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E-learning is the direct result of the integration between technology and education. The lifelong learning process for older people should consider employing e-learning activities. The objective of this work was to identify the pedagogical processes involved in e-learning activities in learning environments used by elderly people. The literature search resulted in 826 papers. Ten studies were selected for the qualitative synthesis. The research method used was PRISMA. The results point out that: the need to adapt e-learning content to different cognitive skills; the interface of virtual learning environments must be adaptive; the level of knowledge of older people must be considered; communication features such as forums, chats and message exchange must be considered; face-to-face meetings should be offered to remedy possible difficulties in the use of technological resources; the use of explanatory tutorials on communication tools and teacher assistance in mediations should be observed; there is a need to use interactive materials; activities that foster collaborative dynamics must be encouraged; and themes suggested by the elderly that enable self-knowledge should also be adopted. Although an article investigated indicates the opposite, it was found that e-learning is well accepted by the elderly, adding many advantages for the development of digital skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundRespiratory infectious diseases (RIDs) are a global public health problem, characterized by strong infectivity, high transmissibility, and a high incidence in the population. This study aimed to explore RID prevention behaviors among older adults and analyze their influencing factors.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted to examine RID prevention behaviors among 2219 Chinese older adults. Analysis of variance and the Kruskal–Wallis test were used to compare behaviors among subjects with different characteristics. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships between knowledge, skills, and behavior, and a generalized linear model was used for multi-factor analysis.ResultsThe participants in this questionnaire survey were predominantly older adults individuals aged 65–70 years (45.65%), with no more than a primary school educational level (86.70%). Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant associations between age, education, place of residence, living condition, marital status, annual income in the past year, type of medical insurance, health status, smoking status, drinking status, weekly exercise durations, and sleep status in older adults and their RID prevention behavior. Pearson's correlation analysis indicated a moderate correlation between knowledge, skills, and behavioral scores. Multivariate analysis identified place of residence, annual income, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, exercise frequency, knowledge level, and skill level as influential factors for behaviors related to the prevention and control of RID in older adults.ConclusionOur results confirm the importance of a healthy lifestyle in RID prevention among older adults, especially in terms of smoking, alcohol consumption, and regular exercise, and provide empirical evidence for the development of health promotion programs for older adults people, particularly in rural areas.

In recent years, there has been an increase in suicide rates in Brazil. From 2015 to 2019, a 34% increase in self-inflicted deaths was observed. The aim of this study was to analyse population data to determine whether some subgroups of the population, specifically the elderly population with Alzheimer's disease, are at a greater risk of suicide. An analysis of population data was carried out. Population data from the state of São Paulo, Brazil, were obtained from two platforms: the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE); and the Brazilian Ministry of Health (DataSUS). Data were measured and compared in 2010 and 2022 using the two most recent censuses. Between 2010 and 2022, the number of registered deaths of patients with Alzheimer's increased by 21.93%. In addition, there was a 100.37% increase in suicides among the elderly population compared to a 37.78% increase in the general population. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in both suicides among the elderly and mortality rates attributed to Alzheimer's disease within São Paulo state, Brazil. However, it is not possible to conclude that the increase in suicide among the elderly is directly linked to Alzheimer's disease. To determine a correlation between suicide and Alzheimer's disease, further studies are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundMethodsResultsConclusionsResearch exploring the link between dietary riboflavin intake and cognitive decline in this demographic is limited. Our aim was to examine the association between riboflavin intake levels and cognitive decline.The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2011 to 2014 were utilized in this cross-sectional analysis. The Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease test Word Learning delayed recall trial (DR), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Animal Fluency Test(AFT) and Z test were used to evaluate cognitive performance. Multivariate logistic regression, restricted cubic spline and subgroup analysis were performed to evaluate the associations between riboflavin intake and cognitive decline.The study included a total of 2255 patients, with 47.9% being male. The incidence of cognitive decline was 23.8%. After adjusting for all selected covariates, we found that high riboflavin intake was associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment in adults in the United States. When riboflavin intake was used as a Categorical variable, compared to those with the lowest intake, the odds ratio (OR) of individuals with the highest riboflavin intake for DR test, AFT test, DSST test and Z test were 0.73 (95% CI: 0.53~1), 0.68(95% CI: 0.49–0.96),0.53(95% CI: 0.37–0.77) and 0.56(95% CI: 0.39–0.8). The study also found an L-shaped association between riboflavin intake and cognitive decline, with an inflection point at approximately 2.984 mg/d.Our cross-sectional study in a nationwide sample of American old adults suggests that dietary riboflavin intake was negative associated with cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the healthy life expectancy (HLE) of older adults in China since the 1990s, utilizing data from China's sixth (2010) and seventh (2020) National Population Censuses and the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), conducted from 1998 to 2018. By applying the Sullivan method for estimating HLE, the study examines trends in HLE and assesses the impacts of mortality and morbidity rates on HLE through counterfactual analysis. It differentiates measurements of health status: the census uses self-reported ability of living independently, while CLHLS uses the activities of daily living (ADL) scale. The results from both data sources indicate an increase in HLE as a proportion of overall life expectancy for the elderly in China since the 1990s, which suggests a "compression of morbidity". The CLHLS findings align with those based on the census data. Monitoring HLE is crucial for tracking the health status of the elderly in China and can offer valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare providers in enacting strategies that enhance the health and overall well-being of the senior population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reliable blood biomarkers are crucial for early detection and treatment evaluation of cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Objective: To examine whether plasma biomarkers and their combination are different between older people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and cognitively normal individuals, and to explore their relations with cognitive performance. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 250 older adults, including 124 participants with MCI, and 126 cognitively normal participants. Plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), irisin and clusterin were measured, and BDNF/irisin ratio was calculated. Global cognition was evaluated by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Results: Plasma irisin levels, but not BDNF, were significantly different between MCI group and cognitively normal group. Higher irisin concentration was associated with an increased probability for MCI both before and after controlling covariates. By contrast, plasma BDNF concentration, but not irisin, was linearly correlated with cognitive performance after adjusting for covariates. Higher BDNF/irisin ratios were not only correlated with better cognitive performance, but also associated with lower risks of MCI, no matter whether we adjusted for covariates. Plasma BDNF and irisin concentrations increased with aging, whereas BDNF/irisin ratios remained stable. No significant results of clusterin were observed. Conclusions: Plasma BDNF/irisin ratio may be a reliable indicator which not only reflects the odds of the presence of MCI but also directly associates with cognitive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

4 elderly care service stations in Zhanlan Road Street, Xicheng District, Beijing are selected, and questionnaires are designed and distributed to the surrounding elderly population to understand their needs and satisfaction with the station environment. By observing elderly care service stations on site, the characteristics, obstacles, and shortcomings of the environment are recorded, and relevant data are collected and analyzed, such as the characteristics of the elderly population being interviewed, the planning and design data of the station environment, and the distribution of service facilities. The overall characteristics of the spatial environment of elderly care stations are summarized, and renovation measures and optimization suggestions are provided for the current shortcomings, thereby providing some basis for the spatial design of community elderly care service stations in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging may increase the risk of maxillofacial and dentoalveolar trauma (MDT). This review assessed global trends in scientific publications on MDT in the elderly. Six databases were searched. Studies about MDT in the elderly (≥60 years old) were included in two text mining stages (S1 and S2). In S1, all studies with elderly subjects were included, while in S2 only studies in which the elderly were assessed in a separate set of data or in a subanalysis by age groups were included. In S1, relevant data were mined using VantagePoint™ software. In S2, data were descriptively analyzed. There were 2265 studies at S1 and 110 at S2. The publication dates spanned from 1963 to 2023. In S1, the most cited keywords and terms were aged (n = 1872), male (n = 1839), female (n = 1777), "mandible fracture" (n = 460), "orbit fracture" (n = 362), and "maxilla fracture" (n = 118). Thirty authors published 10 or more articles with visible collaboration networks. There was a progressive increase in publications, especially in Europe (n = 150). In S2, most studies were case reports/case series (n = 62). The primary etiology was accidental falls (n = 84), the most affected region was the middle third of the face (n = 65), and dental trauma was rarely reported (n = 15). Cone Beam computed tomography was the most used diagnostic tool (n = 67). Of the 81 articles that addressed therapy, 52 opted for surgical treatment. Although there has been an increase in the number of articles on MDT over the years, studies with the elderly population as a specific study group are still needed. Accidental falls were the most reported etiology, while the middle third of the face and the mandible were the anatomic region and bone most affected, respectively. The high number of case reports indicates the need for improvement in the available scientific evidence about MDT in the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's digitalized era, embracing new and emerging technologies is a requirement to remain competitive. The present research investigates the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by the elderly in the European landscape, emphasizing the importance of individuals' digital skills. As has already been globally recognized, the most imminent demographic challenge is no longer represented by the rapid growth of the population but by its aging. Thus, the paper initially analyzed European perspectives on AI adoption, also discussing the importance of focusing on seniors. A bibliometric analysis was required afterward, and the review of the resulting relevant scientific publications uncovered gaps in understanding the relationship between older individuals and AI, particularly in terms of digital competence. Further exploration considered the EU population's digital literacy and cultural influences using Hofstede's model, while also identifying potential ways to improve the elderly's digital skills and promote the adoption of AI. Results indicate a growing interest in AI adoption among the elderly, underscoring the urgent need for digital skills development. The imperative of personalized approach implementations, such as specialized courses, personalized training sessions, or mentoring programs, was underscored. Moreover, the importance of targeted strategies and collaborative efforts to ensure equitable participation in the digital age was identified as a prerequisite for AI adoption by seniors. In terms of potential implications, the research can serve as a starting point for various stakeholders in promoting an effective and sustainable adoption of AI among older citizens in the EU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demographic changes associated with contemporary society are often framed as a 'care crisis' where the aging population is portrayed as threatening the financial security and the future of younger generations. To rationally intervene in these issues, welfare states – particularly in Nordic countries – increasingly rely on digital technology as a 'remedy' and 'promise' of more effective and efficient public governance operating through technopolitical care practices and logics. Technological solutions such as AI, algorithms, apps and robotics are incorporated into elderly care and aligned with care work where the digitization of processes accompanies an intensification of datafication of elderly welfare care. This analysis is aimed at identifying and discussing how the welfare state is transformed through a practice of classification and its logic of standardization, a practice of taskification grounded on time-paced service logic, and a practice of categorization relying on a logic of prioritization. These three practices and logics embody tensions emerging where caring intersects with data sourcing, that is, where the datafication of elderly welfare care lies. Feminist posthumanism allows approaching them by resisting both techno-utopian and techno-dystopian claims about the datafication of elderly welfare care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To systematically evaluate the status and influencing factors of dry skin in the elderly.Methods The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, CBM, VIP and Wan-Fang databases were systematically searched from the establishment of each database to June, 2023. Literature screening, quality evaluation, and information extraction were conducted independently by two researchers, and Meta-analysis of incidence and influencing factors was performed using Stata 17.0 software.Results 19 literatures were included, all cross-sectional studies, including 69,260 elderly patients, of whom 24,580 had dry skin. The results of Meta-analysis showed that the incidence of dry skin in the elderly was 49%[95CI%(36%, 61%)]. The results of subgroup analysis showed that the incidence of dry skin was higher among elderly people in men, from nursing institutions and in the European regions. The prevalence of dry skin in the elderly was also relatively high in the literature with a sample size

Abstract Background ‘Perturbation-based balance training’ (PBBT) is a training method that was developed to improve balance reactive responses to unexpected balance loss. This training method is more effective in reducing fall rates than traditional balance training methods. Many PBBTs are performed during standing or treadmill walking which targeted specifically step reactive responses, we however, aimed to develop and build a mechatronic system that can provide unexpected perturbation during elliptical walking the Elliptical Perturbation System (the EPES system), with the aim of improving specifically the trunk and upper limbs balance reactive control. Methods This paper describes the development, and building of the EPES system, using a stationary Elliptical Exercise device, which allows training of trunk and upper limbs balance reactive responses in older adults. Results The EPES system provides 3-dimensional small, controlled, and unpredictable sudden perturbations during stationary elliptical walking. We developed software that can identify a trainee’s trunk and arms reactive balance responses using a stereo camera. After identifying an effective trunk and arms reactive balance response, the software controls the EPES system motors to return the system to its horizontal baseline position after the perturbation. The system thus provides closed-loop feedback for a person’s counterbalancing trunk and arm responses, helping to implement implicit motor learning for the trainee. The pilot results show that the EPES software can successfully identify balance reactive responses among participants who are exposed to a sudden unexpected perturbation during elliptical walking on the EPES system. Conclusions EPES trigger reactive balance responses involving counter-rotation action of body segments and simultaneously evoke arms, and trunk reactive response, thus reactive training effects should be expected.

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

Background: 'Perturbation-based balance training' (PBBT) is a training method that was developed to improve balance reactive responses to unexpected balance loss. This training method is more effective in reducing fall rates than traditional balance training methods. Many PBBTs are performed during standing or treadmill walking which targeted specifically step reactive responses, we however, aimed to develop and build a mechatronic system that can provide unexpected perturbation during elliptical walking the Elliptical Perturbation System (the EPES system), with the aim of improving specifically the trunk and upper limbs balance reactive control. Methods: This paper describes the development, and building of the EPES system, using a stationary Elliptical Exercise device, which allows training of trunk and upper limbs balance reactive responses in older adults. Results: The EPES system provides 3-dimensional small, controlled, and unpredictable sudden perturbations during stationary elliptical walking. We developed software that can identify a trainee's trunk and arms reactive balance responses using a stereo camera. After identifying an effective trunk and arms reactive balance response, the software controls the EPES system motors to return the system to its horizontal baseline position after the perturbation. The system thus provides closed-loop feedback for a person's counterbalancing trunk and arm responses, helping to implement implicit motor learning for the trainee. The pilot results show that the EPES software can successfully identify balance reactive responses among participants who are exposed to a sudden unexpected perturbation during elliptical walking on the EPES system. Conclusions: EPES trigger reactive balance responses involving counter-rotation action of body segments and simultaneously evoke arms, and trunk reactive response, thus reactive training effects should be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that tranexamic acid can reduce blood loss in patients with total hip and total knee replacement, reduce blood transfusion rate, and does not affect coagulation function, and does not increase the risk of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis. However, there are few studies on the application of tranexamic acid in elderly intertrochanteric fracture surgery, and there is still a lack of reliable clinical data to support it. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in trochanteric fixation nail-advanced for femoral intertrochanteric fracture in the elderly. METHODS: A total of 50 patients who met the inclusion criteria and were included in Chongqing Ninth People’s Hospital from January 2021 to April 2022 were enrolled in this study. The subjects were divided into two groups according to the random number table method. In the experimental group, 1 g of tranexamic acid was added into 100 mL normal saline and drip intravenously 15 minutes before operation. In the control group, 100 mL normal saline was drip intravenously 15 minutes before operation. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, blood transfusion, hemoglobin, hematocrit, fibrin (before and on the third day after operation), and thrombosis (at 3 days, 1, 3 and 6 weeks after operation) were recorded in both groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) There was no significant difference in operation time, preoperative hemoglobin, hematocrit, preoperative and postoperative fibrin between the two groups (P > 0.05). The postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit in the control group were significantly lower than those in the experimental group (P < 0.05). (2) The intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, hidden blood loss and total blood loss in the experimental group were less than those in the control group (P < 0.05). (3) There was no significant difference in thrombotic events between the two groups (P > 0.05). The blood transfusion events in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). (4) In the elderly patients with femoral intertrochanteric fracture undergoing trochanteric fixation nail-advanced surgery, the application of tranexamic acid can reduce the intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume and hidden blood loss, reduce the total perioperative blood loss, reduce the blood transfusion rate, and increase the postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit, without increasing the risk of thromboembolic events and the impact on fibrin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Frailty has become an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes in critically ill patients. This study aimed to explore the predictive ability of two electronic medical record-based frailty assessment tools, the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) and Frailty Index based on physiological and laboratory tests (FI-lab), for long-term adverse prognosis in older critically ill survivors. Design: Retrospective observational study. Setting and Participants: 9,082 critically ill survivors aged ≥ 65 years. Measurements: The HFRS and the 33-item FI-lab were constructed based on the published literature. Cox and logistic regression models assessed the association between frailty and 1-year mortality and post-discharge care needs. Results: 2,586 patients died within 1 year of follow-up. In fully adjusted models, frailty assessed using both the HFRS (per point, hazard ratio [HR] 1.06, 95% confidential interval [CI] 1.05–1.06; intermediate frailty risk, HR 2.00, 95% CI 1.78–2.25; high frailty risk, HR 3.06, 95% CI 2.68–3.50) and FI-lab (per 0.01 points, HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.03–1.03; intermediate frailty risk, HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.44–1.76; high frailty risk, HR 2.30, 95% CI 2.06–2.57) was associated with mortality. Addition of frailty indicators improved the predictive validity of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score for mortality (HFRS alone Δ C-index 0.034; FI-lab alone Δ C-index 0.016; HFRS and FI-lab combined Δ C-index 0.042). The HFRS but not the FI-lab was associated with higher probability of post-discharge care needs. Conclusion: Both the HFRS and FI-lab could independently predict 1-year mortality in older critically ill survivors. Adding the HFRS to the SOFA score model improved it more than adding the FI-lab. The greatest improvement was achieved when both frailty indicators were used together. These findings suggest that electronic medical record-based frailty assessment methods can be useful tools for predicting long-term outcomes in older critically ill patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The Covid-19 pandemic and associated visiting restrictions have challenged communication with others for older people residing in nursing homes. Aim The aim of this study was to explore residents’ experiences of encounters and communication with staff and relatives and friends during the Covid-19 pandemic. Design An exploratory study with an inductive approach. Methods Semi-structured telephone interviews with 16 Swedish nursing home residents were conducted. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis; the study reports according to the COREQ checklist. Results Three main categories emerged: (1) Mixed feelings and experiences of encounters with nursing staff, (2) Adapting to hampered communication and finding strategies to overcome language barriers, and (3) Facing pandemic restrictions and living an adjusted life. Nine subcategories are reported within these categories. Residents mainly reported good encounters with staff and receiving the care they needed, but unhelpful encounters were also reported. To manage communication with staff with limited Swedish language skills, residents developed several strategies. During the visiting ban, residents felt secure but also lonely. Staying connected with the outside world required residents to use the phone and handle other digital aids, such as video calls, but lack of technical skills among staff hindered frequent use of video calls. Conclusion This study highlights how residents can feel safe in extreme situations, but increased competence, including digital literacy and language skills, among staff is required. Care providers should provide relevant information to residents and staff and employ competent staff. Findings indicate that communication plans need to include enabling communication for residents both within and outside nursing homes, taking staff language skills into consideration.

Abstract Background Tai Chi (TC), as one of mild to moderate exercise therapies specifically recommended by clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physician, is a viable option for chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) treatment. Nevertheless, limited studies focused on the effect of different weekly frequencies of TC in elders with CNLBP. This superiority study aims to compare the differences of TC with different weekly frequencies in elders with CNLBP on the premise of proving its effectiveness, and identifying whether mindfulness mediates the effect of TC on treatment outcomes. Methods In total, 284 senior citizens with CNLBP will be recruited in this single-centre, randomised, single-blinded (outcome assessors, data managers and the statistician), parallel controlled trial. Participants will be randomly divided into either one of three TC groups (1, 3, or 5 sessions/week, on the basis of weekly health educational lectures) or weekly health educational lectures, sustaining for 12 weeks, followed by 12 weeks of follow-up after the end of intervention. The primary outcome (the changes of LBP intensity at rest) will be measured at baseline before randomisation and immediately after the completion of weeks 4, 8 and 12 of the intervention, and the end of follow-up (week 24) using the visual analogue scale (VAS, 0–10 cm) to put a mark on the VAS scale to show how severities of their average low back pain have been over the past 24 h. Secondary outcomes, including Beck Depression Inventory-II, Pain Catastrophising Scale and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, Oswestry Disability Index and Short Form-36, will be measured at baseline and immediately after the completion of week 12 of the intervention and end of follow-up. The intention-to-treat and per-protocol principles will be used to analyse outcomes with a setting at α = 0.05 as statistical significance. Discussion This comprehensive and detailed protocol will be the first trial to compare the effectiveness of different weekly frequencies of TC in elders with CNLBP. The outcomes may provide valuable data about the choice of the ideal number of sessions to further normalise the application of exercise for clinicians. Trial registration Chinese clinical trial registry ChiCTR2200058190 . Registered on 1 April 2022.

Abstract Background Femoral neck fracture and lacunar cerebral infarction (LCI) are the most common diseases in the elderly. When LCI patients undergo a series of traumas such as surgery, their postoperative recovery results are often poor. Moreover, few studies have explored the relationship between LCI and femoral neck fracture in the elderly. Therefore, this study will develop a ML (machine learning)-based model to predict LCI before surgery in elderly patients with a femoral neck fracture. Methods Professional medical staff retrospectively collected the data of 161 patients with unilateral femoral neck fracture who underwent surgery in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University database from January 1, 2015, to January 1, 2020. Patients were divided into two groups based on LCI (diagnosis based on cranial CT image): the LCI group and the non-LCI group. Preoperative clinical characteristics and preoperative laboratory data were collected for all patients. Features were selected by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, with age, white blood cell (WBC), prealbumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein, globulin, serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (Bun)/Scr, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum sodium and fibrinogen as the features of the ML model. Five machine learning algorithms, Logistic regression (LR), Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Random Forest (RF), and Decision tree (DT), were used in combination with preoperative clinical characteristics and laboratory data to establish a predictive model of LCI in patients with a femoral neck fracture. Furthermore, indices like the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated to test the models’ performance. Results The AUROC of 5 ML models ranged from 0.76 to 0.95. It turned out that the RF model demonstrated the highest performance in predicting LCI for femoral neck fracture patients before surgery, whose AUROC was 0.95, sensitivity 1.00, specificity 0.81, and accuracy 0.90 in validation sets. Furthermore, the top 4 high-ranking variables in the RF model were prealbumin, fibrinogen, globulin and Scr, in descending order of importance. Conclusion In this study, 5 ML models were developed and validated for patients with femoral neck fracture to predict preoperative LCI. RF model provides an excellent predictive value with an AUROC of 0.95. Clinicians can better conduct multidisciplinary perioperative management for patients with femoral neck fractures through this model and accelerate the postoperative recovery of patients.

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Copyright of Folklore Studies / Tautosakos Darbai is the property of Institute of Lithuanian Literature & Folklore 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 New Architecture is the property of New 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.)

This study examined the relationship between general population characteristics and diet-related factors pertaining to eating alone for older adults (65 years and older) in Korea. This study used the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), 2016–2020, and the target population was 7037 Koreans aged 65 years or older who participated in the nutritional survey and health interview. Eating alone variables were classified as follows. Eating together all day means "eating together", eating only one meal a day means "1/day", eating two meals a day alone means "2/day", and "3/day" means eating three meals a day alone. The main results are as follows. The rate of moderate or severe food insecurity was 3.41% in the "eating together" group to 7.86% in the "3/day" group, which was 4.45% higher in the "3/day" group. Fruit + vegetable intake among food intake lowered by about 35 g from 301.2 g in the "eating together" group to 266.2 g in the "3 day" group. In addition, as a result of analyzing the prevalence of depression using the PHQ-9 score, the "3/day" group had a 1.775 to 2.464 times higher risk of depression than the "eating together" group. Finally, EQ-5D variables and quality of life scores were significantly lowered from the "eating together" group to the "3/day" group. Overall, higher frequency of eating alone was associated with food safety, essential food intake, and quality of life. Based on these results, it is thought that a dietary life support program such as the eating together program is necessary to improve the quality of life of the older people who eat alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of elderly influencers on Instagram is increasing. When analyzing a sample of corresponding posts, it is noticeable that fashion, especially fancy or vintage fashion, plays a central role. By choosing extraordinary looks, elderly influencers, whose age is by no means concealed, communicate self-determination and independence from the opinions of others – both also in connection with life experience. Their followers consider them as cool and empowering: this way, they can positively influence society’s perception of elderly people, take away younger recipients’ fear of aging, and act as role models. However, a noticeable divide emerges, as the elderly influencers are apparently well-educated and presumably also wealthy and enjoy good health. In social comparison, many of those of the same age would probably perform poorly. Therefore, it can be concluded that elderly influencer may be beneficial to their recipients and to society as a whole, but that addressing the social conditions that enable old people to live a fulfilled life is largely ignored.

Copyright of Kakovostna Starost is the property of Anton Trstenjak Institute 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.)

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) variants are associated with higher atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk (ASCVD) even when compared with other forms of severe hypercholesterolemia, especially in young people. Lipid lowering therapies (LLT) may change hypercholesterolemia natural history. This study aimed at evaluating factors associated with occurrence of ASCVD in old severe hypercholesterolemics diagnosed or not with FH and undergoing LLT. Hypercholesterolemic individuals ≥60 years participating on a genetic cascade screening for FH were divided in 4 groups (2 × 2) according to the presence (variant+) or not (variant-) of FH genetic variants and previous ASCVD (ASCVD+ and ASCVD-). Biomarkers associated with new incident ASCVD events were tested using Cox models. Continuous data shown as medians (%25; %75). From 4,111 genotyped individuals, 377 (9.1%) were elderly [age 66 (63; 71) years], 28.9% males, 42.7% variant+, 32.1% with previous ASCVD, LLT duration 9 (5; 16) years, and on treatment LDL-cholesterol 144 (109; 200) mg/dL. After 4.8 (7; 3) years of follow up there were 47 incident events (12.4%, 2.7% patient/year). The annualized event rates were 0.8% (95% CI 0.36%; 1.70%), 2.3% (95% CI 1.3%; 4.1%), 5.2% (95% CI 2.8%; 9.7%) and 6.3% (95% CI 4.0%; 10.0%) respectively for groups variant-/ASCVD-, variant+/ASCVD-, variant-/ASCVD+ and, variant+/ASCVD+ (p log rank p < 0.001). Only presence of previous ASCVD was independently associated with incident ASCVD [hazard ratio 3.236 (95%CI 1.497–6.993, p = 0.003)]. No interaction was found for previous ASCVD and variants. In old severe hypercholesterolemic individuals undergoing long-term LLT previous ASCVD was associated with incident events while FH causing variants were not. [Display omitted] • Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) genetic variants are implicated in higher atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk (ASCVD) risk even in severe hypercholesterolemia. • Risk is greater in young people. • Lipid lowering therapy may change natural history of hypercholesterolemia in old people. • In old severe hypercholesterolemic patients, FH variants were not associated with new ASCVD disease onset. • Previous cardiovascular disease was independently associated with new ASCVD onset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The number of elderly influencers on Instagram is increasing. When analyzing a sample of corresponding posts, it is noticeable that fashion, especially fancy or vintage fashion, plays a central role. By choosing extraordinary looks, elderly influencers, whose age is by no means concealed, communicate self-determination and independence from the opinions of others - both also in connection with life experience. Their followers consider them as cool and empowering: this way, they can positively influence society's perception of elderly people, take away younger recipients' fear of aging, and act as role models. However, a noticeable divide emerges, as the elderly influencers are apparently well-educated and presumably also wealthy and enjoy good health. In social comparison, many of those of the same age would probably perform poorly. Therefore, it can be concluded that elderly influencer may be beneficial to their recipients and to society as a whole, but that addressing the social conditions that enable old people to live a fulfilled life is largely ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population ageing and the provision of health care for the elderly and the aged is proving to be a serious problem, especially during a pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis. The shortage of health professionals, and even more so of those providing health care for the elderly population, is of paramount importance. The elderly have polymorbidity, which is most often expressed by cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension or respiratory diseases, which is a prerequisite for a more severe course of various infectious diseases. When this happens during the Kovid pandemic, things seem even more serious, and problems worsen instead of being solved. The elderly who are institutionalized deserve greater attention because of the risk of loneliness and social isolation resulting from the closure of health facilities and the prohibition of visits by relatives and friends. Although the virus can affect people of any age, older people appear to be the most vulnerable group in the population and the most severely affected. All this calls for greater and special attention to the health care needs of this specific age group. Purpose of the study: Exploring key issues related to the delivery of quality health care in nursing homes during the COVID pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic and associated visiting restrictions have challenged communication with others for older people residing in nursing homes. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore residents' experiences of encounters and communication with staff and relatives and friends during the Covid-19 pandemic. Design: An exploratory study with an inductive approach. Methods: Semi-structured telephone interviews with 16 Swedish nursing home residents were conducted. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis; the study reports according to the COREQ checklist. Results: Three main categories emerged: (1) Mixed feelings and experiences of encounters with nursing staff, (2) Adapting to hampered communication and finding strategies to overcome language barriers, and (3) Facing pandemic restrictions and living an adjusted life. Nine subcategories are reported within these categories. Residents mainly reported good encounters with staff and receiving the care they needed, but unhelpful encounters were also reported. To manage communication with staff with limited Swedish language skills, residents developed several strategies. During the visiting ban, residents felt secure but also lonely. Staying connected with the outside world required residents to use the phone and handle other digital aids, such as video calls, but lack of technical skills among staff hindered frequent use of video calls. Conclusion: This study highlights how residents can feel safe in extreme situations, but increased competence, including digital literacy and language skills, among staff is required. Care providers should provide relevant information to residents and staff and employ competent staff. Findings indicate that communication plans need to include enabling communication for residents both within and outside nursing homes, taking staff language skills into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tai Chi (TC), as one of mild to moderate exercise therapies specifically recommended by clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physician, is a viable option for chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) treatment. Nevertheless, limited studies focused on the effect of different weekly frequencies of TC in elders with CNLBP. This superiority study aims to compare the differences of TC with different weekly frequencies in elders with CNLBP on the premise of proving its effectiveness, and identifying whether mindfulness mediates the effect of TC on treatment outcomes.Methods: In total, 284 senior citizens with CNLBP will be recruited in this single-centre, randomised, single-blinded (outcome assessors, data managers and the statistician), parallel controlled trial. Participants will be randomly divided into either one of three TC groups (1, 3, or 5 sessions/week, on the basis of weekly health educational lectures) or weekly health educational lectures, sustaining for 12 weeks, followed by 12 weeks of follow-up after the end of intervention. The primary outcome (the changes of LBP intensity at rest) will be measured at baseline before randomisation and immediately after the completion of weeks 4, 8 and 12 of the intervention, and the end of follow-up (week 24) using the visual analogue scale (VAS, 0-10 cm) to put a mark on the VAS scale to show how severities of their average low back pain have been over the past 24 h. Secondary outcomes, including Beck Depression Inventory-II, Pain Catastrophising Scale and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, Oswestry Disability Index and Short Form-36, will be measured at baseline and immediately after the completion of week 12 of the intervention and end of follow-up. The intention-to-treat and per-protocol principles will be used to analyse outcomes with a setting at α = 0.05 as statistical significance.Discussion: This comprehensive and detailed protocol will be the first trial to compare the effectiveness of different weekly frequencies of TC in elders with CNLBP. The outcomes may provide valuable data about the choice of the ideal number of sessions to further normalise the application of exercise for clinicians.Trial Registration: Chinese clinical trial registry ChiCTR2200058190 . Registered on 1 April 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

See the response from Bennett et al. in this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a type of macronutrient, fatty acids (FA) play significant roles in the bone health of elderly people. However, the specific association between different types of FA and bone health is not fully understood, especially in rural elderly populations. To address this gap, a study was conducted in rural areas of Qingdao, China. Participants aged 65 and older were randomly recruited from 11 rural villages in Licha town, Qingdao City. The levels of serum FA in their serum were measured to investigate the associations between FA and bone mass. The results showed that levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA), n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFA) were all significantly associated with bone mass. Specifically, higher levels of SFA were positively correlated with low bone mass (LBM), while PUFA levels were inversely correlated with LBM. Furthermore, the odds ratio (OR) for LBM exhibited a significant nonlinear dose-response relationship (pnonlinearity = 0.1989) with SFA levels, and a significant nonlinear dose-dependent relationship was also observed with the levels of n-3PUFA and n-6PUFA (pnonlinearity = 0.6183, 0.5808, respectively), indicating that increasing dietary PUFA intake appropriately and controlling SFA intake may benefit the bone health of elderly individuals in rural areas., (© 2024 AOCS.)

Introduction: The rapid growth of the elderly population, challenges and the importance of mental health of the elderly, need to pay attention to mental health and the factors affecting it are inevitable. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of mental health in the elderly with the role of social support and loneliness. Methods: In this correlational study, 318 elderly subjects who were registered in comprehensive health centers of Bushehr were selected by simple random sampling. The study data were collected using a Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Revised Loneliness (UCLA) and General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ). Data were analyzed through SPSS 19, using the Spearman correlation and linear regression tests. Results: The Mean±SD of age of older adults was 66.74 ± 5.87 years. Their Mean±SD scores of social support (families and friends) and loneliness were 43.57±7.19 (15.99 ±2.59 and 12.05 ±3.22) and 32.37 ±8.60, respectively. In explaining the variance of the mental health, the share of social support and loneliness was 10.5 and 6.9%. The research results indicated that the friend support and loneliness with β =-0.236 and β = 0.308, respectively, had a statistically significant relationship with mental health (P

BackgroundThe reluctance of individuals to obtain solid vaccine-induced immunity represents a fundamental challenge to containing the spread of SARS-CoV-2, including its highly mutated variants. We aimed to assess vaccination acceptance and associated factors for the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose among elderly people (≥60 years old) in China, providing a theoretical and practical reference for universal vaccination policy.MethodsA national anonymous survey was conducted in mainland China from May 25 to June 8, 2022, using a stratified random sampling method. Individuals 60 years of age and above were the target population. A chi-squared test and Cochran-Armitage test for trend were used to compare and examine vaccine acceptance rates by characteristics. Via a backward stepwise method, multivariable logistic regression models were established to assess factors associated with booster dose acceptance. Two-sided P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsOf 3,321 eligible participants, 82.8% (95% CI: 81.5–84.1%) were willing to receive COVID-19 vaccine booster shots. Concerns about contraindications (38.3%), vaccine safety (32.0%), and limited movement (28.0%) were the main reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Nearly one-third still believed that the booster dose was unnecessary after receiving the initial vaccination. Older adults with a low level of perceived barriers (aOR = 1.86, 95% CI, 1.03–3.38), a high level of perceived benefit (aOR = 2.31, 95% CI, 1.38–3.87), and higher cues to action (moderate, aOR = 2.22, 95% CI, 1.39–3.56; high, aOR = 5.46, 95% CI: 3.44–8.67) were more likely to accept the booster dose. Other major factors affecting the booster dose acceptance rate were occupation, time spent on social media, vaccination history, and a high knowledge score for COVID-19 and vaccines. In addition, for those over 70 years of age, rising awareness of susceptibility could be a better gateway for improving their willingness to get vaccinated.ConclusionsA total of 82.8% of recruited older adults were willing to receive the booster dose. Acceptance behaviors were closely related to occupation, time spent on social media, vaccination history, knowledge factors, perception of barriers, and benefit, as well as action cues. Targeted public health measures are a priority for improving the vaccination coverage of valid immunity among the elderly population, not only to prevent infection and poor prognosis caused by emerging variants but also to reduce the huge disease and economic burden caused by the long-term sequelae after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Neighborhood social cohesion is a prominent psychosocial factor during the pandemic, and trust in neighbors is critical for implementing health prevention-related behaviors with public health messages. We planned to specifically explore the association between neighborhood social cohesion and vaccine acceptability among older adults (≥60 years) in China. Using a random stratified sampling method, an anonymous cross-sectional online survey was conducted in mainland China via a professional scientific data platform from May 25 to June 8, 2022. A revised Social Cohesion Scale was applied to evaluate the level of neighborhood social cohesion. Of the 3,321 recruited respondents aged 60 and above, 82.8% (95% CI: 81.5–84.1) reported their willingness to be vaccinated. With all significant covariates adjusted, older adults with moderate (aOR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.04–3.04) and high level of social cohesion (aOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.29–3.77) were more likely to receive the booster dose. Our findings remained robust in a series of models after controlling for different covariates. Uncertainty about contraindications (38.3%), underestimation of their vulnerability (33.1%), and concerns about vaccine safety (32.0%) were the three main reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Therefore, building a harmonious community environment, strengthening neighborhood communication and exchange, and making good use of peer education among neighbors may become a breakthrough to promote herd immunity, especially for vulnerable older adults with limited social networks.