Drawing on his editorial experience at relevant scientific journals and his experience in teaching the basics of scientific article formatting/design at Lomonosov Moscow State University, the author analyzes the current state of statistical analysis of results of the gerontological research aimed at understanding the mechanisms of aging and search for drugs that slow down this process and suppress the development of age-related diseases (geroprotectors, anti-aging drugs). It is emphasized that in many cases, such analysis is either not performed at all or is performed incorrectly. Specifically, authors periodically analyze data that does not follow a normal distribution using a parametric Student’s t-test. Moreover, many researchers, having failed to obtain reliable results (p > 0.05), increasingly replace the term “significance” in their articles with the term “trend,” which seems completely unacceptable. Unfortunately, this problem affects not only gerontology but all biomedical research. It is suggested that greater attention should be paid to this issue by both reviewers of relevant articles and editors of the journals in which they are published. In addition, the importance of teaching the basics of statistical processing of research results to students and PhD students of biomedical institutes and relevant university schools is emphasized.
This review systematizes contemporary data on the signaling role of mitochondrial metabolites in regulating mitochondrial homeostasis, with an emphasis on their influence on cellular adaptation to stress factors, including age-related changes. Mitochondria function not only as energy sources but also as key sensors and regulators, mediating anterograde and retrograde signaling through metabolites such as citrate, succinate, lactate, and L-carnitine. Citrate and succinate participate in epigenetic modifications, including protein acetylation and succinylation, thereby influencing gene expression and metabolic adaptation, with potential applications in the therapy of oncological and age-associated diseases. Lactate, traditionally regarded as a product of anaerobic metabolism, acts as a signaling molecule that modulates receptor cascades (GPR81), histone lactylation, and oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria. L-carnitine ensures metabolic flexibility by maintaining the acyl-CoA/CoA balance, removing toxic metabolites, and enhancing nitric oxide bioavailability, demonstrating its protective effects in models of hyperhomocysteinemia and NO deficiency. Understanding these mechanisms opens up prospects for the identification of biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction and the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring homeostasis in the context of aging, metabolic disorders, and gerontological syndromes.
Older adults are frequent consumers of health care services. However, reports have indicated that breakdowns in communication during provider–patient interactions may contribute to poor health outcomes in this population. The purpose of this study is to identify the pragmatic characteristics of elderly people with dementia (WED) and analyze the existing pragmatic approaches that have been used by caregivers in their daily interactions with them. A total of 40 informants, who care for elderly people with dementia, participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews. The study used Atlas.ti software to analyze qualitative data. The results indicated that 39 nodes of references and data sources (transcripts) are pertinent within the hierarchy. All four informant groups referenced the difficulties both directly and indirectly. The research identified four primary factors: (1) the interactive behavior of elderly dementia patients during moments of happiness or excitement, (2) the challenges associated with understanding interactions involving these patients, caregivers, or others, (3) the responses of elderly dementia patients when prompted, and (4) the ways in which these factors facilitate communication. The study indicates that WED caregivers utilize emotions, touch, and patient names. The psychological technique is said to either calm or excite the WED prior to involvement. This multimodal approach improves patient care and caregiver relationships. Caregivers can enhance therapy engagement by addressing WED needs and responses. Ensuring continuity of care and enhancing caregiver-dementia relationships necessitates a comprehension of WED relationships along with the suggested intervention and support domains. Conversely, it may impede communication and the development of relationships.
Background: Polypharmacy and the use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) are major issues in the elderly regarding adverse drug events and poor health outcomes. This study determines the prevalence of polypharmacy and PIMs in older adults in Pakistan using the Beers Criteria 2023. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out from October 2023 to April 2024 on 653 geriatric patients (≥65 years) admitted to King Abdullah Teaching Hospital, Mansehra, and Jinnah International Hospital, Abbottabad. The definition of polypharmacy is the use of ≥5 medications simultaneously, and PIMs were assessed using the Beers Criteria 2023. SPSS version 26 was used for data analysis. Results: Among the study population, 63.9
Natural compounds possess significant potential for pharmacological applications. This study investigates melanin derived from birch heartwood polymerized with the mycelium of fungus Fomes fomentarius and its fruiting body, for its potential geroprotective properties. The cytotoxicity and proliferative effects of the studied compound, Amelan, were evaluated using the immortalized human foreskin fibroblasts (BJ-5ta) and human breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231) cell lines through the MTT assay and cell counting with a Goryaev chamber. To assess the geroprotective properties of the compound, an accelerated aging model was induced with D-galactose in primary human dermal fibroblast cultures. Senescent cell populations were identified through cytochemical staining for senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal). Amelan exhibited a dose-dependent geroprotective effect, significantly reducing senescent cell populations at optimal concentrations. Importantly, the compound did not stimulate proliferation in either immortalized BJ-5ta fibroblasts or MDA-MB-231 cancer cells, suggesting no oncogenic activation potential. In light of the demonstrated geroprotective effects of Amelan, its concentration-dependent efficacy underscores the importance of dosage optimization to maximize therapeutic benefits while minimizing adverse effects. Further research is needed to evaluate its potential as a candidate for anti-aging therapy.
Aim: This study aims to clarify how educational attainment influences frailty in older adults with colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, older adults with CRC completed surveys on general characteristics, educational attainment, health awareness, physical activity duration, stress management, and frailty. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was employed to examine associations between variables. Mediation analyses were conducted using Hayes’ PROCESS Macro (Model 6), with 5000 bootstrap resamples to assess the significance of indirect effects. Results: A total of 169 older adults with CRC were evaluated. Educational attainment, health awareness, physical activity duration, stress management ability, and frailty were significantly correlated (P < 0.05). Educational attainment significantly predicted health awareness (β = 0.291, P < 0.001). Both educational attainment (β = 0.294, P < 0.001) and health awareness (β = 0.297, P < 0.001) positively predicted physical activity duration. Educational attainment (β = 0.266, P < 0.001) and physical activity duration (β = 0.316, P < 0.001) positively predicted stress management ability. Physical activity duration (β = –0.209, P = 0.010) and stress management ability (β = –0.335, P < 0.001) negatively predicted frailty. Physical activity duration and stress management mediated 25.38 and 36.92
Observational studies link handgrip strength (HGS, a key sarcopenia sign) and visual impairment (VI), but their causality is unknown. We used bidirectional Mendelian Randomization (MR)—a genetic method to test causality—to explore if VI affects HGS, and if body mass index (BMI) plays a role. We used genetic data from large groups: FinnGen (218 792 people, VI), UK Biobank (461 089 people, HGS), and EBI/MRC-IEU (532 396 people, BMI). We focused on age-related VI (cataract, glaucoma, high eye pressure), used genetic markers linked to these traits to test causality, and did additional MR to check VI’s direct effect on HGS and BMI’s potential role as a middle factor. MR showed more severe VI tied to lower HGS: genetic predisposition to cataract reduced normal HGS chance by 48
The hypothalamus is a key integrator of autonomic and endocrine regulation and is also involved in aging mechanisms. It is hypothesized that aging processes may be regulated by changes in microRNA expression in the mediobasal hypothalamus. The aim of the study was to determine the localization and percentage of cells in the arcuate (ARN), dorsomedial (DMN), and ventromedial (VMN) nuclei of the hypothalamus expressing let-7a microRNA in male rats aged 2 months (young), 12 months (adult), and 24 months (aged) using fluorescence in situ hybridization. The results indicate that in the ARN and DMN, the percentage of let-7a microRNA-positive neurons did not differ significantly between young and adult rats, but decreased in the ARN from 51.7 ± 3.8 to 34.7 ± 4.2
It is known that hypertension may be associated with some mental disorders and cognitive impairment. The complex relationship between anxiety and hypertension results in significant inconsistency among clinical data. In this study, we investigate the relationships between hypertension, anxiety, and depression in 13-month-old male rats of three genetically related normotensive Wistar and WKY and hypertensive SHR strains. We estimate arterial pressure (AP) and behavioral indicators using the open field test (OFT), elevated plus maze (EPM), and sucrose preference test. Higher locomotor and exploratory activity and lower anxiety are observed in the SHR rats in comparison with the normotensive Wistar- and WKY-strain rats. Correlation analysis does not reveal any relations between the indicators of anxiety in the OFT and EPM and AP values either in outbred Wistar or SHR rats. In WKY rats, moderate correlations are found between the AP value and the number of grooming episodes and entries into the center arena in the OFT. Thus, no relationships are revealed between the AP values and the indicators of anxiety and depression-like behavior.
Various views on the “correct” definition of aging are analyzed. It is emphasized that a huge number of such definitions have emerged in recent decades, and several million scientific publications devoted to this topic can be found online. At the same time, most gerontologists based their definitions on the premise that aging (with various modifications) is a set of age-related changes in the body that lead to an increased probability of death. However, as numerous new data emerged in gerontological research, many specialists began to question the suitability of this “classical” definition. This was due, among other things, to the identified impact of long-term chronic diseases such as HIV or COVID-19 on age-related mortality dynamics, to the dramatic changes in recent decades in the understanding of cellular aging and the relationship between aging and various age-related diseases, as well as to the correct methodology for determining biological age. The apparent lack of progress in fundamental gerontology to date and the emergence of a large number of studies in which the presence/absence of aging in the studied organisms was in no way linked to the obtaining survival curves also played a significant role. The evolution of approaches to defining aging is discussed, as well as potential future modifications to this definition.
Autophagy is a dynamic process of delivery of non-functional cytoplasmic components into lysosomes for subsequent degradation, serving to renew cellular contents and utilize protein aggregates and organelles. This process is necessary to maintain cell metabolism under conditions of energy and nutrient deficiency. The pathogenesis of aging-associated diseases is associated with disturbances in the autophagy process. In the liver of senescent-accelerated OXYS rats and Wistar rats (control) at the age of 4 and 16 months, the transcriptional activity of key genes of the autophagy process was studied during its induction by fasting (12, 24 and 48 h) and inhibition by chloroquine. At the age of 4 months, modulation of autophagy in the liver of rats revealed changes in the mRNA level of the Atg7, Gabarapl1, Nbr1 and p62/Sqstm1 genes. At the age of 16 months, in response to food deprivation, the mRNA level of the Atg7, Map1lc3b, Gabarapl1 and Nbr1 genes increased, and the dynamics of changes in their expression depended on the genotype of the animals. Interstrain differences were revealed in the mRNA levels of Atg7 at 4 months and Gabarapl1 at 16 months during administration of chloroquine, which neutralized the effects of fasting. Our study is the first to demonstrate the effect of chloroquine on the transcriptional activity of autophagy-associated genes in rat liver. The effects of chloroquine (a late-stage autophagy blocker) on autophagy-related gene expression were age- and genotype-dependent, providing direct evidence of altered autophagic flux in the liver with aging. The observed strain-specific differences in autophagy-related gene expression in response to modulation suggest variations in the baseline state and reactivity of hepatic autophagy between OXYS and Wistar rats. These differences may contribute to the accelerated aging phenotype in OXYS rats. Given the established connection between metabolic homeostasis and aging pathologies, we hypothesize that targeting autophagic flux could represent a strategy for regulating hepatic metabolism in age-related decline.
Older adults are disproportionately vulnerable to physical, mental, and social health challenges, particularly during times of crisis. Understanding the factors that enhance their resilience is essential for developing supportive interventions. This study aimed to explore perceived contributors to resilience among Iranian older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, using qualitative methods to capture the depth of lived experience. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 37 older adults. A purposive sampling strategy with maximum variation was employed to ensure a diverse range of participants, followed by theoretical sampling to achieve conceptual saturation. Thematic analysis was used to code and interpret the data. The findings revealed that access to various forms of capital—economic, cultural, spiritual, and familial (filial support)—plays a pivotal role in strengthening resilience among older adults. These multidimensional resources go beyond material wealth, highlighting the significance of intangible assets such as cultural heritage, spiritual beliefs, and intergenerational support. Additionally, formal social support systems were identified as critical contributors to resilience. The presence or absence of these resources significantly shaped individuals’ capacity to cope with crises. Participants described access to economic, cultural, familial and spiritual resources, and formal social support, as contributors to their capacity to cope. These findings describe associations and lived experience; they are hypothesis-generating and do not establish causal relationships. Future quantitative or longitudinal research is required to test causal mechanisms.
This research was a non-experimental retrospective cross-sectional study, where the existing influence between the quality of the diet and the biopsychosocial risk factors of adults were determined. Investigation was carried out with a population sample of 696 older adults, with an age older than 60 years. The statistical analysis of the data was carried out considering the following variables: intake of all food groups, general diagnosis of the quality of the diet, economic and social support (are the variables used in the biopsychosocial factors), dependence of the older adults and the presence of diseases. Results showed that there was an influence between the presence of diseases and the diet quality of older adults. Therefore, as there is a greater presence of diseases in the elderly, attributed to changes in their diet quality.
The number of different medications per day has been linked to reduced physical function in older adults. The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations between medication count and physical function in older adults with particular consideration of the potentially mediating effects of physical activity, skeletal muscle mass, cognitive function and the body’s fluid balance. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2022 including 69 community dwelling participants (age = 82.5 ± 6.5 years) who were service users provided by a nursing home in Reykjavik, Iceland. Each participant attended one session of 60 min with the study staff for doing physical tests (anthropometrics, muscle strength, physical function) and answering questionnaires on lifestyle and health. Among the 46 women and 23 men, the prevalence of sarcopenia was 60.3
A decline in oral function, including tongue pressure, decreases physical function and increases the risk of physical frailty and hospitalization as well as mortality. Although no underlying mechanism has been determined for the relationship between decreased tongue pressure and muscle strength, their association is clear. Herein, we aimed to determine whether upper- or lower-body muscle strength is more strongly associated with tongue pressure in older adults. This cross-sectional study included community residents aged ≥65 years. Tongue pressure and grip strength were measured as upper limb muscle strength; knee extension muscle strength was measured as lower limb muscle strength. In addition, muscle mass in the limbs and trunk was evaluated, and demographic data were collected. Bayesian statistics were used for analysis using a linear regression model. Data were analyzed for 51 men (mean age [standard deviation], 77.94 [5.40] years) and 117 women (mean age [standard deviation], 77.28 [5.44] years). Tongue pressure in community-dwelling older adults with good physical function was strongly related to upper-body muscle strength in men (expected a posteriori = 0.51; 95
Background and Objectives: Loneliness and depression are major public health issues among the elderly. Self-management and self-care interventions can enhance resilience and promote well-being. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) mobile-Ageing (mAgeing) program, which delivers daily health messages to older adults, aims to promote healthy aging and strengthen intrinsic capacity and functional ability. This study evaluated the effects of the WHO mAgeing smartphone-based program on loneliness, depression, and resilience among retired education professionals. Methods: This one-group pretest–posttest quasi-experimental study included 210 older adults aged over 60, recruited through convenience sampling. Participants received daily mAgeing messages and activity instructions via WhatsApp for eight weeks. Loneliness, depressive symptoms, and resilience were measured at baseline, week 8, and week 12 using the UCLA Loneliness Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale-5 (GDS-5), and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) questionnaires. Results: Among participants, 109 (54.8
Falls among older adults represent a significant public health concern. This study, using a two-group posttest-only randomized experimental design aimed to investigate whether an 8-week combined exercise program reduces fall risk by improving vibration sense, proprioception, muscle strength, static balance, reaction time, and postural stability in women aged 65 years and older, compared to their matched sedentary counterparts. A total of 42 individuals who performed regular exercise (study group) and 42 age-matched participants with a sedentary lifestyle (control group) were included. Participants in the exercise group engaged in a combined exercise program under the supervision of a physiotherapist, 2–3 days per week for 8 weeks. Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-Short Form. The variables evaluated included vibration and proprioception senses, isometric ankle muscle strength, static balance, postural stability, and reaction time. The Morse Fall Scale (MFS) was used to assess fall risk for each participant. The study group showed statistically significant improvements in ankle proprioception, isometric plantar and dorsiflexor muscle strength, static balance, ankle reaction time, postural stability, and fall risk outcomes compared to the control group (p < 0.050). In contrast, vibration sense and isometric invertor and evertor muscle strength did not differ significantly between the two groups (p > 0.050). Regular participation in an 8-week combined exercise program significantly enhances sensory-motor functions, reduces fall risk, and improves overall postural stability in older females aged 65 and above. These findings highlight the critical role of structured exercise in fall prevention strategies for this population.
Guidelines promote high-quality care for older adults. Exercise training recommendations have not been fully characterized. Objective: To propose a training protocol for functional muscle strength and postural balance in older adults, based on main literature findings. Methods: A systematic review, including studies for individuals aged 65 years or older, providing recommendations for strength and balance training between 2017 and March 2025. Results: A total of 1979 articles were initially identified. After removing duplicates and applying filters, 1880 articles were screened, and 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies assessed multicomponent, concurrent, and strength training, and their effects on muscle strength, physical performance, balance, quality of life, and fall-related outcomes. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Significant improvements were observed in muscle strength, physical performance, and balance in the intervention groups. Training protocols typically included exercises targeting both upper and lower limbs, with variations in intensity, frequency, and progression. Recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine emphasized gradual progression and balance across muscle groups. The findings highlight studies that recommend exercise training for diverse older adult populations and various health outcomes, establishing exercise as a recognized component of care. These findings contrast with clinical reports indicating low implementation rates of exercise training, suggesting guideline recommendations may often be overlooked. Conclusions: Improving adherence to guideline-concordant exercise training could enhance function and quality of life in older adults. The presence of qualified fitness professionals during training sessions is essential to ensure safety and efficacy.
Background: The aging phenomenon is occurring at a faster rate in the developing countries compared to the developed countries. The most important issue in aging is promoting health, maintaining the independence of the elderly, and continuing to live an active life. Since reference values for hand grip strength vary across different populations and geographic regions, this study aimed to determine the reference values for hand grip strength and its influencing factors in the elderly of Amirkola. Methods: This cross-sectional study was a part of the second phase of the Amirkola Elderly Cohort and was conducted on 1375 elderly individuals aged 60 years and above willing to participate in the study. Muscle strength was measured using a dynamometer (Digital Hand Grip Dynamometer) in kilograms (kg). Other variables examined included demographic and anthropometric information, which were extracted using appropriate questionnaires and tools. Results: Based on the data, the median hand grip strength for women was 18 kg (range 11–26 kg), and for men was 32 kg (range 18–44 kg). Age and sex had the greatest impact on hand grip strength. A significant relationship was also observed between chronic disease, physical activity, bone mineral density, and fat-free mass with hand grip strength (P = 0.0001). Body Mass Index (BMI) and fat mass had a positive and significant effect in men. Educational level and marital status had a significant effect in both groups. Conclusion: The main factors affecting hand grip strength were age and sex. Other influential factors included chronic disease, physical activity, bone mineral density, and fat-free mass.
This study investigates rural-urban disparities in digital healthcare utilisation among elderly populations in Assam, with a focus on the mediating role of digital literacy. Primary survey data from 400 respondents aged 60 and above were used to construct a Digital Literacy Index (DLI) and a Digital Healthcare Utilisation Index (DHUI) via Principal Component Analysis. Multiple regression analysis identified age, education, income, living arrangements, and digital literacy as significant determinants, with rural residence linked to lower utilisation odds. The Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition revealed a DHUI gap of 2.946 units, of which 73
