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The global population is aging, and with this development, frailty prevalence is increasing as well. Age-related preparation activities could benefit the prevention or delay of frailty. Local stakeholders such as municipalities, welfare organizations, and community health services should understand how to support (future) older adults in old-age preparations in their local context. This study aims to describe and understand middle-aged and older adults’ focus points, needs, and wishes in preparation for older age. A mixed-methods study was conducted in the Oosterpark neighborhood in Groningen, a city in northern Netherlands, in 2023. Questionnaires regarding age-related preparations were collected both digitally and on paper. The questionnaire addressed nine themes: financial situation, emergencies, mental and physical fitness, housing, looks and appearance, personal relationships, health, leisure activities, professional activities. Additionally, focus group discussions were organized in the community center. Data were analyzed separately in SPSS and ATLAS.ti, and integrated analysis was conducted following the Pillar Integration Process. In total, 134 questionnaires were completed (mean age 59 ± 12 years), six focus groups and two individual interviews were conducted. While respondents scored high on preparation for themes as physical and mental fitness or personal relationships, scores for themes as housing and leisure activities were lower. Participants identified a tenth theme, neighborhood, and several subthemes were added to existing themes of health and personal relationships. Although many were concerned with age-related preparation, few engaged in active preparation. People also indicated not knowing how to prepare or where to request help. The study identified that middle-aged and older adults think about age-related preparation often, but hardly prepare actively for themes such as housing or financial situation. Local stakeholders, e.g., municipalities, social welfare organizations and community health organizations, should stimulate, facilitate and support citizens to prepare for later life by offering practical support, e.g. easily accessible information points. Taking into account the physical and social living environment of older adults is crucial. Better age-related preparedness could help to prevent or delay frailty, prolong independence and increase quality of life.
Forest measurements are essential for monitoring stand dynamics and long-term trends. Errors in tree measurement can seriously affect the outcomes of a forest inventory. This study investigates measurement errors from successive measurements on permanent concentric circular plots based on data from 74 plots in Dinaric uneven-aged mixed fir–beech stands. Tree data errors were detected and corrected. Diameter increment was calculated as a difference in DBH from two successive inventories, and linear regression models were developed based on original and corrected data. Measurement errors were identified in 2.57% of trees, some having a substantial impact on tree volume. Volume discrepancies between original and corrected data were generally minor, where 93.2% of plots in the first and 70.3% in the second inventory required no corrections and volume differences in the overall levels were negligible and statistically non-significant: 0.30 m3/ha in the first inventory (p = 0.550) and 0.05 m3/ha in the second (p = 0.974). Although diameter increment models with original and corrected data differed significantly, model choice resulted in minimal impact on volume increment. Since omitting erroneous measurement data would lead to volume underestimation, data correction is preferable. However, when modeling tree increment, excluding incorrect or doubtful data remains a practical and acceptable approach.
The spatial and temporal patterns of marine diversity are essential for the sustainable use of fishery resources and the effective management and conservation of marine ecosystems. We investigated the latitudinal diversity gradients of fish genera in Japanese waters using an environmental DNA (eDNA) data. A total of 1,765 environmental DNA surveys across Japan were obtained from the All Nippon eDNA Monitoring Network (ANEMONE) database. We found a negative correlation between fish genus richness and latitude, with a particularly pronounced gradient in summer. Seasonal change in the latitudinal gradient may reflect the increased occurrence of vagrant fish from tropical regions, rather than the commonly assumed pattern of seasonal migration (i.e., southwards in winter and northwards in summer). Furthermore, our results suggests that global warming may lead to a temporary increase in biodiversity by promoting the influx of tropical vagrant fish. However, such increases are unlikely sustainable, as these vagrant species may not establish long-term populations. We refer to this phenomenon as “pseudo biodiversity”, which may give the illusion of increase in biodiversity enhancement in short-term monitoring. This concept warrants attention as similar patterns of apparent biodiversity increase may occur under other circumstances as well.
BACKGROUND The Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) is a self-administered measure designed to assess the level of inability to function socially as a consequence of a defined problem or disorder. METHODS A total of 230 patients with emotional disorders completed the Danish translation of the WSAS, measures of anxiety and depression, the Level of Personality Functioning Brief Form, the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Short Form, and the World Health Organization Five-Item Well-Being Index (WHO-5). We conducted a confirmatory factor analysis of the previously suggested factor structure of the instrument. We furthermore evaluated the construct validity of the WSAS by means of its relationship with depression, anxiety, personality functioning, and overall well-being. Finally, we evaluated the utility of the WSAS to identify those on long-term sick-leave by conducting receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS The instrument had a poor to average fit with the previously reported single-factor structure, but a better fit to a modified single-factor structure. Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega showed good internal scale reliability (α = .79, ωtotal = .85). WSAS was positively correlated with measures of anxiety (r = .33), depression (r = .44), and personality functioning (r = .23 and r = .20), and negatively correlated with WHO-5 wellbeing (r = -.57). The optimal cut-off point in the ROC-analyses was 23, which yielded a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 55% in the prediction of sick-leave status. DISCUSSION The Danish WSAS shows promising psychometric properties, but has limited external validity insofar as predicting long-term sick leave in psychiatric patients with emotional disorders.
