Ageing International最新文献

India, classified as a lower-middle-income country, is witnessing a significant rise in its older adult (60+) population. Despite this demographic shift, there remains a limited understanding of the factors affecting quality of life (QOL) among older adults in India. The present study aimed to assess the QOL using the WHOQOL-BREF scale and identify the factors influencing the older adult population in the Siwan district of Bihar, India. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 476 older adults aged 60 years and older during 2021-22. The WHOQOL-BREF tool was utilized to measure the QOL, with data entry was carried out in Microsoft Excel and statistical analysis conducted using STATA v 16.0. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, box plots, and mean ± SD, were employed to summarize overall and domain-specific QOL scores. Inferential statistics, such as t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis, was used to explore the relationships between various factors and the QOL. The study found an average QOL score of 44.9 ± 8.9, with the lowest scores in the physical domain (40.6 ± 9.4) and the highest in the social relationship domain (53.1 ± 17.6). The key determinants of the QOL were found to be the age group 70–79 years [β = −6.19, 95% CI: −7.86, −4.51], aged 80 years and older [β = −10.38, 95% CI: −12.74, −8.03], single marital status [β = −2.17, 95% CI: −3.69, −0.65], being OBC category [β = 3.30, 95% CI: 1.17, 5.42], being General caste [β = 6.50, 95% CI: 3.95, 9.05], and being Muslim [β = −2.75, 95% CI: −4.59, −0.91]. The study highlighted that QOL tends to decline with increasing age, while higher caste status is linked to better QOL. Among the factors examined, age, marital status, caste, and religion were found to be the most significant determinants influencing the well-being of older adults.

In Indian society, ‘filial piety’ or ‘seva’ is the norm, where younger family members, especially sons and grandchildren, care for older parents. In the past, older individuals were highly esteemed and were key to family decision-making, and they received social security support from the younger generation. Decreasing fertility and increasing adult migration have reduced the number of young generations to older adult care, especially in rural areas. The economic status of older parents and household dynamics influence living arrangements, which were independently explored in previous studies. Using micro-level survey data, this study describes household and economic dynamics and explores the perceptions of older parents who live alone or only with their spouses, aiming to identify the most suitable theoretical model(s) for understanding intergenerational relations in contemporary India. The study reveals that 28% of households were one-generation, 28% were two-generation, and 44% had three or more generations. About 29% of older parents lived alone or with only their spouse, whereas 37% of parents of migrants lived alone or with only their spouse. Furthermore, parents with migrant sons were more likely to live alone or only with their spouses. Parents who own farmland were less likely to live alone or only with their spouses. Economic stability and property ownership enable multiple generations to live alongside each other. Older parents prioritize their children’s well-being over personal comfort, often due to concerns about financial constraints, altruism, and family ties. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for policymakers and social service providers to create tailored initiatives for older individuals with diverse needs and preferences.

This scoping review examines the healthcare needs, barriers, and practices of refugee older adults, with a focus on their healthcare access and utilization. Refugee older adults were defined as refugees who are 55 years of age or older. Utilizing the JBI methodology for scoping reviews, this study analyzed the data extracted from sources published in English between January 2010 and February 2024. Refugee older adults’ healthcare needs were: culturally safe healthcare needs, illness related healthcare needs, and support for activities of daily living. Major barriers to healthcare access and utilization were financial constraints, language and communication challenges, transportation difficulties, and systemic inefficiencies and resource constraints. Their healthcare seeking behaviors and practices were shaped by their health literacy levels, and cultural and religious beliefs. A significant preference for culturally safe, and community-based, healthcare interventions influenced by ‘traditional’ practices and family support was noted. The findings stress the need for healthcare policies that integrate the diverse needs of older refugees, that involve enhancements in language support, transportation access, and the development of inclusive and culturally-safe healthcare provision models to improve their health and wellbeing.

Sleep quality significantly impacts physical and mental health. Given the importance of emotional health particularly for older individuals, the relationship between sleep quality and emotional well-being among the older adults in Kermanshah City was examined. A correlational study was carried out through an analytical approach with participation of a group of older adults from Kermanshah in 2023. Four hundred participants aged 65 and above were selected through a multistage sampling process incorporating clustering and simple randomization methods. Data collection tools were demographic forms, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and assessments for positive and negative effects. There was an equal gender distribution in the participants, with a mean age of 76.51 years. The mean sleep quality score was 8.9, with mean scores for positive and negative emotions equal to 29.65 and 25.86, respectively. In addition, 90% of participants reported poor sleep quality. A strong and significant inverse correlation was found between sleep quality scores and positive emotional states (r = -0.69); and a direct, strong correlation with negative emotional states (r = 0.73). There is significant correlation between sleep quality and the emotional states of the older adults. Improved sleep quality may enhance emotional well-being. Developing effective interventions is crucial and necessary. Such measures could substantially contribute to the well-being in this age group, potentially reducing healthcare costs and the social burdens of related issues.

Increased forgetfulness is often associated with aging and to date there is no well-defined pharmacological intervention to prevent it. Music has shown to be a powerful tool to be used not only in rehabilitation processes but also to study brain function. We here briefly overview the current knowledge about memory decline in aging and the role of music in it. We further present the most recent innovations in neuroimaging research aimed at identifying neurophysiological biomarkers of aging and age-related brain decline by using music. Identifying the brain regions involved in memory processes related to complex temporal information such as the one conveyed by music could provide potential targets to neuromodulatory interventions and be used to improve memory in the older adults.

Both cognitive reserves and physical fitness are cumulatively developed and strengthened over the lifespan through sustained exercise, learning, and socializing. Maintaining optimal cognitive and physical abilities or motor performance is a leading approach for preventing aging-related decline in neurocognitive or neuromotor skills. Older adults with strong bodies and resilient brains are less likely to develop neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s diseases, and can mitigate the negative impact of these disorders on mental and physical well-being. Furthermore, older adults who possess robust physical health and cognitive resilience are less likely to experience falls or traumatic brain injuries. The aim of this scoping review is to understand and integrate the literature on the mutual benefits of physical fitness and cognitive reserves in building a successful or productive aging process. This scoping review employed a focused, evidence-based methodology that required adherence to a structured approach to ensure the identification and inclusion of the most relevant studies. Empirical evidence indicates that older adults who maintain strong physical health and cognitive resilience experience enhanced physical fitness and mental health. From a neuromotor perspective, this review summarizes the key characteristics of cognitive and physical competence in older adults, discusses the behavioral, psychological, and neural factors of optimal aging, while synthesizing research on brain potential and mental hygiene. Finally, suggestions for future research on healthy aging will be presented."

The aim of this study was to assess the longitudinal associations between living alone and eight mental health indicators and mortality in ageing adults from 2015 to 2022 in rural South Africa. The analysis utilized data from the South African 7-year longitudinal Health and Ageing in Africa: A Longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH Community in South Africa (HAALSI) (analytic sample: n = 3,707, aged 40 years and older). The proportion of living alone was 9.3% in 2015, 10.6% in 2019 and 12.0% in 2022. In the adjusted model, living alone was positively associated depressive symptoms, loneliness, impaired cognition, current tobacco use, and mortality. Compared to not living alone in all three study waves, living alone in one wave and/or two to three waves was positively associated with incident loneliness, incident current tobacco use, and incident current heavy alcohol use. Living alone was positively associated with the prevalence and/or incidence of depressive symptoms, loneliness, impaired cognition, current tobacco use, current heavy alcohol use and mortality. Enhanced screening and management of living alone may reduce mental ill-health in South Africa.

We investigated characteristics and differences in activities of daily living (ADL) disability incidence according to gender, age, and frailty status in 4,985 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 65 years living in Japan. ADL disability is care level ≥ 2 in long-term care insurance. The cumulative care incidence over 6 years was compared. In the 6-year period, 654 older adults exhibited ADL disability. Age effect was most strongly related to ADL disability occurrence, followed by frailty status. Gender differences were observed in the 75–84-year-old pre-frail and robust groups. ADL disability incidence was higher in men, with a higher prevalence of low cognitive function and depression risk; at 75–84 years of age, men became ADL disabled, which was earlier than women. Therefore, gender differences must be considered for older adults in the 75–84-year age group when examining risk of long-term care and frailty as an outcome.

Old age is often marked by a frail physique, low energy, and compromised immunity, exacerbated by various ailments. Cognitive impairment, a neuropsychological disorder, is a growing concern among older adults. To promote good health and well-being, the study aims to identify the contributing factors to cognitive decline within India’s aging population. Data were obtained from the Gateway to Global Ageing portal, specifically the harmonized Longitudinal Ageing Study in India, version A.3 (2017–2021). A total of 27,862 older adults were included in this study. The cognitive measures were adapted from the cognition module of the Health and Retirement Study (SRH). Descriptive statistics, along with binary logistic regression analysis were employed for the study. The data reveals that 89.3% of older adults have normal cognition, while 10.3% experience cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment is strongly linked to the oldest-old population and lack of education. Females, particularly in rural areas and with non-traditional marital status are more susceptible. There is an increasing trend of cognitive impairment among scheduled castes, Muslims, BPL, and illiterate households. Furthermore, individuals who lack physical activity (odds ratio 1.48, 95% CI: 1.35–1.61, p-value < 0.001), abstain from yoga/meditation (odds ratio 1.27, 95% CI: 1.07–1.51, p-value < 0.005) and suffer from malnutrition (odds ratio 1.90, 95% CI: 1.54–2.57, p-value < 0.001) face an elevated risk of cognitive impairment. The study recommends implementing a geriatric female caregiving policy to enable early screening and intervention for cognitive impairment. It also emphasizes addressing the needs of older adults, particularly those from economically and socially disadvantaged groups.