Planning and physical reasoning are critical skills for adaptive functioning across adulthood. Yet, despite their importance, there is limited evidence on whether and how these abilities are associated with different physical activity (PA) profiles across adulthood. Here, we tested 100 older adults (60 to 88 years) and 100 young adults (20 to 39 years) in a novel version of the Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire, followed by two tasks that measured participants’ planning and reasoning skills—Towers of Hanoi and Virtual Tools. We applied an unsupervised machine-learning algorithm to categorise individuals based on their self-reported PA patterns, thereby overcoming the limitations of predefined PA classifications and enabling a novel assessment of how distinct PA patterns relate to cognition. We then compared the different PA categories’ cognitive performance to identify PA profiles associated with better planning and reasoning. We found that participants who engaged in more varied and mindful physical activities were more successful at planning and reasoning than those who engaged in other types of PA. Although older adults performed worse than younger adults overall, PA Profile did not interact significantly with Age Group for any outcome, indicating that the observed PA-profile associations did not differ statistically between young and older adults. These findings suggest that multivariate, data-driven characterisation of PA may help identify activity profiles associated with planning and physical reasoning across adulthood. Future longitudinal and intervention studies are needed to determine whether such profiles causally support cognitive function.
While physical activity (PA) is associated with cognitive benefits (COG) and psychological resilience (RES) in older adults, the reemergence of primitive reflexes (PRs) has been linked to cognitive dysfunction in this population. The antagonistic action of PA and PRs on COG and RES has not been studied despite the former’s capacity in preventing or delaying mental impairment in later years. Therefore, we examined the relationships between these measures in 115 healthy older adults over 60 (Mage=75.9 years; ±SD = 7.03; 23.5
The growing number of older adults and age-related non-communicable diseases rise globally. Identifying factors associated with self-management behaviors has become increasingly important. This study aims to investigate the individual and external factors; illness perception and social support in self-management behaviors of older adults with chronic disease. Quantitative cross-sectional design was used in this study. A purposive sampling was applied to recruit participants from six primary health cares in Surabaya, Indonesia. A total of 115 older adults aged 60 and older was involved. The Indonesia’s version of questionnaires was used to collect data. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was applied to determine predictive factors of self-management behavior. Results showed participants were dominated by those aged 60–65 years, attained six years of education and had no fixed income. More than half suffered from hypertension, perceived their illness negatively, presented strong social support, and demonstrated good self-management behaviors. Illness perception and social support revealed a significant correlation with self-management behaviors. The regression coefficient value showed social support (β=0.811) placed greater predictive power on self-management behaviors than illness perception (β=0.553). This study found that social support had a stronger influence on self-management than illness perception. Five domains of illness perception: personal control, treatment control, concern, comprehensibility, and emotion, were negatively perceived, with comprehensibility being the most challenging. These findings highlight the need to strengthen social support and incorporate culturally sensitive approaches into self-management programs. Healthcare policies should prioritize community-based interventions that empower families to enhance self-management among older adults with chronic diseases.
Social support improves mental and physical well-being, while self-disclosure plays a pivotal role in strengthening social support. This study aimed to examine the characteristics of social support among community-dwelling older adults and explore the relationship between self-disclosure and social support. This cross-sectional study included data from 319 participants aged ≥ 65 years enrolled in a community-based health screening program. Social support was assessed using the Social Support Giving and Receiving Scale for the Elderly at Home, while self-disclosure was evaluated using the Self-Disclosure Questionnaire. Cluster analysis classified participants based on their social support characteristics, and regression analyses examined associations between self-disclosure and social support. Three distinct clusters of social support were identified as follows: (1) low receiving and high giving, (2) low receiving and low giving, and (3) balanced or high receiving. Participants in the giving cluster were younger, had higher functional capability, and more extensive social networks, while those in the receiving cluster were older with lower functional capability. Regression analysis revealed that greater self-disclosure to family members was significantly associated with higher levels of both giving and receiving social support (p < .001). However, self-disclosure to friends and acquaintances was primarily associated with giving support (p = .023). This study highlights the importance of self-disclosure, particularly to family, in fostering social support among older adults. Encouraging open communication within families may strengthen mutual assistance and improve the quality of life for aging populations. Future research should address the generalizability of these findings and explore interventions to promote self-disclosure.
Family and professional care providers are essential to allow individuals to remain at home until very old age. However, limited research is available that distinguishes among the multiple domains in which community-dwelling older adults need support. This paper aims to analyse the interplay of health and age in shaping the probability of receiving specific types of care. Analysis is based on a subsample of people aged 65 and older who participated in the Swiss Vivre/Leben/Vivere survey (N = 2916). We ran a series of logistic regression models to analyze the association of health status (i.e., independent, frail, dependent) and age with types of help (i.e., help with household tasks, help with daily life activities, other instrumental help, non-instrumental help), controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and social contacts. Then, we focused on how the effect of health on the probability of receiving help varies by age. Findings show that health, particularly frailty, strongly explains home care receipt. However, its effect changes with age, depending on the nature of care and provider (i.e., formal vs. informal). For instance, health status varies among older individuals receiving formal help with daily life activities, compared to what happen among younger ones. Furthermore, when this help comes from family, the impact of health is larger among younger than among older. Looking at the interplay between health and age helps to better understand the dynamics behind the receipt of home care among older adults. Research in this area will gain more clarity by distinguishing between the different areas and providers of care.
Supervision is a burdensome aspect of family care for persons with dementia. For supervision that is both safe and bearable, potential dangers resulting from behavioral changes must be identified and tackled within the context of an ongoing family relationship. In this study, the development of the extent of supervision in the course of care is described from the perspective of family caregivers’ everyday care decisions. The influence of dementia-related behavioral changes, mobility, and relationship characteristics is investigated using existing longitudinal data. Mixed quadratic growth curve models estimated the extent of supervision in the course of up to 27 months of caregiving rated by N = 435 family caregivers. A significant quadratic trend indicated that supervision tends to increase over time in the early years of care, while it tends to decrease in later years. In the final model, this trend was entirely accounted for by four time-varying covariates: disorientation, advanced dementia symptoms, mobility, and the experience of relationship loss. In addition, spouses supervised more extensively than other family members. Confirming the results from qualitative studies, both dementia-related impairments and characteristics of the family relationship determine the extent of supervision. In particular, disorientation and burden of relationship loss appear to encourage risk-averse caregiving behavior: From the point of view of a family caregiver, it may feel safer to overestimate rather than underestimate supervisory needs as long as the care recipient stays mobile.
This study assesses levels of performance by older populations on global cognitive ability using Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) and executive functioning through Trail Making Test (TMT) A and B; and also assesses the influence of age and years of education on cognitive functioning. Sample of n = 96 above the age group of sixty were selected through purposive sampling technique. An independent sample t– test was calculated to find difference between the two educational groups (upto 12th Standard and graduation and above) on executive functioning and global cognitive abilities. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to see the differences in performance on TMT as the dependent variable and the three different age groups category comprising of 60–69 years, 70–79 years and 80 years and above as the independent variables. Tukey Tests was done to examine significant group differences among the three age groups on TMT scores. Results indicated that higher level of education significantly lowered impairment on executive functioning measured on TMT whereas only one MMSE subcomponent i.e., attention and calculation had negative correlation with years of education. Older participants showed poorer performance on various MMSE scores and also on TMT A and B. A marked significant decline was observed at age 70 and above for TMT Part B, whereas performance on Part A was found to be significantly poorer for those 80 years and above. MMSE total score was found to be inversely related to time taken for TMT completion.
Previous research has established that out-migration of adult children, particularly sons, significantly influences the psychological health of the left-behind parents by disrupting the traditional caregiving systems. This study explores the psychological well-being of 1005 older adults left behind due to the out-migration of their adult children in the Middle Ganga Plain region of India. Factor analysis identified four psychological dimensions- dysphoria, worry, boredom, and unhappiness- from the 18 depressive symptom items. Older adults in non-migrant households reported a higher level of psychological distress, especially among those aged over 70 years, and had poor health. Further, regression results revealed that dissatisfaction with basic amenities and poor health were consistent predictors of psychological issues. Older adults in migrant households reported problems with health, financial needs, loneliness, and lack of daily food intake. In the absence of migrant children, these parents often faced heightened loneliness, dependency on neighbours or relatives, and a lack of timely support during emergencies. To address these challenges, older adults expressed the need for shelter, health insurance, food security, and financial support to improve their well-being and quality of life. Findings underscore the urgent need for targeted and holistic policy interventions, such as geriatric care programs, community engagement initiatives, and housing improvements, to address the multifaceted challenges older adults face and enhance their psychological well-being.
This study aims to evaluate the attitudes of students studying in the Faculty of Health Sciences and taking or not taking geriatrics courses towards the older adults, in order to determine the need for geriatrics course content in the field of health sciences. Research data were collected from 611 health sciences faculty students. Personal Information Form and Attitudes Toward Old People Scale (ATOP) were used to collect data. Data were collected online via Google Forms using the Personal Information Form and the ATOP. SPSS 21.0 program was used for all data analysis process. It was determined that the mean age of the participants was 20.96±2.56 (20-42) years, 487 (79.7
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, and one of the most common health problems all over the world. However, the molecular mechanisms of AD remain incompletely understood. The current investigation aimed to elucidate potential key candidate genes and signaling pathways in AD. Next generation sequencing (NGS) dataset GSE203206 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, which included data from 39 AD samples and 8 normal control samples. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using t-tests in the limma R bioconductor package. DEGs were subsequently investigated by Gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and modules were constructed and analyzed. The miRNA-hub gene regulatory network, TF-hub gene regulatory network and drug-hub gene interaction network construction analysis were performed to predict key microRNAs (miRNAs), transcription factors (TFs) and small drug molecules. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to estimate the clinical diagnostic value of the hub genes. Conduct molecular docking with hub genes and corresponding active molecules. A total of 958 DEGs, including 479 up regulated genes and 479 down regulated genes were screened between AD and normal control samples. GO and pathway enrichment analysis results revealed that the up regulated genes were mainly enriched in response to stimulus, cytoplasm, small molecule binding and signal transduction, whereas down regulated genes were mainly enriched in multicellular organism development, cell junction, ion binding and cardiac conduction. The PPI network contained 4886 nodes and 10342 edges. HSP90AA1, FN1, KIT, YAP1, LSM2, SKP1, EIF5A2, TAF9, DDX39B and CDK7 were identified as the top hub genes. The regulatory network analysis revealed that miRNAs include hsa-mir-545-3p and hsa-miR-548f-5p, and TFs include PLAG1 and MEF2A might be involved in the development of AD. Drug molecules were predicted including Sulindac, Infliximab, Norfloxacin and Gemcitabine for treatment of AD. Molecular docking analysis revealed that Isocryptomerin and Macrophylloside D were the main active compounds with good binding activities to the HSP90AA1 and FN1. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of AD. The hub genes, miRNAs and TFs have the potential to be used as diagnostic and therapeutic markers.
The assessment of working memory (WM) in healthy older adults has become a central topic in cognitive research due to the sustained growth of this population and the widespread use of WM tasks as indicators of cognitive functioning and training outcomes. However, the existing literature presents inconsistent evidence. The aim of this scoping review was to map the tasks used to assess working memory in healthy older adults, describe the available evidence on their psychometric properties, and examine the conditions under which near and far transfer measures have been evaluated. A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines and COSMIN criteria adapted for experimental tasks, with systematic searches in Scopus, ScienceDirect, Academic Search Complete, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, and Google Scholar. Empirical studies and reviews resulting in a total of 34 eligible studies. The results showed that complex span tasks exhibit the most consistent psychometric profile, whereas widely used paradigms such as the n-back and alternative updating tasks present limited evidence of reliability, measurement error, and responsiveness. Near transfer was strongly dependent on structural similarity between tasks, while far transfer was generally absent or weak. Overall, the findings reveal marked methodological and psychometric heterogeneity in the assessment of working memory in older adults, highlighting the need to improve psychometric rigor and the interpretation of gains observed in training and assessment contexts.
Nonpharmacological interventions benefit individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but the synergistic benefits of combining various training models with cognitive training for older adults with MCI remain unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of multimodal cognitive interventions on individuals with MCI by comparing intervention and control groups across cognitive domains and quality of life measures. A comprehensive search was conducted in several databases, focusing primarily on the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database from 2010 to December, 2023. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) incorporating cognitive training along with other training components were eligible for this study. The methodological quality of studies was evaluated by the Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB-2). Sixteen studies were included in the analysis, performed by using Jamovi software. The within-group analysis for the intervention group showed significant improvements in memory (Hedges’ g = 1.210, p < 0.001) and depression (Hedges’ g = 0.921, p = 0.003), indicating multimodal cognitive interventions enhance these domains. The between-group comparison revealed a marginally significant positive effect on memory (Hedges’ g = 0.493, p = 0.052) and depression (Hedges’ g = 0.801, p = 0.214), but not on global cognition, working memory, language, or quality of life. The meta-analysis also showed that age does not significantly moderate intervention effects, whereas education significantly moderates memory outcomes. This meta-analysis highlights mixed effects of multimodal interventions for MCI, suggesting further research should refine intervention strategies to enhance the efficacy of multimodal interventions for individuals with MCI.
Falls are a leading cause of injury and premature death among older adults. Specific Training According to BaLance Evaluation (STABLE) is a novel approach to balance rehabilitation that comprises six clinical measures applied to guide exercise prescription in rehabilitation. To evaluate the construct validity of the STABLE measures. Specific hypothesis regarding the measure’s correlations with reference measures of the balance domains that they purport to measure were tested in 103 older adults with balance impairment. The hypothesized correlations (r ≥ 0.3 and r ≥ 0.5) with key reference measures were confirmed for four measures. Minimum 7 of 10 hypothesized correlations (r < 0.1) with patient´s characteristics were confirmed for all measures but one. The correlations with patient reported balance disability and falls related to the construct that each measure purports to measure were lower than hypothesized for all measures (v = 0.102 to 0.325). The correlations with generic balance measures were as hypothesized for all measures except for one and the correlations between the measures were higher than hypothesized. All measures but one can validly be applied in the balance profile to measure balance disability and to guide rehabilitation. Specific Training According to BaLance Evaluation (STABLE) is a novel approach for optimizing exercise-based balance rehabilitation for older adults at risk of falling, which comprises six balance domains that each are assessed with one clinical measure. The Maximal REACH test (MREACH), the Test of Reference frame Interaction in Balance (TRIB), the Reactive Four-Square Step Test (RFSST), the Adjusted Sit To Stand test (ASTS), and the Turn And Touch test (TAT) validly measure different domains of balance ability and can be applied in a patient-specific balance profile to guide rehabilitation.
Self-efficacy has positive effects on mental health of family caregivers of people with dementia (PwD) and has a direct relationship with positive aspects of providing care. Valid and reliable measures of self-efficacy are needed to evaluate effects of psychoeducational interventions. Aim of the current study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Dutch RIS Eldercare Self-efficacy Scale for measuring self-efficacy of family caregivers of PwD. Family caregivers who participated in the fifth measurement cycle of the Living Arrangements for PwD (LAD-)study were requested to complete a questionnaire on self-efficacy, socio-demographics, perceived pressure and role in the care for their relative with dementia (N = 479). Principal component analysis resulted in a three-factor solution (instrumental, self-soothing and relational self-efficacy). Internal consistency for the subscales was adequate. Small positive and negative correlations were respectively found with the Family Perceptions of Caregiving Role instrument and Self-Perceived Pressure from Informal Care scale, providing initial evidence for the construct validity of the Dutch RIS. The results indicate that the Dutch RIS has potential for research and clinical purposes. Future research should validate the instrument in different settings and populations.
Despite the growing importance of the older population in the Arab region, initiatives to facilitate their Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) access and use have been relatively limited, both in research and in practice. This article aims to shed light on the ICT access and usage patterns of older adults and caregivers in Qatar, one of the countries in the Arab region. The study utilized a qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews with 20 older Arab individuals and 20 Arab caregivers residing in Qatar. The findings indicate that smartphones and social media apps are the primary technologies accessed and used by the surveyed older population, highlighting the significance of these tools for communication and information sharing among this population group. Moreover, the study identifies various factors deepen the digital divide faced by many older individuals in Qatar, including technological aspects, societal influences, and personal biases. Notably, family dynamics and attitudes of older individuals and caregivers toward aging play a significant role in shaping their ICT access and usage. The study underscores the urgency of addressing ageism within this population and emphasizes the importance of efforts to counteract such biases. By recognizing the role of family support, addressing societal perceptions, and enhancing digital literacy tailored to the unique needs of older individuals, we can bridge the digital divide.
Frailty is a dynamic and potentially reversible state that precedes and predicts adverse health outcomes. However, there is no instrument available that comprehensively assesses multidimensional frailty with adequate psychometric properties in the Spanish older population. A cross-culturally adaptation of the Comprehensive Frailty Assessment Instrument (CFAI), which has shown adequate psychometric properties in the evaluation of older Belgian population, is proposed. The availability of an electronic version will enhance access to the target population and reduce the workload of healthcare professionals. The process followed the International Test Commission (ITC) guidelines for test adaptation, Principles of Good Practice for the Translation and Cultural Adaptation Process for Patient-Reported Outcomes (PRO) Measures and the recommendations of the ePRO task Force. Iterative Cognitive interviews were conducted with a sample of 10 + 10 older adults selected based on the theoretical relevance of emerging patterns. The reconciliation phase identified minor wording issues. The harmonization committee and cognitive interview reviewers proposed the most significant changes. The issues resolved included recency bias, answers not being understood as expected by experts, wording ambiguity, lack of clarity and form layout. Measurement equivalence between versions was validated. A Spanish cross-culturally adapted version of the CFAI instrument is now available in electronic and paper format. The rigorous application of international guidelines and procedures suggests a high equivalence with the original instrument and retainment of its psychometric properties. Further analysis must confirm this assumption.
Globally, populations are getting older. Japan is at the forefront of addressing the challenges posed by population ageing and decline—particularly in ensuring the accessibility and availability of long-term care services for its growing older population. This study investigates accessibility to older adult beneficiaries of the spatial and operational dimensions of care service provision in Sendai City. Quantitative analysis, based on an improved gravity model, reveals a spatial mismatch between the accessibility of long-term care facilities and the distribution of older residents. Complementing this, qualitative data collected through non-participant observation and in-depth semi-structured interviews with care managers reveals challenges faced in daily care provision. These include managing relationships with care recipients and families, coordinating within and across institutions, and responding to complex end-of-life care demands. Overall, our study synthesizes key challenges and countermeasures within Japan's long-term care system and reflects on the relevance of Japan’s experience for other East Asian societies undergoing similar demographic transformations.
Although it is established that both cognitive functioning and engaging in leisure activities tend to correlate with each other among older adults, what is less known is whether the association between them becomes weaker or stronger in old age. Building on recent research that shows significant interactions between life course socioeconomic status (SES) and leisure activity engagement on cognitive impairment, we aim to further explore whether such interactions vary by age among older adults by using data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey of adults aged 65 and older between 2002 and 2018. Results from the Generalized Linear Mixed Model show that virtually all leisure activities are significantly associated with cognitive impairment into old age even after controlling for life course SES. We further find that significant interactions between life course SES and leisure activity engagement on cognitive performance remain in old age. The finding that the association between leisure activity engagement and cognitive impairment is conditional on life course SES even in old age suggests the persistence of heterogeneity in the relationship between cognitive functioning and its associated factors among older adults. It is contradictory to the age-as-leveler hypothesis, which projects a convergence in health inequality in old age.
With record high population growth in India, the number of older adults has significantly increased. In Bihar (a state in India) with a high population density, the number of older adults is substantial, but they are under-studied. Moreover, there has not been any significant research on mental health concerns of the older adults, and none from rural Bihar. The older adults go through common mental health conditions like depression, which is often overlooked and neglected. In our study, the role of social networks on depression emerges as pivotal. This study used data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) with a sample of 1255 older people (60 years or older) from rural Bihar. We used Berkman’s conceptual model of how social relationships affect depression. The network was measured by Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) given by Glass et al. which shows that four types of social networks were formed- children’s network, relative’s network, friends’ network, and confidant network. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was done to understand the association and effect of specific networks on depression. The result establishes the importance of social networks for the community life of older adults. It suggests that a strong social network with relatives and trusted confidants protected the older adults from depression in rural Bihar. This study highlighted the need for more social network centers for older adults to engage with friends within or between communities and participate in group activities that promote good mental health.
To examine the relationship between bodily disconnection and two indicators of late life well-being – depressive symptoms and meaning in life (MIL) – among older adults residing in nursing homes. Psycho-gerontological research has begun to show increased interest in the physical dimension of ageing – the ageing body – and has focused on older adults’ subjective experiences of their bodies. These studies indicate that some older adults experience bodily disconnection as a reaction towards an ageing body that feels unfamiliar and strange. Theoretical arguments have suggested possible links between bodily disconnection, depressive symptoms, and MIL; however, these relationships have not yet been empirically investigated among older adults in nursing homes. This study used a cross-sectional quantitative design, with questionnaires administered face-to-face to older adults living in nursing homes. A total of 242 older adults from 22 Flemish (Belgian) nursing homes completed questionnaires on bodily disconnection, depressive symptoms, and MIL. Data were analysed using multiple linear regressions and a mediation model. Bodily disconnection was negatively predictive of MIL and positively predictive of depressive symptoms. A more exploratory analysis further suggested that MIL may mediate the relationship between bodily disconnection and depressive symptoms. These results show that bodily disconnection may play an important role in the psychological well-being of older adults residing in nursing homes, which shows the potential importance of moving beyond a purely physical perspective when approaching and treating the ageing body.
