The paper presents a study performed in Italy evaluating the impact of social gardening for older adults, supported by a gardening and community mobile app and connected soil sensors. We conducted a pre- and post-test field trial with older adult volunteers (n=41) with organized gardening sessions. Standardized and ad hoc questionnaires were employed to measure changes in volunteers' mental and psychological states. The statistical data analysis used t-tests, repeated measures MANOVA tests and logistic regression to find differences in, and predictors for, the pre- and post-testvalues of the key scores related to the perceived quality of life, cognitive functions, dietary habits and system usability. We found significant improvements in the cognitive functions, the perceived benefits of gardening and in the WHO Quality of Life (QOL) instruments, and a decrease in the fruit/vegetable consumption. The improvements in QOL were associated with the measured self-esteem, while cognitive improvement, measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale, was linked with higher commitment. Digital skills also improved and lasting social relationships formed during the trial. The observed results confirmed the positive effect of gardening on quality of life, thus justifying the viability of social gardening for older adults.
Animatronic ("robotic") pets are increasingly popular as a therapeutic approach used by caregivers to interact with persons living with mild-to-moderate dementia. Few studies have considered the influence of both implementation and professional practice on the effectiveness of their use. Addressing this gap, our study evaluated experiences and insights offered by recreation therapy team members when introducing a robotic pets program for residents living with dementia within a residential facility. While embedded in this setting, our research team conducted three longitudinal qualitative, semi-structured group interviews and four participant observation sessions with recreation team members over a six-month study period, followed by a workshop 1 year into implementation. Using a reflexive thematic analysis approach, we organized findings into three implementation stages: (i) pre-intervention planning; (ii) intervention delivery; and (iii) sustainability. Our findings suggested that study participants held and sustained positive views toward robotic pet interactions with residents, adopted approaches tailored to residents' evolving needs, and responded to various caregiving and behavioral challenges with skill and imagination. These insights may help others optimize the effectiveness of robotic pets when delivered as a resident-centered, adaptable program for people living with mild-to-moderate dementia in residential care.
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between clinical health and behavioral lifestyle factors, including sleep quality, physical activity, and nutritional status and balance, in older adults. Cross-sectional study with 167 individuals aged >= 60 years. Participants completed sociodemographic questionnaires and underwent clinical evaluations. Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale, sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, physical activity with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, muscle strength with handgrip dynamometry, and nutritional status with anthropometric measures. The results indicated that poorer sleep quality (OR = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.79-0.98; p = .024) and diabetes (OR = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.07-0.52; p = .001) were associated with lower odds of adequate balance. Physical activity (OR = 3.44; 95% CI: 1.18-10.04; p = .024) increased the likelihood of proper balance. Individuals aged 80 years and older were less likely to maintain balance (OR = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.02-0.34; p = .001). The results show that clinical and behavioral factors influence balance in older adults poor sleep quality and the presence of diabetes increase the risk of balance impairment, creating a cycle of functional disability, while physical activity acts as a protective factor, interrupting this negative cycle.
Although researchers belonging to disciplines like sports science, leisure studies and exercise psychology have conducted extensive studies on the critical engagement between sports and aging, there is still a scarcity of critical theorization of the interconnections between sports fiction and gerontological studies. It was only in the last decade that academic discourse on the latter arrested much scholarly attention, as critics gradually started to analyze representations of (old)age/master athletes within the ambit of sports fiction (mainly visual narratives). Aligning itself with this theoretical development, the paper tries to chart out the incremental growth of academic scholarship in sports and gerontology across the globe, and then, seeks to examine the Bollywood movie, Vijay 69, directed by Akshay Roy, in light of aging studies. The movie tells the story of an eponymous sexagenarian hero, enacted by Anupam Kher, who displays a unique spectacle of sportsmanship and athleticism, participating in a triathlon at the age of 69. The main purpose of the paper is to investigate how the movie captures the experience and conceptualization of old age, and also emerges as a counter narrative to the ageist perception that acts as the dominant force in the arena of sports.
Tai Chi is widely recognized as a health intervention providing significant physical and mental benefits for older adults. Advances in technology have made Tai Chi accessible through virtual reality; however, limited research explores the effects of immersive virtual reality Tai Chi (VRTC) on health outcomes among older adults. This pilot study investigated VRTC's effectiveness in promoting physical and mental health in this population. Twenty-three community-dwelling older adults participated in two weekly 15-minute VRTC sessions over four weeks. Paired t-tests analyzed pre- and posttest differences in balance and perceived stress levels. The findings revealed significant improvements in balance (p < .001) and stress reduction (p < .001) among participants. These results suggest the VRTC program could serve as a promising, technology-driven intervention for community-dwelling older adults at higher risk of falls and mental distress. Given the small sample size and the absence of a control group in this pilot study, we suggest the need for larger controlled trials to more accurately evaluate VRTC's efficacy for geriatric populations.
Do socially designed approaches in day service centers for older adults reduce impairments linked to dementia? Descriptive results concerning the activities of daily livings (ADL) and quality of life (QOL) of the participants of the center were reported by the directors based on the certified care workers' observation. The reports also included the offered socially designed approaches, such as cognitive exercises, physical exercises, recreational activities, life review, altruistic social activities, and karaoke, that may have improved ADL and QOL of the participants. The authors objectively evaluated the changes in ADL and QOL of the participants with dementia based on the criteria for "all-cause dementia" recommended from the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association workgroups on diagnostic guidelines for Alzheimer's disease. We summarize the cases of twenty-one participants who reduced impairments linked to dementia. Socially designed approaches were potentially effective to reduce impaired personality, behavior, and comportment within the cognitive or behavioral impairment domains of dementia, which are also regarded as behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Successful communication between the caregivers and the participants with dementia and communication within the pseudosociety of the center including normal older citizens may be important to reduce BPSD.
Despite its critical importance in maintaining health, little is known about whether and which physical activities (PA) older adults in low- and middle-income countries engage in. This study's purpose was to gather current data on PA engagement among older adults in Belize. We conducted a national cross-sectional descriptive study, using a cluster sampling approach. Data collectors administered a survey using adapted versions of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Of the 672 study participants, 41.9% said they walked sometimes or often, with differences associated with sex and age. Around a fifth (20.3%) did light sport, 14.7% used a bicycle, and just 5.1% did strength or weight training. Most of the participants said they did physical activity through tasks in the home and garden, with 87.7% and 77.0% reported doing light and heavy housework, respectively. Older Belizean adults do engage in various forms of physical activity. While few do sports or exercise like weight training, many are active through transportation or housework. Knowing what people currently do can inform future community-based opportunities to increase and improve engagement in physical activity.
IntroductionPrevious research has advocated for increased investigation into the positive benefits of railroad modeling (RRM). The purpose of this study was to explore benefits of RRM as a form of serious engagement.MethodsA subsample of men (n = 9) who participated in a survey about RRM (N = 60) were interviewed (age M = 70 years, SD = 8.5) and reported good health (M = 5.4; out of;1= very poor, 7 = excellent health). On average, men participated in the hobby for 55 years (SD = 10.2). Interviews were analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach.ResultsTwo themes were identified: 1) Reasons and Benefits of Participation in the Hobby, allowing for continued participation despite health changes, 2) Lifelong Identity as a Railroad Modeler, providing a positive outlet, and a subtheme on Adaptability of the Hobby was also identified when men turned to RRM when experiencing life transitions.DiscussionThis study supports that serious engagement is beneficial in older adulthood. RRM facilitated meaningfulness and purpose for the men. Selective Optimization with Compensation was evident when men explained the adaptability of the hobby and continued participation despite health changes. Future researchers should explore vicarious RRM for individuals unable to physically participate in hobbies.
Life satisfaction represents a universal social goal. Research suggests familiar interactions of diverse types may shape life satisfaction, but questions remain about the valence and importance of variables shaping life satisfaction. We examined the relationships between frequency of shared parent-child activities in early life stages and self-reported parental life-satisfaction after children leave home using a case study of university students' parents (n = 92). Frequency of shared housework with young children was the most important (p = .004, eta p2 = .10), and positive, predictor of life satisfaction among parents after children left home, and shared religious activities (p = .043, eta p2 = .05) were also a positive predictor. Conversely, the frequency of playing sports with young children was a negative predictor of later life satisfaction among parents (p = .042, eta p2 = .04). We did not detect a relationship for shared visits to parks. Current activity level (p = .001, eta p2 = .13) and income (p = .011, eta p2 = .08) positively predicted life satisfaction. This research highlights novel ways shared family activities may affect later life satisfaction among older parents but requires additional research to assess if and how findings apply in other contexts.
Successful aging relies on cognitive and physical reserves built over a lifetime. Cognitive reserve (i.e. a set of cognitive resources and strategies acquired throughout one's life) helps counteract cognitive decline, while physical reserve (i.e. the ability to maintain physical efficiency despite pathological conditions or injuries) supports efficiency despite aging-related challenges. Engaging in cognitively, physically, and socially stimulating activities by midlife slows cognitive deterioration. This study examined the impact of gardening/yard work on cognitive reserve, physical performance, and executive functioning in older adults since gardening/yard work involves moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA). It also explored the relationships among these factors. Methods: The study included 132 community-dwelling older adults (Mage = 81.6 years, SD = 8.3; range: 65-101) from Sardinia's Blue Zone, a geographical area known for exceptional longevity. Participants completed tests assessing cognitive reserve and executive functioning. PA levels, including amount and intensity, were objectively measured with accelerometers over seven days. Gardening/yard work was associated with higher cognitive reserve, improved visuo-spatial cognitive flexibility, and greater PA levels, particularly of moderate-to-vigorous intensity. Significant correlations were found among cognitive reserve, PA, and executive functioning. In conclusion, an active lifestyle in later life, especially through physically and cognitively stimulating activities like gardening, supports successful aging.
This article explores how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the social participation and daily engagements of older people who were actively involved in community organizations. Guided by a life course perspective, the researchers conducted two in-depth interviews with each of the 52 older adults and performed a thematic analysis of the data. Three major themes emerged from the analysis. Relationship to time and age shows how the pandemic altered the participants' life trajectories and commitments as well as their sense of aging. The pandemic as a major disruption illustrates how health and participatory routines were scrutinized and reframed following more individualistic and reflexive patterns. The thread of human relationships examines how family and social relationships were maintained through emotional and technological initiatives. The five key principles of life course theory illustrate how the participants adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and negotiated many disruptions affecting their previous habits and routines to maintain, discover, or rediscover significant strategies for engaging in social participation. These findings offer valuable guidance for activity professionals working with older adults in community-based organizations, suggesting strategies for adapting their practices with the lessons learned from de the last health crisis.
While all memory disorders create disruption in a person's life, when it appears before the age of 65 years as young onset dementia (YOD), the life course is even more radically disrupted. This type of dementia undermines the preconditions of social agency by reducing a person's ability to act and participate. As a consequence, the social agency of people with YOD has to be reconstructed, and researchers and professionals need new knowledge of this process. Narrative analysis of the social agency of people with YOD (n = 14) and how they reconstruct their agency in the initial stage of their illness. Interviews (n = 54) were conducted after the interviewees received their YOD diagnosis and then repeated once a year for four years (2019-2022). Changes in social agency were associated with social interactions, joint action, and the individual characteristics and abilities of people with YOD. Individuals reconstruct their social agency in a dynamic process by balancing their abilities, interruptions and resistance. To understand unique changes and life situations, it helps to hear the person's own story. To prevent stress and relationship strain, people with YOD and their family members need person-centered psychosocial interventions shortly after diagnosis.
Adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD) face a heightened risk of falls. Exercise approaches have been identified as a potential strategy to improve physical function and mitigate fall risk. Evaluate the effectiveness of exercise in preventing and managing falls among adults and older adults with CVDs. A comprehensive search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to June 2024 was conducted across five electronic databases. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale was used to assess study quality. Thirteen RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Exercise protocols varied in frequency (2-5 sessions per week), session duration (20-60 minutes), and program length (6-12 weeks). Most studies have demonstrated significant improvements in physical function, as assessed through measures such as the 10-m walk test and the Berg Balance Scale. Fall risk reduction, primarily evaluated via the Falls Efficacy Scale, was observed in most studies, though two did not report significant effects. Exercise approaches enhance physical function and contribute to fall prevention in individuals with CVDs. However, variations in program design limit the ability to establish standardized recommendations. Further research is needed to determine the most effective exercise modalities for optimizing fall prevention strategies in this population.
Extra Care Housing (ECH) provides supported accommodation for older adults needing care by Housing Associations. It focuses on social engagement and activities that improve health outcomes, though promoting tenant participation poses challenges. This study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators to social engagement and activity participation in ECH from tenant and staff perspectives, examine the impact of the COVID-1 pandemic as a lens for understanding the effects of crises situations on care more broadly, and develop recommendations to enhance social engagement in the ECH setting. A qualitative design was utilized employing a multi-stakeholder approach. Participants (n = 16) were recruited across three ECH sites in Wales. Semi-structured interviews were conducted individually with six staff and four tenants, and a focus group conducted with six tenants. Two themes were identified for both staff and tenants which then informed the development of 12 actionable recommendations which are aimed at supporting tenants to meaningfully engage. These relate to staff considerations, forward planning, activity types and accessibility and inclusivity. Adopting these recommendations may help housing associations enhance the provision and support of social engagement and activities within the extra care housing setting, potentially benefiting the mental/physical health of tenants.
The empirical evidence concerning identification among older fans through systematic functions in athlete fan communities and multifaceted emotional benefits derived from shared community experiences remains scant. The purpose of this study was to explore the emotional benefits with older female members of an athlete fan community through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed the following themes: external assimilation, athlete idolization, community engagement, and ideological uniformity. Overall, the results uncovered the complex dynamics of athlete-driven activities and sense of connection among older females within the context of consumption collectives. Focusing on the older fans' social engagement and emotional health, the project provides value to the evolving fan community literature and practice.
This study explores the attributes of anti-aging and quality of life through health-oriented leisure activities among middle-aged adults in their 50s in South Korea. A conceptual model is developed against the backdrop of constraints on leisure (intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural) and motivational factors such as social networking site posts, showing off, and health and fitness that leads to constraint negotiation, satisfaction, and health-related quality of life (measured by competence, psychological well-being, stability, physical well-being, and activity). Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling was employed to analyze the data (391 respondents). The results reveal that structural constraints positively influence constraint negotiation, whereas intrapersonal and interpersonal constraints do not influence constraint negotiation. Motivational factors such as showing off, health, and fitness positively influence constraint negotiations, whereas social networking site posts do not impact. Finally, constraint negotiation positively influences satisfaction, which in turn positively influences health-related quality of life. The outcome of this study advocates the dominant constraints associated with the health-related quality of life of middle-aged adults. Middle-aged adults focus not only on the satisfaction derived from constraint negotiation that enhances their quality of life, but also on the aesthetic aspects of their physique. This study acts as a benchmark in understanding the core characteristics associated with the quality of life of the middle-aged population in South Korea.
Older people are mostly excluded from social gatherings due to certain health constraints. This situation necessitates an understanding of the older adults' digital engagement needs and existing digital technologies to support such activities. The authors conducted a scoping review by searching three bibliographic databases PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus for articles reporting on older person's social participation through digital engagement. Out of 3312 retrieved papers, authors included 38 studies in the qualitative synthesis. The results show that the older persons have various digital engagement needs ranging from digital literacy to physical and cognitive exercises to overcome loneliness, social isolation and maintain health and well-being. Digital skills requirement and reliance on the use of technology reflect the need for activities that can bring joy, meaning, and personal fulfillment, including religious and spiritual engagement. Literature reflects that available digital technologies include digital health and wellness technologies, assistive and safety technologies, communication and social networking tools, information and entertainment, digital devices for engagement, self-management and e-commerce and motivation and behavioral nudges. Furthermore, this study proposes a Conceptual Framework which exemplifies how various digital tools contribute to older adults' social participation, health and well-being, within a broader ecosystem of influencing factors.
This study qualitatively explored care home residents' experiences of participating in chair yoga through post-intervention focus groups with 10 residents and individual interviews with three care home staff members. Older adults from two UK care homes took part in an eight-week program involving twice-weekly 30-45-minute sessions of Lakshmi Voelker Chair YogaTM. Through reflexive thematic analysis, two overarching themes were developed; experiences of chair yoga and its perceived effects. Within these themes, participants described a range of benefits - five of which were shared by residents and staff - including enjoyment, social connection, stimulation, relaxation, and the importance of teacher qualities. Staff additionally emphasized the value of yoga teachers communicating clearly with residents, having an understanding of dementia, and offering one-to-ones residents with advanced dementia. Barriers included logistical challenges such as the location of sessions within the care home, resident motivation, and limited staff availability. This paper offers insight into the experiences of participating in chair yoga, adding to a limited evidence base in this topic area.
