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This study aimed to clarify the association between the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and activeness in life among community-dwelling older adults. A self-administered, unmarked questionnaire survey was conducted among individuals aged 60 years or older who were registered with Silver Human Resource Centers or Senior citizen clubs in a city in Osaka Prefecture. The survey collected data on participants, demographic characteristics, health status, ICT use, and activeness in life (particularly expansion of life space, exercise habits, motivation, and social activities). ICT use was defined as the use of any mobile devices to connect to the Internet, such as smartphones, tablets, or wearable devices. A logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the association between ICT use and activeness in life after adjusting for confounding factors. A total of 892 responses were used in the analysis. The results revealed that the odds ratios (ORs) for expansion of life space (1.84) and motivation (2.17) were significantly higher for the group of participants using ICT use than for the group of participants not using ICT. In contrast, ICT use was not associated with exercise habits and social activities. Overall, this study clarified that ICT use is significantly associated with the expansion of life space and motivation among community-dwelling older adults. In particularly, ICT use may increase mental activity, inferred from the highest OR value for motivation noted in the current results. In conclusion, ICT use can enhance activeness in life among community-dwelling older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined energy performance improvement factors by analyzing both energy performance and the economic impacts to reduce energy costs for senior centers. A fact-finding survey was conducted on 20 senior centers in a metropolitan area, identifying key energy improvement factors. Energy simulations of the buildings were performed using ECO2, an officially certified energy assessment program in Korea, comparing the energy requirements before and after the improvements. The energy demand, energy consumption, and floor area were analyzed, with the J, K, and S standard models selected based on the median values of these factors. To assess the impact of the improvements, blower door tests were conducted on two senior centers before and after window upgrades. Based on the ECO2 simulations and the blower door test results, improvement priorities were identified in the following order: windows, exterior walls, boilers, roofs, and doors. Finally, an economic feasibility analysis applied the construction and heating costs to the standard models. Over a 40-year period, only boiler improvements generated a net profit. Without government support, this study recommends prioritizing boiler upgrades when selecting energy performance improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to identify how aged care organizations can foster a culture that supports the implementation of innovation. Introduction: The aged care sector must innovate to meet clients' evolving needs and increased regulatory requirements. Given the need to account for the values, beliefs, expectations, and assumptions held by a diverse range of stakeholders, implementing innovations within aged care can be exceptionally complex. Fostering a supportive organizational culture can facilitate the implementation of these critical innovations. Methods: Papers from a large scoping review that identified organizational culture as a barrier and/or enabler to implementing innovations in aged care were imported into NVivo. Data relating to how organizations fostered (or could foster) a culture that supported the implementation of innovations were then extracted, inductively coded, interpreted, and grouped into approaches. Results: Of the 193 papers from the original scoping review, 109 were included in this secondary analysis. From these 109 papers, we identified six key approaches: cultivating collaboration; valuing contributions; ensuring alignment between the organizational vision, culture, and innovation; demonstrating organizational commitment; developing and communicating the implementation plan; and accounting for stability. Conclusions: Our study outlines effective approaches that can be used by aged care organizations to cultivate a culture that supports the implementation of innovations. However, these approaches should not be viewed in isolation; rather, they are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Together, these insights offer practical guidance for aged care entities seeking to adapt and evolve through innovation implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to examine the efficacy of an intervention, based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) and social support, in promoting strength training (ST) among older adults. A two‐arm clustered randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted among 235 older adults from eight elderly centers in Hong Kong. The intervention group engaged in a 6‐month intervention comprising ST sessions, exercise consultations, social gatherings, and a buddy program, while the control group participated in social gatherings. Assessments were conducted at baseline (Month 0), post‐intervention (Month 6), and 3‐month follow‐up (Month 9), with primary outcome being the prevalence of meeting the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommendations of ST. Results showed that the intervention group reported significantly higher prevalence of meeting ACSM recommendations for ST at both post‐intervention and follow‐up. Linear mixed models showed significant interaction effect between condition and time on perceived susceptibility of sarcopenia and muscle strength and significant condition effect on self‐efficacy for ST, perceived severity of sarcopenia, perceived barriers of ST, and intention to perform ST. Findings suggest that the intervention, guided by HBM and social support, improves older adults' ST participation, muscle strength, perceptions on sarcopenia, and self‐efficacy for ST, which offers great potential for broader application in other settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of South Architecture / Nanfang Jianzhu is the property of South Architecture Editorial Office 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.)

Current literature states the importance of mental and physical health in combating the effects of metabolic syndrome; however, there is limited information on whether providing education on the syndrome along with mental and individualized physical exercises improves perceived confidence in the older adult population. A solution to this problem would be to provide a course to this population with a primary goal of education and exercise prescription. A community case study was implemented in the spring of 2024 with the purpose of measuring perceived confidence in metabolic syndrome, management of stress and anxiety, and how to move safely with exercise. Twenty-nine older adults with an average age of 76.1  years were recruited from a local senior citizen center. A course was given to the participants that included education and prescription of exercises tailored to the needs of the individual. Before and after the course, participants completed a confidence survey investigating their confidence in lowering the risk for metabolic syndrome, managing stress/anxiety, and understanding how to move safely with exercise. Regarding the post surveys, knowing how to lower the risk of metabolic syndrome increased by 46%, learning how to manage stress and anxiety increased by 50%, and understanding how to exercise safely increased by 41%. The data from this study suggests that providing education along with specific exercise prescription improved the participant’s confidence in lowering their risk for metabolic syndrome, management of stress and anxiety, and how to move safely with exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to understand the different meanings attributed by older adults to old age and their expectations for the future. This was a qualitative descriptive study of 34 older adults involved in senior activities in the urban area of Pau dos Ferros, a municipality located in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, northeastern Brazil. Using a semi-structured interview, the participants were asked about their perceptions of old age and expectations for the future. Two thematic categories emerged throughout the analysis process: ‘Meanings attributed to old age’ and ‘Expectations for the future’. The results showed that older adults’ perceptions of old age are constantly influenced by the individual experiences accumulated over a lifetime, and that the triad of old age, health, and disease, in the majority of cases, is the factor that most influences the responses. It is our hope that the present study will contribute to the development of further studies that include older adults’ perceptions of their own aging process, and that these studies will provide knowledge that will translate into benefits for older adults, whether they participate or not in group-based senior activities.

Background: As global aging continues to intensify, the health status of the older people requires urgent attention, and health education provides a pathway for active aging. However, the current outlook on health education for older people in rural areas of China is not optimistic. This study used Social Ecosystems Theory and explored the deep-rooted influencing factors on the acceptance of health education from the perspective of the rural older people. Methods: In this study, a purposive sampling method was adopted, and eligible rural older individuals were selected from Hebi city, Henan Province, China, from March to May 2023 as the research participants. A semistructured interview method was used to explore the factors affecting the acceptance of health education by older people. The interview data were analyzed using the qualitative content analysis method to obtain relevant themes and subthemes. Results: A total of 14 participants were recruited for the interviews; 8 were male, 6 were female, most had an elementary school education, and most were farmers. The results of the thematic analysis revealed a total of nine facilitators and nine barriers in micro, meso and macro levels. Among the findings, our important and unique finding is that inadequate intergenerational support somewhat hinders older adults' exposure to health education. Conclusion: There are numerous and complex facilitators of and barriers to accessing health education for rural older adults; of these, a lack of intergenerational support is particularly important. In the future, health education needs to be centered on the families of older people with the assistance of village committees so that older people and their children can learn and communicate together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Provincial Council of Álava has carried out a pilot study to evaluate the quality of care in residential centers for the elderly. Indicators have been validated to measure quality in collaboration with service providers. More than 70 professionals from public and private centers have participated in the project. The study has analyzed different indicators, such as falls, pressure ulcers, and physical restraints, and has found significant associations between some of these variables. It is concluded that the indicators used can be valid for comparing the quality of care in residential centers, but adjustments must be made in the collection of information and in the definition of the indicators. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Latinos are more likely than non-Latino Whites to develop dementia and be prescribed antipsychotics for dementia-related behavioral symptoms. Antipsychotics have significant risks yet are often overprescribed. Our understanding of how Latino caregivers of Latino older adults living with dementia perceive and address behavioral issues is limited, impeding our ability to address the root causes of antipsychotic overprescribing. Methods: We interviewed Latino older adults' caregivers and community-based organization workers serving older adults with cognitive impairment (key informants), focusing on the management of behavioral symptoms and experiences with health services. Results: We interviewed 8 caregivers and 2 key informants. Caregivers were the spouses, children, or grandchildren of the older adult living with cognitive impairment; their ages ranged from 30 to 95. We identified three categories of how caregivers learned about, managed, and coped with behavioral symptoms: caregivers often faced shortcomings with dementia care in the medical system, receiving limited guidance and support; caregivers found community organizations and senior day centers to be lifelines, as they received relevant, timely advice and support, caregivers often devised their own creative strategies to manage behavioral symptoms. Conclusion: In-depth interviews suggest that the healthcare system is failing to provide support for behavioral symptoms from dementia; caregivers of Latino older adults rely on community organizations instead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postural imbalance is a leading cause of injury in older adults. Our study investigated the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR)-based interventions on balance ability in this population. Here, we examined 21 older, healthy adults (75.8 ± 5.2 years old). Participants performed 6 weeks of balance training, twice per week for 30 min; the experimental group donned an Oculus VR headset during the training while control participants did not. To assess balance ability, a force platform measured displacement of the center of pressure (COP) during quiet standing in double-leg, tandem, and single-leg stances with eyes closed pre- and post-assessment. COP measurements included mediolateral (ML) and anterior–posterior (AP) directions for root mean square (RMS), peak-to-peak displacement (MAXD), total excursion (TE), and 95% confidence area ellipse (AE) parameters. Post-training assessments showed improvements (significant decreases) in the COP parameters. Control group COP parameters improved in various stances ranging from a 3% to 40% decrease on average. The VR group improved MAXD, TE, and 95% AE ranging from a 5% to 47% decrease, on average, across various stances post- compared to pre-training. VR-based exercise training programs may encourage older adults to engage in mobility exercises, leading to a reduced risk of falls or injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban squares are the main place for older adults' daily activities. The spatial layout of the urban square is not only related to the construction of a healthy city and the equitable distribution of public resources, but also of great significance in enhancing the sense of gain, security, and happiness of older adults. This essay takes "health needs of older adults" as the perspective, and constructs a multi-dimensional evaluation index system of urban square space for elderly suitability in terms of physiological, psychological, and social health. It also takes six urban squares in Yiyang city center as an example and analyzes and evaluates them using GIS network analysis and the entropy weight method. The results of the study show that (1) Yiyang city center squares show the distribution characteristics of "dense in the middle and scattered around", and the spatial distribution is not balanced, which leads to a small service area. (2) The overall intervention value of urban square space is mainly distributed between 0.291 and 0.710, with an average value of 0.481, and the overall intervention effect of the square is good. The reasons for differences in health interventions for older adults in urban square spaces centered on six aspects: the quality of the square space, the variety and convenience of travel lines, the tidiness of the environment, physical activities, safety, and social interaction. Based on this, this essay proposes three optimization strategies for the renewal of urban squares, the construction of characteristic squares, and the reconstruction of the urban square space system. The aim is to provide a reference for the future design and renewal of the elderly suitability of urban squares, so as to promote the construction of a healthy city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increases in the numbers of older adults with mental health and substance use concerns compel us to identify best practices in training to address these issues. Senior Centers are an ideal location for behavioral health education programs as they are the go-to place for many older adults. This paper describes an online certificate program in Behavioral Health and Aging offered by the Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research at Boston University School of Social Work in collaboration with the National Council on Aging to increase senior center staff knowledge and skills. A total of 228 senior center staff in Illinois, Florida, and Wisconsin completed the online certificate program. There were statistically significant changes in key competencies for all courses based on pre-post assessment. We held key informant interviews to assess the impact of training and participants stated that their knowledge, skills, and behaviors were influenced by the program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent increase in the number of frail older adults has led to increased attention being paid to care services in communities such as senior day care centers. Maintaining health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in frail older adults is important for managing long-term care. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively explore the impact of physical, mental, and cognitive factors, particularly central sensitization-related symptoms (CSSs), on the HRQOL among frail older adults in senior day care centers. HRQOL, physical, mental, and cognitive factors, and severity of CSSs were comprehensively measured using validated methods. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to examine factors affecting HRQOL among frail older adults in senior day care centers. The results showed that the timed up and go test significantly affected the HRQOL among frail older adults at senior day care centers. Additionally, knee extension muscle strength, number of pain sites, depressive tendencies, and CSS severity showed a significant negative correlation with HRQOL but were not significant influencing factors. This suggests that functional mobility assessments and approaches are important for maintaining and improving the HRQOL in frail older adults at senior day care centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Companions (i.e. friends who spend time together) are important for the well-being of older adults. Senior centers in the United States are places for older adults to participate in group activities and form and maintain companionships. However, differences in mobility and transportation may affect the ability of older adults to leverage senior center activities into actual companionships. Methods This social network analysis was conducted to characterize the companionship network among members of a senior center in relation to their life-space mobility and transportation resources. An exponential random graph model was estimated to identify mobility- and transportation-related correlates of the likelihood of a companionship tie among senior center members (N  = 42). Results Members had an average of 2 companionships with one another (M  = 2.2, SD  = 2.7). Companionships were more likely for members with greater life-space mobility (p  = .009), who attended the senior center more frequently (p  = .004), with automobile ownership in their households (p  = .034), and who were not transportation cost-burdened (i.e. spent less than 15% of their income on transportation, p  = .005). Demographic characteristics, limitations on instrumental activities of daily living, and being at risk for depression were not significantly associated with the likelihood of companionships. Discussion These findings extend previous knowledge of the role of life-space mobility and transportation in supporting general social participation for older adults to include the importance of transportation and mobility for having companions within a senior center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this qualitative exploratory study was to better understand how LGBTQ+ senior centers created virtual communities and implemented organizational adaptation in the earliest stages of the pandemic. Three focus groups (n=22) were conducted with program facilitators and senior center employees to better understand how these key stakeholders contributed to the transition from in person senior center to virtual senior center programming in March of 2020. The experiences of LGBTQ+ program facilitators and senior center staff varied based on the nature of their assigned roles. Latent pattern content analysis of the focus groups unveiled both shared and divergent categories and themes from the two cohorts. Themes identified for program facilitators included: adaptation, interconnectedness, some not served, and virtual preference. Themes identified for senior center staff included: communication, the blurring of the personal/professional, urgent needs, and future planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of community elderly care facilities (CECF) is pivotal for promoting healthy aging and "aging in place" for older people. This study focuses on the low utilization rates of community elderly care facilities in the Dongcheng and Xicheng Districts, core areas of Beijing. The explainable machine learning method is used to analyze data across three dimensions: the elderly's individual attributes, characteristics of the community elderly care station (CECS), and features of the built environment around CECS and subdistrict, to identify the important factors that influence the usage frequency of overall CECS and its different functional spaces, and also the correlation between factors and usage frequency of CECS. It shows that the most important factors are the features of CSCF, including the degree of space acceptance and satisfaction with services provided, which influence the usage frequency of nine functional spaces (R2 ≥ 0.68) and overall (R2 = 0.56). In addition, older people's individual factors, such as age and physical condition, significantly influence the usage of specific spaces such as rehabilitation therapy rooms and assistive bathing rooms. The influence of built environment characteristics is relatively low, with factors such as the density of bus stations and housing prices within the subdistrict and the mean distance from CECF to the nearest subway stations being more important. These findings provide a reference for the construction of indoor environments, management of service quality, and optimal site selection for future community elderly care facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers (OAIC) Program sponsored by the National Institute on Aging (NIA)./ Topics discussed include goal of the program, factor to which the OAIC Program's success can be attributed, and research themes of the OAICs.

Introduction: Public health strategies aim to promote and maintain older people's functional capacity for health and well-being. However, little is known about the functional capacity in Colombian older adults. Objective: To describe the functional capacity of institutionalized and non-institutionalized older people in the Social and Health Care Centers of Quindío, Colombia. Method: A descriptive study was designed with a stratified probabilistic sampling of older adults. Functional capacity was assessed with the Barthel Index and the Short Physical Performance Battery. Results: 306 older adults participated in the study. 57.5% of non- institutionalized people attended Day Centers, and 42.5% of the institutionalized population attended Social Protection Centers for the Elderly. 37.6% of the population presented some level of functional dependency, and 64.0% some degree of fragility. Conclusions: The prevalence of frailty in the population participating in social health centers is significantly high, representing an imminent risk of loss of functionality in the short term. It is necessary to design intervention strategies to prevent or delay the appearance of dependence and disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mealtimes are crucial markers of daily schedules and hold significant meaning for older adults in senior living facilities worldwide, extending beyond the food served. Utilizing Moustakas' transcendental phenomenological approach, this study explores the lived experiences and multifaceted meanings of mealtimes for older adults from multicultural backgrounds in senior living facilities in Malaysia. In six urban senior living facilities, 28 older adults from Malaysia's three major ethnic groups, namely Bumiputera Malays, Chinese, and Indians were interviewed through semi-structured one-on-one interviews. Five discernible themes beyond tangible aspects emerged: mealtimes as cultural bridges, memories and palate, emotional bonds through food, quality control and consumption, and comfort through personalized dining experience. This study raises awareness among senior-living facilitators, family caregivers, academics, and policymakers to acknowledge the evident complexities of mealtimes for older adults living away from the comfort of familiarity. Future research should consider the active involvement of all stakeholders in co-creating and implementing interventions that enhance older adults' mealtime experiences in senior-friendly establishments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To extend the literature on participation in intergenerational technology programs, we conducted a quasi-experimental study consisting of senior center participants, half who took part in the University of Rhode Island Engaging Generations Cyber-Seniors (URI eGen Cyber-Seniors) Program and half who did not. Findings showed that both groups were similar on most variables; however participants did have higher education levels and more positive attitudes toward younger people. We also examined if older adult program participants improved scores on social and technological measures compared to the control group, and we found participants improved on technology use, digital competence, loneliness, and doing unpaid community service measures but not the non-participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, under the influence of multiple factors such as traditional ideas and living economic conditions, the aging population in China continues to increase. Most of the elderly are more inclined to aged at home, and the first places for elderly activities are communities and the surrounding environment, which greatly affects the convenience of life and happiness of the elderly. In this paper, Changxindian area in Fengtai District of Beijing was as the research object, and detailed calculation and analysis were carried out by using POI data and arcGIS software. The relative location of residential areas and surrounding public toilets was explored, and the best location of public toilets in the daily walking area under the model of community home-based care for the elderly was further studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adults often experience a loss of social relations and sense of belonging in later life, leading to the risk of social isolation. Municipal senior centres offer a potential site for intervention, as they provide social communities targeting older people. However, not all older people find it easy to access these social communities due to experiencing physical and/or psychosocial frailties and could therefore continue to experience a decline in social relations and sense of belonging, which potentiates poor physical and psychosocial health and well-being. To date, there are limited evidence-based interventions in Denmark. The present article describes the development of an intervention to increase belongingness and decrease social isolation among older people with frailties who attend Danish municipal senior centres. The development process was conducted with reference to the INDEX (IdentifyiNg and assessing different approaches to DEveloping compleX intervention) guidance. The development process resulted in a 6-month supportive intervention, consisting of four elements: skills development workshops for all staff members; a start conversation including frailty screening; allocation of a 'buddy' among existing service users; and monthly follow-up conversations with staff members. This theory-informed approach can progress to feasibility testing and outcome evaluation in order to generate an evidence base. Concurrently, the article reflects on current guidance for intervention development and how it may be used and optimized to strengthen developmental processes in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of senior citizen centers is becoming more important, with a greater emphasis placed on ensuring that these establishments facilitate leisure and communication for older adults. These developments are taking place as population aging has now become an irreversible global trend. However, there is still a lack of systematic research on predicting the distribution density of senior citizen centers based on physical factors in urban planning. Therefore, this study set each administrative district in Busan as a unit and investigated physical factors affecting the distribution density of senior citizen centers around small apartment complexes to validate their effectiveness. First, the spatial hierarchy of each administrative district in Busan was examined. The city was divided into administrative districts while focusing on the distribution density of senior citizen centers (the dependent variable) around small apartment complexes where older adults live (within a 500 m radius). The spatial accessibility of senior citizen centers and the number of apartments in each administrative district were set as independent variables. This selection was made to verify the effectiveness of the physical factors by conducting an independent sample t-test, normality test, Friedman test, and two-way ANOVA. The chief findings of this study are as follows. (1) The spatial awareness of each administrative district was low, and there were large disparities in the land development density relative to the spatial scale of the administrative districts. (2) Regarding the physical factors affecting the distribution density of senior citizen centers, the spatial accessibility of senior residences was more significant than the number of small apartment complexes nearby. (3) Personal and social factors may have indirectly influenced the distribution density of senior citizen centers more than physical factors, depending on the type of house in which the older adults live. The findings will provide a theoretical basis for determining the location and distribution density of senior citizen centers in urban planning considering physical factors, as well as serve as a reference for public policy decisions related to the allocation of such centers in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

The onset of the digital age has sparked a significant age-related digital divide, detrimentally affecting older adults. The age-related digital disparities and the gray digital divide between the Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation in senior living facilities remains an exigent issue. This study explored the lived experiences of older adults as they confront the challenges posed by age-related digital disparities inherent in the gray digital divide in senior living facilities. In-depth, semi-structured interviews and observations were conducted with 28 older adults living in six senior living facilities in three urban locations. Moustakas's transcendental phenomenology was employed, and the Modified Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen method was used to analyze the data. This study identified six main themes: barriers to connectivity, digital literacy, generational-rooted perceptions, navigating technology with functional limitations, social isolation, and end-of-life planning. The gray digital divide disproportionately affects older adults in senior living facilities. The study emphasizes the need for tailored interventions and targeted support to address the specific needs of each cohort and reduce age-related disparities. Addressing these disparities has significant implications for academics, policy-makers, senior living accommodations, and technology developers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lack of access to social bonding sessions owing to the COVID-19 pandemic has had negative effects on older adults' exercise participation. This study examined the relationships between bridging capital, bonding capital, relationship commitment, and exercise participation intention. We surveyed 740 adults aged 50 years or over who visited welfare, health, and senior centers in South Korea. The results showed that bridging capital and bonding capital were positively associated with relationship commitment and exercise participation intention, and that the effect of bridging capital on exercise participation intention was mediated by relationship commitment. Thus, it is necessary to find ways to develop programs that can connect older adults and help them form small networks, in order to promote their exercise participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to limited access to and low consumption of fruits and vegetables, older adults are at increased risk of worsening or developing chronic diseases. This paper describes a community-academic partnership that provides a sustainable source of blackberries to attendees of a rural senior center. Qualitative research evaluated the partnership following implementation of a blackberry program. Focus groups and interviews included partners from a senior center, Cooperative Extension Service, and a detention center. Main themes: group power dynamics influenced communication between research and community leadership teams; unexpected project barriers emerged; and community leadership team suggested strategies to promote project longevity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Senior centers provide recreational and social opportunities to millions of older adults. As a result of COVID-19, many senior center directors were forced to adapt and provide new physical distancing opportunities for their members quickly. The study aimed to identify restrictions, challenges, and successes that Delaware senior center administrators faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interviews with 15 senior center administrators revealed that many sites relied upon state or federal guidelines for their policies while significantly reducing their specific class and activity offerings. These senior center administrators indicated a lack of guidance on openings, financial hardships, and lack of volunteers and employees as challenges they faced. Policies and frameworks should be developed to assist these organizations when adapting to future disasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Population aging has opened up a new and broad field of study for health science in which nursing must investigate to guarantee the health autonomy of older people. Objective: To make visible the Gerontological Day Centers (CDG) and the activities of nursing professionals in these centers in Huelva. Methodology: A qualitative investigation has been carried out using questionnaires and interviews directed at the management and nursing staff of several Day Centers in Huelva and the province. Results: The CDG are an intermediate resource with multiple objectives and functions, which offer quality of life for both the elderly and their families. They are made up of a basic team of professionals who work on a non-permanent basis. The role of nursing is essential, but it has a very poor employment situation. Conclusion: These centers provide professional care and allow them to remain in their usual homes, favoring the quality of life and autonomy of this older population. The bibliography on this topic is scarce, so it is considered necessary to deepen its research along with the implementation of programs and improvement proposals that make these sociohealth centers known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine two hypotheses: 1) Users of Day Care Center for Elderly (DCCE) would have frail health and multiple age-related care needs, and 2) caregivers would have to deal with some levels of anxiety due to the burden of care, and similar levels of quality of life to the users. Materials and Methods: The current cross-sectional study was carried out at a DCCE of the regional unit of Heraklion, Crete, Greece, between March-April 2022. The study sample comprised 29 DCCE social care services users and 51 caregivers. A short questionnaire sheet was created to record sociodemographic characteristics and general health-related issues. Additionally, the Anxiety Symptom Scale (Short Anxiety Screening Test (SAST)) and the Quality of Life (SF-12) were used to measure anxiety and quality of life of the participants. Comparison analysis was performed to detect differences between the two groups. Results: The most common morbidities for users of DCCE were hypertension (58.6%), hypercholesterolemia (55.2%), rheumatoid arthritis (24.1%), diabetes (24.1%) and heart disease (41.4%). Users of social care services have significantly higher vaccination rates (influenza: 100%, COVID-19: 100%, herpes zoster: 44.8%, and pneumococcus: 86.2%) than their caregivers. About 75% (yes: 24% and sometimes: 51.8%) of the users and 45% of their caregivers (yes: 7.8%, and sometimes: 37.3%) felt lonely at least sometimes. All participants were found to have low mean levels of the SAST score (18.4, SD:4.9) and 18.7% were on the verge of severe symptoms. Users of social care services were found to have low average levels of quality of life (SF-12), with significantly lower physical health (28.2, SD: 6.6) compared to the Mental health subscale (39.6, SD: 9.3) (p <0.001). Conclusions: This study highlighted the main health-issues of DCCE users, and that they have low quality of life. Additionally, we found that caregivers faced a few health-issues, and had higher quality of life and lower SAST levels than the users. Therefore, social and health policy providers should consider our findings and assess the users' and caregivers' needs to provide holistic care, thus improving their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Historical cartography is one of the principal tools used in correct flood adaptation and management based on territorial planning. In fact, Directive 2007/60/EC on the assessment and management of flood risks includes the analysis and inventory of historical floods in a river basin for assessing the flood hazard and risk existing in a geographical space. This study seeks to analyse the largest flood registered in the Segura basin, occurring on 14–15 October 1879, which attracted enormous interest on a national and international level. The methodology applied is based on the consultation of historical sources and historical cartography, and the elaboration of maps using GIS, enabling comparisons to be made with current flood zones. The results show that the Santa Teresa flood was very similar to the Spanish National Cartographic Systems for Flood Areas (SNCZI) map for a 500-year return period. Furthermore, it allows the identification of the sensitive points along the course of the river or those prone to burst banks or overflowing, which practically coincide with the current maps and modelling conducted by the official bodies. Furthermore, the buildings in the floodable area in the historical cartography have been counted and reconstructed on a GIS map and the SNCZI. Massive anthropic occupation through the construction of settlements and infrastructures (hospitals, schools, centers for the elderly, roads and railways) in the Guadalentín valley and the Segura River increases the risk of flooding in the study area, despite the numerous control and regulation works carried out in the Segura River basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aging is an unavoidable process characterized by a progressive decline in body organs and skeletal muscle. Sarcopenia is defined as low muscle mass and function; it is diagnosed according to the working group of sarcopenia definition; also, it can predict the adverse disability outcome and subsequent functional deterioration. Objectives: This study aims to estimating the prevalence of sarcopenia in old Iraqi adults and determines some sociodemographic factors that may be related. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 elderly aged ≥60 years in a community-dwelling and senior citizen center in Baghdad. The data were obtained from a questionnaire (sociodemographic and behavioral data) in addition to anthropometry measurements. The cut-off point score was derived from the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2. Results: Sarcopenia was present in 15%, 21.5% in males and 8.2% in females. It was positively associated with aging, significantly associated with males, marital state, retirement, nonsmoker, alcoholic, fall history, normal body mass index, and elderly. While it was negatively related to educational level and physical activity. Conclusions: Sarcopenia prevalence was presented with a considerable prevalence among old adults, as well as had a great association with all behavioral and lifestyle variants studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]