Roles of serum uric acid on the association between arsenic exposure and incident metabolic syndrome in an older Chinese population.

Growing evidences showed that heavy metals exposure may be associated with metabolic diseases. Nevertheless, the mechanism underlying arsenic (As) exposure and metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk has not been fully elucidated. So we aimed to prospectively investigate the role of serum uric acid (SUA) on the association between blood As exposure and incident MetS. A sample of 1045 older participants in a community in China was analyzed. We determined As at baseline and SUA concentration at follow-up in the Yiwu Elderly Cohort. MetS events were defined according to the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Generalized linear model with log-binominal regression model was applied to estimate the association of As with incident MetS. To investigate the role of SUA in the association between As and MetS, a mediation analysis was conducted. In the fully adjusted log-binominal model, per interquartile range increment of As, the risk of MetS increased 1.25-fold. Compared with the lowest quartile of As, the adjusted relative risk (RR) of MetS in the highest quartile was 1.42 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.03, 2.00). Additionally, blood As was positively associated with SUA, while SUA had significant association with MetS risk. Further mediation analysis demonstrated that the association of As and MetS risk was mediated by SUA, with the proportion of 15.7%. Our study found higher As was remarkably associated with the elevated risk of MetS in the Chinese older adults population. Mediation analysis indicated that SUA might be a mediator in the association between As exposure and MetS.

Loyola Generativity Scale e Generative Behavior Checklist: Um estudo psicométrico com idosos espanhóis LGBT+ / Loyola Generativity Scale and Generative Behavior Checklist: A Psychometric Study with Spanish LGBT+ Older Adults / Loyola Generativity Scale y Generative Behavior Checklist: Un estudio psicométrico con personas mayores españolas LGBT+

Resumo Enquadramento: A generatividade tem sido associada à resiliência e à satisfação com a vida na velhice, incluindo entre a população lésbica, gay, bissexual e transgénero (LGBT+) mais velha. Objetivo: Analisar as propriedades psicométricas da Loyola Generativity Scale (LGS) e da Generative Behavior Checklist (GBC) para idosos espanhóis LGBT + (com mais de 50 anos). Metodologia: Foi realizado um estudo psicométrico com 141 idosos espanhóis LGBT+ com o objetivo de examinar a validade de construto (análise fatorial exploratória), a validade convergente e a fiabilidade (consistência interna) da LGS e da GBC. Resultados: Os métodos de análise paralela e a análise fatorial exploratória sugeriram um modelo de dois fatores para ambos os instrumentos com boa adequação da amostra. A LGS explicou 45,1% da variância e apresentou uma consistência interna de 0,78. O GBC explicou 41,76% da variância e apresentou uma consistência interna de 0,879. Foi encontrada uma correlação positiva e estatisticamente significativa entre a satisfação com a vida e as escalas generativas. Foi também observada uma correlação positiva e significativa (rs = 0,310) entre os dois instrumentos. Conclusão: Ambos os instrumentos demonstraram ser válidos e fiáveis para medir a generatividade em idosos espanhóis LGBT+.

Abstract Background: Generativity has been associated with resilience and life satisfaction in older age, including among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT+) older adults. Objective: To examine the psychometric properties of the Loyola Generativity Scale (LGS) and Generative Behavior Checklist (GBC) for Spanish LGBT+ older adults (over the age of 50). Methodology: A psychometric study was conducted with 141 Spanish LGBT+ older adults to examine the construct validity (exploratory factor analysis), convergent validity, and reliability (internal consistency) of the LGS and the GBC. Results: Parallel and exploratory factor analyses suggested a two-factor model with good sample adequacy for both scales. The LGS explained 45.1% of the variance and had an internal consistency of 0.78. The GBC explained 41.76 % of the variance and had an internal consistency of 0.879. A positive and statistically significant correlation was found between life satisfaction and the generative scales. A positive and significant correlation (rs = 0.310) was also observed between both instruments. Conclusion: Both instruments proved valid and reliable for measuring generativity in Spanish LGBT+ older adults.

Resumen Marco contextual: La generatividad se asocia con la resiliencia y la satisfacción con la vida en la vejez, incluidas las de las personas adultas lesbianas, gays, bisexuales y transexuales (LGBT+). Objetivo: Examinar las propiedades psicométricas de la Loyola Generativity Scale (LGS) y la Generative Behavior Checklist (GBC) en adultos mayores LGBT+ españoles (mayores de 50 años). Metodología: Estudio psicométrico con 141 adultos mayores LGBT+. Se analizó la validez de constructo (análisis factorial exploratorio), la validez convergente y la consistencia interna de cada escala. Resultado: Los análisis factoriales paralelos y exploratorios sugieren un modelo bifactorial para ambas escalas con una buena adecuación a la muestra. La LGS explica el 45,1% de la varianza y tiene una consistencia interna de 0,78. La GBC explica el 41,76% de la varianza y tiene una consistencia interna de 0,879. Se encontró una correlación positiva estadísticamente significativa entre la satisfacción con la vida y las escalas de generatividad. Las dos escalas mostraron una correlación positiva y significativa (rs = 0,310). Conclusión: Ambas escalas han demostrado ser válidas y fiables para medir la generatividad en adultos mayores LGBT+ españoles.

Meta Analysis of the Correlation between Periodontal Health and Cognitive Impairment in the Older Population.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between periodontal health and cognitive impairment in the older population to provide the evidence for preventing cognitive impairment from the perspective of oral health care in older adults. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, the Web of Science, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, the China Science and Technology Journal Database, and the China Biomedical Literature Database, to include both cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort studies on the association between periodontal health and cognitive impairment in older adults. The search was completed in April 2023. Following quality assessment and data organization of the included studies, meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies involving a total of 4,246,608 patients were included to comprehensively assess periodontal health from four dimensions (periodontitis, tooth loss, occlusal support, and masticatory ability), with the outcome variable of cognitive impairment (including mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease and all-cause dementia). Meta-analysis showed that, compared to those of periodontally healthy older adults, the risk of cognitive impairment in older adults with poor periodontal health, after adjusting for confounders, was significantly greater for those with periodontitis (OR=1.45, 95% CI: 1.20-1.76, P<0.001), tooth loss (OR=1.80, 95% CI: 1.50-2.15, P<0.001), compromised occlusal support (OR=1.87, 95% CI: 1.29-2.70, P=0.001), and reduced masticatory ability (OR=1.39, 95% CI: 1.11-1.75, P=0.005). The risk of cognitive impairment was higher in older adults with low-dentition than in those with high-dentition. Subgroup analysis revealed older individuals with fewer remaining teeth were at a higher risk of developing cognitive impairment compared to those with more remaining teeth, as shown by the comparison of number of teeth lost (7-17 teeth compared to 0-6 teeth) (OR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.13-2.39, P=0.01), (9-28 teeth compared to 0-8 teeth) (OR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.06-1.20, P<0.001), (19-28 teeth compared to 0-18 teeth) (OR=2.52, 95% CI: 1.32-4.80, P=0.005), and (28 teeth compared to 0-27 teeth) (OR=2.07, 95% CI: 1.54-2.77, P<0.001). In addition, tooth loss in older adults led to a significantly increased risk of mild cognitive impairment (OR=1.66, 95% CI: 1.43-1.91, P<0.001) and all-cause dementia (OR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.11-1.65, P=0.003), although the correlation between tooth loss and the risk of Alzheimer's disease was not significant (OR=3.89, 95% CI: 0.68-22.31, P=0.13). CONCLUSION: Poor periodontal health, assessed across four dimensions (periodontitis, tooth loss, occlusal support, and masticatory ability), represents a significant risk factor for cognitive impairment in older adults. The more missing teeth in older adults, the higher risk of developing cognitive impairment, with edentulous individuals particularly susceptible to cognitive impairment. While a certain degree of increased risk of Alzheimer's disease was observed, no significant association was found between tooth loss and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Enhancing periodontal health management and delivering high-quality oral health care services to older adults can help prevent cognitive impairment.

Later-Life Cognitive Trajectories and Risk of Death: Results from a 6-Year Longitudinal Study of 7082 Chinese.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To identify cognitive decline trajectories in a Chinese elderly population, explore the associations between these trajectories and mortality, and further identify risk factors related to certain trajectories of cognitive decline. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: The group-based trajectory modeling and Cox proportional hazards models were conducted to explore the association between cognitive trajectory groups and mortality, while multinomial logistic regression models were constructed to estimate potential risk factors. PARTICIPANTS: We included 7082 participants aged 65 years or above in three consecutive but non-overlapping cohorts of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey with the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination up to 6 years. Participants were subsequently followed for a median (IQR) of 2.89 (1.38-3.12) years to obtain their survival status and date of death. MEASUREMENTS: Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination was used to measure participants' cognitive function. RESULTS: Through use of group-based trajectory modeling, we determined three cognitive trajectory groups. Then, after adjusting for confounding factors, we found a monotonic and positive association between cognitive decline and mortality risk. Meanwhile, the association varied among elderly populations in different age groups and BMI categories, but did not differ by sex, smoking, drinking and exercising. Older seniors, females and those with poorer baseline cognitive function and less social participation tended to be more likely to be in the unfavorable trajectory groups. CONCLUSION: We found that the faster the cognitive decline, the higher the mortality, especially among those aged 65-79 years and those overweight. Our findings suggested the importance of implement better monitoring of the cognitive function of the elderly population.

A Hybrid Concept Analysis of Frailty Among Older Adults Living in the Community.

AIM: To analyse the concept of frailty through a literature review and in-depth interviews. DESIGN: A hybrid model of concept analysis. METHODS: The theoretical phase identified 43 articles for reviewing the definition and measurement of frailty. Seven frail older adults were invited in the fieldwork phase for in-depth interviews. In the final analysis phase, results from the fieldwork and theoretical phases were integrated to obtain a final definition of frailty. RESULTS: Attributes of frailty were heterogeneous, involving dynamic/bidirectional, multidimensional and multiple systems. The antecedents of the concept were exposure to various stimuli and challenges in responding to these stimuli. Consequences included losing autonomy and adverse health outcomes. Four themes of frailty were identified based on the fieldwork data: 'accumulation of functional decline', 'powerlessness of coping with', 'vicissitudes of lived experience' and 'loss of autonomy and positivity'. CONCLUSIONS: The final definition of frailty was 'a dynamic and fluctuating process of powerlessness to manage biopsychosocial and environmental stimuli, involving functional decline and vicissitudes of life, which results in losing autonomy and positivity or adverse health outcomes'. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Characterising the definition of frailty is essential for nurses to address the lived experiences of older adults when providing person-centred care and for developing interventions that meet the needs of frail older adults. IMPACT: Since some discrepancies existed in the definition of frailty from individual perception of older adults, combined in-depth interviews with a theoretical literature review were used to provide comprehensive insight. This concept analysis provides guidelines of training for nurses and opportunities to improving quality of life for community dwelling older adults. REPORTING METHOD: N/A. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No Patient or Public Contribution.

Relationship between respiratory sarcopenia and respiratory muscle weakness in community-dwelling older adults: a preliminary cross-sectional study.

[Purpose] Using new diagnostic criteria, this study aimed to clarify the relationship between respiratory sarcopenia and respiratory muscle weakness in community-dwelling older adults. [Participants and Methods] Basic information, body composition, motor function, respiratory function, and respiratory muscle strength were analyzed for 43 elderly community residents who participated in a health promotion program between 2021 and 2023. Respiratory sarcopenia and respiratory muscle weakness were evaluated based on maximal intraoral pressure and skeletal muscle index. We conducted a comparison among the three groups-respiratory sarcopenia, respiratory muscle weakness, and robustness. [Results] The respiratory sarcopenia group tended to have lower trunk muscle mass compared to the robust group and had significantly lower trunk muscle mass than the respiratory muscle weakness group. The incidence of systemic sarcopenia was significantly higher in the respiratory sarcopenia group than in the other two groups. [Conclusion] These results indicate that respiratory sarcopenia may be associated with the loss of limb muscle mass observed in patients with systemic sarcopenia and a reduction in trunk muscle mass. The risk factors influencing the prognosis of respiratory sarcopenia may vary depending on the method used to assess respiratory muscle weakness. This study provides the foundational data for future research on respiratory sarcopenia.

Clinical profiles of older adults in French Caribbean nursing homes: a descriptive cross-sectional study.

Background: Nursing homes in the Caribbean are scarce and the characteristics of their residents have not been previously documented. This study aimed to describe the clinical profiles of residents living in nursing homes in Guadeloupe and Martinique (French West Indies). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of the baseline screening data from the KASEHPAD (Karukera Study of Ageing in nursing homes) study. Clinical characteristics and geriatric scale scores, including the Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) were collected and analysed. Results: A total of 332 older adults were recruited between September 2020 and November 2022. The mean age of the residents was 81.3 ± 10.1, with a male-female ratio of 1:1. Diabetes was reported in 28.3% of the residents, hypertension in 66.6% and heart disease in 18.4%. Dementia was diagnosed in 52.3% of the residents and 74.9% had a MMSE score ≤18. The prevalence of Parkinson's disease was 9.0%. Additionally, 18.4% were unable to perform any basic activities of daily living (ADL score of 0). The prevalence of physical impairment (SPPB < 8) was 90.0%. One-quarter of the residents were classified as undernourished (MNA-SF score ≤ 7). Conclusion: Residents in Caribbean nursing homes are younger than in metropolitan France, whereas they present quite similar clinical profiles. Notably, a high prevalence of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases was observed. This study represents a preliminary effort to address the knowledge gap regarding the aging trajectories of older adults in the Caribbean and could guide the development of future nursing homes in these countries.

"I Do Not Believe We Should Disclose Everything to an Older Patient": Challenges and Ethical Concerns in Clinical Decision-Making in Old-Age Care in Ethiopia.

Clinical decision-making in old-age care is a complex and ethically sensitive process. Despite its importance, research addressing the challenges of clinical decision-making in old-age care within this cultural context is limited. This study aimed to explore the challenges and ethical concerns in clinical decision-making in old-age care in Ethiopia. This qualitative study employed an inductive approach with data collected via semi-structured interviews with 20 older patients and 26 health professionals recruited from healthcare facilities in Ethiopia. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Our analysis identified three key themes. First, participants highlighted perceptions that older patients' religious beliefs interfere with the clinical decisions both older patients and health professionals make. Second, older patients often receive limited information from health professionals about their diagnosis and treatment. Third, families of older patients appear to strongly influence clinical decisions made by older patients or health professionals. This research enhances the understanding of clinical decision-making in old-age care within Ethiopia, a context where such research is scarce. As a result, this study contributes towards advancing the deliberation of ethical dilemmas that health professionals who work with older patients in Ethiopia might face. A key implication of the study is that there is a need for more ethics and cultural competence training for health professionals working with older patients in Ethiopia.

Charting the Course of the Nursing Professional Identity: A Qualitative Descriptive Study on the Identity of Nurses Working in Care for Older Adults.

AIMS: To explore and describe the meaning of nurses working in care for older adults give to the nursing professional identity. DESIGN: A qualitative approach was taken. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 bachelor and vocational-educated nurses working in care for older adults. Interviews were conducted between December 2019 and May 2020. Data were analysed and interpreted through inductive content analysis. RESULTS: Five themes embody the meaning of the nursing professional identity of nurses who work in care for older adults. The five themes are: born to care: a lifelong motivation to nursing; nursing through the noise: dedication in a demanding profession; the silent backbone: caught in the crossfire of interdisciplinary teams; learning under pressure: the demand for expanded nursing expertise and against the current: the barriers to advocacy in nursing. CONCLUSION: The professional nursing identity of nurses working in care for older adults is multi-faceted. A personal dedication to patient care, where patients 'human' aspect is heavily valued, commits nurses to their profession and underscores their dedication to upholding the quality standard in nursing practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION: The older adults' nursing identity highlights that nursing deserves acknowledgement as a professional occupation. Nurses should speak to the public about their professional roles to improve the public view of older adult nursing. IMPACT: A clear understanding of the older adult nursing professional identity clarifies specific roles, experiences and expectations. This can help attract and retain nurses whose views of older adult nursing align with the nursing professional identity. This could help resolve nurse turnover and reduce shortages in older adult care. REPORTING METHOD: We adhered to Consolidated Criteria For Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

"I've Got a Lot of Other Things I Do": The Nuances of Digital Engagement among Older People.

As Western society becomes increasingly digitally dependent and many older adults actively engage in the online world, understanding the experiences of those who largely do not use digital technology in their daily lives is crucial. Individual interviews were conducted (pre-pandemic) with 23 older adults who, based on self-identification, did not regularly use digital technology, exploring how their experiences as limited digital technology users may have impacted their daily lives. An iterative collaborative qualitative analysis demonstrated three main themes: internet concerns, frustrations with digital technology, and conflicting motivators to use digital technology. Findings suggest that addressing digital concerns and providing effective digital skill learning opportunities may encourage some older adults to become more digitally engaged. However, as people, including older adults, can be uninterested in using these technologies, organizations and institutions should work to offer ways to support people of all ages who are not engaged online.

Understanding the medication regimens associated with anticholinergic burden in older people's mental health services in the UK.

BACKGROUND: Medications with anticholinergic properties are associated with a range of adverse effects that tend to be worse in older people. AIMS: To investigate medication regimens with high anticholinergic burden, prescribed for older adults under the care of mental health services. METHOD: Clinical audit of prescribing practice, using a standardised data collection tool. RESULTS: Fifty-seven trusts/healthcare organisations submitted data on medicines prescribed for 7915 patients: two-thirds (66%) were prescribed medication with anticholinergic properties, while just under a quarter (23%) had a medication regimen with high anticholinergic burden (total score ≥3 on the anticholinergic effect on cognition (AEC) scale). Some 16% of patients with a diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment were prescribed medication regimens with a high anticholinergic burden, compared with 35% of those without such diagnoses. A high anticholinergic burden was mostly because of combinations of commonly prescribed psychotropic medications, principally antidepressant and antipsychotic medications with individual AEC scores of 1 or 2. CONCLUSIONS: Adults under the care of older people's mental health services are commonly prescribed multiple medications for psychiatric and physical disorders; these medication regimens can have a high anticholinergic burden, often an inadvertent consequence of the co-prescription of medications with modest anticholinergic activity. Prescribers for older adults should assess the anticholinergic burden of medication regimens, assiduously check for adverse anticholinergic effects and consider alternative medications with less anticholinergic effect where indicated. The use of a scale, such as the AEC, which identifies the level of central anticholinergic activity of relevant medications, can be a helpful clinical guide.

Corrigendum: A critical reflection on using the Patient Engagement In Research Scale (PEIRS) to evaluate patient and family partners' engagement in dementia research.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/frdem.2024.1422820.].

The Neighborhood Environment and Handgrip Strength: Longitudinal Findings from the Health and Retirement Study.

BACKGROUND: Muscle strength, as measured by handgrip strength (HGS), is associated with physical function and mortality. Yet, the environmental context that influences muscle strength is poorly understood. We evaluated built and social neighborhood characteristics and their association with muscle strength over time. METHODS: Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (2006-2018), linear mixed models assessed how 11 built and social neighborhood variables were associated with baseline levels and changes in HGS over time. RESULTS: Among the 20,045 respondents (mean age = 63 years, SD = 9.7) with up to 4 HGS measures, 8,455 were men and 11,590 were women. Among men, residing in a neighborhood with a 10% increment higher score on neighborhood disadvantage was associated with ~1 kg lower HGS at baseline (B = -0.96 kg, 95% CI = -1.39, -0.53). Similarly, each 1-point increment on the physical disorder scale was associated with a -0.39 kg lower (95% CI = -0.65, -0.12) baseline HGS value. Among women, each 10% increment in neighborhood disadvantage was associated with a 0.29 kg lower HGS at baseline (B = -0.29 kg for each 10% increment, 95% CI = -0.46, -0.13). Each 1-unit increment in the number of neighborhood gyms at baseline was associated with a 0.50 kg lower HGS (B = -0.50, 95% CI = -0.76, -0.23). Each 1-point increment in physical disorder was associated with a -0.12 kg lower (95% CI = -0.24, -0.00) baseline HGS value. None of the neighborhood features were associated with HGS rate of change. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that residing in neighborhoods with greater disadvantage and physical disorder may pose challenges for HGS among middle aged adults as they enter into older adulthood.

Low serum Metrnl levels are associated with increased risk of sarcopenia in the older adults.

PURPOSE: Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome characterized by progressive loss of muscle mass and function. Meteorin-like (Metrnl) is a secretory protein that has protective effects on skeletal muscle injury. However, the association of Metrnl level with sarcopenia remains unclear. METHODS: A total of 772 community-dwelling older adults (median age = 76 years), comprising 409 males and 363 females, from both urban and rural areas were enrolled. Serum Metrnl was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), grip strength, and gait speed were measured for the assessment of sarcopenia. RESULTS: We found that serum Metrnl levels were lower in patients with sarcopenia [median (IQR) = 180.1 (151.3-220.3) pg/mL] than older adults without sarcopenia [211.9 (163.2-270.0) pg/mL, P < 0.001]. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off value of serum Metrnl level that predicted sarcopenia was 197.2 pg/mL with a sensitivity of 59.2% and a specificity of 63.8% (AUC = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.59-0.67, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that lower serum Metrnl level (< 197.2 pg/mL) was significantly associated with increased risk of sarcopenia (adjusted OR = 2.358, 2.36, 95% CI = 1.528-3.685, P < 0.001). Moreover, serum Metrnl concentration was positively correlated with the components of sarcopenia including ASMI (r = 0.135, P < 0.001), grip strength (r = 0.102, P = 0.005), and gait speed (r = 0.106, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our findings demonstrate that low serum Metrnl level is correlated with increased risk of sarcopenia in the older adults.

Golden years happiness: analyzing the nostalgic aspect of leisure.

Retirees face numerous challenges, particularly in countries with lower socio-economic conditions. Perceived social isolation and happiness levels are seen as significant factors that significantly affect the quality of life in old age. Perceived social happiness levels can disrupt the quality of life in old age and contribute to mental disorders. Recent studies on leisure have suggested a direct impact of individuals' leisure attitudes on happiness. In this context, leisure nostalgia stands out in the relationship between leisure attitude and happiness levels among retirees. In this study, structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to examine the relationship between leisure attitude, leisure nostalgia, and happiness levels in a sample of 210 retirees. The findings revealed that leisure nostalgia fully mediated the relationship between leisure attitude and happiness. It was concluded that previous experiences significantly shape retirement, and leisure attitude offers valuable opportunities for enhancing happiness through effective leisure utilization.

Effects of a 12-week training program in outdoor gym equipment in morphological and functional parameters, quality of life, and physical activity levels in older adults.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a supervised physical training program with controlled cadence on functional fitness parameters, quality of life perception, and physical activity level in older adults. Methods: Sixty physically independent older adults were randomly divided into three groups: Supervised Training (ST, n = 20), Unsupervised Training (UT, n = 20), and a Control Group (C, n = 20). The ST and UT groups participated in a 12-week program, performing exercises three times a week for 30 min. The ST group had structured weekly sessions consisting of a 5-minute warm-up (walking at 60% of max heart rate), 20 sets of 30 s at a moderate pace controlled by a metronome with 30 s of passive recovery, and a 5-minute cool-down on non-consecutive days. The UT group trained spontaneously using senior gym equipment, including elliptical machines, rowing machines, air skiers, and leg press machines. The control group maintained their usual daily routines throughout the study. Parameters evaluated included body mass, body mass index (BMI), muscle thickness (biceps brachii, triceps brachii, and vastus lateralis), and functional capacity tests (walking 10 m [W10 m], rising from a sitting position [RSP], rising from the prone position [RVDP], sitting and rising from a chair and moving around the house [SRCW]). Quality of life was assessed across physical, psychological, environmental, and social domains, and physical activity levels were also measured. Results: No significant changes (p > 0.05) in body mass, BMI, or muscle thickness were observed between groups before and after the intervention. However, significant time effects in functional fitness tests were found only in the ST group for W10 m (p = 0.0469), RVDP (p < 0.0004), RSP (p < 0.0001), and SRCW (p < 0.0001). Quality of life improved significantly over time in the ST and UT groups across all domains (p < 0.0001). Both ST and UT groups also showed significant increases in weekly physical activity time (p > 0.0001). Conclusion: 12 weeks of training improved quality of life perception and physical activity levels in older adults.

Association between Internet use and depression among older adults in China: the chain-mediating role of volunteer activity participation and friend network.

Background: Depression is a significant burden on individuals and society, which requires our attention and action. As the aging wave collides with digitalization, further research is needed to understand how internet use relates to depression in older adults. This study aimed to investigate whether volunteer activity participation and friend networks played a chain mediating role in this relationship from the perspective of the socioemotional selectivity theory. Method: This study's data was derived from the 2018 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS), comprising 5,558 samples. The study employed the OLS model for benchmark regression and multiple robust check methods, including altering variable settings and utilizing the instrumental variable model. In addition, the generalized structural equation model (GSEM) was used to analyze the mechanism. Result: Using the internet was significantly associated with reduced depression in older adults (coefficient = -0.9321, p < 0.001). The instrumental variable model confirmed this reduction (coefficient = -0.9200, p < 0.001). Moreover, we found that there were three indirect pathways of Internet use on depression among older adults: the mediating role of volunteer activity participation (all p-values <0.001), the mediating role of friend network (all p-values <0.001), and the chain mediating role of both factors (all p-values <0.001). Conclusion: Based on the research findings, we suggest mobilizing tech-savvy older adults to assist others in adopting digital technology and using the internet. We also suggest that the government could assist in creating older adult-friendly communities. Social workers could collaborate with tech-savvy older adults to organize various voluntary activities, encouraging more senior citizens to participate. In addition, we recommend that the community should consider the form of activities to help older adults make friends first rather than solely focusing on voluntary activities.

A Technology-Based Intervention Impacts Quality of Life for Low-Income Older Adults by Reducing Loneliness and Improving Healthcare Self-Efficacy and Self-Rated Health.

This paper describes a technology program aimed at developing technical skills and confidence, reducing social isolation and loneliness, and increasing healthcare self-management and self-efficacy among older adults. We conducted a mixed-methods study using surveys collected at baseline and 12 months from 90 older adults. Focus group data (n = 7) collected at 12 months were examined for convergence with key quantitative outcomes, emergent value-related themes, and evaluation of program structure and staff. Outcome data showed improvements in loneliness (Cohen's d = -0.24, p = .004) (validated by qualitative data), self-rated health (d = 0.23, p = .011), and healthcare self-efficacy (d = 0.31, p = .004). Participants with higher healthcare self-efficacy (ß = 0.24, p = .03) and higher negative emotions (ß = 0.28, p = .01) had greater frequency of internet use to search for health information. Qualitative findings described program mechanisms supporting increases in self-efficacy, including increased technology use and confidence, and values statements demonstrating the meaningfulness of learning technology and its impact on multiple domains of quality of life.

[Acceptance and intention to use of a physiological sensor shirt in health field in older patients]. / Aceptación e intención de uso de una camiseta con sensores fisiológicos en el ámbito de la salud en pacientes mayores.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the acceptance and intention to use physiological sensor shirt among older patients in healthcare, as well as to identify the factors that encourage a positive attitude towards its adoption. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using questionnaires addressed to patients between 60 and 85years of age, administered via face-to-face interviews to determine intention to use a shirt with physiological sensors. The extended version of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) questionnaire was used in conjunction with administration of the quality of life and perceived stress scales. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients participated in the study, 54.2% were male with a mean age of 70.5years. The mean scores for attitude towards use and intention to use were 3.9 (SD: 0.8) and 3.3 (SD: 0.8), respectively, out of a maximum of 5. The willingness to use the device was positive in 72.9% of patients The patients intending to use wearable technology (n=35) scored significantly higher than those unwilling to wear the shirt (n=13) on perceived ubiquity (P=.031), perceived ease of use (P=.002), and perceived utility (P=.007). CONCLUSIONS: In a sample of independent older adults from the healthcare sector, a high willingness to use a shirt with physiological sensors was found. Through the TAM questionnaire, ubiquity, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness were identified as key factors predisposing its adoption.