Search

Purpose: As populations are ageing and the global average life expectancy is rising, the provision of care for older people is an increasingly salient issue. This paper aims to focus on family-provided care for older immigrants, examining how older immigrants and care providers experience and construct family caregiving. Design/methodology/approach: Based on interviews with care recipients, family care providers, municipal staff and representatives for migrant organisations in Sweden, this study presents a typology of family caregiving for older immigrants. Findings: The authors found three caregiving types, namely, solely family-provided care and a combination of family care and public care (predominantly one or the other). The decision to select family-provided or publicly-funded care depends on personal and institutional factors. Originality/value: The paper makes three empirical contributions to the literature on care provision for older immigrants. Firstly, this study provides insights into the structural and personal factors that shape care-giving arrangements for older immigrants. Secondly, this study examines the perspectives of care recipients and care providers on family-provided care. Care expectations differ between both groups and sometimes result in intergenerational disagreement. Thirdly, in terms of institutional support, this study finds that the Swedish state's notion of individual needs does not match the needs of immigrant elderly and their caregivers. The paper places the care types in a broader discussion about eldercare provision in the Swedish welfare state, which has experienced a decline in publicly funded care services and an increase in family caregiving in the past 30 years. In addition, it addresses questions of dignified ageing from a minority perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to develop and test the feasibility of using an electronic tool to ascertain falls and their circumstances (TASeFALL) in people aged over 60 years. Methods: Forty participants (mean age: 69.3 ± 5.4 years, 55% women) were randomised to receive a monthly paper‐based questionnaire (control group n = 19), compared with the same questionnaire sent via email with LimeSurvey software (TASeFALL n = 21). Falls and their circumstances were recorded prospectively over 12 months in all participants. The main outcomes were feasibility of enrolment, number of falls, adherence to completion of questionnaires and cost. Results: The incidence, number of falls and adherence to the completion of the questionnaire over the 12‐month follow‐up were similar in both the TASeFALL and control groups. However, the monthly paper‐based questionnaire approach was 45% more expensive. Conclusions: The TASeFALL is a feasible and cost‐effective method of falls ascertainment for older people with email access that could have a wide research uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of motivational interviewing based on the trans‐theoretical model promoting physical activity in older adults. Methods: A randomized controlled trial study was conducted with 117 older adults (intervention group: 58, and control group: 59) between April and November 2019. The data were collected via a questionnaire, trans‐theoretical model scales, the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, the Katz Activities of Daily Living scale and a pedometer. The 24‐week intervention consisted of regular motivational interviewing. The control group received usual care at the family health centre. Results: Following the intervention, the Intervention Group showed significant improvements Exercise Processes of Change Scale, Exercise Self‐Efficacy Scale and Perceived Benefits of the Decisional Balance Scale for Exercise. There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of stages of change. In the Intervention Group, 81.5% were in the contemplation stage in the pre‐test, while in the post‐test, 70.4% had transitioned to the action stage. In contrast, in the control group, 62.5% were in the contemplation stage initially, but in the post‐test, only 9.3% had reached the action stage. The mean number of step counts increased significantly in favour of the Intervention Group, as did the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly total score. Conclusion: The trial indicated that after the trans‐theoretical model‐based motivational interviewing, the stages of change among the older adults improved, as did their exercise behaviours. It is recommended that the trans‐theoretical model and motivational interviewing be used by nurses to improve healthy lifestyle stage behaviours in older adults. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Physical immobility ranks fourth among the leading risk factors for mortality globally.Older adults constitute the age group which leads the most sedentary life in society and is most affected by physical inactivity.In Turkey, one out of every two people undertakes insufficient physical activity, and this rate increases with advancing age. What this paper adds? Nurse‐led motivational interviewing based on the trans‐theoretical model was effective in increasing the physical activity levels of the older adults. The implications of this paper: It is recommended that the trans‐theoretical model and motivational interviewing should be used by nurses to improve healthy lifestyle behaviours in older adults.It is recommended that studies be conducted to assess the effectiveness of interventions aimed at promoting physical activity in older adults via both qualitative and quantitative methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a serious mobile-game intervention on older adults' engagement, affect, and cognitive function. Methods: In this single-subject design, twenty older adults, six of whom living with dementia, participated in a 16-session mobile-game intervention. Before and after the intervention, participants had sessions involving traditional paper-based cognitive activities. Engagement and affect were measured in each session. Cognitive measures were administered before and after the intervention. Acceptability was explored through interviews. Results: After the intervention, there was a statistically significant increase in engagement in 37% of participants, and in affect in 21% of participants. Participants preferred the mobile games to the paper-based activities. Cognitive measures showed improvement in four participants with dementia. Conclusions: Although not conclusive, participants experienced higher levels of engagement and positive affect while playing the mobile games compared to paper-based activities. The results indicate feasibility and acceptability of the mobile game intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To analyse the risk factors and incidence of falls in geriatric outpatients in a university hospital ward in Hangzhou, China. Methods: From May 2020 to August 2022, 1712 geriatric outpatients in a university hospital ward in Hangzhou, China, were screened using a socio‐demographic questionnaire (e.g. gender, age, living arrangement, etc.) and assessment scales. The correlation between each factor and falls was preliminarily analysed by chi‐squared tests. Finally, binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to further analyse the risk factors of falls. The STROBE checklist was used in reporting this study. Results: Of the 1712 geriatric outpatients recruited, 1626 participants (60–79 and ≥ 80 years old) with complete questionnaire and assessment data were included. The occurrence of falls for those in the 60–79 age group was 8.4%, and for those in the ≥80 age group it was 13.4%. Age (p =.007), use of a walking assistance device (p <.001), the Stay Independent Brochure Questionnaire (SIB) (OR = 7.751, 95% CI = 5.089–11.806, p <.001), living arrangement (p =.004), timed up and go test (TUGT) (p =.007) and three diseases or above (OR = 2.496, 95% CI = 1.358–11.4.586, p =.003) reached statistical significance. Conclusions: Older people have a high incidence of falls. In this study, age, disease history, SIB scores (≥4 points), living arrangement, TUGT and walking assistance device increased the probability of falls in older Chinese adults. Personalised interventions should be carried out according to the specific situation of older people to effectively reduce their incidence of falls and improve their quality of life. Relevance to Clinical Practice: The basic characteristics and fall risk factors of the older can help nurses identify fall risk, and early intervention by caregivers can reduce fall‐related injuries, which has practical significance for promoting healthy aging. Patient or Public Contribution: The subjects of this study were older patients ≥60 years old, and the demographic characteristics and fall‐related information of patients were obtained by questionnaire. The team worked closely with a team of experts in the field of health care. Some researchers collect data and rewrite them, while other researchers analyse the information and write a paper. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To actively respond to the challenges posed by population aging, people are paying more and more attention to healthy behavioral lifestyles, and the impact of social capital as an informal system on health behaviors cannot be ignored. This paper explores the impact of social capital on health behaviors of middle-aged and older adults based on 2020 CHARLS data. Using binary logistic regression models, we discussed the association between social capital and five health behaviors. The results suggest that structural social capital significantly increases physical activity and physical examination behaviors among middle-aged and older adults but also decreases the probability of abstinence behaviors. Cognitive social capital increases the probability that middle-aged and older adults will have a reasonable amount of sleep and physical activity. However, it also decreases the probability that smoking cessation behaviors will occur. Further attention needs to be paid to the role of social capital, the creation of a harmonious social environment and the enhancement of social trust, the strengthening of communities and grass-roots social organizations, and the provision of more platforms for the participation of middle-aged and older adults in social activities, to improve the quality of the healthy lives of middle-aged and older adults and, in turn, to promote the establishment of healthy behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aspiration pneumonia (AP) is a subset of pneumonia caused by the aspiration of food and fluids to the lungs and is highly prevalent in the older population. Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is one of the risk factors for AP and it is also associated with malnutrition, dehydration and poor functional outcomes. As pneumonia is the second most common infection in nursing homes (NHs) and OD represents a major concern to NH staff, good practices for the prevention of AP in older adults at risk of OD are needed. Purpose: The aim of this modified e‐Delphi study is to build consensus among a panel of experts regarding a set of recommendations for NH staff on good practices to prevent AP in older adults at risk of OD living in NHs. The objective of this paper is to establish the methodology inherent to the Delphi study. Methods: An online modified Delphi study will be developed in three rounds. Criteria for the Delphi panel participants include holding a master's or doctoral degree in OD or speech and language therapy; or having 10 or more years of experience in OD; or having at least one scientific publication related to OD. A previously described modified Delphi methodology will be used to achieve consensus (75% agreement). An additional round will be performed to collect the experts' perspectives regarding the priority for application of each recommendation previously validated. Discussion: This protocol aimed to describe the methodology of a future Delphi study on the prevention of AP, seeking to fulfil the gap in the literature regarding this topic. The modified Delphi technique is a widely used method for collecting experts' opinion in health sciences, but the absence of standardised guidelines allows some heterogeneity between studies with the same aim. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Aspiration pneumonia (AP) is related to three main risk factors: impaired safety of swallow, impaired nutritional status and poor oral health. It is known that being dependent for feeding is one of the main risk factors for AP and around 50% of nursing home (NH) residents need feeding assistance. Thus, it is important to promote specialised intervention and care by the NH staff for preventing AP. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: It is hypothesised that increasing the knowledge of NH staff regarding the best practices for preventing AP in older adults at risk of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) will improve outcomes such as quality of life, incidence of AP and mortality. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: The recommendations resulting from this study will address a current gap in healthcare practice of NH staff regarding older adults at increased risk for OD and, consequently, for AP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the aging population, finding solutions to retain optimal cognitive capacity is a research priority. The potential of physical activity to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and to enhance cognitive functioning is established. Combining physical with cognitive activity has been put forward as a potentially even more effective way to promote healthy cognitive aging. Most studies on combined interventions have however been conducted in laboratory settings. This paper reports on a two-phased pilot study evaluating the acceptability and feasibility of a newly developed real-life cognitively enriched walking program for adults aged 65+ years. In Phase I, the feasibility and enjoyability of the cognitive tasks was evaluated by conducting walk-along interviews with older adults (n = 163). In Phase II, the cognitively enriched walking program was piloted in two groups of older adults (n = 19), and the feasibility and acceptability of the program and cognitive tasks was evaluated by means of questionnaires and focus groups. The cognitive tasks (i.e., median scores of ≥3 on a total of 4 (Phase I) and ≥6 on a total of 10 (Phase II) for most of the tasks) and the cognitively enriched walking program (i.e., median scores of ≥7 on a total of 10) were considered feasible and acceptable. Based on the input of the participants, key considerations for a feasible and acceptable program were defined: participants should be sufficiently challenged cognitively and physically, social interaction is an important motivator, cognitive tasks should make use of stimuli reflecting daily life and be conducted in group, the rationale for the tasks should be explained to participants, the frequency of the group sessions should be maximum 2 times a week, and the program should be supervised by a trained coach. These results warrant future research to establish the effectiveness of this program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: By older adulthood, the majority of individuals will have experienced at least one traumatic event. Trauma-informed care (TIC) is proposed to improve effectivity of health-care provision and to reduce likelihood of services causing retraumatisation. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of staff training in TIC in older adult services. Design/methodology/approach: TIC training was delivered across eight Older Adult Community Mental Health Teams in the same UK organisation. Questionnaires were administered before and after training: a psychometrically robust measure, the Attitudes Related to Trauma-Informed Care, was used to assess TIC-related attitudes, and a service-developed scale was used to measure changes in TIC competence. Data was analysed using linear mixed effects modelling (LMM). Qualitative data regarding the impact of training was gathered one month after training through a free-text questionnaire. Findings: There were 45 participants, all of whom were white British. LMM on pre- and post-data revealed that staff training significantly increased competencies across all measured TIC domains. Overall, staff attitudes were also significantly more trauma-informed after training. Qualitatively, staff identified time as the only additional resource required to deliver the skills and knowledge gained from training. Practical implications: Training was found to be effective in increasing TIC-related skills and attitudes. Organisations aiming to become trauma-informed should consider staff training as one aspect of a wider development plan. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this paper is the first to examine TIC training for staff working in Older Adults Mental Health Services. Recommendations for services aiming to develop a trauma-informed culture have been provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe the perceptions that older people in Argentina have about the use of cell phones and to analyze their influence on user behavior. At the same time, it was intended to analyze whether sociodemographic factors influence these perceptions. Design/methodology/approach: The authors conducted a study with a non-experimental, cross-sectional and cross-correlational design; a non-probabilistic sample of 138 intentionally selected older people was chosen. Findings: The frequency and years of cell phone use, as well as the applications used, are influenced by the perceptions that older people have about cell phone use. In addition, it was found that age, gender and socio-educational level determine the perceptions that older people have about cell phone use. Originality/value: This research has implications for interventions aimed at improving older people's functional health. Understanding the perceptions of older people in relation to technology will enable the enhancement of its utility to foster an autonomous lifestyle and social integration in old age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a lack of evidence relating to cognitive‐communication difficulties following traumatic brain injury (TBI) sustained in older adulthood. A prominent area in which post‐TBI cognitive‐communication difficulties manifest is at the level of social communication. An investigation of social communication focusing on comparison of those injured in older and younger adulthood is a practical starting point for age‐related cognitive‐communication outcome comparison. Aims: The overall objective of this study was to explore the social communication of individuals who sustained severe TBI in an early period of older adulthood (50–70 years) compared to younger adulthood (18–40 years), as informed by self and close other reports. Methods & Procedures: This exploratory controlled group comparison study involved analysis of self‐reported and close other reported La Trobe Communication Questionnaire data for 22 adults with severe TBI (11 older at injury; 11 younger at injury) and 22 control participants (11 older; 11 younger). TBI participants were matched for injury variables and participant groups were matched for sex, age and education. Outcomes & Results: The close others of the older and younger adults with TBI reported them to have significantly more frequent difficulty with social communication than the close others of age‐matched control groups. Older adults with TBI reported significantly more frequent difficulty with social communication than uninjured older adults. In contrast, younger adults with TBI and uninjured younger adults reported a similar frequency of difficulty with social communication. No age‐based difference in the frequency of social communication difficulty was evident when comparing the self or close other reports of older and younger adults with TBI. Awareness of social communication difficulty, as indexed by comparing self and close other perceptions, showed a different pattern across the TBI groups. The older TBI group rated themselves as having significantly less frequent social communication difficulty than was perceived by their close others. In contrast, no statistically significant difference was evident between the self and close other social communication ratings of the younger TBI group. Conclusions and Implications: Where possible clinicians need to work with close communication partners to understand the nature and degree of social communication difficulty following severe TBI. This may be especially important when working with people who sustain TBI in older adulthood if future research shows that this population have greater difficulty with self‐awareness of social communication difficulty. What this paper adds: What is already known on the subject: Cognitive‐communication difficulties are a common consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can have long‐term impact on everyday functioning. These challenges have primarily been investigated in individuals who sustained TBI in younger adulthood. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: Individuals who sustain severe TBI in early older adulthood have a higher frequency of reported social communication difficulty to non‐injured adults of a similar age, albeit they may underreport such difficulties potentially in the context of reduced self‐awareness. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Social communication difficulty is an issue for people who sustain severe TBI in early older adulthood. However, a poorer overall social communication outcome in comparison to those injured in younger adulthood should not be assumed. Clinical service delivery for these challenges is most optimally delivered in a collaborative manner with the individual and their close others. Future research is required to investigate the identified trends from this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives: This study aims to propose a self‐management clusters classification method to determine the self‐management ability of elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) associated with diabetes mellitus (DM). Background: MCI associated with DM is a common chronic disease in old adults. Self‐management affects the disease progression of patients to a large extent. However, the comorbidity and patients' self‐management ability are heterogeneous. Design: A cross‐sectional study based on cluster analysis is designed in this paper. Method: The study included 235 participants. The diabetes self‐management scale is used to evaluate the self‐management ability of patients. SPSS 21.0 was used to analyse the data, including descriptive statistics, agglomerative hierarchical clustering with Ward's method before k‐means clustering, k‐means clustering analysis, analysis of variance and chi‐square test. Results: Three clusters of self‐management styles were classified as follows: Disease neglect type, life oriented type and medical dependence type. Among all participants, the percentages of the three clusters above are 9.78%, 32.77% and 57.45%, respectively. The difference between the six dimensions of each cluster is statistically significant. Conclusion(s): This study classified three groups of self‐management styles, and each group has its own self‐management characteristics. The characteristics of the three clusters may help to provide personalized self‐management strategies and delay the disease progression of MCI associated with DM patients. Relevance to clinical practice: Typological methods can be used to discover the characteristics of patient clusters and provide personalized care to improve the efficiency of patient self‐management to delay the progress of the disease. Patient or public contribution: In our study, we invited patients and members of the public to participate in the research survey and conducted data collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Everyday technology (ET) has been defined as the broad set of devices and artefacts that are currently present in people's lives both inside and outside of the home. A subgroup within ET is known as everyday information and communication technologies (EICTs). The main characteristic of these technologies is that they can facilitate or disrupt the engagement of individuals in their daily activities. This scoping review aims to identify what is known about how ET can function as facilitators or barriers to occupations, such as the social participation of older adults. The proposed scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines and checklist. The scoping review was conducted across five online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE and PsycoINFO [EBSCO]) to identify published, peer-reviewed records. Studies were screened by two independent reviewers against the inclusion criteria. This review considered studies concerning the use of ET or EICTs in community-dwelling adults aged over 60 years, with or without cognitive impairment or dementia. All of the articles were in English, and reviews were not included. Eleven papers were selected and showed that despite the increasing demand for technologies of daily life and the digitalization of society and processes, according to our research, few studies addressed the limitations in the social participation of older adults. In conclusion, ET can provide a way to promote and maintain the personal autonomy for older adults in community dwellings. However, cognitive impairment hinders the use of electronic technologies and increases perceived problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The global population is ageing rapidly and there is a need for strategies to promote health and wellbeing among older adults. Nutrition knowledge is a key predictor of dietary intake; therefore, effective educational programmes are urgently required to rectify poor dietary patterns. Digital health technologies provide a viable option for delivering nutrition education that is cost‐effective and widely accessible. However, few technologies have been developed to meet the unique needs and preferences of older adults. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore technology use among older adults and qualitatively determine the content needs and design preferences for an online nutrition education resource tailored to older adult consumers in Australia. Methods: Twenty adult participants aged 55 years and older (95% female) participated in one of four 2‐h participatory design workshops. In each workshop, prompted discussion questions were used to explore participants' technology use and preferences and to explore content needs and design preferences for an online nutrition education resource specific to older adults. Results: All participants were regularly using a range of different devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets and computers) and reported being comfortable doing so. Participants wanted a website that provided general nutrition information, practical advice and recipes. To enhance engagement, they sought a personalised resource that could be adjusted to suit their needs, included up‐to‐date information and allowed for easy sharing with others by exporting information as a PDF. Conclusions: Participatory design methods generate new knowledge for designing and tailoring digital health technologies to be appropriate and useful for the target audience. Specifically, older adults seek an online resource that has large and simple fonts with clear categories, providing them with practical advice and general nutrition information that can be personalised to suit their own needs and health concerns, with the option to export and print information into a paper‐based format. Patient or Public Contribution: Older adults actively participated in the development and evaluation process to generate ideas about potential features, functionalities, uses and practicalities of an online nutrition education resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This trial aimed to evaluate the effects of instrumental reminiscence therapy based on Roy's adaptation model on adaptation, life satisfaction and happiness in older people. Background: Reminiscence therapy is one of the nursing interventions that facilitates the adaptation of older people to the process of ageing. Design: The study utilized a pretest–posttest randomized controlled trial design. Methods: This study was conducted at two nursing homes in Northern Cyprus between April and June 2021. The trial comprised 34 participants. A descriptive information form, the Assessment Scale of Adaptation Difficulty for the Elderly, Life Satisfaction Index A and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire—Short Form were used for data collection. Results: Mean posttest scores obtained by the intervention group from the Assessment Scale of Adaptation Difficulty for the Elderly, Life Satisfaction Index A and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire—Short Form were significantly higher than their pretest scores (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the mean scores obtained by the intervention and control groups from the Assessment Scale of Adaptation Difficulty for the Elderly, Life Satisfaction Index A and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire—Short Form (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Instrumental reminiscence therapy based on Roy's adaptation model increased the levels of adaptation, life satisfaction and happiness in older people. Therefore, instrumental reminiscence therapy might be applied, integrated with the Roy's adaptation model. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Reminiscence therapy is generally applied to older adults with cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer's dementia.Studies have investigated whether there was a change in life satisfaction after receiving reminiscence therapy.Reminiscence therapy is mostly applied in 8–12 sessions. What this paper adds? This study shows that instrumental reminiscence therapy can be applied to healthy older adults without any cognitive health problems.Roy's adaptation model may be a guide to systematically categorize the instrumental reminiscence therapy sessions and the group activities.Enrichment of reminiscence therapy sessions with various group activities positively affected the adaptation, life satisfaction and happiness levels of older adults. The implications of this paper: This study reveals the importance of popularizing the use of instrumental reminiscence therapy and making it a routine nursing practice by nurses serving older people individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preserving older pedestrians' navigation skills in urban environments is a challenge for maintaining their quality of life. However, existing aids do not take into account older people's perceptual and cognitive declines nor their user experience, and they call upon sensory modalities that are already used during walking. The present study was aimed at comparing different guidance instructions using visual, auditory, and haptic feedback in order to identify the most efficient and best accepted one(s). Sixteen middle-age (non-retired) adults, 21 younger-old (young-retired) adults, and 21 older-old (old-retired) adults performed a navigation task in a virtual environment. The task was performed with visual feedback (directional arrows superimposed on the visual scenes), auditory feedback (sounds in the left/right ear), haptic feedback (vibrotactile information delivered by a wristband), combinations of different types of sensory feedback, or a paper map. The results showed that older people benefited from the sensory guidance instructions, as compared to the paper map. Visual and auditory feedbacks were associated with better performance and user experience than haptic feedback or the paper map, and the benefits were the greatest among the older-old participants, even though the paper-map familiarity was appreciated. Several recommendations for designing pedestrian navigation aids are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to explore and confirm the factor structure and item distribution of the Chinese version of Self‐care Ability Scale for the Elderly among older Chinese people. Methods: A cluster random sampling method was used to collect 2856 older people from five different cities of China from July 2018 to July 2019. A questionnaire comprised of socio‐demographic information and the Chinese version of the Self‐care Ability Scale for the Elderly was administered, and SPSS 21.0 and Mplus 7.4 were used for analyses. Results: Participants were aged 60 to 92 years, with a mean age of 71.52 (SD = 7.68) years. In the Exploratory Factor Analysis, the three‐factor structure and item distribution of the Chinese version of the Self‐care Ability Scale for the Elderly were verified to be better than other options. The factor loadings varied from 0.428 to 0.800, and the communality values ranged from 0.426 to 0.792. The modified model showed a good fit in the Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Conclusion: The Chinese version of the Self‐care Ability Scale for the Elderly has a clear three‐factor structure and a good item distribution. It serves as a convenient and accurate assessment tool to assess the self‐care ability of older Chinese people. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Assessing self‐care ability plays a significant role in the care of older people.The Chinese version of the Self‐care Ability Scale for the Elderly is often used to assess the self‐care ability of older people in China but whilst it has good reliability and content validity, its factor structure and item distribution are not clearly explained in recent literature.Solid evidence on the factor analysis of the Chinese version of the Self‐care Ability Scale for the Elderly is needed to maintain a high standard of health care assessment for the older Chinese people. What this paper adds? We confirmed that the Chinese version of the Self‐care Ability Scale for the Elderly has a clear three‐factor structure and item distribution.The Chinese version of the Self‐care Ability Scale for the Elderly can now be used as the study confirmed its validity and reliability. The implications of this paper: The instrument can be effective in older Chinese people to identify their self‐care support needs and thereby to enable provision of opportunities to implement appropriate nursing care.Health care professionals can use this instrument to assess the alterations in self‐care ability of older Chinese people after particular interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to understand the emotional patterns of senior citizens when they digitally transact online and how the personality trait of neuroticism can be a vital part of being susceptible to fraud. The authors identify with the cognitive aspect of fear as a vista of neuroscience and behavioural finance in digital banking in today's banking 5.0 where consumer centricity stands as one of the pillars of the Digital Payment Index of RBI. Design/methodology/approach: This study is empirical and investigative in nature. Primary data has been collected through online questionnaires (via Google Forms) and the interview method to understand the phenomenology of fear and incidents related to becoming victims of fraud and its propensity. Findings: The results exhibit that fear and emotional patterns do affect vulnerability and have a long-lasting psychological impact and susceptivity towards digital frauds. Practical implications: Fear as an emotion is used to understand the emotional expressive patterns of senior citizens as consumers of digital banking. The OCEAN model is one of the widely used personality models at the global level. This research study helps in highlighting the nuances linked to the behavioural and cognitive part of fear in digital crime. Originality/value: This research will be beneficial to reduce the susceptibility towards fraud from a behavioural perspective in the usage of digital banking and evaluate solutions for senior citizens to mitigate and cope up with the pressures and perils associated with digital frauds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vitamin D is associated not only with effects on calcium and bone metabolisms but also with many chronic diseases. Low vitamin D levels in patients with Alzheimer's disease have been widely reported in the literature. Aim: The purpose of this study was to critically review the potential benefit of vitamin D supplementation in individuals with Alzheimer's disease living in the community. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for papers published 2011–2018. Results: Seven papers were selected, consisting of one clinical trial, five cohort studies and one systematic review. Studies showed an association only between vitamin D deficiency and lower attention in older people. None of the reviewed studies provided evidence of a positive impact of vitamin D supplementation on cognitive function in older people with Alzheimer's disease. Conclusion: There was no evidence that vitamin D supplementation has a direct benefit for Alzheimer's disease. The review synthesised the existing body of knowledge and concluded that optimum levels of vitamin D (neither too low nor too high) do appear to have positive effects on patient outcomes and quality of life. It is still unclear why vitamin D intake is inadequate as people age. Further research is needed to clarify vitamin-D-related aspects of Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aims to explore the relationship between regular exercise, social support and depression in community‐dwelling older people and find out the predictors of depression. Methods: Cross‐sectional and correlation designs were used. The participants were recruited from August to October in 2020. The STROBE was used as a checklist for this study. Results: The study found that female gender, older age, poor sleep quality, irregular exercise and low social support were the main predictors of depression among the community‐dwelling older people. Conclusion: It is suggested that healthcare professionals motivate the older people to exercise regularly in the community using individualized exercise routines designed according to their physical conditions such as different types, frequencies and intensity of exercise. Providing social support to each other at the community care site should be encouraged, and regular assessment of the mental health of community‐dwelling older people should be done. It is also recommended to organize a timely depression‐related education course for older people in the community. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? In older people depression can lead to further physical and psychological problems. What this paper adds? This study provides information about regular exercise, social support and depression in community‐dwelling older people.Female gender, older age, poor sleep quality, irregular exercise and low social support were the main predictors of depression among these community‐dwelling older people. The implications of this paper for policy/practice/research/education It is suggested that healthcare professionalss motivate older people to exercise regularly in the community care site using individualized exercise routines designed according to their physical condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To explore loneliness, in association with frailty, in explaining the quality of life (QOL) of empty‐nest older adults in rural China. Design A cross‐sectional questionnaire survey was conducted. Methods: Data collection was performed from June to August 2017 in Changchun, the capital city of Jilin province, which consists of seven districts and three counties. In total, 304 older adults aged 60 years and above participated. The characteristics of older adults were evaluated in terms of frailty status, loneliness and the QOL. One‐way and two‐way analyses of covariance and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves were used to explore the relationships of frailty, loneliness and the QOL. Results: The one‐way ANCOVA showed a significant difference among robust, prefrail and frail participants for loneliness. Moreover, an interaction effect of frailty with loneliness in determining the QOL was found. The receiver operating characteristic curves showed that loneliness and QOL could distinguish frail older adults, and the best cutoffs were 34.5 and 67.4, respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a close relationship between frailty and loneliness, suggesting the need to simultaneously consider the two with regard to the QOL of empty‐nest older adults in rural China. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? There were no studies examining the associations of frailty and loneliness with QOL or the cut‐point of the loneliness and QOL scores to reflect frailty.Few studies have revealed an association between loneliness and frailty. These studies focus mainly on older adults living in the community, and none consider the relationship between mental status and the frailty of empty nesters. What this paper adds? This study determined that frailty, loneliness and the QOL had a close relationship in empty nesters. There was a significant interaction among frailty, loneliness and the quality of life.Loneliness and the QOL could distinguish frail older adults, and the best cutoffs were 34.5 and 67.4, respectively. The implications of this paper? This study can enable governments and communities to pay attention to the psychological status of empty‐nest individuals while paying attention to their psychological problems, such as loneliness, to help them improve their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A decline in fertility rate and expansion in life span has resulted in the growth in the percentage of aged populations in the whole world. India and Odisha are no exceptions. Objectives: The objective of the present paper is to find out the incidence of functional ability/inability among the aged people of the rural areas of western Odisha of India. Materials and Methods: Katz Scale of ADL was used to assess the functional ability of elderly people. Six activities of daily living such as (Bathing, Dressing, Toilet, Mobility, Continence, and Feeding) were analyzed as per age and sex of the samples. Results: Of all the samples (1992), 98.5 percent are physically independent and only 1.4 percent are physically dependent. Out of 945 female elderly people, 931 (98.1%) are independent and out of 1047 male elderly people 1033 (98.6%) are independent. The physical dependency of females is more with a χ² -- value of 0.075 and p -- value of 0.466. The age group wise χ² -- value is 20.899 (3) and p -- value of 0.001. Conclusion: Lesser physical dependency is found among the elderly people in rural areas. An increase in dependency is seen with the increase in age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimization of the human-centeredness of technological innovations – policy digitalization - has exceedingly proliferated in most policy sectors. Yet, a few studies exist on the implications of digital policy tools in realizing social protection policies for older people, particularly in Africa. This paper discusses this issue. It examines data on the 'digital capabilities' of older persons and how digital technologies impact their usage and access to social safety net programs in Kenya, where digital policy tools like mHealth and e-Payment platforms are used to realize them. The data collection involved interviews with 81 respondents between 65-90 years of age (individuals targeted by social safety net programs and Social Protection officers). Findings show a need for more robust and policy target-sensitive efforts and budget allocation to overcome policy digitalization challenges, especially those arising from structural governance inequalities or older people's capability deficits that underpin digital transformation pathways for different policy targets. Most older people in rural areas have negative attitudes and low user digital capabilities toward digital services. This is partly due to a range of challenges from infrastructural deficiencies, low access to internet resources to inadequate policy communication around digital tools. However, higher digital capabilities of policy targets and positive societal attitudes toward digital platforms could improve effective 'public policy digitalization' with more targeted investments and user-sensitive designs in place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to examine the predictive potential of elder abuse on welfare status of older persons in selected districts in Southwestern Uganda. Design/methodology/approach: The study took a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical design. Using a sample of 285 respondents, data were obtained from 201 usable questionnaires collected from caregivers and officials relating with older persons in this area making it a response rate of 70.5%. Using statistical program for social scientists (SPSS), the researchers tested and analyzed six hypotheses. Findings: Results indicate that physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse and neglect negatively and significantly predicted welfare status. Though negatively related, social abuse and sexual abuse did not significantly predict welfare status. Practical implications: Family members and caregivers must make practices that do not promote physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse and neglect as these negatively affect the welfare status of elderly persons. District officials such as community development officers and other persons handling older persons need to implement policies that promote the welfare status of the elderly. Originality/value: The study demonstrates that the existence of physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse and neglect is a deterrent to older person's welfare status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research emphasizes the importance of well-being in old age and its association with positive mental and physical health at earlier stages of aging during midlife. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy has the potential to support positive aging processes. This study examines the feasibility and acceptability of a new unguided eHealth ACT module in a population from 40 years onwards. Data were collected at two measurement points in time (before and after completion of the ACT module). In total, 313 participants (range = 40–75 years; mean(SD) = 54 years (8.3); 76% female) had 8 weeks access to the ACT module and responded to the feasibility questionnaire, upon completion of the module. Logged data (time spent online per session and in total, number of attended sessions) was also analyzed. Of the respondents, 76% reported a completion rate of 75%–100%. On average, 3.5 h (SD = 6.4) per week were spent on the module and practicing the ACT skills. The mean evaluation of the module was 7.4 (SD = 1.2, range = 1–10). Approximately 80% of the participants rated each session as (very) good. Absence of guidance was marked as a limitation. The results indicate good feasibility and acceptance of this unguided eHealth module. This is a promising result as this is, to our knowledge, the first study applying an eHealth ACT module to the general population in the context of positive aging. The effectiveness results will be addressed in a future paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has found that music brings back more vivid and emotional autobiographical memories than various other retrieval cues. However, such studies have often been low in ecological validity and constrained by relatively limited cue selection and predominantly young adult samples. Here, we compared music to food as cues for autobiographical memories in everyday life in young and older adults. In two separate four‐day periods, 39 younger (ages 18–34) and 39 older (ages 60–77) adults recorded their music‐ and food‐evoked autobiographical memories in paper diaries. Across both age groups, music triggered more frequent autobiographical memories, a greater proportion of involuntary memories, and memories rated as more personally important in comparison to food cues. Age differences impacted music‐ and food‐evoked memories similarly, with older adults consistently recalling older and less specific memories, which they rated as more positive, vivid, and rehearsed. However, young and older adults did not differ in the number or involuntary nature of their recorded memories. This work represents an important step in understanding the phenomenology of naturally occurring music‐evoked autobiographical memories across adulthood and provides new insights into how and why music may be a more effective trigger for personally valued memories than certain other everyday cues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to share a practical evaluation tool intended to guide and support the participation of older people in PAR projects. Participatory action research (PAR) studies with older adults have been increasing over the past ten years. Scientific evidence provides key principles for PAR projects to achieve meaningful participation by older people; however, respecting the ideals of PAR is not always straightforward. Design/methodology/approach: This paper presents a case study that evaluated the involvement of nonacademic researchers in a PAR project using an evaluation tool derived from a literature review of PAR undertaken with this population (Corrado et al., 2020). The study goals were first to assess the assets and limits of the older co-researchers' participation within the PAR project, and second to provide a revised version of the evaluation tool to support future PAR with older people. First, the authors designed an evaluation tool for nonacademic participation in PAR studies by older people that covers three main themes: older people positioned as prominent research partners; symmetrical power relations between academic and nonacademic researchers; and commitment regarding inclusiveness and long-term collaboration. Second, the authors performed an evaluation using this tool within the Active Aging with Dignity PAR Project. Findings: Third, the authors used the results of this experiment to suggest improvements for an enhanced version of the evaluation tool aiming at supporting fuller involvement of older nonacademic researchers in PAR studies. Originality/value: To the authors' knowledge, this evaluative tool is a methodological innovation in gerontology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the effects of social support on the mental health of older adults in different age groups in China, and to provide reference for the development of social support policies to promote the mental health of older adults in China. This paper uses a random sampling method to conduct a questionnaire survey of 3,000 older adults aged 60 years or older in Nanjing and a dichotomous logistic regression model for empirical analysis. The two dimensions of mental health and social adjustment were used to measure the mental health status of the elderly. The results showed that the overall mental health status of the elderly in Nanjing city was more optimistic, and the nonempty nesters with male gender, higher education level, and partners were generally healthier; objective and subjective support had significant positive effects on the mental health of middle and high aged elderly, while the utilization of support had more significant effects on the health of low-aged elderly. This paper proposes that government departments should develop a localized elderly support system and social support policies adapted to the actual situation in Nanjing according to the quantitative distribution and demand characteristics of the mental health of elderly people in different age groups. The study is structured as follows: the second part contains data sources and statistical methods. The third part is the analysis of empirical results. The fourth part is the discussion and conclusion part of the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Elders' disability severity and caregiver health could predict elders' informal care time, but the mechanism by which the degree of disability in the elderly affects informal care time is unclear. Aim: The aim of this works is to explore the mediating roles of caregiver health and home‐based care quality between disability severity of elders and informal care time in far north‐western low‐income areas in China. Method: From September 2017 to February 2018, three hundred fifty‐two dyads of Kazakh disabled elders and informal caregivers in Xinjiang were interviewed. Structural equation modelling analyses were applied. Results: Significant positive correlations were observed between elders' disability severity and informal care time, caregiver health and informal care time, elders' disability severity and caregiver health. Significant negative correlations were observed between home‐based care quality and informal care time, elders' disability severity and home‐based care quality, caregiver health and home‐based care quality. Elders' disability severity had 71.94% direct effect on informal care time, 28.06% indirect effect on informal care time mediated by home‐based care quality and caregiver health. Conclusion: Caregiver health and home‐based care quality play mediating roles on the path relationship between the elders' disability severity and informal care time. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Elders' disability severity and caregiver health are critical factors that affect informal care time.The mechanism by which the degree of disability in the elderly affects informal care time is unclear. What this paper adds? Elders' disability severity is positively associated with caregiver health and negatively associated with home‐based care quality.The better home‐based care quality, the shorter the informal care time.Disabled elders' severity degree had a direct effect on informal care time and indirect effects on informal care time mediated by caregiver health and home‐based care quality. The implications of this paper: Community nurses, doctors and health care teams should provide medical services, nursing skills and knowledge for the dyads of disabled elders and informal caregivers and should provide emotional support for other family members to enable growth of the entire family in the process of long‐term care and to reduce informal care time.The government should attach great importance to the informal care time for disabled elders and propose specific informal care time cost compensation policies based on path relationships that influence informal care time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile technology is a promising educational platform for chronic disease management. Patients with heart failure (HF) have high rates of hospitalization and complications. The goal of the current cross-sectional study was to determine if middle-aged and older adults were using or willing to use technology for HF education and self-management. A convenience sample of 37 patients with HF were recruited from an outpatient HF clinic. Participants were asked to complete a 23-item paper survey. Male participants comprised 59.5% of the sample and 54.1% of the sample reported being age ≥65. Most participants (60%) described using text messaging and FacebookMobile technology is a promising educational platform for chronic disease management. Patients with heart failure (HF) have high rates of hospitalization and complications. The goal of the current cross-sectional study was to determine if middle-aged and older adults were using or willing to use technology for HF education and self-management. A convenience sample of 37 patients with HF were recruited from an outpatient HF clinic. Participants were asked to complete a 23-item paper survey. Male participants comprised 59.5% of the sample and 54.1% of the sample reported being age ≥65. Most participants (60%) described using text messaging and Facebook®, 78.3% reported believing technology could help with HF management, and 70.3% of participants indicated willingness to use technology. Findings indicate that incorporating mobile technology into HF education and self-management is of interest to middle-aged and older adults. These findings have important implications for designing HF patient education programs. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 45(11), 30–38.]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Writing formats have expanded beyond the pen to include new technologies, particularly in this era of immediate digital communication. Rehabilitation professionals are not routinely incorporating writing formats using technology, such as texting, keyboard, or tablet interfaces when evaluating and treating adult writing disorders. The purpose of this study was to obtain normative baseline information about the writing behaviors of typical adults across generations. A total of 199 respondents, ages 18–106, provided data on rating importance of format, frequency of use, and ranking of writing activities. Findings indicated that the importance of technology for communication, learning, and work activities exists across the generations (except the centenarian). Written forms of enjoyment, such as crossword puzzles, song lyrics, and story writing, were meaningful to younger as well as older generations. Obtaining client perspectives on writing activities and formats that are personally relevant and meaningful can help the clinician create a more client-based program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older adult education is still under-researched, with many terminological ambiguities, clichés, and prejudices. Older adult teacher education and older adult English as a foreign language (EFL) teacher education is rare. Many factors can influence EFL teachers of older adults' teaching performance and its perception. Pre-service (presumably inexperienced U3A EFL teachers) and in-service teachers (experienced U3A EFL) were teaching EFL to selected older adults (aged from 64 to 75 years) at the Karkonosze University of Applied Sciences in Jelenia Góra, Poland, U3A. Their teaching Older adult education is still under-researched, with many terminological ambiguities, clichés, and prejudices. Older adult teacher education and older adult English as a foreign language (EFL) teacher education is rare. Many facting performance factors list. By utilizing a critical foreign language geragogy and a strengths-based approach inspired by positive psychology, the research emphasized the role of general teaching experience and/or age-targeted teaching experience. And it led to validating the desirable teaching performance factors as factors that defined U3A EFL teaching performance as successful and positively evaluated by given older adult learners, i.e. on a small scale. Based on a qualitative comparative exploratory study, the paper analyses how to approach teaching EFL to older adult learners at a University of the Third Age(U3A). It aimed to design a desirable U3A EFL teaching performance and to validate it on a small scale. It focused mainly on what role teaching experience and official educational study path play. A comparison is made between pre-service (presumably non-experienced U3A EFL teachers) and in-service teachers' (experienced U3A EFL teachers) teaching performance at one selected U3A EFL course and its attendees (aged 64 to 75 years). The study revealed that positively perceived (and successful) teaching performance needs to involve, among others, the following factors: establishing a friendly atmosphere, adjusting materials to the target group and the tempo, becoming partners with learners, and being sensitive to their limitations and barriers and respectful to their wishes and needs. However, within researched countries, pre-service teachers are not being prepared to teach older adults in their formal education path. The teachers' experience plays high role in the ability to adapt and adjust, however the foreign language enjoyment perceived by older adults is universal. It was perceived at both variants, i.e. at pre- as well as in-service teachers' teaching performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Informed by existing gaps in the research of elder abuse and neglect (EAN) outcomes and very limited knowledge from Central-European cultural contexts, this paper analyzes the link between domestic-based EAN and three measures of well-being, namely subjective loneliness, sense of control over one's life, and a broader outlook on life. To do this, we used recently (2022) collected EAN survey fielded among home-dwelling residents of the Czech Republic aged 65 +. The results show that there is a clear relationship between EAN and these selected outcomes. Controlling for several sets of potential modifying or confounding factors further indicates that this relationship is substantial and direct, rather than weak and indirect. Among controls, only variables related to disadvantage (health, income, dependency, history of abuse) partly account for the link between EAN and its outcomes due to their relation to both heightened risk of EAN and lower well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study presents results of our randomized clinical trial studying the effect of human probiotics on memory and psychological and physical measures following our study protocol registered at clinicaltrials.gov NCT05051501 and described in detail in our previous paper. Methods: Community dwelling participants aged between 55 and 80 years were randomly assigned to receive a single dose of 106 colony-forming units of human Streptococcus thermophilus GH, Streptococcus salivarius GH NEXARS, Lactobacilus plantarum GH, and Pediococcus pentosaceus GH or placebo. A cross-over design allowed each group to receive probiotics and placebo for 3 months each in reverse order. A small subset of participants was examined online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After 6 months a small number of volunteers were additionally assessed after 2 months without any intervention. Primary outcome measures included changes in cognitive functions assessed using brief tests and a neuropsychological battery and changes in mood assessed using validated questionnaires. Secondary outcome measures included changes in self-report and subjective measures using depression and anxiety questionnaires, seven visual analog scales of subjective feelings (memory, digestion, etc.), and physical performance. Results: At baseline, the probiotic-placebo group A (n = 40, age 69 ± 7 years, education 16 ± 3 years, 63% females, body mass index 28.5 ± 6, subjective memory complaint in 43%) did not differ from the placebo-probiotic group B (n = 32) in any of the sociodemographic characteristics and evaluated measures including cognitive status. At follow-up visits after 3, 6, and 8 months, no cross-sectional differences in any of the measures were found between the groups except worse sentence recall of the ALBA test after 3 months of probiotic use. Score changes were not observed for all cognitive tests but one in any group between visits 1 and 3 and between visits 3 and 6. The only change was observed for the TMT B test after the first three months but no change was observed after the second three months. Conclusion: The treatment with human probiotics and prebiotics did not improve cognitive, affective, or physical measures in community-dwelling individuals with normal or mildly impaired cognitive functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has suggested that older trans and gender non-conforming (TGNC) people may face particular challenges related to stigma, social exclusion and discrimination in later life. However, direct data on social support and needs in older TGNC population both internationally and within the UK is limited due to the small, dispersed nature of this population, and the absence of specific data collection on aging TGNC populations. During the UK COVID-19 lockdown in summer 2020, older people and those with long-term health conditions were advised to adopt particular precautions. This study aimed to explore older TGNC people's social support networks, key concerns and unmet needs during the COVID-19 'lockdown'. A UK cross-sectional survey of LGBT + people aged 60+ (n = 375) was undertaken during the lockdown. This paper analyses responses from the subset (n = 38) of TGNC participants. The majority of TGNC respondents described diverse social networks, often centered around friends and non-kin social networks, although partners and adult children were also significant for some. In most cases, those with existing strong networks continued to maintain social connections during lockdown, albeit with some regrets about loss of activities and face-to-face connection. However, a minority of respondents had experienced greater challenges prior to lockdown, and may have been at increased vulnerability during the pandemic, for example indicating that they had no-one to call on for practical support in an emergency. When asked about unmet needs and challenges, social isolation was repeatedly raised as the most frequent concern. Several respondents also mentioned issues specifically affecting TGNC communities, including access to gender affirming care and a perceived rise in social intolerance. Health and social care providers should be aware of the diversity of support networks within TGNC communities. There may also be benefits in community sector interventions to help older TGNC build and maintain strong social networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This paper examines the longitudinal effects of changes in the association between loneliness and depressive symptoms during the pandemic among older adults (65+). Methods Baseline (2011–2015) and Follow-up 1 (2015–2018) from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), and the Baseline and Exit waves of the CLSA COVID-19 study (April–December, 2020) (n = 12,469) were used. Loneliness was measured using the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale and depression using the CES_D- 9. Results Loneliness is associated with depressive symptoms pre-pandemic; and changes in level of loneliness between FUP1 and the COVID Exit survey, adjusting for covariates. No interaction between loneliness and caregiving, and with multimorbidity, on depressive symptoms were observed, and several covariates exhibited associations with depressive symptoms. Discussion Strong support is found for an association between loneliness on depressive symptoms among older adults during the pandemic. Public health approaches addressing loneliness could reduce the burden of depression on older populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary: What is known on the subject: Nurses working at nursing homes can play a pivotal role in mental health as a high proportion of residents diagnosed with dementia are in these facilities.Many institutionalized residents diagnosed with dementia develop clinical complications and symptoms that reduce the quality of dying.A mixed‐methods approach can help nurses with the difficult task of assessing the quality of dying among these residents and identify inconsistencies that cannot be found using scales alone, but no studies were found in this topic. What the paper adds to existing knowledge: Through the Quality of dying in Long‐Term Care Scale (QoD‐LTC), nurses described symptom management, quality of care, and end‐of‐life appearance as adequate and end‐of‐life communication as lacking.Generally speaking, the scores on the scale were consistent with the data from semi‐structured interviews conducted with nurses.In the semi‐structured interviews, some of the concepts on the scale, including 'dignity', 'holistic' care, 'good relationships with healthcare professionals', and 'a peaceful death', are complex and not fully incorporated into nurses' practice in nursing homes when assessing residents diagnosed with dementia. This could be improved by using the SENSES Model or person‐centred care frameworks. What are the implications for practice?: There is evidence of shortcomings among professionals in the correct use of concepts linked to psychological wellbeing, communication, therapeutic relationship, safety and participation, preservation of dignity, decision‐making, and resident autonomy, which can be addressed using specific theoretical approaches developed in the field of mental health nursing. Introduction: The complex nature of end‐of‐life assessment of individuals diagnosed with dementia would benefit from a mixed‐methods approach that simultaneously assess the perception and response of nurses to standardized tools. Aim/Question: To examine nursing professionals' perceptions of the quality of dying among residents diagnosed with dementia using the Quality of Dying in Long‐Term Care settings (QoD‐LTC) questionnaire and to identify consistencies and inconsistencies in their narratives. Method: Mixed‐methods study using concurrent triangulation with data integration for results and interpretation. Nurses from eight nursing homes assessed 117 residents diagnosed with dementia who died in the previous 3 months using the QoD‐LTC scale. After informed consent was obtained (nurses/caregivers), 17 semi‐structured scale‐based interviews were conducted. Results: Symptom management, quality of care, and end‐of‐life appearance were found to be adequate, while end‐of‐life communication was deemed insufficient. The qualitative and quantitative data were consistent for most of the items on the QoD‐LTC. Discussion: Concepts such as dignity, holistic care, good relationships, and peaceful death are complex and not fully incorporated into professional practice. Implications for Practice: The results highlight the need for greater involvement of mental health nurses as well as improved communication, training, and specific tools tailored to residents diagnosed with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes why older adults begin, continue, and discontinue group- and home-based falls prevention exercise and benefits and barriers to participation. Telephone surveys were used to collect data for 394 respondents. Most respondents reported not participating in group- (66%) or home-based (78%) falls prevention exercise recently. Reasons for starting group-based falls prevention exercise include health benefits (23–39%), health professional recommendation (13–19%), and social interaction (4–16%). They discontinued because the program finished (44%) or due to poor health (20%). Commonly reported benefits were social interaction (41–67%) and health (15–31%). Disliking groups was the main barrier (2–14%). Home-based falls prevention exercise was started for rehabilitation (46–63%) or upon health professional recommendation (22–48%) and stopped due to recovery (30%). Improvement in health (18–46%) was the main benefit. These findings could assist health professionals in prescribing group-based falls prevention exercise by considering characteristics of older adults who perceive social interaction to be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In order to understand the digital divide among older adults during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, we investigated the association between internet use and compliance with COVID‐19 preventive behaviors during the first state of emergency in Japan. Methods: A total of 8952 community‐dwelling citizens aged 75 years and above were asked about their preventive behaviors during the first state of emergency using a paper‐based questionnaire. Among them, 51% responded and were divided into internet users and non‐users. We used multivariable logistic regression models to estimate the adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of internet use for compliance with preventive behaviors. Results: Approximately 40% of the respondents used the internet, and 9.29% used social media to collect COVID‐19‐related information. Internet usage was independently associated with compliance with using hand sanitizers, avoiding going out, avoiding eating out, avoiding traveling, getting vaccinated, and getting tested for COVID‐19; the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.21 (1.05–1.38), 1.19 (1.04–1.37), 1.20 (1.05–1.38), 1.32 (1.15–1.52), 1.30 (1.11–1.53), and 1.23 (1.07–1.41), respectively. Exploratory subgroup analyses demonstrated that social media users might have shown early adaptation to newly recommended preventive behaviors during the first state of emergency. Conclusions: Results suggest that a digital divide exists, as evidenced by the varied compliance with preventive behaviors depending on internet use. Additionally, social media use may be associated with early adaptation to newly recommended preventive behaviors. Therefore, future studies regarding the digital divide among older adults should investigate differences depending on the types and content of internet resources. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 289–296. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the change and associated factors of care needs within 6 months post‐discharge in older people with hospital‐associated disability, and the relationship between time‐varying care needs and physical function. Background: Older people with hospital‐associated disability will have various care needs post‐discharge. Understanding their care needs will help to improve their health. However, studies on this population are still limited. Design: A longitudinal study. Methods: The older people who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected in 2 tertiary hospitals in Zhejiang Province, China. The questionnaire survey method was used to collect data about socio‐demographic characteristics, physical function and care needs. The data of 375 older people who completed follow‐up were analysed using logistic regression analysis, generalised estimating equations and generalised additive mixed model. We followed STROBE checklist for reporting the study. Results: The care needs of the older people with hospital‐associated disability declined unevenly, it decreased rapidly in the first three months, and then flattening out. The percentage of people with care needs in each dimension decreased over time, but daily care and rehabilitation needs were consistently more important. Socio‐demographic factors and physical function had different effects on need at different time points, the physical function was the main factor among them. There were non‐linear relationships between the physical function and different care needs with different inflection points. Conclusion: This research revealed change patterns of the care needs of older people with hospital‐associated disability post‐discharge and the non‐linear relationship between physical function and care needs. These findings may help healthcare professionals and caregivers to provide accurate care. Relevance to clinical practice: The findings can be used to identify effective approaches to address the care needs of older people with hospital‐associated disability based on the time of discharge, in conjunction with age, education, and especially physical function, which will promote the justify allocation of nursing resources. What does this paper contribute to the wider global clinical community? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of socially assistive robots (SARs) to enable older adults (aged ≥65 years) to live independently for as long as possible has been researched for several years. Of particular interest is the way SARs can combat loneliness. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted with 61 older adults in living facilities in Berlin, Germany. Paper-based questionnaires were used to elicit experiences of loneliness and determine the level of acceptance of SARs. Mean score (39.3) of the loneliness scale was in the average range for this population. Mean score (56.1) of acceptance of SARs was on a moderate level. Regression analyses showed that loneliness did not influence the acceptance of SARs by older adults in the sample, which was contrary to findings in the literature. Further studies might generate more accurate data and accelerate the development of robots to make them more attractive for social purposes. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(4), 21–26.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Kyphosis is a prevalent condition in older women that can significantly impact their mobility. Various therapeutic approaches and modalities can be used to treat hyperkyphosis. Cervicothoracic fascia stretching reduces kyphotic angle, decreases cervical pain, and improves various dimensions of thoracic mobility. Purpose of the study. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the cervicothoracic fascia stretch on the thoracic mobility of older women. Subjects and methods. Sixty older women with non-specific neck discomfort, whose ages ranged from 60 to 70, were recruited from the outpatient clinics at Heliopolis University. The recruited patients were randomly divided into two groups of equal numbers of subjects: Group A included 30 patients who underwent cervicothoracic fascia stretching, and 30 patients were included in Group B who underwent diaphragmatic breathing exercises three times a week for four weeks. The neck pain was assessed utilizing the Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPAD), while thoracic kyphosis was assessed utilizing a flexion curve ruler. Moreover, thoracic circumference excursion was measured using tape, while transverse and latero-lateral dimensions of the thorax were assessed using a chest depth caliper. Results. The comparison between pre- and post-study results showed a significant enhancement in all measured variables, including neck pain, thoracic circumference, chest width dimension, chest depth dimension, and kyphotic angle in both groups. Our findings indicated a statistically significant decrease in neck pain and kyphotic angle. Conversely, there was a statistically significant increase in thoracic circumference and chest width dimension for the cervicothoracic stretch group after treatment. Conclusions. Both interventions, such as intrathoracic fascia stretch and diaphragmatic breathing exercises exhibited extraordinary effectiveness in the management of reduced thoracic mobility and neck pain in older women with better results in favor of cervicothoracic stretch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to explore the protective factors and underlying mechanisms associated with loneliness and psychological distress among older Chinese adults within the framework of a longitudinal design. This investigation specifically focused on the mediating role of attitudes toward own aging (ATOA) in the relationship between social support and the experience of loneliness and psychological distress (comprising depression, anxiety, and stress) amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. A cohort of 345 elderly individuals (mean age = 83.84 years, standard deviation = 8.49 years; 55.1% females) participated in this research endeavor. The participants were required to complete self-report instruments measuring their perceived levels of social support at Time 1 (T1), attitudes towards own aging, ATOA at Time 2 (T2), and their experiences of loneliness, and psychological distress (including depression, anxiety, and stress) at T1 and Time 3 (T3). The data collection timeline encompassed baseline data collection at T1 in September 2020, a subsequent six-month follow-up at T2 in March 2021, and a one-year follow up at T3 in September 2021. The findings of this investigation unveiled a negative predictive relationship between social support at T1 and psychological distress (encompassing depression, anxiety, and stress) at T3. Furthermore, it was discerned that ATOA at T2 acted as a mediating mechanism, elucidating the longitudinal association between social support at T1 and the manifestation of loneliness and psychological distress (including depression, anxiety, and stress) at T3. The discussion section of this paper delves into an exploration of the limitations and implications inherent in these conclusions, particularly concerning their relevance to potential intervention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing focus in aged care policy is supporting older people to age at home. However, there is little recognition of the health and independence of older private renters living in a space they do not own or control. This paper draws on in-depth interviews and assessments undertaken in the homes of 27 older tenants in the Brisbane environs aiming to understand how renting privately influenced their ability to meet their basic needs. An analysis of the findings highlights the disadvantage experienced by many older private renters. Most older private renters were unable to meet their basic needs given unaffordable rent whilst reliant on the aged pension. Further, with limited access to community aged care including home modifications, the health and independence of older private renters was found to be at risk. IMPLICATIONS Community aged care is difficult for older private renters to utilise in Australia, with unaffordable services and tenancy law limiting access to community aged care services including home modifications. It is vital social workers advocate for the community aged care needs of older private renters in practice and policy settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social support has a positive impact on quality of life (QoL) in neurotypical older adults and young autistic adults, but the association for older autistic adults is unclear. Autistic adults (n = 388; mean age = 40–83 years) were recruited via Simons Powering Autism Research for Knowledge (SPARK) Research Match. Participants completed questionnaires online querying demographic information, depression, and anxiety symptomatology, QoL (physical, psychological, social, environmental, and autism-specific) and social support (instrumental, subjective, and social interactions). Regression analyses examined whether different aspects of social support contributed to models explaining each domain of QoL. Models explaining QoL were significant. Subjective social support significantly contributed to the models for all aspects of QoL; social interactions contributed to the models for Physical and Psychological QoL, whereas instrumental support contributed to models for social, environmental and autism-specific QoL. Social support is an important contributor to the QoL of middle-aged and older autistic adults, after accounting for demographic factors and depression. Further studies are required to understand whether age-related changes in social support and QoL are the same for autistic as non-autistic older adults in order to identify and implement appropriate support. Social support can take many forms, such as practical help, time spent socially with others, or the satisfaction with personal relationships. Social support is known to affect quality of life (QoL) in both non-autistic older and autistic young adults. QoL reflects how satisfied an individual is with their life either overall or in a certain area. We know little about middle-aged and older autistic adults' experiences of social support or QoL. In this study, 388 adults aged 40–83 years old, completed online questionnaires asking about background such as age and sex, depression and anxiety symptoms, QoL (physical, psychological, social, environmental, and autism-specific), and different types of social support. Even after taking into account background, depression, and anxiety, social support was important for individuals' QoL. To our knowledge this is the first paper to examine the relationship between social support and QoL in middle-aged and older autistic adults. Improving social support may have a significant impact on the QoL of older autistic adults. Future studies should examine whether age-related changes in social support (size, content, and arrangement of social networks) that are common in non-autistic aging, also occur among older autistic adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY STATEMENT: What is already known about this topic? The population is ageing rapidly and consistently worldwide.Health‐promoting behaviours are crucial in enabling older adults to function independently and to ensure a better quality of life.The instruments commonly used to measure health‐promoting behaviours are not tailored to the specific needs of the older people. What this paper adds? The Turkish version of the GHP scale is usable for evaluating health‐promoting behaviours in older adults.The Turkish version of the GHP scale for older people showed statistically acceptable levels of reliability and validity for use in the Turkish population.The presence of distinct subscales within this scale serves to identify the areas where the older adults require additional support. The implications of this paper: The Turkish version of the GHP scale could be an appropriate instrument for nurses to measure the health‐promoting behaviours of older people.This scale can be used to establish health promotion programmes that encourage the adoption of healthy lifestyle practices that are specifically tailored to the needs of older people.This scale can be used in future studies that are planned for health promotion among the older individuals. Background: A measure for healthy lifestyle behaviours of older adults would enable the development of effective and target‐based health promotion strategies. Aim: This study aimed to test the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of Geriatric Health Promotion scale among older people in Turkey. Design This was a methodological study that was conducted between June and August 2018. Methods: A total of 321 volunteer older individuals, who were admitted to local health centres, participated in this study. A questionnaire, including sociodemographic data form, and the Geriatric Health Promotion scale were used to collect data. Content and construct validity was established using validity analyses. Results: The reliability of the scale was confirmed by its internal consistency (α =.82) and test‐retest reliability (0.86). Exploratory factor analysis for the six‐factor construct explained 64.7% of the total variance. Factor loads of each item ranged from 0.44 and 0.91. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the theoretical constructs had a perfect fit with data obtained. These data establish that the Turkish version of the Geriatric Health Promotion scale was valid and reliable. Conclusion: The Turkish version of the Geriatric Health Promotion scale is a reliable and valid instrument that can be used in the evaluation of health‐promoting behaviours among older individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Falls are common in older adults and are associated with injuries and serious ongoing problems. This paper aims to present a participatory evaluation of a Falls Awareness Programme implemented in South Wales for older adults living in sheltered housing schemes or in the community. It identifies methodological issues and provides recommendations for evaluation design and methods for community-based interventions in the future. Design/methodology/approach: A mixed-methods study combining a non-experimental pretest–posttest design with face-to-face focus groups. Findings: Concerns about falling and self-reported general health at baseline were worse for participants living in sheltered housing schemes, compared to participants in the community. There was no statistically significant change between baseline and follow-up in general health or concerns about falling; however, the data suggesting the programme may be more effective for people in sheltered housing schemes. Participants reported making small, but sustainable behaviour changes following the programme and described unexpected outcomes from the programme, e.g. socialising and meeting new people. Originality/value: This paper demonstrates the benefit of engaging older adults in research using a participatory approach, highlights key components of community-based interventions for older people and identifies some methodological issues when conducting evaluations in the community. Specifically, it highlights the importance of selecting appropriate measurement tools for data collection and the utility of continuous monitoring where programme participation is flexible and fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The aim of the study was to evaluate general physical activity (PA) level on the basis of leisure time and transportation physical activity (LTPA and TPA), assess the percentage of persons not meeting PA recommendations by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and evaluate the relationship between selected sociodemographic factors and physical inactivity. Methods. The paper is based on data (n = 7,347) retrieved from five large-scale surveys (2014-2018) used to collect information on the PA of Polish society. In order to meet the aim of the paper, we selected a sample of 2,023 Poles aged ≥ 60 years old. In each wave, the Polish long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used. Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to investigate the differences between the types and volume of PA and sociodemographic variables. Relationships between physical inactivity and analysed variables were evaluated using log-linear analysis. To capture relationships between physical inactivity and a set of explanatory variables, a predictive model was built. Results. The total average energy expenditure amounted to 1879.5 ± 2352.5 MET-min/week, including LTPA (938.5 ± 1491.9 MET-min/week) and TPA (944.8 ± 1322.4 MET-min/week). Over the course of the last two years of the study, the average value of MET-min/week increased significantly (p < 0.05); however, prohealth WHO norms are not met by nearly 40% of Poles. Sex determines the volume of LTPA and TPA (p < 0.05) but does not determine the inactivity of seniors. Place of residence and education differentiate participation in LTPA and TPA. The lower the education level and the smaller the place of residence, the greater the inactivity. Conclusions. The target for future interventions should be people aged 60+ living in villages and small towns (especially those with primary education). It is necessary to undertake educational and motivational programmes promoting PA. It is essential to develop detailed recommendations and to create a friendly and supportive environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Community-living older adults may be susceptible to malnutrition (undernutrition) due to both physiological and non-physiological causes. The condition develops over time and the early signs and symptoms may not be obvious. Therefore awareness and early identification of nutrition risk factors may prevent, or at least slow, the progression of malnutrition. Objective: To describe community-living older adults' understanding of the signs of malnutrition, where they would seek malnutrition information and their self-perception of body weight. Design: Older adults (aged ≥ 65 years) living in the community setting completed an online or paper based questionnaire between May and August 2016. The questionnaire contained a mix of closed and open questions which related to weight perception, weight changes, perceived signs of malnutrition and sources of malnutrition information. Body mass index (BMI) from self-reported data was classified using BMI reference ranges for older adults and compared to self-perceived weight status. Textual data regarding the signs of malnutrition were analysed and reviewed by two authors using content analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to describe participant characteristics. Results: A total of 344 responses were received, the majority (90%) completed online. Mean participant age was 73 years and 57% of participants were female. Most (92%) reported their health to be good/very good. Body weight was perceived to be just right or more than it should be by 87% of underweight women and 97% of underweight men. Although 71% of the participants indicated their body weight had remained stable in the past six months, 37% reported they had been trying to change their weight. Signs of malnutrition resulted in four key categories of (i) psychological, (ii) physical appearance, (ii) bodily function and (iv) weight change. Very few reported the need to locate malnutrition information and indicated the top three sources for information would be (i) general practitioner, (ii) dietitian or (iii) internet. Conclusion: This paper has presented useful data about malnutrition from the perspective of the community-living older adult. We found there may be uncertainty about the best weight, for older age. As many indicated they had been trying to change their weight, awareness needs to be raised regarding the impact of weight changes on health outcomes in this population. In this study, the internet appeared to be a key provider of nutrition information. Healthcare professionals need to consider how this can be used in an informative manner among community living older adults as a tool for raising awareness about nutrition risk and malnutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic poses a great challenge for older people both in terms of the severity of the disease and the negative consequences of social distancing. Assumptions about negative effects on the lives of the elderly, affecting dimensions of successful aging (such as the preservation of social relationships), have thus far been hypothetical and have lacked empirical evidence. The aim of this paper is to shed empirical light on the effects of COVID-19 on the everyday life of older people against the background of the concept of successful aging. Design/methodology/approach: Data of a standardized, representative telephone survey with residents of Lower Austria, a county of Austria, were used for this secondary analysis. The sample included 521 persons of 60 years of age and older. For this paper, contingency analyses (χ² coefficients, z-tests using Bonferroni correction) and unidimensional correlational analyses were calculated. Findings: The empirical data show that successful aging along the three dimensions of successful aging is a challenge in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic – leaving the elderly caught between two fronts. Originality/value: The present work focusses on a unique moment in time, describing the changes to the lives of Austrian elderly because of the social distancing measures imposed to protect against the spread of COVID-19. These changes are discussed in the theoretical framework of successful aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]