Subjective Accelerated Aging Moderates the Association between COVID-19 Health Worries and Peritraumatic Distress among Older Adults

Abstract It has been proposed that switching cost deficit in executive control (Velichkovsky et al., 2020) could be used as an early marker for abnormal aging processes. Although research with technology-based intervention has shown benefits in improving cognitive performance with older adults, the overall results are mixed (Ge et al, 2018). This study aims to investigate whether computerized intervention program (e.g., DISC) would help to reduce the switching costs deficits in mild-to-moderate cognitively-impaired older adults (MCI-OA). Fourteen MCI-OA (79.75±6,94) and 9 cognitively-healthy OA (age 77,25±6,9) were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group (a final sample size of 30 MCI and 40 cognitive-healthy older adults would be ready by conference time). All participants first completed a set of cognitive tasks as part of a larger study (i.e., pre-tests) (e.g., MMSE, Ravens, cued-base Task Switching Task). The experimental group then played cognitive games on a touch-screen tablet for about 30-40 minutes per session with a total of 24 sessions over 8-12 weeks. The control group continued their daily activity as per usual for 8-12 weeks. Participants were then asked to complete the same set of cognitive tasks again post-test. Control group MCI-OA performed worse for the local costs in the cued Task Switching task (p<.05), whereas experimental group MCI-OA maintained their performance (p=.40) post-test compared to pre-test. All cognitively-healthy OA did not show any difference in performance irrespective of condition. This suggests that the DISC program could be an effective tool in slowing down the abnormal accelerated aging process.

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Sleep fragmentation, accelerated aging and increased activation of microglia, and cognitive impairment in older adults

Sleep Medicine ◽

10.1016/j.sleep.2019.11.516 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 64 ◽

pp. S186-S187

Author(s):

K. Kaneshwaran ◽

M. Olah ◽

S. Tasaki ◽

L. Yu ◽

E.M. Bradshaw ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Accelerated Aging ◽

Sleep Fragmentation

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Traumatic Stress in Older Adults

The Oxford Handbook of Traumatic Stress Disorders, Second Edition ◽

10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190088224.013.9 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Joan M. Cook ◽

Vanessa Simiola

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Healthcare Utilization ◽

Functional Impairment ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Acute Stress ◽

Age Groups ◽

Accelerated Aging ◽

Older Individuals ◽

The Impact

This chapter focuses on older adult trauma survivors. Information is presented on prevalence of acute stress disorder (ASD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); course, functional impairment, suicide risk, cognitive impairment, accelerated aging, healthcare utilization in older adults with PTSD, and the impact of demographic factors such as gender, ethnicity, and race on PTSD in older individuals. In general, rates of ASD and PTSD are lower in older adults compared to other age groups. PTSD in older adults has been linked to suicidal ideation and attempts, functional impairment, physical health, cognitive impairment, accelerated aging, and increased healthcare utilization. Although delayed onset of PTSD has been empirically verified in some military samples with veterans and younger adult civilians, it is rare in the absence of any prior symptoms and might more accurately be labeled “delayed recognition.” More information on trauma and PTSD in diverse populations of older adults is needed, such as racial/ethnic as well as sexual and gender minorities, those with severe physical or mental impairment, non–community-residing groups, and those from non-industrialized countries.

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Best of Both Worlds: Bridging Research and Practice to Achieve Health Equity

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.3204 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 867-867

Author(s):

Karen Lincoln

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Black Americans ◽

Accelerated Aging ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Health Education Program ◽

Discrimination In Employment ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Employment Education ◽

Bridging Research And Practice

Abstract Health inequity is linked to societal and social determinants that constrain health promoting opportunities for older adults. From birth to death, many older adults contend with the prevailing social and health effects of discrimination in employment, education, and housing. As a consequence, middle-aged Black Americans are experiencing accelerated aging, and living with and dying from preventable chronic health conditions typically diagnosed at older ages. Despite these conditions, there is much variation in health outcomes among older Black Americans. Professor Karen Lincoln will share her approach to research that explores heterogeneity within the Black American population to discover factors that promote healthy aging. She will describe her unique outreach and health education program that serves older adults in underserved communities, and her roles as an aging advocate and public scholar. She will discuss how these experiences led to the development and testing of an innovative intervention to reduce Alzheimer’s disease disparities.

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INTEREST GROUP SESSION—HIV, AIDS AND OLDER ADULTS: HIV AND AGING: IMPROVING BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL HEALTH AND FUNCTIONAL WELLNESS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.2020 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S548-S548

Author(s):

Monique J Brown ◽

Molly M Perkins

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Sexual Health ◽

Accelerated Aging ◽

Psychosocial Health ◽

Energy Utilization ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Key Factor ◽

New Research ◽

The Impact ◽

Hiv Aids

Abstract People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) are living longer due to the success of antiretroviral therapy. In 2016, approximately 50% of PLWH in the U.S. were age 50 and older and 17% of new infections were among this age group. One key factor that contributes to the HIV prevalence and incidence among older adults is the lack of sexual health discussion during healthcare visits. Among older (50+) PLWH, most are exhibiting signs of accelerated aging and declines in functional (physical, cognitive and psychosocial) wellness and little is known about the lasting impact of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). In this symposium, we present new research assessing the biopsychosocial challenges faced by older PLWH and older adults at risk for HIV. Dr. Robinson will present findings on the frequency, content and barriers and facilitators in provider communication with older patients on sexual health and HIV. Dr. Brennan-Ing will examine the association between CSA and psychosocial health among older PLWH. Dr. Schrack will assess the impact of energy utilization on physical activity and function among older HIV+ and HIV- men. Dr. Taylor will assess predictors of physical, cognitive and psychosocial wellness among older men with and without HIV. Dr. Sekhar will present findings from a trial on the impact of glycine and N-acetylcysteine supplementation on accelerated aging among older PLWH. Dr. Perkins, will discuss the public health implications of the presented research for HIV prevention and wellness interventions among older adults, and suggest future areas of inquiry to improve clinical outcomes for this population.

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Cancer Treatment as an Accelerated Aging Process: Assessment, Biomarkers, and Interventions

American Society of Clinical Oncology Educational Book ◽

10.1200/edbk_156160 ◽

2016 ◽

pp. e516-e522 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Arti Hurria ◽

Lee Jones ◽

Hyman B. Muss

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cancer Treatment ◽

Aging Process ◽

Accelerated Aging ◽

Process Assessment ◽

Geriatric Population ◽

Biologic Markers ◽

Short And Long Term ◽

Long Term Impact

An accumulating body of evidence supports the hypothesis that cancer and/or cancer treatment is associated with accelerated aging. The majority of these data come from the pediatric literature; however, a smaller yet growing body of literature points toward similar findings in the geriatric population. This is a key survivorship issue the growing number of older adults with cancer face, along with the short- and long-term impact of cancer therapy on the aging process. This article will review clinical and biologic markers of aging in older adults with cancer, use cardiovascular disease as a model of accelerated aging, and discuss potential interventions to decrease the risk.

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Eliciting Life Priorities of Older Adults Living in Permanent Supportive Housing

The Gerontologist ◽

10.1093/geront/gnz040 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 60 (1) ◽

pp. 60-68 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Deborah K Padgett ◽

Lynden Bond ◽

Kristen Gurdak ◽

Benjamin F Henwood

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Life Course ◽

Physical Health ◽

Accelerated Aging ◽

Life Course Perspective ◽

Supportive Housing ◽

Card Sort ◽

Permanent Supportive Housing ◽

Age Related

Abstract Background and Objectives Adults who have experienced chronic homelessness are considered to be “old” by age 50 due to accelerated aging. While permanent supportive housing (PSH) has been found effective for these individuals, there is limited focus on the needs of adults “aging in place” in PSH. This study examined (1) how older adults in PSH identify and rank their life priorities, (2) how they describe these priorities in their own words, and (3) how life course adversity deepens an understanding of these priorities. Research Design and Methods A convergent parallel mixed methods design was used in which qualitative case study analyses informed by a life course perspective provided a deeper understanding of how 14 older residents of PSH viewed their life priorities using quantitative card-sort rankings of 12 life domains. Results Housing, family, mental health, physical health, and partner were the most frequently endorsed life priorities. Four themes emerged from the cross-case analyses: “aging in, aging out,” “carefully restoring relationships,” “life goes on,” and “housing is fundamental.” Convergent findings indicated that life adversity—social losses and interrupted lives—influenced both the high- and low-ranked card-sort priorities. Discussion and Implications This study demonstrated that participants were aware of their advancing years yet they sought to overcome adversity and losses through maintaining mental health and sobriety, improving physical health, and cautiously rebuilding relationships. As the numbers of older homeless rise, the inclusion of age-related services will be an important component of PSH services for residents as they age.

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MOLECULAR CROSSROADS OF FRAILTY AND HIV

Journal of Frailty & Aging ◽

10.14283/jfa.2014.7 ◽

2014 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

O. TAMEZ-RIVERA ◽

P. MARTINEZ-AYALA ◽

A.P. NAVARRETE-REYES ◽

H. AMIEVA ◽

J.A. AVILA-FUNES

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽

Aging Process ◽

Accelerated Aging ◽

Epidemiological Transition ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Depth Analysis ◽

Immunodeficiency Virus ◽

The Common ◽

Immunological Changes

An epidemiological transition is occurring regarding Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.This phenomenon, explained by several mechanisms (e.g.: physiologic changes, pharmacologic advances, sexualbehaviors), is demonstrated by a significant increase in the number of patients aged 50 years and older diagnosedwith this infection. The immunological changes observed in HIV-infected patients may prompt the appearance ofan accelerated aging process as well as that of comorbidities and other pathological entities commonly diagnosedin older adults. Frailty is a biologic syndrome characterized by a multi-systemic decrease of the individual’sphysiologic and homeostatic reserves, leading to diminished resistance against stressors and increasedvulnerability. The purpose of this review is to describe the common molecular changes seen in both frailty andHIV-1 infection, offering an in-depth analysis of their pathophysiology and specifying common processes wheretheir pathways meet.

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Development Strategies in the Field of Lifelong Learning of Older Adults

Acta Medica Martiniana ◽

10.2478/acm-2020-0014 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 122-132

Author(s):

AM Hosnjak ◽

B Ilic ◽

B Kurtovic ◽

Ficko S Ledinski ◽

M. Smrekar

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Older People ◽

Lifelong Learning ◽

Formal Education ◽

Swot Analysis ◽

Early Adulthood ◽

Accelerated Aging ◽

Further Education ◽

Learning Programs ◽

Swot Matrix

AbstractIntroduction: European gerontological research confirms that accelerated aging of the population will lead to a pronounced occurrence of target groups of functionally capable older people. Lifelong learning is a tool that enables an active post-retirement period in order to enhance cognitive mental capacities, prevent dementia, and overcome the intergenerational gap. The aim of this paper is to develop strategies in the field of lifelong learning for older adults through SWOT analysis.Methods: A qualitative study on lifelong learning for older adults was conducted during the month of November 2019 using 4 SWOT matrices which were subsequently analyzed and integrated into one common matrix. Four strategies were developed based on this template.Results: The analysis of the SWOT matrix showed that lifelong learning contributes most to a sense of belonging, prevention of social isolation, prevention of dementia, and better personal satisfaction. The biggest obstacles for older people when it comes to participating in lifelong learning programs are finances, physical illness, and a lack of understanding from their family members and the wider society for this kind of activity.Discussion: Lifelong learning contributes to a long-term maintenance of cognitive processes of participants involved in education processes. Lifelong learning provides the opportunity to promote older people’s health regardless of the formal education they received in early adulthood.Conclusion: Learning and further education are not only the indicators of active aging, but also a need for older people to master new tools so that they can actively participate and contribute to the society.

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PTSD At Late Life: Context and Treatment

The Oxford Handbook of Traumatic Stress Disorders, Second Edition ◽

10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190088224.013.36 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Elissa McCarthy ◽

Joan M. Cook ◽

Steven R. Thorp

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Treatment Guidelines ◽

Accelerated Aging ◽

Maintenance Phase ◽

Treatment Phase ◽

Self Report ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Term Care ◽

Ptsd Treatment ◽

Treatment Research

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in older adults has been linked to impairment in health and functioning, resulting in accelerated aging and increased healthcare utilization. The experience of trauma and associated mental health difficulties, including PTSD, may impact or be impacted by the aging process. It may also influence treatment engagement and outcome. Unfortunately, older adults are not well represented in PTSD treatment outcome studies. However, some of the evidence-based psychotherapies for PTSD recommended by treatment guidelines have been investigated in older adults. Standard exposure therapies appear to work well for addressing PTSD symptoms in older adults during the treatment phase, but perhaps not as well during the maintenance phase compared to younger cohorts. The limits to clinical improvements in the available studies suggest a need for enhancing engagement and adherence for the older population. It has been suggested that benefits rendered by psychotherapies for severe, chronic PTSD may not be fully or accurately captured by standard self-report PTSD outcome measures. Additional clinical considerations are discussed regarding older adults with cognitive impairments or residing in long-term care facilities, as well as pharmacological considerations. Despite the limited PTSD treatment research with older adults, the evidence available to date suggests that older adults can benefit from evidence-based psychotherapies for PTSD.

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