How to Avoid Ageist Language in Aging Research? An Overview and Guidelines

Abstract Many older adults remain inactive despite the known positive health implications of physical activity (e.g. improved mood, reduced mortality risk). Physical inactivity is a known interdependent phenomenon in couples, but the majority of research identifies determinants of physical inactivity at the individual level. We estimated the average amount of physical inactivity for older adult couples and, using dyadic analysis, identified physical and mental health determinants thereof. Forty-eight heterosexual older adult couples (mean age=70.6, SD=6.63) from the Veterans Integrated Service Network 20 cohort of the Collaborative Aging Research using Technology (CART) initiative were included in this study. Both dyad members wore actigraph devices for a month. The average number per day of inactive periods (defined as no movement or sleep activity for ≥ 30 minutes) was estimated. Multilevel modeling revealed that, within couples, there was no difference between partners in the average number of inactive periods, but on average across couples, males had more inactive periods per day (13.4, SD=4.43) than females (12.3, SD=4.87). For males, older age was the only variable associated with more inactive periods (β=0.13, p=.013). For females, more depressive symptoms in men were associated with fewer inactive periods (β=-0.37, p=.002), and more dependence in completing their own IADLs predicted more inactive periods (β=2.80, p<.001). All models were adjusted for covariates. Viewing couples’ activity as a unit, rather than as separate individuals, provides a novel approach to identifying pathways to reduce inactivity in older adults, especially when focusing on mental health issues and decreased independence within the couple.

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Health and longevity studies in C. elegans: the “healthy worm database” reveals strengths, weaknesses and gaps of test compound-based studies

Biogerontology ◽

10.1007/s10522-021-09913-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (2) ◽

pp. 215-236

Author(s):

Nadine Saul ◽

Steffen Möller ◽

Francesca Cirulli ◽

Alessandra Berry ◽

Walter Luyten ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthy Aging ◽

Model Organism ◽

Research Field ◽

Aging Research ◽

Genetic Manipulations ◽

C Elegans ◽

Starting Point ◽

Health Related ◽

Phenotype Measurement ◽

Or Gene

AbstractSeveral biogerontology databases exist that focus on genetic or gene expression data linked to health as well as survival, subsequent to compound treatments or genetic manipulations in animal models. However, none of these has yet collected experimental results of compound-related health changes. Since quality of life is often regarded as more valuable than length of life, we aim to fill this gap with the “Healthy Worm Database” (http://healthy-worm-database.eu). Literature describing health-related compound studies in the aging model Caenorhabditis elegans was screened, and data for 440 compounds collected. The database considers 189 publications describing 89 different phenotypes measured in 2995 different conditions. Besides enabling a targeted search for promising compounds for further investigations, this database also offers insights into the research field of studies on healthy aging based on a frequently used model organism. Some weaknesses of C. elegans-based aging studies, like underrepresented phenotypes, especially concerning cognitive functions, as well as the convenience-based use of young worms as the starting point for compound treatment or phenotype measurement are discussed. In conclusion, the database provides an anchor for the search for compounds affecting health, with a link to public databases, and it further highlights some potential shortcomings in current aging research.

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Breathing Well Across the Lifespan: Pulmonary Aging and Geroscience-Targeted Therapies

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2697 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 749-749

Author(s):

Jason Sanders

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽

Pulmonary Function ◽

Pulmonary Diseases ◽

Human Populations ◽

Aging Research ◽

Novel Treatments ◽

Organ Specific ◽

Nutrient Signaling ◽

Telomere Biology ◽

Increased Susceptibility

Abstract Excellent pulmonary function is one of the strongest predictors of longevity across animal models and human populations. Unfortunately, none of the major age-associated pulmonary diseases – obstructive lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and increased susceptibility to pneumonia – have strongly effective disease modifying therapies. There is growing evidence that normal age-associated decline in pulmonary function and major age-associated pulmonary diseases are linked to the hallmarks of aging including senescence, nutrient signaling dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and telomere disorders. This presents opportunities for collaboration between gerontologists and pulmonologists to unravel age-associated developmental mechanisms and design novel treatments. In this symposium, leaders in pulmonary aging research will present novel data on links between aging and pulmonary health and geroscience-based interventions under study. Dr. Sanders will provide an overview of the scientific and clinical space and present epidemiologic associations between aging biomarkers, early pulmonary fibrosis, and mortality. Dr. Le Saux will discuss senescence and specifically how eicosanoid biology may explain organ-specific patterns of senescence-associated fibrosis. Dr. Thannickal will discuss age-associated perturbations in metabolism and mitochondrial function and targeting these pathways to improve lung function and treat pulmonary diseases. Dr. Newton will discuss mechanisms and clinical applications of telomere biology to pulmonary aging. Symposium attendees will (1) be poised to generate collaborations between gerontologists and pulmonologists to address existing knowledge gaps in mechanisms of pulmonary aging, and (2) develop a better understanding of translational opportunities to design geroscience-based diagnostics and therapeutics to improve pulmonary health with aging.

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Untapped research opportunities in China: promising future avenues and potential concerns for aging companion animals

GeroScience ◽

10.1007/s11357-021-00433-y ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jessica M. Hoffman ◽

Shanshan Song ◽

Katharina Brugger ◽

Teresa G. Valencak

Keyword(s):

Large Scale ◽

Companion Animals ◽

Companion Animal ◽

The European Union ◽

Pet Ownership ◽

Ethical Considerations ◽

Aging Research ◽

Agricultural Animal ◽

The Usa ◽

Laboratory Models

AbstractCompanion animals have recently been proposed as ideal translational models of human aging due to their shared susceptibility for certain diseases, similar environments, and sophisticated veterinary medicine diagnostics, all of which are not possible in rodent laboratory models. Here, we introduce and propose the study of companion animals in China as a largely untapped resource in academic and veterinary aging research. Pet ownership rates along with economic gains in the pet industry have skyrocketed over the last decade in China. Yet, the majority of research institutions still focus on agricultural animal research, not companion animals. In this perspective, we compare available pet ownership rates between the USA, the European Union, and China before focusing on the potential of companion animal aging research in China. In addition, we highlight some ethical considerations that must be addressed before large-scale companion animal aging research can be completed.

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Toward a conceptual model for successful transgender aging

Qualitative Social Work ◽

10.1177/1473325021994666 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 147332502199466

Author(s):

Steffany Sloan ◽

Jacquelyn J Benson

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Work Practice ◽

Later Life ◽

Theoretical Models ◽

Social Work Practice ◽

The Body ◽

Aging Research ◽

Research Findings ◽

Resilience Factors

Transgender older adults have been subject to life-long stigma and marginalization, resulting in significant social and health consequences. Despite these challenges, this population commonly reports thriving in later life. In order to attend to nuanced experiences of older transgender adults, theoretical models of successful aging must reflect complexities presented by gender minority status. In order to address theoretical gaps, a systematic qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted to summarize findings across the body of qualitative transgender aging research. Findings indicated that transgender older adults conceptualize successful aging through the process of embracing gender identity. Themes were identified to conceptualize successful transgender aging such as gender expression, shedding internalized stigma, and championing a resilience mindset. Implications for social work practice are provided, suggesting a more comprehensive understanding of both challenges and resilience factors amongst the aging transgender population.

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