigation of the Grit Scale in former athletes may prove beneficial for further understanding the effect of resilience and its relation to brain health and psychological well-being. Method Former college athletes (N = 678, 45.9% female) aged 50–87 (m = 61.44) from the College Level Aging Athlete Study (CLEAATS) completed the Grit Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), Cognitive Function Instrument (CFI), and the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-Modified (TICS-m). Pearson’s partial correlations (r) were used to determine the relationship between scores on these measures, controlling for age and education. Results Pearson partial correlations between Grit Scale scores and scores from the other measures were modest but statistically significant: PHQ-8 (r = −0.342, p < 0.001), GAD-7 (r = −0.259, p < 0.001), CFI (r = −0.316, p < 0.001), and TICS-m (r = 0.101, p = 0.008). Conclusions Comparison of the Grit Scale with PHQ-8, GAD-7, CFI, and TICS-m indicated that greater trait-level perseverance correlated with better cognitive and emotional functioning in former college athletes. Results emphasize the need to further evaluate perseverance/resilience and its value for understanding brain health and psychological well-being in athletes and former athletes.

Successful aging and its relationship with mindfulness, self-compassion factors, and subjective well-being in older adults

Objectives Aimed to test an association model for Successful Aging (SA), with mindfulness and self-compassion factors as predictor variables, and components of subjective well-being (SWB) as mediating variables in older adults. Method This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted using the Google Forms platform and printed questionnaires, applied in an interview format with older adult participants from the Brazilian states of Bahia and Sergipe. A total of 233 older adults participated, residing in the states of Bahia (34.8%) and Sergipe (65.2%), with a mean age of 69.2 years (SD = 7.33). Results The multiple linear regression (MLR) results indicated that SA was associated with mindfulness, the positive factor of self-compassion, and positive affect (PA). Subsequently, structural equation modeling (SEM) suggested that both mindfulness and self-compassion, which positively correlated with each other, were significantly and positively associated with PA, while PA was positively and significantly associated with SA. Conclusion Mindfulness and the positive facet of self-compassion, mediated by PA, were indirectly associated with SA, while PA was significantly and more strongly associated with SA. Finally, mindfulness and the positive facet of self-compassion were positively correlated with each other.

Digital music and movement intervention to improve health and wellbeing in older adults in care homes: a pilot mixed methods study

BackgroundLow physical activity among older adults is related to adverse health outcomes such as depression and loneliness, poor physical function and increased risk of falls. This study was designed to increase physical activity through a digital, group-based, physical activity and music intervention and to examine its effectiveness on social, mental and physical health outcomes.MethodsParticipants were 34 older adults (65 years +) recruited across four care homes in Scotland to a pilot study. Surveys were administered at baseline and post-intervention, comprising measures of fear of falling, depression and anxiety, loneliness, sleep satisfaction and quality of life. A battery of physical function tests and saliva sampling for cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone hormone analysis were also conducted at each time point. Additionally, process evaluation measures (recruitment, intervention fidelity, attendance, retention rates and safety) were monitored. The intervention comprised 12 weeks of three prescribed digital sessions per week: movement and music (n = 2) and music-only (n = 1), delivered by an activity coordinator in the care home. Post-intervention interviews with staff and participants were conducted to gain qualitative data on the acceptability of the intervention.ResultsAn average of 88% of prescribed sessions were delivered. Pre- to post-intervention intention-to-treat analysis across all participants revealed significant improvements in anxiety, salivary DHEA, fear of falling and loneliness. There were no significant improvements in health-related quality of life, perceived stress, sleep satisfaction or physical function tests, including handgrip strength. Qualitative analysis highlighted benefits of and barriers to the programme.ConclusionsThe digital movement and music intervention was deemed acceptable and delivered with moderate fidelity, justifying progression to a full-scale trial. Although a proper control group would have yielded more confident causal relationships, preliminary psychosocial and biological effects were evident from this trial. To show significant improvements in physical function, it is likely that a bigger sample size providing sufficient power to detect significant changes, greater adherence, longer intervention and/or higher exercise volume may be necessary.Trial registrationThe trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT05601102 on 01/11/2022.

Preliminary Validation of Experienced Ageism Measures With Four Populations in the United States.

Ageism appears widely across the globe and poses an important threat to older people's well-being and health. With respect to hearing health, experiences, perceptions, and fear of ageism can delay the diagnosis of hearing loss, reduce pursuit of hearing care, and fuel reluctance to wear a hearing device. Ageism intertwines with hearing loss stigma, which potentially deepens the negative effects of both; however, little evidence exists to quantify the effects of the intersection of ageism and hearing loss stigma. This lack of data on both hearing loss stigma and ageism, and their intersection, may stem from the lack of validated measures for both. Therefore, as part of a parent study to develop and preliminarily validate d/Deaf and hard of hearing stigma measures, we also adapted and preliminarily validated measures of both experienced and observed ageism. We adapted four ageism measures through a literature review, expert discussions, and cognitive interviews and validated them in the United States through self-administered online surveys with convenience samples of (1) people aged 60 and older who became d/Deaf or hard of hearing (d/DHH) after developing language or in adulthood ("acquired" d/DHH), (2) care partners of people aged 60 or older who are d/DHH (acquired), (3) health care providers, and (4) the general population. For each of the scales, we applied exploratory factor analysis and estimated scale reliability with ordinal α. For the population of persons over age 60 who are d/DHH (acquired) (N = 146), nine social stigma items and four employment discrimination items loaded well onto two separate factors, one which measures social stigma and one which measures employment discrimination. All loadings were >0.7. The two factors were moderately correlated at 0.428. For care partners of people aged 60 or older who are d/DHH (N = 72), nine items loaded well onto a single factor, with loadings between 0.650 and 0.936 and an ordinal α of 0.95. Among the general population (N = 312), 10 items loaded cleanly onto a single factor, with loadings between 0.702 and 0.919 and an ordinal α of 0.96. For the health care providers (N = 203), 11 items loaded well onto a single factor, with loadings between 0.541 and 0.874. For these three populations, each of the single factors measure social stigma. Ageism threatens the health and wellbeing of older people in both high- and low-income countries. Validated measures of ageism are necessary to understand the relationship between ageism, d/DHH stigma and the well-being of older adults and to design effective ageism-reduction and mitigation interventions. This preliminary validated set of experienced ageism measures offers a starting point for more studies that not only further validate these measures but are larger in scale, occur in more diverse settings, and provide insights into the experience of ageism and its effects on the health and well-being of older adults.

Dwelling characteristics and mental well-being in older adults: A systematic review

The increasing prevalence of mental health challenges in older adults underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between dwelling characteristics and mental health outcomes. This systematic review aims to investigate house characteristics associated with mental well-being in older adults. The review meticulously explores existing literature from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Google Scholar search engine. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was utilized to assess the quality of the included articles. Out of an initial 1182 references, 21 pertinent articles published between 2002 and 2023 were included in the study. While the geographical scope was global, a notable concentration of studies was observed in China. The synthesis of studies reveals that specific attributes of dwelling characteristics, such as high-rise and multi-floor houses, larger house size, high house quality, bathing facilities, and the use of clean fuels for heating and cooking, positively impact mental health outcomes in older adults. However, inconsistent results were found regarding the impact of construction materials on mental health outcomes. Further research is warranted to deepen our understanding of the intricate relationship between construction materials and mental health outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of considering specific dwelling characteristics in designing interventions to enhance the mental well-being of older adults, necessitating targeted strategies for creating age-friendly living environments.

Body Mass Index as a Determinant of Lower Limb Function and Community Well-Being in Older Adults: Analysis of 2020 National Older Korean Survey Data.

This epidemiological research investigated the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and lower limb function and community well-being among the older population (≥65 years old) in South Korea. Using the 2020 National Survey of Older Koreans (N = 10 097; Mage = 73.6 ± 6.63; MBMI = 23.6 ± 2.61), the study identified underweight (2.3%), normal (72.8%), and obese (24.9%) groups. Findings revealed significant associations between BMI and lower limb function, with underweight individuals facing greater physical challenges (P < .05-.01). Underweight participants were also found to live farther from key community locations, possibly reflecting social and environmental factors (P < .01) and expressed higher dissatisfaction with community environments (Ps < .05-.01). The study emphasizes the need for tailored community planning and health care strategies, focusing on the unique needs of the underweight older adults, considering South Korea's rapidly increasing older population.

Evaluating changes in the well-being of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal cohort study.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the lives of older adults. Yet, little is known about changes in well-being among older adults during the pandemic, especially when COVID-19 measures were relaxed. Therefore, we aimed to assess changes in the well-being of older adults during multiple turning points of the pandemic. This longitudinal study included data from Dutch older adults (≥65 years old) participating in the Lifelines COVID-19 cohort. Data consisted of seven questionnaires, administered every 2-4 months between May 2020 and October 2021. The outcomes were quality of life (n = 14682), physical fitness (n = 14761), and feelings of isolation (n = 14611), all graded on a scale from 0 to 10. Changes in well-being were analysed by multivariable linear mixed-effects models. The context of measures was described using the Government Stringency Index. Quality of life and feelings of isolation decreased when measures were tightened and increased when measures were relaxed. For example, when measures relaxed after the first lockdown in May 2020, quality of life increased by 0.23 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.16-0.29] towards July 2020. Physical fitness decreased by 0.26 [95% CI: 0.15-0.37] during the study period. Differences between subsamples were not found, except for sex in feelings of isolation, which differences diminished after a period of relaxed measures. Changes in quality of life and feelings of isolation improved after periods of stringent COVID-19 measures. Physical fitness did not improve after measures were relaxed, suggesting a possible negative effect of the pandemic on the physical fitness of older adults.

Food insecurity and body mass index among older people: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Food insecurity, characterized by inadequate access to sufficient and nutritious food, poses a significant challenge to the health and well-being of older adults. This systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed to examine the association between food insecurity and body mass index (BMI) in older people, i.e., aging 60 and above. PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO in advance (ID CRD 42024543271). PubMed/MEDLINE, and Scopus were searched up to February 2024. Out of 5834 retrieved article, a total of 13 studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing diverse geographic regions and socioeconomic contexts. The meta-analysis revealed a significant association between food insecurity and higher BMI (both obesity and overweight) in older adults. Pooled estimates indicated that food-insecure older individuals were more likely to be overweight or obese (combined) compared to their food-secure counterparts [OR= 1.29 (95% CI= 1.28-1.30), p<0.001; I2= 94.92]. Results were also confirmed for overweight or obesity alone. Notably, food insecurity was linked to increased consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods, contributing to higher BMI. These findings underscore the complex relationship between food insecurity and BMI among older adults, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address food access and nutritional quality.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Behavioral Activation Intervention to Increase Engagement with Life and Well-Being in Older Adults

Introduction: Engagement with life is central to aging well. There is currently a lack of flexible programs for promoting engagement that tailor to the unique interests, capacities, and life circumstances of individuals. We designed and evaluated a new program for promoting engagement with later life based on principles of behavioral activation. Methods: A total of 135 adults aged 65 years and older who scored at or below the median on the Life Engagement Test were randomly assigned to either a 6-week behavioral activation program (n = 69) or a 6-week well-being program based on brief positive psychology interventions (the active control; n = 66). Participants completed assessments at baseline, 1-week follow-up, and 3-month follow-up. The primary outcome was engagement with life, and secondary outcome measures included social network characteristics, measures of mental health, well-being, and psychological and self-regulatory resources. Results: Participants in both conditions showed improvements in engagement with life post-intervention that were sustained at 3 months. Post-intervention improvements in both conditions were observed across most secondary outcomes; however, for several outcomes, participants with more limited functional and cognitive resources benefitted from participation in the positive psychology (active control) condition, but not the treatment condition. Conclusion: Similar levels of improvement in engagement with life and well-being were evident for participants who completed a behavioral activation-focused intervention, compared with participants who completed a positive psychology-focused intervention. The positive psychology approach may confer greater benefits for emotional well-being among those with poorer functional and cognitive abilities.

Effect of a Group-Based Personal Assistive RObot (PARO) Robot Intervention on Cognitive Function, Autonomic Nervous System Function, and Mental Well-being in Older Adults with Mild Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectivesPersonal Assistive RObot (PARO) interventions have been used to treat agitation and mood symptoms of dementia effectively. However, the effects of a PARO intervention on physiological and cognitive function are unclear. To examine the effects of a group-based PARO intervention for older adults with mild dementia. DesignUsing a group-based PARO intervention randomized controlled trial with 2-arm parallel groups. Setting and ParticipantsOlder adults with mild dementia aged 65 years or older from 4 dementia day care centers were recruited. MethodsPhysiological parameters were assessed using the finger tapping test (FTT) and heart rate variability (HRV). The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale–Short Form (GDS-SF), University of California Los Angeles loneliness scale–version 3 (UCLA-3), and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) were assessed before the intervention, end of the intervention, and 1-month after the intervention. ResultsUsing a repeated-measures generalized linear model, significant time × group interactions were found in the MMSE [F(2, 115) = 19.54, P < .001], FTT [F(2, 115) = 4.87, P = .01], HRV high-frequency [F(2, 115) = 3.57, P = .03], and high-frequency/low-frequency ratio [F(2, 115) = 0.96, P = .01], UCLA-3 [F(2, 115) = 54.7, P < .001], GDS-SF [F(2, 115) = 3.36, P = .04], and WEMWBS [F(2, 115) = 5.93, P < .001]. Furthermore, psychological parameters improved significantly and continuously even 1 month after the PARO intervention was finished. Physiological parameters significantly improved at week 6, but the effects had diminished by week 10. Conclusions and ImplicationsA PARO intervention may effectively improve the physiological and psychological responses of people with mild dementia.

Food Supplements and Their Use in Elderly Subjects-Challenges and Risks in Selected Health Issues: A Narrative Review.

The European population is ageing. Food Supplements (FSs) are foods with particular characteristics, consumed by elderly people for various purposes, including combating nutritional deficits. Their consumption in this age group, associated with a high prevalence of polypharmacy, can enhance interactions. Potential drug-food (or food supplements), drug-drug interactions and polypharmacy are common health issues among older adults. The prevalence of polypharmacy is high, and preliminary data also indicate that there is significant FS use, increasing the risk of the duplication of therapies and various adverse reactions as well as drug-FS and FS-FS interactions. Therefore, the intervention of health professionals in mitigating these risks is essential. This review highlights and discusses the association between FSs, polypharmacy, and adverse reactions due to the risk of potential interactions between these products. Moreover, it also provides current scientific evidence regarding the use of FSs by the elderly. A review of the challenges, advantages, and risks of using FSs in elderly people who are malnourished and/or polymedicated, focusing on the good practises needed to support healthy ageing, is presented. In this regard, this paper aims to help health professionals better deal with the issue of the use of multiple FSs and polypharmacy, overcome the malnutrition problem, and improve the health and well-being of older adults.

Thriving Through the Arts: Pathways to Social Well-Being for Older Women

The arts have enriched human experiences across time and culture. Beyond their intrinsic value, a growing body of evidence suggests that engaging with the arts has numerous benefits for health and well-being. Increasingly, research on older adults suggests that arts-based interventions and engagement with arts-based leisure activities enhance states of well-being (e.g. life satisfaction, positive emotions, belonging) and reduce states of ill-being (e.g. depression, anxiety, loneliness) In this paper, we focus on the potential for the arts to contribute to women thriving in their 80s and 90s. In particular, we aim to bring awareness to the ways in which the arts can play a vital role in cultivating positive states of social well-being (e.g. social connections, social networks, social support, and belonging) and mitigating negative states of social ill-being (e.g. loneliness, social isolation). We first lay the groundwork for the relationship between the arts and health and discuss social well-being as an important facet of overall well-being. We then review research findings from four artistic domains (music, visual art, art and craft, and performing arts) and their associations with social well-being in older adulthood. Finally, we discuss potential applications of art-based interventions to support the social well-being of women in later life.

Measuring Self-Efficacy for Exercise among Older Adults: Psychometric Properties and Measurement Invariance of a Brief Version of the Self-Efficacy for Exercise (SEE) Scale.

(1) Background: Physical activity is known to promote health and psychological well-being in older adults, yet global inactivity rates in this population remain high. Among the factors associated with physical activity, self-efficacy for exercise represents a key predictor for developing effective interventions in older adults. This study aimed to validate the Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale (SEE) in individuals over 65. (2) Methods: A sample of 726 older adults from the USA and Italy (51.1% females; age range = 65-95 years; Mage = 72.57, SDage = 6.49) completed the SEE, along with the Godin-Shepard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (GSLTPAQ), the Big Five Inventory 2-Extra Short Form (BFI-2-XS), and the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). (3) Results: The SEE showed a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.88 and a Composite Reliability of 0.89. Moreover, it demonstrated a unidimensional factor structure and good fit indices. Full measurement invariance was achieved across gender and age, while partial scalar invariance was found across countries, suggesting minor cultural differences. Correlation with the GSLTPAQ, the BFI-2-XS, and the SF-12 support the convergent and nomological validity of the SEE. (4) Conclusions: These findings provide evidence that the SEE is a reliable and valid measure of self-efficacy for exercise among older adults and that the items are interpreted similarly across different ages, genders, and cultures.

Positive ageing: self-compassion as a mediator between forgiveness and psychological well-being in older adults

Positive ageing: self-compassion as a mediator between forgiveness and psychological well-being in older adults

Which Variables Are Associated with the Magnitude of the Physical Fitness Response in Older Adults? An Analysis of Their Development and Influence.

Regular physical exercise has proven to be an effective strategy for enhancing the health and well-being of older adults. However, there are still gaps in our understanding of the impacts of exercise on older adults with different health conditions, as well as in the customization of training programs according to individual capabilities. This study aimed to analyze the variables that influence the response of physical capabilities in older adults, considering their development over the aging process, with the goal of assisting professionals in creating personalized training programs. To achieve this, we conducted a cohort study involving 562 previously inactive adults and older adults who underwent anthropometric assessments, blood pressure measurements, and comprehensive physical tests. These assessments were conducted before and after a 14-week training program. Results indicated no significant variations in variables such as waist circumference (p = 0.0455, effect size = 0.10), body mass index (p = 0.0215, effect size = 0.15), systolic (p < 0.0001, effect size = 0.35) and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.0001, effect size = 0.25) pre- and post-intervention. Strength tests, agility, the 6 min walk test (6MWT), and the back scratch test (BS) showed significant improvements post-intervention, with p-values all below 0.0001 and effect sizes ranging from 0.30 to 0.50. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that lower initial values in physical capabilities were associated with more significant improvements during training (R2 = 0.73, p < 0.001). These results underscore that individualized guidance in training can lead to clinically meaningful improvements in physical performance and health among older adults, with effect sizes indicating moderate-to-large benefits (effect size range = 0.30 to 0.50). Therefore, personalized training programs are essential to maximize health benefits in this population.

2159 Feasibility study: the use of the Edmonton frail scale in a psychiatric inpatient facility

Abstract Introduction Frailty is an important consideration in the health and wellbeing of older adults, particularly as it is associated with a risk of falls, and mental health difficulties such as depression. There has been no validation of frailty assessment tools among older adults with Psychiatric disorders. This was a feasibility study exploring the use of the Edmonton frail scale (EFS) among patients with highly complex mental health needs within a Psychiatric Inpatient Setting with a view to develop a service integration process leading to further research. Methods 45 participants were recruited from 8 older adult wards across Neuropsychiatry and Medium Secure divisions. EFS assessments were completed every six months by trained members of Multidisciplinary Teams over a 12-month period. Results: About 118 assessments were administered to approximately 45 patients, regardless of a patient’s length of stay at the hospital during the 12-month period. There was a 55% assessment completion rate. This was largely the result of difficulties in administering the cognitive domain of the EFS (Clock Drwing test) to patients with highly complex mental health needs, as the completion rate was 32%. It was also quite challenging for patients to understand and comply with the assessment instructions in the Functional Performance Domain (Timed Get Up and Go Test). As a result, many assessments in this domain were conducted through covert observation of patients’ movement during the course of the day. 29 of the 45 patients were found to have at least moderate level of frailty. Conclusion Older adults with psychiatric disorders may benefit from having an adapted assessment of the cognitive domain to promote complete administration of assessments. Prevalence of frailty is high in this setting. Continuous support towards staff engagement and education would be beneficial in promoting EFS use in determining frailty and integrating it into care planning.

Longitudinal Coadaptation of Older Adults With Wearables and Voice-Activated Virtual Assistants: Scoping Review.

The integration of smart technologies, including wearables and voice-activated devices, is increasingly recognized for enhancing the independence and well-being of older adults. However, the long-term dynamics of their use and the coadaptation process with older adults remain poorly understood. This scoping review explores how interactions between older adults and smart technologies evolve over time to improve both user experience and technology utility. This review synthesizes existing research on the coadaptation between older adults and smart technologies, focusing on longitudinal changes in use patterns, the effectiveness of technological adaptations, and the implications for future technology development and deployment to improve user experiences. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer's Manual and PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, this scoping review examined peer-reviewed papers from databases including Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, PEDro, Ovid PsycINFO, and EBSCO CINAHL from the year 2000 to August 28, 2023, and included forward and backward searches. The search was updated on March 1, 2024. Empirical studies were included if they involved (1) individuals aged 55 years or older living independently and (2) focused on interactions and adaptations between older adults and wearables and voice-activated virtual assistants in interventions for a minimum period of 8 weeks. Data extraction was informed by the selection and optimization with compensation framework and the sex- and gender-based analysis plus theoretical framework and used a directed content analysis approach. The search yielded 16,143 papers. Following title and abstract screening and a full-text review, 5 papers met the inclusion criteria. Study populations were mostly female participants and aged 73-83 years from the United States and engaged with voice-activated virtual assistants accessed through smart speakers and wearables. Users frequently used simple commands related to music and weather, integrating devices into daily routines. However, communication barriers often led to frustration due to devices' inability to recognize cues or provide personalized responses. The findings suggest that while older adults can integrate smart technologies into their lives, a lack of customization and user-friendly interfaces hinder long-term adoption and satisfaction. The studies highlight the need for technology to be further developed so they can better meet this demographic's evolving needs and call for research addressing small sample sizes and limited diversity. Our findings highlight a critical need for continued research into the dynamic and reciprocal relationship between smart technologies and older adults over time. Future studies should focus on more diverse populations and extend monitoring periods to provide deeper insights into the coadaptation process. Insights gained from this review are vital for informing the development of more intuitive, user-centric smart technology solutions to better support the aging population in maintaining independence and enhancing their quality of life. RR2-10.2196/51129.

Improving Functional Capacities and Well-Being in Older Adults: Strategies in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

As life expectancy continues to increase, improving the quality of life (QoL) for older adults becomes an important issue. This study investigated the impact of a two-week intensive rehabilitation program at the Techirghiol Balneal and Rehabilitation Sanatorium on older adults' QoL, focusing on physical and cognitive function. The study employed a comprehensive geriatric assessment to evaluate the progress of 156 patients over 65 from admission to discharge. We used the Scale for Identifying Fall Risk Factors (STRATIFY) scale to assess the risk of falling, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to assess pain levels, and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) to assess motor and cognitive abilities. The program included multi-parametric evaluations and personalized treatment plans. Statistical analysis of these data led to the following results: The STRATIFY scale showed a significant improvement in patient functionality and a decrease in the risk of falling during hospitalization, with a mean difference in scores between admission and discharge ranging from 0.141 to 0.372, with a p-value of less than 0.001, confirming the clinical significance of this improvement. The VAS showed a significant reduction in pain or symptom intensity, reflected by a mean decrease of -3.141 between admission and discharge. The FIM recorded a mean increase of 1.436 in patients' motor capacity between admission and discharge, reflecting improved adaptation to daily activities, especially in the areas of self-care, sphincter control, transfer, and locomotion. Social participation and health status were positively influenced, demonstrating the benefits of short-term, intensive rehabilitation. The two-week rehabilitation program significantly improved the QoL of older adult patients. These outcomes suggested that active aging strategies could be effectively integrated into medical and institutional care frameworks, highlighting the necessity for policies that support older adults' involvement in economic and social contexts.

Enhancing Brain Health and Well-Being in Older Adults: Innovations in Lifestyle Interventions.

This article will provide clinicians with guidance on helping older adult patients make lifestyle changes to enhance brain health and well-being. Evidence suggests that physical activity might be helpful in improving cognitive functioning. The data on the benefits of cognitive activity is inconsistent and not as robust. The MediDiet, DASH, and MIND diets have been associated with better cognitive health. Sleep hygiene and cognitive behavioral therapies are considered first line evidence-based treatments for insomnia and the maintenance of healthy sleep patterns. Mindfulness based interventions have been shown to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, and can help some older adults manage pain more constructively. Evidence-based information regarding the four topics of exercise, nutrition, sleep, and mindfulness is reviewed, so that clinicians may be better able to optimize care for their older adult patients.

Understanding healthy ageing in India: insights from multivariate regression trees

BackgroundPopulation ageing represents a significant global challenge, particularly pronounced in countries like India.AimsThis study aims to explore how factors such as socio-economic status, behaviour, and health influence healthy ageing across the Indian older population.MethodsIn this study, we utilized the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India – wave 1 dataset for analysis purposes. Scores were generated for five dimensions of healthy aging, including physical, functional, mental, cognitive, and social aspects and these scores were treated as the target variables. Multivariate Regression Trees analysis was employed to identify the behavioural and socio-demographic factors associated with each dimension of healthy ageing.ResultsYears of education emerge as crucial across all dimensions, positively impacting cognitive health and mitigating age-related decline in healthy ageing. Marital status, engagement in household activities, spiritual practices, and living arrangements impacts the scores of different aspects of healthy ageing. Gender disparities in healthy aging are noticeable in the 60–74 age group, with women generally having lower scores. Safety of the living environment is a crucial determinant of the mental health of the elderly across all age groups.These findings highlight the complex interplay of factors in healthy ageing outcomes.ConclusionOur study emphasizes the pivotal role of education in fostering healthy ageing in India. Factors such as environmental safety and social participation also influence well-being. Targeted interventions addressing education, gender equality, safety, and healthcare access are vital for enhancing the ageing experience and overall well-being of older adults.