[Correlation between physical activity and the symptoms of depression in senior centers in Lima, Peru]. / Correlación entre la actividad física y la sintomatología depresiva en centros integrales del adulto mayor de Lima, Perú.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Depression in the elderly is a growing problem, and exercise is a strategy to prevent it. We aim to identify the correlation between scores obtained in the Geriatric Depression Scale - 15 items (GDS-15) for depressive symptomatology and Metabolic equivalent of task (MET) obtained in the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-S) for physical activity in aged attending senior centers in a district of Lima, Peru. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in three senior centers in Miraflores, Lima, Peru. Participants (n=158) completed a three-part questionnaire, including a sociodemographic survey to collect general participant data, the GDS-15 to assess the level of depressive symptomatology, and the IPAQ-S to evaluate the amount of physical activity performed in the last week. RESULTS: A mild but significant inverse linear correlation was identified between the GDS-15 score and METs obtained in the IPAQ-S (rho=-0.213, p=0.007). Moderate to severe depressive symptomatology decreased with a higher level of physical activity: 4.3% low level, 3.3% moderate level, and no cases in those with vigorous activity; however, these differences were not significant (p=0.541, Kendall's Tau B test). CONCLUSIóN: The results showed that individuals with moderate to severe depressive symptoms show a lower level of depressive symptoms in relation to the degree of physical activity carried out in the last week.

Organizational Characteristics of Senior Centers and Engagement in Dementia-Friendly Communities.

Background and Objectives: Dementia-friendly communities (DFCs) are systematic and collaborative efforts to make local communities more supportive and inclusive of persons living with dementia and their care partners. This study explores how the organizational characteristics of senior centers influence their engagement in DFCs. Research Design and Methods: We used a partially mixed, concurrent, equal status design, drawing on qualitative interviews with staff from 13 senior centers leading DFC initiatives as part of a statewide dementia-friendly network in Massachusetts, as well as quantitative data from 342 senior centers collected as part of a statewide survey. Results: The qualitative results demonstrated ways in which human, social, tangible, and programmatic capital facilitate senior centers' DFC engagement. In particular, the results illuminated the importance of social capital with organizations and groups outside of the senior center, spanning the municipal, regional, and state levels. Findings from multivariate analyses further indicated robust and strong associations between higher levels of social capital, as well as more dementia-focused programming and greater variety of funding sources, with greater likelihood of engagement in DFC work. Discussion and Implications: Results indicate the importance of policy and practice to foster both organizational capacity and multilevel systems conditions to enable and motivate senior centers' involvement in DFC initiatives.

Enhancing behavioral health competencies for senior center staff through workforce development and training.

Increases in the numbers of older adults with mental health and substance use concerns compel us to identify best practices in training to address these issues. Senior Centers are an ideal location for behavioral health education programs as they are the go-to place for many older adults. This paper describes an online certificate program in Behavioral Health and Aging offered by the Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research at Boston University School of Social Work in collaboration with the National Council on Aging to increase senior center staff knowledge and skills. A total of 228 senior center staff in Illinois, Florida, and Wisconsin completed the online certificate program. There were statistically significant changes in key competencies for all courses based on pre-post assessment. We held key informant interviews to assess the impact of training and participants stated that their knowledge, skills, and behaviors were influenced by the program.

Nutrition education with or without oral nutrition supplements has contrasting effects on nutrition status in older adults: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Oral nutrition supplements (ONSs) play an important role in the management of malnutrition. This aim of study was to examine whether a comprehensive intervention, combining ONSs, family-centered health education, and nutrition and medical consultations, could improve the nutrition and health status of malnourished older adults living in community dwellings. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted from October 2017 to May 2018 in Shanghai. All participants were screened using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF). Participants with MNA-SF scores ≤11 and age ≥65 were selected. Participants with potential nutrition risk were randomized into two groups: intervention group (n = 101) were prescribed ONSs (400 kcal/day) and family-centered nutrition education (once every 2 weeks) and control group (n = 100) received only family-centered nutrition education. Anthropometric measurements, including weight and height, and nutrition and functional scales, including MNA-SF, grip strength, and activities of daily living scores, were collected at the beginning of the study and 12 weeks later. RESULTS: Of the 201 study participants, 182 completed the study (mean age, 75.48 ± 7.47 years). After 12 weeks, nutrient intake improvements in the intervention group (+370.6 ± 432.6 kcal/day, +17.6 ± 24.1 g/day) exceeded that of the control group (-67.5 ± 378.2 kcal/day, -0.9 ± 16.7 g/day). In addition, improvements in weight, body mass index, and handgrip strength were significantly higher in the intervention vs control group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Comprehensive nutrition interventions improved nutrition status in malnourished older people living in community dwellings. Use of ONSs may be a good strategy to improve nutrition status and strength in community-dwelling older adults.

Implementing DASH-Aligned Meals and Self-Measured Blood Pressure to Reduce Hypertension at Senior Centers: A RE-AIM Analysis.

Low-income, minority seniors face high rates of hypertension that increase cardiovascular risk. Senior centers offer services, including congregate meals, that can be a valuable platform to reach older adults in underserved communities. We implemented two evidence-based interventions not previously tested in this setting: DASH-aligned congregate meals and Self-Measured Blood Pressure (SMBP), to lower blood pressure (BP) at two senior centers serving low-income, racially diverse communities. The study enrolled congregate meal program participants, provided training and support for SMPB, and nutrition and BP education. DASH-aligned meals delivered 40% (lunch) or 70% (breakfast and lunch) of DASH requirements/day. Primary outcomes were change in BP, and BP control, at Month 1. Implementation data collected included client characteristics, menu fidelity, meal attendance, SMBP adherence, meal satisfaction, input from partner organizations and stakeholders, effort, and food costs. We used the RE-AIM framework to analyze implementation. Study Reach included 94 older, racially diverse participants reflecting neighborhood characteristics. Effectiveness: change in systolic BP at Month 1 trended towards significance (-4 mmHg, p = 0.07); change in SMBP reached significance at Month 6 (-6.9 mmHg, p = 0.004). We leveraged existing community-academic partnerships, leading to Adoption at both target sites. The COVID pandemic interrupted Implementation and Maintenance and may have attenuated BP effectiveness. DASH meals served were largely aligned with planned menus. Meal attendance remained consistent; meal satisfaction was high. Food costs increased by 10%. This RE-AIM analysis highlights the acceptability, feasibility, and fidelity of this DASH/SMBP health intervention to lower BP at senior centers. It encourages future research and offers important lessons for organizations delivering services to older adults and addressing cardiovascular risk among vulnerable populations.

The Association of Nutrition Quality with Frailty Syndrome among the Elderly.

Low diet quality among the elderly may be correlated with some diseases, including Frailty Syndrome (FS). This decline in function restricts the activity of older people, resulting in higher assistance costs. The aim of this study was to increase knowledge of diet quality predictors. Dietary intake was assessed among 196 individuals aged 60+ years using the three-day record method and FS by Fried's criteria. Based on the compliance with the intake recommendation (% of EAR/AI), we distinguished three clusters that were homogeneous in terms of the nutritional quality of the diet, using Kohonen's neural networks. The prevalence of frailty in the entire group was 3.1%, pre-frailty 38.8%, and non-frailty 58.1%. Cluster 1 (91 people with the lowest diet quality) was composed of a statistically significant higher number of the elderly attending day care centers (20.7%), frail (6.9%), pre-frail (51.7%), very low vitamin D intake (23.8% of AI), using sun cream during the summer months (always 19.8% or often 39.6%), having diabetes (20.7%), having leg pain when walking (43.1%), and deteriorating health during the last year (53.5%). The study suggests the need to take initiatives leading to the improvement of the diet of the elderly, especially in day care senior centers, where there are more frail individuals, including nutritional education for the elderly and their caregivers.

Efectividad a mediano plazo de un programa multidimensional en personas mayores en centros diurnos en Chile / Effectiveness of a multidimensional therapeutic program for aged people attending senior centers

BACKGROUND: It is imperative to have effective programs to improve or maintain the health of aged people. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention based on a multidimensional program in Senior centers in Chile five months after its implementation, in the domains of physical and mental health, functionality and quality of life in aged people. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty participants older than 60 years completed a multidimensional program for one month that included interventions of guided physical exercises, in addition to educational and social activities. They were evaluated at baseline and one and five months after the intervention. RESULTS: After the first and fifth months, significant improvements were observed in the five times sit to stand test (5TSTS) and gait speed (WST), in addition, significant improvements were observed in literacy measured by the Short Assessment of Health Literacy for Spanish-speaking Adults (SAHLSA). At the fifth month, slight improvements were observed in the Yesavage and short Falls efficacy scales, Barthel index, Unipodal Station and EuroQol five-dimensional quality of life tests. CONCLUSIONS: A multidimensional program for aged people lasting one month, improved the physical health dimension and literacy by the fifth month of evaluation.

Qualidade de vida em idosos integrantes de um centro de convivência / Quality of life in elderly attend of a social center / Calidad de vida en ancianos atendidos de un centro social

Objetivo: analisar a qualidade de vida de idosos integrantes de um centro de convivência mediante a aplicação das escalas World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) -bref e WHOQOL-OLD. Método: trata-se de um estudo descritivo e inferencial, de abordagem quantitativa, com 58 idosos de um centro de convivência com atendimento pela equipe multiprofissional. Para a obtenção dos dados foram utilizados dados sociodemográficos e as escalas WHOQOL-bref e WHOQOL-OLD. Resultados:a maior média obtida nos instrumentos foi WHOQOL-bref domínio "meio ambiente" (26,9%) e WHOQOL-OLD domínio "participação social" (15,5%). A variável idade apresentou correlação significante com o domínio morte e morrer do WHOQOL-OLD e o domínio relações sociais do WHOQOL-bref. Conclusão: idosos que são acompanhados no centro de convivência apresentaram boa percepção da qualidade de vida. Demonstrando a importância de capacitar equipes para melhor atenção no cuidado e manejo gerontológico

Objective: to analyze the quality of life of elderly members of a community center through the application of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) -bref and WHOQOL-OLD scales. Method: this is a descriptive and inferential study, with a quantitative approach, with 58 elderly people from a social center for care by the multidisciplinary team. To obtain the data, a sociodemographic data collection instrument was used, the WHOQOL-bref and WHOQOL-OLD scales. Results: the highest average obtained in the instruments was the WHOQOL-bref "environment" domain (26.9%) and WHOQOL-OLD "social participation" domain (15.5%). The variable age was significantly correlated with the domain of death and dying of the WHOQOL-OLD and the social relationships domain of the WHOQOL-bref. Conclusion: elderly people who are followed up at the community center showed a good perception of quality of life. Demonstrating the importance of training teams for better attention to care and gerontological management

Objetivo: analizar la calidad de vida de ancianos de un centro social mediante aplicación de las escalas World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) -bref y WHOQOL-OLD. Método: estudio descriptivo e inferencial, con abordaje cuantitativo, con 58 ancianos de un centro social con la atención del equipo multidisciplinario. Para obtención de los datos se utilizó datos sociodemográficos las escalas WHOQOL-bref y WHOQOL-OLD. Resultados: la media más alta obtenida en los instrumentos fue el dominio "medio ambiente" del WHOQOL-bref (26,9%) y el dominio "participación social" del WHOQOL-OLD (15,5%). La variable edad se correlacionó significativamente con el dominio de muerte y morir del WHOQOL-OLD y el dominio de relaciones sociales del WHOQOL-bref. Conclusiones: los ancianos que son seguidos en el centro social mostraron una buena percepción de calidad de vida. Demostrar la importancia de formar equipos para una mejor atención en el cuidado y manejo geriátrico

Study on the perception and influencing factors of retirement service among the elderly in the community-conprehensive care service complex / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective:To analyze the willingness of elderly individuals from a certain community to choose different retirement care methods and factors influencing this in the community-embedded elderly care service complex.Methods:Stratified variable ratio sampling was used to select 500 elderly people from a certain community in Guangzhou. A self-developed questionnaire regarding willingness to choose retirement care in the community-embedded elderly care service complex was administered. Data were analyzed by multi-category logistic regression analysis.Results:Among the services involved in the community-embedded elderly care service complex, 57.6%, 31.2%, and 11.2% of the elderly selected family, community home, and institution care, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that seniors with college degrees or above ( OR=2.514), who were cared for by family ( OR=3.345), with a monthly income of 3 000-5 000 yuan ( OR=1.891), with monthly pension payments of 1 000-3 000 yuan ( OR=2.572), or with average health status ( OR=3.716) were more willing to choose community based retirement services (all P<0.05). Meanwhile, seniors with a better occupation before retirement ( OR=9.813), a monthly income of 3 000-5 000 yuan ( OR=3.222), monthly pension payment above 3 000 yuan ( OR=6.902), poor health status ( OR=1.000), or who were unattended ( OR=4.386) were more inclined to choose community institution care (all P<0.05). Conclusion:The elderly still rely mainly on family based retirement life, but their willingness to use socialized retirement is more prevalent. Educational level, occupation, economic status, caregivers, and health status are the main factors affecting the elderly′s choice of different pension methods in the community-embedded elderly care service complex.

Senior Centers and LGBTQ Participants: Engaging older adults virtually in a pandemic.

Upon the outbreak of Covid-19, recommendations to cease all non-essential in person services were mandated across the United States to prevent transmission to non-infected individuals. As a result, approximately 96% of all senior centers in the United States were closed to in-person programming. Senior centers have had a long history of engaging older adults, maintaining community connections, enhancing social support and reducing social isolation. SAGE, the first publicly funded senior center for LGBT older adults in the US, serves a traditionally under-served population with a vast array of services and programs. This exploratory, cross-sectional study utilized an online survey to evaluate the experiences of 113 SAGE members after the Coronavirus pandemic closed their senior center. Participants reported a relatively easy adaptation to technology, steady participation in programs and services, satisfaction with virtual senior center programming and a stable sense of engagement with their peers. Higher levels of engagement with senior center programs was associated with stronger feelings of social support. Additionally, stronger perceptions of social support and participation in exercise and fitness programming were associated with higher life satisfaction and lower depression and anxiety. Implications and recommendations for other gerontological service providers are offered.

Reimagining Senior Centers for Purposeful Aging: Perspectives of Diverse Older Adults.

Senior centers must re-envision their programs to appeal to today's increasingly older and more diverse older adults. Using a purposeful aging framework, this study aims to inform senior center programming by capturing diverse older adults' perspectives on future goals, perceptions of aging, attitudes about senior centers, and experience with technology. Participants age 70 and older (N = 64) joined one of eight focus groups organized by race/ethnicity and preferred spoken language. Transcripts were coded using a grounded theory approach to identify perspectives in each domain. Across groups, shared perspectives included aspirations to make a difference, maintain health and independence, continue learning, and embrace positive perceptions of aging. However, both positive and negative attitudes about participating in senior centers and the effects of technology were presented. We discuss how to redesign senior center programming to meet members' proactive approach to aging and future goals, and facilitate more confidence with new technology.

Daily Time Use by Activity of Community-Dwelling Older Koreans: Focus on Health Management.

This study aimed to examine the daily time use by activity and identified factors related to health management time (HMT) use among 195 older adults (mean age = 77.5, SD = 6.28 years; 70.8% women) attending a Korean senior center. Descriptive statistics were analyzed and gamma regression analyses were performed. Participants used the most time on rest, followed by leisure, health management, daily living activities, and work. The mean duration of HMT was 205.38 min/day. The mean score for the subjective evaluation of health management (SEHM) was 13.62 and the importance score for SEHM was 4.72. Factors influencing HMT included exercise, number of chronic conditions, fasting blood sugar level, low density lipoprotein level, and cognitive function. HMT and frailty significantly predicted SEHM. HMT interventions focus on promoting exercise and acquiring health information to improve health outcomes among older adults in senior centers.

New York City Senior Centers: Who Participates and Why?

Purpose: Senior centers are focal points of services and programs. Study aims were to describe the frequency of and benefits of attending senior centers and nonmembers' reasons for nonattendance. Methods: A total of 597 senior center members and 298 community-residing nonmembers in New York City were interviewed. Males and age of 75+ years members were oversampled. Results: Mean days attended weekly = 3.00 days/week (SD = 1.71). Latinx seniors attended 1 day > White non-Latinx seniors. Seniors in poor/bad health attended .67 fewer days than seniors in excellent health. Almost all members (96.3%) reported benefiting from attendance. The most common benefits were socialization/making friends, educational programs, something to do, being with people like them, meals, and improved mental and physical health. Reasons nonmembers gave for nonattendance were too busy with social/leisure activities or work, not interested or do not need programs/services, do not want/need socialization, and members were older or more disabled than them. Conclusion: Implications for recruiting underserved and isolated seniors are discussed.

Concepção de pessoas idosas sobre grupos de convivência / Elderly conception on coexistence groups / Concepción de personas idosas sobre grupos de convivencia

Objetivo: analisar a concepção de pessoas idosas sobre grupos de convivência. Método: estudo descritivo, exploratório, de abordagem qualitativa, tendo como colaboradores 16 pessoas idosas que frequentavam grupos de convivência. A coleta das informações se deu através da utilização da técnica do grupo focal. Os dados foram analisados e organizados a partir da técnica de Análise de Conteúdo Temática. Resultados: a visão acerca dos grupos de convivência esteve relacionada a criação de laços e vínculos relacionais, como um espaço capaz de promover saúde, bem estar e qualidade de vida, além de se tornar uma estratégia de se evitar a solidão. Por fim, destacam a importância do compartilhamento de sentimentos e experiências positivas. Conclusão: os idosos possuem uma concepção variada acerca dos grupos de convivência, destacou-se a importância desses espaços para ressignificar a velhice e favorecer a ressocialização da pessoa idosa promovendo um envelhecer bem sucedido e saudável

Objective: to analyze the conception of elderly people in groups of coexistence. Methods: descriptive, exploratory, qualitative approach, with 16 elderly people attending groups of coexistence. The information was collected through the use of the focal group technique. The data were analyzed and organized from the Thematic Content Analysis technique. Results: the vision about living groups was related to the creation of ties and relational ties, as a space capable of promoting health, well-being and quality of life, besides becoming a strategy to avoid loneliness. Finally, they emphasize the importance of sharing positive feelings and experiences. Conclusion: the elderly have a varied conception of living groups, emphasized the importance of these spaces to re-signify old age and favor the resocialization of the elderly person promoting a successful and healthy aging

Objetivo: analizar la concepción de ancianos sobre grupos de convivencia. Métodos: estudio descriptivo, exploratorio, de abordaje cualitativo, teniendo como colaboradores 16 personas ancianas que frecuentaban grupos de convivencia. La recolección de las informaciones se dio mediante la utilización de la técnica del grupo focal. Los datos fueron analizados y organizados a partir de la técnica de Análisis de Contenido Temático. Resultados: la visión sobre los grupos de convivencia estuvo relacionada con la creación de lazos y vínculos relacionales, como un espacio capaz de promover salud, bienestar y calidad de vida, además de convertirse en una estrategia para evitar la soledad. Por último, destacan la importancia del compartir sentimientos y experiencias positivas. Conclusión: los ancianos poseen una concepción variada acerca de los grupos de convivencia, se destacó la importancia de esos espacios para resignificar la vejez y favorecer la resocialización de la persona anciana promoviendo un envejecimiento exitoso y sano

Evaluation of Recruitment of Older Adults of Color into a Community-Based Chronic Disease Self-Management Wellness Pathway Program in Los Angeles County.

Background: Established relationships between researchers, stakeholders and potential participants are integral for recruitment of potential older adult participants and Evidence-Based Programs (EBPs) for chronic disease management have empirically been shown to help improve health and maintain healthy and active lives. To accelerate recruitment in EBPs and potential future research, we propose a Wellness Pathway allowing for delivery within multipurpose senior centers (MPCs) linked with medical facilities among lower-income urban older adults. The study aims were to: 1) assess the effectiveness of three MPC-delivered EBPs on disease management skills, health outcomes, and self-efficacy; and 2) assess the feasibility of the proposed Wellness Pathway for lower-income urban-dwelling older adults of color. Methods: We administered surveys and conducted a pre-post analysis among participants enrolled in any 1 of 3 MPC-based EBPs (n=53). To assess feasibility of the pathway, we analyzed survey data and interviews (EBP participants, MPC staff, physicians, n=10). Results: EBP participation was associated with greater disease management skills (increased time spent stretching and aerobic activity) but not improvements in self-efficacy or other health outcomes. Interviews revealed: 1) older adults valued EBPs and felt the Wellness Pathway feasible; 2) staff felt it feasible given adequate growth management; 3) physicians felt it feasible provided adequate medical facility integration. Conclusions: MPC-based EBPs were associated with improvements in disease management skills among older adults; a proposed Wellness Pathway shows early evidence of feasibility and warrants further investigation. Future efforts to implement this model of recruiting older adults of color into EBPs should address barriers for implementation and sustainability.

Effects of a Person-Centered Nursing Intervention for Frailty among Prefrail Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

This study examined the effects of a person-centered nursing intervention program for frailty (PNIF) targeting community-dwelling prefrail older people in South Korea. The study participants were 40 community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years) who were classified as prefrail on the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) frailty index. The intervention group (n = 20) received group intervention sessions two days/week for twelve weeks and the control group (n = 20) attended lectures about frailty prevention one day/week for four weeks. The evaluation instruments included the CHS Frailty Index, a JAMAR® hydraulic hand dynamometer, the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), the Korean version of the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors Questionnaire (K-CHAMPS), the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form-Korea Version (GDSSF-K), the ENRICHD Social Support Instrument (ESSI), and the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS). Significant differences were found in the CHS Frailty Index (p < 0.001), left-hand grip strength (p = 0.022), right-hand grip strength (p = 0.009), SPPB (p = 0.007), K-CHAMPS (p = 0.009), MNA (p = 0.018), and GDSSF-K (p = 0.001) between the two groups after 12 weeks. No significant between-group differences in ESSI scores were observed. The PNIF effectively improved grip strength, physical function, physical activity, and nutritional status, reduced depression, and prevented frailty among community-dwelling older adults.

Assessment of Person-Centered Care in Gerontology Services: A new tool for healthcare professionals.

Background/Objective: Retirement homes and other gerontology services are frequently criticized due to their lack of flexibility and tailored attention, leading to homogeneous treatment which compromises patients' control of their lives. This study aims to develop and validate the first Spanish instrument for healthcare professionals to assess the degree of person-centered attention delivered by senior care centers. Method: A total of 844 healthcare professionals (mean age = 39.94 years old; SD = 10.56) with a mean of 6.56 years (SD = 6.15) of work experience participated in the study. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire developed were analyzed using both classical test theory and item response theory models. Results: The internal structure was unidimensional with an explained variance of 55.23%. Reliability was outstanding: internal consistency (α = .96, ω = .96) and test-retest (r = .88; ICC = .93). The total score was significantly correlated with two similar questionnaires, with associated variance of 58.83% and 55.20% respectively. Conclusions: The new instrument allows healthcare professionals to assess the level of person-centered care provided by gerontology centers with excellent reliability and validity.

Antecedentes/Objetivo: Las residencias y otros servicios gerontológicos son frecuentemente criticados por su falta de flexibilización y personalización en la atención, conduciendo a un trato uniforme que dificulta el control sobre sus vidas. El objetivo del trabajo es desarrollar y validar el primer instrumento de medida español que permite a los profesionales de la salud evaluar en qué medida se lleva a cabo en su centro una atención centrada en la persona. Método: Participaron en el estudio 844 profesionales de la salud (edad media = 39,94; DT = 10,56) con una experiencia media de 6,56 años (DT = 6,15). Las propiedades psicométricas del instrumento desarrollado se analizaron mediante modelos de Teoría Clásica de los Test y de Teoría de Respuesta a los Ítems. Resultados: La prueba resultó esencialmente unidimensional, con un primer factor que explica el 55,23% de la varianza. La fiabilidad es excelente, tanto la consistencia interna (α = 0,96, ω = 0,96) como la estabilidad (r = 0,88; ICC = 0,93). La puntuación total correlacionó significativamente con dos cuestionarios similares, obteniéndose una varianza asociada de 58,83% y 55,20%, respectivamente. Conclusiones: El nuevo instrumento desarrollado permite a los profesionales de la salud evaluar con excelente fiabilidad y validez el nivel de atención centrada en la persona de los centros gerontológicos.

Provider-Related Linkages Between Primary Care Clinics and Community-Based Senior Centers Associated With Diabetes-Related Outcomes.

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) suggests that linkages between primary care practices and community-based resources can improve health in lower income and minority patients, but examples of these are rare. We conducted a prospective, mixed-methods observational study to identify indicators of primary care-community linkage associated with the frequency of visits to community-based senior centers and improvements in diabetes-related outcomes among 149 new senior center members (72% Hispanic). We used semistructured interviews at baseline and 9-month follow-up, obtaining visit frequency from member software and clinical assessments including hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) from colocated primary care clinics. Members' discussion of their activities with their primary care providers (PCPs) was associated with increased visits to the senior centers, as well as diabetes-related improvements. Direct feedback from the senior centers to their PCPs was desired by the majority of members and may help to reinforce use of community resources for self-management support.

Setting the PACE for frail older adults in the community: An underused opportunity for furthering medical-dental integration.

BACKGROUND: The integration of dentistry into comprehensive and long-term care has occurred infrequently and with limited success. The authors aim to describe how the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) has the potential for such incorporation for the growing population of nursing home-appropriate older adults preferring to age in place. METHODS: The authors used a 56-item online survey to explore aspects of oral health care within PACE, including organizational structure, availability and provision of care, preventive protocols, and provider reimbursement. The survey was distributed to all 124 programs nationally. Data analyses included descriptive statistics for each of the variables of interest. RESULTS: Thirty-five programs completed the survey (28%) in 23 states (74%) where PACE is available. Most programs covered comprehensive dental services and predominantly provided care off-site. Most programs reimbursed dentists at Medicaid fee-for-service rates and some at commercial rates. Dentistry was most frequently ranked the second-highest specialty focus behind mental health. CONCLUSIONS: PACE is a comprehensive interdisciplinary model of care and an underused opportunity for furthering medical-dental integration. It uses local dental resources in order to accommodate the oral health care needs of the growing population of older adults preferring to age in place. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: PACE is an opportunity for the dental profession to further medical-dental integration and ensure that newer models of long-term care include comprehensive and coordinated oral health care programs. It is also an opportunity to promote an integrated model of care with policy makers to support integrated oral health care for the nursing home-eligible population.

Experiências de pessoas idosas que participam de grupos de convivência / Experiences of elderly people who participate in social groups / Experiencias de personas mayores que participan de grupos de convivencia

Objetivo: apreender experiências de pessoas idosas que participam de grupos de convivência. Método: estudo descritivo, exploratório de abordagem qualitativa realizado com doze pessoas idosas que frequentam grupos de convivência em um município no interior da Bahia. A coleta dos dados foi realizada por meio de entrevista semiestruturada, dezembro de 2017 a fevereiro de 2018. Os dados foram analisados e interpretados conforme a análise de conteúdo temática proposta por Laurence Bardin. Resultados: após a análise emergiram seis categorias: melhoria na condição de saúde; evitar a solidão, fonte de suporte social; apoio e incentivo familiar; atividades aquáticas e dança. Conclusão: O estudo mostrou que a participação de pessoas idosas em grupos de convivência se mostra necessária, devido melhorias na qualidade de vida, na autoestima, na construção de vínculos e apoio social, no qual auxilia-as em todo o processo de envelhecimento

Objective: to learn the experiences of elderly people who participate in social groups. Method: a descriptive, exploratory study with a qualitative approach carried out with twelve elderly people who attend social groups in a municipality in the interior of Bahia. The data were collected through a semi structured interview, from December 2017 to February 2018. Data were analyzed and interpreted according to the thematic content analysis proposed by Laurence Bardin. Results: seven categories emerged after the analysis: improvement in health status; avoid loneliness, source of social support; family support and encouragement; water activities and dancing. Conclusion: The study showed that the participation of elderly people in social groups is necessary due to improvements in the quality of life, self-esteem, the forging of bonds and social support that help them throughout the aging process

Objetivo: aprehender experiencias de personas mayores que participan en centros de convivencia. Método: estudio descriptivo, exploratorio de abordaje cualitativo realizado con doce personas mayores que frecuentan grupos de convivencia en un municipio en el interior de Bahía. La recolección de los datos fue realizada por medio de una entrevista semiestructurada, diciembre de 2017 a febrero de 2018. Los datos fueron analizados e interpretados según el análisis de contenido temático propuesto por Laurence Bardin. Resultados: después del análisis emergieron siete categorías: mejora en la condición de salud; evitar la soledad, fuente de soporte social; apoyo y fomento de la familia; actividades acuáticas y danza. Conclusión: el estudio mostró que la participación de personas mayores en grupos de convivencia se muestra necesaria, debido a mejoras en la calidad de vida, en la autoestima, en la construcción de vínculos y apoyo social, en el que las auxilia en todo el proceso de envejecimiento