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The mobility restrictions faced by older adults pose significant challenges to understanding the association between the neighborhood built environment and their mental health. Neglecting the role of restricted mobility hinders a comprehensive analysis of how the built environment impacts older adults' mental health. Furthermore, the differences in this association between older adults with and without restricted mobility remain unclear. Based on data from 1405 adults aged 60 and older in Hangzhou, China, this study explored the association between the neighborhood built environment and the mental health of older adults using multivariable linear regression, with multivariable logistic regression being employed for the sensitivity analysis. The results indicated that access to public canteens and outdoor fitness spaces were significantly positively associated with the mental health of older adults. Notably, the protective effect of outdoor fitness spaces was significant for older adults with restricted mobility, while the supportive effect of public canteens was significant for those without restricted mobility. This study demonstrated an association between the neighborhood built environment and mental health among older adults, highlighting differences in this effect between those with and without restricted mobility. These insights underscore the necessity of designing sustainable and inclusive neighborhoods that cater to the varied needs of older adults, ultimately fostering environments that promote healthy and active aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Digital educational technologies in health have been an important instrument for promoting learning, self-care, self-esteem, and security regarding prevention and health promotion actions that lead to changes in behavior, mainly for non-communicable disease patients, such as type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM 2). Objective: This study aimed to describe a protocol for evaluating the effect of an app for cell phones and tablets on the blood glucose of older adults with DM 2. Methods: The protocol will be used to compare the effectiveness of an application for mobile devices concerning the educational booklet in reducing Glycated Hemoglobin in older adults with DM 2 in Primary Health Care. This protocol is part of a Randomized Clinical Trial project entitled Effectiveness of a Mobile Device Application on Glycated Hemoglobin in Elderly People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Randomized Clinical Trial. Results: The protocol was structured in the following phases: (i) sample calculation, (ii) invitation to participate in the study according to the eligibility criteria; (iii) participant registration; (iv) randomization and allocation of participants into groups (double blinding); (v) application of the intervention; (vi) post-intervention procedures (post-test); (vii) data analysis. Conclusion: It is expected that encouraging studies on the impact of a mobile application will improve and enhance health education focused on self-care for older adults with DM 2, potentially influencing the local health system by reducing hospitalizations due to conditions that are sensitive to primary care, since health promotion and prevention of DM-related illnesses will be the main focus of the application and booklet developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Paternalistic care behavior in health contexts reduces involvement in the decision-making process and dissatisfaction in healthcare, which may negatively influence older adults' mental health. This study comprised two main objectives: (1) to explore older adults' experiences of paternalistic behavior in the context of health services and (2) analyze the influence of paternalistic behavior on older adults' mental health. Methods: The sample involved 416 participants aged 65 to 81 (M = 70.1 ± 5.73) with three different nationalities (English, Brazilian ad Portuguese). All interviews went through content analysis. Results: For the first objective, content analysis identified seven themes: (1) perceived inattention to the uniqueness of each person (81%); (2) feeling a duality of supporting and suppressing independence (79%); (3) selective disclosure of information to keep the person's spirit up (74%); (4) feeling neglected (66%); (5) feeling unable to make decisions (64%); (6) receiving opposition to the person's requests (60%); and (7) routine actions being considered as the best action (57%). For the second objective, three main themes emerged: (1) feeling anxious and stressed (88%); (2) feeling frustration and despair (87%); and (3) feeling injustice and anger (72%). Conclusions: Healthcare paternalism negatively affects older adults' mental health, emphasizing the need for their agency, involvement in decisions, and personalized care. These findings highlight the negative influence of paternalistic behavior on the mental health of older adults and may contribute to future targeted interventions and policy programs among the older population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tai Chi (TC) practice has been shown to improve both cognitive and physical function in older adults. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the benefits of TC remain unclear. Our primary aims are to explore whether distinct age-related and TC-practice-related relationships can be identified with respect to either temporal or spatial (within/between-network connectivity) differences. This cross-sectional study examined recurrent neural network dynamics, employing an adaptive, data-driven thresholding approach to source-localized resting-state EEG data in order to identify meaningful connections across time-varying graphs, using both temporal and spatial features derived from a hidden Markov model (HMM). Mann–Whitney U tests assessed between-group differences in temporal and spatial features by age and TC practice using either healthy younger adult controls (YACs, n = 15), healthy older adult controls (OACs, n = 15), or Tai Chi older adult practitioners (TCOAs, n = 15). Our results showed that aging is associated with decreased within-network and between-network functional connectivity (FC) across most brain networks. Conversely, TC practice appears to mitigate these age-related declines, showing increased FC within and between networks in older adults who practice TC compared to non-practicing older adults. These findings suggest that TC practice may abate age-related declines in neural network efficiency and stability, highlighting its potential as a non-pharmacological intervention for promoting healthy brain aging. This study furthers the triple-network model, showing that a balancing and reorientation of attention might be engaged not only through higher-order and top-down mechanisms (i.e., FPN/DAN) but also via the coupling of bottom-up, sensory–motor (i.e., SMN/VIN) networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite beneficial cardiovascular effects, substantial long-term modulation of food pattern could only be achieved in a limited number of participants. The impact of attitude towards healthy nutrition (ATHN) on successful modulation of dietary behavior is unclear, especially in the elderly. We aimed to analyze whether the personal ATHN influences 12-month adherence to two different dietary intervention regimes within a 36-month randomized controlled trial. Methods: 502 subjects were randomized to an intervention group (IG; dietary pattern focused on high intake of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), plant protein and fiber) or control group (CG; dietary recommendation in accordance with the German Society of Nutrition) within a 36-month dietary intervention trial. Sum scores for effectiveness, appreciation and practice of healthy nutrition were assessed using ATHN questionnaire during the trial (n = 344). Linear regression models were used to investigate associations between ATHN and dietary patterns at baseline and at month 12. Results: Retirement, higher education level, age and lower body mass index (BMI) were associated with higher ATHN sum scores. ATHN was similar in CG and IG. Higher baseline intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and fiber as well as lower intake in saturated fatty acids (SFA) were associated with higher scores in practice in both groups. The intervention resulted in a stronger increase of UFA, protein and fiber in the IG after 12 months, while intake of SFA declined (p < 0.01). Higher scores in appreciation were significantly associated with higher intake of fiber and lower intake of SFA in the CG at month 12, whereas no associations between ATHN and macronutrient intake were observed in the IG after 12 months. Conclusions: While ATHN appeared to play a role in general dietary behavior, ATHN did not affect the success of the specific dietary intervention in the IG at month 12. Thus, the dietary intervention achieved a substantial modification of dietary pattern in the IG and was effective to override the impact of the individual ATHN on dietary behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the population ages, promoting healthy aging through targeted interventions becomes increasingly crucial. Growing evidence suggests that dietary interventions can significantly impact this process by modulating fundamental molecular pathways. This review focuses on the potential of targeted dietary strategies in promoting healthy aging and the mechanisms by which specific nutrients and dietary patterns influence key pathways involved in cellular repair, inflammation, and metabolic regulation. Caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, the Mediterranean diet, as well as the ketogenic diet showed promising effects on promoting healthy aging, possibly by modulating mTORC1 AMPK, an insulin signaling pathway. By understanding the intricate interplay between diet and molecular pathways, we can develop personalized dietary strategies that not only prevent age-related diseases, but also promote overall health and well-being throughout the aging process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restorative environments have a positive impact on improving the physical and mental health of the elderly. In China, the proportion of elderly residents in aging urban communities is significantly higher than in newly constructed ones, making it essential to understand the restorative potential of public open spaces (POSs) in these settings to promote the development of aging-in-place models. To investigate this issue, we employed the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to construct an evaluation system for the restorative potential of public open spaces. Subsequently, we assessed the restorative effects of POSs in the Dabeizhuang community using 320 residents' questionnaires and the fuzzy comprehension evaluation method. The results indicate that the dimension of safety is the most critical factor in creating restorative environments. In contrast, the dimension of comfort is the primary reason affecting the current evaluation of the community's restorative environment. By establishing a restorative environment evaluation system, this research will facilitate the creation of more restorative environments in urban areas, thereby promoting active and healthy aging among elderly residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Games are a promising strategy for rehabilitating older adults. The effect of games on promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing frailty remains uncertain. This article aims to describe the process of development and validation of the game "Bem-me-quer para a saúde"® to promote the acquisition of healthy lifestyles and prevent frailty in over 65-year-olds. Methods: This study comprised three distinct phases, spanning from December 2023 to June 2024. The first phase comprised a thorough review of the scientific literature on the frailty and lifestyles of older adults, a second phase of game design, and a third phase of content and semantic validation conducted by specialized nurses and older adults. Results: After revising literature, this study utilized an e-Delphi with a panel of 14 specialist nurses who underwent two rounds of evaluation. The "Bem-me-quer para a saúde"® game includes a puzzle board with 54 pieces and 30 educational cards. In the final phase, we evaluated the game on a cohort of 50 older adults, highlighting its reflective, interactive, and educational aspects. Conclusions: The game presented sufficient evidence of content validity and relevance to clinical practice. We should conduct additional research to evaluate its impact on lifestyle modification and frailty prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many older adults are increasingly embracing digital technology in the Republic of Korea. This study investigated the relationship between the digital skills of Korean older adults and their perceived health status and digital technology application for health promotion. This mixed-method study comprised a community survey of 434 older adults aged ≥65 in two cities in South Korea, followed by focus group interviews. Five types of digital skills, 'operational internet skills', 'information navigation skills', 'social skills', 'creative skills', and 'mobile skills', were measured using the LSE digital skill measurement instrument. Multivariable analysis identified the influence of digital skills on health-related outcomes. Among them, 'social skills' associated positively with self-rated health (β 0.37, 95%CI 0.08, 0.65). 'Information navigation skills' contributed positively to the use of digital technology and the internet for a healthy lifestyle in terms of improving eating habits (β 0.43, 95%CI 0.09, 0.77), accessing healthcare (β 0.53, 95%CI 0.21, 0.85), and accessing long-term care services (β 0.45, 95%CI 0.11, 0.79). Thematic analysis revealed that the study participants use Korean language-based resources such as Naver and Kakao Talk for social connection to promote a healthy lifestyle. This study concludes that encouraging initial and sustained use of the internet and enhancing digital skills among Korean older adults can promote active and healthy aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid aging of the global population, China's old urban areas, especially historical urban areas, are facing a more severe aging situation. In the context of heritage protection, the development and regeneration of historical urban areas are restricted. They usually face the aging and decay of housing, infrastructure, and public service facilities, which are harmful neighborhood environmental factors to the health development of older adults. Since the World Health Organization adopted "healthy aging" as a development strategy to deal with population aging, the mental health of older adults has become an increasingly important public health issue. A growing body of research demonstrates the positive impact of blue spaces (including oceans, rivers, lakes, wetlands, ponds, etc.) on older adults' mental health, yet evidence on the potential of blue spaces in a historical environment to promote mental health among older adults remains limited. Therefore, exploring the neighborhood impact of blue space on the mental health of older adults has become a new entry point to provide an age-friendly environment for older adults in the ancient city. This study uses multi-source data such as community questionnaire data, remote sensing images, urban street view images, and environmental climate data of the ancient city of Suzhou, to extract a variety of blue space quantitative indicators, and uses the hierarchical linear model and mediation effect model to explore the neighborhood impact of blue space exposure in the historical environment on older adults, to try to explore the impact path and formation mechanism behind it. The result is that exposure to neighborhood blue space in Suzhou's historic urban area is significantly related to the mental health of older adults. Additionally, neighborhood blue space exposure improves the mental health of older adults by relieving stress and promoting physical activities and social interaction. The health effects of neighborhood blue space exposure vary among elderly groups with different age and income stratifications, and have a greater impact on the healthy lifestyle and mental health of older adults in younger and lower-income aging groups. Based on a multidisciplinary theoretical perspective, this study enriches the empirical literature on the impact of blue space on the mental health of older adults in historical environments and provides a scientific basis for the regeneration planning of "healthy neighborhoods" and "healthy aging" in historical urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aging population is placing pressure on the healthcare system, and the private sector is innovating healthcare through digitalization. Mobile applications for medical escort services (MA-MES) could become a sustainable healthcare tool, assisting adult children in scheduling escorts to accompany their elderly parents to medical appointments. This creates new collaborative methods and service processes for healthcare services. This research applies the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT 2) model to identify the intentions of adult children to use MA-MES for their elderly parents. Data were gathered from 350 individuals in the age group of 20 to 59 years and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings indicated that the performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), price value (PV), and perceived trust (PT) significantly increased behavioral intentions (BI). Perceived risk (PR) mediated the relationship between PT and BI, while age moderated the effects of PT on BI. Cohabitation with elderly parents moderated the effects of SI and PT on BI. This research proposes a unique model to predict the intentions of adult children to use MA-MES for their aging parents. It provides insights enabling managers to carry out continuous innovation in MA-MES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthy aging requires the maintenance of good physical and cognitive activity. However, as they age, older adults often experience a decline in physical and cognitive activity, leading to a more sedentary lifestyle. Some older adults may not have a choice but to become increasingly sedentary as they age due to injury or deteriorated physicality. As such, they require assistive technologies to aid in their daily lives and activities to maintain healthy cognitive function. Social Robots are a newer form of assistive technology, specifically designed for social interactions and gameplay. As with other assistive technologies, compliance barriers to their acceptance and use for meaningful, seated activities among older adults are expected. To better explore this phenomenon, improve quality of life and understand what drives older adults to accept and use newer forms of technology like social robots, this conceptual paper conjoins two theoretical frameworks: The Activity Theory of Aging (ATA) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). As social robots hold great promise for improving the quality of life for older adults, exploring what driving factors could enable their greater acceptance and use is essential to furthering this field of study within Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most older individuals prefer to age in place during their later years; however, achieving this aspiration presents significant challenges. Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) represent a potential option for promoting healthy aging, both from the perspective of meeting seniors' real needs and cost-effectiveness. This article aims to analyze the distribution of NORCs in Australia and compares census data from 2011 to 2021 to understand the overall distribution patterns and changes across the nation, by providing a localized analysis of the hotspot distribution of NORCs in eight Greater Capital Cities. The study employs methods of geovisualization, Global Moran's I, and Getis-Ord Gi* analysis to examine the spatial correlations and clustering effects of NORCs. The results indicate that NORCs are rapidly growing in Australia, with their distribution primarily influenced by sea change and urbanization. Understanding the trends in NORC distribution can assist the government in developing effective and localized policies and interventions to help older Australians to better age in place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the Every Walk You Take initiative was to co-design and test, in a pilot study, a sustainable mHealth intervention prototype (mobile app) to promote physical activity. This prototype would help to identify the barriers to and facilitators of active living in individuals older than 55 years. A prototype of the intervention was co-designed by a community of stakeholders in Barcelona who were familiar with the social and economic burden of aging in high-income societies. The app's functionalities included recommendations for healthy routes in the city (parks, pedestrian lanes, and streets) according to environmental variables (air quality and climate) and personal preferences (route difficulty, distance, and geolocation), and ecological momentary assessments (pictures and voice notes) were collected to identify the barriers to and facilitators of performing these routes. To test the app, a pilot study was conducted over two 7-day cycles with citizen scientists recruited at the life-long learning centers of two deprived neighborhoods in Barcelona. A total of 21 citizen scientists (mean age = 67 (standard deviation = 7)), 86% of them female, collected 112 comments and 48 pictures describing their perceived barriers to and facilitators of active living. Every Walk You Take is a new, validated, and sustainable mHealth intervention that is directly involved in health promotion, as it empowers the citizens of Barcelona to play an active role in their own healthcare. This intervention has the potential to be implemented in different cities around the world to collect information on the community determinants of health and health assets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Translational research has documented the conjoint beneficial relationships between dietary and physical activity habits concerning weight maintenance. However, the precise interplay between diet and exercise impacting body composition remains unclear, challenging personalized interventions. This study aimed to explore potential interactions and effect modifications of these factors affecting the body mass index (BMI) within an online adult cohort. Data from 11,883 NUTRiMDEA cohort participants were analyzed in this cross-sectional study, categorizing individuals by age, sex, and BMI using linear regression models to assess the interactions between lifestyle factors and adiposity. Significant differences emerged in anthropometry, lifestyle, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) across categories. The combined effect of diet and physical activity had a greater impact on BMI than physical activity or Mediterranean diet adherence alone, with lower BMI as physical activity levels increased (β: −0.5) and adherence to the Mediterranean diet decreased, where a modification effect between them was identified (β: −0.28). Participants with lower Mediterranean diet adherence displayed superior BMI when physical activity was low, but when activity levels were higher, their BMI aligned with those with healthier dietary habits. An interaction link between lifestyle factors and BMI was found, showing the differential effects of the Mediterranean diet and physical activity combination concerning adiposity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding and classifying brain states as a function of sleep quality and age has important implications for developing lifestyle-based interventions involving sleep hygiene. Current studies use an algorithm that captures non-linear features of brain complexity to differentiate awake electroencephalography (EEG) states, as a function of age and sleep quality. Fifty-eight participants were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI) and awake resting state EEG. Groups were formed based on age and sleep quality (younger adults n = 24, mean age = 24.7 years, SD = 3.43, good sleepers n = 11; older adults n = 34, mean age = 72.87; SD = 4.18, good sleepers n = 9). Ten non-linear features were extracted from multiband EEG analysis to feed several classifiers followed by a leave-one-out cross-validation. Brain state complexity accurately predicted (i) age in good sleepers, with 75% mean accuracy (across all channels) for lower frequencies (alpha, theta, and delta) and 95% accuracy at specific channels (temporal, parietal); and (ii) sleep quality in older groups with moderate accuracy (70 and 72%) across sub-bands with some regions showing greater differences. It also differentiated younger good sleepers from older poor sleepers with 85% mean accuracy across all sub-bands, and 92% at specific channels. Lower accuracy levels (<50%) were achieved in predicting sleep quality in younger adults. The algorithm discriminated older vs. younger groups excellently and could be used to explore intragroup differences in older adults to predict sleep intervention efficiency depending on their brain complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammaging, a coexistence of inflammation and aging, is a persistent, systemic, low-grade inflammation seen in the geriatric population. Various natural compounds have been greatly explored for their potential role in preventing and treating inflammaging. Withania somnifera has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine as a nutraceutical for its numerous health benefits including regenerative and adaptogenic effects. Recent preclinical and clinical studies on the role of Withania somnifera and its active compounds in treating aging, inflammation, and oxidative stress have shown promise for its use in healthy aging. We discuss the chemistry of Withania somnifera, the etiology of inflammaging and the protective role(s) of Withania somnifera in inflammaging in key organ systems including brain, lung, kidney, and liver as well as the mechanistic underpinning of these effects. Furthermore, we elucidate the beneficial effects of Withania somnifera in oxidative stress/DNA damage, immunomodulation, COVID-19, and the microbiome. We also delineate a putative protein–protein interaction network of key biomarkers modulated by Withania somnifera in inflammaging. In addition, we review the safety/potential toxicity of Withania somnifera as well as global clinical trials on Withania somnifera. Taken together, this is a synthetic review on the beneficial effects of Withania somnifera in inflammaging and highlights the potential of Withania somnifera in improving the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the aging population worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nucleotides (NTs), important biomolecules involved in numerous cellular processes, have been proposed as potential candidates for anti-aging interventions. However, whether nucleotides can act as an anti-aging supplement in older adults remains unclear. TALENTs is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial that evaluates the efficacy and safety of NTs as an anti-aging supplement in older adults by exploring the effects of NTs on multiple dimensions of aging in a rigorous scientific setting. Eligible community-dwelling adults aged 60–70 years were randomly assigned equally to two groups: nucleotides intervention group and placebo control group. Comprehensive geriatric health assessments were performed at baseline, 2-months, and 4-months of the intervention. Biological specimens were collected and stored for age-related biomarker testing and multi-omics sequencing. The primary outcome was the change from baseline to 4 months on leukocyte telomere length and DNA methylation age. The secondary aims were the changes in possible mechanisms underlying aging processes (immunity, inflammatory profile, oxidative stress, gene stability, endocrine, metabolism, and cardiovascular function). Other outcomes were changes in physical function, body composition and geriatric health assessment (including sleep quality, cognitive function, fatigue, frailty, and psychology). In the RCT, 301 participants were assessed for eligibility and 122 were enrolled. Participants averaged 65.65 years of age, and were predominately female (67.21%). All baseline characteristics were well-balanced between groups, as expected due to randomization. The majority of participants were pre-frailty and had at least one chronic condition. The mean scores for physical activity, psychological, fatigue and quality of life were within the normal range. However, nearly half of the participants still had room for improvement in cognitive level and sleep quality. This TALENTs trial will represent one of the most comprehensive experimental clinical trials in which supplements are administered to elderly participants. The findings of this study will contribute to our understanding of the anti-aging effects of NTs and provide insights into their potential applications in geriatric healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive aging is a complex and dynamic process characterized by changes due to genetics and environmental factors, including lifestyle choices and environmental exposure, which contribute to the heterogeneity observed in cognitive outcomes. This heterogeneity is particularly pronounced among older adults, with some individuals maintaining stable cognitive function while others experience complex, non-linear changes, making it difficult to identify meaningful decline accurately. Current research methods range from population-level modeling to individual-specific assessments. In this work, we review these methodologies and propose that population subtyping should be considered as a viable alternative. This approach relies on early individual-specific detection methods that can lead to an improved understanding of changes in individual cognitive trajectories. The improved understanding of cognitive trajectories through population subtyping can lead to the identification of meaningful changes and the determination of timely, effective interventions. This approach can aid in informing policy decisions and in developing targeted interventions that promote cognitive health, ultimately contributing to a more personalized understanding of the aging process within society and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global aging population faces significant health challenges, including an increasing vulnerability to disability due to natural aging processes. Wearable lower limb exoskeletons (LLEs) have emerged as a promising solution to enhance physical function in older individuals. This systematic review synthesizes the use of LLEs in alignment with the WHO's healthy aging vision, examining their impact on intrinsic capacities and functional abilities. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in six databases, yielding 36 relevant articles covering older adults (65+) with various health conditions, including sarcopenia, stroke, Parkinson's Disease, osteoarthritis, and more. The interventions, spanning one to forty sessions, utilized a range of LLE technologies such as Ekso®, HAL®, Stride Management Assist®, Honda Walking Assist®, Lokomat®, Walkbot®, Healbot®, Keeogo Rehab®, EX1®, overground wearable exoskeletons, Eksoband®, powered ankle–foot orthoses, HAL® lumbar type, Human Body Posturizer®, Gait Enhancing and Motivation System®, soft robotic suits, and active pelvis orthoses. The findings revealed substantial positive outcomes across diverse health conditions. LLE training led to improvements in key performance indicators, such as the 10 Meter Walk Test, Five Times Sit-to-Stand test, Timed Up and Go test, and more. Additionally, enhancements were observed in gait quality, joint mobility, muscle strength, and balance. These improvements were accompanied by reductions in sedentary behavior, pain perception, muscle exertion, and metabolic cost while walking. While longer intervention durations can aid in the rehabilitation of intrinsic capacities, even the instantaneous augmentation of functional abilities can be observed in a single session. In summary, this review demonstrates consistent and significant enhancements in critical parameters across a broad spectrum of health conditions following LLE interventions in older adults. These findings underscore the potential of LLE in promoting healthy aging and enhancing the well-being of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite evidence of primary hypertension (PH)-associated cognitive dysfunction in pediatric, middle-aged, and older adult populations, respective data in young adults remains scarce. We aimed to define differences in cognitive performance between individuals with PH and healthy controls in early adulthood. A convenience sample of young adults (age 18–45 years) with PH and their healthy sex, age, education, and household income matched counterparts were cross-sectionally tested for verbal fluency, verbal memory, general intelligence, reaction speed, attention, visual memory, and executive functioning. Between-group differences were determined using Student's t and Mann-Whitney U tests. Sensitivity analysis was performed by adjusting for body mass index (BMI) in analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and regression models. Thirty-three adults with PH (22, 66.7% male, median age 38.8, interquartile range (IQR) = 33.2–41.6 years) and twenty-two healthy controls (9, 40.9% male, median age 36.1, IQR = 27.5–39.8 years) completed the neuropsychological assessment. Participants with PH performed worse on computerized tasks of reaction time (median response time (Z = −2.019, p = 0.044), median time for release of response button (Z = −2.509, p = 0.012)) and sustained attention (signal detection measure, RVPA (t = 2.373, p = 0.021), false alarms ÷ (false alarms + correct rejections), RVPPFA (Z = −2.052, p = 0.040)). The group variable was not a statistically significant predictor of performance in these domains after adjustment for BMI (p > 0.05). In regression analyses, high office systolic blood pressure (oSBP) was independently associated with poor sustained attention (βSBP(st.) = −0.283, multiple R2 = 0.252 (RVPA), βSBP(st.) = 0.551, multiple R2 = 0.386 (RVPPFA)). Young adults with PH were found to perform worse in tasks of response speed and sustained attention. While the difference between neuropsychological evaluation results in PH and control groups was confounded by BMI, oSBP measures were independently related to sustained attention. The selectivity of PH-associated cognitive profile in young adults has to be confirmed in larger trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the effect of a dietary pattern rich in unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), protein and fibers, without emphasizing energy restriction, on visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and cardiometabolic risk profile. Within the 36-months randomized controlled NutriAct trial, we randomly assigned 502 participants (50–80 years) to an intervention or control group (IG, CG). The dietary pattern of the IG includes high intake of mono-/polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFA/PUFA 15–20% E/10–15% E), predominantly plant protein (15–25% E) and fiber (≥30 g/day). The CG followed usual care with intake of 30% E fat, 55% E carbohydrates and 15% E protein. Here, we analyzed VAT in a subgroup of 300 participants via MRI at baseline and after 12 months, and performed further metabolic phenotyping. A small but comparable BMI reduction was seen in both groups (mean difference IG vs. CG: −0.216 kg/m2 [−0.477; 0.045], partial η2 = 0.009, p = 0.105). VAT significantly decreased in the IG but remained unchanged in the CG (mean difference IG vs. CG: −0.162 L [−0.314; −0.011], partial η2 = 0.015, p = 0.036). Change in VAT was mediated by an increase in PUFA intake (ß = −0.03, p = 0.005) and induced a decline in LDL cholesterol (ß = 0.11, p = 0.038). The NutriAct dietary pattern, particularly due to high PUFA content, effectively reduces VAT and cardiometabolic risk markers, independent of body weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effect of outdoor-fitness-equipment-based resistance training on the health parameters of middle-aged and older adults, as well as analyzing the effect of age on the results found. A total of 149 volunteers were randomly assigned to the training (TG) and control (CG) groups. The TG performed two weekly sessions of resistance training for 8 weeks using outdoor fitness equipment, while the CG continued with their regular daily activities. Body composition was measured using DXA, and the maximal isometric voluntary contraction in knee extension, elbow flexion, and hand grip were assessed, along with the 4 m walk test, the Timed Up and Go Test, and the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire. The TG showed a significant increase in the lean mass index (p = 0.002) and maximal isometric voluntary contraction in both legs (p < 0.001) and arms (p < 0.001), as well as in physical functioning (p < 0.001) and the role physical dimension (p = 0.006) of the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire, compared to the CG, which showed a decrease in all these variables. In addition, the TG showed a greater decrease in fat mass (p < 0.001), fat mass index (p = 0.003), and the Timed Up and Go Test (p < 0.001) than the CG. Age conditioned the evolution of most of the variables analyzed (p < 0.05). In conclusion, resistance training with outdoor fitness equipment may be useful for improving the health of middle-aged and older adults, although age is a factor that could influence the adaptations found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The gut microbiota in healthy older individuals typically show a decrease in beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, alongside an increase in pro-inflammatory microbes such as Enterobacteriaceae and Clostridia. These changes contrast with younger and middle-aged individuals and appear to correlate with cognitive status. Although there is extensive research on gut microbiota and cognitive functions in cognitively impaired elderly individuals, its impact on cognitively healthy elderly populations has not been extensively studied. Method: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Scopus databases to identify studies exploring the relationship between gut microbiota composition and cognitive functioning in healthy older adults. During the literature screening process, each record was initially assessed by its title, abstract, and keywords to exclude articles that did not align with the scope of this review. Three authors independently screened and retrieved the records. The inclusion criteria included: (1) publication in peer-reviewed journals; (2) studies involving neurologically, cognitively, and medically healthy populations; (3) participants identified as older adults, defined for this review as individuals aged 45 years and older due to the limited number of records; (4) analysis of gut microbiota; and (5) assessment of cognitive function. Subsequently, full texts were analyzed to determine eligibility. The exclusion criteria encompassed: (1) incorrect publication type; (2) inappropriate sample population; (3) unsuitable study design; (4) absence of one or more inclusion criteria; and (5) studies based on animal research. A risk of bias assessment was performed for each included study using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist, ensuring all selected studies met established quality standards. Results: A total of 6 eligible research articles from a possible 1752 published until March 2024 were identified and included. We categorized the included studies into two groups based on their focus: the taxonomic composition of gut microbiota and the alpha diversity, which is the variety of organisms within a sample. Additionally, two methods were identified for assessing cognition: neuropsychological tests and physiological measurements, notably electroencephalography (EEG). The studies show varying results regarding the abundance of specific bacterial taxa and their cognitive associations. Notably, the relationship between certain bacteria and cognition may vary when analyzed at different taxonomic levels, such as phylum versus family. Conclusions: Changes in gut microbiota composition in the elderly, even without a cognitive impairment diagnosis, could potentially serve as early biological markers for Alzheimer's disease or other dementias before mild cognitive impairment appears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Healthy aging is the process of developing and maintaining functional capacity and optimizing involvement in order to improve one's quality of life as people age. This study aimed to encourage healthy aging in people with cognitive impairment, as well as a control group, via the use of the Nintendo Switch combined with occupational therapy sessions, aiming to improve gross and fine motor skills, functionality, quality of life, and cognitive status. (2) Methods: A randomized clinical trial was undertaken. The sample was randomized using the OxMar software program Attribution 4.0 International, facilitating the division into a control group (CG), who received conventional occupational therapy sessions, and an experimental group (EG), who received therapy incorporating the Nintendo Switch, in addition to conventional occupational therapy sessions. The intervention period with the Nintendo Switch lasted for 8 weeks. (3) Results: Thirty-two participants were included in the study. Significant differences were found in the vast majority of the variables analyzed, which shows an improvement following the intervention; these improvements were mainly observed in measures of skill and the perception of quality of life. (4) Conclusions: An eight-week intervention with the Nintendo Switch alongside conventional occupational therapy helps to maintain cognitive status and functional independence. Following 8 weeks of intervention with the Nintendo Switch, improvements in gross motor dexterity, fine motor dexterity, and quality of life were observed in older people with cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensory processing is a fundamental aspect of the nervous system that plays a pivotal role in the cognitive decline observed in older individuals with dementia. The "sensory diet", derived from sensory integration theory, may provide a tailored approach to modulating sensory experiences and triggering neuroplastic changes in the brain in individuals with dementia. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate the current knowledge regarding the sensory diet and its potential application to dementia. This review encompassed an extensive search across multiple databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, covering articles published from 2010 to 2023. Keywords such as "sensory integration", "sensory modulation", "healthy aging", and "dementia" were utilized to identify relevant studies. The types of materials retrieved included peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, ensuring a comprehensive overview of the current research landscape. This article offers a comprehensive exploration of the effectiveness of sensory diets such as tactile stimulation, auditory therapies, and visual interventions, which have demonstrated noteworthy efficacy in addressing challenges linked to aging and dementia. Research findings consistently report positive outcomes, such as improved cognitive function, elevated emotional well-being, and enhanced overall quality of life in older individuals. Furthermore, we found that the integration of sensory diets with the metaverse, augmented reality, and virtual reality opens up personalized experiences, fostering cognitive stimulation and emotional well-being for individuals during aging. Therefore, we conclude that customized sensory diets, based on interdisciplinary cooperation and leveraging technological advancements, are effective in optimizing sensory processing and improve the overall well-being of older individuals contending with sensory modulation challenges and dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging, even when healthy, involves changes in cognitive functioning that can gradually affect the everyday activities and well-being of older people. Reading, which requires the integrity of several functions and their integration, is important to maintaining high cognitive and emotional stimulation over time. Our study aimed to investigate whether reading ability declines with aging. To explore also why reading would decline, we explored the changes in the performance of visual and attention tasks. A group of 58 neurologically healthy older people aged from 65 to 75 underwent neuropsychological assessment to investigate their global cognitive functioning, reading skills, crowding, and attention components. We found a decline in reading abilities as a function of aging (β = 0.34, p < 0.05). We did not find an increase in crowding or difficulties in visual acuity. Furthermore, we found no decline with age in tasks of simple reaction times, visuospatial attention, and other single components of attention. Interestingly, we instead found a worsening with age in the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (β = −0.26, p < 0.05), involving attention, working memory, and processing speed, which explains part of the reading decline. Our results suggest that task complexity is a fundamental aspect to account for aging changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diet management has long been an important practice in healthcare, enabling individuals to get an insight into their nutrient intake, prevent diseases, and stay healthy. Traditional methods based on self-reporting, food diaries, and periodic assessments have been used for a long time to control dietary habits. These methods have shown limitations in accuracy, compliance, and real-time analysis. The rapid advancement of digital technologies has revolutionized healthcare, including the diet control landscape, allowing for innovative solutions to control dietary patterns and generate accurate and personalized recommendations. This study examines the potential of digital technologies in diet management and their effectiveness in anti-aging healthcare. After underlining the importance of nutrition in the aging process, we explored the applications of mobile apps, web-based platforms, wearables devices, sensors, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other technologies in managing dietary patterns and improving health outcomes. The research further examines the effects of digital dietary control on anti-aging healthcare, including improved nutritional monitoring, personalized recommendations, and behavioral and sustainable changes in habits, leading to an expansion of longevity and health span. The challenges and limitations of digital diet monitoring are discussed, and some future directions are provided. Although many digital tools are used in diet control, their accuracy, effectiveness, and impact on health outcomes are not discussed much. This review consolidates the existing literature on digital diet management using emerging digital technologies to analyze their practical implications, guiding researchers, healthcare professionals, and policy makers toward personalized dietary management and healthy aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It may be possible to enhance adults' cognitive health and promote healthy aging through processing speed training using the Useful Field of View (UFOV) related activities and software. This study investigated the impact of utilizing UFOV on processing speed improvement in older adults in response to the growing global attention on cognitive health and aging issues. In this quasi-experimental study, 22 individuals (mean age ± SD = 71.9 ± 4.8) participated in the experimental group, and 20 community-based participants (mean age ± SD = 67.1 ± 4.8) were in the control group. The intervention involved ten sessions of UFOV training, each lasting 60 min, conducted twice a week for the experimental group while the control group engaged in volunteer service activities. Measurements of Counting Back, Fabrica, Double-Decision, and Hawkeye were administered to all participants before and after the intervention. The results showed significant improvements in the experimental group for the four measurements (p ≤ 0.01, 0.05, 0.001, 0.001) and non-significant gains in the control group (p ≥ 0.05) for all. Furthermore, mixed repeated-measures ANOVA analysis, with time 1 pre-test measures as the covariate, revealed significant interaction effects between time and group for all measurement indicators (p = 0.05, 0.01, 0.05) except for Fabrica (p > 0.05). In conclusion, these findings support the effectiveness of UFOV cognitive training interventions in enhancing specific cognitive abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban parks play a crucial role in enhancing the social interactions of older adults. However, despite the broad recognition of urban parks' benefits, there is a notable gap in research focusing on their role in promoting social interactions, particularly in Asia. This study explores the effects of personal, social, and physical factors and park use patterns on older adults' social interactions. Survey data from 589 older adults aged 50 years or older were collected through face-to-face and online questionnaires and were analyzed using a hierarchical multiple regression model. The results showed that personal factors, social factors, physical factors, and park use patterns explained 10.8%, 8.2%, 9.4%, and 2.3% of the total variance in park social interactions, respectively. Key factors like gender, health status, social cohesion, features, conditions, accessibility, and park use patterns were found to significantly influence these interactions. This study provides empirical evidence to support the important role of urban parks in facilitating social interactions among older adults and contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex factors affecting these interactions. To meet the needs of older adults and maximize the social health benefits, these prominent factors should be emphasized in policy development and interventions, integrating older adults' perceptions and personal experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the effects of a multicomponent exercise program and a concurrent exercise program on muscle strength in community-dwelling elderly subjects. Participants (n = 35; male = 17; female = 18; Mage = 69.17, SD = 5.01 years) were screened and included in the study. Among them, 19 individuals were assigned to the multicomponent group, while 16 were assigned to the concurrent group. The results of the repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant main effects for the group factor (F(1,15) = 66.59, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.81) and the group*time factor (F(1,15) = 16.95, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.53) for the 30-second chair test. Furthermore, significant main effects were observed only for the group factor (F(1,15) = 19.28, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.56) for the 30-second arm curl. Regarding the Timed Up and Go test, significant main effects were found for the group factor (F(1,15) = 35.56, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.70) and the group*time factor (F(1,15) = 11.68, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.43). Lastly, significant main effects were observed for the group*time factor (F(1,15) = 5.19, p = 0.038, η2 = 0.25) for handgrip strength. The multicomponent exercise group displayed a greater mean increase compared to the concurrent exercise group. While both the multicomponent and the concurrent exercise programs were effective in improving muscle strength in community-dwelling older adults, the multicomponent exercise group exhibited superior outcomes compared to the concurrent exercise group across the physical fitness measures. These findings suggest that a multicomponent exercise program may be more beneficial for enhancing muscle strength in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium is an essential ion in the human body that regulates numerous physiological and pathological processes. Magnesium deficiency is very common in old age. Age-related chronic diseases and the aging process itself are frequently associated with low-grade chronic inflammation, called 'inflammaging'. Because chronic magnesium insufficiency has been linked to excessive generation of inflammatory markers and free radicals, inducing a chronic inflammatory state, we formerly hypothesized that magnesium inadequacy may be considered among the intermediaries helping us explain the link between inflammaging and aging-associated diseases. We show in this review evidence of the relationship of magnesium with all the hallmarks of aging (genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, altered intercellular communication, disabled autophagy, dysbiosis, and chronic inflammation), which may positively affect the human healthspan. It is feasible to hypothesize that maintaining an optimal balance of magnesium during one's life course may turn out to be a safe and economical strategy contributing to the promotion of healthy aging. Future well-designed studies are necessary to further explore this hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The greatest risk factor for neurodegeneration is the aging of the multiple cell types of human CNS, among which microglia are important because they are the "sentinels" of internal and external perturbations and have long lifespans. We aim to emphasize microglial signatures in physiologic brain aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). A systematic literature search of all published articles about microglial senescence in human healthy aging and AD was performed, searching for PubMed and Scopus online databases. Among 1947 articles screened, a total of 289 articles were assessed for full-text eligibility. Microglial transcriptomic, phenotypic, and neuropathological profiles were analyzed comprising healthy aging and AD. Our review highlights that studies on animal models only partially clarify what happens in humans. Human and mice microglia are hugely heterogeneous. Like a two-sided coin, microglia can be protective or harmful, depending on the context. Brain health depends upon a balance between the actions and reactions of microglia maintaining brain homeostasis in cooperation with other cell types (especially astrocytes and oligodendrocytes). During aging, accumulating oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction weaken microglia leading to dystrophic/senescent, otherwise over-reactive, phenotype-enhancing neurodegenerative phenomena. Microglia are crucial for managing Aβ, pTAU, and damaged synapses, being pivotal in AD pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Global population aging poses challenges for healthcare. Digital health technologies may benefit older adults through enhanced access, monitoring, and self-care. This systematic review evaluates the intersection of digital health interventions and healthy aging, focusing on adoption, efficacy, and user experience. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for studies on digital health technologies for adults aged 50+ years. Randomized controlled trials, observational studies, surveys, and qualitative studies were included. Outcomes were adoption rates, efficacy, and qualitative feedback. Study quality was assessed using standardized tools. Results: 15 studies were included. Adoption increased during COVID-19, but divisions persist. Barriers like technology challenges and distrust require addressing. Web-based programs and telerehabilitation demonstrated benefits for behaviors and balance. Users had positive attitudes but emphasized patient-centric, ethical design. Most efficacy data were preliminary; more rigorous trials are needed. Discussion: Digital health interventions show promise for supporting healthy aging, but thoughtful implementation strategies tailored to user needs and capacities are essential to realizing benefits equitably. More efficacy research and studies on real-world integration and ethics are warranted. Conclusions: Digital health has significant potential for promoting healthy aging through enhanced access, monitoring, and self-care. However, evidence-based, patient-centered solutions are imperative to maximize adoption, efficacy, and positive user experience for diverse older adult populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of an increasingly aging population, nurses have to design and implement programs aimed at the elderly in order to keep them healthy and maintain their quality of life. Structured physical exercise and overall physical activity play a major role in maintaining an active lifestyle, improving health, preventing disease, and helping to maintain older people's quality of life. To investigate the importance of implementing physical exercise programs for the older person in the community, taking into account the perspective of the rehabilitation nurse specialist, this is a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive study with nine rehabilitation nurses from various regions of Portugal who have experience of implementing physical exercise programs with the elderly. This study used semi-structured interviews, one of the most common data collection procedures in social and health research. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. The study received a positive opinion from the Ethics Committee. The participants' perspectives focused on the following subjects: "Physical exercise program for the elderly in the community", "Importance of physical exercise in the rehabilitation of the elderly in the community", "People's adherence to the programs", "Gains in health resulting from the implementation of these strategies" and "Gains from group activities". A set of indicators emerged from the analysis. Nurses recognize the importance of using structured physical exercise programs adjusted to the rehabilitation of the older person, with gains in promoting active and healthy aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging results in more health challenges, including neurodegeneration. Healthy aging is possible through nutrition as well as other lifestyle changes. One-carbon (1C) metabolism is a key metabolic network that integrates nutritional signals with several processes in the human body. Dietary supplementation of 1C components, such as folic acid, vitamin B12, and choline are reported to have beneficial effects on normal and diseased brain function. The aim of this review is to summarize the current clinical studies investigating dietary supplementation of 1C, specifically folic acid, choline, and vitamin B12, and its effects on healthy aging. Preclinical studies using model systems have been included to discuss supplementation mechanisms of action. This article will also discuss future steps to consider for supplementation. Dietary supplementation of folic acid, vitamin B12, or choline has positive effects on normal and diseased brain function. Considerations for dietary supplementation to promote healthy aging include using precision medicine for individualized plans, avoiding over-supplementation, and combining therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban parks, one of the most significant outdoor leisure areas, are particularly important for the physical and mental health of older adults. In order to investigate the benefits and constraints of leisure activities that older adults perceived in urban parks, as well as their negotiation mechanisms, this study was conducted using a qualitative method, interviewing 102 retired older adults aged 55 or older in Guangzhou, China, and using Rost CM 6.0 for word frequency analysis. The study findings indicated that due to the lack of age-friendly public leisure facilities in Guangzhou, Chinese older adults expressed multiple expectations regarding the benefits of urban parks, mainly in terms of physical, psychological, and social interaction, with physical benefits being their primary drivers. Leisure constraints can be intrapersonal, interpersonal, or structural. Older adults who visited parks and those who did not were affected by different levels of limitations, with the oldest people experiencing the most pronounced constraints. Older adults were able to access leisure opportunities through a variety of constraint negotiation strategies, including cognitive adaptability, spatiotemporal adaptation, interpersonal coordination, skill acquisition, and alternative leisure activities. The results of this study might assist related management departments in building more age-friendly parks based on the framework of the benefits and constraints of park recreation for older adults, in terms such as institutional design and planning to enhance the role of urban parks in healthy aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging and elderly health issues have always been the focus of attention, both within and outside the industry. With the introduction of the national "14th Five-Year Plan" for healthy aging, it is urgent to address how to implement this plan. Among them, the restorative environment is an important part of implementing healthy aging. For older adults, "nostalgia" is a common emotional experience, and "nostalgia therapy" is also commonly used for mental health recovery, which has important significance for healthy aging. However, although existing research on "nostalgia" has already involved local attachment and the environment, there are few studies that use space as a carrier in the context of environmental restorative effects. Therefore, from the perspective of healthy aging, combined with structural equation modeling, this study took four parks in Changchun City as examples to explore the role of "nostalgia" in the restorative effect of the park environment. It found that, firstly, both the "nostalgia inclination" influenced by individual conditions and the "landscape perception" influenced by landscape quality had a positive impact on the "nostalgia affection"; secondly, nostalgia affection and place attachment were important mediating factors for environmental restorative effects, and the pathways of "landscape perception → nostalgic affection → environmental restorative effects", "landscape perception → place attachment → environmental restorative effects", and "landscape perception → nostalgic affection → place attachment → environmental restorative effects" all existed. Based on the above path exploration, corresponding spatial optimization ideas for effectively improving the health level of older adults have been provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have suggested that the oxidized form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is involved in an extensive spectrum of human pathologies, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiomyopathy, obesity, and diabetes. Further, healthy aging and longevity appear to be closely related to NAD+ and its related metabolites, including nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). As a dietary supplement, NR appears to be well tolerated, having better pharmacodynamics and greater potency. Unfortunately, NR is a reactive molecule, often unstable during its manufacturing, transport, and storage. Recently, work related to prebiotic chemistry discovered that NR borate is considerably more stable than NR itself. However, immediately upon consumption, the borate dissociates from the NR borate and is lost in the body through dilution and binding to other species, notably carbohydrates such as fructose and glucose. The NR left behind is expected to behave pharmacologically in ways identical to NR itself. This review provides a comprehensive summary (through Q1 of 2023) of the literature that makes the case for the consumption of NR as a dietary supplement. It then summarizes the challenges of delivering quality NR to consumers using standard synthesis, manufacture, shipping, and storage approaches. It concludes by outlining the advantages of NR borate in these processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the mediating effects of social networks and wisdom on the relationship between lifestyle habits and healthy aging in older adults with chronic diseases. Methods: Participants were 120 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 and older with at least one chronic disease. Data were collected from elderly people by visiting nursing care worker training centers, senior centers, social gatherings, and home welfare centers in D, G, and S cities, with a questionnaire of lifestyle habits, social networks, wisdom and healthy aging, and general characteristics. Results: There were differences in the degree of healthy aging according to age (F = 3.76, p = 0.026), spousal relationship (t = 3.11, p = 0.002), education (F = 9.08, p < 0.001), number of diseases (F = 8.65, p < 0.001), and economic level (t = −2.45, p = 0.016). The most common diseases among the subjects were hypertension, hyperlipidemia, joint diseases and diabetes mellitus. Social networks (β = 0.46, p < 0.001) and wisdom (β = 0.55, p < 0.001) had partial mediating effects (z = 4.15, p < 0.001; z = 5.11, p < 0.001) on the relationship between subjects' lifestyle habits and healthy aging. Conclusions: To increase the degree of healthy aging of subjects, it is necessary to establish a mediating intervention program that manages to have good lifestyle habits in daily life, increase social networks, and become wise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensorimotor integration (SI) brain functions that are vital for everyday life tend to decline in advanced age. At the same time, elderly people preserve a moderate level of neuroplasticity, which allows the brain's functionality to be maintained and slows down the process of neuronal degradation. Hence, it is important to understand which aspects of SI are modifiable in healthy old age. The current study focuses on an auditory-based SI task and explores: (i) if the repetition of such a task can modify neural activity associated with SI, and (ii) if this effect is different in young and healthy old age. A group of healthy older subjects and young controls underwent an assessment of the whole-brain electroencephalography (EEG) while repetitively executing a motor task cued by the auditory signal. Using EEG spectral power and functional connectivity analyses, we observed a differential age-related modulation of theta activity throughout the repetition of the SI task. Growth of the anterior stimulus-related theta oscillations accompanied by enhanced right-lateralized frontotemporal phase-locking was found in elderly adults. Their young counterparts demonstrated a progressive increase in prestimulus occipital theta power. Our results suggest that the short-term repetition of the auditory-based SI task modulates sensory processing in the elderly. Older participants most likely progressively improve perceptual integration rather than attention-driven processing compared to their younger counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The advanced activities of daily living (AADLs) in old age is a key indicator of the mobility domain for the intrinsic capacity of older adults living in the community; for this reason, it is relevant to know the prevalence and risk factors related to performing fewer AADLs in different populations. Aim: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with the ability to perform AADLs in older adults reported in the Mexican Study of Health and Aging (MSHA 2018). Methods: A secondary cross-sectional analysis of the MSHA 2018 data was carried out, including a convenience sample of 6474 subjects ≥ 60 years of age, for both sexes, without cognitive deficits. Nine questions related to AADLs were selected from the database. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with <3 AADLs, including sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health status factors. Results: The prevalence of the ability to perform <3 AADLs was 63%. Age is the most important risk factor for <3 AADLs, which increases by the decade, followed by sedentary lifestyle (OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.91–2.42, p < 0.0001). Conclusions. Our findings suggest that age, schooling, urban residence, sedentary lifestyle, and comorbidity are the main risk factors for <3 AADLs in older Mexican adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autophagy plays important but complex roles in aging, affecting health and longevity. We found that, in the general population, the levels of ATG4B and ATG4D decreased during aging, yet they are upregulated in centenarians, suggesting that overexpression of ATG4 members could be positive for healthspan and lifespan. We therefore analyzed the effect of overexpressing Atg4b (a homolog of human ATG4D) in Drosophila, and found that, indeed, Atg4b overexpression increased resistance to oxidative stress, desiccation stress and fitness as measured by climbing ability. The overexpression induced since mid-life increased lifespan. Transcriptome analysis of Drosophila subjected to desiccation stress revealed that Atg4b overexpression increased stress response pathways. In addition, overexpression of ATG4B delayed cellular senescence, and improved cell proliferation. These results suggest that ATG4B have contributed to a slowdown in cellular senescence, and in Drosophila, Atg4b overexpression may have led to improved healthspan and lifespan by promoting a stronger stress response. Overall, our study suggests that ATG4D and ATG4B have the potential to become targets for health and lifespan interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the United States (US), Latino individuals older than 50 years face health disparities compared to their White counterparts. Considering the rising life expectancy and the projected increase of older Latino adults in the US, this scoping review aimed to determine the effectiveness of theory-based and culturally relevant strategies that promote healthy aging in Latinos. Web of Science and PubMed databases were searched between December 2022 and February 2023 for peer-reviewed articles assessing healthy aging interventions tailored to community-dwelling aging Latino adults. We included nine studies describing the effects of seven interventions on physical activity- or nutrition-related outcomes. Although not always statistically significant, interventions had a beneficial impact on well-being indicators. The most commonly used behavioral theories were Social Cognitive Theory and Attribution Theory. Latino cultural elements in these studies included partnering with community organizations that serve Latinos (such as Catholic churches), delivery of in-person bilingual group sessions by trusted community members (such as promotoras or Latino dance instructors), and incorporating values such as family and religion into the health curriculum, among others. Future strategies that promote healthy aging in Latino adults should proactively culturally adapt the theoretical foundations and the design, recruitment, and implementation processes to ensure their relevance and effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the reported prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in older adults, it is not yet established whether multivitamin/multimineral (MV/MM) supplements improve blood micronutrient status in individuals over the age of 65. Therefore, a cohort of 35 healthy men (>67 years) was recruited for an MV/MM supplementation trial. The primary endpoint was, as an indicator of micronutrient status, changes in blood micronutrient biomarkers from baseline to at least six months of supplementation with MV/MM or placebo. The secondary endpoint was basal O2 consumption in monocytes as an indicator of cellular metabolism. MV/MM supplementation improved blood concentrations of pyridoxal phosphate, calcifediol, α-tocopherol, and β-carotene concentrations throughout the cohort. By contrast, those in the placebo group generally showed declines in blood vitamin concentrations and an increased prevalence of suboptimal vitamin status during the study period. On the other hand, MV/MM supplementation did not significantly affect blood mineral concentrations, i.e., calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, and zinc. Interestingly, MV/MM supplementation prevented the decline in monocyte O2 consumption rate. Overall, MV/MM use improves or prevents declines in vitamin, but not mineral, status and limits declines in cellular O2 consumption, which may have important implications for metabolism and immune health in healthy older men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Arithmetic errors in the financial context have been investigated mainly in cognitively normal Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and mildly impaired PD (PD-MCI) individuals. The aim of this study was to examine arithmetic errors in the financial context across neurocognitive disorders. Methods: Four hundred and twenty older adults from Greece were divided into four groups (110 patients with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), 107 patients with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 109 healthy controls and 94 Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) patients). Their ages ranged from 65 to 98 years (M = 73.96, SD = 6.68), and the sample had a mean of 8.67 (SD = 4.08) years of education. For each of the AD patients, a counterpart matched by age, educational attainment and gender was selected from a larger group of participants. Results: Overall, the results reveal that healthy older adults did not commit arithmetic errors, but AD patients reported procedural errors in their responses to both questions. A high frequency of procedural errors was found in MCI patients' responses to the first question, while the errors in their responses to the second question cannot be categorized. Finally, in PDD patients, place value errors were reported for the first question, while more magnitude errors were made when responding to the second question. Conclusions: These findings support that arithmetic errors within financial contexts are not the same across neurocognitive disorders, and numerical representations are not impaired not only in PDD, but also in AD and MCI. This information could be useful in cognitive assessments performed by neurologists and neuropsychologists as these types of errors may be indicators of specific brain pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronological aging is commonly accompanied by chronic low-grade inflammation (or "inflammaging"), a contributor to the development of age-related chronic diseases. Aging increases oxidative stress that accelerates telomere shortening, leading to cell senescence and the generation of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) that exacerbates inflammation. Dietary antioxidants may help protect telomeres and attenuate inflammation. Thyme essential oil (TEO), reported for its potency against neuroinflammation, was fed to chronologically aged C57BL/6J mice for 24 weeks. The TEO diet showed notable impacts on the hippocampus, indicated by lower expression of the aging-related gene p16INK4A (p = 0.0783) and significantly lower expression of cyclin D kinase Cdk4 and Cdk6 (p < 0.05) compared to the age-matched control mice. The TEO group also showed significantly lower gene expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine Il6 (p < 0.05) in the hippocampus and lower Il1b expression in the liver and cerebellum (p < 0.05). In vitro experiments conducted on NIH-3T3 cells expressing SASP revealed the dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity of TEO. Remarkably, TEO diet-fed mice showed higher survival rates and significantly longer blood telomere lengths than the control mice. Monoterpene antioxidants in TEO, particularly thymol and p-cymene, may primarily contribute to the anti-inflammatory and telomere-protecting activities of TEO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last century has seen an increase in our life expectancy. As a result, various age-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), have emerged, representing new challenges to society. Oxidative stress (OS), a condition of redox imbalance resulting from excessive production of reactive oxygen species, represents a common feature that characterizes the brains of elderly people, thus contributing to NDs. Consequently, antioxidant supplementation or dietary intake of antioxidant-containing foods could represent an effective preventive and therapeutic intervention to maintain the integrity and survival of neurons and to counteract the neurodegenerative pathologies associated with aging. Food contains numerous bioactive molecules with beneficial actions for human health. To this purpose, a wide range of edible mushrooms have been reported to produce different antioxidant compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, polysaccharides, vitamins, carotenoids, ergothioneine, and others, which might be used for dietary supplementation to enhance antioxidant defenses and, consequently, the prevention of age-related neurological diseases. In this review, we summarized the role of oxidative stress in age-related NDs, focusing on the current knowledge of the antioxidant compounds present in edible mushrooms, and highlighting their potential to preserve healthy aging by counteracting age-associated NDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To evaluate the association between metabolically healthy overweight/obesity (MHO) status and longitudinal cognitive function while also considering the stability of the condition. Methods: In total, 2892 participants (mean age 60.7 (9.4) years) from Framingham Offspring Study completed health assessments every four years since 1971. Neuropsychological testing was repeated every four years starting from 1999 (Exam 7) to 2014 (Exam 9) (mean follow-up: 12.9 (3.5) years). Standardized neuropsychological tests were constructed into three factor scores (general cognitive performance, memory, processing speed/executive function). Healthy metabolic status was defined as the absence of all NCEP ATP III (2005) criteria (excluding waist circumference). MHO participants who scored positively for one or more of NCEP ATPIII parameters in the follow-up period were defined as unresilient MHO. Results: No significant difference on the change in cognitive function over time was observed between MHO and metabolically healthy normal weight (MHN) individuals (all p > 0.05). However, a lower processing speed/executive functioning scale score was observed in unresilient MHO participants compared to resilient MHO participants (β = −0.76; 95% CI = −1.44, −0.08; p = 0.030). Conclusions: Retaining a healthy metabolic status over time represents a more important discriminant in shaping cognitive function compared to body weight alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]