scholarly journals Obesity in older adults: epidemiology and implications for disability and disease

2011 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Samper-Ternent ◽  
Soham Al Snih

SummaryObesity is a worldwide problem with increasing prevalence and incidence in both developed and developing countries. In older adults, excess weight is associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, several important cancers, and numerous other medical conditions. Obesity has also been associated with increased functional limitations, disability, and poorer quality of life. Additionally, obesity has been independently associated with all-cause mortality. The obesity epidemic has important social and economic implications, representing an important source of increased public health care costs. The aim of this review is to report the epidemiology of obesity worldwide, and the implications of obesity on disability and chronic diseases in older adults.

2009 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 344-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald Limona

Fall-related injuries are a serious public health issue among older adults. In addition to having a significant impact on our economy, these injuries are associated with considerable morbidity. Each year, 1 out of every 3 adults aged 65 and older fall; of these adults, 10% to 20% sustain serious injuries such as fractures or head traumas. Such injuries account for about 6% of medical expenditures for adults 65 years and older. Pharmacist interventions can prevent falls, thereby improving the quality of life of these older adults, preserving their independence, and significantly reducing health care costs.


2020 ◽  
pp. 073346482094432
Author(s):  
Catherine A. Clair ◽  
Maureen Henry ◽  
Lee A. Jennings ◽  
David B. Reuben ◽  
Shana F. Sandberg ◽  
...  

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to capture goals expressed by older adults with functional limitations and their caregivers. Methods: Through focus groups and interviews, 76 older adults with ≥1 activity of daily living limitation and 28 family/friend caregivers were asked about what mattered most to them and their goals for care. Transcripts were coded using an existing taxonomy. Goals that did not fit the taxonomy were assigned new codes. Results: We identified more than 50 goals in eight domains. Domains included (a) Medical Care; (b) Quality of Life: Physical; (c) Quality of Life: Social and Emotional; (d) Access to Services and Supports; (e) Caregiver Needs and Concerns; (f) End of Life; (g) Independence; and (h) Acceptable Housing. Conclusion: While there is overlap between identified goals and the existing taxonomy, new goals emerged. The goal domains identified could serve as a framework to improve and measure the quality of goal-oriented care for older adults with complex needs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S752-S752
Author(s):  
Debra J Sheets ◽  
Stuart W MacDonald ◽  
Andre Smith ◽  
Mary Kennedy

Abstract Informal caregivers provide 80% of the care needed to support community-dwelling older adults with dementia. Over time caregivers often face adverse effects on their health, quality of life and well-being; particularly those caring for someone with dementia. This study examines the impact of participation in the Voices in Motion (ViM) choir on caregiver burden, mood and quality of life. A measurement burst approach was used to investigate intraindividual variability on key psychosocial and health indicators. Results indicate that choir participation significantly improves caregiver well-being (e.g. mood, burden) and quality of life. Findings suggest that choirs offer significant caregiver support and respite. The discussion focuses the public policy and on the potential economic implications which suggests a shift is needed in the services available to older adults with dementia and their caregivers.


AAOHN Journal ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 55 (7) ◽  
pp. 265-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debra L. Thompson

Each year millions of Americans struggle with obesity and health problems related to it. Despite the focus on health promotion and healthy lifestyles, the obesity epidemic is worsening. Disability, decreased quality of life, greater health care use, decreased workplace productivity, and increased absenteeism may be associated with obesity, leading to higher costs to businesses and society. The financial impact on businesses, especially health care costs to treat obese employees, is staggering. This is a burden for businesses trying to control expenses. Occupational health nurses are key to developing effective wellness programs for employers.


2012 ◽  
Vol 102 (3) ◽  
pp. 496-502 ◽  
Author(s):  
William W. Thompson ◽  
Matthew M. Zack ◽  
Gloria L. Krahn ◽  
Elena M. Andresen ◽  
John P. Barile

Author(s):  
Nur Maziyya ◽  
Nursalam Nursalam ◽  
Herdina Mariyanti

Introduction: Leprosy was a chronic infectious disease that affects the quality of life of patients. Many factors could affect the quality of life of people with leprosy, but there was no specific research that analyzed factors related to quality of life of people with leprosy based on Health Belief Models theory (HBM). This study aimed to analyze factors that related to quality of life of people with leprosy based on Health Belief Model theory (HBM) in Public Health Center in North Surabaya. Methode: This study used descriptive analytic correlational with cross-sectional approach. Sample in this study were 30 patients with leprosy at public health center in North Surabaya. The independent variabels were individual perceived depend on HBM theory and dependent variabel was Quality of Life of Leprosy patients. Data were collected by interviews and using questionnaire. The instrument for collecting Quality of life using WHOQOL BREF and for collecting individual perception using a questionnaire derived from HBM theory. Data were analyzed used statistical Logistic Regression test (p<0,05). Result and Analysis: People with leprosy in public health care in region of North Surabaya 83.3% had good quality of life. There was correlation between quality of life with perceived susceptibility (p = 0.013) and perceived of seriousness (p = 0.004). There is was no correlation that found between quality of life with perceived benefit (p = 0.638) and perceived barriers (p = 0.334). Perceived susceptibility and perceived seriousness could be factors that affect quality of life of people with leprosy. Discussion: It needs to do a research about quality of life of patients with leprosy based on HBM theory using questionnaire that has been tested for validation to determine factors that affect quality of life of patient with leprosy.Keywords: Leprosy, quality of life, HBM, individual perceptions


Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Tackett ◽  
Benjamin B. Lahey

This chapter provides a comprehensive review of the personality domain of Neuroticism. Neuroticism is not only one of the more salient higher-order personality domains across different trait models, it also includes great public health care significance. We begin by describing the domain, including its facets. We then consider genetic and environmental influences for its development. We also consider developmental considerations, including evidence for stability and change across the lifespan. We then turn to the importance of Neuroticism for predicting consequential outcomes in several relevant domains of functioning: psychopathology, physical health, and quality of life. We then summarize and end with suggestions for future directions in research and public health care application.


2019 ◽  
Vol 92 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-82
Author(s):  
L. C. van Boekel ◽  
J. C. M. Cloin ◽  
K. G. Luijkx

This study is on the effects of spousal loss among older adults who continue to live independently after bereavement. Little longitudinal studies focus on this group, which is of special interest, since in many countries, care policy and system reform are aimed at increasing independent living among older adults. Using longitudinal data from a Dutch public data repository, we investigate the effects of spousal loss on psychological well-being, perceived quality of life, and (indication of) yearly health-care costs. Of the respondents who had a spouse and were living independently ( N = 9,400) at baseline, the majority had not lost their spouse after 12 months ( T12, n = 9,150), but 2.7% ( n = 250) had lost their spouse and still lived independently. We compared both groups using multivariate regression (ordinary least squares) analyses. The results show that spousal loss significantly lowers scores on psychological well-being and perceived quality of life, but we found no effect on health-care costs.


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