Multiple impacts of an intergenerational program in Japan: Evidence from the Research on Productivity through Intergenerational Sympathy Project.

Compelling evidence supporting the benefits of social engagement in older adults has been increasingly discussed. However, knowledge regarding an intergenerational program is limited. Herein, we provide a targeted review of intergenerational programs by focusing on our novel interventional program, Research on Productivity through Intergenerational Sympathy. The Research on Productivity through Intergenerational Sympathy program is an intergenerational picture-book reading program launched in 2004. Participants were involved a 3-month intensive weekly training seminar comprising classes about book selection, reading techniques and basic knowledge of children's school life. Subsequently, they participated in group activities that involved playing a hand game, and reading picture books to children at kindergartens, elementary schools and public childcare centers, once every 1-2 weeks. The Research on Productivity through Intergenerational Sympathy program has shown improvement of physical and psychological functioning of older adults and healthy upbringing of children. Similarly, Experience Corps - designed to train and place volunteers in participating elementary schools for an academic year during which time they assist teachers - also showed positive effects for older adults' health status and the psychological/academic success of young children in the USA. Health promotion efforts for older adults must support social policy for the creation of meaningful service programs for older adults on a large social scale. As such, an intergenerational program based on the concept of social capital, defined as "features of social organization, such as trust, norms and networks, that can improve the efficacy of society by facilitating coordinated actions," is an effective and sustainable program for health promotion among older adults.

Individual assessment of inherent arterial stiffness using nomogram and pulse wave velocity index: the Ohasama study.

We measured the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in 491 normotensives and determined the "PWV index" (measured baPWV-theoretical baPWV) in 491 normotensives and 83 controlled hypertensives. Linear regression analysis revealed that the theoretical baPWV (cm/sec) was 0.21 × age(2) (years(2))-13.73 × age (years) + 0.05 × mean arterial pressure(2) (mmHg(2)) + 3.95 × heart rate (bpm) + 36.49 × gender (1 male; 0 female) + 733 (R(2) = 0.53). The calculated PWV index was significantly higher in 13 smokers than 70 nonsmokers among controlled hypertensives. The calculated PWV index might provide more precise information about inherent arterial stiffness.