Gender differences in disability and personal care assistance among older adults with and without diabetes in Mexico

Vision and hearing impairments are common among older adults and can cause undesirable health effects. There are limited studies from low- and middle-income countries exploring gender differences between vision and hearing impairment with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) disability. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate gender differences between vision and hearing impairments with ADL disability among older adults in Malaysia. Cross-sectional data from 3977 respondents aged 60 and above from the Malaysian National Health and Morbidity Survey 2018 were used. We used logistic regression analysis to measure associations between vision and hearing impairments with ADL disability, adjusted for covariates. The prevalence of ADL disability was higher among females than males (p < 0.001). The adjusted associations between vision impairment and ADL disability were significant among males (aOR 3.79; 95%CI 2.26, 6.38) and females (aOR 2.66; 95%CI 1.36, 5.21). Similarly, significant adjusted associations were found between hearing impairment and ADL disability among males (aOR 5.76; 95%CI 3.52, 9.40) and females (aOR 3.30; 95%CI 1.17, 9.33). Vision and hearing impairments were significantly associated with ADL disability, with no gender differences identified. Early detection and effective management of vision and hearing impairments are important to prevent ADL disability and improve older adults’ level of independence.

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Gender Differences in Phytoestrogens and the Relationship with Speed of Processing in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of NHANES, 1999–2002

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11081780 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 1780 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Alwerdt ◽

Patterson ◽

Sliwinski

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Gender Differences ◽

Cognitive Aging ◽

Linear Models ◽

Speed Of Processing ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health And Nutrition ◽

Performance Results ◽

Sectional Analysis ◽

The Relationship

Sex hormone changes in adults are known to play a part in aging, including cognitive aging. Dietary intake of phytoestrogens can mimic estrogenic effects on brain function. Since sex hormones differ between genders, it is important to examine gender differences in the phytoestrogen–cognition association. Therefore, the goal of this study is to examine the relationship between urinary phytoestrogens and speed of processing (SOP) and the variation of the association between genders in older adults. Participants were drawn from the 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and included 354 individuals aged 65–85 years old. General linear models (GLMs) were used to test for significant gender differences in the relationship between phytoestrogens and SOP. Results from the GLMs showed significant gender differences in the relationship between genistein and SOP. Higher levels of genistein were associated with better SOP in women. This relationship was reversed in men: higher genistein levels were associated with worse performance. Results indicate that there are distinct gender differences in the relationship between genistein and SOP. These results emphasize the importance of considering gender differences when devising dietary and pharmacologic interventions that target phytoestrogens to improve brain health.

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Gender Differences in the Risk of Developing Disability among Older Adults with Arthritis

Journal of Aging and Health ◽

10.1177/089826439901100201 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 131-150 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

M. Kristen Peek ◽

Raymond T. Coward

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Gender Differences

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Older Adults’ Constraints to Participation in Structured Exercise Classes

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.5.3.190 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

pp. 190-212 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Diane E. Whaley ◽

Vicki Ebbeck

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Gender Differences ◽

Program Planning ◽

Gender Issues ◽

Feminist Perspective ◽

Health Related ◽

Exercise Classes

This study used a qualitative, feminist perspective to examine issues pertaining to exercise constraints among older adults. Participants were 8 male and 9 female older adults (mean age = 76.7) who chose not to engage in structured exercise classes. Twenty-six self-identified constraints were elicited (mean = four per person). Additionally, four constraints per person from previous research were selected. The most frequently cited self-reported constraints were “get enough exercise elsewhere,” health-related items, and issues related to time. From the constraints most frequently cited in past studies, inconvenience, time, and type of activity were selected most often. Gender differences were apparent in the constraints chosen as well as reasons why a particular constraint inhibited or prohibited activity. Specific suggestions for strategies included having programs with a purpose, building in flexibility, and encouraging men to participate. The influence of gender is explored, especially how expanding our understanding of gender issues might improve program planning.

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