Yoga como terapia complementaria para el Adulto Mayor / Yoga as a complementary therapy for older adult

Introducción: El yoga es una actividad que trata de un ejercicio el cual contiene una intensidad baja a moderada, la cual no se centra exclusivamente en el entrenamiento físico, sino que también en el desarrollo de la mente y el espíritu de uno mismo. El yoga puede obtener un mayor impacto en el equilibrio y en la ganancia de fuerza de la parte superior del cuerpo, además, demuestra mejora en la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria y flexibilidad. Metodología: El enfoque de desarrollo fue de tipo cuantitativo en donde se realizó una revisión sistemática como metodología de búsqueda de información, relacionada al yoga como una terapia complementaria y los beneficios que éste aportaba al bienestar de las personas mayores. Resultados: En cada uno de los ensayos controlados aleatorizados que fueron recabados para fines de esta revisión sistemática. Se destaca la importancia y los beneficios del yoga en la movilidad, fuerza, flexibilidad y espiritualidad de los usuarios que practican esta terapia. Discusión: Los artículos analizados pertenecen a ensayos clínicos o estudios aleatorizados, los cuales permitieron responder de manera efectiva a nuestra pregunta de investigación, la cual consiste en reconocer si el yoga es efectivo para disminuir el riesgo de dependencia funcional y eliminar hábitos que no son saludables para las personas mayores, además de mejorar la calidad de vida actual. Gracias a ello se pudo evidenciar que esta terapia en adultos mayores genera cambios positivos respecto a estado y condición física, la ejecución de esta práctica mejora la calidad de vida en un 80% Conclusión: La yoga como terapia complementaria si entrega beneficios en la calidad de vida de la población adulta mayor, dado que, que hubo una mejora tanto en la movilidad, calidad de vida y autovalencia de los adultos mayores[AU]

Introduction: Yoga is an activity that deals with a low to moderate intensity exercise, which is not exclusively focused on physical training, but also on the development of the mind and spirit itself. Yoga may have a greater impact on balance and upper body strength gains, and have shown improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and flexibility. Methodology:the development approach was of a quantitative type where a systematic review was carried out as a methodology for searching for information related to yoga as a complementary therapy and the benefits that it brought to the well-being of the elderly. Results:The importance and benefits of yoga on the mobility, strength, flexibility and spirituality of users who practice this therapy are highlighted in each of the randomized controlled trials that were collected for the purposes of this systematic review. Discussion: The articles analyzed belong to clinical trials or randomized studies, which allowed us to effectively answer our research question. The activity of yoga in older adults generates positive changes regarding state and physical condition, the execution of this practice improves the quality of life by 80% Conclusion: Yoga as a complementary therapy delivers benefits in the quality of life of the adult population elderly, it can be said that there was an improvement in mobility, quality of life and self-valence of the elderly[AU]

Introdução: O Yoga é uma atividade que trata de um exercício de intensidade baixa a moderada, que não se foca exclusivamente no treino físico, mas também no desenvolvimento da mente e do espí-rito. A ioga pode ter um impacto maior no equilíbrio e nos ganhos de força da parte superior do corpo e mostrou melhorias na apti-dão cardiorrespiratória e flexibilidade. Metodologia: a abordagem de desenvolvimento foi do tipo quantitativo onde foi realizada uma revisão sistemática como metodologia de busca de informações re-lacionadas ao yoga como terapia complementar e os benefícios que trouxe para o bem-estar dos idosos. Resultados: A importância e os benefícios do yoga na mobilidade, força, flexibilidade e espiri-tualidade dos usuários que praticam esta terapia são destacados em cada um dos ensaios clínicos randomizados que foram coletados para fins desta revisão sistemática. Discussão: Os artigos analisa-dos pertencem a ensaios clínicos ou estudos randomizados, o que nos permitiu responder de forma eficaz à nossa questão de inves-tigação. A atividade de yoga em idosos gera mudanças positivas quanto ao estado e condição física, a execução desta prática mel-hora a qualidade de vida em 80% Conclusão: o yoga como terapia complementar traz benefícios na qualidade de vida da população adulta idosa, pode-se dizer que houve melhora na mobilidade, qualidade de vida e autovalência dos idosos[AU]

The impact of healthcare system quality and economic factors on the older adult population: a health economics perspective.

Purpose: This study investigates the influence of economic conditions, healthcare system capacity, and health-related variables on the proportion of the older adult population (Population ages 65 and above) in European Union countries. It aims to identify how factors such as GDP, unemployment, inflation, healthcare expenditure, hospital bed availability, and the prevalence of chronic diseases impact the aging demographic. Methods: This study explores the dynamic interactions and temporal relationships between economic stability, healthcare capacity, chronic disease prevalence, and demographic aging patterns. The research employs a mixed-method approach, utilizing System GMM and wavelet coherence analysis on panel data from 27 EU countries between 2000 and 2021. Results: The findings reveal significant positive associations between economic prosperity and healthcare resources with the size of the older adult population. Increased GDP, efficient healthcare spending, and hospital bed availability are positively correlated with a larger older adult demographic. In contrast, high unemployment and inflation are linked to negative outcomes for the older adult population, reducing available resources and access to healthcare. Wavelet coherence analysis further uncovers how fluctuations in the prevalence of chronic diseases influence aging trends across different periods and frequencies. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of integrated economic and healthcare policies to support the growing older adult population. Ensuring economic stability, enhancing healthcare infrastructure, and effectively managing chronic diseases are essential for improving quality of life and promoting sustainable aging in EU societies.

Experiences of lifestyle changes among Thai older adults six months after applying the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle.

BACKGROUND: Thai older adults are valuable resources in their society. The Thai health service system is challenged when it comes to ensuring that older Thai adults can continue to live healthy and independent lives in society. It is of great value to support independence and improve older people's active ageing. Promoting lifestyle changes by applying the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle (PDSA cycle), at group meetings in a municipality context, is a way of focusing on active ageing. This study aims to describe older adults´ experiences of lifestyle change six months after finishing group meetings applying the PDSA cycle. METHODS: A qualitative approach with individual interviews and a qualitative content analysis were used with 12 Thai older adults who participated in the meetings applying the PDSA cycle. RESULTS: Six months after finishing applying the PDSA cycle, some older adults kept their individual goals and were influenced by their family surroundings. They also formulated additional goals. Three categories and six sub-categories emerged: Keeping individual goals, influenced by the surroundings, and formulation of additional goals were the overall categories. CONCLUSIONS: These Thai older adults showed that they had the ability to make lifestyle changes with the support of the PDSA cycle, but not all maintained their planned activities after six months. The question is how healthcare professionals and the surroundings, may further support and motivate these people to maintain these changes based on their own preferences in a sustainable way.

Prevalence of Malnutrition and Micronutrient Deficiencies in Older Adults with Ulcerative Colitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The nutritional status and consequences of malnutrition among older adults with ulcerative colitis (UC) are not known. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients 65 years ≥ with Ulcerative colitis (UC). Malnutrition was defined using the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) definition. Eight micronutrients and nutrition-related outcomes were measured. The Saskatchewan Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Nutrition Risk Tool was utilized to identify patients at risk for malnutrition. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Characteristics of patients with and without malnutrition were compared using Chi-Square test or Fisher's exact tests (analysis of variance for age). RESULTS: Two-hundred and ninety patients with a mean age of 73.4 years were included. 54% of patients had moderate-to-severe UC, with 52% receiving advanced therapy. Fifty-one patients (18%) met criteria for malnutrition, 17% were moderate-high risk for malnutrition, and 87% were low risk. Two-hundred and twenty patients (76%) had at least one micronutrient deficiency: 38% vitamin D, 43% iron, and 11% B12. Half of patients had osteoporosis or osteopenia (49%), however, only 39% of high-risk patients had undergone a DEXA scan. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients were not found to have malnutrition, however, the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies among older adults with UC was high. This population is at particularly high risk for bone-related disease, yet a significant proportion of patients are not undergoing guideline-directed bone density testing. These findings illustrate the need for regular screening for malnutrition, micronutrient deficiency, and bone-related disease in older adults with UC.

Effect of Multimorbidity on Old-Age Disability Among Adults Over 50 Years Old: Evidence From a Meta-Analysis.

This is a meta-analysis study to assess the relationship between multimorbidity and disability among older adults over 50 years old. Population-based studies, aged ≥ 50 years, assessing associations between multimorbidity (numbers and patterns) and disability in older adults, and reporting risk estimation with odds ratios (OR), were included. Homogeneity (I2), risk of bias, and publication bias were assessed. PROSPERO registration: 411007, and this meta-analysis was reported in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. Twelve studies were included. For the older adults with 2 chronic conditions and ≥ 3 chronic conditions, the ORs of disability are 2.52 (95% CI 2.30-2.76) and 3.38 (95% CI 3.05-3.75), respectively. Among three multimorbidity patterns, the combination of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases pattern (OR 8.01, 95% CI 7.60-8.44) had the highest disability incidence rate. Chronic conditions in the multimorbidity patterns of combination of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and mental health problems have an enhancement effect (1 + 1 > 2) on old-age disability impairment, whereas those in the multimorbidity pattern of musculoskeletal disorders have a dampening effect (1 + 1 < 2). The differentiated and specific early interventions should be developed based on the different multimorbidity patterns to prevent the old-age functional decline and disability in older adults.

A meta-analysis of the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with cognitive training on working memory in healthy older adults.

Background: Working memory (WM) loss, which can lead to a loss of independence, and declines in the quality of life of older adults, is becoming an increasingly prominent issue affecting the ageing population. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, is emerging as a potential alternative to pharmacological treatments that shows promise for enhancing WM capacity and May enhance the effects of cognitive training (CT) interventions. Objective: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to explore how different tDCS protocols in combination with CT enhanced WM in healthy older adults. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exploring the effects of tDCS combined with CT on WM in healthy older adults were retrieved from the Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Scopus and the Cochrane Library databases. The search time period ranged from database inception to January 15, 2024. Methodological quality of the trials was assessed using the risk-of-bias criteria for RCTs from the Cochrane Collaboration Network, and RevMan 5.3 (Cochrane, London, United Kingdom) was used for the meta-analysis of the final literature outcomes. Results: Six RCTs with a total of 323 participants were ultimately included. The results of the meta-analysis show that tDCS combined with CT statistically significantly improves WM performance compared to the control sham stimulation group in healthy older adults [standard mean difference (SMD) = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.11-0.59, I 2 = 0%, Z = 2.86, p = 0.004]. The first subgroup analysis indicated that, when the stimulus intensity was 2 mA, a statistically significant improvement in WM performance in healthy older adults was achieved (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.08-0.70, I 2 = 6%, Z = 2.46, p = 0.01). The second subgroup analysis showed that long-term intervention (≥ 10 sessions) with tDCS combined with CT statistically significantly improved WM compared to the control group in healthy older adults (SMD = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.22-1.21, I 2 = 0%, Z = 2.85, p = 0.004). Conclusion: tDCS combined with CT statistically significantly improves WM in healthy older adults. For the stimulus parameters, long-term interventions (≥ 10 sessions) with a stimulation intensity of 2 mA are the most effective.

The impact of social participation on the quality of life among older adults in China: a chain mediation analysis of loneliness, depression, and anxiety.

This cross-sectional study investigates the impact of social participation on the quality of life (QOL) among older adults in China. Using convenience sampling, data were collected from 508 individuals aged 60 and above (M_age = 70.53 ± 7.90 years; 56.5% women). Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSSAU software, including Pearson correlation analysis to assess relationships between social participation, psychological health indicators (loneliness, depression, and anxiety), and QOL. Multiple regression analysis and chain mediation analysis were subsequently performed to explore the mediating effects of loneliness, depression, and anxiety on the relationship between social participation and QOL. The results indicated significant correlations between social participation and loneliness (r = -0.313, p < 0.001), depression (r = -0.487, p < 0.001), anxiety (r = -0.305, p < 0.001), and QOL (r = 0.476, p < 0.001). The mediation analysis revealed significant chain mediation effects of loneliness, depression, and anxiety on the relationship between social participation and QOL (ß = 0.006, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.001, 0.007]). Higher levels of social participation were associated with lower levels of loneliness, which in turn reduced depression and anxiety, thereby enhancing QOL. These findings highlight the importance of promoting social participation to improve psychological wellbeing and QOL among older adults in China. The study advocates for active social engagement and the provision of relevant services, as well as psychological support and emotional counseling for those facing mental health challenges due to insufficient social participation.

Internet-Based Supportive Interventions for Family Caregivers of People With Dementia: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: As dementia progresses, patients exhibit various psychological and behavioral symptoms, imposing a significant burden on families and society, including behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. However, caregivers lack professional care knowledge and skills, making it difficult for them to effectively cope with the diverse challenges of caregiving. Therefore, it is necessary to provide caregivers with professional knowledge and skills guidance. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the impact of internet-based training on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in patients, and explore how this training model affects the caregiving abilities and caregiving burden of the family caregivers of patients with dementia. Methods: Using a consecutive enrollment method, the Department of Geriatrics at Zhejiang Hospital (Zhejiang, China) recruited 72 informal caregivers of patients with dementia. These caregivers were randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group, with 36 participants in each group. The intervention group underwent caregiver skill training via a web-based platform, whereas the control group initially received face-to-face follow-up guidance and was subsequently offered web-based training after 6 months. To assess the effectiveness of the intervention program, we used the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q), the Chinese version of the Zarit Burden Interview (CZBI), and the Sense of Competence in Dementia Care Staff Scale (SCIDS) for evaluations conducted before the intervention, 3 months after the intervention, and 6 months after the intervention. Results: Between July 2019 and December 2020, a total of 66 patients successfully completed the intervention and follow-up. After 6 months of intervention, the NPI-Q score of the intervention group was 3.18 (SD 3.81), the CZBI score was 10.97 (SD 5.43), and the SCIDS score was 71.88 (SD 4.78). The NPI-Q score of the control group was 8.09 (SD 8.52), the CZBI score was 30.30 (SD 13.05), and the SCIDS score was 50.12 (SD 9.10). There were statistically significant differences in NPI-Q (P=.004), CZBI (P<.001), and SCIDS scores (P<.001) between the intervention group and the control group. Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that compared with before the intervention, there were statistically significant differences in CZBI (P<.001) and SCIDS (P<.001) scores 3 months after the intervention, while the difference in NPI-Q (P=.11) scores was not significant. The total scores of NPI-Q (P<.001), CZBI (P<.001), and SCIDS (P<.001) were significantly improved 6 months after the intervention. In addition, the results of the covariance analysis showed that after excluding the time effect, the web-based training intervention significantly reduced the NPI-Q score (-2.79, 95% CI -4.38 to -1.19; P<.001) of patients with dementia and the CZBI score (-13.52, 95% CI -15.87 to -11.16; P<.001) of caregivers, while increasing the SCIDS score (12.24, 95% CI 9.02-15.47; P<.001). Conclusions: Internet-based training could significantly reduce the level of behavioral symptoms in older patients with dementia and alleviate the burden on caregivers, enhancing their caregiving abilities. Our results confirmed the effectiveness and feasibility of web-based training, which was of great significance in providing caregiving knowledge training for informal caregivers of persons with dementia.

Older Adults' Acceptance of a Virtual Reality Group Intervention in Nursing Homes: Pre-Post Study Under Naturalistic Conditions.

Background: Virtual reality (VR) group activities can act as interventions against inactivity and lack of meaningful activities in nursing homes. The acceptance of VR among older adults has been explored from different perspectives. However, research on the impact of older adults' individual characteristics on the acceptance of VR group activities in nursing homes is necessary. Objective: This study investigates the impact of individual characteristics (eg, psychosocial capacities) on VR acceptance among older adults in nursing homes, as well as this group's perceptions of VR after participating in a VR intervention. Methods: In this pre-post study conducted in nursing homes, we applied a VR group intervention with 113 older adult participants. These participants were categorized into two groups based on their naturalistic choice to join the intervention: a higher VR acceptance group (n=90) and a lower VR acceptance group (n=23). We compared the two groups with respect to their sociodemographic characteristics, psychosocial capacities, and attitudes toward new technologies. Additionally, we examined the participants' perceptions of VR. Results: The results show that those with lower acceptance of VR initially reported higher capacities in organizing daily activities and stronger interpersonal relationships compared to older adults with higher VR acceptance. The VR group activity might hold limited significance for the latter group, but it offers the chance to activate older adults with lower proactivity. Openness to new technology was associated with a favorable perception of VR. After the VR intervention, the acceptance of VR remained high. Conclusions: This study investigates the acceptance of VR group events as meaningful activities for older adults in nursing homes under naturalistic conditions. The results indicate that the VR group intervention effectively addressed low proactivity and interpersonal relationship issues among older adults in nursing homes. Older adults should be encouraged to experience VR if the opportunity to participate is offered, potentially facilitated by caregivers or trusted individuals.

Exploring the relationship between ultrasound parameters and muscle strength in older adults: a meta-analysis of sarcopenia-related exercise performance.

Introduction: Ultrasound (US) imaging has emerged as a promising tool for assessing age-related muscle changes. This meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the associations between US parameters and muscle strength, as well as sarcopenia-related functional performance in older adults by integrating data from multiple studies. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase until June 2023. Studies reporting Pearson's correlation coefficients between US parameters [echo intensity (EI), muscle thickness (MT), cross-sectional area (CSA), pinnations angle (PA), fascicle length (FL)] and measures of muscle strength or physical performance in older adults were included. Effect sizes were pooled using a random-effects model and presented in forest plots. Heterogeneity was assessed using I 2, and publication bias was evaluated using Egger's test. Results: Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis revealed moderate to strong correlations between EI, MT, and CSA with muscle strength. However, no significant associations were found between US parameters and gait speed. For chair stand tests, the strength of associations varied by test type, with weak correlations observed between echo intensity and muscle thickness with sit-to-stand tests. US parameters did not exhibit significant correlations with the Timed Up and Go test. Conclusion: Ultrasonographic measurements of echo intensity (EI) and muscle thickness (MT) demonstrated moderate to strong correlations with muscle strength and functional assessments related to sarcopenia. To enhance the accuracy of sarcopenia diagnosis and the effectiveness of management strategies, there is a need for larger, longitudinal studies that evaluate a comprehensive range of ultrasonographic parameters. Systematic review registration: https://inplasy.com, identifier INPLASY202410086.

Public opinion on types of voice systems for older adults.

Public opinion may influence the adoption of technologies for older adults, yet studies on different contexts of technology for older adults is limited. In an online YouGov survey (N = 500) with text-and-image vignettes, participants gave more positive ratings of social acceptability, trust, and perceived impact on eldercare when the voice assistant ("VA" system) shown in the vignette performed a functional task (medication adherence) versus when it performed a social task (companionship). The VA received more positive sentiment comments when it appeared to use a machine learning (ML)-based dialogue system compared to when it appeared to be using a rule-based dialogue system. These results may assist designers and stakeholders select what type of voice system to develop or use with older adults.

Impact of urban-rural resident basic medical insurance on consumption quality of middle-aged and older adult residents: evidence from rural China.

In the context of the Chinese government's advocacy for "Internal Circulation", ongoing reforms in medical insurance policies raise critical questions about whether the basic medical insurance system can stimulate resident consumption and enhance its quality. Based on five waves of panel data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS), this paper analyzes the impact of medical insurance on the consumption scale and structure of middle-aged and older adult rural residents by using the time-varying difference-in-differences (time-varying DID) method. The findings indicate that the Urban-Rural Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URRBMI) effectively stimulates the consumption scale of rural middle-aged and older adult individuals, particularly enhancing non-food consumption, development-oriented spending, and hedonic consumption. This, in turn, optimizes the consumption structure and improves overall consumption quality. Notably, URRBMI significantly enhances the consumption scale and structure among rural middle-aged and older adult women, unmarried individuals, and residents in western China. These results suggest that URRBMI plays a crucial role in alleviating consumption inequality within rural areas and across different regions, providing a theoretical foundation for policy-making.

Remote Passive Sensing of Older Adults' Activities and Function: User-Centered Design Considerations for Behavioral Interventions Conducted in the Home Setting.

Behavioral intervention studies often lack sufficiently sensitive and frequent measurements to observe an effect. Remote passive sensing offers a highly sensitive, continuous, and ecologically valid method of assessment that increases the ability to detect changes in the daily activities and function of those being monitored. To be most effectively deployed in research studies, applications of remote assessment technology must be designed with the end user in mind. User-centered design (UCD) is especially important in clinical trials where the needs and characteristics of participants and research staff need to be uniquely considered to ensure the feasibility and acceptability of the study. This paper describes UCD issues in remote passive sensing that commonly arise among older adult participants-including those living with dementia-as well as any strategies that were taken to overcome them. Using exemplars from the National Institute on Aging-funded Roybal Center ORCASTRAIT (Oregon Roybal Center for Care Support Translational Research Advantaged by Integrating Technology), as well as other experimental and observational research studies conducted in community settings, this paper brings together our collective experiences with studies using remote passive sensing technology that incorporate a UCD design approach. Although passive sensing eliminates some common UCD issues that arise with higher-touch technology, issues, such as usability, trust, and aesthetic acceptability, still need to be addressed for behavioral interventions using passive sensing technology to be potent and implementable.

What Evidence Exists to Support Palliative Allied Health Practice in Aged Care: A Scoping Review.

Background: As our population ages, the demand for aged care services and palliative care is expected to increase. Allied health professionals have a diverse set of skills to offer in the management of older adults. This scoping review aimed to identify what evidence exists to support the best practice of allied health clinicians in palliative and aged care. Methods: Searches were conducted using broad keywords and MeSH headings with relevance to palliative, ageing and allied health care in the databases Ovid MEDLINE (R), CINAHL, EMCARE, INFORMIT, REHABDATA, PEDRO and SCOPUS, as well as the grey literature. Results: Only 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. A prominent finding was that regular exercise interventions delivered improved mobility, balance, sleep and quality of life outcomes when measured (n = 5). Broader allied health input and outcomes, such as nutrition, were not well described, other than to suggest an interprofessional approach contributed to health benefits where these were observed. Conclusions: The lack of research creates uncertainty about what excellent care looks like and how it can be measured, making it harder for allied health professionals to advocate for funded time in providing care at the end of life and leading to poorer outcomes for older adults.

The Impact of Listening to Background Music on Inhibition Control and Prefrontal Cortical Activation in Healthy Older Adults: A Study Using Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy.

Introduction Aging declines executive functions, including attentional function and inhibitory control, which is the ability to inhibit inappropriate or irrelevant responses. Certain types of background music are negatively correlated with cognitive function. The prefrontal network is correlated with task performance related to executive function. This study aimed to assess the impact of listening to background music on inhibition control and prefrontal cortical (PFC) activation measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in healthy older people. Methods In total, 59 healthy volunteers, including 32 healthy older and 27 younger individuals (mean age ± standard deviation: 69 ± 7 and 32 ± 8 years, respectively), participated in this study. The participants completed the inhibition control task (the go/no-go task) and a similar task while listening to certain melodies of children's songs that are popular in Japan. Changes in cerebral blood flow in the PFC during each task were evaluated using multichannel fNIRS. The relative changes in oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) levels during the no-go and go tasks under the music and no-music conditions were compared using a paired t-test. Among the channels with a significant difference in oxy-Hb levels during the go/no-go task between the music and no-music conditions in the older group, the correlation between changes in accuracy response and oxy-Hb levels was validated using Pearson's correlation test. Results The task accuracy was significantly reduced under the music condition compared with that under the no-music condition in the older group but not in the younger group. The accuracy reduction was significantly greater in the older group than in the younger group. In older people, the oxy-Hb levels in 20 channels located in the bilateral Broadman area (BA) 9 and BA46 in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the bilateral BA10 in the frontal pole cortex significantly increased during the no-go tasks under the music condition. During the go/no-go task under the music condition, the decline in task accuracy was significantly correlated with increased oxy-Hb levels in six channels located in the bilateral BA10 in older people. Conclusion Background music induced the decline of inhibition control and increase of PFC activity in healthy older adults.

Older Adults' Needs and Wishes for Contact With the Outdoors at Residential Care Facilities: Implications for Theory and Practice.

Aim: This qualitative study aimed to explore needs and wishes of older adults concerning their perceived need for contact with outdoor environments at residential care facilities (RCFs) and what implications it has for theory and practice. Background: There is increased awareness of the importance of health-promoting everyday environments for persons with special needs. Therefore, it is important to include the experiences of older adults at RCFs in research. Methods: Twelve older adults from three Swedish RCFs participated in semistructured walking interviews. Results: Two categories were identified concerning the needs and wishes of older adults for contact with outdoor environments. The first category, Outdoor environments as part of everyday life, describes aspects of normality linked to outdoor stays at RCFs. The second category, Getting outdoors in practice, describes supportive and hindering aspects of outdoor stays, as well as accessibility regarding different body positions and access to personal support. Conclusion: It was found in this study that the needs and wishes of older adults are important to consider to increase their opportunities for outdoor stays. Their needs and wishes could also be included in briefs and programs for the design and planning of new construction or refurbishment of RCFs. The results of the study can serve as the basis for further discussions concerning older adults' outdoor stays and the accessibility of outdoor environments. Further, the results are intended to facilitate practical knowledge that is useful for care workers and managers at RCFs and to support decision makers, property developers, architects, and planners.

Aging and Mental Health: Collaborating on Research Priorities with Older Adults, Caregivers and Health and Social Care Providers across Canada.

Age-related changes can affect mental health, but aging-focused mental health research is limited. The objective was to identify the top 10 unanswered research questions on aging and mental health according to what matters most to aging Canadians. A steering group of experts-by-experience (e.g., older adults, caregivers, health and social care providers) guided three phases of a modified James Lind Alliance priority-setting partnership: (1) a broad national survey (n = 305) and a rapid literature scan; (2) a follow-up national survey (n = 703); and (3) four online workshops (n = 52) with a nominal group technique. Forty-two unique questions on aging and mental health resulted, of which 18 were determined to be answered by existing evidence. Of the 25 partially and unanswered questions, 10 were ranked as top priority. Findings can be used to prioritize future research, knowledge mobilization, and funding decisions, and to promote and support collaboration between longstanding siloed research and care fields.

Generation Rx: evaluation of medication misuse prevention education for older adults.

Objective: Increased medication misuse over the last two decades has prompted extensive discussion about the lack of evidence-based and evidence-informed prevention education programs targeting the topic. As older adults are high utilizers of medications, this is an important population to reach with such educational programming. This study was designed to assess the change in knowledge and behavioral intentions of older adult participants after attending an educational session focused on safe medication use utilizing the Generation Rx Older Adult Toolkit (GROAT) resources. Methods: The Generation Rx team at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy (OSU COP) partnered with The Ohio State University Extension offices (OSU Extension) across the state of Ohio to provide GROAT educational programming in their communities. OSU Extension Educators were trained via the standardized virtual training program, Generation Rx Ambassadors. Program participants were surveyed immediately before and after the educational events. Pre- and post-survey data was then analyzed to assess knowledge gain and behavioral intentions about safe medication practices, as well as program perception and program satisfaction. Results: Programming occurred between May 2022 and September 2022. In total, OSU Extension Educators collectively engaged 843 individuals in a prevention education program utilizing the GROAT materials. After excluding participants under 50 years of age, there were 297 pre surveys and 245 post surveys included in the data analysis. Knowledge gains from pre- to post-survey showed a significant increase in correct responses in seven of the eight questions asked regarding safe medication practices. All five questions evaluating behavioral intentions demonstrated positive results after the programming (p < 0.001). Participants' perceptions and program satisfaction were also favorable. Conclusion: This study found through pre- and post-survey results that the Generation Rx Older Adult Toolkit programming delivered by Generation Rx trained OSU Extension Educators significantly increased older adult participants' knowledge and favorably impacted behavioral intentions around safe medication use practices.

Development and validation of the Upstream Social Interaction Risk Scale (U-SIRS-13): a scale to assess threats to social connectedness among older adults.

Background: Social interactions are essential to social connectedness among older adults. While many scales have been developed to measure various aspects of social connectedness, most are narrow in scope, which may not be optimally encompassing, practical, or relevant for use with older adults across clinical and community settings. Efforts are needed to create more sensitive scales that can identify "upstream risk," which may facilitate timey referral and/or intervention. Objective: The purposes of this study were to: (1) develop and validate a brief scale to measure threats to social connectedness among older adults in the context of their social interactions; and (2) offer practical scoring and implementation recommendations for utilization in research and practice contexts. Methods: A sequential process was used to develop the initial instrument used in this study, which was then methodologically reduced to create a brief 13-item scale. Relevant, existing scales and measures were identified and compiled, which were then critically assessed by a combination of research and practice experts to optimize the pool of relevant items that assess threats to social connectedness while reducing potential redundancies. Then, a national sample of 4,082 older adults ages 60 years and older completed a web-based questionnaire containing the initial 36 items about social connection. Several data analysis methods were applied to assess the underlying dimensionality of the data and construct measures of different factors related to risk, including item response theory (IRT) modeling, clustering techniques, and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: IRT modeling reduced the initial 36 items to create the 13-item Upstream Social Interaction Risk Scale (U-SIRS-13) with strong model fit. The dimensionality assessment using different clustering algorithms supported a 2-factor solution to classify risk. The SEM predicting highest risk items fit exceptionally well (RMSEA = 0.048; CFI = 0.954). For the 13-item scale, theta scores generated from IRT were strongly correlated with the summed count of items binarily identifying risk (r = 0.896, p < 0.001), thus supporting the use of practical scoring techniques for research and practice (Cronbach's alpha = 0.80). Conclusion: The U-SIRS-13 is a multidimensional scale with strong face, content, and construct validity. Findings support its practical utility to identify threats to social connectedness among older adults posed by limited physical opportunities for social interactions and lacking emotional fulfillment from social interactions.

Getting sincere and efficient support: A grounded theory study of older spousal caregivers of people with alzheimer's disease.

Despite the importance of supporting older spousal caregivers (OSCs) of people with Alzheimer's Disease (PWAD), little evidence is available about the process of its occurrence in Middle Eastern countries, such as Iran. Understanding this process will help support more effectively. This study explored the support process for OSCs of PWAD using the grounded theory approach of Corbin and Strauss (2015). A total of 16 participants (10 caregivers, six formal and informal resources) were recruited using purposive and theoretical sampling methods, and in-depth interviews were conducted with them. Getting sincere and efficient support was the core category and was achieved through four strategies, which were thoughtful support-seeking, informal support-getting, formal seasonal support-getting, and informal support-devoting. Despite OSCs' vital need for multiple support, specific factors and conditions impair the support process. Healthcare providers and policymakers can use the results to make informed decisions and provide more practical support for these older caregivers.