From Variables to Lives: Inputs to a Fresh Agenda for Psychological Aging Research in Norway

2003 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 200-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Svein Olav Daatland
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Intellectual Functioning ◽  
German Studies ◽  
Aging Research ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Technical Study ◽  
The Many ◽  
Age Related Changes

Why has aging and old age attracted so little interest in psychology? This article explores the resistance to aging perspectives, and the struggle to have gerontology recognized, in basic disciplines like psychology and sociology. Aging may, in fact, be a most appropriate “laboratory” for research on individual competence and motivation, considering the many stressors and the great diversity in later life. Findings from Norwegian and German studies on age-related changes in personality and intellectual functioning indicate a need to shift the focus from variables to individuals and study the various pathways of psychological aging. What type of trajectories are hidden behind the mean trends? This perspective may help us move beyond the often trivial and technical study of variables into the joys and tragedies of real lives, and can serve as a guideline for a fresh agenda for psychological aging research in Norway.

scholarly journals Developing a recovery-focused therapy for older people with bipolar disorder: a qualitative focus group study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e049829
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Tyler ◽  
Fiona Lobban ◽  
Rita Long ◽  
Steven H Jones
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Older People ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Age Related Changes

ObjectivesAs awareness of bipolar disorder (BD) increases and the world experiences a rapid ageing of the population, the number of people living with BD in later life is expected to rise substantially. There is no current evidence base for the effectiveness of psychological interventions for older adults with BD. This focus group study explored a number of topics to inform the development and delivery of a recovery-focused therapy (RfT) for older adults with BD.DesignA qualitative focus group study.SettingThree focus groups were conducted at a university in the North West of England.ParticipantsEight people took part in the focus groups; six older adults with BD, one carer and one friend.ResultsParticipant’s responses clustered into six themes: (1) health-related and age-related changes in later life, (2) the experience of BD in later life, (3) managing and coping with BD in later life, (4) recovery in later life, (5) seeking helping in the future and (6) adapting RfT for older people.ConclusionsParticipants reported a range of health-related and age-related changes and strategies to manage their BD. Participants held mixed views about using the term ‘recovery’ in later life. Participants were in agreement that certain adaptations were needed for delivering RfT for older adults, based on their experience of living with BD in later life. The data collected as part of the focus groups have led to a number of recommendations for delivering RfT for older adults with BD in a randomised controlled trial (Clinical Trial Registration: ISRCTN13875321).

scholarly journals Measures of obesity are associated with MRI markers of brain aging

Neurology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 93 (8) ◽  
pp. e791-e803 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle R. Caunca ◽  
Hannah Gardener ◽  
Marialaura Simonetto ◽  
Ying Kuen Cheung ◽  
Noam Alperin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Cortical Thickness ◽  
Brain Aging ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Time Lag ◽  
Later Life ◽  
White Matter Hyperintensity ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Early Old Age

ObjectiveTo examine associations between measures of obesity in middle to early-old age with later-life MRI markers of brain aging.MethodsWe analyzed data from the Northern Manhattan MRI Sub-Study (n = 1,289). Our exposures of interest were body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio, and plasma adiponectin levels. Our outcomes of interest were total cerebral volume (TCV), cortical thickness, white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV), and subclinical brain infarcts (SBI). Using multivariable linear and logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographics, health behaviors, and vascular risk factors, we estimated β coefficients (or odds ratios) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and tested interactions with age, sex, and race/ethnicity.ResultsOn average at baseline, participants were aged 64 years and had 10 years of education; 60% were women and 66% were Caribbean Hispanic. The mean (SD) time lag between baseline and MRI was 6 (3) years. Greater BMI and WC were significantly associated with thinner cortices (BMI β [95% CI] −0.089 [−0.153, −0.025], WC β [95% CI] −0.103 [−0.169, −0.037]) in fully adjusted models. Similarly, compared to those with BMI <25, obese participants (BMI ≥30) exhibited smaller cortical thickness (β [95% CI] −0.207 [−0.374, −0.041]). These associations were particularly evident for those aged <65 years. Similar but weaker associations were observed for TCV. Most associations with WMHV and SBI did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionsAdiposity in early-old age is related to reduced global gray matter later in life in this diverse sample. Future studies are warranted to elucidate causal relationships and explore region-specific associations.

Age-related changes in natural killer cell receptors from childhood through old age

2011 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 319-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aline Almeida-Oliveira ◽  
Monique Smith-Carvalho ◽  
Luis Cristovão Porto ◽  
Juliana Cardoso-Oliveira ◽  
Aline dos Santos Ribeiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Killer Cell ◽  
Natural Killer ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Killer Cell ◽  
Cell Receptors ◽  
Natural Killer Cell Receptors ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Age Related Changes

scholarly journals Age-Related Changes in Human and Nonhuman Timing

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 261-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rannie Xu ◽  
Russell M. Church
Keyword(s):  
Time Perception ◽  
Cognitive Processing ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Comparative Research ◽  
Biochemical Changes ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Timing Ability ◽  
The Many ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Age Related Changes

The capacity for timed behavior is ubiquitous across the animal kingdom, making time perception an ideal topic of comparative research across human and nonhuman subjects. One of the many consequences of normal aging is a systematic decline in timing ability, often accompanied by a host of behavioral and biochemical changes in the brain. In this review, we describe some of these behavioral and biochemical changes in human and nonhuman subjects. Given the involvement of timing in higher-order cognitive processing, age-related changes in timing ability can act as a marker for cognitive decline in older adults. Finally, we offer a comparison between human and nonhuman timing through the perspective of Alzheimer’s disease. Taken together, we suggest that understanding timing functions and dysfunctions can improve theoretical accounts of cognitive aging and time perception, and the use of nonhuman subjects constitutes an integral part of this process.

scholarly journals Factors affecting primary care practitioners’ alcohol-related discussions with older adults: Qualitative study

2021 ◽  
pp. BJGP.2020.1118
Author(s):  
Bethany Kate Bareham ◽  
Jemma Stewart ◽  
Eileen Kaner ◽  
Barbara Hanratty
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Older People ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Comparison Results ◽  
Primary Care Practitioners

Background: Risk of harm from drinking is heightened in later life, due to age-related sensitivities to alcohol. Primary care services have a key role in supporting older people to make healthier decisions about alcohol. Aim: To examine primary care practitioners’ perceptions of factors that promote and challenge their work to support older people in alcohol risk-reduction. Design and Setting: Qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews and focus groups with primary care practitioners in Northern England. Method: Thirty-five practitioners (general practitioners, practice/district nurses, pharmacists, dentists, social care practitioners, domiciliary carers) participated in eight interviews and five focus groups. Data were analysed thematically, applying principles of constant comparison. Results: Practitioners highlighted particular sensitivities amongst older people to discussing alcohol, and reservations about older people’s resistance to making changes in old age; given drinking practices could be established, and promote socialisation and emotional wellbeing in later life. Age-related health issues increased older people’s contact with practitioners; but management of older people’s long-term conditions was prioritised over discussion of alcohol. Dedicated time to address alcohol in routine consultations with older people, and training in alcohol intervention facilitated practitioners; particularly pharmacists and practice nurses. Conclusion: There are clear opportunities to support older people in primary care to make healthier decisions about alcohol. Dedicated time to address alcohol, training in identification of alcohol-related risks, particularly those associated with old age; and tailored interventions for older people, feasible to implement in practice settings, would support primary care practitioners to address older people’s alcohol use.

scholarly journals Age related changes in testicular histomorphometry and spermatogenic activity of bulls

2021 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 3139
Author(s):  
Y BELKHIRI ◽  
S BENBIA ◽  
A DJAOUT
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Development ◽  
Production Capacity ◽  
Sperm Production ◽  
Reproductive State ◽  
Cell Numbers ◽  
Cell Efficiency ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Tubular Diameter ◽  
Age Related Changes

The aim of the present study was to evaluate age related changes in testicular histomorphometry and spermatogenic activity of bulls during their sexual development. A total of 36 bulls were selected and divided into four groups (n=9 in each) according to their age. Bulls included in Groups I, II, III and IV were 10, 12, 14 and 16 months old respectively. Left testes of bulls were subjected to histomorphometry after slaughter. Statistical analysis revealed that the secondary spermatocytes, round and elongated spermatids increased significantly (P˂0.05) with the age of bulls. Likewise, both sertoli and leydig cell numbers increased significantly (P˂0.05) with the age of bulls. However, the number of spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes did not change (P>0.05) due to age. The mean tubular diameter increased from 200.70±5.45 μm (10 months of age) to 227.30±9.16 μm (16 months of age) and the total volume of seminiferous tubule per testis from 69.63±1.50 % (10 months of age) to 84.64±2.53 % (16 months of age). A positive linear relationship (P<0.05) was found between meiotic index (Y) and the age (X, in month), which was characterized by the equation 0.048X+3.135 and a coefficient of correlation (R) of 0.396. The correlation between age and sertoli cell efficiency was 0.482 with a regression equation Y= 0.141X+7.696. It is concluded that histomorphometric parameters of the bulls’ testes and spermatogenic activity are correlated with the age, so these parameters provide a reliable tool for the assessment of the reproductive state and sperm production capacity of a bull in a breeding program.

scholarly journals Morphometric study of the size of the postmortem human kidney

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-67
Author(s):  
Fatema Johora ◽  
Abu Sadat Mohammad Nurunnabi ◽  
Dilruba Siddiqua ◽  
Hasna Hena ◽  
Shamim Ara
Keyword(s):  
Young Adult ◽  
Left Kidney ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Morphometric Study ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Group A ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Right ◽  
Age Related Changes

Background: Changes in the size of the kidney are evident in humans, as age progresses. Objective: To see the age-related changes in the morphological dimensions of the kidney in a sample of the Bangladeshi population. Methods: This crosssectional study was done in the Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from July 2008 to June 2009, based on a collection of 140 postmortem human kidneys collected from 70 unclaimed dead bodies from the morgue of the same institution. All the samples of kidney were divided into three age groups, including A (10-19 years), B (20-39 years) and C (40-59 years). The length, breadth and thickness of all the kidneys were measured by using a slide calipers and recorded. Data were expressed as mean±SD. For statistical analysis, independent sample t test and one way ANOVA was used. Results: The length of the right and left kidneys found were 8.72±0.25 cm and 9.28±0.12 cm; 9.73±0.35 cm and 10.31±0.41 cm; 9.68±0.21 cm and 10.24±0.06 cm in group A, B and C respectively. The breadth of the right and left kidneys found were 4.32±0.09 cm and 4.22±0.11 cm; 4.74±0.29 cm and 4.55±0.28 cm; 4.61±0.21 cm and 4.44±0.21 cm in group A, B and C respectively. The thickness of the right and left kidneys found were 2.84±0.10 cm and 2.64±0.05 cm; 3.31±0.16 cm and 3.11±0.10 cm; 3.17±0.07 cm and 3.11±0.10 cm in group A, B and C respectively. The mean length of the left kidneys was found significantly greater than that of the right , whereas the mean breadth and the thickness of the right kidneys were found greater than that of the left kidney in all age groups. Moreover, age related changes were significant in all dimensions (length, breadth and thickness) of the kidney when compared between group A & B and A & C. Conclusion: This study results concluded that the length of the left kidney was greater than that of the right, but the breadth and the thickness of the right kidney were greater than that of the left one in all age groups. In addition, age related changes in all dimensions (i.e. length, breadth and thickness) of the kidneys were evident in middle age versus young adult and older adult versus young adult. J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2020, December; 15(2): 61-67

scholarly journals International relevance of Two Measures of Awareness of Age-Related Change (AARC)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
serena sabatini ◽  
Obioha C Ukoumunne ◽  
Clive Ballard ◽  
Allyson Brothers ◽  
Roman Kaspar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
University Education ◽  
Cognitive Health ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Gains And Losses ◽  
Functioning Subscale ◽  
Age Related Changes

Abstract Background: A questionnaire assessing awareness of positive and negative age-related changes (AARC gains and losses) was developed in the US and Germany. We validated the short form of the measure (AARC-10 SF) and the cognitive functioning subscale from the 50-item version of the AARC (AARC-50) questionnaire in the UK population aged 50 and over. Methods: Data from 9,410 participants (Mean (SD) age= 65.9 (7.1)) in the PROTECT cohort were used to explore and confirm the psychometric properties of the AARC measures including: validity of the factor structure; reliability; measurement invariance across men and women, individuals with and without a university degree, and in middle age, early old age, and advanced old age; and convergent validity with measures of self-perception of aging and mental, physical, and cognitive health. We explored the relationship between demographic variables (age, sex, marital status, employment, and university education) and AARC. Results: We confirmed the two-factor structure (gains and losses) of the AARC-10 SF and the AARC-50 cognitive functioning subscale. Both scales showed good reliability and good convergent validity for AARC losses, but weak convergent validity for AARC gains. For both scales metric invariance was held for the two subgroups defined by education level and age. For the AARC-50 subscale, but not for the AARC-10 SF, strong invariance was also held for the two subgroups defined by sex. Age, sex, marital status, employment, and university education predicted AARC gains and losses. Conclusions: The AARC-10 SF and AARC-50 cognitive functioning subscale identify UK individuals who perceive age-related changes in their mental, physical, and cognitive health.

scholarly journals SYSTEMS BIOLOGY OF HUMAN AGING - NETWORK MODEL 2019

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S973-S973 ◽  
Author(s):  
John D Furber
Keyword(s):  
Network Model ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Age Related ◽  
New Information ◽  
Causal Chains ◽  
Therapy Development ◽  
The Many ◽  
Future Therapy ◽  
Aging Network ◽  
Age Related Changes

Abstract This network schema is presented to aid in conceptualizing the many processes of aging, the causal chains of events, and the interactions among them, including feedback and vicious cycles. Contemplation of this network suggests promising intervention points for therapy development. This diagram is maintained on the Web as a reference for researchers and students. Content is updated as new information comes to light. www.LegendaryPharma.com/chartbg.html At first glance the network looks like a complicated web. However, as a conceptual summary, in one view, we can see how the many biogerontological processes relate to each other. Importantly, examination of these relationships allows us to pick out reasonably plausible causal chains of events. Within these chains, we can see age-related changes or accumulations that appear to be promising targets for future therapy development. Especially harmful is damage to the body's regeneration and repair systems, because they normally repair damage to other structures and systems. The many observable signs of human senescence have been hypothesized by various researchers to result from several primary causes. Inspection of the biochemical and physiological pathways associated with age-related changes and with the hypothesized causes reveals several parallel cascades of events that involve several important interactions and feedback loops. This network model includes both intracellular and extracellular processes. It ranges in scale from the molecular to the whole-body level. Effects due to externalities, lifestyle, environment, and proposed interventions are highlighted around the margins of the network.

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