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Structural changes in multi-pillar systems require greater individual responsibility for retirement saving. Therefore, in recent years, the need for multi-pillar pension information systems has been increasingly discussed in many countries. These discussions have either culminated in the introduction of various digital pension overviews or a planned rollout in the next few years. We provide an integrative review of existing international research on the use of pension communication and its effects on the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of individuals. Small positive changes have been found in terms of knowledge, attitudes, and retirement planning behaviour because of the information provided. The paper concludes with a discussion of emerging issues, new research directions, and practical implications of pension communication in ageing societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to discuss the notion of silver entrepre)neurship in the context of the silver economy. Policy-wise knowing who silver entrepreneurs are and what it takes to support them is an essential step to productively managing the ageing population and promoting an age-ready but age)friendly approach to creating a sustainable economy and society in the new demographic reality. The paper provides a theoretical and empirical literature review of silver entre)preneurship to identify the current state of the art. It also identifies selected policies and strategies aiming to foster silver entrepreneurship, representing a more inclusive and age-diverse entrepreneurial landscape. The silver entrepre)neurship proves to be a challenging research field due to the elusive nature of entrepreneurship itself and the lack of universal definitions for this phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Japan's lost decade has long puzzled economists, specifically as to what brought it about. As China's current economic conditions resemble Japan's in the 1980s, this has prompted concern China might suffer a similar fate. This paper identifies that the response of the Japanese central bank toward the Plaza Accord, which is unfettered lending was the key factor of lost decades. By contrasting Sino-US and Japan-US trade wars, this paper argues that China will not fall foul of the same situation of accepting a new Plaza Accord. By comparing China's bubble economy now with Japan's bubble economy in the 1980s, this paper argues that the fallout from a burst Chinese bubble is expected to be less severe than Japan's early 1990s. Furthermore, by analyzing the two countries' respective debt problems and aging populations, it is concluded that these issues pose no significant threat to Chinese economic growth in the short term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: With the ageing of the global population and the rise in noncommunicable diseases, there is an increased need for rehabilitation services, especially those that address the specific needs of ageing populations. Through their proximity to patients, nurses play a critical role in providing rehabilitation interventions for older adults in primary health care. However, they are not yet established as typical rehabilitation providers and further research is needed to clarify their role and competencies to optimize rehabilitation interventions for ageing populations. Objectives: Therefore, this secondary analysis of a scoping review aims to describe the role of nurses in the provision of rehabilitation interventions to ageing populations in primary health care. Methods: This review was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. It is built on all inclusion and exclusion criteria from the primary analysis and focused on studies including nurses and taking place in primary health care. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, as well as qualitative analysis on the role of nurses. Results: A total of 68 studies from high- and upper-middle income countries were included. Nurses typically had a managerial and clinical role (76%) and worked in multidisciplinary teams (54%), most often with physical therapists. Nurses provided 355 interventions, with assessments (n = 106; 30%), and coordination and management of the rehabilitation process (n = 105; 30%) being the most frequent ones. They had 117 different job titles and little information was available about their educational background. Discussion: This paper contributes to a better understanding of the key role nurses play in providing rehabilitation interventions to ageing populations in primary health care. Matching nurses' competencies with their level of proficiency is essential to ensure quality care in rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This paper addresses the growing healthcare needs of an ageing population and the lack of advanced technologies with social capabilities that are cost effective, user friendly, and readily adopted. In response to this motivation, a socially assistive walker is designed to provide physical and cognitive support in activities of daily living for older adults. Methods: Physical and cognitive support is provided by walker's structure, sensors, and feedback interfaces to assist users daily living activities, as well as, in navigating environment safely and efficiently. The walker's design arises from semi-structured interviews conducted with ageing experts, leading to the development of two levels or modes of social interaction, namely low and high interaction. Results and discussion: In a cohort of 14 adults, the study found the device easy to use regardless of the interaction mode, with 78.5% expressing a preference for the version featuring embodiment, verbal feedback, and more proactive cues (p < 0.05). The results also prompted ideas and suggestions for new designs based on insights gleaned from the user. This research contributes to the field of socially assistive robotics by offering an example of a user centred approach to address the healthcare challenges an ageing population poses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent sluggish economic growth in developed countries has become a cause for concern regarding the long-term sustainability of the global economy. Continuous declines in the total fertility rate (TFR) constitute an essential factor in stagnant economic growth in developed countries. In this paper, we utilize fixed and random effect models to examine the relationships of TFR with putative TFR determinants in G7 countries from 1980 to 2020. Our findings support the societal response hypothesis wherein the relationship between TFR and female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) is posited to be stable and positive. Furthermore, the present study confirms a positive relationship of crude marriage rate (CMR) and market childcare availability (MktCC) with TFR. A negative relationship between the ageing population (AGE) and TFR was observed, consistent with broad concerns regarding the impending economic impacts of population ageing in developed countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current projections show that between 2000 and 2050, increasing proportions of older individuals will be cared for by a smaller number of healthcare workers, which will exacerbate the existing challenges faced by those who support this patient demographic. This review of a collection of Age and Ageing papers on the topic in the past 10 years explores (1) what best practice geriatrics education is and (2) how careers in geriatrics could be made more appealing to improve recruitment and retention. Based on these deeper understandings, we consider, as clinician educators, how to close the gap both pragmatically and theoretically. We point out paradigm shifting solutions that include innovations at the Undergraduate level, use of simulation, incorporation of learner and patient perspectives, upskilling professionals outside of Geriatrics and integration of practice across disciplines through Interprofessional Learning. We also identify an education research methodological gap. Specifically, there is an abundance of simple descriptive or justification studies but few clarification education studies; the latter are essential to develop fresh insights into how Undergraduate students can learn more effectively to meet the needs of the global ageing challenge. A case of improving understanding in delirium education is presented as an illustrative example of a new approach to exploring at greater depth education and outlines suggested directions for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of research is to analyse the impact of population ageing process on labour force market, as well as economic factors on the transition from labour activity to pension in the Republic of Moldova. The change in the structure of labour force to wards elder ages, as well as interruption of active economic activity and retirement is one of the factors in economic growth slowdown, which is conditioned by a reduction of labour force reproduction and its growth. In this situation, in order to mitigate the negative consequences of labour force deficit, it is necessary to take effective measures to increase labour productivity not only to ensure economic growth, but also to ensure the welfare of the country's population and meet the necessities of an increased share of the population-dependents (both the elderly population and children under 15). Taking into account the relevance of the above-mentioned problem, the analysis of the relationship between economic factors and the transition from labour activity to pension in the conditions of demographic ageing was carried out, including the evaluation of the role of economic factors in making a decision to exit from the labour market to pension. In this context, the comparative quantitative and qualitative analysis of tendencies in the economically active and employed population was carried out, including pre- and pension ages and the phenomenon of precarious employment, the demographic coefficient of dependence on old age, the dependence of pension from the income level, and the financial stability of the Social Insurance Budget. The proposals to improve the effectiveness of government policies in regulation and harmonization the transition from the labour market to pension, including the continuation of active economic activity was elaborated in order to reduce the negative consequences connected with the process of population ageing and to ensure the stability of labour market development. The article is developed in the framework of the research Subprogramme "The demographic transition in the Republic of Moldova: particularities, socioeconomic implications and demographic resilience straightening" (2024-2027). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annali di Igiene, Medicina Preventiva e di Comunità is the property of Societa Editrice Universo s.r.l. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

IntroductionThis paper addresses the growing healthcare needs of an ageing population and the lack of advanced technologies with social capabilities that are cost effective, user friendly, and readily adopted. In response to this motivation, a socially assistive walker is designed to provide physical and cognitive support in activities of daily living for older adults.MethodsPhysical and cognitive support is provided by walker’s structure, sensors, and feedback interfaces to assist users daily living activities, as well as, in navigating environment safely and efficiently. The walker’s design arises from semi-structured interviews conducted with ageing experts, leading to the development of two levels or modes of social interaction, namely low and high interaction.Results and discussionIn a cohort of 14 adults, the study found the device easy to use regardless of the interaction mode, with 78.5% expressing a preference for the version featuring embodiment, verbal feedback, and more proactive cues (p< 0.05). The results also prompted ideas and suggestions for new designs based on insights gleaned from the user. This research contributes to the field of socially assistive robotics by offering an example of a user centred approach to address the healthcare challenges an ageing population poses.

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

Background: In prosperous nations like Ireland, home support workers (HSWs) play an increasingly vital role in providing person-centred care to ageing populations. However, challenges such as workforce shortages, role ambiguity, low pay, and limited career advancement, hinder workforce development and career building. Method: A scoping review using key terms for "HSWs" and "career pathways" was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute Methodology, examining electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PscyINFO, Social Care Online, Social Sciences Citation Index). Inclusion criteria were applied, and a thematic analysis followed and inductive-deductive approach. Results: The review encompassed 261 relevant articles from different countries. Four key themes were identified: (1) Data-driven decision-making on the future workforce, (2) Attracting and developing a competent and motivated home support workforce, (3) Enhancing working lives and retention at every stage of career pathways, and (4) Crafting career pathways to improve quality and impact. Discussion: Leadership, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making across policy, research and practice are pivotal for expanding and enhancing home support. Emphasising a shift towards preventative self-management models, supported by digitally skilled and regulated HSWs, could enhance independence and quality of care. Clear career structures, professional development, and inclusive organisational environments are essential to attract, retain, and empower a competent and motivated workforce, fostering quality and impact. Conclusion: This scoping review provides foundational evidence to establish career pathways for HSWs, identifying key areas for development such as data collection, care model transformation, career progression structures, and systems for safety and quality improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to provide an overview on loneliness in older people, with an emphasis on how insights from this body of literature can significantly contribute to the enhancement of care provided by community nurses. This review aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the factors contributing to loneliness, its impact on the physical and mental health of older individuals, and the role community nurses can play in mitigating and addressing loneliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Population ageing and rising poverty are two of the most pressing issues today, even in Western European nations, growing as a result of the recent global economic crisis and the COVID-19 containment measures. This study explores the relationship between long-term care (LTC) needs and risk of poverty at household level in eight European countries, representing the different European care regimes. Methods: The main international databases were scoured for study variables, categorized according to the following conceptual areas: home care, residential care, health expenditure, service coverage, cash benefits, private services, population, family, education, employment, poverty, disability and care recipients, and life expectancy. We initially identified 104 variables regarding 8 different countries (Austria, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania). Statistical analyses were conducted as described hereafter: analysis of the Pearson's Bivariate Correlation between the dependent variable and all other variables; a Multivariable Linear Regression Model between the Poverty Index (dependent variable) and the covariates identified in the preceding step; a check for geographical clustering effects and a reduced Multivariable Linear Regression Model for each identified European cluster. Results: The variables that addressed the risk of poverty pertained to the area of policy intervention and service provision. Rising private out-of-pocket health expenditures and proportion of "poor" couples with at least one child are two factors that contributed significantly to poverty increasing. Moreover, rising private out-of-pocket health expenditures for covering LTC needs (even in presence of public financial contribution to the family) is the main contributor to household poverty increasing in presence of ADL disability. Conclusion: The results reveal the existence of a clear correlation between the need for LTC and the risk of poverty in households across Europe. These results highlight the central relevance of LTC policies, which are often still treated as marginal and sectoral, for the future sustainability of integrated care strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 control policies might negatively impact older adults' participation in volunteer work, instrumental support provision, and the likelihood of receiving instrumental support. Studies that quantify changes in these activities and the related factors are limited. The current study aimed to examine the level of volunteering, instrumental support provision and receipt before and during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe and to determine whether older adults' volunteering, instrumental support provision and receipt were associated with individual exposure to COVID-19 and the stringency of country's COVID-19 control policy during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) Corona Survey 1 was designed to focus on community-dwelling Europeans aged ≥50 years. History of participation in volunteering work and instrumental support provision or receipt was assessed from the previous SHARE Wave data. The country's COVID-19 control policy stringency index (S-Index) was from the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker database. A total of 45,669 respondents from 26 European countries were included in the volunteering analysis. Seventeen European countries were included in the analyses of instrumental support provision (N = 36,518) and receipt (N = 36,526). The multilevel logistic regression model was fitted separately to analyse each activity. Results: The level of volunteering and instrumental support provision was lower during the pandemic, but instrumental support receipt was higher. The country S-Index was positively associated with support provision (OR:1.13;95%CI:1.02–1.26) and negatively associated with support receipt (OR:0.69;95%CI:0.54–0.88). Exposure to COVID-19 was positively associated with support receipt (OR:1.64;95%CI:1.38–1.95). COVID-19 exposure on close ones positively associated with volunteering (OR:1.47;95%CI:1.32–1.65), support provision (OR:1.28;95%CI:1.19–1.39), and support receipt (OR:1.25;95%CI:1.15–1.35). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted older Europeans' volunteering, instrumental support provision, and instrumental support receipt from outside their household. When someone close to them was exposed to COVID-19, older Europeans were likely to receive instrumental support and to volunteer and provide instrumental support. A stricter country's COVID-19 control policy might motivate older adults to provide instrumental support, but it prevents them from receiving instrumental support from outside their households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To synthesize the evidence on the relationships between physical housing characteristics or housing accessibility and different aspects of health among community-dwelling people 60 years and older. Methods: A systematic review of recent evidence with a narrative synthesis was conducted. Results: We included 15 studies and found three themes covering physical housing characteristics or housing accessibility that are associated with aspects of health among community-dwelling older adults: (1) interventions by home modifications targeting housing features both at entrances and indoors; (2) non-interventions targeting indoor features; (3) non-interventions targeting entrance features, that is, the presence of an elevator or stairs at the entrance. The overall quality of evidence across studies was assessed as very low. Discussion: The findings highlight the need for studies with a stronger research design and higher methodological quality that address the physical housing environment in relation to health among older adults to strengthen the body of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]