scholarly journals The creation of age-friendly environments is especially important to frail older people

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 700-720 ◽  
Author(s):  
JANE M. CRAMM ◽  
HANNA M. VAN DIJK ◽  
ANNA P. NIEBOER
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Frail Older People ◽  
Ageing In Place ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Frailty Status ◽  
Age In Place ◽  
Neighbourhood Characteristics ◽  
The Relationship

ABSTRACTThe preference of older people when it comes to ageing in place may be modified by levels of frailty. The aim of this research is to characterise the relationship between frailty and ageing in place, and to identify differences in neighbourhood characteristics supporting ageing in place missed by frail and non-frail older people. A concurrent nested mixed-methods approach was used. For quantitative evaluation, a sample of 945 independently living older adults residing in four districts of Rotterdam were asked to complete a questionnaire in 2013 (response rate = 62%; N = 558). In addition, 32 interviews were conducted with frail and non-frail older people. Results showed that gender, age and especially frailty were related to missed neighbourhood characteristics. People displayed awareness of their increasing frailty and often acknowledged that it increased the need for neighbourhood characteristics enabling them to age in place. We can conclude that dependence on neighbourhoods varies with frailty status. This relationship is dynamic; with frailty, older people become more dependent on their neighbourhood. However, expectations regarding neighbourhood characteristics seem to dissipate with advanced age and increasing frailty.

The ideal neighbourhood for ageing in place as perceived by frail and non-frail community-dwelling older people

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 1771-1795 ◽  
Author(s):  
HANNA M. VAN DIJK ◽  
JANE M. CRAMM ◽  
JOB VAN EXEL ◽  
ANNA P. NIEBOER
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Q Methodology ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
World Health ◽  
Frail Older People ◽  
Ageing In Place ◽  
Physical Conditions ◽  
Age In Place ◽  
Community Dwelling Older People ◽  
Neighbourhood Characteristics

ABSTRACTDue to demographic changes and a widely supported policy of ageing in place, the number of community-dwelling older people will increase immensely. Thus, supportive neighbourhoods enabling older people to age in place successfully are required. Using Q-methodology, we examined older people's perceptions of the comparative importance of neighbourhood characteristics for ageing in place. Based on the World Health Organization's Global Age-friendly Cities guide, we developed 26 statements about physical and social neighbourhood characteristics. Thirty-two older people in Rotterdam, half of whom were frail, rank-ordered these statements. Q-factor analysis revealed three distinct viewpoints each among frail and non-frail older people. Comparisons within and between groups are discussed. Although both frail and non-frail older people strongly desired a neighbourhood enabling them to age in place, they have divergent views on such a neighbourhood. Older people's dependence on the neighbourhood seems to be dynamic, affected by changing social and physical conditions and levels of frailty.

scholarly journals Towards an ‘active caring community’ in Brussels

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
An-Sofie Smetcoren ◽  
Liesbeth De Donder ◽  
Daan Duppen ◽  
Nico De Witte ◽  
Olivia Vanmechelen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Dimension ◽  
Caring Community ◽  
Ageing In Place ◽  
Age In Place ◽  
Community Project ◽  
Care And Support ◽  
The Social ◽  
Disadvantaged Neighbourhoods

Chapter 6 addresses the question of how an age-friendly urban environment can support frail older people to ‘age in place’. To address this issue, the chapter presents findings from a study which assessed the value of an ‘Active Caring Community’ project in supporting frail older adults living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Brussels, Belgium. The project was aimed at creating a community which supports the process of ageing in place; where residents of the community know and help each other; where meeting opportunities are developed; and where individuals and their informal caregivers receive care and support from motivated professionals. The authors highlight the importance of the social dimension of the environment, and discuss a range of related opportunities and constraints which may affect older people’s frailty.

scholarly journals DEPENDENCY IN ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING: THE ROLE OF MULTIDIMENSIONAL FRAILTY AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S635-S636
Author(s):  
G A Rixt Zijlstra ◽  
Anne van der Vorst ◽  
Linda P M Op het Veld ◽  
Nico De Witte ◽  
Jos M G A Schols ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Frail Older People ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Most older adults prefer to “age in place” and maintain independent regarding activities of daily living (ADL). Dependency in ADL might be caused by frailty. This study explored the relationship between multidimensional frailty and ADL dependency, and if protective factors, derived from a systematic literature review, moderate this relationship. A longitudinal study with a 24-month follow-up was performed among 1,027 community-dwelling older adults. Multidimensional frailty was assessed with the Tilburg Frailty Indicator, and ADL dependency with the Groningen Activity Restriction Scale. Other measures included socio-demographic characteristics and seven protective factors against ADL dependency, such as physical activity and non-smoking. Logistic regression analyses showed that frail older people had a twofold risk of developing ADL dependency in comparison to non-frail older people after 24 months (OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.50-3.00). Analyses with interaction terms indicated that the selected protective factors against ADL dependency did not significantly moderate this relationship. Nonetheless, higher levels of physical activity and having sufficient financial resources decreased the risk of becoming ADL dependent in the overall sample (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.46-0.98 and OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.35-0.71, respectively). In conclusion, multidimensional frail older people are at higher risk of developing ADL dependency and the studied factors against ADL dependency did not significantly moderate this relationship. To develop prevention strategies for ADL dependency and facilitate aging in place, future studies might explore the relationship between each specific frailty domain and ADL dependency, and the role of (other) moderating factors.

Prospective Associations of Physical Frailty With Future Falls and Fear of Falling: A 48-Month Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Makino ◽  
S Lee ◽  
S Bae ◽  
I Chiba ◽  
K Harada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cardiovascular Health Study ◽  
Physical Frailty ◽  
Frailty Status ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Objective The present study aimed to examine the prospective associations of physical frailty with future falls and fear of falling (FOF) among community-dwelling older adults. Methods A prospective cohort study with a 48-month follow-up was conducted in a Japanese community. Participants were 2469 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years or older who completed baseline and follow-up assessments at intervals of 48±2 months. Primary outcomes were recent falls (defined as at least one fall within the past year) and FOF (determined by response to “Are you afraid of falling?”) at follow-up survey. Physical frailty, operationalized by the frailty phenotype (slowness, weakness, exhaustion, weight loss, and low activity) based on the criteria of the Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study (J-CHS), was also assessed as a predictor of future falls and FOF. Results Multivariate logistic regression showed that pre-frailty or frailty increase the risk of not only future falls (OR: 1.57; 95%CI = 1.20-2.05) but also FOF (OR: 1.33; 95%CI = 1.05-1.69). In addition, the relationship between baseline frailty status and future falls remained significant after adjusting for baseline FOF (OR: 1.55; 95%CI = 1.19-2.02), and the relationship between baseline frailty status and future FOF also remained significant after adjusting for baseline falls (OR: 1.32; 95%CI = 1.04-1.68). Conclusions Frailty status may predict future falls and FOF among community-dwelling older adults. Strategies to prevent frailty may be beneficial to prevent not only future falls but also future FOF in a community setting. Impact Falls and FOF have a close relationship but a different clinical meaning. Older adults with physical frailty may require monitoring as high-risk not only for falls but also for FOF.

Factors Affecting the Extent and Quality of Nature Engagement of Older Adults Living in a Range of Home Types

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (8) ◽  
pp. 799-829 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yolanda van Heezik ◽  
Claire Freeman ◽  
Yvette Buttery ◽  
Debra L. Waters
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Frailty Status ◽  
Nature Contact ◽  
Nature Connectedness ◽  
Nature Experience ◽  
Access To Nature

Nature interaction is seen as a potentially inexpensive intervention to address many health issues. Aging is associated with declining health and mobility. Older people are known to benefit from nature contact; however, less is known about how aging limits access to nature. We investigated older adults occupying family, downsized, and rest homes to determine factors driving changes in nature engagement, and the quality of available nature. Less time was spent in natural places as people aged, depending on the extent of nature connectedness, frailty status, home type, and whether they lived alone or not. Most reported reduced nature engagement and expressed feelings of sadness, frustration, and anger. Gardens assumed an important role in enabling nature contact to continue, in that time spent in gardens was unrelated to age or frailty. Garden variability meant the quality of the nature experience was likely lower for those living in downsized and rest homes.

457 NUTRITION, SARCOPENIA AND FRAILTY

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii14-ii18
Author(s):  
W Du
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Older People ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Nutritional Intake ◽  
Frail Older People ◽  
Language Therapy ◽  
Frailty Status ◽  
Swallowing Problems ◽  
Prolonged Hospital ◽  
Poor Nutrition

Abstract   Many older people admitted to hospital are malnourished/at risk of malnourishment (30%), have swallowing problems (55%), are frail (25%), have sarcopenia (50%) or a combination of these. On admission to hospital frail older people are at significant risk of worsening nutritional status and prolonged hospital stay. Nutritional status should be identified, documented, food intake monitored and where appropriate they should be referred to the dietitian. The question remains, do staff recognise that frail older people may not eat their food increasing their risk of poor nutrition and outcome. Methods Older people admitted to a ‘Frailty’ Ward were directly observed during lunchtime by WD. The Minimal Eating Observation Form –Version II (MEOF-II) was used to document how much they ate. Frailty status (CFS), presence of Sarcopenia (Sarc-F) and whether a referral to dietetics or speech and language therapy (SLT) was completed. Results 39 patients were observed. Mean age was 82.38 years; median CFS 6 (3–8); median Sarc-F 4(0–9). Median MEOF II was 0 (0–5). Two patients were referred to dietetics and 4 to SLT. 7/40 (17,5%) were at high risk for undernutrition, a further 8/40(20%) were at moderate risk. 82% were severely frail, the remaining were mildly frail. 94% (16/17) exhibited sarcopenia. There was significant correlation between MEOF II and CFS (r = 0.4887, p = 0.00162); MEOFII and Sarc-F (r = 0.4395, p = 0.00512). There was correlation between CFS and Sarc-F (r = 0.80296, p < 0.00001). Only one (6%) was referred to the dietitian. Conclusion Frail older adults are often undernourished on admission to hospital. Nutritional intake is often poor with acute illness. Screening, observation and monitoring of nutritional intake should highlight concerns and needs for intervention. These study high lights that a significant number of older people are frail, fail to complete meals, are at significant risk of under nutrition, yet proactive intervention does not occur.

Older people and home ownership: the intention to relocate

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-51
Author(s):  
Braam Lowies ◽  
Robert Brenton Whait ◽  
Kurt Lushington
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Home Ownership ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Topic Area ◽  
Ageing In Place ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Age In Place ◽  
Cati Survey

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore older people’s intention to relocate from their primary homes. The study also seeks to understand the policy implications that such intentions may have. Design/methodology/approach This study employs a survey-based design via computer-aided telephone interviews (CATI). The CATI survey was employed to gather information on the behaviour of older people and whether differences exist by gender, age, health immigration status and financial knowledge. The survey-based design is triangulated with the literature on this topic area and policy issues. Findings The findings of the study suggest amongst others, that older South Australians overwhelmingly and significantly do not intend to move from their primary home and are content to age in place. This is particularly true as people reach the older stages of life. Originality/value The study enhances the understanding of the decision-making environment that older people are exposed to in contemplating relocation from the primary home. More specifically, it shows that factors stated in the literature that deemed to be of importance in the decision to relocate, has no significance in this study and that ageing in place should be used as a policy base.

scholarly journals The Relationship between Muscular Strength and Depression in Older Adults with Chronic Disease Comorbidity

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (18) ◽  
pp. 6830
Author(s):  
Jae-Moo Lee ◽  
Edward J. Ryan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Older People ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Muscular Strength ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Ministry Of Health ◽  
Hand Grip ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression ◽  
The Relationship

Older adults with disease and disability are particularly vulnerable to experiencing more severe consequences of depression. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the relationship between disease comorbidities (number of disease: ND0, 1 disease: ND1 and 2 or more diseases: ND ≥ 2), hand grip strength (low HGS and high HGS), and the prevalence of depression in Korean older adults. Data from the living profiles of older people survey that was conducted by the ministry of health and welfare in Korea were utilized. Data for 6107 females and 4347 males were appropriate for statistical tests. The results demonstrated that depression was more prevalent as ND increased (p < 0.01). In addition, HGS appeared lower as ND increased in both male (p < 0.01) and female subjects (p < 0.01). Furthermore, relative to ND0 and low HGS, ND0 and high HGS showed a ~65% reduction in the prevalence of depression (p < 0.01). After adjusting for age, the prevalence of depression was reduced by ~60% in the subgroup with ND0 and high HGS relative to ND0 and low HGS (p < 0.01). These data demonstrate that muscular strength indices such as HGS may be useful when assessing depression in older adults. Further research in this area is warranted.

scholarly journals The association between motor capacity and mobility performance: frailty as a moderator

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl-Philipp Jansen ◽  
Nima Toosizadeh ◽  
M. Jane Mohler ◽  
Bijan Najafi ◽  
Christopher Wendel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Frailty Index ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mobility Performance ◽  
Frailty Status ◽  
Walking Performance ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background In older adults, the linkage between laboratory-assessed ‘motor capacity’ and ‘mobility performance’ during daily routine is controversial. Understanding factors moderating this relationship could help developing more valid assessment as well as intervention approaches. We investigated whether the association between capacity and performance becomes evident with transition into frailty, that is, whether frailty status moderates their association. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the observational Arizona Frailty Cohort Study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01880229) in a community-dwelling cohort in Tucson, Arizona. Participants were N = 112 older adults aged 65 years or older who were categorized as non-frail (n = 40), pre-frail (n = 53) or frail (n = 19) based on the Fried frailty index. Motor capacity was quantified as normal (NWS) and fast walking speed (FWS). Mobility performance was quantified as 1) cumulated physical activity (PA) time and 2) everyday walking performance (average steps per walking bout; maximal number of steps in one walking bout), measured by a motion sensor over a 48 h period. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate moderation effects. Results Unlike in non-frail persons, the relationship between motor capacity and mobility performance was evident in pre-frail and frail persons, confirming our hypothesis. A moderating effect of frailty status was found for 1) the relationship between both NWS and FWS and maximal number of steps in one bout and 2) NWS and the average steps per bout. No moderation was found for the association between NWS and FWS with cumulated PA. Conclusion In pre-frail and frail persons, motor capacity is associated with everyday walking performance, indicating that functional capacity seems to better represent mobility performance in this impaired population. The limited relationship found in non-frail persons suggests that other factors account for their mobility performance. Our findings may help to inform tailored assessment approaches and interventions taking into consideration a person’s frailty status.

scholarly journals To be or not to be: Relationship between grandparent status and health and wellbeing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel W.L. Lai ◽  
Jia Li ◽  
Xue Bai
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Older People ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Marital Status ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Chinese Society ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract BackgroundIt is common for older people to become grandparents in later life. However, the impacts of grandparenting on their health and well-being remain ambiguous, especially in Chinese society, where the family is in the core of culture. The current study explored the relationship between grandparenthood and Chinese older people’s health and psychological well-being in Hong Kong. MethodsCross-sectional data were collected from a sample of 1,208 Hong Kong Chinese older people aged 55 and above through a telephone survey conducted in 2019. Participants were grouped into three categories: current grandparents (n = 507), grandparents-to-be (n = 275), and grandparents-not-to-be (n = 426). Multivariate linear regressions were performed to examine the relationship between grandparenting status and health and well-being outcomes, including self-rated physical health, mental health, resilience, and happiness. The potential moderating roles of older adults’ demographic characteristics, including age, sex, education, marital status, financial status, were also examined. ResultsBivariate analyses suggested statistically significant differences between health and well-being across the three groups of participants. Regression models showed that, compared with grandparents-not-to-be, being a current grandparent was associated with a significantly higher happiness level. Being a future grandparent was associated with significantly higher levels of happiness, resilience, and self-rated physical health. Moderating analyses showed that age, marital status, and educational level could moderate the relationship between grandparent status and resilience and self-rated mental health. ConclusionsThe current study offers preliminary insights into the significant relationship between grandparenthood and older adults’ health and well-being. It calls for future studies to further explore the mechanisms between grandparenthood and the healthy ageing of different subgroups of older adults.

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