Efficacy of sensory-based static balance training on the balance ability, aging attitude, and perceived stress of older adults in the community: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This study explores the effect of sensory-based static balance training on the balance ability, aging attitude, and perceived stress of older adults in the community. It provides a practical basis for the in-depth implementation and revision of the community health management model. METHODS: A randomized controlled intervention study was conducted from 2022 to 2023. A total of 72 older adults were recruited and randomly divided into an intervention group (36 individuals) and a control group (36 individuals). Balance ability (measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery and One Leg Stand Test), aging attitudes, and perceived stress were assessed at baseline and at the 12-week and 24-week follow-ups. Repeated-measures ANOVA and generalized estimating equations were used to compare outcome measures. RESULTS: Sensory-based static balance training was beneficial for balance ability and aging attitude among participants in the intervention group. At the end of the intervention, participants in the intervention group showed significant improvements in SPPB scores and OLST scores compared with the control group (FSPPB = 12.347, P = 0.001, Waldχ2OLST = 45.530, P < 0.001), as well as significant differences in aging attitudes (FAAQ = 18.549, P < 0.001). Multiple comparisons at different time points in the intervention group reveal a significant intervention effect (FSPPB = 29.211, Waldχ2OLST = 80.428, FAAQ = 45.981, all P < 0.05). However, the difference in perceived stress before and after the intervention was not significant (FCPSS = 2.876, P = 0.095). CONCLUSIONS: Sensory-based static balance training significantly improved balance ability and aging attitudes among older adults in the community. The effect on perceived stress among older adults in the community was not significant. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered in the Chinese Clinic on 04/06/2022. The registration number is ChiCTR2200060541.

Influencing factors of two-way social support for the old adults in China: A cross-sectional study.

This study aims to investigate the status and influencing factors of two-way social support among old adults. A cross-sectional study of 408 convenient samples of old adults was conducted using socio-demographic questionnaire, Brief 2-Way Social Support Scale, Modified Barthel index, General Well-being Schedule, Family APGAR Index, and Lubben Social Network Scale 6. The two-way social support score for old adults in China was (43.74±7.86), with the receiving and giving social support scoring (22.80±4.06) and (20.94±4.52), respectively. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that family care, residence place, socioeconomic status, and social network were associated with both receiving and giving social support. Chronic diseases and religious beliefs were related to receiving social support, while gender, general well-being, and residence form were related to giving social support. Tailored interventions based on the distinct influencing factors are needed to enhance old adults' social support both as recipients and providers.

Functional dentition is a modifier of the association between vitamin D and the frailty index among Chinese older adults: a population-based longitudinal study.

BACKGROUNDS: Although vitamin D and dentition status are each associated with frailty, their combined effects on frailty have not been studied. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of vitamin D and dentition status on frailty in old Chinese adults. METHODS: Baseline data were obtained from the 2011-2012 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. A total of 1074 participants ≥65 years who were non-frail or prefrail at baseline were included; follow-up was conducted in the 2014 wave. Frailty was assessed by a 40-item frailty index (FI) and classified into frail (FI > 0.21), prefrail (FI: 0.1-0.21), and non-frail (FI ≤0.1). Vitamin D was assessed by 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and categorized into quartiles and dichotomies (normal: ≥50 nmol/L vs. low: < 50 nmol/L). The presence of ≥20 natural teeth was defined as functional dentition, otherwise as non-functional dentition. We used bivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic splines to examine the association between vitamin D, dentition status, and frailty. We created a multiplicative interaction between vitamin D and dentition status to test for their combined effect. RESULTS: A total of 205 (19.1%) incident frailty were identified during the 3-year follow-up. Participants with the lowest quartile of plasma 25(OH) D were more likely to be frail (odds ratio [OR] 2.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38 to 4.35) than those in the highest quartile. Older adults with the lowest quartile of 25(OH) D and non-functional dentition had the highest odds of frailty (OR = 3.67, 95% CI: 1.02 to 13.12). We also observed that a lower vitamin D level was associated with an increased risk of frailty with a threshold of 40.37 nmol/L using restricted cubic spline models. However, vitamin D levels were not significantly associated with frailty among participants with functional dentition. CONCLUSIONS: Low vitamin D levels were associated with an increased risk of frailty in older adults. Functional dentition modified the association of vitamin D with frailty.

Effects of dance in older adults at risk of falls. Exploratory review.

INTRODUCTION: Falls are considered a public health problem in older adults, and their approach should be multidimensional. Dance emerges as an intervention option that allows different schemes to be integrated in movement enhancement. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of dance on balance, motor function and activities of daily living in older adults at risk of falling. METHODS: Exploratory review of the effects of dance in older adults at risk of falling in terms of balance, gait, motor function and activities of daily living. Searches were carried out in PubMed, LILACS, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PEDro, OTSeeker, full text articles were searched in different virtual libraries (ProQuest, Ovid, Ebsco, Science Direct) and manual search was also carried out. RESULTS: Nineteen studies were found, which report sessions of 45 to 60 minutes for 12 weeks. Dance can be considered a safe intervention that significantly decreases control intervention for balance and gait in older adults. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this work support that dance can be used as an interventional option in older adults at risk of falling.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las caídas se consideran un problema de salud pública en los adultos mayores y su abordamiento debería ser multidimensional. La danza surge como una opción de intervención que permite integrar diferentes esquemas en la potenciación del movimiento. OBJETIVO: Determinar los efectos de la danza a nivel de equilibrio, función motora y actividades de la vida diaria en adultos mayores con riesgo de caer. MÉTODOS: Revisión exploratoria en torno a cuáles son los efectos de la danza en adultos mayores con riesgo de caer para mejor el equilibrio, la marcha, la función motora y las actividades de la vida diaria. Las búsquedas se llevaron a cabo en PubMed, LILACS, Registro Central Cochrane de Ensayos Clínicos Controlados, PEDro, OTSeeker, artículos en texto completo en las diferentes bibliotecas virtuales (ProQuest, Ovid, Ebsco, Science Direct) y búsqueda manual. RESULTADOS: Se encontraron 19 estudios que reportan sesiones de 45 a 60 minutos durante 12 semanas. La danza puede considerarse una intervención segura que disminuye significativamente la intervención de control para equilibrio y marcha en adultos mayores. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados de este trabajo sustentan que se puede emplear la danza como una opción interventiva en adultos mayores que presentan riesgo de caer.

Reminiscence in the Face of Death of a Filipino Elderly With Substance Use Disorder: The Case of Burt.

Death is an important reality that the elderly face. In preparation for death, old people engage in reminiscence. However, the presence of addiction in the elderly may influence this process. The current study examined the life of Burt, a sixty-five year old man with substance use disorder, his reflections on death, and the different types of reminiscence he uses. Using a case study, six themes were uncovered. Burt's reflections on death revealed his awareness of his death, how he plans to spend his dying days, and his idea of a symbolic death by losing his loved ones. Burt engages in reminiscence patterns that are composed of identity recollections, life milestones, and painful experiences. These themes were examined in order to understand how an elderly person with addiction prepares for his own death. Research limitations, recommendations, and implications in clinical practice and human development research are also discussed.

Clinical nutrition and physical rehabilitation in a long-term care setting: preliminary observations in sarcopenic older patients.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia could have a negative prognostic impact in long-term care residents, which are characterized by multiple comorbidities and a high level of dependence. However, there is limited evidence on its prevalence and management in this healthcare setting. METHODS: All residents living in a long-term care institution were screened for the presence of sarcopenia. Sarcopenic patients in whom functional status could be assessed were included, based on the Tinetti scale (TS) score, in two parallel single-arm trials and received a specific nutritional supplement for muscle mass recovery in combination (TS ≥ 10) or not (TS < 10) with a supervised physical exercise rehabilitation program for 12 months. The nutritional supplement was administered twice daily for the first 6 months; none for 3 months and again twice daily for the last 3 months. RESULTS: We screened 95 residents and 81 had low skeletal muscle mass (SMM) according to bioimpedance. Thirty-nine residents were included in the intervention phase due to sarcopenia. At 6 months, patients receiving nutritional support alone (n = 17) showed a significant improvement in body weight (P = 0.009) and composition with an increase in SMM (from 15.3 ± 4.1 to 17.0 ± 5.1 kg, P = 0.013) and SMM index (SMI; from 6.24 ± 1.07 to 6.91 ± 1.54 kg/m2, P = 0.013), but not in handgrip strength (HS). Patients assigned to the multidisciplinary program (n = 22) showed an improvement in both muscle mass [SMM (from 16.6 ± 6.0 to 17.3 ± 5.7 Kg, P = 0.050) and SMI (from 6.63 ± 1.65 to 6.91 ± 1.52 kg/m2, P = 0.038)] and functional status [HS (from 13.5 ± 5.0 to 15.6 ± 6.7; P = 0.028), gait speed (from 0.44 ± 0.18 to 0.51 ± 0.20, P = 0.047) and Short Physical Performance Battery (from 4.6 ± 3.1 to 5.5 ± 3.2, P = 0.047)] at 6 months. The effect was no longer present after discontinuation of the intervention and was restored after its re-introduction at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional and multidisciplinary interventions tailored on patient's functional status could be considered as strategies for the management of sarcopenia, a high prevalent condition in old adults living in long-term care institutions.

Prevalence and risk factors for myopia in older adult east Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: To determine the prevalence and associated factors for myopia and high myopia among older population in a rural community in Eastern China. METHODS: A community-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Weitang town located in Suzhou, an urban metropolis in East China. A total of 5613 Chinese residents aged 60 years and older were invited to complete a questionnaire and participated in a detailed eye examination,including measurements of visual acuity and refractive error using autorefraction and subjective refraction. Myopia and high myopia was defined as SE < -0.5 diopters (D) and < -5.0 D, respectively. RESULTS: Among the 5613 participating individuals, 4795 (85.4%) complete refraction data of phakic right eye was included for analysis. The age-adjusted prevalence was 21.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 19.9-22.2) for myopia and 2.5% (95% CI, 2.1-2.9) for high myopia. The prevalence of myopia tended to increase significantly with age(p < 0.001),and women had a higher rate of myopia than men (p < 0.001). According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, adults who were older (odds ration[OR]:1.05; 95% CI:1.04-1.07), spent more time for sleeping at night (OR:1.12;95% CI: 1.06-1.18),or had cataract (OR:1.60;95% CI:1.36-1.88) and family history of myopia (OR:1.47;95% CI:1.23-1.77), are more susceptible to myopia (p < 0.001). People who had older age, family history, cataract and specially longer night-time sleep duration, would have a higher risk of myopia. CONCLUSION: Myopia and high myopia among rural old adult population in Eastern China presents common. The current literature unanticipated suggests that there was a positive significant association between prevalence of myopia and night-time sleep duration among adult. Our data provide some evidence of this relationship and highlight the need for larger studies to further investigate this relationship longitudinally and explore mechanism therein.

Global burden of disease attributable to high systolic blood pressure in older adults, 1990-2019: an analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

AIMS: High systolic blood pressure (HSBP), a significant public health challenge, has not been systematically studied in the elderly population in the context of global aging. Understanding the temporal trends of the disease burden associated with HSBP in the elderly population is essential to control and mitigate the harm caused by HSBP. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used the estimated data derived from the Global Burden of Disease Study to analyse the disease burden of HSBP among the elderly population by region, sex, and temporal changes from 1990 to 2019. We found that the number of deaths due to HSBP increased to 7.86 (95% UI: 6.89-8.82) million, with an increase of 54.1%, and the number of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) increased to 146 (95% UI: 130-162) million, with an increase of 52.4%. Conversely, the death and DALY rates of HSBP decreased by -27.0 and -27.8%, respectively. At the national and regional levels, Australasia and other high socio-demographic index regions have made significant improvements in the burden of HSBP, while it remains high in other regions of the world. Additionally, the burden of HSBP in older men is greater than that in older women. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the current prevention and control of HSBP in older adults is poor, with the total burden increasing significantly. There is an urgent need to implement feasible measures to resist HSBP and lessen the disparity of the global HSBP burden for older adults.

Development and Validation of the Home Hospice Care Needs Questionnaire for the Dying Old Adult (HHCNQ-DE) in Mainland China.

Context: Home hospice needs assessment is the key to the development of home hospice services. Therefore, there is a need to develop assessment tools in mainland China to meet the comprehensive needs of the old adult at the end of life. Objective: To develop and validate a tool to assess Chinese mainland palliative care needs of the dying old adult at home. Methods: Using the Harmony Nursing Theory as a theoretical framework, through reference to the China home hospice care needs scale, literature research, in-depth conversations with the dying old adult, and group discussions among members of the research team, 43 original questionnaire items were preliminarily drafted. A 31-item predictive questionnaire was formed through 2 rounds of expert review and small sample testing. From April to September 2023, 199 old adult at the end of life at home in Jinzhou, Liaoning Province were investigated to determine the reliability and validity of the questionnaire. Results: The final questionnaire included 31 items. Exploratory factor analysis extracted 5 common factors, and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 68.811%; the Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the total questionnaire was 0.832, and the re-test reliability was .806; the content validity index of the questionnaire was 0.982, and the content validity index of the items was 0.83-1.00. Conclusion: The construction method of the HHCNQ-DE is scientific and reliable, with good reliability and validity, and it can be used as a tool to measure the needs of home hospice care in mainland China in the future.

Mental Fatigue Is Associated with Subjective Cognitive Decline among Older Adults.

Both Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) and mental fatigue are becoming increasingly prevalent as global demographics shifts indicate our aging populations. SCD is a reversible precursor for Alzheimer's disease, and early identification is important for effective intervention strategies. We aim to investigate the association between mental fatigue-as well as other factors-and SCD. A total of 707 old adults (aged from 60 to 99) from Shanghai, China, participated in this study and completed self-reported instruments covering their cognitive and mental status as well as demographic information. Mental fatigue status was assessed by using four items derived from the functional impairment syndrome of the Old Adult Self Report (OASR). SCD was assessed by using the Memory/Cognition syndrome of OASR. A total of 681 old adults were included in the current study. The means of SCD significantly differed between each group of factors (age, gender, and mental fatigue). The general linear regression models showed that SCD increased with age, females scored higher than males, and SCD was positively associated with mental fatigue factors including difficulty getting things done, poor task performance, sleeping more, and a lack of energy among old adults. The study also found that SCD is negatively associated with the high-income group among young-old (aged from 60 to 75) males and associated with good marital/living status with the companion of spouses/partners among young-old females. These results suggest that gender, income level, marital/living status, and mental fatigue are crucial factors in preventing SCD among old adults and are pivotal in developing early intervention strategies to preserve the mental health of an increasingly aging population.

The association between osteoporosis medications and lowered all-cause mortality after hip or vertebral fracture in older and oldest-old adults: a nationwide population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporotic fracture is a common public-health problem in ageing societies. Although post-fracture usage of osteoporosis medications may reduce mortality, recent results have been inconsistent. We aimed to examine associations between osteoporosis medication and mortality in older adults, particularly oldest-old adults (>=85 years old). METHODS: Participants aged 65 years old and older newly diagnosed with both osteoporosis and hip or vertebral fractures within 2009-2017 were recruited from the records of 23,455,164 people in Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Osteoporosis medication exposure was calculated after the first-time ambulatory visit with newly diagnosed osteoporosis. Mortality and its specific causes were ascertained from Cause of Death Data. Patients were followed until death or censored at the end of 2018. RESULTS: A total of 87,935 participants aged 65 years old and over (73.4% female), with a mean 4.13 follow-up years, were included. Taking medication was associated with significantly lower risk of mortality (hip fracture HR 0.75, vertebral fracture HR 0.74), even in the oldest-old adults (hip fracture HR 0.76, vertebral fracture HR 0.72), where a longer duration of taking osteoporosis medication was associated with lower all-cause mortality. Specific causes of mortality were also significantly lower for participants taking osteoporosis medication (cancer HR 0.84 in hip fracture, 0.75 in vertebral fracture; cardiovascular disease HR 0.85 in hip fracture, 0.91 in vertebral fracture). CONCLUSIONS: Osteoporosis medication after hip or vertebral fracture may reduce mortality risk in older adults, notably in oldest-old adults. Encouraging the use of post-fracture osteoporosis medication in healthcare policies is warranted.

Prevalence of Obesity and Malnutrition in Four Cohorts of Very Old Adults, 2000-2017.

OBJECTIVES: Investigate trends in the prevalence of obesity and malnutrition among very old adults (age ≥ 85 years) between 2000 and 2017. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, MEASUREMENTS: A study with data from the Umeå 85+/Gerontological regional database population-based cohort study of very old adults in northern Sweden. Every 5 years from 2000-2002 to 2015-2017, comprehensive assessments of participants were performed during home visits (N=1602). Body mass index (BMI) classified participants as underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥30.0 kg/m2). Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) scores classified participants as malnourished (0 to <17), at risk of malnutrition (17-23.5), and having good nutritional status (24-30). Prevalence and trends were examined using analysis of variance and chi-squared tests, including subgroup analyses of nursing home residents. RESULTS: Between 2000-2002 and 2015-2017, the mean BMI increased from 24.8± 4.7 to 26.0± 4.7 kg/m2. The prevalence of obesity and underweight were 13.4% and 7.6%, respectively, in 2000-2002 and 18.3% and 3.0%, respectively, in 2015-2017. The mean MNA score increased between 2000-2002 and 2010-2012 (from 23.2± 4.7 to 24.2± 3.6), and had decreased (to 23.3± 4.2) by 2015-2017. The prevalence of malnutrition was 12.2%, 5.1%, and 8.7% in 2000-2002, 2010-2012, and 2015-2017, respectively. Subgroup analyses revealed similar BMI and MNA score patterns among nursing home residents. CONCLUSIONS: Among very old adults, the mean BMI and prevalence of obesity seemed to increase between 2000-2002 and 2015-2017. Meanwhile, the nutritional status (according to MNA scores) seemed to improve between 2000-2002 and 2010-2012, it declined by 2015-2017.

Critical analysis of pyeloplasty role in adults with late diagnosis of ureteropelvic junction obstruction-a comparative study.

PURPOSE: Due to the data paucity about the functional outcomes post pyeloplasty for patients diagnosed with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) with a preoperative age above the age of 45 years and according to the elderly definition (age ≥ 65 years), we conducted this study to clarify the different outcomes in adults presented with late hydronephrosis. METHODS: We included patients who were managed by pyeloplasty with a preoperative age ≥ 45 years. We further subdivided those patients into; group (A) patient's age ≥ 65 years and group (B) patient's age ≥ 45 and < 65 years. Split renal function (SRF) difference was evaluated by the changes between the last follow-up and the baseline renogram, where 5% change was considered a significant change. Functional outcomes and factors predicting the functional recoverability post pyeloplasty were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 119 patients were included. The mean age was 62.3 ± 16.4 years. Group (A) and group (B) included 47 and 72 patients, respectively. After 24 months, GFR and SRF were increased at the last follow-up (P = 0.32 and 0.57, respectively). No significant functional changes were noted between both groups. Sixty two, 7 and 13 patients showed static, decreased and improved renal function. Lower preoperative SRF was the only predictor for poor functional recoverability in patients with age ≥ 45 years who were managed by pyeloplasty. CONCLUSION: Elderly patients should not be excluded from the corrective surgery for UPJO. Lower preoperative SRF was the only predictor for renal function deterioration post pyeloplasty.

Sleep Duration and Patterns in Chinese Older Adults: a Comprehensive Meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis examined the mean sleep duration and patterns in Chinese older adult population. A literature search was systematically conducted covering major English (PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO) and Chinese (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang and SinoMed) databases. Data in studies with the mean and standard deviation of sleep duration and/or the proportion of short and long sleep durations in Chinese older adults were extracted and pooled using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to gender, region, area, survey time and sample size. A total of 36 studies with 150,616 subjects were included for analyses. The pooled mean sleep duration of 21 studies with available data was 6.82 hours/day (95% CI: 6.59-7.05 hours/day). The estimated proportions of sleep duration <5 hours/day, <6 hours/day, <7 hours/day were 18.8% (95% CI: 1.7%-35.9%), 26.7% (95% CI: 19.7%-33.7%) and 42.3% (95% CI: 34.8%-49.8%), respectively. The pooled proportions for long sleepers were 22.6% (95% CI: 13.9%-31.4%) (>8 hours/day) and 17.6% (95% CI: 12.4%-22.9%) (>9 hours/day). Given the adverse effects of unhealthy sleep patterns, health professionals should pay more attention to sleep patterns in this population in China.

Efectos de la danza en adultos mayores con riesgo de caídas. Revisión exploratoria / Effects of dance in older adults at risk of falls. Exploratory review

Resumen Introducción: Las caídas se consideran un problema de salud pública en los adultos mayores y su abordamiento debería ser multidimensional. La danza surge como una opción de intervención que permite integrar diferentes esquemas en la potenciación del movimiento. Objetivo: Determinar los efectos de la danza a nivel de equilibrio, función motora y actividades de la vida diaria en adultos mayores con riesgo de caer. Métodos: Revisión exploratoria en torno a cuáles son los efectos de la danza en adultos mayores con riesgo de caer para mejor el equilibrio, la marcha, la función motora y las actividades de la vida diaria. Las búsquedas se llevaron a cabo en PubMed, LILACS, Registro Central Cochrane de Ensayos Clínicos Controlados, PEDro, OTSeeker, artículos en texto completo en las diferentes bibliotecas virtuales (ProQuest, Ovid, Ebsco, Science Direct) y búsqueda manual. Resultados: Se encontraron 19 estudios que reportan sesiones de 45 a 60 minutos durante 12 semanas. La danza puede considerarse una intervención segura que disminuye significativamente la intervención de control para equilibrio y marcha en adultos mayores. Conclusiones: Los resultados de este trabajo sustentan que se puede emplear la danza como una opción interventiva en adultos mayores que presentan riesgo de caer.

Abstract Introduction: Falls are considered a public health problem in older adults, and their approach should be multidimensional. Dance emerges as an intervention option that allows different schemes to be integrated in movement enhancement. Objective: To determine the effects of dance on balance, motor function and activities of daily living in older adults at risk of falling. Methods: Exploratory review of the effects of dance in older adults at risk of falling in terms of balance, gait, motor function and activities of daily living. Searches were carried out in PubMed, LILACS, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PEDro, OTSeeker, full text articles were searched in different virtual libraries (ProQuest, Ovid, Ebsco, Science Direct) and manual search was also carried out. Results: Nineteen studies were found, which report sessions of 45 to 60 minutes for 12 weeks. Dance can be considered a safe intervention that significantly decreases control intervention for balance and gait in older adults Conclusions: The results of this work support that dance can be used as an interventional option in older adults at risk of falling.

Allostatic load and canine companionship: a comparative study using biomarkers in older adults / Carga alostática e companhia canina: um estudo comparativo utilizando biomarcadores em idosos / Carga alostática y compañía canina: un estudio comparativo mediante biomarcadores en adultos mayores

ABSTRACT Objective: to compare the biomarkers and the allostatic load levels in a sample of older persons with and without canine companionship. Method: descriptive and comparative study. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire and a fasting blood sample. The allostatic load comprised 11 biomarkers that are primary and secondary stress mediators, which arise from the following systems: neuroendocrine, immune, metabolic, cardiovascular and anthropometric. Results: a significant difference was found in two biomarkers: cortisol (t= -3.091, df=104, p=0.003) and total cholesterol (t= -2.566, df=104, p=0.012), in the allostatic load levels between older adults with and without a canine companionship (U= 1714.00, Z= 2.01, p=0.044). By associating the allostatic load level with the canine companionship, there was a higher frequency of older adults with low allostatic load among those who have canine companion, compared with those who do not have canine companionship. (χ2= 3.69, df=1, p= 0.043). Conclusion: canine companionship influences health in a positive way, as the allostatic load is lower in older adults who have a dog as companion, in addition to presenting lower levels of cortisol and total cholesterol.

RESUMO Objetivo: comparar os biomarcadores e o nível de carga alostática em uma amostra de idosos com e sem companhia canina. Método: estudo descritivo e comparativo. Os dados foram coletados por meio de uma ficha sociodemográfica e uma amostra de sangue em jejum. A carga alostática incluiu 11 biomarcadores que são mediadores primários e secundários de estresse, os quais são resultantes dos sistemas: neuroendócrino, imune, metabólico, cardiovascular e antropométrico. Resultados: houve diferença significativa em dois biomarcadores: cortisol (t= -3,091; gl=104; p=0,003) e colesterol total (t= -2,566; gl=104; p=0,012), no nível de carga alostática entre os idosos com e sem companhia canina (U= 1714,00; Z= 2,01; p= 0,044). Ao associar o nível de carga alostática com a companhia canina, houve uma maior frequência de idosos com baixa carga alostática naqueles que têm companhia canina, em comparação com aqueles que não têm a companhia canina (χ2= 3,69; gl=1; p=0,043). Conclusão: a companhia canina interfere na saúde de maneira positiva, pois a carga alostática dos idosos que têm um cão como companhia é menor, além de apresentarem uma concentração menor de cortisol e de colesterol total.

RESUMEN Objetivo: comparar los biomarcadores y el nivel de carga alostática en una muestra de adultos mayores con y sin acompañamiento canino. Método: estudio descriptivo, comparativo. Los datos se colectaron mediante una ficha sociodemográfica y una muestra de sangre en ayuno. La carga alostática incluyó 11 biomarcadores que son mediadores primarios y secundarios del estrés, los cuales provienen de los sistemas: neuroendocrino, inmune, metabólico, cardiovascular y antropométrico. Resultados: hubo diferencia significativa en dos biomarcadores: cortisol (t=-3.091, gl=104, p=0.003) y colesterol total (t=-2.566, gl=104, p=0.012), en el nivel de carga alostática entre los adultos mayores con y sin compañía canina (U=1714.00, Z=2.01, p=0.044). Al asociar el nivel de carga alostática con la compañía canina, existió mayor frecuencia de adultos mayores con carga alostática baja en quienes son acompañados por un canino, comparado con aquellos que no tienen acompañamiento canino (χ2=3.69, gl=1, p=0.043). Conclusión: el acompañamiento canino interviene en la salud de forma positiva, ya que es menor la carga alostática de los adultos mayores que tienen un perro como compañía, asimismo, presentan menor concentración de cortisol y colesterol total.

Perfil clínico, epidemiológico y valoración geriátrica funcional en el barrio San Miguel de Asunción, Paraguay

Introducción: el envejecimiento poblacional caracteriza a las últimas décadas. En Paraguay la población mayor de 60 años constituye el 10%, con edad promedio de 70 años. La funcionalidad geriátrica es la capacidad para realizar independientemente actividades básicas de la vida. Objetivos: determinar perfil clínico epidemiológico y prevalencia de dependencia funcional en adultos mayores del Barrio San Miguel de Asunción, Paraguay. Metodología: estudio observacional,de corte transverso, descriptivo con componente analítico, realizado en adultos mayores de 65 años del Barrio San Miguel, de abril a julio del año 2014. Variables estudiadas: edad, sexo, enfermedades crónicas, síndromes geriátricos y capacidad funcional. Se utilizó el índice de Katz, la escala geriátrica de depresión de Yesavage y expedientes clínicos. Resultados: se encontró 3% de prevalencia de adultos mayores de 65 años. El perfil sociodemográfico correspondió a un adulto mayor con predominio del sexo femenino, edad media de 71,8 años, casado, con escolaridad primaria. La enfermedad crónica con mayor frecuencia fue la HTA. El 79% de los adultos mayores presentan algún síndrome geriátrico, predominando la depresión (43%). El 41% de la población estudiada presenta dependencia funcional en las actividades básicas de la vida diaria. Se encontró asociación significativa entre depresión y funcionalidad básica Conclusión: la enfermedad crónica más prevalente es la hipertensión arterial. La prevalencia de dependencia funcional y de depresión es alta en los adultos mayores.

Introduction: The last decades are characterized by population aging. In Paraguay, the population older than 60 years old represents 10% with an average mean of 70 years. The geriatric functionality is the capacity to perform basic activities of life independently. Objectives: To determine the epidemiological-clinical profile and prevalence of functional dependence in the older adults from San Miguel neighborhood in Asunción, Paraguay. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional observational study with analytical component carried out in adults older than 65 years in San Miguel neighborhood from April to July, 2014. The studied variables were: age, sex, chronic diseases, geriatric syndromes and functional capacity. The Katz index, geriatric depression scale of Yesavage and clinical records were used. Results: There was 3% of prevalence of adults older than 65 years. The socio-demographic profile corresponded to an older adult with predominance of women, mean age of 71.8 years, married and with primary education. The most frequent chronic disease was AHT while 79% of the elderly presented a geriatric syndrome prevailing depression (43%). Forty one percent of the studied population presented functional dependence in the basic activities of daily living. A significant association was found between depression and basic functionality. Conclusion: The most frequent chronic disease was arterial hypertension. The prevalence of functional dependence and depression is high in older adults.