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Problem/Condition: Seasonal influenza accounts for 9.3 million-41 million illnesses, 100,000-710,000 hospitalizations, and 4,900-51,000 deaths annually in the United States. Since 2003, the Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network (FluSurv- NET) has been conducting population-based surveillance for laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations in the United States, including weekly rate estimations and descriptions of clinical characteristics and outcomes for hospitalized patients. However, a comprehensive summary of trends in hospitalization rates and clinical data collected from the surveillance platform has not been available. Reporting Period: 2010-11 through 2022-23 influenza seasons. Description of System: FluSurv-NET conducts population-based surveillance for laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations among children and adults. During the reporting period, the surveillance network included 13-16 participating sites each influenza season, with prespecified geographic catchment areas that covered 27 million-29 million persons and included an estimated 8.8%-9.5% of the U.S. population. A case was defined as a person residing in the catchment area within one of the participating states who had a positive influenza laboratory test result within 14 days before or at any time during their hospitalization. Each site abstracted case data from hospital medical records into a standardized case report form, with selected variables submitted to CDC on a weekly basis for rate estimations. Weekly and cumulative laboratory-confirmed influenza- associated hospitalization rates per 100,000 population were calculated for each season from 2010-11 through 2022-23 and stratified by patient age (0-4 years, 5-17 years, 18-49 years, 50-64 years, and ≥65 years), sex, race and ethnicity, influenza type, and influenza A subtype. During the 2020-21 season, only the overall influenza hospitalization rate was reported because case counts were insufficient to estimate stratified rates. Results: During the 2010-11 to 2022-23 influenza seasons, laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalization rates varied significantly across seasons. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitalization rates per 100,000 population ranged from 8.7 (2011-12) to 102.9 (2017-18) and had consistent seasonality. After SARS-CoV-2 emerged, the hospitalization rate for 2020-21 was 0.8, and the rate did not return to recent prepandemic levels until 2022-23. Inconsistent seasonality also was observed during 2020-21 through 2022-23, with influenza activity being very low during 2020-21, extending later than usual during 2021-22, and occurring early during 2022-23. Molecular assays, particularly multiplex standard molecular assays, were the most common influenza test type in recent seasons, increasing from 12% during 2017-18 for both pediatric and adult cases to 43% and 55% during 2022-23 for pediatric and adult cases, respectively. During each season, adults aged ≥65 years consistently had the highest influenza-associated hospitalization rate across all age groups, followed in most seasons by children aged 0-4 years. Black or African American and American Indian or Alaska Native persons had the highest age-adjusted influenza-associated hospitalization rates across these seasons. Among patients hospitalized with influenza, the prevalence of at least one underlying medical condition increased with increasing age, ranging from 36.9% among children aged 0-4 years to 95.4% among adults aged ≥65 years. Consistently across each season, the most common underlying medical conditions among children and adolescents were asthma, neurologic disorders, and obesity. The most common underlying medical conditions among adults were hypertension, obesity, chronic metabolic disease, chronic lung disease, and cardiovascular disease. The proportion of FluSurv-NET patients with acute respiratory signs and symptoms at hospital admission decreased from 90.6% during 2018-19 to 83.2% during 2022-23. Although influenza antiviral use increased during the 2010-11 through the 2017-18 influenza seasons, it decreased from 90.2% during 2018-19 to 79.1% during 2022-23, particularly among children and adolescents. Admission to the intensive care unit, need for invasive mechanical ventilation, and in-hospital death ranged from 14.1% to 22.3%, 4.9% to 11.1%, and 2.2% to 3.5% of patients hospitalized with influenza, respectively, during the reported surveillance period. Interpretations: Influenza continues to cause severe morbidity and mortality, particularly in older adults, and disparities have persisted in racial and ethnic minority groups. Persons with underlying medical conditions represented a large proportion of patients hospitalized with influenza. Increased use of multiplex tests and other potential changes in facility-level influenza testing practices (e.g., influenza screening at all hospital admissions) could have implications for the detection of influenza infections among hospitalized patients. Antiviral use decreased in recent seasons, and explanations for the decrease should be further evaluated. Public Health Action: Continued robust influenza surveillance is critical to monitor progress in efforts to encourage antiviral treatment and improve clinical outcomes for persons hospitalized with influenza. In addition, robust influenza surveillance can potentially reduce disparities by informing efforts to increase access to preventive measures for influenza and monitoring any subsequent changes in hospitalization rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A national respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme for newborns and older or vulnerable adults has begun, making the UK the world’s first nation to attempt such coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although people of all ages can fall, it is more common in older people, with 30% of adults aged over 65 affected every year. For older people falls can cause serious injury, distress and lead to a loss of independence. Nurses can help reduce the risk of falls by promoting exercise, using AI solutions and even serving caffeine-free drinks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the incorporation of social determinants of health (SDOH) into the services at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina to address the food insecurity, financial and transportation challenges facing patients with dysphagia. It presents results of a multidisciplinary research which explored the relationships between dysphagia and SDOH and discusses the health consequences of increased social risk factors, health care access and treatment adherence of patients.

Nosocomial infections are among the most common complica - tions of intensive care treatment. The risk factors for the development of such infections have increased significantly in recent years, especially among older patients. However, the largest germ reservoir remains the patient himself, with constant release of germs from his body surface (airways, hair, urinary tract, perineal region, et cetera). A cardinal problem in these infections is the dramatic development of bacterial resistance to a large number of antibiotics. The aim of this overview is to discuss the epidemiology of nosocomial infections, the spectrum of pathogens with a focus on infection prevention according to the current inter - national state of knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To enhance your knowledge of prescribing for adults with stable chronic kidney disease (CKD) • To increase your understanding of pharmacokinetics in the context of renal impairment • To recognise the importance of dose adjustment when prescribing for people with CKD Kidney disease is a common occurrence and alters how the body processes many drugs. Therefore, prescribers must consider the person's renal function before prescribing medicines and may need to amend the dose of renally excreted drugs. At present, there is limited data regarding dose adjustment in renal impairment, so prescribers require knowledge of pharmacokinetics. Prescribers also need to understand how the kidneys process drugs when functioning normally to be able to predict how renal impairment may affect pharmacokinetics. This article offers practical guidance on prescribing for adults who have stable chronic kidney disease and do not meet the criteria for specialist assessment. It also explores important steps that prescribers can take to optimise medicines use in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common cause of hospital admissions, particularly in older people. In the past five years, there were more than 800,000 hospital admissions for UTIs in England alone – with almost three fifths occurring in people over 65. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the Cochlear Implant Connections group auditory rehabilitation (AR) program for older adults with cochlear implantation. Benefits of group AR include practice listening and communicating, normalization of the process, understanding through instruction, peer support and counseling. Format considerations when planning to start a group AR program for clients with CIs include online versus in-person delivery, videoconferencing technology, group size and timing post-surgery.

The author rethinks her cultural communication style as a speech language pathologist (SLP) to adapt as a professional in the health care setting. She tells about her experience of imposter syndrome during a cognitive communication therapy for an female older patient. She suggests an introspective, direct kind of conversation with her supervisor that would have allowed them to learn about each other's communication styles from the perspectives of patient care and culture.

The article provides an overview of health promotion for older people with dementia living in the community. It suggests innovative approaches for post-diagnosis dementia care including holistic, integrated continuing care and support, evidence-informed health promotion activities and lifestyle changes. Several areas of focus for dementia-specific health promotion interventions are identified including cognitive activities, healthy lifestyles, physical and social activities.

The article calls for audiologists to administer word/speech recognition, speech-in-noise (SIN) testing, listening and communication assessments and cognitive screening to provide an accurate diagnosis and achieve maximal outcome for patients. Topics discussed are hearing clarity versus volume of speech, unrecognized and untreated difficulty hearing speech in noise, association between hearing loss and receptive communication difficulties, and recommended tests for adults with SIN problems.

The article highlights a course hosted by University of Nebraska-Lincoln central school district (CSD) faculty and student clinicians to help prevent memory decline. Topics include basic stages of memory which were discussed in the first session, the use of three sessions to address compensatory strategies, and participant feedback during the ten years that they have been hosting the workshop.

Why you should read this article: • To support you to recognise malnourishment and risk of malnutrition in older people • To understand the elements of a person-centred care plan for older people who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition • To count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers) • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers) Malnutrition, specifically undernutrition, is a significant health concern among older people, yet it is under-detected and under-treated in the community. The causes of malnutrition are complex and multifactorial, and the risk has been exacerbated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic due to social isolation and loneliness, which can affect older people's appetite and thus reduce their nutritional intake. This article discusses the causes and consequences of malnutrition in older people and describes what is involved in malnutrition screening, person-centred care planning and treatment. The author considers various approaches to overcoming the barriers associated with identifying malnutrition in older people in the community and outlines the role of the nurse in the effective management of malnutrition in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers ideas to better address traumatic brain injury (TBI) in older adults. Topics discussed include importance of assessing immediately for cognitive communication difficulties and provide treatment if warranted, the rate of TBI-related death and disability in older adults, and progressive changes of typical aging.

Why you should read this article: • To recognise the benefits of older people becoming and/or remaining physically active • To learn about the types of exercise that can be incorporated into individualised training regimens • To understand how you can advise and support older people to exercise as part of your practice As people in the UK continue to live longer, the concept of healthy ageing has become increasingly important. Regular exercise that is appropriate for the ability of each individual can have several benefits for older people, such as slowing the loss of muscle mass, increasing aerobic capacity, maintaining cognitive function and improving health-related quality of life. This article explores the benefits of various forms of exercise and physical activity in older people, and offers practical advice that can assist nurses in supporting a person-centred approach to this aspect of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article, the author discusses how balance deteriorates in people as they age and how audiologists can help older patients in mitigating the deterioration of balance and mobility. Other topics include the role of body parts like sensory receptors in muscles, tendons and joints in coordinating the processing of somatosensory, visual and vestibular inputs, and how proprioception input and muscle strength help maintain balance.

The article highlights the importance of addressing psychiatric illnesses and their effects on the social communication functioning of older adults in skilled nursing facilities. Topics discussed include the capacity of speech-language pathologists (SLP) to observe or report a mental health concern about an elderly patient, the need for SLP to understand psychiatric disease processes for intervention and interdisciplinary collaboration, and tips on caring for patients with mental illness.

The article provides guidance for clinicians on assessment and care of people with eating and drinking difficulties. Topics discussed include remarks from Chief Admiral Nurse and chief executive of Dementia UK Hilda Hayo, determinants of successful eating and drinking, and explanation on risk feeding.

With two older relatives in hospital in one year, retired senior nurse Anne Cooper was surprised to be told neither would be supported to mobilise until a physiotherapist assessed them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 'EdFED' is the Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia (EdFED) scale. 'Ed' points to where the scale was developed – Edinburgh University – and 'FED' is shorthand for 'feeding'. Finding a meaningful acronym is always challenging, but this one seems to have worked: once understood, it is easy to recall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the American Library Association Presidential Citation for Innovative International Library Projects which included smartphone training for seniors, multicultural events and programming to raise awareness of Indigenous populations and their perspectives and needs. It mentions awards recognize services and projects that draw attention to the potential for library services to create positive change, demonstrate sustainability, and provide a model for others.

AUTH Why you should read this article: • To enhance your awareness of the symptoms that patients with end-stage kidney disease may experience • To understand what conservative management of patients with end-stage kidney disease entails, including symptom management and advanced care planning • To count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers) • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers) The prevalence of end-stage kidney disease is increasing, particularly among older people and those with multiple comorbidities. Typically, patients who develop end-stage kidney disease receive renal replacement therapies such as dialysis; however, this treatment can significantly affect quality of life and may not prolong life in older patients. Therefore, some patients may choose not to undergo dialysis and instead choose conservative management, which involves a palliative approach that focuses on maintaining quality of life and advance care planning. This article details the steps involved in a conservative kidney management pathway for end-stage kidney disease, including symptom management and advance care planning. It also discusses the importance of a palliative approach for patients receiving dialysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AUTH Why you should read this article: • To understand the skin changes that occur as part of the ageing process • To recognise the physical and psychosocial effects of age-related skin changes • To enable you to promote the skin health of older people and provide advice about effective skin care practices The skin is the largest organ of the body and provides protection for the vital organs, as well as having a significant role in processes such as temperature regulation. However, the ageing process involves degenerative changes such as reduced cell replacement and less efficient barrier function. These changes have physical and psychosocial consequences for older people such as increased susceptibility to skin damage and lowered self-esteem. This article details the age-associated changes that affect the skin, explores the self-reported skin concerns of older people living in the community, and examines the role of primary care nurses in promoting older people's skin health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article emphasizes that older individuals can learn and adapt to new technology if they have the right information and support. It suggests resources, including AARP for technology guidance, Cyber-Seniors for tech training and support and platforms like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp for learning social media, as well as free online courses and apps like Medisafe and LastPass to help seniors manage medications and passwords.

The article focuses on the offering of English as a Second Language (ESL) and citizenship preparation programs by Jones Library (JL) in Amherst, Massachusetts for older adult beginners ages 50 and over. Topics include the higher immigration population rate at Amherst than the country as a whole and the announcement by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that it would offer grants for innovative citizenship preparation programs that prioritize hard-to-reach immigrant populations.

AUTH Why you should read this article: • To enhance your knowledge of the features of dementia, delirium and depression • To understand how to differentiate between dementia, delirium and depression, and the validated clinical assessment tools available to assist in this • To count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers) • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers) Older people can find hospital stays challenging and distressing. When their presenting symptoms make it challenging for healthcare professionals to differentiate between dementia, delirium and depression, their experience may be increasingly distressing, and can result in delays in diagnosis and treatment, as well as an increased risk of morbidity. This article considers each of the conditions of dementia, delirium and depression, their presenting features and how nurses can differentiate between them to enable comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment in older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article present an interview with American writer and illustrator David Small. Topics discussed include Small's collection of illustrated stories, "The Werewolf at Dusk," exploring the theme of "the vestibule of old age;" the selection process for the stories; the intersection of personal psychology and sociopolitical disaster in the narratives; and Small's response to the challenges of staying engaged as an artist, particularly in the changing landscape of children's publishing.

The author discusses how the Tameside Hospital Admiral Nursing Service was launched following a carer's complaint about the lack of dementia support at the hospital. Topics covered include the hospital's collaboration with Dementia UK, the conversion of the author's role as lead nurse for frail and elderly dementia to Admiral Nurse, and the planned implementation of specialist interventions and group work to help people live well with dementia.

The article offers tips to ophthalmologists on management of cataract surgery and ocular surface disease. It cites the importance of proper screening of patients to achieve optimal ocular surface results preoperatively and postoperatively. The article suggests a Standardized Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) questionnaire for all cataract patients and developing a postoperative plan for patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

The article provides information on Oyendo Bien (Hearing Well), a program based in rural Southern Arizona which aimed to increase access to audiology services for Hispanic/Latinx order adults with hearing loss and their families. Topics discussed include the collaboration between audiologists from the University of Arizona and community health workers to develop the program, emphasis of the curriculum, and preliminary outcomes from the program.

The article discusses charity Opening Doors London's specific support of older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Great Britain as of 2019. Topics covered include its providing of information, health services, and social activities for this group, and its development of material for sharing with other organisations such as a nationwide training programme for healthcare providers including nurses. Also noted are insights on promoting inclusivity.

The article reports on the results of the GATHER1 and GATHER2 trials conducted by Iveric Bio Inc. to determine the effectiveness of its avacincaptad pegol (ACP) complement C5 protein inhibitor in patients with geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Based on the exploratory time-to-event analysis, ACP is shown to be effective in reducing vision loss in the subjects. Also cited is how GA could led to vision loss and irreversible blindness.

Aim: To facilitate a multidisciplinary collaborative approach to developing person-centred practice in hip fracture care for older people. Method: Collaborative inquiry, a form of action research, was used to collect data for this study. It involved exploration of dilemmas, questions and problems that are part of human experience. Clinical leaders from different disciplines (n=16), who work with older people with hip fractures at different stages of the care pathway, participated in a series of facilitated action meetings. The practice development techniques used in this study included: identifying the strengths and limitations of the current service, values clarification, creating a shared vision, sharing clinical stories, reviewing case records, and reflecting on the experiences of three older people and two caregivers. Findings: Hip fracture care was based on meeting service targets, national guidelines and audits. Care was fragmented across different service delivery units, with professional groups working independently. This resulted in suboptimal communication between members of the multidisciplinary group of clinical leaders and care that was process-driven rather than person-centred. Spending time away from clinical practice enabled the multidisciplinary group to collaborate to understand care from the patients' and caregivers' perspectives, and to reflect critically on the care experience as a whole. Conclusion: To develop a person-centred workplace culture, the multidisciplinary team requires facilitated time for reflection. Ongoing facilitative leadership would enable the multidisciplinary team to collaborate effectively to deliver safe, effective person-centred practice in hip fracture care for older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Falls are the most frequent adverse event reported in hospitals, usually affecting older patients. All hospitals in N HS organisations develop risk prevention policies that include falls risk assessment. Falls risk assessment involves the use of risk screening tools, aimed at identifying patients at increased risk of falls, and risk assessment tools, which identify a patient's risk factors for falls. Various risk screening tools have been used in clinical practice, but no single tool is able to identify all patients at risk of falls or to accurately exclude all those who are not at risk of falls. Guidelines recommend that patients aged 65 years and over who are admitted to hospital should be considered at high risk of falls and that a multifactorial falls risk assessment should be performed. Therefore, falls risk assessment tools should be used to identify the risk factors for each inpatient aged 65 years or over, in order to determine the most appropriate care plan for falls prevention and to maximise patient mobility and independence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses gastrointestinal (Gl) healthcare in older people. It outlines the physiological changes that occur in the Gl tract as a result of ageing, and discusses common Gl disorders in older people. These Gl disorders include dysphagia, gastrointestinal reflux disease, colorectal cancer, diverticular disease, constipation and anaemia. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the factors that may influence gastrointestinal health in older people, including nutrition, hydration and alcohol use, which are important considerations when delivering person-centred care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visiting her mother in hospital some years ago, Jill Fraser noticed something different - she'd had her hair done for the first time since experiencing a major brain haemorrhage. It made all the difference in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the interventions that speech-language pathologists (SLP) can consider for patients with deteriorating communication due to Alzheimer's dementia. Topics covered include the cognitive and communicative patterns in Alzheimer's dementia, the written and graphic cues in the early stages of Alzheimer's dementia and the different types of memory aids to improve orientation and to modify challenging behaviors.

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is an infection of a nerve and the skin around it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the antibiotic stewardship educational programme developed by Tayside Trust nurse Jo McEwen in treating older people with urinary tract infection (UTI). Topics discussed include the Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group decision aid as model to diagnose and manage suspected UTIs in elderlies. Also mentioned are issues against urinalysis as diagnostic tool for UTI.

Pressure ulcers are painful and cause discomfort, have a negative effect on quality of life, and are costly to treat. The incidence and severity of preventable pressure ulcers is an important indicator of quality of care; it is essential that healthcare providers monitor prevalence and incidence rates to ensure that care strategies implemented are effective. Frail older people are at increased risk of developing pressure ulcers. This article discusses the complexities of preventing pressure ulcers in frail older people and emphasises the importance of structured educational programmes that incorporate effective clinical leadership and multidisciplinary teamwork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the possibility for people with dementia to safely eat their favorite foods. Topics covered include symptoms that increase risk of aspiration for people with dementia, predictors of aspiration pneumonia and the suggested changes in the auditory, visual ad cognitive aspects of the dining environment to help people with memory loss eat independently and safely. INSETS: Small Changes, Big Differences;‘Eat Slowly': A Look at Spaced Retrieval;When Patient and Clinician Disagree.

Agitation commonly affects older adults, particularly those living in care homes and in hospital settings. Agitation can be distressing to experience, may be associated with poorer health outcomes and can present a challenge to staff in keeping the person and those around them safe. This article examines why agitation can occur in older people and discusses current best practice, focusing on communication and non-pharmaceutical interventions. Agitation is commonly associated with dementia and delirium. This article indicates how these conditions can affect the older person and their interactions with the surrounding environment. A case study is used to illustrate application in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research which found an association between social isolation and increased dementia risk in seniors, referencing a study by Barbara J. Sahakian et al, published in "Neurology."

The article discusses the Royal College of Nursing's (RCN) campaign to improve the early identification of delirium in the community and reduce the need for hospital admissions of older people. Topics discussed include how nurses working in the community can help in the early detection of the symptoms, the difficulty of distinguishing between delirium and dementia and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's (NICE) recommendations to help reduce the risk of delirium.

The article mentions the project led by Doctor Rachel Potter, a senior research fellow at Warwick Medical School and a former district nurse in Great Britain, to examine the relationship between the design of care homes and symptoms of depression in residents. Topics discussed include comments from Potter on one outdoor space with giant rabbits for residents to interact with and comments from Professor June Andrews on designing a garden to be used safely by people with dementia.

The article provides information on less invasive procedure for brow ptosis for old patients who complain of drooping eyelids. The topics discussed include finding possible cause such as blepharoptosis, dermatochalasis, and brow ptosis; precautions to be taken during direct or transcutaneous brow lift to protect the supraorbital nerve and vessels; and other techniques include external and internal browpexy and brassiere suture.