Diane Gibson, Stephanie Mulhall, Angela Chau, Georgina Chelberg, Lara Wiseman, Stephen Isbel, Kasia Bail, Nathan M. D'Cunha
Objectives
This article examines referral types and patterns over the first 30 months of a new multicomponent rehabilitation program for people with dementia and care partners, the Sustainable Personalised Intervention for Cognition Care and Engagement (SPICE) program.
Methods
Administrative referral records were analysed from July 2022 to December 2024.
Results
The most common referral sources (n = 239) were private geriatricians (n = 84), self-referral (n = 54), public geriatricians (n = 46) and community organisations (n = 30), with fewer referrals from general practitioners (n = 2) and community care providers (n = 2). Referrals from geriatricians increased over time, while those from community organisations and self-referrals remained stable.
Conclusions
The changes in referral pathways suggest evolving awareness of the SPICE program. As multidisciplinary dementia care services expand under the Australian National Dementia Action Plan, further research is needed to understand referral pathways by health professionals across different sectors to enhance awareness and accessibility.
{"title":"Changing patterns of referrals in response to a multicomponent rehabilitation program for people with dementia and their care partners","authors":"Diane Gibson, Stephanie Mulhall, Angela Chau, Georgina Chelberg, Lara Wiseman, Stephen Isbel, Kasia Bail, Nathan M. D'Cunha","doi":"10.1111/ajag.70096","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.70096","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This article examines referral types and patterns over the first 30 months of a new multicomponent rehabilitation program for people with dementia and care partners, the Sustainable Personalised Intervention for Cognition Care and Engagement (SPICE) program.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Administrative referral records were analysed from July 2022 to December 2024.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The most common referral sources (<i>n</i> = 239) were private geriatricians (<i>n</i> = 84), self-referral (<i>n</i> = 54), public geriatricians (<i>n</i> = 46) and community organisations (<i>n</i> = 30), with fewer referrals from general practitioners (<i>n</i> = 2) and community care providers (<i>n</i> = 2). Referrals from geriatricians increased over time, while those from community organisations and self-referrals remained stable.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The changes in referral pathways suggest evolving awareness of the SPICE program. As multidisciplinary dementia care services expand under the Australian National Dementia Action Plan, further research is needed to understand referral pathways by health professionals across different sectors to enhance awareness and accessibility.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"44 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ajag.70096","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145111379","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}
Population ageing and urbanisation are global trends that highlight the importance of cities as a nexus for policy and planning to support healthy ageing. This study assessed whether membership in the World Health Organization's Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC) Network is associated with improved health behaviours and outcomes among older adults in urban Japan.
Methods
Three geographically diverse Japanese AFCCs (Akita, Takarazuka and Fujisawa) and one non-AFCC (Musashino) were selected. Quota samples of 175 middle-aged and older adults were obtained in each city (n = 700). Validated Japanese-language instruments measured physical activity (IPAQ-SF), environmental perceptions (IPAQ-ENV), health-related quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) and expectations regarding ageing (ERA-12).
Results
Over 60% of AFCC residents met physical activity guidelines, with walking as the dominant mode. However, AFCCs performed no better than the non-AFCC in terms of physical activity, health status or future health expectations. Akita, Japan's longest-standing AFCC member, recorded significantly lower scores across all health and activity indicators. Environmental features, including walkability and access to services, were not significantly associated with sufficient weekly physical activity. Only physical health status was a significant predictor of adequate activity.
Conclusions
Membership of an AFCC Network was not associated with better physical activity or health outcomes in urban Japan. Findings raise concerns about the implementation and impact of the AFCC framework, highlighting the need for more robust evaluation, greater national coordination and participatory planning. Policy reform may be necessary to ensure that symbolic commitments to age-friendly planning are translated into tangible health benefits for older urban populations.
{"title":"Assessing the impact of ‘Age-Friendly Cities and Communities’ membership: Health and activity outcomes among older adults in urban Japan","authors":"Michael Annear, Tianci Li, Dai Sugimoto","doi":"10.1111/ajag.70095","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajag.70095","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Population ageing and urbanisation are global trends that highlight the importance of cities as a nexus for policy and planning to support healthy ageing. This study assessed whether membership in the World Health Organization's Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC) Network is associated with improved health behaviours and outcomes among older adults in urban Japan.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Three geographically diverse Japanese AFCCs (Akita, Takarazuka and Fujisawa) and one non-AFCC (Musashino) were selected. Quota samples of 175 middle-aged and older adults were obtained in each city (<i>n</i> = 700). Validated Japanese-language instruments measured physical activity (IPAQ-SF), environmental perceptions (IPAQ-ENV), health-related quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) and expectations regarding ageing (ERA-12).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Over 60% of AFCC residents met physical activity guidelines, with walking as the dominant mode. However, AFCCs performed no better than the non-AFCC in terms of physical activity, health status or future health expectations. Akita, Japan's longest-standing AFCC member, recorded significantly lower scores across all health and activity indicators. Environmental features, including walkability and access to services, were not significantly associated with sufficient weekly physical activity. Only physical health status was a significant predictor of adequate activity.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Membership of an AFCC Network was not associated with better physical activity or health outcomes in urban Japan. Findings raise concerns about the implementation and impact of the AFCC framework, highlighting the need for more robust evaluation, greater national coordination and participatory planning. Policy reform may be necessary to ensure that symbolic commitments to age-friendly planning are translated into tangible health benefits for older urban populations.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"44 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145092827","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}
Anna Miles, Amanda Sextus, Becca Hammond, Jacqui Allen
Objectives
The risk of swallowing difficulties increases in older adults due to a combination of factors such as multiple comorbidities and polypharmacy. Swallowing may be further destabilised by the onset of acute illness. At hospital admission, these factors can be identified and combined with a simple screening tool to select patients for additional assessment and intervention. This prospective observational cross-sectional cohort study aimed to screen hospitalised adults age 75 years or older (older than 65 years for Māori and Pasifika) for swallowing risks, regardless of the reason for admission.
Methods
A total of 644 participants were screened with the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) self-report questionnaire from August 2021 to December 2023. Clinical teams were instructed to use the EAT-10 to guide management. Clinical outcomes were monitored for 30 days postdischarge, and the relationship between EAT-10 scores and subsequent clinical management was explored.
Results
Age and ethnicity were not correlated with increased EAT-10 (p > .05), but the number of comorbidities (p < .001) and regular medications on admission were correlated with a higher EAT-10 score (p < .001). Despite the screening process, there were associations between elevated EAT-10 scores and readmission (p < .001), pneumonia (p < .001) and mortality (p < .01).
Conclusions
These results suggest that screening for swallowing difficulties in at-risk older patients is valuable and allows teams to take action to prevent adverse clinical outcomes. Further investigation is required to clarify the timing for screening and to explore optimal clinical pathways for those identified at risk.
{"title":"Swallow screening of older adults at hospital admission","authors":"Anna Miles, Amanda Sextus, Becca Hammond, Jacqui Allen","doi":"10.1111/ajag.70094","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajag.70094","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The risk of swallowing difficulties increases in older adults due to a combination of factors such as multiple comorbidities and polypharmacy. Swallowing may be further destabilised by the onset of acute illness. At hospital admission, these factors can be identified and combined with a simple screening tool to select patients for additional assessment and intervention. This prospective observational cross-sectional cohort study aimed to screen hospitalised adults age 75 years or older (older than 65 years for Māori and Pasifika) for swallowing risks, regardless of the reason for admission.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A total of 644 participants were screened with the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) self-report questionnaire from August 2021 to December 2023. Clinical teams were instructed to use the EAT-10 to guide management. Clinical outcomes were monitored for 30 days postdischarge, and the relationship between EAT-10 scores and subsequent clinical management was explored.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Age and ethnicity were not correlated with increased EAT-10 (<i>p</i> > .05), but the number of comorbidities (<i>p</i> < .001) and regular medications on admission were correlated with a higher EAT-10 score (<i>p</i> < .001). Despite the screening process, there were associations between elevated EAT-10 scores and readmission (<i>p</i> < .001), pneumonia (<i>p</i> < .001) and mortality (<i>p</i> < .01).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>These results suggest that screening for swallowing difficulties in at-risk older patients is valuable and allows teams to take action to prevent adverse clinical outcomes. Further investigation is required to clarify the timing for screening and to explore optimal clinical pathways for those identified at risk.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"44 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12439623/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145071205","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}
Juliedy Waldow Kupske, Júlia de Mattos, Tainara Steffens, Eduarda Blanco-Rambo, Marcelo Bandeira-Guimarães, Mikel L. Sáez de Asteasu, Mikel Izquierdo, Eduardo Lusa Cadore, Caroline Pietta-Dias
Objectives
This study aimed to compare physical function and cognitive status according to the level of dependence in basic activities of daily living (ADL) and to determine which of these variables better predict functional independence.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 231 individuals over 90 years of age. Physical function was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and handgrip strength (HGS), and cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). A binary logistic regression adjusted for age was conducted to identify which variables related to physical performance or cognitive status could predict independence in basic ADL.
Results
The results showed that the model including TUG (OR = 4.3; 95% CI = 2.18–8.34) along with HGS (OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.14–3.45) provided the best fit. This indicates that better performance on the TUG test increases the odds of independence by 4.3 times, and each increment in HGS doubles that chance.
Conclusions
We conclude that older individuals with better physical function and greater muscle strength are more likely to be independent in ADL.
目的本研究旨在比较基本日常生活活动（ADL）依赖程度的身体功能和认知状态，并确定哪些变量能更好地预测功能独立性。方法本横断面研究纳入231例90岁以上的个体。身体功能评估采用计时向上和向前（TUG）测试和握力（HGS），认知功能评估采用迷你精神状态检查（MMSE）。采用经年龄调整的二元逻辑回归来确定哪些与身体表现或认知状态相关的变量可以预测基本ADL的独立性。结果采用TUG （OR = 4.3; 95% CI = 2.18 ~ 8.34）和HGS （OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.14 ~ 3.45）模型拟合最佳。这表明，在TUG测试中表现更好，独立的几率会增加4.3倍，而HGS的每一次提高都会使这种几率增加一倍。我们的结论是，身体功能更好、肌肉力量更大的老年人在ADL中更有可能独立。
{"title":"Physical function versus cognitive status: Which better predicts independence in basic activities among long-lived cognitively preserved older adults","authors":"Juliedy Waldow Kupske, Júlia de Mattos, Tainara Steffens, Eduarda Blanco-Rambo, Marcelo Bandeira-Guimarães, Mikel L. Sáez de Asteasu, Mikel Izquierdo, Eduardo Lusa Cadore, Caroline Pietta-Dias","doi":"10.1111/ajag.70093","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.70093","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study aimed to compare physical function and cognitive status according to the level of dependence in basic activities of daily living (ADL) and to determine which of these variables better predict functional independence.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This cross-sectional study included 231 individuals over 90 years of age. Physical function was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and handgrip strength (HGS), and cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). A binary logistic regression adjusted for age was conducted to identify which variables related to physical performance or cognitive status could predict independence in basic ADL.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The results showed that the model including TUG (OR = 4.3; 95% CI = 2.18–8.34) along with HGS (OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.14–3.45) provided the best fit. This indicates that better performance on the TUG test increases the odds of independence by 4.3 times, and each increment in HGS doubles that chance.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We conclude that older individuals with better physical function and greater muscle strength are more likely to be independent in ADL.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"44 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ajag.70093","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145062382","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}
Yoh Murayama, Sachiko Yamazaki, Masami Hasebe, Jun Yamaguchi, Erika Kobayashi
Objective
This study examined the contents of an online program that promotes help-seeking by reducing ‘resignation to the future’ and ‘distrust of others’.
Methods
The online program comprised three sessions focussing on work, health and the economy. Forty-four single middle-aged and older men with a high tendency for social isolation were divided into two groups: intervention (n = 22) and control (n = 22). The program spanned 2 days, with each session lasting 90–110 min. Questionnaire surveys were conducted simultaneously for both groups.
Results
Program participation significantly reduced distrust of others (F(1,39) = 6.42, p < .05, η2 = .15), although it had no effect on resignation to the future. Structural equation modelling further showed that distrust of others negatively influenced help-seeking intentions (β = −.50, p < .01) through the program. Moreover, participating likely provided an opportunity to reflect on one's own strengths.
Conclusions
Implementing this program could help prevent isolation and loneliness among single middle-aged and older men.
目的本研究考察了一个在线课程的内容，该课程通过减少“对未来的顺从”和“对他人的不信任”来促进寻求帮助。方法在线课程分为三个部分，重点是工作、健康和经济。将44名具有高度社会孤立倾向的单身中老年男性分为干预组（n = 22）和对照组（n = 22）。该项目为期2天，每次持续90-110分钟。两组同时进行问卷调查。结果参与项目显著降低了对他人的不信任(F(1,39) = 6.42, p <；05、η2 =。15)，虽然它没有影响辞职的未来。结构方程模型进一步表明，对他人的不信任对求助意向产生负向影响（β =−）。50, p <；01)通过这个项目。此外，参与可能提供了一个反思自己优势的机会。结论实施该计划有助于防止单身中老年男性的孤立和孤独。
{"title":"Development and evaluation of an online program to encourage help-seeking among single middle-aged and older men","authors":"Yoh Murayama, Sachiko Yamazaki, Masami Hasebe, Jun Yamaguchi, Erika Kobayashi","doi":"10.1111/ajag.70091","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.70091","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study examined the contents of an online program that promotes help-seeking by reducing ‘resignation to the future’ and ‘distrust of others’.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The online program comprised three sessions focussing on work, health and the economy. Forty-four single middle-aged and older men with a high tendency for social isolation were divided into two groups: intervention (<i>n</i> = 22) and control (<i>n</i> = 22). The program spanned 2 days, with each session lasting 90–110 min. Questionnaire surveys were conducted simultaneously for both groups.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Program participation significantly reduced distrust of others (<i>F</i>(1,39) = 6.42, <i>p</i> < .05, <i>η</i><sup>2</sup> = .15), although it had no effect on resignation to the future. Structural equation modelling further showed that distrust of others negatively influenced help-seeking intentions (<i>β</i> = −.50, <i>p</i> < .01) through the program. Moreover, participating likely provided an opportunity to reflect on one's own strengths.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Implementing this program could help prevent isolation and loneliness among single middle-aged and older men.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"44 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145038125","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}
Sleep is one of the most important needs for humans and is negatively affected by age. Executive functioning is a key element of cognition that also faces attrition with ageing. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between sleep quality and different aspects of executive function in older adults using specialised tests for deep assessment.
Methods
This descriptive study sampled 100 older individuals aged 60 years or older enrolled in an adult day care centre. Self-reported sleep status was collected using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Aspects of executive functioning were recorded using the Tower of London test (TOL), the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and the Trail Making Test (TMT). Performance on these tests was compared by sleep status using hierarchical regression.
Results
Sleep status was independently associated with poorer executive functioning, indicated by perseverative errors, categories and incorrect replacement on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, as well as the Trail Making Test B. Additionally there was no significant interaction between the Tower of London Test score and sleep status.
Conclusions
This study indicates a significant association between sleep status and some aspects of executive function. These findings highlight the importance of sleep quality on cognitive performance in older adults.
{"title":"Effect of sleep quality on different aspects of executive function in older Iranians","authors":"Roghayeh Saei, Pouya Farokhnezhad Afshar, Rosie Gibson, Fiona Alpass","doi":"10.1111/ajag.70092","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.70092","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Sleep is one of the most important needs for humans and is negatively affected by age. Executive functioning is a key element of cognition that also faces attrition with ageing. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between sleep quality and different aspects of executive function in older adults using specialised tests for deep assessment.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This descriptive study sampled 100 older individuals aged 60 years or older enrolled in an adult day care centre. Self-reported sleep status was collected using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Aspects of executive functioning were recorded using the Tower of London test (TOL), the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and the Trail Making Test (TMT). Performance on these tests was compared by sleep status using hierarchical regression.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Sleep status was independently associated with poorer executive functioning, indicated by perseverative errors, categories and incorrect replacement on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, as well as the Trail Making Test B. Additionally there was no significant interaction between the Tower of London Test score and sleep status.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study indicates a significant association between sleep status and some aspects of executive function. These findings highlight the importance of sleep quality on cognitive performance in older adults.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"44 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145038126","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}
Suzelie G. Connelly, Prudence Millear, Kirsten Tulloch
Objectives
Long-term worker shortages in Australian residential aged care are well-documented. These shortages adversely impact residents' well-being and the morale of staff caring for them. This study aimed to explore staff and management experiences through workplace theories related to worker satisfaction: job demands-resources theory, self-determination theory, moral disengagement and work as calling theory, at NewDirection Care, which provides innovative aged care in Queensland. A further aim was to identify the impact of the innovations on staff satisfaction.
Methods
Semi-structured staff and management interviews (n = 18, 13 females, 5 males) were held on-site. An appreciative inquiry approach identified the under-researched linkages between staff satisfaction in innovative aged care and workplace theories. The NVivo 12.0 qualitative analysis software was used for reflexive thematic analysis of interviews.
Results
Three themes emerged from the interviews: (1) the supportive management culture, (2) the innovative conditions and (3) finding meaningfulness at work. These themes demonstrated how staff attitudes linked to the chosen workplace theories and identified how specific innovations, combined in both the physical environment and models of care, were associated with improved staff satisfaction.
Conclusions
The current study indicates that workplace initiatives may increase staff satisfaction, potentially ameliorating shortages by attracting and retaining staff. Semi-structured interviews identified that specific innovations, combined in both the physical environment and models of care, are associated with improved staff satisfaction. Reflexive thematic analysis of interviews contributed to the literature and suggested future research opportunities, such as examining differences in aged care worker satisfaction between traditional and innovative residences.
{"title":"A qualitative exploration of staff satisfaction in innovative Australian aged care","authors":"Suzelie G. Connelly, Prudence Millear, Kirsten Tulloch","doi":"10.1111/ajag.70090","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.70090","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Long-term worker shortages in Australian residential aged care are well-documented. These shortages adversely impact residents' well-being and the morale of staff caring for them. This study aimed to explore staff and management experiences through workplace theories related to worker satisfaction: job demands-resources theory, self-determination theory, moral disengagement and work as calling theory, at NewDirection Care, which provides innovative aged care in Queensland. A further aim was to identify the impact of the innovations on staff satisfaction.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Semi-structured staff and management interviews (<i>n</i> = 18, 13 females, 5 males) were held on-site. An appreciative inquiry approach identified the under-researched linkages between staff satisfaction in innovative aged care and workplace theories. The NVivo 12.0 qualitative analysis software was used for reflexive thematic analysis of interviews.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Three themes emerged from the interviews: (1) the supportive management culture, (2) the innovative conditions and (3) finding meaningfulness at work. These themes demonstrated how staff attitudes linked to the chosen workplace theories and identified how specific innovations, combined in both the physical environment and models of care, were associated with improved staff satisfaction.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The current study indicates that workplace initiatives may increase staff satisfaction, potentially ameliorating shortages by attracting and retaining staff. Semi-structured interviews identified that specific innovations, combined in both the physical environment and models of care, are associated with improved staff satisfaction. Reflexive thematic analysis of interviews contributed to the literature and suggested future research opportunities, such as examining differences in aged care worker satisfaction between traditional and innovative residences.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"44 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ajag.70090","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145012476","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}
Ruoh Lih Lei, Wei-Min Chu, Tsu-Yin Wu, Su Chen Yu, Hsiu-Min Tsai, Ju-Lan Yang, Shih-Chia Liu
Objective
Although existing evidence suggests a potential link between dementia and adverse outcomes in patients with COVID-19, a definitive relationship is uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of dementia on in-hospital outcomes of patients in the presence of COVID-19.
Methods
The US Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) was searched for patients 65 years or older hospitalised for COVID-19 in 2020. Patients were categorised into those with and without dementia before COVID-19 infection. Outcomes included in-hospital mortality, discharge to long-term care, length of stay (LOS), total hospital costs and complications. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the baseline characteristics between the groups. Regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between dementia and outcomes.
Results
After PSM, 42,214 patients were included, with equal distribution of most study variables between groups. Dementia was associated with increased in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–1.23), discharge to long-term care facilities (aOR = 4.0, 95% CI: 3.8–4.2), occurrence of any complications (aOR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.27, 1.38), 1.12 days longer LOS (95% CI: .93–1.31) and 2.68 thousand USD higher total hospital costs (95% CI: .72–4.64). For specific complications, dementia was associated with significantly increased risks of acute respiratory distress syndrome (aOR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.14–1.24) encephalitis, myelitis and encephalomyelitis (aOR = 4.60, 95% CI: 1.33–15.93), as well as delirium, respiratory failure and acute kidney injury.
Conclusion
Dementia is associated with worse outcomes of older patients with COVID-19.
{"title":"Impact of dementia on outcomes in older patients with COVID-19: A nationwide inpatient sample analysis","authors":"Ruoh Lih Lei, Wei-Min Chu, Tsu-Yin Wu, Su Chen Yu, Hsiu-Min Tsai, Ju-Lan Yang, Shih-Chia Liu","doi":"10.1111/ajag.70082","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.70082","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Although existing evidence suggests a potential link between dementia and adverse outcomes in patients with COVID-19, a definitive relationship is uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of dementia on in-hospital outcomes of patients in the presence of COVID-19.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The US Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) was searched for patients 65 years or older hospitalised for COVID-19 in 2020. Patients were categorised into those with and without dementia before COVID-19 infection. Outcomes included in-hospital mortality, discharge to long-term care, length of stay (LOS), total hospital costs and complications. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the baseline characteristics between the groups. Regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between dementia and outcomes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>After PSM, 42,214 patients were included, with equal distribution of most study variables between groups. Dementia was associated with increased in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–1.23), discharge to long-term care facilities (aOR = 4.0, 95% CI: 3.8–4.2), occurrence of any complications (aOR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.27, 1.38), 1.12 days longer LOS (95% CI: .93–1.31) and 2.68 thousand USD higher total hospital costs (95% CI: .72–4.64). For specific complications, dementia was associated with significantly increased risks of acute respiratory distress syndrome (aOR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.14–1.24) encephalitis, myelitis and encephalomyelitis (aOR = 4.60, 95% CI: 1.33–15.93), as well as delirium, respiratory failure and acute kidney injury.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Dementia is associated with worse outcomes of older patients with COVID-19.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"44 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ajag.70082","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145007983","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}
Juliana Moreira, Bruno Cunha, José Félix, Rubim Santos, Andreia S. P. Sousa
Objective
Sit-to-Stand (Sit-TS) and Stand-to-Sit (Stand-TS) transitions are essential daily movements affected by ageing and disability. This study aimed to explore related kinematic domains in older adults with and without disability.
Methods
A cross-sectional study including adults aged 60 years or older, with (n = 25) and without disability (n = 35). Comparisons between groups included task time, centre of mass (CoM) acceleration, postural sway and principal component (PC) scores for each task. Principal component models (PCMs) included lower limb and trunk tridimensional joint ranges of motion, angular velocity range, CoM displacement and velocity along each Sit-TS (flexion, momentum transfer, extension and stabilisation) and Stand-TS (initiation, flexion, momentum transfer and extension) phases.
Results
Older adults with functional disability exhibited increased Sit-TS peak antero-posterior CoM acceleration (p = .02). The Sit-TS and Stand-TS PCMs included nine PCs each. In Sit-TS, the first three explained half the variance: PC1 captured transverse hip and knee stabilisation kinematics, PC2 described trunk and hip frontal and transverse control during flexion, and PC3 represented sagittal knee and ankle control during momentum transfer and extension. In Stand-TS, variance was more distributed (PC1 describing frontal hip and knee flexion velocity, PC2 sagittal trunk and hip extension velocity, and PC3 vertical CoM velocity at extension). Significant group differences emerged in PC4 (transverse knee and frontal hip kinematics) and PC9 (sagittal and frontal trunk angular velocity ranges during momentum transfer).
Conclusions
Both transitions revealed distinct joint and trunk control demands. Principal components involving transverse knee, frontal hip and trunk angular velocities distinguished disability groups, with Stand-TS showing greater discriminative power.
{"title":"Sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit kinematics in older adults with and without functional disability: A principal component analysis","authors":"Juliana Moreira, Bruno Cunha, José Félix, Rubim Santos, Andreia S. P. Sousa","doi":"10.1111/ajag.70089","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.70089","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Sit-to-Stand (Sit-TS) and Stand-to-Sit (Stand-TS) transitions are essential daily movements affected by ageing and disability. This study aimed to explore related kinematic domains in older adults with and without disability.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A cross-sectional study including adults aged 60 years or older, with (<i>n</i> = 25) and without disability (<i>n</i> = 35). Comparisons between groups included task time, centre of mass (CoM) acceleration, postural sway and principal component (PC) scores for each task. Principal component models (PCMs) included lower limb and trunk tridimensional joint ranges of motion, angular velocity range, CoM displacement and velocity along each Sit-TS (flexion, momentum transfer, extension and stabilisation) and Stand-TS (initiation, flexion, momentum transfer and extension) phases.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Older adults with functional disability exhibited increased Sit-TS peak antero-posterior CoM acceleration (<i>p</i> = .02). The Sit-TS and Stand-TS PCMs included nine PCs each. In Sit-TS, the first three explained half the variance: PC1 captured transverse hip and knee stabilisation kinematics, PC2 described trunk and hip frontal and transverse control during flexion, and PC3 represented sagittal knee and ankle control during momentum transfer and extension. In Stand-TS, variance was more distributed (PC1 describing frontal hip and knee flexion velocity, PC2 sagittal trunk and hip extension velocity, and PC3 vertical CoM velocity at extension). Significant group differences emerged in PC4 (transverse knee and frontal hip kinematics) and PC9 (sagittal and frontal trunk angular velocity ranges during momentum transfer).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Both transitions revealed distinct joint and trunk control demands. Principal components involving transverse knee, frontal hip and trunk angular velocities distinguished disability groups, with Stand-TS showing greater discriminative power.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"44 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ajag.70089","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144927677","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}
Ilyas Akkar, Abdullah Enes Ataş, Mustafa Hakan Dogan, Zeynep Iclal Turgut, Merve Yilmaz Kars, Orhan Cicek, Muhammet Cemal Kizilarslanoglu
Objectives
This study examined the association between the psoas muscle index (PMI), hospital clinical outcomes and long-term survival in older patients hospitalised in a geriatric ward.
Methods
This retrospective study included 173 patients aged 65 years or older hospitalised in a geriatric ward (August 2020–December 2023). The PMI was measured via abdominal CT and calculated as the psoas muscle area divided by body surface area (mm2/m2). The post-discharge status of discharged patients was assessed through telephone interviews.
Results
The median age of the patients (58%, female) was 80 years (65–112 years). The median PMI value was significantly lower in patients who died in the hospital than in those who survived (p = .01). In long-term follow-up, median PMI was significantly lower in female patients who died than in survivors (p = .02). In multiple regression analyses, PMI was shown to be independently associated with in-hospital mortality in all study populations and long-term mortality in female patients. In the whole study population, the optimal cut-off value of PMI for predicting in-hospital mortality was ≤407.3 mm2/m2 (p = .02); for females, it was ≤406.5 mm2/m2 (p < .001); for males, it was ≤633.9 mm2/m2 (p = .03). In female patients, the optimal cut-off value of PMI for predicting long-term mortality was ≤406.5 mm2/m2 (p = .02); however, for the whole population and male patients, it was not statistically significant.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates that low PMI might be related to increases in in-hospital and long-term mortality rates in hospitalised older individuals. The PMI measurement may be a potential marker for predicting mortality in hospitalised older patients.
{"title":"The relationship between psoas muscle index, clinical outcomes and long-term mortality in hospitalised older patients: A retrospective and observational cohort study","authors":"Ilyas Akkar, Abdullah Enes Ataş, Mustafa Hakan Dogan, Zeynep Iclal Turgut, Merve Yilmaz Kars, Orhan Cicek, Muhammet Cemal Kizilarslanoglu","doi":"10.1111/ajag.70088","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.70088","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study examined the association between the psoas muscle index (PMI), hospital clinical outcomes and long-term survival in older patients hospitalised in a geriatric ward.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This retrospective study included 173 patients aged 65 years or older hospitalised in a geriatric ward (August 2020–December 2023). The PMI was measured via abdominal CT and calculated as the psoas muscle area divided by body surface area (mm<sup>2</sup>/m<sup>2</sup>). The post-discharge status of discharged patients was assessed through telephone interviews.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The median age of the patients (58%, female) was 80 years (65–112 years). The median PMI value was significantly lower in patients who died in the hospital than in those who survived (<i>p</i> = .01). In long-term follow-up, median PMI was significantly lower in female patients who died than in survivors (<i>p</i> = .02). In multiple regression analyses, PMI was shown to be independently associated with in-hospital mortality in all study populations and long-term mortality in female patients. In the whole study population, the optimal cut-off value of PMI for predicting in-hospital mortality was ≤407.3 mm<sup>2</sup>/m<sup>2</sup> (<i>p</i> = .02); for females, it was ≤406.5 mm<sup>2</sup>/m<sup>2</sup> (<i>p</i> < .001); for males, it was ≤633.9 mm<sup>2</sup>/m<sup>2</sup> (<i>p</i> = .03). In female patients, the optimal cut-off value of PMI for predicting long-term mortality was ≤406.5 mm<sup>2</sup>/m<sup>2</sup> (<i>p</i> = .02); however, for the whole population and male patients, it was not statistically significant.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study demonstrates that low PMI might be related to increases in in-hospital and long-term mortality rates in hospitalised older individuals. The PMI measurement may be a potential marker for predicting mortality in hospitalised older patients.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"44 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144923595","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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