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Hai Yan Zhang,1 Mei Chan Chong,1 Maw Pin Tan,2 Yan Piaw Chua,3 Jin Hua Zhang4 1Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 2Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 3Department of Mathematics and Science Education, Faculty of Education, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 4Faculty of Nursing, Xin Xiang Medical University, Xin Xiang City, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Mei Chan Chong, Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia, Tel +603-79492806, Email mcchong@um.edu.my Jin Hua Zhang, Faculty of Nursing, Xin Xiang Medical University, Xin Xiang City, 453000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-13837328062, Email zjh.warm@163.comPurpose: To evaluate the relationship between depressive symptoms and sarcopenia among older adults.Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 700 community-dwelling older persons enrolled in this study. Sarcopenia is defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 (AWGS 2019). The bioelectrical impedance analysis assessed muscle mass while a digital dynamometer quantified muscle strength. Furthermore, a 6-meter gait speed test measured physical performance. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30) screened for depressive symptoms. Data collected include those of socio-demographic, lifestyle, and comorbidity.Results: The sample comprised 700 participants (455 women) with a mean age of 70.4± 6.8 years. 21.5% had sarcopenia, among them, 5.6% at severe stage, while depressive symptoms were present in 8.1% (57/700). After adjusting for the potential confounders of age, sex, marital status, living status, hypertension, body mass index, and physical activity, the depressive symptoms that were found were not associated with sarcopenia but, instead, low gait speed. However, severe sarcopenia significantly impacted the risk of depressive symptoms, particularly in females.Conclusion: Depressive symptoms are not associated with sarcopenia, but severe sarcopenia increases the risk of depressive symptoms in females, according to updated AWGS 2019 criteria. Gait speed is independently associated with depressive symptoms. The finding highlights that older people with sarcopenia should be screened for depressive symptoms, especially females. Future studies should evaluate the value of gait speed interventions for depressive symptoms among older adults.Keywords: depressive symptoms, sarcopenia, older people

Maintaining a functional natural dentition plays an important role in keeping a satisfactory nutritional status. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between oral health conditions determined by the presence of edentulism and the number of missing teeth, nutritional status and consumption of nutrients by the elderly. This cross-sectional study comprised 494 independent elderly of both genders, over 60 years of age, registered at the Brazilian public health service in Londrina, southern Brazil. The data collection included: oral examinations; anthropometric measurements by calculating the Body Mass Index (BMI); analysis of food consumption based on a multiple pass 24-hour dietary recall and a food intake frequency questionnaire; and structured interviews to obtain sociodemographic information. Multiple linear regression, the Fisher’s Exact test, chi-square and Mann‑Whitney tests, were applied at a 5% significance level. The prevalence of edentulism was 47.3%; this predominated in females, age group from 65 to 74 years, low education level and low/medium economic classification. A larger number of underweight and fewer number of overweight elderly were recorded among the edentulous versus dentate participants (< 0.0001). Significantly lower consumption of several nutrients, as well as fruit, was recorded among the edentulous group. In particular, carbohydrates, vitamins (B1, B9 and C), and the majority of the minerals studied were associated with a larger number of missing teeth. In conclusion, tooth loss was associated with the food consumption pattern of some macro- and micronutrients and the nutritional status of the Brazilian elderly.

Objective research on the role of positive affect, such as happiness, on health outcomes is burgeoning. Within this context, evidence for an inverse effect of happiness on mortality is inconclusive. Furthermore, few studies link happiness with mortality among older people, and in Asian populations. We examine the association between happiness and all-cause mortality among older people in Singapore. Methods data for 4,478 Singaporeans aged ≥60 years enrolled in a nationally-representative longitudinal survey (three waves: 2009; 2011; 2015) were utilised. Happiness, at baseline, in 2009, was measured using three positively-worded items from the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and considered in two distinct ways in the analyses—continuous ('happiness score' [0–6]) and binary (happy [score = 6]/unhappy). All-cause mortality, until 31 December 2015, was assessed primarily using administrative databases, supplemented by data from survey waves 2 and 3. Multivariable Cox regression models assessed the association of 'happiness score' and the 'binary happiness variable' (separate models for each) with all-cause mortality. Results the likelihood of all-cause mortality was lower by 9% (multivariable hazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval]: 0.91 [0.87–0.95]) for each unit increase in 'happiness score', and was 19% lower for happy, versus unhappy, older people (HR: 0.81 [0.68–0.97]). Conclusions happiness is associated with reduced likelihood of all-cause mortality among older people in an Asian population, with the benefit observed even for incremental increases in happiness. Activities, policies and programs that maintain or improve happiness may be beneficial for a longer life among older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perkowski Radosław, Androsiuk Joanna, Kujawska Agnieszka, Gajos Małgorzata, Kasperska Paulina, Topka Weronika, Mądra-Gackowska Katarzyna, Romanowska Ewelina, Płusa Sylwia, Aleksiewicz Tomasz, Kożuchowski Marcin, Biegański Piotr, Główczewska-Siedlecka Emilia. Correlation of tests used in Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment. Systematic Review. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2016;6(7):207-217. eISSN 2391-8306. DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.57337 http://ojs.ukw.edu.pl/index.php/johs/article/view/3686 The journal has had 7 points in Ministry of Science and Higher Education parametric evaluation. Part B item 755 (23.12.2015). 755 Journal of Education, Health and Sport eISSN 2391-8306 7 © The Author (s) 2016; This article is published with open access at Licensee Open Journal Systems of Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz, Poland Open Access. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper. Received: 15.06.2016. Revised 09.07.2016. Accepted: 09.07.2016. Correlation of tests used in Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment. Systematic Review Radosław Perkowski1, Joanna Androsiuk1, Agnieszka Kujawska1, Małgorzata Gajos1, Paulina Kasperska1, Weronika Topka1, Katarzyna Mądra-Gackowska1, Ewelina Romanowska1, Sylwia Płusa1, Tomasz Aleksiewicz1, Marcin Kożuchowski1, Piotr Biegański2, Emilia Główczewska-Siedlecka1 1. Katedra i Klinika Geriatrii, Wydział Nauk o Zdrowiu, Collegium Medicum UMK w Bydgoszczy 2. Katedra Higieny, Epidemiologii i Ergonomii, Zakład Ergonomii i Fizjologii Wysiłku Fizycznego Abstract Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) has been used in clinics for almost 100 years. It includes holistic approach to patients examination. In this systematic review we analyzed results of tests used in CGA and correlation of results. Moreover, we underlined some issues concerning homogeneity of tests used in CGA as well as scientific validity of some of its tools. Results of prospective studies show that some of results of examination used in CGA are good predictors of functioning in another health domain in next years. Systolic blood pressure as well as BMI could be good predictors for neuropsychological functioning, however results are equivocal. Low scores in dual task (walking and cognitive engaging task simultaneously) are good predictor for falls occurrence. Education measured by socioeconomic status is very often mentioned as one of the best predictors of cognitive functioning. Undergoing Mini Nutritional Assessment by patients could be an effective tool to improve their nutrition status, possibly by indirectly influencing on their diet habits. Moreover, genotype examination could be worth to include into CGA due to, inter alia, examination of possible causes of dietary deficits. Aerobic examination could be done by cost-free tests, which sensitivity and specify are on tolerable level. It could help lowering CGA costs, which will help make it widely available for patients. Keywords: Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, cognitive functioning, older people.

From social networks to health and fitness, everyday a lot of mobile devices applications (apps) are being developed. The variety and availability is such that people start to think that indeed “there's an app for everything”. Many of these apps address either problems or characteristics that affect older people and that are related with the ageing process (e.g. memory and visual aids apps). They can effectively help people and are under constant evolution. However, the lack of knowledge about these available technological aids can undermine its dissemination and consequently the help that people really receive, especially those who need it the most: older people. As such, a methodological search for available aid apps was made both in Google Play and in iTunes: 536 were selected, their classification analysed and the kind of help that they provide identified. It was noted that either in Google Play or in iTunes the apps’ categories are similar. Furthermore, it is not easily perceived what the type of help that each app can provide is and how is it provided. Hence, based on the results from the aforementioned methodological search, this paper proposes a new scalable tree-based classification methodology for aid apps, which is considered more suited to perceive what the available aid apps for mobile devices are. The existing apps were then characterized based on the proposed classification, to determine what the main aid that they provide is. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homicide‐suicide is a rare event, but it has a significant impact on the family and community of the perpetrator and victim(s). The phenomenon of late‐life homicide‐suicide has not been previously studied in New Zealand, and there is only limited data in the international literature. The aim of this study is to systematically review coroners' records of late‐life homicide‐suicides in New Zealand. After ethics approval was granted, the Coronial Services of New Zealand was approached to provide records of all closed cases with a suicide verdict (age 65+) over a five‐year period (July 2007–December 2012). Of the 225 suicides, 4 cases of homicide‐suicide were identified (an estimated incidence of 0.12 per 100 000 per persons year). All four perpetrators were men; three had been farmers. Their ages ranged from 65 to 82. One case occurred in the context of an underlying psychiatric illness (psychotic depression in bipolar disorder). Firearms were used in three cases. Two cases were categorized as spousal/consortial subtype, one case as filicide‐suicide, and one case as siblicide‐suicide. The prospect of major social upheaval in the form of losing their homes was present in all four cases. The findings of this case series were consistent with the limited existing literature on homicide‐suicide. Age‐related biopsychosocial issues were highlighted in this case series of late‐life homicide‐suicide. Additionally, evaluating firearm licences in high‐risk groups may represent a prevention strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research has suggested that meals-on-wheels recipients can be at risk for poor nutritional status. Despite this, few countries have statutory minimum requirements for the nutrient content of meals-on-wheels. This study examined both the nutritional status of a sample of Irish recipients and the nutrient content of a sample of meals provided to determine whether Irish recipients would benefit from statutory minimum nutritional standards. Methods: The study had two phases. First, a nutritional assessment was carried out to analyse the nutritional status of a sample of Irish meals-on-wheels recipients (Mini Nutritional Assessment and 24-h dietary recall with 63 self-selected respondents). Second, an assessment of the nutrient content of a sample of 46 meals from eight meals-on-wheels services was undertaken to characterise the nutritional content of the meals. Results: Over one-third of recipients (38.5%) were malnourished or at-risk of malnutrition and over half (52.3%) were overweight or obese. The mean (SD) energy [kJ (kcal)] content of the meals assessed was 3008 (498) kJ [719 (119.1) kcal], contributing 35–40% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for males aged 65 years and over and 42–45% of the RDA for females aged 65 years and over. In the meals assessed, the levels of vitamin C (25.3%), vitamin D (11.6%), folate (24.8%) and calcium (20.9%) were below one-third of the Irish RDA for these nutrients. Conclusions: Irish recipients may not be receiving adequate micronutrients from meals-on-wheels. Legislation that sets out minimum standards for the nutrient content of meals-on-wheels and greater variation in the portion sizes offered may benefit recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent lower limb oedema is an underestimated problem in the elderly population. Oedematous tissue predisposes the individual to the development of bacterial infections. Accurate assessment of the underlying aetiology and application of compression hosiery could prevent cellulitis and reduce the risk of recurrent episodes. Awareness of the complications of leg oedema needs to be raised in the general population. Healthcare professionals require education to enable the provision of sale, effective treatment to reduce morbidity relating to chronic oedema and cellulitis. The National Service Framework for Older People and the British Lymphology Society's Framework for Education could facilitate the development of national service provision to meet the needs of the population with chronic oedema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent publication of the revised Consensus on definition and diagnosis of sarcopenia (EWGSOP2) and the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria changed the approach to research on sarcopenia and malnutrition. Whilst sarcopenia is a nutrition-related disease, malnutrition and cachexia are nutritional disorders sharing the common feature of low fat-free mass. However, they have differential characteristics and etiologies, as well as specific therapeutic approaches. Applying the current definitions in clinical practice is still a challenge for health professionals and the potential for misdiagnosis is high. This is of special concern in the subgroup of older people with cancer, in which sarcopenia, malnutrition, and cancer cachexia are highly prevalent and can overlap or occur separately. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated overview of the latest research and consensus definitions of sarcopenia, malnutrition, and cachexia and to discuss their implications for clinical practice in older patients with cancer. The overall aim is to improve the quality of nutritional care in light of the latest findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]