Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Older People's Loneliness: Findings from a Longitudinal Study between 2019 and 2021 among Older Home-Dwellers in Finland.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the change in feelings of loneliness among Finnish community-dwelling older people from before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 to during the pandemic in 2021. Moreover, we explore the changes in other dimensions of psychological well-being (PWB) during the study period. DESIGN: Questionnaires were mailed in the 2019 Helsinki Aging Study, a repeated cohort study. A follow-up interview was carried on over the telephone during the year 2021. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A random sample of 2,917 home-dwelling older people aged 75-104 years residing in Helsinki, Finland were mailed the questionnaire. Altogether 898 participated in the follow-up. MEASUREMENTS: Loneliness was measured using a single item question "Do you suffer from loneliness?". Other items of psychological well-being were measured: "Are you satisfied with your life?" (yes/no), "Do you feel useful?" (yes/no), "Do you have a zest for life?" (yes/no),"Do you have plans for the future?" (yes/no), and "Do you feel depressed?"("rarely or never"/ "sometimes"/ "often or always"). RESULTS: Altogether 898 people participated both in 2019 and 2021. The subjects' mean age was 83 years and 66% were women. Between 2019 and 2021, the prevalence of experienced loneliness increased among older home-dwellers from 26% to 30%. During two years of the pandemic feelings of loneliness (RR 1.79, 95% CI: 1.30 to 2.46) and depression (RR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.67) increased even adjusted with various confounders. CONCLUSION: Considering the impact loneliness has on health and well-being, the finding of increased feelings of loneliness among older people is alarming. Actions to combat loneliness need to be taken.

Association of midlife obesity and cardiovascular risk with old age frailty: a 26-year follow-up of initially healthy men.

OBJECTIVE AND HYPOTHESIS: To investigate whether old age frailty is predicted by midlife overweight/obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. DESIGN: Longitudinal observational study (the Helsinki Businessmen Study). SUBJECTS: In their midlife in 1974, 1815 initially healthy men (mean age 47 years) were clinically investigated, whereupon their weight status (normal weight < 25 kg m(-2), overweight 25 ≤ body mass index <30 kg m(-2) and obese ≥ 30 kg m(-2)), CVD risk factors and a composite risk score (%) of coronary artery disease (CAD) were assessed. After a 26-year follow-up in 2000, when 425 men had died, the frailty status of survivors (80.9%, n=1125, mean age 73 years) was assessed using a postal questionnaire including the RAND-36/SF-36 instrument. Phenotypic criteria were used to define frailty, and according to these criteria, 40.0% (n=450), 50.4% (n=567) and 9.6% (n=108) were classified as not frail, prefrail and frail, respectively. Risks are presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Compared with normal weight, the development of frailty was significantly higher among those men who were overweight or obese in midlife, with fully adjusted ORs (95% CI) of 2.06 (1.21-3.52) and 5.41 (1.94-15.1), respectively. Even the development of prefrailty was significantly increased with midlife overweight (OR 1.39; 95% CI, 1.03-1.87) and obesity (OR 2.96; 95% CI, 1.49-5.88). Age-adjusted composite CAD score in midlife predicted similarly 26-year total mortality (OR per 1% increase:1.16; 95% CI, 1.08-1.24) and development of frailty (OR 1.16; 95% CI, 1.02-1.33). CONCLUSION: Overweight/obesity and higher CAD risk in midlife were associated with frailty 26 years later. Preventing old age frailty should be recognized as an important goal of obesity and CVD risk control.

Associations of perceived poor societal treatment among the oldest-old.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies of perceived ageism among older people have focused on younger age groups with the respondents' mean age far below 80. OBJECTIVE: To explore the perceptions of poor societal treatment of older people among home-dwelling people aged 75-100+ and how their perceptions are associated with demographic characteristics, health, functioning, and wellbeing. METHODS: In the Helsinki Aging Study, a random sample of 2,917 home-dwelling people aged 75-104 received a postal questionnaire inquiring about their health, wellbeing and experiences. The response rate was 74%. We asked: 'How in your opinion are older people treated in Finland?' (well/moderately/poorly) and categorized the respondents according to their responses. A multivariable forward stepwise ordered logistic regression model was used to determine the independent associations of the variables on the ordinal level of perceptions of treatment. RESULTS: Of the participants, 1,653 responded to the index item. Of these, only 13% thought that older people are treated well in society, and 66% and 21% were of the opinion that older people are treated moderately or poorly in society, respectively. Perceived poor societal treatment was more common among women, the younger respondents, and those with lower incomes, as well as family caregivers and those with lower self-rated health and lower psychological wellbeing. Those who were able to walk outside unassisted and those with a regular hobby perceived poor societal treatment more often. CONCLUSIONS: Several demographic factors, self-rated health, psychological wellbeing and better functioning were associated with perceptions of poor treatment among the oldest-old.

Symptom Burden Is Associated with Psychological Wellbeing and Mortality in Older Adults.

IMPORTANCE: Over half of outpatient visits are due to physical symptoms; yet, the significance of symptoms in relation to older people's wellbeing and prognosis has gained very little research attention. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to analyze the prognostic value of symptom burden, derived from symptom count and frequency, in an older cohort aged 75 to 95. We also explore the association between symptom burden and psychological wellbeing. DESIGN: Randomly assigned cohorts of community-dwelling people aged 75-95 filled in the postal questionnaire of the Helsinki Aging Study in 2009. SETTING: Community-based, postal questionnaires (survey response rate 74%). PARTICIPANTS: 1583 community-dwelling people aged 75-95 in the urban Helsinki area. Main outcomes and measures: The inquired symptoms were dizziness, back pain, joint pain, chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, leg pain when walking, loss of appetite, and urinary incontinence. Symptom burden was calculated according to the number of symptoms and their frequency (score range: 0-8). The participants were subdivided into four groups according to their symptom burden. Mortality data was extracted from the Finnish Population Register in 2014. Psychological wellbeing (PWB) was measured using the validated PWB score. RESULTS: Of 1583 participants, 18% reported no symptoms over the past 2 weeks (Group 0), 31% scored 0.5-1 in the symptom burden score (Group 1), 23% scored 1.5-2 (Group 2), and 28% scored 2.5-8 (Group 3). There was a linear relationship between symptom burden and comorbidities, functional status, falls, and PWB. The groups showed a significant difference in 5-year mortality, even adjusted for age, sex, and comorbidities: Group 1 1.18, 95% CI 0.84-1.66; Group 2 1.63, 95% CI 1.15-2.31, and Group 3 2.08, 95% CI 1.49-2.91 compared to Group 0 (p for linearity <0.001). Conclusion and relevance: Symptom burden is associated with higher mortality and lower PWB independent of comorbidities in community-dwelling people aged 75-95. We conclude that somatic symptoms need to be assessed when examining the general health status of an aging patient. Self-reported symptoms seem to convey information about health that cannot be derived from medical diagnoses only.

The sarcopenia and physical frailty in older people: multi-component treatment strategies (SPRINTT) project: description and feasibility of a nutrition intervention in community-dwelling older Europeans.

BACKGROUND: The "Sarcopenia and Physical Frailty in Older People: Multicomponent Treatment Strategies" (SPRINTT) project sponsored a multi-center randomized controlled trial (RCT) with the objective to determine the effect of physical activity and nutrition intervention for prevention of mobility disability in community-dwelling frail older Europeans. We describe here the design and feasibility of the SPRINTT nutrition intervention, including techniques used by nutrition interventionists to identify those at risk of malnutrition and to carry out the nutrition intervention. METHODS: SPRINTT RCT recruited older adults (≥ 70 years) from 11 European countries. Eligible participants (n = 1517) had functional limitations measured with Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB score 3-9) and low muscle mass as determined by DXA scans, but were able to walk 400 m without assistance within 15 min. Participants were followed up for up to 3 years. The nutrition intervention was carried out mainly by individual nutrition counseling. Nutrition goals included achieving a daily protein intake of 1.0-1.2 g/kg body weight, energy intake of 25-30 kcal/kg of body weight/day, and serum vitamin D concentration ≥ 75 mmol/L. Survey on the method strategies and feasibility of the nutrition intervention was sent to all nutrition interventionists of the 16 SPRINTT study sites. RESULTS: Nutrition interventionists from all study sites responded to the survey. All responders found that the SPRINTT nutrition intervention was feasible for the target population, and it was well received by the majority. The identification of participants at nutritional risk was accomplished by combining information from interviews, questionnaires, clinical and laboratory data. Although the nutrition intervention was mainly carried out using individual nutritional counselling, other assisting methods were used as appropriate. CONCLUSION: The SPRINTT nutrition intervention was feasible and able to adapt flexibly to varying needs of this heterogeneous population. The procedures adopted to identify older adults at risk of malnutrition and to design the appropriate intervention may serve as a model to deliver nutrition intervention for community-dwelling older people with mobility limitations.

Association of nutritional components with falls in oldest-old men: The Helsinki Businessmen Study (HBS).

INTRODUCTION: Falls are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in older people. We examined how nutritional factors are associated with self-reported falls in the oldest-old community-dwelling men. METHODS: Participants of the longitudinal and socioeconomically homogenous Helsinki Businessmen Study are men born in 1919-1934. A cross-sectional analysis from a random sample of 122 home-living oldest-old men who underwent medical examinations in 2017-2018 is reported here. Food and nutrient intakes were retrieved from 3-day food diaries, and the number of falls during past year was requested in the screening questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed using Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF) and waist circumference was measured. Body composition was assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-scans, physical performance with short physical performance battery (SPPB), sarcopenia status using European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People's 2 (EWGSOP2) criteria, and frailty with phenotypic criteria. RESULTS: Mean age of participants was 87 years (range 83-99 years) and 30% reported at least one fall during past year. Falls were associated with higher waist circumference (p = .031), frailty (p < .001) and sarcopenia (p = .002), and inversely associated with SPPB total score (p = .002). Of nutritional factors, intakes of fish (p = .016), fish protein (p = .039), berry (p = .027) and vitamin D (p = .041), and snacking more protein between breakfast and lunch (p = .017) were inversely associated with falls. Red meat intake was associated with higher frequency of falls (p = .044). CONCLUSION: Higher waist circumference, but not body mass index, was associated with increased frequency of falls. Healthy dietary choices appeared protective from falls in these oldest-old men of similar socioeconomic status.

Macronutrient composition and sarcopenia in the oldest-old men: The Helsinki Businessmen Study (HBS).

BACKGROUND & AIM: Sarcopenia is associated with increased risk for several adverse health outcomes including frailty, disability, loss of independence, and mortality. We examined cross-sectional associations between sarcopenia and detailed dietary macronutrient composition in community-living oldest-old men (mean age 87). METHODS: Participants were invited to a clinic visit in 2017/2018 including assessments of sarcopenia status using European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People's 2 (EWGSOP2) criteria and detailed macronutrient, vitamin D and food intakes retrieved from 3-day food diaries. RESULTS: Of the 126 participants, 48 had probable sarcopenia and 27 sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was associated with lower energy (p = 0.020), total protein (p = 0.019), plant (p = 0.008) and fish proteins (p = 0.041), total fat (p = 0.015), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (p = 0.011), polyunsaturated fatty acids (p = 0.002), vitamin D intakes (p = 0.005) and, of fat quality indicators, MUFA: saturated fatty acid-ratio (p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that sufficient energy and protein intakes, but also fat quality may be important along with healthy dietary patterns for prevention of sarcopenia in the oldest-old.

Associations of protein source, distribution and healthy dietary pattern with appendicular lean mass in oldest-old men: the Helsinki Businessmen Study (HBS).

PURPOSE: We explored how food and dietary intakes, protein daily distribution and source are associated with appendicular lean mass (ALM)/m2 of the oldest-old community-dwelling men. METHODS: Cross-sectional analyses of Helsinki Businessmen Study (HBS, mean age 87 years) participants who came to clinic visit in 2017/2018. Nutritional status, physical performance and fasting blood samples were measured. Food and dietary intakes were retrieved from 3-day food diaries. Body composition was measured and appendicular lean mass (ALM) per m2 was dichotomized as ALM/m2 < 7 kg/m2 and ≥ 7 kg/m2. Differences between lower and higher ALM were analyzed using t test or Mann-Whitney U test. Analysis of covariance was used to investigate independent associations with ALM/m2. RESULTS: Random sample of 130 participants took part in the medical examinations, 126 returned food diaries, and 102 underwent DXA-scan. ALM/m2 was associated with total protein (p = 0.033), animal protein (p = 0.043) and meat protein (p = 0.033) intakes. Protein distribution between daily meals differed at lunch; those with higher ALM/m2 ate more protein (p = .047) at lunch. Consumption of fruits, vegetables (p = 0.022) and meat (p = 0.006) was associated with ALM/m2. CONCLUSION: Protein intake, source and distribution as well fruit and vegetable intakes were associated with higher ALM in oldest-old men. STUDY REGISTRATION: The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02526082.

White matter hyperintensities on T2-weighted MRI images among DNA-verified older familial hypercholesterolemia patients.

BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder, causing an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) if untreated. Silent brain infarctions and white matter hyperintensities (WMHIs) observed on T2-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRI) are associated with increased risk for stroke and myocardial infarction. Age is a strong predictor of WMHIs. PURPOSE: To use MRI to assess the presence of clinically silent brain lesions in older FH patients, and to compare the occurrence and size of these lesions in older FH patients with middle-aged FH patients and healthy controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 43 older (age >or= 65 years) FH patients with the same FH North Karelia mutation, living in Finland, were identified. In this comprehensive cohort, 1.5 T brain MRI was available for 33 individuals (age 65-84 years, M/F 9/24, mean duration of statin treatment 15.3 years). This group was divided into two age categories: 65-74 years (FHe1 group, n=23) and 75-84 years (FHe2 group, n=10). Infarcts, including lacunas, and WMHIs on T2-weighted images were recorded. Data from brain MRI were compared to those of a group of middle-aged FH patients with CHD (n=19, age 48-64 years) and with middle-aged healthy controls (n=29, age 49-63 years). RESULTS: Only two (6%) of the older FH patients had clinically silent brain infarcts detected by MRI. The amount of large WMHIs (>5 mm in diameter) was similar in the FHe1 group compared with the groups of middle-aged FH patients and healthy controls, even though the FHe1 group was 13 years older. The total amount of WMHIs and the amount of large WMHIs were greatest in the FHe2 group. CONCLUSION: FH patients aged 65 to 74 years receiving long-term statin treatment (15 years) did not have more WMHIs on brain MRI compared to middle-aged FH patients and healthy controls.

Self-Perception of Economic Means Is Associated with Dietary Choices, Diet Quality and Physical Health in the Oldest Old Men from the Highest Socioeconomic Group.

INTRODUCTION: Self-perception of economic means may affect dietary choices, diet quality, and health behavior. We examined these associations in the oldest-old men from the highest socioeconomic class. METHODS: The participants in this cross-sectional analysis were the oldest- old home-dwelling men (n = 314, mean age 87 years, range 82-97 years) from the longitudinal Helsinki Businessmen Study cohort. They responded to a postal health and nutrition questionnaire, whereupon dietary intakes were assessed using 3-day food diaries and two diet quality indices. The questionnaire also included items about health, exercise, falls, and economic means. RESULTS: Higher self-perception of economic means was linearly associated with higher fish intake (p = 0.021), fruit and vegetable intakes (p = 0.027), use of alcohol (p = 0.003), overall diet quality according to IDQ (p = 0.008), self-perceived physical condition (p = 0.002) and inversely associated with body weight (p = 0.011), weight loss (p = 0.008), blood glucose levels (p = 0.020), and falls (p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: Self-perception of economic means was associated with dietary choices and physical health even among affluent older men. This information is important, because self-perception of economic means, however real, may affect health and nutrition behavior of older people.

Sarcopenia Indicators as Predictors of Functional Decline and Need for Care among Older People.

OBJECTIVES: Sarcopenia is associated with poor health outcomes. We examined the relative roles of muscle mass, strength, physical performance and obesity as health predictors among older sarcopenic people. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: This prospective study examined community-dwelling people aged 75+ (N=262). SETTING: Porvoo Sarcopenia and Nutrition Trial. MEASUREMENTS: We collected demographic data and medical history by postal questionnaire including RAND-36 at baseline and at four years and measured BMI, Short Physical Performace Battery (SPPB), hand-grip strength, cognition and two surrogate measures of muscle mass; the Single Frequency Skeletal Muscle Index (SF-SMI) and the Calf Intracellular Resistance Skeletal Muscle Index (CRi-SMI). RESULTS: Adjusted for age and gender, independent outdoors mobility was predicted positively by baseline physical functioning scores in RAND-36 (p<0.001), the SPPB (p<0.001), the two-minute step test (p<0.001), and grip strength (p=0.023), as well as CRi-SMI (p<0.001). However, the prediction was negative in BMI (p<0.001) and the Charlson co-morbidity Index (p= 0.004). Similar associations were found when the physical component RAND-36 was used as an outcome measure. The use of home care was predicted by high co-morbidity (p=0.057) and low scores in RAND-36 (p<0.001), SPPB (p<0.001) and the two-minute step test (p<0.001), and low CRi-SMI (p<0.001). CRi-SF was a more consistent predictor than SF-SMI, which was partly masked by BMI. Controlled for age, gender and comorbidity, a 10% difference in CRi-SMI was associated with a 4% higher probability (p=0.019) of independently living at home, whereas the respective figures for SF-SMI and BMI were -18% (p=0.098) and -14% (p=0.088). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to SF-SMI, high CRi-SMI appeared to indicate good prognosis and less need of care, independently of BMI.

Chocolate, well-being and health among elderly men.

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that chocolate preference would be related to health and psychological well-being in old men. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: We have followed up a socio-economically homogenous group of men, born in 1919-1934, since the 1960s. In 2002-2003, a mailed questionnaire was used to assess the health and well-being (including questions related to positive life orientation, visual analogue scales and the Zung depression score) of survivors. In addition, candy preference was inquired. Those men who reported no candy consumption (n=108) were excluded from the analyses. OUTCOME MEASURES: Psychological well-being in old age. RESULTS: The response rate was 69% (1367 of 1991). Of the respondents, 860 and 399 preferred chocolate and other type of candy, respectively. The average age in both candy groups was 76 years. Of the respondents, 99% were home-dwelling, 96% were retired and 87% were presently married, without differences between the candy groups. Men preferring chocolate had lower body mass index and waist circumference, and they also reported more exercise and better subjective health (P=0.008) than other candy consumers. Variables related to psychological well-being were consistently better in those preferring chocolate. The differences were statistically significant in feeling of loneliness (P=0.01), feeling of happiness (P=0.01), having plans for the future (P=0.0002) and the Zung depression score (P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In this socioeconomically homogenous male cohort, chocolate preference in old age was associated with better health, optimism and better psychological well-being. SPONSORSHIP: The Academy of Finland, the Päivikki and Sakari Sohlberg Foundation, the Helsinki University Central Hospital and the Finnish Foundation for Cardiovascular Research.

Nutrition, Daily Walking and Resilience Are Associated with Physical Function in the Oldest Old Men.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining good physical functioning in old age is of utmost importance for healthy and active aging. We examined physical function and associated factors in the oldest-old men. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The participants of this cross sectional analysis of a longitudinal study were the oldest old men( n=394, mean age 88 years, range 82-97 years) from the Helsinki Business Men cohort who responded to a postal health and nutrition survey in 2016. Physical function was defined using the respective subscale (Physical Function, PF) in the RAND-36 health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instrument. Resilience was measured with validated Finnish version of Resilience scale. Diet quality was assessed using Mediterranean diet adherence score (MeDi) and Diet quality index (DQI) which is designed to show adherence to Finnish dietary recommendations. Food and dietary intakes were retrieved using 3-day food records (obtained from a sub-group of the respondents). The participants were divided into quartiles corresponding to their PF scores and health and nutrition indicators were calculated into these PF quartiles. Furthermore, a linear regression model was used to determine factors associated with PF. RESULTS: PF quartiles were positively associated with lower age, daily walking habit, cognition, diet quality, resilience, alcohol use and negatively associated with blood glucose levels, weight loss, body weight (BW) and falls. Polyunsaturated to saturated fat ratio and berry intake were also associated with PF. In a linear regression model PF was positively associated (p < .001, adjusted R2 = .560) with MeDi, cognition, resilience, vitality (RAND-36), and negatively with age and BW. CONCLUSION: MeDi, exercise, resilience, cognition, use of alcohol, fat quality and lower age were positively associated with PF in the oldest-old men. Weight loss, falls and interestingly BW were negatively associated with PF.

Happiness of the oldest-old men is associated with fruit and vegetable intakes.

BACKGROUND: Positive emotions and happiness may improve health and prolong life. Diet quality, Mediterranean dietary pattern, fruit and vegetable, chocolate, and fish consumption have been linked to positive affect, improved mood, and reduced risk of depression. We examined the associations between diet, nutrition, and perceived happiness in the oldest-old men. METHODS: The participants in this cross-sectional analysis were the oldest-old, home-dwelling men (n = 338, mean age 88 years, range 82-97 years) from the longitudinal Helsinki Businessmen Study cohort. In 2016, a postal health and nutrition survey was performed. Happiness was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale of Happiness (0-100 mm). The nutrition survey included a 3-day food diary, Mediterranean Diet Adherence score, and Index of Diet Quality designed to measure adherence to Finnish dietary recommendations. The participants were divided into quartiles according to happiness scores, and diet quality scores, food intakes, and other indicators were compared between the happiness quartiles. RESULTS: Happiness was linearly associated with total fruit and vegetable intakes (p = 0.002) and inversely associated with age (p = 0.016), blood glucose levels (p = 0.049), skipping lunch (p = 0.023), reduced food intake (p = 0.002), and weight loss (p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Fruit and vegetable intakes indicated happiness in the oldest-old men while reduced food intakes and weight loss were inversely associated with happiness. Maintaining good nutrition and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption may be important for psychological health of older people.

Increased Mortality Despite Successful Multifactorial Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in Healthy Men: 40-Year Follow-Up of the Helsinki Businessmen Study Intervention Trial.

OBJECTIVES: In a 5-year multifactorial risk reduction intervention for healthy men with at least one cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor, mortality was unexpectedly higher in the intervention than the control group during the first 15-year follow-up. In order to find explanations for the adverse outcome, we have extended mortality follow-up and examined in greater detail baseline characteristics that contributed to total mortality. DESIGN: Long-term follow-up of a controlled intervention trial. SETTING: The Helsinki Businessmen Study Intervention Trial. PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION: The prevention trial between 1974-1980 included 1,222 initially healthy men (born 1919-1934) at high CVD risk, who were randomly allocated into intervention (n=612) and control groups (n=610). The 5-year multifactorial intervention consisted of personal health education and contemporary drug treatments for dyslipidemia and hypertension. In the present analysis we used previously unpublished data on baseline risk factors and lifestyle characteristics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 40-year total and cause-specific mortality through linkage to nation-wide death registers. RESULTS: The study groups were practically identical at baseline in 1974, and the 5-year intervention significantly improved risk factors (body mass index, blood pressure, serum lipids and glucose), and total CVD risk by 46% in the intervention group. Despite this, total mortality has been consistently higher up to 25 years post-trial in the intervention group than the control group, and converging thereafter. Increased mortality risk was driven by CVD and accidental deaths. Of the newly-analysed baseline factors, there was a significant interaction for mortality between intervention group and yearly vacation time (P=0.027): shorter vacation was associated with excess 30-year mortality in the intervention (hazard ratio 1.37, 95% CI 1.03-1.83, P=0.03), but not in the control group (P=0.5). This finding was robust to multivariable adjustments. CONCLUSION: After a multifactorial intervention for healthy men with at least one CVD risk factor, there has been an unexpectedly increased mortality in the intervention group. This increase was especially observed in a subgroup characterised by shorter vacation time at baseline. Although this adverse response to personal preventive measures in vulnerable individuals may be characteristic to men of high social status with subclinical CVD, it clearly deserves further investigation.

Status of Geriatrics in 22 Countries.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to describe the current status of geriatrics and position of geriatricians in 22 countries of three continents, and to portray their attitudes towards and resources allocated to geriatrics. METHODS: An electronic survey was delivered to a convenience sample of 22 geriatricians in leading positions of their countries. RESULTS: The time required in post graduation specialist training to become a geriatrician varied from one year (subspecialty in the USA) to six years (independent specialty in Belgium). The number in the population aged 80+ per geriatrician varied from 450 (Austria) to 25,000 (Turkey). Of respondents, 55% reported that geriatrics is not a popular specialty in their country. Acute geriatric wards, rehabilitation and outpatient clinics were the most common working places for geriatricians. Nearly half of the respondents had an opinion that older patients who were acutely ill, were receiving subacute rehabilitation or had dementia should be cared for by geriatricians whereas half of the respondents would place geriatricians also in charge of nursing home and orthogeriatric patients. The biggest problems affecting older people's clinical care in their countries were: lack of geriatric knowledge, lack of geriatricians, and attitudes towards older people. Half of respondents thought that older people's health promotion and comprehensive geriatric assessment were not well implemented in their countries, although a majority felt that they could promote good geriatric care in their present position as a geriatrician. CONCLUSION: The position of geriatric, geriatricians' training and contents of work has wide international variety.

Fermented cereal with specific bifidobacteria normalizes bowel movements in elderly nursing home residents. A randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess how fermented oat drink with two selected Bifidobacterium longum strains influences bowel movements among elderly nursing home residents. DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: 12 wards in two nursing homes in Finland. PARTICIPANTS: 209 residents. INTERVENTION: Wards were randomized to receive daily a fermented oat drink with 1) 109 CFU/day Bifidobacterium longum strains or 2) 109 CFU/day Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 or 3) without viable bacteria (placebo) for 7 months. MEASUREMENTS: Regularity of bowel movements (no movements or functioning) and consistency of stools (normal, soft or diarrhoea) were recorded for each resident on a daily basis. RESULTS: The fermented oat drinks were well taken by the subjects, compliance being 85%. The groups receiving active products had more frequent bowel movements than did the placebo group (B. longum group normal functioning 28.5% of follow-up days, B.lactis group 26.9%, and placebo group 20.0%, respectively). The differences between the B. longum and the placebo group (mean 7.1, 95% CI 2.3 - 11.9, p=0.004) and between the B.lactis group and the placebo (mean 6.7, 95% CI 2.5 - 10.9, p = 0.002) were significant even when diarrhoea and constipation in the 3 months prior to the study were used as covariates. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to normalize bowel movements in frail nursing home.