Ageing International最新文献

Introduction

Life satisfaction is a person's overall assessment of their life based on the good aspects they believe they have. It is essential to effective and healthy aging and is strongly associated with social and health well-being. This research attempts to investigate the major factors that influence older adults'self-rated life satisfaction, with an emphasis on sociodemographic characteristics, functional health, mental health, and physical health.

Methodology

There are 30,370 participants in this study that are 60 years of age or older. Utilizing data from the first wave of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI- 1), which was carried out in 2017–18, we evaluated the prevalence using descriptive statistics and looked for correlations using the chi-square test. Additionally, to quantify the adjusted impacts of predicting variables on life satisfaction, multiple multivariate ordered logistic regression models were used.

Results

Multivariate regression models confirm that physical health (AOR = 2.044, p < 0.01), mental health (AOR = 1.205, p < 0.01 for non-depressed individuals), and functional health (AOR = 0.829, p < 0.01 for IADL disability) significantly impact life satisfaction. Furthermore, older age, female gender, social engagement, and non-empty nest living arrangements contribute to higher satisfaction levels. These findings underscore the importance of integrating multidimensional health factors into policies aimed at improving the quality of life for India’s aging population.

Conclusion

This study contributes to the understanding of subjective wellbeing among India's ageing population, bridging knowledge gaps on associated behaviors. Given the ongoing demographic transition, there is a pressing need for multi-sectoral, policy-driven approaches at individual, family, and community levels to promote the physical, social, and mental wellbeing of older adults, ensuring healthier and more fulfilling ageing experiences.

Institutionalization marks a profound transition for older adults, often accompanied by challenges related to ageing, uncertainty, and shifting social dynamics. This qualitative study delves into the lived experiences of 15 older adults in institutional settings (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India), examining the interplay between ageing, social relationships, and the navigation of ambiguity within these environments. Prior to moving into an old-age home, older adults typically rely on established social networks, but institutionalization disrupts these ties, requiring the formation of new relationships within the facility. Through in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, the study reveals the varied experiences of ageing, highlighting how older adults adapt to evolving social contexts and uncertainties over time. The findings underscore the pivotal role of social capital in reducing uncertainty and fostering resilience among institutionalized individuals. Key themes illustrate the importance of social connections in providing emotional support, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging, all of which are crucial for adapting to institutional life. Additionally, the study explores how older adults engage in sense-making processes, redefining their identities and priorities to align with their new environment. By exploring these experiences, the research offers valuable insights into ageing within institutional settings, emphasizing the need to nurture social relationships to promote well-being and adjustment. These findings have practical implications for developing interventions that enhance social networks and create supportive environments tailored to the holistic needs of older adults in institutions.

Alzheimer’s disease is increasingly posing a significant challenge in Pakistan due to the rising aging population. Existing assessment methods lack the ability to offer a functional diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease that considers the specific context of Pakistan. This study aimed to create self-reported and informant-oriented functional assessment tools, serving as cost-effective instruments to effectively evaluate and distinguish this condition from typical aging, particularly in the absence of neurological testing or during the early stages of symptoms. The research included both male and female individuals diagnosed clinically with Alzheimer’s disease, aged 65 years and above, selected through purposive sampling. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis was conducted on individuals with Alzheimer’s (n = 228) and their respective informants (n = 228) alongside the establishment of psychometric properties. The outcomes revealed the underlying factorial structure of the Functional Assessment Scale for Alzheimer’s disease and its Informant version. This study introduced two locally developed assessment tools that can aid in distinguishing between normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease, while also assessing the severity of symptoms as reflected in daily life activities especially religious practices underpinning the cultural nuances of Pakistan. The study could aid in the development of culturally relevant neurorehabilitation intervention models.

This study investigates the relationship between neighborhood deprivation and social cohesion among older individuals in India. The research used data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India Wave-1 (2017–18), which included a substantial sample of 31,646 older adults. Bivariate and binary logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the association between neighborhood deprivation and social cohesion while accounting for potential confounders. The results indicate that 60.69% of older adults in India reported high social cohesion. Among the participants, 47% of those with low neighborhood deprivation reported high social cohesion. Married older adults reported higher social cohesion (59.9%) compared to widowed individuals (52.4%). Additionally, older adults living in urban areas had higher odds of reporting high social cohesion (aOR: 1.19; CI: 1.11–1.27) compared to those in rural areas. Interestingly, older adults living alone had lower odds of high social cohesion than those living with others (aOR: 0.74; CI: 0.63–0.86). Regional differences were also observed. Older adults residing in the West (aOR: 1.75; CI: 1.59–1.93), North-East (aOR: 1.45; CI: 1.30–1.61), and South (aOR: 1.19; CI: 1.09–1.29) regions of India had higher odds of high social cohesion compared to those in the Northern region. This study provides valuable insights into the determinants of social cohesion among older individuals in India. It highlights the interconnected nature of economic, demographic, and health-related factors in shaping social bonds.

Older people value their independence and prefer to live in an environment they are familiar with and can benefit substantially from vital communities. The objective of this study is to examine the theorised contribution of vital communities to successful ageing in place, as increasing numbers of older people in western societies, are living longer independently at home, while their need for support gradually increases. A modified Delphi study was conducted and consisted of two stages. In the first stage, we conducted two panel discussions in order to develop statements representing the theorised contribution of the features of vital communities to the key themes of ageing in place. This was followed by the second stage which had three online Delphi rounds, and which aimed to reach a consensus among 126 international experts concerning the theorised contribution. The findings of this study showed a consensus among the experts about aspects that show the positive contribution with regard to the aim of vital communities (quality of life, belonging), and all the key themes of ageing in place (place, technology, social networks, support, personal characteristics). However, experts nuanced the theorised contribution of the mechanisms and typical characteristics of vital communities and the key theme of technology. According to the experts, whether technology contribute depends on the skills of older people and the type of technology. The findings of this study imply that vital communities could facilitate older people to age in place for as long as possible, while maintaining their quality of life.

It is thought that age is an important factor in hopelessness and death anxiety, particularly in older adults during an epidemic disease like COVID-19, where death rates are high. This study was conducted to examine hopelessness and death anxiety in patients aged 65 and over who were diagnosed with COVID-19. The study was conducted between March and April 2021 in a pandemic hospital specially designated to combat the COVID-19 outbreak, with 100 patients who agreed to participate in the study. Personal information form, Beck hopelessness scale and Death anxiety scale were used to collect data. The mean Beck Hopelessness score of the patients was 6.57 ± 3.085 and the mean Death Anxiety Scale was 9.16 ± 2.242. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of Beck hopelessness and education level (p = 0.001) and between the mean scores of Beck hopelessness and age (p = 0.037) of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who are aged 65 and over. In addition, a statistically significant difference was found between the ages of the patients and their mean scores on the death anxiety scale (p = 0.023), and between the mean scores of the death anxiety scale and the condition of having a chronic disease (p = 0.001). In the light of the obtained data, certain social services can be put into practice to reduce/prevent the affection of the epidemic on older adults people.

This study examined racial and ethnic disparities in self-reported cognitive difficulty among older adults in New York City and whether physical health, family structure, and individual and neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) partially accounted for the association between race and ethnicity and self-reported cognitive difficulty. This study merged data from the American Community Survey 2019 and New York City Community District Profiles. Cognitive difficulty was measured by a dichotomous variable indicating whether a respondent self-reported having cognitive difficulty. Multilevel logistic regressions were used to examine the research questions. Results suggested that Latinos/Hispanics had the highest odds of reporting cognitive difficulty across groups. Physical health and individual SES were common attributes linked to disparities among Latinos/Hispanics and Blacks compared to Whites. Neighborhood SES contributed to the disparity for Latinos/Hispanics, whereas family structure was a unique attribute for Blacks. No significant factor was identified for disparities between Asians and Whites. Our findings shed light on intervention directions to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in cognitive difficulty.

Purpose of the Research

The aim of this study was to investigate associations between physical activity and risk of sarcopenia in middle-aged adults.

Methods

This was a longitudinal study based on a subset of UK Biobank data consisting of 1,918 participants (902 men and 1,016 women, mean age 56 years) who had no sarcopenia at baseline based on the criteria of European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2). The participants were assessed again after 6 years at follow-up, and were categorized into no sarcopenia, probable sarcopenia, or sarcopenia using EWGSOP2. Physical activity was assessed at baseline using 7-day acceleration data that were analysed to obtain physical activity dose at different intensities. Multinominal logistic regression was employed to examine the association between the incidence of sarcopenia and physical activity dose, between baseline and follow up, controlled for other factors at baseline including age, sex, BMI, smoking status, intake of alcohol, vitamin D and calcium, history of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, secondary osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes.

Results

Among the 1918 participants with no sarcopenia at baseline, 230 (69 men and 161 women) developed probable sarcopenia and 37 (14 men and 23 women) developed sarcopenia at follow-up. Logistic regression models showed that increase in physical activity dose at moderate-to-vigorous intensity significantly reduced the risk of sarcopenia (odds ratio=0.368, p<0.05), but not probable sarcopenia (odds ratio=0.974, p>0.05), while physical activity dose at light or very light activity intensity were not associated with the risk of sarcopenia or probable sarcopenia (p>0.05).

Conclusions

Physical activity at moderate-to-vigorous intensity could reduce risk of sarcopenia in middle-aged adults.

No other studies have investigated the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on discrimination, attitudes, empathy, and body perception toward older adults. The study aimed to investigate the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on discrimination, attitudes, empathy, and body perception in older care students. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with a total of 53 older adult care students. Participants were randomized to the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Group (CBTG) (n: 25) and Control Group (CG) (n: 28). Participants in the CBTG group received a four-module training on discrimination, attitudes, empathy, and body perception in terms of older care. Individuals were assessed before and after the intervention with the Ageism Attitude Scale (ADAS), the Kogan Scale of Attitudes Toward Older People (KAOP), and the Children’s Cognitive, Affective and Somatic Empathy Scales (CASES). A significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding the KAOP score (p < 0.05). The KAOP score of CBTG increased significantly after the intervention (p < 0.05). In addition, a significant improvement was observed in the ADAS (Negative discrimination towards older adults) score of the individuals in the intervention group (p < 0.05). The ADAS-negative discrimination score of the individuals in the CBTG group was higher than the control group (p < 0.05). Cognitive-behavioral training improved students’ attitudes toward older adults and negative discrimination. CBT is an effective method for improving discrimination and attitudes towards older adults.