Search

Objectives This feasibility study explored the impact of fostering a shelter cat on loneliness and well-being in older adults living alone without a pet. The study also examined the effect of cat fostering on older adults' interest in cat adoption when perceived barriers to adoption were removed. Methods A total of 29 adults (age ≥60) were paired with a cat and asked to foster for a minimum of 4 months (with an option to adopt). Participants completed surveys before placement with cats, with a follow-up at 1 and 4 months postplacement and 12 months if they adopted their cat. The survey included scales of loneliness, physical and mental health, self-efficacy, positive and negative affect, and comfort from a companion animal. Scores were compared across time using a Multivariable Linear Mixed Model. Results A total of 23 of 29 (79.3%) participants remained in the study for at least 4 months, and a majority (95.7%) adopted their cat. Differences in marginal means (adjusted for physical health) showed a significant improvement in loneliness from baseline to 4 months (p =.029). A similar 4-month improvement that approached statistical significance (adjusted p =.079) was observed for mental health. No other scales showed statistically significant changes across time. Discussion Fostering a shelter cat with the option for adoption may be an effective solution for alleviating loneliness and improving mental health in older adults. Interest in adopting foster cats was high when perceived barriers to adoption were removed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted an exploratory study to describe the emotional experience of adults aged 60 and older in the United States practicing social distancing during COVID-19. The survey asked respondents how they were feeling during social distancing. Responses (n=673) were coded into segments by affect and then specific emotional states. A large portion of respondents reported negative emotions (e.g. anxiety, loneliness). A smaller portion reported positive emotions (e.g. optimism, gratitude). Younger respondents (aged 60-70) reported more feelings of anxiousness and fear compared to older respondents (71+). Older respondents were more likely to report negative feelings towards the government. For both age groups, female respondents were significantly more likely to report feeling afraid and having negative feelings about their own health. We conclude that many older adults are vulnerable to negative emotional outcomes during the pandemic. This highlights the importance of interventions targeting vulnerable older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second-most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder. Despite recommendations for a palliative approach, little is known about what palliative needs are unmet by standard care. This study aims to (a) identify palliative needs of PD patients, (b) determine the relationship between palliative needs and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and (c) probe into factors affecting HRQoL. PD patients and neurologists were recruited for a survey on palliative need; a subset of patients was interviewed. Significant differences between physicians and patients were found in Physical, Psychological, Social, Financial, and Spiritual domains. Physical and Psychological needs predicted HRQoL. Primary themes across interviews included (a) lack of healthcare education and (b) need for care coordination. Secondary themes included (a) the importance of support groups, (b) the role of spirituality/religion, and (c) the narrow perceived role of the neurologist. Findings highlight the importance of coordinated individualized care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive training has been shown to increase neural plasticity and cognitive reserve, potentially reducing the risk of developing dementia. Music learning, specifically piano playing, has been shown to be an effective form of multimodal cognitive training. This pilot study explored the feasibility and efficacy of using a socially assistive robot to provide a piano learning cognitive training intervention to older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Participants (N=11) engaged in a four-week feasibility study, which included a one-hour piano lesson per week led by a remotely controlled robot. Participants experienced improved cognitive function in the verbal memory ( p =0.04), executive function ( p =0.01), reaction time ( p =0.04), and cognitive flexibility ( p =0.003) domains, as well as in the calculated neurocognitive index score ( p =0.03). Socially assistive robots may have the potential to provide cognitive training in the form of piano lessons for older adults with mild cognitive impairment, especially adults who cannot access traditional services.