Search Results (256)

Background/Objectives: This study aims to investigate whether rural community elderly care services can enhance older adults’ subjective well-being, with a specific focus on examining whether late-life stress mediates this association. Methods: Subjective well-being is operationalized through three dimensions: life satisfaction, positive life attitude, and depression levels. Data were collected from a sample of 796 rural Chinese adults aged 60 years and older. Regression analysis was used to assess the direct effects of rural community elderly care services on subjective well-being outcomes, while an instrumental variable two-stage least squares model was employed to test the robustness of these findings. A mediation analysis further explored the underlying mechanisms through which these services influence well-being. Results: Results indicate that rural community elderly care services exert significant direct and indirect effects on all three dimensions of subjective well-being. The indirect effects arise because these services provide social support that mitigates late-life stressors and buffers the negative impacts of adverse life events, thereby enhancing psychological well-being. Conclusions: These findings clarify the mediating role of stress in the relationship between community care services and subjective well-being among rural older adults, highlighting the importance of addressing age-related stressors in gerontological interventions. This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence for the efficacy of rural community elderly care programs and offering actionable insights for developing contextually appropriate service models to meet the needs of aging rural populations. This study elucidates how rural older adults perceive community elderly care services, providing empirical evidence for government agencies to evaluate the effectiveness of policy-driven services. It further identifies key entry points for enhancing rural care service quality and promoting elderly well-being, bridging research insights with actionable strategies for policy improvement. Full article

The advantages of mHealth applications have been widely recognized. However, the existing literature rarely explores how user interface (UI) design and individual cultural values influence elderly users’ mHealth application stickiness, particularly among the young elderly. This study examines how two UI design attributes (usability and aesthetics) and individual uncertainty avoidance (from Hofstede’s cultural dimensions) influence elderly users’ stickiness to mHealth applications. The study used PLS-SEM to analyze survey data from 492 elderly people in China. The research results indicate that uncertainty avoidance cultural values are negatively correlated with psychological engagement. The UI design attributes (aesthetic and usability) are positively correlated with psychological engagement, with learnability (usability sub-attributes) having the most significant impact. Furthermore, the study also reveals the serial mediation role of psychological engagement and user internal experiences (satisfaction and attachment). Notably, this study enriches the current literature on user behavior regarding mHealth applications by elucidating the process of user stickiness, incorporating UI design attributes and individual uncertainty avoidance cultural values. These findings offer valuable theoretical and practical insights. Full article

Visual selective attention is a cognitive process by which humans efficiently process critical visual information. It reflects the user’s authentic visual thinking and can be applied by designers in age-friendly design to enhance the user experience of elderly users, meeting their visual needs and attention characteristics. This has significant implications for the age-friendly design of fresh e-commerce product interfaces. This paper explores age-friendly design for fresh e-commerce product interfaces based on the theory of visual selective attention. Experimental data indicate that the optimized interface significantly enhances the user experience for elderly users, with task completion time reduced by 39.62% and satisfaction increased by 60%. First, qualitative research is conducted to uncover the visual selective attention mechanisms of elderly users. Combining this with the framework of fresh e-commerce products, an age-friendly design model is established, including page layout, brand colors, font size, and focal styles. Second, using eye-tracking, descriptive analysis, and correlation coefficient analysis, a comparative analysis of the visual selection behaviors of elderly and young users is conducted, yielding characteristics and principles for age-friendly interactive interface design. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method are validated through design practice and evaluation. This research provides new insights and methods for the age-friendly design of fresh e-commerce product interfaces. It holds practical significance and value for constructing an elderly perspective in fresh e-commerce and expanding the private traffic of elderly users. Full article

As China undergoes a rapid transition into an aging society, the mobility challenges faced by the older adults in high-density mountainous cities are exacerbated by complex topographical conditions. Existing studies often overlook the nonlinear relationships and the distinct planning requirements of mountainous versus flat urban areas when evaluating the age-friendliness of community parks. This study aims to identify the critical elements of age-friendly planning in mountainous community parks, validate the applicability of nonlinear models, and quantify the dynamic effects of various factors on older adults’ satisfaction, thereby establishing a foundation for targeted optimization strategies. Utilizing principal component analysis (PCA) on 358 valid questionnaires collected from three representative mountainous community parks in Chongqing, six key planning factors were extracted. An ordered logit model was employed for regression and marginal effect analyses. The findings reveal that (1) the ordered logit model outperforms alternative models in terms of goodness-of-fit and computational efficiency, making it particularly suitable for capturing the nonlinear characteristics of satisfaction; (2) accessibility facilities, spatial and social connectivity, and landscape environment emerge as the primary determinants of older adults’ satisfaction, with improvements in accessibility facilities exerting the most significant impact; and (3) the provision of multifunctional activity spaces and increased social opportunities effectively addresses the psychological and physiological needs of the older adults. This study contributes to the optimization of age-friendly design strategies for community parks in high-density mountainous cities, offering valuable insights for promoting healthy aging and fostering inclusive urban environments. Full article

Background: This study aimed to explore the relationship between architectural home design and mental health in older adults living independently in rural Chiang Mai. Methods: A purposive sample of seniors from San Kamphaeng District, living independently, were selected. Participants were assessed using tools like the MSPSS, OI-21, RULS-6, RI-9, PSQI, and a custom Home and Community Environment Satisfaction Scale. Statistical analysis examined correlations between home design, mental health, and satisfaction. Results: The study involved 83 participants (72.3% female, mean age 70.2 ± 6.16). Anxiety (3.51 ± 3.44) and depression (2.69 ± 3.19) levels were low, with minimal loneliness (10.02 ± 3.92). Social support was moderate (63.11 ± 15.69), and resilience was strong (38.42 ± 6.43). Nearly half of the participants (48.2%) had poor sleep quality. Architectural features influenced mental health, with larger yard spaces improving social support, while gardens had a negative correlation due to maintenance. Single-story homes with accessible layouts and south/east-facing living rooms improved mental health. Larger doors were linked to poorer sleep quality. Conclusions: Positive architectural designs, including accessible bedrooms and favorable orientations, enhance mental health for the elderly, supporting aging in place. Full article

Due to the increase in the number of elderly people in the world, research related to the elderly is becoming more and more relevant, especially with the objective of understanding the factors which can affect the preservation of an adequate quality of life. The objectives of this research were to analyze older adults’ perceived motor competence according to the practice of physical activity, satisfaction with health status, and social and demographic characteristics. This research followed a descriptive quantitative methodology using a survey. The “Standardized Questionnaire on Physical Activity and the Elderly” was administered to a total of 933 Spanish older adults (≥65 years old) (46.9% men, 53.1% women). The results show that the people who engaged in physical activity and/or sport on a regular basis had the best perception of their motor competence (p < 0.001). The more satisfied the subjects were with their health status, the higher the scores they obtained in their perceived motor competence (p < 0.001). Finally, the younger age group (≤74 years old), men, and people of a higher social class perceived their motor competence more satisfactorily (p < 0.001). The significance level was set at p < 0.05. The conclusions indicate a positive effect of physical activity on the perception of motor competence in older adults. Full article

Background and Objectives: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a leading cause of back surgery in elderly individuals. Additionally, LSS can result in buttock pain; abnormal sensations; or even loss of sensation in the thighs, feet, legs, and buttocks, as well as potential loss of bowel and bladder control. As a further consequence, sexual activity is impaired. However, there is limited information on sexual function in patients undergoing LSS surgery, in general, and among male patients, in specific. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of LSS surgery on sexual function in male patients over 50 years. Materials and Methods: Participants were fifty male patients with LSS aged 50 years and older who underwent LSS surgery at the Imam Reza Hospital in Kermanshah from March 2024 to the end of 2024. To assess sexual performance over time, participants completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) questionnaire both before LSS surgery and six months after LSS surgery. For pre–post comparison, we used paired t-tests. Results: Compared to the pre-surgery stage, six-month post-surgery improvements were erectile function (+21%; Cohen’s d: 1.40), orgasmic function (+35.1%; Cohen’s d: 1.49), sexual desire (+27.3%; Cohen’s d: 1.48), intercourse satisfaction (+14% Cohen’s d: 0.77), overall satisfaction (+34.6% Cohen’s d: 1.74), and overall sexual function (+25.3%; Cohen’s d: 1.48). Conclusions: Among a sample of male patients aged 50 years and older, LSS surgery improved all dimensions of sexual satisfaction, including orgasmic, erectile, and sexual functions; sexual desire; intercourse satisfaction; and overall satisfaction. Medical doctors treating males with LSS might consider informing their patients about the favorable effects of LSS surgery on sexual life and sexual satisfaction. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Measure of Audiologic Rehabilitation Self-Efficacy for Hearing Aids (MARS-HA) in elderly Iranian adults. Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Tehran, 2021. Following translation and cross-cultural adaptation, the face validity, content validity, and reliability of the questionnaire were assessed. The Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life (SADL) questionnaire was used to assess concurrent validity. Study participants included 300 hearing-aid users aged 60 years and older who completed the research instruments. Data were analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, Pearson correlation coefficient, independent t-tests, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) in SPSS and AMOS version 24. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05 for all tests. Results: The mean (SD) age of the participants was 71.38 (8.05) years. The face and content validity of the questionnaire were confirmed by ten experts (CVI > 0.91). The CFA supported the four-factor structure of the questionnaire, and the goodness-of-fit indices indicated that the final model had a good fit. The Cronbach’s alpha for the total questionnaire was 0.93, and for the subscales, it ranged between 0.83 and 0.93. The Pearson’s correlation analysis results showed a positive and significant correlation between MARS-HA and SADL scores (r = 0.61, p < 0.05), supporting criterion validity. Conclusions: The P-MARS-HA questionnaire demonstrates good validity and reliability and can be used as an appropriate tool for assessing self-efficacy in hearing-aid use among elderly Iranian adults. Full article

Amid global and China’s accelerating aging, the demand for elderly care services is urgent. The “aging in place” concept encourages community-embedded elderly care facilities (CEECFs), and China has launched a pilot project. But there is limited empirical research on the correlations among users, staff, living space, life satisfaction (LS), and influencing factors. This study focuses on Tianjin’s community-embedded elderly care facility users. Data were collected via questionnaires, interviews, and field measurements. SPSS 26.0 and SEM 24.0 were used to analyze and build models. The research results clarify the current situation of user LS, as well as the characteristics of users, staff, and living spaces in CEECFs. It was confirmed that there are significant correlations between user LS and the characteristics of users, staff, and living spaces. A structural equation model of user LS and its influencing factors was constructed. Social relationship satisfaction and living environment satisfaction are the main determinants of user LS. Based on these results, we propose an optimization strategy to enhance the space design and services of these facilities, aiming to improve the LS of facility users and thus promote the development of healthy aging. Full article

In the field of aging design, obtaining elderly advantage data is a challenge. In this study, we developed a visualization tool using knowledge graph technology to assist designers in studying elderly advantages, promoting their application in design practice. First, brainstorming sessions and workshops were held to analyze the challenges of applying elderly advantages in design. Based on these challenges, the concept and functional design of an elderly advantages knowledge graph were proposed. Next, the elderly advantages knowledge graph was constructed by following these steps: (1) The KJ-AHP method was used to process raw data, making them structured and quantitative. (2) The ontology of the knowledge graph was reverse-engineered based on the functional requirements of the graph, allowing the construction of the knowledge graph model layer. (3) The processed data were applied to the knowledge graph ontology through AHP-ontology mapping rules, allowing the knowledge content construction. (4) The programming language Cypher was used for the functional verification of the elderly advantages knowledge graph, and a satisfaction survey was conducted through questionnaires to assess the verification process. The elderly advantages knowledge graph constructed in this study initially fulfilled the expected functions and was met with high satisfaction. The application of knowledge graph technology provides a new reference for advantage mining in the design field. Based on the innovative combination of KJ-AHP and knowledge graph technology, this study enhances the structuring and quantification of graph data, significantly facilitating designers’ understanding of data structures, clarifying data relationships, and expanding design thinking. Full article

Under the dual constraints of limited resources and cold climate, the built environment of small cities in cold areas has a particularly prominent impact on the outdoor activities of the elderly and the need for aging optimization. Based on a questionnaire survey and field measurement data, combined with multiple linear regression, Spearman correlation analysis, and difference analysis, this paper systematically discusses the effects of different built environment characteristics on outdoor activity behaviors (frequency, intensity, and stay time) of the elderly in Bei’an City, Heilongjiang Province, China. The difference in environmental satisfaction of the elderly with different genders, ages, and education levels was analyzed. The results show that green coverage, air quality, leisure facilities, and barrier-free facilities are the core environmental factors that significantly improve the activity behavior of the elderly. In contrast, noise level, road damage, and inadequate facility maintenance significantly inhibit the activity willingness of the elderly. It was found that older adults are more dependent on barrier-free facilities and site safety, while younger people pay more attention to sports facilities and social space. Older women pay more attention to environmental details and cultural elements, while men tend to evaluate environmental functionality and so on. Further analysis shows that green environments and leisure facilities in cold climates provide visual beauty and play an important role in improving air quality and enhancing mental health. These elements are particularly critical in winter activities for older people, demonstrating the potential of the built environment to promote health and social participation. Starting from the unique background of small cities in cold regions, this study verified the applicability of the WHO age-friendly city framework in small cities in cold climates through empirical data, and revealed the necessity of climate-adaptive design (such as winter anti-slip facilities and cold-resistant greening) to improve the activity behavior of the elderly, providing a regional supplement to the existing theories. Full article

Background/Objectives: Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) is commonly performed in elderly patients and often requires repeated procedures. A high proportion of non-procedural time in TURBT affects operating room utilization, highlighting the need for a safe and efficient anesthesia method. This study aimed to compare remimazolam-based monitored anesthesia care (MAC) guided by analgesia nociception index (ANI) monitoring to inhalation-based general anesthesia (GA) for TURBT, focusing on induction and emergence time (IAET). Methods: Forty-six patients who underwent TURBT were randomly assigned into either the MAC group or GA group. The primary outcome was the IAET. The secondary outcomes included hospital and anesthesia charges, safety (intraoperative hypotension and desaturation), and feasibility (surgeon and patient satisfaction) of both anesthetic methods. Results: The MAC group demonstrated a significantly shorter IAET (14 vs. 25 min, p < 0.001) and lower anesthesia cost (USD 152 vs. USD 195, p < 0.001). The MAC group showed better hemodynamic stability with a lower incidence of hypotension (29% vs. 73%, p = 0.004). Seven patients (33%) in the MAC group experienced intraoperative desaturation; all patients recovered without complications through the jaw-thrust maneuver. Patient satisfaction was equally high in both groups, and surgeon satisfaction, though slightly lower with MAC (71% vs. 100% rating “excellent”, p = 0.009), remained acceptable. Conclusions: Remimazolam-based MAC, guided by ANI monitoring, offers significant advantages including shorter IAET, reduced costs, and improved safety for TURBT, particularly in patients with small tumors. These findings support MAC as a promising alternative to GA for TURBT, as it enhances perioperative outcomes and operating room efficiency. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study investigated the mediating effects of instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and depression on the relationship between the ability to perform movements and death preparation among older adults with osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of data from the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Korea’s 5th (2020) survey of the elderly. It included 1483 elderly individuals with OA or RA. We measured the ability to perform movements, death preparation, IADL, and depression using validated scales. Hayes’ PROCESS Macro for SPSS model 6 was used to determine the mediating effects. Results: Death preparation exhibited significant differences based on satisfaction with economic conditions, fall experiences, and suicidal ideation. A significant correlation existed between the ability to perform movements, death preparation, IADL, and depression. IADL demonstrated a significant mediating effect between the ability to perform movements and death preparation. However, depression did not exhibit a significant mediating effect. Conclusions: IADL significantly mediates the relationship between movement ability and death preparation in elderly individuals with OA or RA. Lower movement ability was associated with higher death preparation and greater IADL dependence. However, contrary to expectations, depression did not show a significant mediating effect. These findings offer significant insights for developing interventions to enhance the quality of life and prepare for dignified death in elderly individuals with OA or RA. Future longitudinal studies are required to clarify the causal relationships and evaluate the efficacy of IADL enhancement programs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pneumonitis caused by radiotherapy for lung cancer may be missed since it often occurs only several months later. In a previous trial including patients of any age, a scoring system was tested to facilitate the correct diagnosis of radiation pneumonitis. Since elderly lung cancer patients have a greater risk of developing this complication, a separate scoring system for this group appears useful. Our prospective multi-center trial (NCT06480734) investigates a specific tool for elderly patients irradiated for lung cancer. Methods: Patients aged ≥65 years with lung cancer will complete paper-based questionnaires and rate symptoms potentially caused by pneumonitis weekly during and up to 24 weeks following radiotherapy. The total score of this symptom-based scoring system ranging from 0 to 9 points is correlated to pneumonitis. The discriminative power of the scoring system is evaluated by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Optimality is defined as a cut-off score with sensitivity ≥90% and specificity ≥80%. Moreover, the Youden index will be applied. Fifty-nine patients are required for the full analysis set. Assuming 5% will not qualify for this set, 65 patients should be enrolled. Moreover, patient satisfaction with the scoring system is evaluated. If the dissatisfaction rate is >20%, the system needs modifications; if the dissatisfaction rate is >40%, it is considered not useful. An optimal cut-off score facilitating the diagnosis of pneumonitis and its discrimination from other lung diseases will contribute to a corresponding mobile application to be used by elderly lung cancer patients at home. Full article

Objectives: This systematic review compares computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) 3D-printed complete dentures (CDs) with conventional ones in terms of patient satisfaction. Methods: The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) reporting criteria for systematic reviews were followed in conducting this systematic review. The study question was “What are the patient satisfaction outcomes of 3D-printed versus conventional CDs in edentulous patients?” according to the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) framework. A comprehensive electronic search was conducted across three databases (PubMed/Medline, Web of Science core collection, and Scopus; last update: 18 August 2024) to obtain clinical trials that compared traditional and 3D-printed CDs. The retrieved articles were screened, their data were extracted, and their quality was evaluated. Results: The initial search retrieved 803 publications; 12 were chosen for a thorough review, and 5 of them—4 randomized cross-over studies and 1 randomized three-parallel arm study—met the requirements for this systematic review. One study showed significant differences in five of nine patient denture satisfaction domains, positively favoring the conventional CDs. Two studies showed non-significant differences in satisfaction domains between the conventional and 3D-printed groups, except for aesthetics and pronunciation. On the contrary, the satisfaction scores in two other studies showed no significant difference between the conventional and 3D-printed denture groups. Conclusions: The analysis of the included studies and evidence gathered demonstrates that CAD/CAM 3D-printed CDs seem to be comparable with conventional CDs in terms of overall patient satisfaction; however, 3D-printed CDs generate some concerns related to aesthetics and speech. Full article