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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Aging".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 October 2022) | Viewed by 21102

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Marina Celly Martins Ribeiro de Souza

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Guest Editor

School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science, The College of New Jersey, Ewing Township, NJ 08618, USA
Interests: aging; gerontology; health promotion; social epidemiology

Prof. Dr. Brenda F. Seals

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Guest Editor

Department of Public Health, School of Nursing, Health and Exercise Science, The College of New Jersey, Ewing Township, NJ 08618, USA
Interests: violence and injury; research methods; statistics; cancer; HIV/AIDS; health disparities

Dr. Connie R. Kartoz

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Guest Editor

Department of Nursing, The College of New Jersey, Ewing Township, NJ 08618, USA
Interests: anticipatory loss for aging parents; aging and autism; health prevention; climate change and health

Dr. Sylvia Twersky

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Guest Editor

School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science, The College of New Jersey, Ewing Township, NJ 08618, USA
Interests: immigrants; refugees; health policy; health disparities; econometrics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The populations of the world are rapidly aging. The proportion of older persons, those aged 60 years or over, is expected to reach as high as 22% by 2050. For the first time in history, the world’s number of older persons may exceed the number of children (persons under age 15) by 2047. Already in more developed regions, the number of children has dropped below that of older persons, beginning in 1998.

Global aging is both a triumph and a challenge. In the policy framework of active aging published by the World Health Organization (WHO), these demographic changes put increased economic and social demands on all countries. At the same time, older people are precious though often ignored resources that make important contributions to society. Yet, major challenges of aging populations include the rising burden of chronic diseases including disability, provision of care, economics, ethics and abuses, growing inequities and forging a new paradigm with an intergenerational approach.

This Special Issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) focuses on Aging Processes, Lifestyles and Longevity. New research papers, reviews, case reports and conference papers are welcome to this issue. Papers dealing with new approaches, policies and theories to inform solutions to issues facing the aged are also welcome. Other manuscript types accepted include methodological papers, position papers, brief reports, and commentaries.

Dr. Marina Celly Martins Ribeiro de Souza
Dr. Brenda Seals
Dr. Connie R. Kartoz
Dr. Sylvia Twersky
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

active aging
healthy aging
longevity
older adults
gerontology
geriatrics
aging

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 1582 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Association between Oxygen Concentration and Life Expectancy in China: A Quantitative Analysis

by Qing Zou, Yingsi Lai and Zhao-Rong Lun

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 1125; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021125 - 8 Jan 2023

Viewed by 2003

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate and quantify the association between oxygen concentration and life expectancy. The data from 34 provinces and 39 municipalities were included in all analyses. Bayesian regression modeling with spatial-specific random effects was used to quantify the impact of oxygen concentration (measured as partial pressure of oxygen) on life expectancy, adjusting for other potential confounding factors. We used hierarchical cluster analysis to group the provinces according to disease burden and analyzed the oxygen levels and the characteristics of causes of death between the clusters. The Bayesian regression analysis showed that the life expectancy at the provincial level increased by 0.15 (95% CI: 0.10–0.19) years, while at the municipal level, it increased by 0.17 (95% CI: 0.12–0.22) years, with each additional unit (mmHg) of oxygen concentration, after controlling for potential confounding factors. Three clusters were identified in the hierarchical cluster analysis, which were characterized by different oxygen concentrations, and the years of life lost from causes potentially related to hypoxia were statistically significantly different between the clusters. A positive correlation was found between oxygen concentration and life expectancy in China. The differences in causes of death and oxygen levels in the provincial clusters suggested that oxygen concentration may be an important factor in life expectancy when mediated by diseases that are potentially related to hypoxia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging Processes, Lifestyles and Longevity)

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12 pages, 355 KiB

Open AccessArticle

I Am a Mother Because I Wanted to—I Am a Grandmother Because Others See Me That Way—Motherhood as a Critical Life Event for Ageing Women

by Aleksandra Błachnio and Karolina Kuryś-Szyncel

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(24), 16381; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416381 - 7 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1360

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyse women’s perceptions of their transition to motherhood in the late decades of their female adulthood. The research problem was whether and to what extent the meaning of the transition to motherhood changes for women from different birth cohorts. Our sample included mothers from two generational cohorts: 50 women in middle adulthood (M = 47.66), and 52 women in late adulthood (M = 69.35). The results were analysed using qualitative data analysis methods, including frequency analysis and qualitative narrative analysis. Based on the analyses, the category of transition to motherhood was found to be a standard feature for all the women studied in middle and late adulthood. In both older generations, some women recalled the birth of their first child as a coping with change. Indicators of criticality were extracted from their narratives: potential bivalence, the unpredictability of consequences, and longevity of life changes. The results showed that the generation of women in late adulthood exhibited significantly fewer difficulties related to their own motherhood. The semantic dominant of the narratives studied is motherhood as taking responsibility for another person. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging Processes, Lifestyles and Longevity)

13 pages, 349 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Parsimonious Taxonomy of The Newly Retired: Spousal and Disability Combinations Shape Part or Complete Retirement

by John Rodwell, Thomas Hendry and Dianne Johnson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13537; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013537 - 19 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1391

Abstract

The inadequate classification of retiree sub-groups ultimately results in misaligned policy. To generate sets of sub-groups that may be appropriately targeted for policy and interventions, variables are used that reflect the social structure of retirees, particularly the options of partial and complete retirement, marital status, gender, as well as the retirement status of the spouse, where relevant, and disability. Three sets of longitudinal Australian data were combined, each reflecting a four-year period (2003–2007, 2007–2011, 2011–2015) during which the individuals aged 45 to 69 retired (n = 1179). A multiway frequency analysis was performed to develop an inductive, combinatorial model of retirement from work. The resulting parsimonious taxonomy of sub-groups of the newly retired reflected main effects and interactions of key social-structural variables. Notably, a key driver of the pattern of results was that couples tend to coordinate their retirement behavior in both the decision to retire and form of retirement. Non-partnered retirees were more likely to be women. Disability was also a driver of retirement for non-partnered retirees, regardless of gender. Identifying sub-groups based on combinations of retiree characteristics can better inform policy design, appropriate health promotion interventions and potential specific triggers for enacting those policies. Overall, marital status, spousal retirement behavior and disability may each present a more useful basis for a taxonomy of retirement than more individually oriented age- and wealth-based systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging Processes, Lifestyles and Longevity)

16 pages, 1202 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Incidence and Predictors of Mortality among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Malaysia: A 5 Years Longitudinal Study

by Yee Xing You, Nurul Fatin Malek Rivan, Devinder Kaur Ajit Singh, Nor Fadilah Rajab, Arimi Fitri Mat Ludin, Normah Che Din, Ai-Vyrn Chin, Michael Fenech, Mohd Zul Amin Kamaruddin and Suzana Shahar

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 8943; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19158943 - 22 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2191

Abstract

With older adults accounting for 10.7% of the Malaysian population, determining the predictors of mortality has now become crucial. Thus, this community-based longitudinal study aimed to investigate the predictors for mortality among community-dwelling older adults using a wide range of factors, including clinical or subclinical. A total of 2322 older adults were interviewed and assessed by trained fieldworkers using validated structured questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of information on socio-demographic characteristics, health status, neuropsychological and psychosocial functions, lifestyle, dietary intake and biophysical measures. The incidence rate of mortality was 2.9 per 100 person-years. Cox regression analysis indicated that advancing age (Adjusted Hazard Ratio, Adj HR = 1.044, 95% CI: 1.024–1.064), male (Adj HR = 1.937, 95% CI: 1.402–2.675), non-married status (Adj HR = 1.410, 95% CI: 1.078–1.843), smoking (Adj HR = 1.314, 95% CI: 1.004–1.721), a higher fasting blood sugar (Adj HR = 1.075, 95% CI: 1.029–1.166), a lower serum albumin (Adj HR = 0.947, 95% CI: 0.905–0.990), a longer time to complete the TUG test (Adj HR = 1.059, 95% CI: 1.022–1.098), and a lower intake of total dietary fibre (Adj HR = 0.911, 95% CI: 0.873–0.980) were the predictors of mortality in this study. These findings provide an estimated rate of multiethnic mortality in middle-income countries and diet is one of the predictors. These predictors of mortality could be a reference in identifying new public health strategies to ensure longer healthier life spans with lower disability rate among community-dwelling older adults in Malaysia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging Processes, Lifestyles and Longevity)

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13 pages, 378 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The New Age of Organ Donation—What Factors Have an Influence on the Attitude of Older People? An Attitudinal Survey in Southeastern Spain

by Beatriz Febrero, Javier Almela-Baeza, Inmaculada Ros-Madrid, José Alfonso Arias, Juan José Ruiz-Manzanera, María Isabel Jiménez-Mascuñán and Pablo Ramírez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8524; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148524 - 12 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1979

Abstract

Currently, more than half of all donors are aged over 65 years, and previous studies have shown that this group is less willing to support organ donation. Objective: to analyse the attitude of people aged over 65 years toward organ donation and transplantation (ODT) and to determine how their psychosocial profile affects their attitude. Study population: citizens residing in southeastern Spain older than 65 years of age. A representative sample was obtained, which was stratified by gender and geographical location (n = 420). A validated questionnaire about ODT was used. Statistical analysis: a bivariate analysis was performed using the X2 test and a multivariate analysis. The favourable attitude toward the donation of one’s own organs was 53%. The psychosocial variables affecting attitude were mainly: having discussed ODT with one’s family (p < 0.001) or friends (OR 2.223), acceptance of cremation (OR 2.508), and acceptance of an autopsy (OR 2.578). Citizens aged over 65 tend to have an unfavourable attitude toward the donation of their own organs. The lack of dialogue about ODT in social and family settings, and the attitude to the manipulation of one’s own body after death, are aspects of a respondent’s psychosocial profile, which influence this attitude. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging Processes, Lifestyles and Longevity)

22 pages, 6146 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analyzing Successful Aging and Longevity: Risk Factors and Health Promoters in 2020 Older Adults

by Daria A. Kashtanova, Anastasiia N. Taraskina, Veronika V. Erema, Anna A. Akopyan, Mikhail V. Ivanov, Irina D. Strazhesko, Alexandra I. Akinshina, Vladimir S. Yudin, Valentin V. Makarov, Sergey A. Kraevoy, Denis E. Korolev, Irina V. Tarasova, Olga A. Beloshevskaya, Elen A. Mkhitaryan, Olga N. Tkacheva and Sergey M. Yudin

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 8178; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19138178 - 4 Jul 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3788

Abstract

Geriatric syndromes (GSs) and aging-associated diseases (AADs) are common side effects of aging. They are affecting the lives of millions of older adults and placing immense pressure on healthcare systems and economies worldwide. It is imperative to study the factors causing these conditions and develop a holistic framework for their management. The so-called long-lived individuals—people over the age of 90 who managed to retain much of their health and functionality—could be holding the key to understanding these factors and their health implications. We analyzed the health status and lifestyle of the long-lived individuals and identified risk factors for GSs. Family history greatly contributes to the health and prevention of cognitive decline in older adults. Lifestyle and certain socioeconomic factors such as education, the age of starting to work and retiring, job type and income level, physical activity, and hobby were also associated with certain GSs. Moreover, the levels of total protein, albumin, alpha-1 globulins, high-density lipoprotein, free triiodothyronine, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were direct indicators of the current health status. The proposed mathematical model allows the prediction of successful aging based on family history, social and economic factors, and life-long physical activity (f1 score = 0.72, AUC = 0.68, precision = 0.83 and recall = 0.64). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging Processes, Lifestyles and Longevity)

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15 pages, 2975 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Performance, Cardiovascular Health and Psychosocial Wellbeing in Older Adults Compared to Oldest-Old Residential Seniors

by Alice Minghetti, Lars Donath, Henner Hanssen, Ralf Roth, Eric Lichtenstein, Lukas Zahner and Oliver Faude

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1451; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031451 - 27 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2579

Abstract

Background: This study analyzed physical, cardiovascular, and psychosocial health in different age groups at the far end of the lifespan. Methods: Sixty-two residential seniors participated in this cross-sectional study and were assigned according to age to either the older adults (n = 27; age: 74.8 (3.6); f: 23) or the oldest-old group (n = 35; age: 87.2 (5.0); f: 28). Gait speed, functional mobility, handgrip strength, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured. Additionally, questionnaires to assess quality of life were applied. Mean between-group differences (Δ) and Hedge’s g with 95 % confidence intervals were calculated. Results: Oldest-old had moderately lower handgrip strength (Δ = −31.3 N, 95% CI [−66.30; −1.65], Hedge’s g = 0.49 [−0.97; 0.03]) and relevant lower gait speed than the older adults (Δ = −0.11 m/s [−0.28; 0.05], g = 0.34 [−0.89; 0.20]). All other physical parameters showed trivial differences. Very large effects were found in PWV in favor of the older adults (Δ = −2.65 m/s [−3.26; −2.04], g = −2.14 [−2.81; −1.36]). The questionnaires showed trivial to small differences. Conclusion: We found small differences in physical as well as psychosocial health between age groups with large inter-individual variance. Large differences were found in arterial stiffness, which increases with age. Exercise programs in nursing homes should consider physical, psychosocial, and cardiovascular variables more than age. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging Processes, Lifestyles and Longevity)

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10 pages, 314 KiB

Open AccessArticle

National Hospitalization Trends and the Role of Preventable Hospitalizations among Centenarians in the United States (2000–2009)

by Sylvia E. Twersky and Adam Davey

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(2), 795; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19020795 - 12 Jan 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1877

Abstract

Increases in life expectancy mean that an unprecedented number of individuals are reaching centenarian status, often with complex health concerns. We analyzed nationally representative hospital admissions data (2000–2009) from the National Inpatient Study (NIS) for 52,618 centenarians (aged 100–115 years, mean age 101.4). We predicted length of stay (LOS) via negative binomial models and total inflation adjusted costs via fixed effects regression analysis informed by descriptive data. We also identified hospitalizations due to ambulatory care-sensitive conditions defined by AHRQ Prevention Quality Indicators. Mean LOS decreased from 6.1 to 5.1 days, while over the same time period the mean total adjusted charges rose from USD 13,373 to USD 25,026 in 2009 dollars. Black, Hispanic, Asian, or other race centenarians had higher cost stays compared to White, but only Black and Hispanic centenarians had significantly greater mean length of stay. Comorbidities predicted greater length of stay and higher costs. Centenarians admitted on weekends had higher costs but shorter length of stay. In total, 29.4% of total costs were due to potentially preventable hospitalizations for total charges (2000–2009) of USD 341.8M in 2009 dollars. Centenarian hospitalizations cost significantly more than hospitalization for any other group of elderly in the U.S. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging Processes, Lifestyles and Longevity)

8 pages, 641 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coping and Life Satisfaction in Colombian Older Adults

by Maria-Fernanda Reyes, Encarnación Satorres, Iraida Delhom, Alexandra Bueno-Pacheco and Juan C. Meléndez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(20), 10584; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182010584 - 9 Oct 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2757

Abstract

Background. Effective coping strategies facilitate older adults’ optimal adaptation and contribute to their well-being. Problem-focused strategies are associated with active styles and enhance well-being. This study analyzes the role of coping strategies in Colombian older adults’ subjective well-being (SWB) using structural equation modelling. Additionally, Confirmatory Factor Analyses of the Life Satisfaction Scale and Coping Strategies Questionnaires are performed. Method. A cross-sectional study is conducted with 455 Colombian older adults, ranging from 65 to 92 years old. Results. The results show that problem-focused coping has a positive effect on SWB, whereas emotion-focused coping has a negative effect on SWB. Conclusions. This article highlights the relationship between effective coping and life satisfaction by showing that problem-focused coping strategies are adaptative and enhance well-being during aging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging Processes, Lifestyles and Longevity)

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