Robert Devereux, Justine M. Naylor, Serena Hong, Thuy Anh Bui, Jacqueline Close, Christopher Wall, Jamie Hallen, Danielle Ní Chróinín
Objective
To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of early supported discharge programmes (ESDP) for low-trauma hip fracture (LTHF) patients.
Methods
We distributed a survey exploring hospital and patient demographics, length of stay (LOS), service provision patterns, eligibility criteria and outcome monitoring to 82 public Australian hospitals participating in the Australian and New Zealand Hip Fracture Registry (ANZHFR) (90% national coverage).
Results
Amongst 35 hospitals (response rate 43%), 23 (66%) reported providing Hospital in the Home (HITH) or Rehabilitation in the Home (RITH) programmes, though none were specific to hip fracture. Hospitals offering these programmes had shorter acute length of stay (LOS) compared to those without (9.41 vs. 11.33 days, p = 0.04). The use of HITH/RITH was lower in hospitals where > 30% of patients were from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds (50% vs. 71%) or where > 25% spoke a language other than English and required a translator (57% vs. 74%). There was variability in ESDP staffing, with physiotherapists (87%), occupational therapists (84%) and nurses (82%) being the most frequently provided. The most common eligibility criterion was living in a geographical area covered by the programme (92%). Outcomes routinely monitored included readmissions (66%), LOS (savings) (61%) and complications (45%).
Conclusions
Early supported discharge programmes are commonly implemented in Australian public hospitals, but programme variability highlights potential inequities in access and service delivery. Standardising programme models and reporting practices, along with incorporating patient and carer-reported outcomes, could enhance the effectiveness of ESDP for LTHF patients.
{"title":"Survey of Early Supported Discharge Programmes for Low-Trauma Hip Fracture Patients in Australian Public Hospitals","authors":"Robert Devereux, Justine M. Naylor, Serena Hong, Thuy Anh Bui, Jacqueline Close, Christopher Wall, Jamie Hallen, Danielle Ní Chróinín","doi":"10.1111/ajag.70115","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajag.70115","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of early supported discharge programmes (ESDP) for low-trauma hip fracture (LTHF) patients.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We distributed a survey exploring hospital and patient demographics, length of stay (LOS), service provision patterns, eligibility criteria and outcome monitoring to 82 public Australian hospitals participating in the Australian and New Zealand Hip Fracture Registry (ANZHFR) (90% national coverage).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Amongst 35 hospitals (response rate 43%), 23 (66%) reported providing Hospital in the Home (HITH) or Rehabilitation in the Home (RITH) programmes, though none were specific to hip fracture. Hospitals offering these programmes had shorter acute length of stay (LOS) compared to those without (9.41 vs. 11.33 days, <i>p</i> = 0.04). The use of HITH/RITH was lower in hospitals where > 30% of patients were from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds (50% vs. 71%) or where > 25% spoke a language other than English and required a translator (57% vs. 74%). There was variability in ESDP staffing, with physiotherapists (87%), occupational therapists (84%) and nurses (82%) being the most frequently provided. The most common eligibility criterion was living in a geographical area covered by the programme (92%). Outcomes routinely monitored included readmissions (66%), LOS (savings) (61%) and complications (45%).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Early supported discharge programmes are commonly implemented in Australian public hospitals, but programme variability highlights potential inequities in access and service delivery. Standardising programme models and reporting practices, along with incorporating patient and carer-reported outcomes, could enhance the effectiveness of ESDP for LTHF patients.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"44 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145727280","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Georgina A. Hughes, Maria C. Inacio, Debra Rowett, Catherine Lang, Robert N. Jorissen, Megan Corlis, Janet K. Sluggett
Objective
Improving the quality of care transitions among older people living in residential aged care homes (RACHs) is an area of national and international concern and priority. Pathways for entry to RACHs between the community, hospital and RACH services have not been longitudinally examined in Australia. This study aimed to characterise older people's care transitions preceding permanent RACH entry.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study using linked, cross-sectoral data from the Registry of Senior Australians National Historical Cohort was conducted. Non-Indigenous individuals aged 65–105 years who entered RACHs in two Australian states during 2015–2019 were included. Transitions between community-based care settings, hospitals, temporary RACH services and permanent RACHs were characterised and summarised with descriptive statistics.
Results
In total, 102,821 individuals entered 1058 RACHs. Overall, one in five residents (22%, n = 22,994) directly entered permanent care in a RACH from the community. The most complex entry to care pathway was also the most common pathway, with 27% (n = 28,155) of residents transitioning from hospital to a temporary RACH service before entering a RACH permanently.
Conclusions
This study found older people often undergo multiple and frequently complex transitions between care settings before entering a RACH permanently. These findings highlight the need for new policies to prioritise the safety and high quality of care transitions among this population. Timely and complete information handover is important to optimise continuity of care, and healthcare professionals should be cognisant that older people often transition to new care settings that may not be permanent.
{"title":"Transitions of Care Among Older People Entering Residential Aged Care Homes","authors":"Georgina A. Hughes, Maria C. Inacio, Debra Rowett, Catherine Lang, Robert N. Jorissen, Megan Corlis, Janet K. Sluggett","doi":"10.1111/ajag.70116","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajag.70116","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Improving the quality of care transitions among older people living in residential aged care homes (RACHs) is an area of national and international concern and priority. Pathways for entry to RACHs between the community, hospital and RACH services have not been longitudinally examined in Australia. This study aimed to characterise older people's care transitions preceding permanent RACH entry.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A retrospective cohort study using linked, cross-sectoral data from the Registry of Senior Australians National Historical Cohort was conducted. Non-Indigenous individuals aged 65–105 years who entered RACHs in two Australian states during 2015–2019 were included. Transitions between community-based care settings, hospitals, temporary RACH services and permanent RACHs were characterised and summarised with descriptive statistics.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In total, 102,821 individuals entered 1058 RACHs. Overall, one in five residents (22%, <i>n</i> = 22,994) directly entered permanent care in a RACH from the community. The most complex entry to care pathway was also the most common pathway, with 27% (<i>n</i> = 28,155) of residents transitioning from hospital to a temporary RACH service before entering a RACH permanently.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study found older people often undergo multiple and frequently complex transitions between care settings before entering a RACH permanently. These findings highlight the need for new policies to prioritise the safety and high quality of care transitions among this population. Timely and complete information handover is important to optimise continuity of care, and healthcare professionals should be cognisant that older people often transition to new care settings that may not be permanent.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"44 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145727235","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jeni Warburton, Mehak Oberai, Connor Forbes, Zhiwei Xu, Aaron Bach, Ella Jackman, Sarah Cunningham, Sebastian Binnewies, Shannon Rutherford, Steven Baker
Objective: Digital technology increasingly plays an important role in supporting older adults to live longer and healthier lives. However, research consistently identifies barriers to technology usage for some older adults, particularly as they age. This study draws on data from a survey of older adults (aged 65 years and older) to improve our understanding of the role that confidence with technology plays in older adults' technology acceptance.
Methods: We analysed technology usage and acceptance data from 547 Queensland older adults (53% male, 47% female) gathered as part of a larger survey examining how technology may assist the development of an in-home heat early warning system for older Queenslanders. Respondents fell within five age range groups, 65-69 years (24%), 70-74 years (29%), 75-79 years (28%), 80-84 years (12%) and 85+ (7%).
Results: Respondents from the highest age range groups were more apprehensive about, and were slower to adopt, new technologies. Moreover, overall use of technology also declined with age, implying the need to consider ageing cohorts when considering technology acceptance. When looking at digital confidence, our results highlight that age was the only independent variable that predicted (inversely) digital confidence, and somewhat counterintuitively, frustration with technology. This may suggest that older cohorts avoid using new technology to avoid the risk of frustration.
Conclusions: Results from the survey data add to our knowledge of the patterns of technology usage and acceptance by older adults. Our analysis underscores the need to consider variables such as confidence or frustration with technology when considering whether cutting-edge technologies will benefit older users.
{"title":"Factors Associated With Digital Confidence and Use of Technology Among Older Queenslanders.","authors":"Jeni Warburton, Mehak Oberai, Connor Forbes, Zhiwei Xu, Aaron Bach, Ella Jackman, Sarah Cunningham, Sebastian Binnewies, Shannon Rutherford, Steven Baker","doi":"10.1111/ajag.70117","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.70117","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Digital technology increasingly plays an important role in supporting older adults to live longer and healthier lives. However, research consistently identifies barriers to technology usage for some older adults, particularly as they age. This study draws on data from a survey of older adults (aged 65 years and older) to improve our understanding of the role that confidence with technology plays in older adults' technology acceptance.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We analysed technology usage and acceptance data from 547 Queensland older adults (53% male, 47% female) gathered as part of a larger survey examining how technology may assist the development of an in-home heat early warning system for older Queenslanders. Respondents fell within five age range groups, 65-69 years (24%), 70-74 years (29%), 75-79 years (28%), 80-84 years (12%) and 85+ (7%).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Respondents from the highest age range groups were more apprehensive about, and were slower to adopt, new technologies. Moreover, overall use of technology also declined with age, implying the need to consider ageing cohorts when considering technology acceptance. When looking at digital confidence, our results highlight that age was the only independent variable that predicted (inversely) digital confidence, and somewhat counterintuitively, frustration with technology. This may suggest that older cohorts avoid using new technology to avoid the risk of frustration.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Results from the survey data add to our knowledge of the patterns of technology usage and acceptance by older adults. Our analysis underscores the need to consider variables such as confidence or frustration with technology when considering whether cutting-edge technologies will benefit older users.</p>","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"44 4","pages":"e70117"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145758437","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hyun-Young Moon, Yoon Young Choi, Kyeong-Jin Lee, Kyeong-Hee Lee
Objectives
Pronunciation difficulties in older adults frequently stem from age-related weakening of the oral muscles, necessitating accessible and engaging training approaches. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of oral muscle strengthening exercises using immersive educational content to improve pronunciation in older adults.
Methods
Individuals aged 65 years and older were screened using the Speech Mechanism Screening Test. Those classified as normal were assigned to receive oral muscle strengthening exercises combined with realistic educational content twice per week for 6 weeks. To assess improvements in pronunciation, the following measures were evaluated: Total Percentage of Consonants Correct (PCC), Proportion of Whole-Word Correctness (PWC), Phonological Mean Length of Utterance (PMLU), Proportion of Whole-Word Proximity (PWP) and Percentage of Vowels Correct (PVC). Additionally, phonological error patterns were analysed.
Results
According to repeated-measures ANOVA, the intervention group showed significantly greater improvements than the control group post-intervention in PCC (from 97.87 at baseline to 98.99 post-intervention, p = 0.003), PWC (from 0.91 to 0.96, p < 0.001) and PMLU (from 8.49 to 8.53, p = 0.03). Vowel change errors significantly decreased (from 0.80 to 0.40, p = 0.04).
Conclusions
Oral muscle strengthening exercises that incorporate immersive educational content are effective in improving selected pronunciation outcomes in older adults. These findings therefore suggest that these exercises may serve as feasible interventions for enhancing speech intelligibility in this population.
{"title":"Effectiveness of Immersive Oral Muscle Training on Pronunciation in Older Adults: A Randomised Trial","authors":"Hyun-Young Moon, Yoon Young Choi, Kyeong-Jin Lee, Kyeong-Hee Lee","doi":"10.1111/ajag.70112","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.70112","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Pronunciation difficulties in older adults frequently stem from age-related weakening of the oral muscles, necessitating accessible and engaging training approaches. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of oral muscle strengthening exercises using immersive educational content to improve pronunciation in older adults.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Individuals aged 65 years and older were screened using the Speech Mechanism Screening Test. Those classified as normal were assigned to receive oral muscle strengthening exercises combined with realistic educational content twice per week for 6 weeks. To assess improvements in pronunciation, the following measures were evaluated: Total Percentage of Consonants Correct (PCC), Proportion of Whole-Word Correctness (PWC), Phonological Mean Length of Utterance (PMLU), Proportion of Whole-Word Proximity (PWP) and Percentage of Vowels Correct (PVC). Additionally, phonological error patterns were analysed.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>According to repeated-measures ANOVA, the intervention group showed significantly greater improvements than the control group post-intervention in PCC (from 97.87 at baseline to 98.99 post-intervention, <i>p</i> = 0.003), PWC (from 0.91 to 0.96, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and PMLU (from 8.49 to 8.53, <i>p</i> = 0.03). Vowel change errors significantly decreased (from 0.80 to 0.40, <i>p</i> = 0.04).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Oral muscle strengthening exercises that incorporate immersive educational content are effective in improving selected pronunciation outcomes in older adults. These findings therefore suggest that these exercises may serve as feasible interventions for enhancing speech intelligibility in this population.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"44 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145626441","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sónia Patrícia Vilar Martins, Hélder Fernando Cerqueira Alves, Joana Madalena Tavares Martins Guedes, Maria Helena Sarmento Margarido, Sílvia Freitas
Objectives
Social isolation and loneliness among older people are widespread, with an impact on physical and mental health. Cycling Without Age (CWA) is an international cycling programme developed to minimise social isolation and loneliness in older people. It involves trishaw (electric bicycle) rides in the open air, led by volunteer riders. This study aimed to analyse the effects of CWA intervention on loneliness and social isolation among older people living in Porto, Portugal.
Methods
Older adults (aged 55 years or older) living in the community or a nursing home were included. The intervention comprised at least four bicycle rides, with a duration between 30 and 60 min. A research protocol was applied before and after the intervention, which included the UCLA Loneliness Scale and the Abbreviated Lubben Social Network Scale.
Results
A total of 47 participants (median age = 85 years) completed the intervention. Participants were mostly female (81%), widowed (66%) and living in nursing homes (72%). A statistically significant decrease in loneliness was found after the intervention (Median [IQR]_after = 24.0 [16.0] vs. before = 17.0 [6.0]; p < 0.05).
Discussion
This preliminary work highlights the positive effect the CWA intervention may have on loneliness among older adults, which is consistent with other CWA programme studies. However, future research is required to evaluate whether these effects persist over time.
目标：老年人普遍存在社会孤立和孤独感，对身心健康造成影响。无年龄骑行（CWA）是一项国际骑行计划，旨在最大限度地减少老年人的社会隔离和孤独感。它包括在志愿者的带领下在户外骑三轮车（电动自行车）。本研究旨在分析CWA干预对生活在葡萄牙波尔图的老年人的孤独感和社会孤立的影响。方法：老年人（55岁或以上）生活在社区或养老院。干预包括至少四次骑自行车，持续时间在30到60分钟之间。干预前后分别采用UCLA孤独感量表和简略Lubben社交网络量表。结果：共有47名参与者（中位年龄= 85岁）完成了干预。参与者大多是女性（81%），丧偶（66%）和住在养老院（72%）。干预后孤独感有统计学意义的降低(Median [IQR]_after = 24.0 [16.0] vs. before = 17.0 [6.0]； p讨论：这项初步工作强调了CWA干预可能对老年人孤独感产生的积极影响，这与其他CWA计划研究一致。然而，未来的研究需要评估这些影响是否会持续一段时间。
{"title":"Cycling Without Age Intervention: Effects on Loneliness, Social Isolation and Life Satisfaction of Older People","authors":"Sónia Patrícia Vilar Martins, Hélder Fernando Cerqueira Alves, Joana Madalena Tavares Martins Guedes, Maria Helena Sarmento Margarido, Sílvia Freitas","doi":"10.1111/ajag.70111","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajag.70111","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Social isolation and loneliness among older people are widespread, with an impact on physical and mental health. Cycling Without Age (CWA) is an international cycling programme developed to minimise social isolation and loneliness in older people. It involves trishaw (electric bicycle) rides in the open air, led by volunteer riders. This study aimed to analyse the effects of CWA intervention on loneliness and social isolation among older people living in Porto, Portugal.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Older adults (aged 55 years or older) living in the community or a nursing home were included. The intervention comprised at least four bicycle rides, with a duration between 30 and 60 min. A research protocol was applied before and after the intervention, which included the UCLA Loneliness Scale and the Abbreviated Lubben Social Network Scale.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A total of 47 participants (median age = 85 years) completed the intervention. Participants were mostly female (81%), widowed (66%) and living in nursing homes (72%). A statistically significant decrease in loneliness was found after the intervention (Median [IQR]_after = 24.0 [16.0] vs. before = 17.0 [6.0]; <i>p</i> < 0.05).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This preliminary work highlights the positive effect the CWA intervention may have on loneliness among older adults, which is consistent with other CWA programme studies. However, future research is required to evaluate whether these effects persist over time.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"44 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ajag.70111","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145607449","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Francesc March de Ribot, Hans Ulrich Bergler, Patrick Dawes, Hamish Jamieson
Objective
This study provides an analysis of the epidemiology of vision/hearing impairments among frail older adults in New Zealand.
Methods
Data of older adults assessed using standardised interRAI Home Care and Long-Term Care Facility instruments between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2020 underwent retrospective analyses of vision and hearing impairment. The use of vision and hearing examinations and aids is reported.
Results
We analysed 48,038 assessments comprising 65% females and a mean age of 82.2 (SD 8.4) years. Considering moderate difficulty or worse disability to have a meaningful impact on individuals, the prevalence was 19% for hearing and 10% for vision impairment. Dual sensory impairment as per the Deafblind Severity Index was present among 7% of our sample. Regular hearing examinations were undertaken by 31% of people living at home, dropping to 21% in care facilities, whereas regular vision testing decreased from 55% to 32% among those living in care facilities. Although 72% of the sample living in an aged residential care facility used visual aids, only 20% used hearing aids.
Conclusions
The majority in this cohort (~80%) reported adequate vision and ability to hear or minimal impairment, and half the cohort experienced dual sensory impairment. Access to hearing and vision assessments was less among those in aged residential care compared with those receiving support at home, and examinations and aids to overcome hearing impairment were less frequently used than aids for visual impairment. Further research is required to understand the reasons behind these observations.
{"title":"Epidemiology of Vision and Hearing Impairment in Older Community Dwelling Adults in New Zealand","authors":"Francesc March de Ribot, Hans Ulrich Bergler, Patrick Dawes, Hamish Jamieson","doi":"10.1111/ajag.70110","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajag.70110","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study provides an analysis of the epidemiology of vision/hearing impairments among frail older adults in New Zealand.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Data of older adults assessed using standardised interRAI Home Care and Long-Term Care Facility instruments between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2020 underwent retrospective analyses of vision and hearing impairment. The use of vision and hearing examinations and aids is reported.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We analysed 48,038 assessments comprising 65% females and a mean age of 82.2 (SD 8.4) years. Considering moderate difficulty or worse disability to have a meaningful impact on individuals, the prevalence was 19% for hearing and 10% for vision impairment. Dual sensory impairment as per the Deafblind Severity Index was present among 7% of our sample. Regular hearing examinations were undertaken by 31% of people living at home, dropping to 21% in care facilities, whereas regular vision testing decreased from 55% to 32% among those living in care facilities. Although 72% of the sample living in an aged residential care facility used visual aids, only 20% used hearing aids.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The majority in this cohort (~80%) reported adequate vision and ability to hear or minimal impairment, and half the cohort experienced dual sensory impairment. Access to hearing and vision assessments was less among those in aged residential care compared with those receiving support at home, and examinations and aids to overcome hearing impairment were less frequently used than aids for visual impairment. Further research is required to understand the reasons behind these observations.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"44 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145508142","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zoë Hyde, Leon Flicker, Richelle Douglas, Sadia Rind, Nadia Rind, Dina LoGiudice, Kate Smith
Objectives
Dementia is the leading cause of burden of disease in older Australians. Older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. This article describes the clinical profile of the first patients seen at a memory clinic established in an Aboriginal community-controlled health service (ACCHS) in metropolitan Perth, Western Australia.
Methods
This was an audit of 64 patients attending a memory clinic between March 2020 and February 2023 (inclusive).
Results
The median age of patients was 67.7 years (range 35–95 years; interquartile range [IQR] 13.4 years) and 34 (53%) were female. The majority (94%) were living independently. Thirty-four patients (53%; 95% confidence interval 41%–65%) were diagnosed with cognitive impairment. A further six (9%) were diagnosed with depression without cognitive impairment. The most common diagnoses in cognitively impaired patients were cognitive impairment not dementia (CIND; 27%); mild neurocognitive disorder (21%); dementia due to Alzheimer's disease (15%); Alzheimer's disease dementia, mixed type (9%); and other mixed dementias (9%). Women were slightly more likely than men to have cognitive impairment (56% vs. 52%), although this was not statistically significant (p = 0.74). The number of Aboriginal people seen in the clinic's first 3 years of operation was over 12 times that seen at a nearby hospital-based service during the same period.
Conclusions
A memory clinic located within an ACCHS was well-attended and fulfilled a need not met by mainstream services. The successful model described in this article could be adopted by other Aboriginal health services.
{"title":"Development of a Memory Clinic at an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Service: Profile of the First Patients","authors":"Zoë Hyde, Leon Flicker, Richelle Douglas, Sadia Rind, Nadia Rind, Dina LoGiudice, Kate Smith","doi":"10.1111/ajag.70106","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajag.70106","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Dementia is the leading cause of burden of disease in older Australians. Older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. This article describes the clinical profile of the first patients seen at a memory clinic established in an Aboriginal community-controlled health service (ACCHS) in metropolitan Perth, Western Australia.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This was an audit of 64 patients attending a memory clinic between March 2020 and February 2023 (inclusive).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The median age of patients was 67.7 years (range 35–95 years; interquartile range [IQR] 13.4 years) and 34 (53%) were female. The majority (94%) were living independently. Thirty-four patients (53%; 95% confidence interval 41%–65%) were diagnosed with cognitive impairment. A further six (9%) were diagnosed with depression without cognitive impairment. The most common diagnoses in cognitively impaired patients were cognitive impairment not dementia (CIND; 27%); mild neurocognitive disorder (21%); dementia due to Alzheimer's disease (15%); Alzheimer's disease dementia, mixed type (9%); and other mixed dementias (9%). Women were slightly more likely than men to have cognitive impairment (56% vs. 52%), although this was not statistically significant (<i>p</i> = 0.74). The number of Aboriginal people seen in the clinic's first 3 years of operation was over 12 times that seen at a nearby hospital-based service during the same period.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A memory clinic located within an ACCHS was well-attended and fulfilled a need not met by mainstream services. The successful model described in this article could be adopted by other Aboriginal health services.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"44 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12580498/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145433229","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Laura A. Dowd, Kaisu H. Pitkälä, Agathe D. Jadczak, Hanna-Maria Roitto, Ulla L. Aalto, Riitta K. T. Saarela, Renuka Visvanathan, Shin J. Liau, Amanda Cross, J. Simon Bell
{"title":"Reply to Letter to the Editor ‘Comment on: Analgesic and Adjuvant Co-Prescribing in Australian and Finnish Residential Care Homes’","authors":"Laura A. Dowd, Kaisu H. Pitkälä, Agathe D. Jadczak, Hanna-Maria Roitto, Ulla L. Aalto, Riitta K. T. Saarela, Renuka Visvanathan, Shin J. Liau, Amanda Cross, J. Simon Bell","doi":"10.1111/ajag.70109","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.70109","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"44 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145407417","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, driven by ageing populations and lifestyle factors, such as obesity and sedentary behaviours. Understanding the global, regional and national trends in OA prevalence is crucial for public health planning and resource allocation.
Methods
This study employed data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database to examine the prevalence of OA from 1990 to 2021. Age-standardised prevalence rates (ASPR) and decomposition analysis were conducted to identify key drivers, including age structure shift, population growth and epidemiological change. An age–period–cohort (APC) model was applied to assess the influence of demographic shifts on OA prevalence. Stratified analyses were conducted by socio-demographic index (SDI) regions to assess disparities in OA burden.
Results
The global number of OA cases rose from 256 million (95% CI: 227–283 million) in 1990 to 607 million (95% CI: 538–671 million) in 2021, with an ASPR of 6967.29 (95% CI: 6180.70–7686.06) per 100,000 individuals. Population growth contributed 74% of this increase, whereas age structure shift accounted for 16%. High SDI regions reported the highest ASPR, with 7897.27 (95% CI: 7067.13–8689.88) per 100,000, compared with 5605.58 (95% CI: 4967.54–6230.60) in low SDI regions.
Conclusions
The global burden of OA has escalated during the last 30 years, particularly in ageing populations. Although population growth and demographic shifts are major drivers, regional disparities highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies and improved healthcare access in lower SDI regions.
{"title":"Global, Regional and National Burden of Osteoarthritis, 1990–2021: A Decomposition and Age–Period–Cohort Analysis","authors":"Yi Li, Wenhui Li, Baozhu Xu, Huangli Zhang, Yuping Huang, Lizhang Xu","doi":"10.1111/ajag.70108","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajag.70108","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, driven by ageing populations and lifestyle factors, such as obesity and sedentary behaviours. Understanding the global, regional and national trends in OA prevalence is crucial for public health planning and resource allocation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study employed data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database to examine the prevalence of OA from 1990 to 2021. Age-standardised prevalence rates (ASPR) and decomposition analysis were conducted to identify key drivers, including age structure shift, population growth and epidemiological change. An age–period–cohort (APC) model was applied to assess the influence of demographic shifts on OA prevalence. Stratified analyses were conducted by socio-demographic index (SDI) regions to assess disparities in OA burden.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The global number of OA cases rose from 256 million (95% CI: 227–283 million) in 1990 to 607 million (95% CI: 538–671 million) in 2021, with an ASPR of 6967.29 (95% CI: 6180.70–7686.06) per 100,000 individuals. Population growth contributed 74% of this increase, whereas age structure shift accounted for 16%. High SDI regions reported the highest ASPR, with 7897.27 (95% CI: 7067.13–8689.88) per 100,000, compared with 5605.58 (95% CI: 4967.54–6230.60) in low SDI regions.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The global burden of OA has escalated during the last 30 years, particularly in ageing populations. Although population growth and demographic shifts are major drivers, regional disparities highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies and improved healthcare access in lower SDI regions.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"44 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145402953","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hümeyra Hançer Tok, Makbule Tokur Kesgin, Lütfiye Nur Uzun
Objective
Ageism is a significant issue among nurses and nursing students and has a negative impact on the care provided to older adults. Education programmes are an effective way of combating ageism among nurses by raising awareness. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of forum theatre training in improving nursing students' attitudes towards ageism.
Methods
This study employed a quasi-experimental single-group pre-/post-test design, supported by qualitative data obtained from open-ended questions. Nursing students and ageing awareness training were implemented through forum theatre. The intervention comprised three weekly sessions, each lasting approximately 4 h, with a warm-up, play and forum phase led by a facilitator (‘Joker’), held once per week over 3 weeks. Each session involved enacting a different scenario depicting ageism in everyday contexts. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, a Forum Theatre Feedback Form and the Fraboni Scale of Ageism, which was administered both pre- and post-test. Quantitative data were analysed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, whereas qualitative data were analysed using content analysis.
Results
Forum theatre training increased nursing students' awareness of ageism (p < 0.05). In addition, nursing students stated that taking part in forum theatre training had increased their knowledge and empathy skills regarding ageism, as well as their social awareness. Participants also reported greater confidence in caring for older adults.
Conclusions
This small-scale study produced promising results. Further research with larger, more diverse samples, using a randomised controlled trial design, is recommended to confirm these findings and support their broader integration into nursing education programmes.
{"title":"The Effect of Forum Theatre on Nursing Students' Ageist Attitudes Towards Older Adults","authors":"Hümeyra Hançer Tok, Makbule Tokur Kesgin, Lütfiye Nur Uzun","doi":"10.1111/ajag.70107","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajag.70107","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Ageism is a significant issue among nurses and nursing students and has a negative impact on the care provided to older adults. Education programmes are an effective way of combating ageism among nurses by raising awareness. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of forum theatre training in improving nursing students' attitudes towards ageism.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study employed a quasi-experimental single-group pre-/post-test design, supported by qualitative data obtained from open-ended questions. Nursing students and ageing awareness training were implemented through forum theatre. The intervention comprised three weekly sessions, each lasting approximately 4 h, with a warm-up, play and forum phase led by a facilitator (‘Joker’), held once per week over 3 weeks. Each session involved enacting a different scenario depicting ageism in everyday contexts. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, a Forum Theatre Feedback Form and the Fraboni Scale of Ageism, which was administered both pre- and post-test. Quantitative data were analysed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, whereas qualitative data were analysed using content analysis.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Forum theatre training increased nursing students' awareness of ageism (<i>p</i> < 0.05). In addition, nursing students stated that taking part in forum theatre training had increased their knowledge and empathy skills regarding ageism, as well as their social awareness. Participants also reported greater confidence in caring for older adults.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This small-scale study produced promising results. Further research with larger, more diverse samples, using a randomised controlled trial design, is recommended to confirm these findings and support their broader integration into nursing education programmes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"44 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145356879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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