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Sarcopenia and decreased muscle strength (dynapenia) are emerging health issues. However, the study exploring muscle strength changes of both upper and lower limbs at the same time among all age groups is rare. This study aims to investigate the muscle strength and to establish a muscle strength norm of an ostensibly healthy non-diabetic Asian population. From 2018 June to 2020 March, subjects (aged from 20 to <80 years old) undergoing health checkup in Good Liver Medical Examination Center and National Taiwan University Hospital Geriatrics and Gerontology Department were enrolled. A battery of muscle power examinations including handgrip strength (HGS), five times sit-to-stand test (5TSTS), and one-leg standing test (OLST) were performed. A total of 183 participants was enrolled, consisting of 92 females and 91 males. The finding shows the strongest HGS, best 5TSTS, and the longest OLST of both genders appeared in the 20-29-year-old group. Age, gender, and palm length are significantly related to HGS, whereas age is the only factor affecting 5TSTS and OLST. It revealed a progressive decline during ageing process, especially after age 60. Finally, Z-score and T-score norms of these were established. These data will be useful as normal controls for muscle strength of specific disease groups. The application of the cutoffs from these data and their comparisons with the recommended cutoffs from various guidelines worth further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A randomized, double-blind, crossover, clinical trial with follow-up was conducted to analyze the effect of an empathy training program on psychological concerns and empathy. • The online training was able to minimize psychological concerns. • The intervention also increased or maintained levels of empathy, especially cognitive empathy, over time. • Empathy training with a focus on cognitive empathy is an effective strategy for minimizing the negative impact of caring. To investigate the effects of empathy training on psychological concerns and empathy in caregivers of older people. A randomized, double-blind, crossover, clinical trial with follow-up was conducted online. Thirty paid and unpaid caregivers of older people from different regions of Brazil participated in an empathy training program. The caregivers answered a sociodemographic questionnaire and measures for the evaluation of empathy (affective and cognitive domains), burden, the impact of providing care as well as depressive symptoms and psychiatric symptoms before and immediately after training. Empathy and its domains were also assessed at three post-intervention follow-ups. Empathy training diminished levels of psychological concerns. Moreover, an increase was found in levels of cognitive empathy 15, 30 and 60 days after the intervention. Empathy training with a focus on cognitive empathy diminished psychological concerns in caregivers of older people and increased the levels of this ability over time. This intervention can be considered a coping strategy for negative impacts related to providing care. RBR-8kjtfx3. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2021), Americans aged 65 years and older are expected to grow to 21.6% of the population in the country by 2040 from the 16% (i.e., 54.1 million) in 2019. An aging society requires healthcare services, but there is a shortage of allied health professionals in geriatrics and gerontology even before the COVID-19 pandemic. College students have great potential to supply the demand; however, previous research found that they had limited knowledge about aging, held misconceptions about older adults, and expressed a low interest in working with the older population (Augustin & Freshman, 2016; Gellis et al., 2003; Horstmanshof et al., 2016; Kimuna et al., 2005; Lee et al., 2008; Wurtele, 2009; Zhou, 2007). To address the issues, the purpose was to examine (a) Kinesiology students' previous experience in working with older adults, (b) their expectations before enrolling in the older adult-focused practicum, (c) their perception toward older adults before and after the practicum, and (d) the professional skills and life lessons they learned from this practicum experience. The sample included 40 college seniors enrolled in the practicum course at a regional public university in the southeastern U.S. during the 2021-22 academic year. Their Initial Thoughts and Final Reflection assignments were collected and analyzed using the standard techniques of analytic induction and constant comparison as well as descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-test, and one-way ANOVAs. Findings revealed that this practicum helped reform stereotypical perception toward older people, foster positive interactions between Baby Boomers and Generation Z, and prepare future allied health professionals. More findings, practical implications, and future research directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Adapting an evidence-based intervention for depression to the context of social connectedness is promising. • The framework for reporting adaptations and modifications-enhanced facilitated a comprehensive documentation of the adaptations. • Modifications to content and delivery reflect the goal of improving behavioral activation intervention fit in the context of social connectedness experienced by informal caregivers. • Technology-enhanced delivery of interventions may support efforts to address social connection barriers common to caregivers. • Individualized behavioral activation intervention may increase social connectedness across generations of caregivers. Informal caregivers of older adults with chronic illness have unique barriers to social connection. As the older adult population increases, individualized interventions are urgently needed to address the social disconnection experienced across generations of informal caregivers. Adapting an evidenced-based intervention to target social connectedness and leverage technology-mediated communication may be a promising approach. This article describes the adaptation of the Brief Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression-Revised intervention using elements of the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Enhanced. Facilitating the comprehensive documentation of modifications made, we discuss the (a) rationale for modifications, (b) timing and approach to modifications, (c) nature of context and content modifications, and (d) fidelity in modifications. The Behavioral Activation for Family Caregiver Connectedness intervention addresses unique barriers to caregiver social connection with individualized value-based plans. Modifications to content and delivery reflect the goal of improving intervention fit in the context of social connectedness experienced by informal caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The professions of pharmacy and social work are not generally assumed to directly collaborate in patient care; however, these professions are complementary. Health and wellbeing outcomes are significantly improved when care is managed by an interprofessional team that communicates and collaborates to ensure all aspects of care are effectively managed. The creation of educational opportunities for students to practice working together provides enhanced educational experiences and leads to their success as professionals. Pharmacy and social work faculty developed an interprofessional education activity specifically aimed at integrative student learning. Faculty and students based on various islands throughout the state of Hawai'i and the US territory of Guam participated in the experience. The case study encouraged interprofessional teamwork and collaboration. The case study also challenged students to share profession-specific knowledge with each other. Mean evaluation scores were compared between hybrid and fully online platforms. Evaluation scores were high and at least as good or higher in the fully online exercise compared to the hybrid exercises. Using the 20-item pre-post format, Interprofessional Collaborative Competencies Attainment Survey, results indicated statistically significant improvements in scores for all questions and domains (all P<.001). When hybrid training and fully online training were compared, there were no significant differences in pre scores, but post domain scores were significantly higher in students who experienced fully online training. This interprofessional case-based activity successfully promoted interprofessional learning and collaboration. Introducing learners to this type of collaborative practice while in school is critical for future collaboration in the workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For most graduate writers, acclimating to doctoral-level inquiry is fraught with numerous tensions, whether regarding the development of scholarly identity (Gardner et al., 2014), navigating graduate school’s newly decentralized sources for support (Simpson, 2012), or mastering the writing and research conventions that govern disciplinary practice. Using a Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) framework, this case study analyzes the first-term experiences of Miranda, a first-year PhD student from the field of gerontology (who is also a co-author), and the tensions she feels around the drafting and revision of a single paper. Drawing from Engeström (1987), we theorize Miranda’s challenges around motive, authority, and expert feedback as comprising three “contradictions” engendered by the contemporary activity system of doctoral-level learning-to-write, contradictions that at once challenge the writer’s going presumptions about writing even while they enable new concepts and solutions to emerge. This analysis finally encourages researchers to take a wide, cultural-historical view of the many contexts in which doctoral students write during their first terms, including the instructor-led classroom, the larger culture of the program and institution, and the current high-pressure realities of doctoral-level academic study in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Caregivers showed higher satisfaction with the Telerehabilitation Program, the Internet treatment and the health care received than caregivers of the Control Group. • Both groups reported that they liked the treatment, the audio and video quality were excellent and they preferred Internet treatment than face-to-face. • Only hours dedicated to care influenced the satisfaction with the Telerehabilitation Program. • Cognitive and functional performances of the older person influenced the satisfaction with the monitoring. • The Telerehabilitation Program has potential to provide care for older people with dementia and their caregivers. The present study aimed to assess caregiver satisfaction with a telerehabilitation program and remote monitoring for older adults with dementia and their caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to identify the factors influencing caregiver satisfaction. This study adopted a mixed-methods approach and was part of a randomized clinical trial, with blinded assessors, comprising two groups: the Intervention Group (IG) receiving a telerehabilitation program involving standardized physical exercises for older adults with dementia, along with caregiver guidelines for the caregiver; and the Control Group (CG) receiving remote monitoring. At baseline, factors related to older adults with dementia and their caregivers were measured. After 12 weeks, caregiver satisfaction with the interventions was assessed. The final sample consisted of 64 pairs of family caregivers and older people with dementia. Caregivers in the IG showed higher satisfaction levels with the intervention, Internet-based treatment, and healthcare received compared to caregivers in the CG. Both groups expressed positive views towards the treatment, with excellent ratings for audio and video quality, and a preference for Internet-based treatment over face-to-face. In the IG, only the amount of time dedicated to caregiving influenced satisfaction with the intervention, whereas in the CG, cognitive and functional performance of the older people influenced satisfaction with remote monitoring. Our findings suggest the potential of the program in providing effective care for older people with dementia and their caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Around 1900, the feminist Hedwig Dohm (1831–1919) drew attention to acts of silencing with respect to women in later years. Her essays, such as 'Die alte Frau' (1903) and 'Mutter und Großmutter' (1912), and her short story Werde, die du bist (1894) highlight how addressing the question of old age requires a transformation of attitudes towards the human. This essay draws on Simone de Beauvoir's philosophy in The Coming of Age (La vieillesse, 1970) to explore the notion of age as a 'cultural fact' in relation to Hedwig Dohm's critical engagement with the marginalization of women. Dohm's writings — from her own later years — intervene to cast light on cultural double standards concerning a gendered life course; they also engage with the otherness of the body and reflect on ways of keeping the future open to alternative possibilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proportion of older people in the world population is growing rapidly. Training and retaining healthcare professionals in sufficient numbers in the field of ageing represents a major challenge for the future, to deal with the healthcare needs of this ageing population. The COVID pandemic has unfortunately compounded shortages of healthcare workers worldwide. There is therefore a pressing need to scale-up the education of healthcare professionals in geriatrics and gerontology. Over the last 30 years, a group of motivated geriatrics physicians from Europe have been striving to educate healthcare professionals in geriatrics and gerontology through various initiatives, and using innovative pedagogic approaches to train physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic unfortunately put a stop to presence-based training programmes, but prompted the development of the online International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG) eTRIGGER (e-Training In Geriatrics and GERontology) course, a new training course in geriatrics and gerontology for healthcare professionals from a wide range of backgrounds. We outline here the history of the educational initiatives that have culminated in the roll-out of this new programme, and the perspectives for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research in social gerontology has suggested that structural complexity of personal networks could moderate cognitive decline of older adults. In line with the environmental complexity hypothesis , their cognitive functioning would benefit from a high number of cohesive subgroups in their own personal networks, i.e., various social foci , thanks to higher cognitive stimuli from various social interactions. Yet, past studies considered only compositional diversity of networks due to lack of data on alter–alter ties. To fill this gap, we collected survey ego-network data on frequent social contacts (including alter–alter ties) and cognitive functioning on a sample of individuals aged ≥ 75 in Brescia, Italy (N = 230). As a proxy for social foci , we detected cohesive subgroups within each respondent's personal networks. Results showed a positive association between the number of cohesive subgroups and cognitive functioning, regardless of the network size, while controlling for relevant socio-demographic attributes and depression symptoms. Our findings testify to the importance of granular network data in studying the link between social relationships and cognitive functioning. • Ego-networks' community structure is associated with elderly cognitive abilities. • For elderly cognition, community structure is more important than network size. • Alter-alter tie data is key to assess the benefits of social networks on cognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Society & Social Work is the property of Journal of Society and Social Work and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Japan is one of the world's leading super-aging societies, with the highest average life expectancy in the world. 30.3% of the population will be 65 years old or older by 2025, and 13.0% will be 75 years old or older. In addition, the number of heart failure patients is increasing yearly. The number of heart failure patients is increasing by about 10,000 each year and is estimated to reach 1.2 million by 2020 and 1.3 million by 2030. The reason for the rapid increase in the number of heart failure patients in Japan is the aging of the population. Therefore, machine learning to predict atrial fibrillation is employed in this paper. We conducted a trial using risk assessment of cerebral infarction and other factors. As a result of the analysis, we extracted highly influential evaluation indices for each characteristic of atrial fibrillation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of the Cukurova University Institute of Social Sciences is the property of Cukurova University Institute of Social Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Despite gerontology's growing interest in culture, relatively little attention has been given to older adults' participation in theater. This paper addresses this gap by developing field theory as an analytical tool to conceptualize processes of cultural disengagement in later life. Ten older individuals (60+ years) were invited to investigate their access to three different theater spaces in Vienna. The investigation was documented through participatory observations, qualitative interviews, and photo diaries. The results highlight three specific sets of rules that are relevant in theater: Rules about 1) the ageing body, 2) mobility, and 3) subjectivities. Furthermore, these rules are age-coded, which means that many of the rules visitors in theaters have to follow to be able to participate in theater are not easily followed by older adults. Finally, this article outlines the potential of field theory for gerontology and highlights the importance of studying processes of cultural disengagement in later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics is the property of Dental Press International and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Collegium Antropologicum is the property of Croatian Anthropological Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Applied Theatre (AT) is an approach that uses theatre as a tool for personal or social development, and serious play is another approach which encourages inquiry through active and participatory methods to target complex problems. Both approaches have been successful in helping to explore themes such as professionalism, empathy, and communication in the context of health care education. The urgent need to address training gaps in the Long-Term Care (LTC) workforce remains a focus in teaching and educational research for health and social care sectors. This article is based on a pilot project designed to build capacity in the LTC workforce through the delivery of five one-day workshops to 99 LTC practitioners. An overview of the workshop, a description of the method and findings from a subset of the data that support this approach as effective in creating increased engagement, and enhanced learning outcomes are presented. The emergent nature of this approach necessitated regular debriefing sessions during which workshop facilitators discussed and documented the aspects of the approach that were effective and others which required iteration. Reflective fieldnotes from these debriefing sessions were key to design and delivery. Analysis of these data, along with participants' post-workshop evaluations, individual interviews, and focus group discussions suggested the following key learnings: 1) Creating a safe space; 2) Including targeted debriefing, and 3) Valuing play. Lessons learned through analysis of this pilot study data suggest that AT and serious play-based learning activities help to create an effective educational methodology capable of engaging a diverse workforce through authentic learning experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcopenia, the decrease of muscle mass and performance, is a growing health concern in the face of an ageing population. Sarcopenia is an important contributor to falls and fall related injury in older adults, and allied health musculoskeletal clinicians are well placed to play a key role in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of the disease. This masterclass aims to provide clinical confidence for musculoskeletal allied health professionals working with older adults to incorporate management of sarcopenia into their practice. Specifically it will focus on diagnosis of disease, appropriate and safe therapeutic exercise prescription, as well as appropriate referral for these patients. We hope that equipping clinicians with skills and knowledge of sarcopenia directly translates into more effective prevention and management of disease, and improved patient outcomes in older age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few decades, reflections about the ageing process has led to the emergence of a number of concepts, all positive in nature compared to previous theories, and which have been used to characterise a new paradigm. Contemporary approaches have basically been dominated by two narratives, one based more on mental and physical well-being (successful ageing), while the other concerns the aspect of socio-economic integration (active ageing). In this article, an attempt has been made to revisit the time when the concepts were introduced in order to highlight, through genealogical analysis, how a series of scientific ends have become intermingled, over time, with explicit political goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One's attitude toward aging (ATA) is not only associated with one's current health but also influential in future functioning and health. Individuals with a negative ATA tend not to participate in health promotion or interventions, leading to poor health outcomes and failed health promotion efforts. To further study and understand this issue, a psychometrically sound assessment tool is a prerequisite. The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Taiwan Attitude toward Aging Questionnaire-Short Form (TAAQ-SF). Methods: This cross-sectional study was a secondary analysis using data collected in the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging (TLSA) conducted in 2011. The data of 3054 participants without missing data on the TAAQ-SF and with normal cognitive function were used in this study. The construct validity, internal consistency, and criterion-related validity of the TAAQ-SF were assessed. Results: Factor analysis revealed two factors, namely, negative and positive self-perceived aging (NSPS, PSPA), which explained 24.7% and 23.8% of the variance, respectively. The internal consistency was 0.81 for the total score (0.75 for negative and positive subscales). The TAAQ-SF total score and two subscale scores were significantly associated with health criteria. People with higher PSPA showed better physical and psychological health, better self-efficacy in self-management of disease control. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the TAAQ-SF is a psychometrically sound tool for assessing ATA in middle- to old-aged community-dwelling Taiwanese adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproductive performance affects the efficiency of the production of animals. Therefore, knowing the reproductive properties of each species or strain of animal is important for proper management of breeding stocks. To elucidate the reproductive properties of female F344/N rats, frequently used for longevity and gerontology research, we monitored the breeding duration, number of deliveries, litter size and weaning rate of their pups. The first delivery was observed at 2.9 ± 0.1 (mean ± standard deviation) months of age (M) and the last delivery was at 15.1 ± 1.8 M. The number of deliveries was 10.4 ± 2.8 (range of 7-16) within the life span of the mother (24.7 ± 5.6 M). The litter sizes at the third (10.0 ± 3.0) or fourth (10.3 ± 2.7) deliveries were higher than for other deliveries. The breeding outcome declined after the fifth delivery yielding reduced litter size or weaning rate, number of delivered mother. These results suggests that though female F344/N rats are able to deliver more than 10 times, the reproductive performance lowered after fifth delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gerontological nursing is not a career choice for most new graduates. Nurse educators, who influence students' career decisions, lack expertise in older person care. The academic culture may affect educators developing gerontological expertise. The study explored the culture of a Canadian pre-licensure nursing education program in relation to educators' expertise in gerontological nursing. In a focused ethnography, 22 nurse educators/researchers/administrators participated in interviews and/or observations conducted from March 2018 to December 2018. Content analysis of interview transcripts and fieldnotes occurred concurrently with data collection. Themes characterizing the culture were: Structure and Hierarchy, Losing Gerontology, Teaching Challenges, and Valuing Older Persons and Their Care. Participants felt: a hierarchy limited gerontologists' support for undergraduate educators and the curriculum; the integrated curriculum reduced the focus on gerontology; limited professional development opportunities and excessive workload constrained building gerontology expertise; and valuing older persons and their care influenced access to gerontology resources. The culture of a pre-licensure nursing program impacted educators building expertise in older person care. More research is needed to overcome barriers that constrain educators' proficiency in gerontological nursing. Increasing the number of educators adept in gerontology will develop nurse graduates with an appreciation for working with older persons. • Nursing education culture did not support educators learning about older person care. • A faculty hierarchy compromised educators' development in older person care. • Gerontology experts on faculty does not ensure expertise of undergraduate educators. • Having gerontology experts does not guarantee a curriculum focus on older persons. • Intentional strategies are needed to promote faculty expertise in older person care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a 6-week suspension training exercise program on fitness components in older adults. Eleven participants (age = 80 ± 5 yrs) completed a 6-week suspension training exercise program. Pre- and postfitness assessments comprised of body composition, handgrip dynamometer, functional reach, and balance. The 6-week suspension training intervention required individuals to perform suspension training exercises for fifty minutes, twice per week. A paired sample t-test was used to determine differences from pre-and post-assessments. An improvement was observed in functional reach (57.2 ± 6.4 cm vs 68.6 ± 4.3 cm; p = 0.02) and overall balance score (67.5 ± 2.4 vs 72.2 ± 2.2; p = 0.02). A 6-week suspension training exercise program can be adequate to enhance core stability and overall balance amongst older adults. This paradigm should be explored further to determine the effects on fall-risk and fall prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High dependency levels and complex care needs increase pressure injury risk for older adults in aged residential care, with devastating consequences for their health and well-being. The prevention of pressure injuries requires comprehensive and skilled care mainly provided by registered nurses and health care assistants. Despite high prevalence of pressure injuries, there is a lack of evidence on their prevention in aged residential care settings in Aotearoa New Zealand. This single case study aimed to identify factors affecting pressure injury prevention in aged residential care. The perceptions of 10 staff from two aged care facilities in Aotearoa New Zealand were obtained from individual interviews along with relevant policy and practice documents. Data were analysed using triangulation and pattern matching. Three themes were identified: 1) staffing; 2) leadership, teamwork, and communication; and 3) assessment and early intervention. Participants were committed to preventing pressure injuries despite the complex, high care needs of residents and challenging contextual factors. The findings contest the notion that pressure injuries occur solely from poor quality care. The association between increasingly difficult work conditions and pressure injury prevalence should be addressed by policy makers. Support and empowerment of health care assistants to take a proactive role in pressure injury prevention could improve outcomes for residents in aged residential care settings. Nurse leaders should continue to advocate for a skilled and knowledgeable nursing workforce and mandated safe staffing levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the relative efficacy of aerobic training to resistance training on physical functioning in older breast cancer survivors and determined whether benefits could be maintained by transitioning to unsupervised home-based training. Early-stage, post-treatment, older (≥65 years) breast cancer survivors (n = 114; mean age 72 years) were randomized to 12 months of supervised aerobic (n = 37), resistance (n = 39) or stretching (active control; n = 38) training followed by 6 months of unsupervised home-based training. Outcomes included aerobic capacity by 6-min walk distance (6MWD; m), maximal upper and lower body strength (1-repetition maximum; kg); physical function by short physical performance battery (SPPB), SF-36 and Late Life Function and Disability Instruments. Over 12-months of supervised exercise, all groups improved in muscle strength and SPPB scores, but resistance trained women also improved 6MWD. Improvements in upper and lower body strength in the resistance group were significantly greater than those in the stretching control (+2.5 kg vs. +1.8 kg; p = 0.05) and aerobic groups (+8.3 kg vs +2.7 kg; p = 0.047), respectively, with trends for greater improvements in 6MWD (+57.9 m vs. +22.5 m; p = 0.057) and self-report physical function (+4.8 vs. -4.4; 0.066) in resistance trained women versus controls. Compared to values at 12 months, there were no changes during unsupervised training in any measure within or between groups, except for self-reported advanced lower extremity function which improved in the resistance group and fell in the aerobic group (+1.3 vs. -3.1; p = 0.043). Supervised exercise can improve strength and physical functioning among older breast cancer survivors. Resistance training may lead to better improvements compared to aerobic or flexibility training, whether in a supervised or unsupervised setting. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00662103 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perceptions of pharmacy students as future health care providers can enhance the health and pharmaceutical care (PC) needs of older adults. The objective of this study was to investigate pharmacy students' awareness and perceptions of the health and PC needs of older adults. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among pharmacy students in Southwest, Nigeria for four weeks using a 39-item structured questionnaire. Unpaired t -tests and one-way analysis of variance were performed. A P <.05 was considered significant. Based on 422 completed questionnaires, 299 (70.9%) were females, 283 (67.1%) were 20 to 24 years, 123 (29.2%) were in 200 Level, 402 (95.3%) had heard of PC with their first source of information being pharmacy school, 352 (83.4%). Reliability of the instrument was 0.92 (Cronbach's alpha). Mean + SD of pharmacy students' perceived health and PC needs of older adults were 3.73 ± 1.176 and 4.21 ± 1.031, respectively. The majority, 355 (84.2%), agreed on the importance of health care providers understanding their geriatric patients' family circumstances and social environment and 381 (90.3%) perceived that such will strengthen their professional relationship with older adults. Pharmacy students were aware of PC and indicated positive attitudes towards caring for older adults but few had provided care. Reinforcement of PC training and emphasis on geriatric topics in pharmacy curriculum are reiterated. • Students were aware of Pharmaceutical care in older adults' but very few had provided care to these patients. • Pharmacy students had high positive perceptions of pharmaceutical care and health care needs of older adults. • Reinforcement of PC with emphasis on the peculiarites of pharmacotherapy in older adults is advocated. • Respondents were most positive on the importance of consideration of family circumstance and social environment in the health care status of older adults Vis a Vis improving their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis is a condition of growing concern in all areas of healthcare, with osteopathic practice no exception. Allied health clinicians and other manual/physical practitioners are well placed to play a role in prevention, early detection and intervention in these patients, as well as in ongoing fall and fracture prevention. This masterclass aims to provide a clinical guide to the management of osteoporosis, with a focus on the role of the allied health clinician in its diagnosis and ongoing treatment. Specifically, it will cover key clinical risk factors, referral guidelines and recommendations for management, to allow for confident, evidence-informed management of these patients in practice. We propose that empowering clinicians with the clinical knowledge to provide support in the management of chronic musculoskeletal diseases such as osteoporosis will advance patient care and outcomes both now and into the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a growing body of work has documented, digital technologies are central to the imagining of aging futures. In this study, we offer a critical, theoretical framework for exploring the dynamics of power related to the technological tracking, measuring, and managing of aging bodies at the heart of these imaginaries. Drawing on critical gerontology, feminist technoscience, sociology of the body, and socio-gerontechnology, we identify three dimensions of power relations where the designs, operations, scripts, and materialities of technological innovation implicate asymmetrical relationships of control and intervention: (1) aging bodies and the power of numbers, (2) aging spaces and the power of surveillance, and (3) age care economies and gendered power relations. While technological care for older individuals has been promoted as a cost-effective way to enhance independence, security, and health, we argue that such optimistic perspectives may obscure the realities of social inequality, agist bias, and exploitative gendered care labour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The promise of technology to provide solutions to the global concern of ageing populations has largely been unfulfilled. We argue that this is, in part, related to design processes that fail to take account of the rich material lives of older people, and that often adopt stereotypical views of older people as frail, vulnerable and unskilled. We draw on empirical data from two co-design projects, to suggest the contributions that material gerontologists could make to design teams creating technologies for ageing populations. We suggest material gerontologists bring three key elements to interdisciplinary design teams: (1) making visible the intra-action of humans and non-humans in co-design processes; (2) reconfiguring co-design response-ably with older adults; and (3) reimagining possible outcomes of technology design. We believe that this approach can result in the design of products, services and innovations that respond better to the heterogeneous needs and life-worlds of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study has explored to find out the teaching attitude of B.Ed. trainees with regard to Gender, Locality, Management, Social category Teaching Speciality and Age studying under Dibrugarh University of Assam.A representative sample of 300 from urban B.Ed trainees was randomly selected. Teaching Attitude Scale (2002) By S.P.Allhuwalia was used to collect the data. The statistics technique like t - test employed to know the mean difference of attitude score to certain demographic variables. The results found that There exists no significant difference in the attitude of B.Ed. trainees with regard to gender (male and female), locality (urban and rural), management (govt. and private), social category (General, OBC, ST and SC), teaching speciality and age studying under Dibrugarh University of Assam". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Soziologische Revue is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Soziologische Revue is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Medica Croatica is the property of Croatian Academy of Medical Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this research was to determine the relationships among diabetes, Alzheimer's disease warning signs, and lifestyle factors such as fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity. Adults over the age of 50 (N = 147) responded to a survey about their health, family history, and experience of Alzheimer's warning signs in the previous year. Pearson's correlation revealed significant relationships between fruit and vegetable intake and education, gender, and physical activity. Alzheimer's warning signs were associated with relatives having an Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. Other results were nonsignificant. Diabetes impacts one-third of older adults in the United States and increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease. This survey revealed that women, who are more at risk for Alzheimer's disease, are less likely to engage in physical activity, a behavior that could decrease their risk. Similarly, those with higher education were more likely to consume colorful fruits and vegetables, potentially decreasing their risk of Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polis (07176554) is the property of Polis - Revista Academica Universidad Bolivariana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Older people with limited health literacy may encounter difficulties in finding relevant information on COVID-19, understanding its relevance, and complying with recommended protective measures. Complying with such recommendations has required older as well as younger persons to change their daily lives in ways that have reduced their opportunities for engaging in many activities meaningful to them. Aims: To find out from what sources older people have obtained information on protective measures, the level of their coronavirus-related health literacy (CHL), and whether CHL is associated with their perceptions of the restrictiveness of coronavirus-related protective measures. Methods: 696 Finnish men and women aged over 77 answered a mailed questionnaire on their CHL, sources of information and perceptions of the restrictiveness of the recommended protective measures. The association of CHL with perceived restrictiveness was studied using multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results: Television and newspapers were the most frequently reported sources of information. Reporting high confidence in the ability to assess how one's behavior influences coronavirus infection risk was associated with higher odds of perceiving the protective measures to be highly restrictive, when controlling for age, gender, and difficulty in using digital devices (OR 3.21, 95% CI 1.09, 9.46). Discussion: Participants who reported being highly confident about their ability to appraise the influence of their behavior on their susceptibility to coronavirus infection were more likely to perceive that the recommended protective measures had restricted their daily lives. Conclusions: Health literacy plays a role in complying with recommended restrictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Certificate in Aging Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University allows students to study gerontology while completing their doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) or graduate pharmaceutical sciences degree concurrently. The objective of the study was to evaluate alumni satisfaction with the Certificate in Aging Studies program, its application, and its perceived usefulness. Alumni of the program (n = 49) were emailed an anonymous electronic survey about their perceptions of the program. The survey was emailed three times. Responses to eight multiple choice questions were summarized using descriptive statistics. Two free response questions were qualitatively analyzed for themes by two investigators. The response rate to the survey was 59.2% (n = 29). Most respondents practice in hospital settings (24.1%) and did not undertake additional postgraduate clinical training (44.8%) or earn additional geriatric certifications (69%). The majority (65.5%) reported using the dual program in their career and would recommend the Certificate in Aging Studies to others (96.6%). Most (59%) alumni indicated that the best part of the program was the interprofessional interaction, and 69% suggested no further areas of improvement for the program. A PharmD-Gerontology dual program is one way to enhance the workforce to care for the growing older population. This partnership approach should be considered by schools of pharmacy that also offer degree programs in gerontology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper draws on cultural gerontology and literary scholarship to call for greater academic consideration of age and ageing in our imaginations of the future. Our work adds to the development of Critical Future Studies (CFS) previously published in this journal, by arguing that prevailing ageism is fuelled by specific constructions of older populations as a future demographic threat and of ageing as a future undesirable state requiring management and control. This paper has two parts: the first considers the importance of the future to contemporary ageist stereotypes. The second seeks potential counter representations in speculative fiction. We argue that an age-aware CFS can allow us not only to imagine new futures but also to reflect critically on the shape and consequences of contemporary modes of relations of power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variations in culture and heritage can greatly impact an individual's beliefs, practices, and attitudes and may influence healthcare. The purpose of this research was to better understand the attitudes of student nurses toward older adults in the United States and Costa Rica. An exploratory quantitative research design was utilized for this study. Data were collected using the Kogan Old Persons scale from American and Costa Rican pre-licensure nursing students. Results revealed that total scores were very similar between students on the Kogan positive scale and the Kogan negative scale. Half of the individual items revealed significant differences between students of different cultures. Overall, nursing students reported positive attitudes toward older people with individual differences found between nationality and individual items. Understanding cultural variances and commonalities on student nurse attitudes toward older adults is important to the delivery of culturally diverse nursing education and culturally congruent care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Society & Social Work is the property of Journal of Society and Social Work and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)