Ageing International最新文献

Grandparent alienation and the discontinuity of grandparent-grandchild relationships have been largely overlooked in social science research, despite the fact that the salience of the grandparent-grandchild attachment bond is the subject of considerable discussion. This article reports the results of the first-known study examining the experiences of grandparents who have never seen their grandchildren. Sixty-four grandparents participated in an in-depth research project examining their lived experiences and the challenges associated with being excluded from the lives of their grandchildren. Results reveal a number of surprising findings, and contrast the experiences of alienated grandparents who have never seen their grandchildren with previous research on grandparents who were alienated subsequent to a pre-existing relationship with their grandchildren. Grandparent alienation has profoundly negative consequences for grandparents, and this has important implications for socio-legal policy and therapeutic practice.

With an increase in the aging population, successful aging has become a worldwide requirement. Healthy cognitive functioning is an essential element of successful aging. Therefore, the present study intended to examine the influence of perceived social support and life purpose on cognitive functioning. The present study has employed a correlational research design. The sample comprised 140 middle-aged adults (ages 35 to 55 years) who were recruited through the purposive sampling technique. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Purpose in Life scale and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used as assessment measures. Findings indicated that cognitive functioning has a significant positive relationship with life purpose and perceived social support. Furthermore, purpose in life and family and friends support found to explain the significant amount of variance in cognitive functioning even after controlling for the effects of age and education of the participants. To conclude, a higher sense of purpose in life and perceived social support tend to protect cognitive functioning in middle age. Therefore, the present study findings have implicated a practical way for healthcare providers for the prevention of cognitive impairment and promotion of successful aging.

The study aimed to assess the prevalence of probable and non-probable sarcopenia among older adults in Pakistan and to compare the quality of life (QoL) between those identified as probable sarcopenic and non-probable sarcopenic. A cross-sectional study involving 387 older adults (226 males, 161 females) was conducted from July to December 2023. Anyone taking drugs affecting neuromuscular system and/or having a history of upper limb fracture were excluded. In accordance with the diagnostic criteria outlined by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP-2) consensus, the risk of sarcopenia was screened using the SARC-F questionnaire, followed by handgrip strength assessment with a handheld dynamometer. Physical performance, fall risk, and QoL were evaluated using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Fall Efficacy Scale (FES), and EuroQOL (EQ-5D-5 L), respectively. Among 387 participants, 180 (46.3%) had lower muscle strength, indicating probable sarcopenia, with a higher prevalence in females (55.9%) than males (39.4%). Although overall QoL scores showed no significant difference between probable and non-probable sarcopenia groups, the probable sarcopenic reported significantly higher pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression levels (p = 0.001) in EuroQoL domains. Severe restrictions in usual activities and severe anxiety/depression were also more frequent in the probable sarcopenia group, emphasizing the widespread physical and mental effects of sarcopenia. The high prevalence (> 40%) of probable sarcopenia among older adults in Pakistan highlights the importance of routine screening during clinical visits. Early detection may help identify individuals at risk, enabling timely intervention to potentially prevent further health decline and improve quality of life. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of these measures.

The ageing population is a complex demographic process, and its implications for care have become a major global social issue. As the needs for care increase and grow longer in time, the challenges facing protection systems intensify. Living in rural areas is often an added difficulty in the access of older adults to care services. At this crossroads, the role of science is essential to articulate innovative, effective, and sustainable responses, from the approach of evidence-based practice. To undertake a review of the literature on long-term care for older adults living in rural areas, a bibliometric analysis (using VOSviewer and CiteSpace software) and a thematic synthesis have been conducted on 372 scientific articles. A growing interest in research on the subject is identified through the progressive increase in the number of publications. The study also reveals an evolution of scientific interest going from care that is biomedical in nature, centred in situations of dependency, to approaches inspired by person-centred care, focused on promoting autonomy. It is also noted that international collaborations are limited and studies do not often analyse the gender issue, which is key in both formal and informal care systems. This study aims to be a reference work for researchers, academics, practitioners and policymakers by offering a broad analysis of the state of the science on its subject.

In the current Portuguese population context 21% of people are aged 65 or over. This demographic phenomenon leads to a series of challenges like being exposed to. This study aimed to evaluate how resilience, loneliness, social support, sense of community, and ageism relate to neglect indicators according to gender and according to area of residence. The final sample consisted of 1101 Portuguese older adults aged 65 or over. The results showed that higher ageism and lower social support correlated with increased neglect in older women, while higher ageism and lower resilience were predictors in men. In rural areas, ageism and loneliness were key factors, whereas in urban areas, ageism, loneliness, and lower social support were significant. The multifaceted nature of neglect among Portuguese older adults is underscored, revealing the critical influence of ageism, gender and area of residence.

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.