Journal Description
Journal of Ageing and Longevity
Journal of Ageing and Longevity
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on all aspects of ageing and longevity published quarterly online by MDPI. The Italian Longevity League (ILL) is affiliated with the Journal of Ageing and Longevity and its members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 36.3 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 4.5 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
Latest Articles
Outcomes and Characteristics of Interdisciplinary Self-Management Interventions for Older Adults Living with Chronic Pain: Insights from a Scoping Review
J. Ageing Longev. 2024, 4(2), 83-118; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal4020007 - 3 May 2024
Abstract
►
Show Figures
Introduction: Up to 50% of community-dwelling older adults report living with some chronic pain that interferes with their daily functioning and leads to disabilities. Hence, it is crucial to provide these individuals with strategies to effectively manage pain. An interdisciplinary approach is warranted
[...] Read more.
Introduction: Up to 50% of community-dwelling older adults report living with some chronic pain that interferes with their daily functioning and leads to disabilities. Hence, it is crucial to provide these individuals with strategies to effectively manage pain. An interdisciplinary approach is warranted considering the numerous factors contributing to pain among older adults. Although several studies have been conducted on various interdisciplinary pain self-management programs, little effort has been made to synthesize knowledge about such programs for older adults. Objective: The objective of this review was to synthesize the characteristics and effects of interdisciplinary chronic pain self-management interventions targeting community-dwelling older adults. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the steps recommended by Arksey and O’Malley (2005) and Levac et al. (2010). Keyword searches were performed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Results: Sixty-six articles were included. Most interventions were based on a cognitive-behavioral group approach and used a combination of modalities, including education and training on the use of self-management strategies. The professionals most frequently involved in group interventions were psychologists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists. Several benefits of these programs have been reported concerning pain intensity, independence in daily functioning, mental health, and quality of life. Conclusions: Interdisciplinary chronic pain self-management programs appear promising in guiding clinical and rehabilitation interventions for older adults living with chronic pain.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
‘Successful Ageing’ Needs a Future: Older Incarcerated Adults’ Views on Ageing in Prison
by
Andrea Kenkmann and Christian Ghanem
J. Ageing Longev. 2024, 4(2), 72-82; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal4020006 - 2 May 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Demographic changes have led to an increase in older people in prisons. Whereas the rehabilitative process of younger offenders is geared towards their reintegration into the labour market, successful ageing should be a policy aim for older prisoners. This study explores how older
[...] Read more.
Demographic changes have led to an increase in older people in prisons. Whereas the rehabilitative process of younger offenders is geared towards their reintegration into the labour market, successful ageing should be a policy aim for older prisoners. This study explores how older incarcerated persons view their ageing. A qualitative study using a written survey with only the single question What does ageing in prison mean to you? was conducted in Bavaria, Germany. A total of 64 prisoners (61 male, 3 female) supplied answers varying in length from a few words to several pages. The thematic analysis revealed that together with health concerns, social relations and everyday activities, the uncertainty of the future was a central focus point for the older adults in prison. The authors propose that a positive vision of the future needs to be included in any model of successful ageing. If successful ageing is used as an aim for older prisoners, more attention needs to be paid to support interventions during and after the release process.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
A Mobile App for Chronic Disease Self-Management for Individuals with Low Health Literacy: A Multisite Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
by
Raymond L. Ownby, Michael Simonson, Joshua Caballero, Kamilah Thomas-Purcell, Rosemary Davenport, Donrie Purcell, Victoria Ayala, Juan Gonzalez, Neil Patel and Kofi Kondwani
J. Ageing Longev. 2024, 4(2), 51-71; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal4020005 - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a mobile app designed to improve chronic disease self-management in patients aged 40 years and older with low health literacy and who had at least one chronic health condition, and to assess
[...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a mobile app designed to improve chronic disease self-management in patients aged 40 years and older with low health literacy and who had at least one chronic health condition, and to assess the impact of delivering information at different levels of reading difficulty. A randomized controlled trial was completed at two sites. Individuals aged 40 years and older screened for low health literacy who had at least one chronic health condition were randomly assigned to a tailored information multimedia app with text at one of three grade levels. Four primary outcomes were assessed: patient activation, chronic disease self-efficacy, health-related quality of life, and medication adherence. All groups showed overall increases in activation, self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life, but no change in medication adherence. No between-group differences were observed. The mobile app may have been effective in increasing participants’ levels of several psychosocial variables, but this interpretation can only be advanced tentatively in light of the lack of control-experimental group differences. Reading difficulty level was not significantly related to outcomes.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
The Impact of Financial Pressure on the Association between Employment and Depressive Symptoms for Community-Dwelling Older Adults
by
Hiroko Costantini, Takazumi Ono, Nanami Shogaki, Tomoki Tanaka, Weida Lyu, Bo-Kyung Son, Yasuyo Yoshizawa and Katsuya Iijima
J. Ageing Longev. 2024, 4(2), 41-50; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal4020004 - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Addressing how employment impacts older adults, including their psychological well-being, we contribute to the study of this topic by examining the association between paid work in community-dwelling older adults and their depressive mood, while considering the extent of their financial pressure. Methods: The
[...] Read more.
Addressing how employment impacts older adults, including their psychological well-being, we contribute to the study of this topic by examining the association between paid work in community-dwelling older adults and their depressive mood, while considering the extent of their financial pressure. Methods: The data are from the Kashiwa longitudinal cohort study, with a 2014 baseline and a 2016 follow-up. Of the 1308 participants in the 2014 survey, 781 people were included. We conducted binary logistic regression analyses stratified by economic status with regard to the extent of the financial pressure experienced. The independent variable of interest was paid work in 2014, and the dependent variable was the extent of depressive mood (a score of 5 or more on the Geriatric Depression Scale 15) in 2016. Results: Paid work was associated with lower odds of depressive mood among those under financial pressure (odds ratio [OR] 0.46, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 0.26, 0.81), whereas for those financially stable, we did not find an association between paid work and odds of depressive mood (OR 0.99, [95%CI] 0.26, 2.63). Discussion: We evidence that for older adults under financial pressure, employment supports the maintenance of their psychological well-being. We contribute to the literature by understanding when employment is beneficial for older adults, which is important in developing appropriate older adult employment social policies.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessProtocol
The Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of the ‘Walk with Me’ Peer-Led Walking Intervention to Increase Physical Activity in Inactive Older Adults: Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial
by
Conor Cunningham, Maeve O’Doherty, Ruth D. Neill, Michael Adams, Frank Kee, Margaret E. Cupples, Wendy Hardeman, Ellen Elizabeth Anne Simpson, Marie H. Murphy, Chris Callaghan, Roger O’Sullivan, Colette Brolly, Ashley Agus, Cliona McDowell, Bob Laventure, Siobhan Casey, Suzanne M. McDonough and Mark A. Tully
J. Ageing Longev. 2024, 4(1), 28-40; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal4010003 - 15 Mar 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Background: The proportion of the population aged 65 years or older is increasing. Typically, physical activity and health decline with age, which is why action to promote active ageing is a major public health priority, particularly due to health inequalities in older adults.
[...] Read more.
Background: The proportion of the population aged 65 years or older is increasing. Typically, physical activity and health decline with age, which is why action to promote active ageing is a major public health priority, particularly due to health inequalities in older adults. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Walk with Me peer-led walking intervention for older adults. Methods: This study is a two-arm, assessor-blind, randomised controlled trial. The intervention is a 12-week peer-led walking intervention based on social cognitive theory. Participants in the control group will receive information on active ageing and healthy nutrition. The study will target 348 community-dwelling older adults, aged 60 years or over living in areas of socio-economic disadvantage communities. Trained peer mentors will deliver the intervention. The primary outcome will be a mean between-group change in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at 12 months from baseline, measured using an Actigraph accelerometer. Secondary outcomes will include quality of life, mental wellbeing, blood pressure, BMI and waist circumference. An embedded process evaluation will involve focus groups and participant diaries. Discussion: Evidence-based, cost-effective interventions to promote physical activity in older adults living in socio-economically disadvantaged communities are needed to address health inequalities.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Early Exposure to Polyphenol-Rich Sugarcane Extract (PRSE) Mitigates Aging While Enhancing Thermotolerance in C. elegans
by
Deniz Heydarian, Matthew Flavel, Mihiri Munasinghe, Abdullah Almotayri, Markandeya Jois and Jency Thomas
J. Ageing Longev. 2024, 4(1), 15-27; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal4010002 - 26 Feb 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Previous research has established that polyphenols increase lifespan and stress resistance in C. elegans. However, the effects of timing of exposure on the extension of lifespan and the mechanisms involved are not completely understood. This study aims to clarify the influence of
[...] Read more.
Previous research has established that polyphenols increase lifespan and stress resistance in C. elegans. However, the effects of timing of exposure on the extension of lifespan and the mechanisms involved are not completely understood. This study aims to clarify the influence of the timing of polyphenol-rich sugarcane extract (PRSE) administration on the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans. C. elegans worms were subjected to a diet containing PRSE powder at various larval stages until their death. The optimal concentration for lifespan extension was found to be 5 mg/mL PRSE, which increased the lifespan of N2 worms by 18.12% compared to the control group. Mutant strains were also tested, and worm thermotolerance assays were used to assess age-related health at different life stages. Lifespan was notably extended when PRSE was introduced at the first larval stage and 15 h thereafter. No significant extension of lifespan was observed when introduced later in life. The lifespan of DAF-16 and DAF-2 mutants remained unaffected by PRSE. Improved thermotolerance was observed, especially in young and middle-aged worms. Early initiation and sustained intake of PRSE might improve the heat stress and lifespan, implicating the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway as a likely mediator in C. elegans.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Health and Benefits of Dog Companionship in Women over 50 Years Old
by
Heidi A. Kluess and Rebecca L. Jones
J. Ageing Longev. 2024, 4(1), 1-14; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal4010001 - 25 Jan 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the health and wellness benefits of dog companionship in a population of women over 50 years old. Methods: This study used a combination of an online survey (n = 284 self-identified dog companions, n
[...] Read more.
Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the health and wellness benefits of dog companionship in a population of women over 50 years old. Methods: This study used a combination of an online survey (n = 284 self-identified dog companions, n = 71 non-dog companions) and in-person fitness testing (n = 24 dog companions and n = 7 non-dog companions). In-person testing included the 6 min walk, handgrip strength, and chair stand tests. Results: From the questionnaire: Dog companions were 61 ± 7 years old and non-dog companions were 58 ± 6 years old. Dog companions reported 3 ± 2 medical diagnoses and 2 ± 1 medications, but non-dog companions only reported 2 ± 1 medical diagnoses and 1 ± 1 medications (p < 0.001). Satisfaction with life scores and interpersonal communication competence scores were higher for dog companions compared to non-dog companions (p < 0.001). Dog companions and non-dog companions reported similar amounts of time per week on vigorous activity. However, the number of days per week in which dog companions participated in moderate activity was higher than in non-dog companions (p < 0.05). Dog companions also reported walking more days per week and for a longer time than non-dog companions (p < 0.05). There were no differences in the in-person testing (6 min walk, handgrip strength, chair stand tests) between groups. Conclusions: When the in-person testing scores were compared to national standards, the women in this study were average to above average. Overall, women over 50 that own dogs walk more and have better life satisfaction, compared to non-dog companions.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Evaluation of the Influence of Clinical History on the Occurrence of Dementia Using the Database of National Health Insurance in Japan
by
Yoh Tamaki, Yoshimune Hiratsuka and Toshiro Kumakawa
J. Ageing Longev. 2023, 3(4), 523-531; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal3040025 - 6 Dec 2023
Abstract
The global incidence of dementia has been rising for the past several years, posing significant health challenges regarding its management and prevention. Dementia is associated with a substantial burden on patients and their families. Therefore, effective, evidence-based preventive strategies are required for dementia.
[...] Read more.
The global incidence of dementia has been rising for the past several years, posing significant health challenges regarding its management and prevention. Dementia is associated with a substantial burden on patients and their families. Therefore, effective, evidence-based preventive strategies are required for dementia. To achieve this, the predisposing factors for dementia and their relationship with other diseases need to be determined. Japan has a universal health insurance system and these data have been stored in their respective databases since 2008. Herein we explored the influence of clinical history on the occurrence of dementia based on data collected by the National Health Insurance in Japan and Municipal Care Certification Survey over the past 10 years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors from clinical history that affect the risk of dementia development. A significant odds ratio was observed for the development of dementia in 5-year data, involving the clinical history of osteoporosis, depression, internal carotid artery occlusion, schizophrenia, and Parkinson’s disease. In addition, a significant odds ratio was observed for the development of dementia in 10-year data, involving the clinical history of osteoporosis, cataracts, and schizophrenia.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Exploring the Relationship between Emotional Valence and Prospective Memory Metamemory in Younger and Older Adults
by
Chloé Da Silva Coelho, Alexandra Hering, Sascha Zuber, Giulia Spurio, Patrizia Silvia Bisiacchi and Matthias Kliegel
J. Ageing Longev. 2023, 3(4), 507-522; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal3040024 - 5 Dec 2023
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Prospective memory (PM) plays a crucial role in daily autonomy. Metamemory and emotional valence have both been shown to influence PM performance in younger and older adults. However, when considered together, the relationship between emotional valence, metamemory, and PM has not been examined
[...] Read more.
Prospective memory (PM) plays a crucial role in daily autonomy. Metamemory and emotional valence have both been shown to influence PM performance in younger and older adults. However, when considered together, the relationship between emotional valence, metamemory, and PM has not been examined yet, especially whether metamemory PM representations develop with task experience (i.e., before versus after performing a task). We collected data from 25 younger and 19 older adults using an event-based PM task with emotional cues (positive, negative, or neutral). Results revealed that younger adults’ predictions underestimated performance for neutral and negative cues. After performing the task, they showed more accurate representations for neutral cues, indicating that they monitored their representations. Older adults’ predictions overestimated performance for negative PM cues, and they did not modify representations after performing the task. Thus, we do not find evidence that older adults are able to coherently monitor their PM representations. These findings highlight the importance of understanding PM representations, especially in older adults, as they may lead to less strategy use and more impaired PM performance in negative everyday situations.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessEditorial
The Updated Scope of the Journal of Ageing and Longevity
by
Graham P. Pawelec and Mark A. Tully
J. Ageing Longev. 2023, 3(4), 505-506; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal3040023 - 22 Nov 2023
Abstract
We are happy that the Journal of Ageing and Longevity has now entered its third year, publishing notable papers covering the wide field encompassed by its title [...]
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Association of Euterpe oleracea, Bixa orellana, Myciaria dubia, and Astrocaryum aculeatum (the Terasen® Nutraceutical) Increases the Lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans
by
Ester Lopes de Melo, Bruno Augusto Machado Tavares, Nayara Nílcia Dias Colares, Aline Lopes do Nascimento, Helison de Oliveira Carvalho, Andrés Navarrete Castro, Arlindo César Matias Pereira, Carlos Eduardo Winter, Iracirema da Silva Sena, Luiz Fernando Moreira and José Carlos Tavares Carvalho
J. Ageing Longev. 2023, 3(4), 494-504; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal3040022 - 16 Nov 2023
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Aging is a complex process associated with tissue degeneration and an increased risk of age-related diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Terasen®, a nutraceutical containing standardized extracts of Euterpe oleracea, Myrciaria dubia, and purified oil of
[...] Read more.
Aging is a complex process associated with tissue degeneration and an increased risk of age-related diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Terasen®, a nutraceutical containing standardized extracts of Euterpe oleracea, Myrciaria dubia, and purified oil of Bixa orellana and Astrocaryum aculeatum on the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans. The findings demonstrated that Terasen® exhibited significant radical scavenging in vitro, decreased the feeding behavior of C. elegans without affecting the animals’ final size, increased the eggs laid in a concentration-dependent fashion, although the total progeny was reduced compared to the control, and increased the median and maximum lifespan. These findings suggest that Terasen® may improve the lifespan in C. elegans, warranting further investigation.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Examining the Role of Leisure in Navigating Spousal Death: A Phenomenological Multi-Case Study of Widowhood
by
Thomas P. Sweeney and Jennifer Zorotovich
J. Ageing Longev. 2023, 3(4), 483-493; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal3040021 - 13 Nov 2023
Abstract
The current study will explore the post-pandemic bereavement window of widowed caregivers who experienced higher degrees of social isolation and the ways in which leisure was used to cope. A phenomenological multi-case study technique was used to explore the “multiple realities” among female
[...] Read more.
The current study will explore the post-pandemic bereavement window of widowed caregivers who experienced higher degrees of social isolation and the ways in which leisure was used to cope. A phenomenological multi-case study technique was used to explore the “multiple realities” among female caregivers whose social convoys suffered pre-pandemic because of spousal caregiving and were further impacted by COVID-19 mitigation strategies during the pandemic. Initial analyses utilized the two-cycle approach, as defined by Saldana. In the initial cycle, the researchers independently immersed themselves in the raw data gathered during participant interviews and engaged in open coding to discern concepts, patterns, themes, and categories associated with the multiple realities among the widows whose leisure participation was affected due to the strain of spousal caregiving and exacerbated by COVID-19 mitigation strategies. After completing the first cycle, the researchers then moved to the second phase, thematic analysis, which sought to develop a more structured framework by which to understand the data by identifying, analyzing, and reporting patterns (e.g., themes) within it. A qualitative comparison technique was then employed to deepen our understanding of individuals’ lived experiences. Thematic findings revealed three areas of similarities: Social isolation from caregiving, using leisure to self-focus and explore future possibilities, and core groups.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Social Connectedness in a Locked-Down World: A Phenomenological Study of Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic
by
Amy Beardmore, Penny Beynon, Christine Crabbe, Jan Fullforth, Jeremy Groome and Matthew Jones
J. Ageing Longev. 2023, 3(4), 465-482; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal3040020 - 24 Oct 2023
Cited by 2
Abstract
Background: Whilst qualitative research has previously been conducted on older people’s personal resilience and wellbeing during COVID-19, there are fewer empirical studies on the impact it had on social connectedness for this age group. In this paper we seek to examine older people’s
[...] Read more.
Background: Whilst qualitative research has previously been conducted on older people’s personal resilience and wellbeing during COVID-19, there are fewer empirical studies on the impact it had on social connectedness for this age group. In this paper we seek to examine older people’s social connectedness to others during the pandemic, their personal experiences of seeking out those connections, and whether there are any identifiable pre-existing factors that enabled them to minimise the impact of enforced isolation. Methods: Using a phenomenological methodology, we conducted in-depth interviews with 13 older people between March and May 2021. These interviews explored the participant’s lived experiences of staying socially connected to others during the enforced lockdowns and various restrictions. Results: Our findings reveal strong themes of personal resilience, sense of coherence and other protective factors, but also highlight the benefits of establishing connections to friends, family, organised groups and community prior to the pandemic. Conclusion: Older people’s ability to stay socially connected is influenced by personal resilience and a positive mindset; pre-existing social ties to others and maintaining a personal sense of coherence and a sense of belonging to people or places. Our findings shed light on the importance of informal social interactions, what it means to feel lonely in older age and indicate that for some the pandemic restrictions may even have offered a welcome space in which to process significant life events.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Empowering Older Adults in Underserved Communities—An Innovative Approach to Increase Public Health Capacity for Fall Prevention
by
Subi Gandhi, Laurie Long, Viraj Gandhi and Muna Bashir
J. Ageing Longev. 2023, 3(4), 450-464; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal3040019 - 9 Oct 2023
Abstract
Although evidence-based programs have been effective for fall prevention in many communities, older adults living in underserved areas cannot access these services due to the shortage of providers and trainers. In this cross-sectional study, a multi-agency approach was adopted for integrating an evidence-based
[...] Read more.
Although evidence-based programs have been effective for fall prevention in many communities, older adults living in underserved areas cannot access these services due to the shortage of providers and trainers. In this cross-sectional study, a multi-agency approach was adopted for integrating an evidence-based program, A Matter of Balance (AMOB), into the public health curriculum at a rurally placed university. We assessed student learning as well as the community benefits of fall prevention among those who participated in the AMOB program. Eighty-four percent of the students reported intentions of using AMOB training in their future careers. The average of the items for the effectiveness of “Classroom Training” and “Community Training” provided by the students (n = 25) ranged from 3.52 to 4.32 and 3.48 to 4.36, on a Likert scale (1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree), respectively. Older adults who participated in the fall prevention community workshops showed increased confidence in reducing falls, protecting themselves from falling, and becoming steadier on their feet after the training (p < 0.05). Our study demonstrates the value of integrating evidence-based programs such as AMOB in a university curriculum to address rural health disparities related to falls.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Healthy, Safe and Active Aging)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessBrief Report
Trends in Octogenarian Pathology
by
Tal Keidar Haran, Arnon Haran and Nir Pillar
J. Ageing Longev. 2023, 3(3), 442-449; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal3030018 - 12 Aug 2023
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
The global population has been gradually aging over the past few decades, with a growing proportion of people aged 65 years or older. Simultaneously, the medical profession has shifted towards promoting the concept of “positive” gerontology, emphasizing healthy aging. In this context, we
[...] Read more.
The global population has been gradually aging over the past few decades, with a growing proportion of people aged 65 years or older. Simultaneously, the medical profession has shifted towards promoting the concept of “positive” gerontology, emphasizing healthy aging. In this context, we investigated the trends in pathological specimen submissions from patients aged 85 or older over ten years at a single center. We observed a nearly two-fold increase in submissions during 2015–2019 compared to 2010–2014, out of proportion to the change in the fraction of older adults in the population, suggesting a changing attitude towards medical care in these older patients. Dermatologic samples were the main driver of growth, followed by gastrointestinal and urinary tract samples. However, other samples, like breast and lung, did not significantly increase. Although further research is needed to understand the implications of increasing invasive procedures in the oldest old, a noteworthy trend has emerged towards increased and more active healthcare for this population. Healthcare providers and administrators should be prepared for a continued rise in invasive interventions in this age group.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
The Relationship between Mental Health and Loneliness in the Elderly during the COVID-19 Pandemic
by
Mahsa Sadatnia, Amir Jalali, Laili Tapak and Farshid Shamsaei
J. Ageing Longev. 2023, 3(3), 433-441; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal3030017 - 12 Jul 2023
Cited by 2
Abstract
Background and Aim: The coronavirus pandemic has had a negative impact on the health and well-being of communities and individuals around the world. One of the concerns about the COVID-19 epidemic is the impact of social isolation due to social distancing on the
[...] Read more.
Background and Aim: The coronavirus pandemic has had a negative impact on the health and well-being of communities and individuals around the world. One of the concerns about the COVID-19 epidemic is the impact of social isolation due to social distancing on the mental health of older adults. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between mental health and loneliness among seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 211 retirees of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences were selected by available sampling method in 2021. Data were collected through the Demographic, Mental Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and the Adult Social and Emotional Feeling Questionnaire (SELSA-S). Data were analyzed using paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance, covariance, and chi-squared tests. The significance level was considered 0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 71.26 years and the results showed a significant relationship between feeling lonely and mental health (r = 0.535, p = 0.001). There were statistically significant relationships between mental health and social functioning (r = −0.204, p ≥ 0.001) and depression (r = 0.501, p = 0.001) and also between mental health and three subscales of loneliness: romantic loneliness (r = 0.001, p = 0.001), social loneliness (r = 0.493, p = 0.001), and family loneliness (r = 0.289, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Feeling lonely during the coronavirus disease pandemic has a negative effect on the mental health of older adults; therefore, it is necessary for mental health professionals to improve the mental health of the elderly with proper planning and interventions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Healthy, Safe and Active Aging)
Open AccessConference Report
Abstracts from the 26th Nordic Congress of Gerontology
by
Jette Thuesen, Charlotte Nilsson and Paolo Caserotti
J. Ageing Longev. 2023, 3(3), 203-432; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal3030016 - 11 Jul 2023
Abstract
This paper is dedicated to the research presented at the 26th Nordic Congress of Gerontology in Odense, Denmark, in June 2022, which was organized by the Danish Gerontological Society and the Danish Society for Geriatrics. The overall topics of the congress were change
[...] Read more.
This paper is dedicated to the research presented at the 26th Nordic Congress of Gerontology in Odense, Denmark, in June 2022, which was organized by the Danish Gerontological Society and the Danish Society for Geriatrics. The overall topics of the congress were change and continuity. Participants were invited to explore questions on change and continuity from the perspective of ageing and later life within the following congress themes: digitisation and technology; housing, generations and mobility; lifestyle, engagement and transition; education and competences in ageing societies; morbidity, medical treatment and ageing processes; and a good life and a good death. Life is about change and continuity. We experience ourselves and our surroundings differently throughout our lives. For most people, later life is characterized by major transitions, moving towards frailty and multiple losses. But it may also be a part of life with more time to engage in preferred activities, explore new possibilities, and to cope and come to terms with new challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a challenge to the world beyond imagination, particularly for frail and vulnerable people and societies. However, it also provided valuable new insights and reminded us of the values in life. We, therefore, also welcomed presentations and discussions on societal perspectives such as citizen perspective, ethnicity, inequality, sustainability and ecology, the pandemic and lockdown. We thank the organizers, scientific committees and all participants for a great congress with high-quality presentations and discussions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Change and Continuity in Ageing—The Selected Papers from the 26th Nordic Congress of Gerontology (NKG))
Open AccessProtocol
Efficacy of the Use of Exergames in Promoting the Mental Health of the Elderly: Protocol of a Systematic Review
by
Andreia Lima, Maria Teresa Moreira, Maria Salomé Ferreira, Vítor Parola, Francisco Sampaio, Maria do Perpétuo Nóbrega and Carla Fernandes
J. Ageing Longev. 2023, 3(3), 191-202; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal3030015 - 5 Jul 2023
Abstract
Background: Scientific and technological advancements have significantly impacted our daily lives, and it is not easy to imagine living without their benefits. However, elderly individuals may experience limited access to these resources, impeding their autonomy. To address this, the use of exergames has
[...] Read more.
Background: Scientific and technological advancements have significantly impacted our daily lives, and it is not easy to imagine living without their benefits. However, elderly individuals may experience limited access to these resources, impeding their autonomy. To address this, the use of exergames has been proposed to promote the mental health and socialization of older people. This study aims to systematically review the effectiveness of exergames in promoting older people’s mental health and socialization. Methods: The Joanna Briggs Institute’s recommended methodology will be used for a systematic review. Databases relevant to the research topic, such as those regarding gerontologic care, aged rehabilitation, geriatric games, video games, play and playthings, mental health, anxiety, depression, stress, and physiological factors, will be searched for experimental and quasi-experimental studies, as well as randomized studies with and without control groups. Results: The systematic literature review will synthesize findings on the effectiveness of exergames in promoting mental health and socialization in the elderly population. Conclusions: Exergames may have the potential to effectively improve the mental health and socialization of the elderly population. Identifying which exergames are most effective for these purposes is important to inform the provision of healthcare to this population.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Artful Ageing, Not Just Successful Ageing
by
Tine Fristrup and Jon Dag Rasmussen
J. Ageing Longev. 2023, 3(2), 179-190; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal3020014 - 14 Jun 2023
Abstract
In this article, we develop a tentative philosophy to orchestrate and support possibilities for artful ageing. This effort argues that older adults need a broader range of opportunities to explore the manifold ephemeral, non-rational, and in-between elements of an ageing life. The philosophy
[...] Read more.
In this article, we develop a tentative philosophy to orchestrate and support possibilities for artful ageing. This effort argues that older adults need a broader range of opportunities to explore the manifold ephemeral, non-rational, and in-between elements of an ageing life. The philosophy is rooted in the notion that older adults need space (literally and metaphorically) to explore and process their existence and that engaging in such processes can entail emancipatory effects in everyday life. The perspective unfolded throughout the article is a philosophical venture, or, rather, a preliminary work, developing the concept of artful ageing as a tool applicable in rethinking and broadening the range of activities occurring in institutional settings dedicated to older adults. Furthermore, the perspective also presents a critical stance towards normative footings and biopolitical agendas embedded in current regimes of active ageing. Artful ageing represents the ambition to enable and support artful lives, events, and activities among residents and participants in care homes and other contexts. We argue that physical and existential spaces are closely intertwined entities and that initiatives aimed at maintaining adequate measures of openness, ambiguity, and sensory intimacy, i.e., events that allow for the experience of metaphorical cracks, can afford artful pockets in which to reside for a while, seek refuge, recharge, stray from the beaten track, and obtain an always partial feeling of emancipation. In qualifying the concept of artful ageing, we hope to open new avenues to contemplate and subsequently initiate activities for older adults that are not just orientated towards physical health in later life. At the same time, our ambition is to develop a critical perspective aimed at challenging existing notions of successful ageing in (re)invigorating the importance of artful processes and experiences as an element inherent to successful ageing, as well.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Change and Continuity in Ageing—The Selected Papers from the 26th Nordic Congress of Gerontology (NKG))
Open AccessArticle
Skeletal Muscle Transcriptome Alterations Related to Declining Physical Function in Older Mice
by
Ted G. Graber, Rosario Maroto, Jill K. Thompson, Steven G. Widen, Zhaohui Man, Megan L. Pajski and Blake B. Rasmussen
J. Ageing Longev. 2023, 3(2), 159-178; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal3020013 - 31 May 2023
Cited by 2
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
One inevitable consequence of aging is the gradual deterioration of physical function and exercise capacity, driven in part by the adverse effect of age on muscle tissue. We hypothesized that relationships exist between age-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in skeletal muscle and age-associated
[...] Read more.
One inevitable consequence of aging is the gradual deterioration of physical function and exercise capacity, driven in part by the adverse effect of age on muscle tissue. We hypothesized that relationships exist between age-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in skeletal muscle and age-associated declines in physical function and exercise capacity. Previously, male C57BL/6mice (6m, months old, 24m, and 28m) were tested for physical function using a composite scoring system (comprehensive functional assessment battery, CFAB) comprised of five well-validated tests of physical function. In this study, total RNA was isolated from tibialis anterior samples (n = 8) randomly selected from each age group in the parent study. Using Next Generation Sequencing RNAseq to determine DEGs during aging (6m vs. 28m, and 6m vs. 24m), we found a greater than five-fold increase in DEGs in 28m compared to the 24m. Furthermore, regression of the normalized expression of each DEG with the CFAB score of the corresponding mouse revealed many more DEGs strongly associated (R ≥ |0.70|) with functional status in the older mice. Gene ontology results indicate highly enriched axon guidance and acetyl choline receptor gene sets, suggesting that denervation/reinnervation flux might potentially play a critical role in functional decline. We conclude that specific age-related DEG patterns are associated with declines in physical function, and the data suggest accelerated aging occurring between 24 and 28 months.
Full article
Figure 1
Highly Accessed Articles
Latest Books
E-Mail Alert
News
Topics
Topic in
Education Sciences, Entropy, JAL, Societies, Sustainability
Sustainability in Aging and Depopulation Societies
Topic Editors: Shiro Horiuchi, Gregor Wolbring, Takeshi MatsudaDeadline: 15 June 2024
Conferences
Special Issues
Special Issue in
JAL
Quality of Life among Older Adults: Lifestyle Differentiation and Associated Factors
Guest Editors: Julie Brown, An DinhDeadline: 31 October 2024
Special Issue in
JAL
Aging in Place: Supporting Older People's Well-Being and Independence
Guest Editor: Gordana DermodyDeadline: 30 November 2024
Special Issue in
JAL
The Role of Hospitality in Ageing and Longevity: A New Frontier for Ageing in Place and Senior Living
Guest Editor: Thorsten MerkleDeadline: 31 December 2024