Is subjective age a multidimensional construct in a Japanese sample aged 20-89?

AIM: Subjective age is an emerging concept in the aging literature that predicts various aspects of quality of life, but its nature is not fully understood. This study aimed to explore whether subjective age is a unidimensional or a multidimensional construct and its relationship with quality of life through a multi-aspects approach. METHODS: We examined subjective age for 2896 Japanese adults aged 20-89 by using five subjective age measures and questions with regard to their quality of life and analyzed the results with four indexes. RESULTS: Factor analyses found one factor for the measures, indicating a unidimensional construct. Yet, the multi-aspect analyses revealed unique features of the measures, especially in relation to variables on the quality of life. Among the five measures, Perceived physical age is the best predictor of life satisfaction and perception of cognitive function (i.e., memory), such that the more satisfied individuals are with their life, the younger they feel. Ideal age is another best predictor in the opposite direction, such that the less satisfied individuals are with their life, the younger they want to be. CONCLUSION: Although the factor analyses revealed subjective age to be a unidimensional construct, the present results also suggest the possibility that it is multidimensional in nature. In future studies, a more systematic approach is essential for a thorough exploration of scales designed to measure the multiple aspects of subjective age. This is particularly crucial in the context of predicting our well-being. Such scales could also enable us to compare the universality and individuality of subjective age across different cultures. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 253-258.

Digital Peer-Supported App Intervention to Promote Physical Activity Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Nonrandomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The use of mobile apps has promoted physical activity levels. Recently, with an increasing number of older adults accessing the internet, app-based interventions may be feasible in older populations. Peer support-based interventions have become a common method for promoting health-related behavior change. To our knowledge, the feasibility of using digital peer support apps (DPSAs) to increase physical activity among older adults and its impact on physical activity and physical function have not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the feasibility of using DPSAs in older adults and to assess changes in physical activity and physical function in DPSA users. METHODS: We conducted a nonrandomized controlled trial of older adults aged ≥65 years. We recruited participants for 2 distinct 12-week programs designed to increase physical activity. Participants could choose between an intervention group (app program and exercise instruction) or a control group (exercise instruction only). DPSA creates a group chat for up to 5 people with a common goal, and participants anonymously post to each other in the group. Once a day, participants posted a set of their step counts, photos, and comments on a group chat box. The intervention group used the DPSA after receiving 2 face-to-face lectures on its use. The participants were characterized using questionnaires, accelerometers, and physical function assessments. The feasibility of the DPSA was assessed using retention and adherence rates. Physical activity was assessed using accelerometers to measure the daily step count, light intensity physical activity, moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), and sedentary behavior. Physical function was assessed using grip strength and the 30-second chair-stand test. RESULTS: The participants in the intervention group were more frequent users of apps, were more familiar with information and communication technology, and had a higher baseline physical activity level. The retention and adherence rates for the DPSA intervention were 88% (36/41) and 87.7%, respectively, indicating good feasibility. Participants in the intervention group increased their step count by at least 1000 steps and their MVPA by at least 10 minutes using the DPSA. There was a significant difference in the interaction between groups and intervention time points in the daily step count and MVPA (step count, P=.04; duration of MVPA, P=.02). The DPSA increased physical activity, especially in older adults with low baseline physical activity levels. CONCLUSIONS: The feasibility of DPSA was found to be good, with the intervention group showing increases in daily steps and MVPA. The effects of DPSA on step count, physical activity, and physical function in older adults with low baseline physical activity should be investigated using randomized controlled trials.

Phagocytosis of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) in Macrophages Induces Cell Apoptosis.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are the products of a series of nonenzymatic modifications of proteins by reducing sugars. AGEs play a pivotal role in development of diabetic complications and atherosclerosis. Accumulation of AGEs in a vessel wall may contribute to the development of vascular lesions. Although AGEs have a diverse range of bioactivities, the clearance process of AGEs from the extracellular space, including the incorporation of AGEs into specific cells, subcellular localization, and the fate of AGEs, remains unclear. In the present study, we examined the kinetics of the uptake of AGEs by mouse macrophage J774.1 cells in vitro and characterized the process. We demonstrated that AGEs bound to the surface of the cells and were also incorporated into the cytoplasm. The temperature- and time-dependent uptake of AGEs was saturable with AGE concentration and was inhibited by cytochalasin D but not chlorpromazine. We also observed the granule-like appearance of AGE immunoreactivity in subcellular localizations in macrophages. Higher concentrations of AGEs induced intracellular ROS and 4-HNE, which were associated with activation of the NF-κB pathway and caspase-3. These results suggest that incorporation of AGEs occurred actively by endocytosis in macrophages, leading to apoptosis of these cells through NF-κB activation.