Quality of life in Brazilian elderly: an analysis of healthy aging from the perspective of Potter's global bioethics

For more than half a century fellows of the National Academy of Kinesiology have enthusiastically advocated for the promotion and adoption of physically active lifestyles as an affordable and effective means to prevent chronic diseases and conditions, and enhance independence and high quality of life for older adults. It is possible to discern distinct evolutionary stages when examining scholarship related to the role of physical activity in the promotion of healthy aging. Research into physical activity and aging began with critical early studies that established the underlying scientific evidence for a relationship between physical activity and healthy aging. More recent work has addressed such topics as building consumer demand, developing policies and legislation to support active aging, and understanding the complex interrelationships between physical activity and other lifestyle factors in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases and conditions. It is increasingly apparent that strategies to promote active and successful aging must be integrated into an effective public policy. Kinesiologists and other health professionals, working in collaboration with colleagues from other disciplines, can help to reduce risk factors for chronic disease and improve quality of life for older adults by building awareness of the importance of physical activity and by assisting with the development and implementation of appropriate and effective interventions that reduce risk factors and improve quality of life.

Download Full-text

Quality of life in people living with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder: A scoping review study

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0251944 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (5) ◽

pp. e0251944

Author(s):

Kate Alford ◽

Stephanie Daley ◽

Sube Banerjee ◽

Jaime H. Vera

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Chronic Conditions ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Cognitive Disorder ◽

World Health ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Living With Hiv

Quality of life (QoL) is recognized as an essential end point in the disease management of chronic conditions such as HIV with calls to include good QoL as a ‘fourth 90’ in the 90-90-90 testing and treatment targets introduced by World Health Organization in 2016. Cognitive impairments impact a broad spectrum of experiences and are a common issue effecting people living with HIV (PLWH). Despite this, few studies have examined QoL in PLWH who also have a cognitive disorder. This study aimed to synthesize and describe what is known about QoL in those living with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). A scoping review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted to identify how QoL has been investigated and measured in PLWH with HAND, and how PLWH with HAND report and describe their QoL. We searched PsychInfo, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science along with hand-searching reference lists from relevant studies found. Included studies were those published in English after 1st January 2003 which included PLWH with cognitive impairment not due to other pre-existing conditions. Fifteen articles met criteria for inclusion. Two studies measured QoL as a primary aim, with others including QoL assessment as part of a broader battery of outcomes. The MOS-HIV and SF-36 were the most commonly used measures of overall QoL, with findings generally suggestive of poorer overall QoL in PLWH with HAND, compared to PLWH without cognitive impairment. Studies which examined dimensions of QoL focused exclusively on functionality, level of independence, and psychological QoL domains. There is a considerable dearth of research examining QoL in PLWH with HAND. The initiatives which advocate for healthy aging and improved QoL in PLWH must be extended to include and understand the experiences those also living with cognitive impairment. Research is needed to understand the broad experiential impacts of living with these two complex, chronic conditions, to ensure interventions are meaningful to patients and potential benefits are not missed.

Download Full-text

Nutrition and Healthy Aging: Prevention and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13124337 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. 4337

Author(s):

Neri Maria Cristina ◽

d’Alba Lucia

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Elderly People ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Well Being ◽

The Elderly ◽

Gastrointestinal Diseases ◽

The Body ◽

Fundamental Aspect ◽

Effective Prevention

Nutritional well-being is a fundamental aspect for the health, autonomy and, therefore, the quality of life of all people, but especially of the elderly. It is estimated that at least half of non-institutionalized elderly people need nutritional intervention to improve their health and that 85% have one or more chronic diseases that could improve with correct nutrition. Although prevalence estimates are highly variable, depending on the population considered and the tool used for its assessment, malnutrition in the elderly has been reported up to 50%. Older patients are particularly at risk of malnutrition, due to multiple etiopathogenetic factors which can lead to a reduction or utilization in the intake of nutrients, a progressive loss of functional autonomy with dependence on food, and psychological problems related to economic or social isolation, e.g., linked to poverty or loneliness. Changes in the aging gut involve the mechanical disintegration of food, gastrointestinal motor function, food transit, intestinal wall function, and chemical digestion of food. These alterations progressively lead to the reduced ability to supply the body with adequate levels of nutrients, with the consequent development of malnutrition. Furthermore, studies have shown that the quality of life is impaired both in gastrointestinal diseases, but especially in malnutrition. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of malnutrition in elderly people is necessary to promote the knowledge of age-related changes in appetite, food intake, homeostasis, and body composition in order to better develop effective prevention and intervention strategies to achieve healthy aging.

Download Full-text

The paradox of aging and health-related quality of life in Asian Chinese: results from the Healthy Aging Longitudinal Study in Taiwan

BMC Geriatrics ◽

10.1186/s12877-020-1446-y ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Han-Yun Tseng ◽

Corinna Löckenhoff ◽

Chun-Yi Lee ◽

Shu-Han Yu ◽

I-Chien Wu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Health ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Mental Function ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Objective Health ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related ◽

Age Patterns

Abstract Background Declines in health, physical, cognitive, and mental function with age suggest a lower level of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in late life; however, previous studies found that the associations were weak and varied, depending on the study designs and cohort characteristics. Methods The present study examined the paradox of aging in an East Asian context by regressing the age patterns of objective health indicators (physical, cognitive, and mental function), and subjective HRQoL (12-item Short Form, SF-12), on the independent and interactive effects of age and physical function in a cohort study of 5022 community-dwelling adults aged 55 and older in Taiwan. Results Age patterns differed across measures. The SF-12 mental health score (MCS) showed a slight positive association with age and this effect remained stable after controlling for various age-related covariates. The SF-12 physical health score (PCS), in turn, was negatively associated with age. Age differences in PCS were fully explained by age decrements in objective physical health. However, consistent with the so-called paradox of aging, the association between objective and subjective physical health weakened with age. Conclusion These findings add to prior evidence indicating that — in spite of objective health decrements — subjective HRQoL is maintained in later life among Asian Chinese. Also, these paradoxical patterns appear to vary for mental and physical components of HRQoL, and future research is needed to explore the underlying mechanism. Trial registration Healthy Aging Longitudinal Study in Taiwan (HALST) is retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on January 24, 2016 with trial registration number NCT02677831.

Download Full-text

Premature or pathological aging: longevity

BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF FOOD TECHNOLOGY ◽

10.1590/1981-6723.19416 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 20 (0) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Valdemiro Carlos Sgarbieri ◽

Maria Teresa Bertoldo Pacheco

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Literature Review ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Premature Aging ◽

Human Longevity ◽

Degenerative Diseases ◽

Life Conditions ◽

Main Factors ◽

Educational Conditions

Abstract The main objective of this literature review was to summarize and characterize the main factors and events that may negatively influence quality of life and human longevity. The factors that act on premature aging processes are essentially the same as those of natural or healthy aging, but in a more intense and uncontrolled manner. Such factors are: 1) genetic (genome); 2) metabolic (metabolome); 3) environmental (life conditions and style, including diet). Factors 1 and 2 are more difficult to control by individuals; once depending on socioeconomic, cultural and educational conditions. Differently of environmental factors that may be totally controlled by individuals. Unfamiliarity with these factors leads to chronic and/or degenerative diseases that compromise quality of life and longevity.

Download Full-text

IMMUNIZATION AS A HEALTHY AGING STRATEGY

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.773 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S212-S212

Author(s):

Eduardo De Gomensoro

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Infectious Disease ◽

Older Adults ◽

Disease Prevention ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Lifestyle Modification ◽

Provider Education ◽

Life Issues ◽

Children Under 5

Abstract The burden of infectious disease is heavier at the extremes of life: the youngest and the oldest typically have the highest incidence of infectious diseases along with morbidity and mortality. Demographic studies show by the next decade, adults over 65 will outnumber children under 5 years of age. Unfortunately, vaccination coverage in older adults even where permissive recommendations exist is universally lower than in infants or children. Key reasons are a lack of knowledge and understanding of the benefits of vaccination, and inconsistent recommendations by providers. Recently, the concept of ‘healthy aging’ – regular vaccination and lifestyle modification including exercise and diet – has been proposed to go beyond disease prevention and address quality of life issues such as the ability to remain in work, and to live independently. Public and healthcare provider education to ascertain the value of older adult’s immunization are critical for the fulfilment of this agenda.

Download Full-text

Estimating Health-Related Quality of Life Based on Demographic Characteristics, Questionnaires, Gait Ability, and Physical Fitness in Korean Elderly Adults

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph182211816 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (22) ◽

pp. 11816

Author(s):

Myeounggon Lee ◽

Yoonjae Noh ◽

Changhong Youm ◽

Sangjin Kim ◽

Hwayoung Park ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Prediction Models ◽

Short Form ◽

Elderly Adults ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related

The elderly population in South Korea accounted for 15.5% of the total population in 2019. Thus, it is important to study the various elements governing the process of healthy aging. Therefore, this study investigated multiple prediction models to determine the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in elderly adults based on the demographics, questionnaires, gait ability, and physical fitness. We performed eight physical fitness tests on 775 participants wearing shoe-type inertial measurement units and completing walking tasks at slower, preferred, and faster speeds. The HRQoL for physical and mental components was evaluated using a 36-item, short-form health survey. The prediction models based on multiple linear regression with feature importance were analyzed considering the best physical and mental components. We used 11 variables and 5 variables to form the best subset of features underlying the physical and mental components, respectively. We laid particular emphasis on evaluating the functional endurance, muscle strength, stress level, and falling risk. Furthermore, stress, insomnia severity, number of diseases, lower body strength, and fear of falling were taken into consideration in addition to mental-health-related variables. Thus, the study findings provide reliable and objective results to improve the understanding of HRQoL in elderly adults.

Download Full-text

RIGHT TO A DECENT LIFE OF THE OLDER PERSONS AND THE PROBLEMS OF HIS PROVISION

The Journal of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Series "Law" ◽

10.26565/2075-1834-2020-29-20 ◽

2020 ◽

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Social Services ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Sense Of Self ◽

Social Institutions ◽

The Elderly ◽

Fundamental Rights ◽

Steady Increase ◽

Decent Life

The article notes that there has been a steady increase in the proportion of the elderly in all regions of the world in recent years, especially distinguished by this characteristic Europe, similar changes are taking place in Ukraine. The agenda of intergovernmental and non-governmental international organizations raises the question of shaping society's attitude to its oldest members as a source of wisdom and experience, recognizing the importance of their contribution to the development of various spheres of public life. At the global and European level, a system of normative acts is being formed aimed at ensuring the enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms of the elderly, preventing discrimination on the basis of age and disability, and formulating public policies to promote maximum active and healthy aging. It is emphasized that an understanding of a “decent life” is not limited to the availability of a certain level of material wealth and the availability of social services. Equally important for the elderly is the opportunity for as long as possible (but in accordance with their own desire) to continue working, communicate in a professional environment, maintain a sense of self-importance and need, as well as to receive education. The need for special attention from the state is due to the particular vulnerability of the elderly, in particular, in the conditions of being a client of social institutions and / or in the presence of negative changes in health. The analysis of the Ukrainian social legislation gives grounds to claim that our country does not stand aside from global trends and pays considerable attention to the development of legal norms for improving the quality of life of elderly people. The activities of the Commissioner for Human Rights, the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, employment agencies and public organizations also contribute to this. Much of the work of social workers has to do with the care of the elderly, so it is important to provide quality social services, to build a consciously respectful attitude towards the honor and dignity of social service clients, and to empower older generations to live the lifestyle they desire. Establishing and applying in Ukraine a system of standards for determining eligibility and provision of social services, establishing adequate care payments for the elderly, as well as bringing European standards to the standard of other types of social welfare payments that will contribute to improving the quality of life of the elderly .

Download Full-text

Do Inflammation Markers Moderate Associations Between Caregiving and Quality of Life, Health, and Depression?

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.3476 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 974-974

Author(s):

Elizabeth Orsega-Smith ◽

Marie Kuczmarski ◽

Adam Davey ◽

Brianna Wolfle ◽

Alan Zonderman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Serum Magnesium ◽

Inflammatory Factors ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Inflammatory Index ◽

Self Rated Health ◽

Older Adult Caregivers

Abstract Caregiving responsibilities can put stress and strain on older adults including emotional distress, depression, decline in physical functioning, and decreased self- reported quality of life. Chronic stress such as from caregiving may be related to chronic inflammation, but this has been less widely examined. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine whether the association between caregiving and outcomes including quality of life indicators, self-rated health, and depressive symptoms are moderated by physical activity, stress coping, diet quality inflammatory index, and selected biomarkers of inflammation. We used data from waves 3 and 4 of the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study, from which 1945 participants identified as caregivers. Caregiver participants were mostly African American (59%) and female (55%) with a mean age was 47.7 years at the start of the study. In linear regression models, caregiving for grandchildren (CGC) predicted higher depressive symptoms and lower quality of life and self-rated health. Results demonstrated that the association between erythrocytes sedimentation rate (ESR) was a significant moderator between CGC and quality of life, self-rated health, and depressive symptoms (p<.05). Serum magnesium levels were significant moderators between caregiving for parents and both quality of life and self-rated health (p<0.05). These results suggest that inflammatory factors may influence the health of diverse older adult caregivers. Further research may evaluate the effect of these moderators over time.

Download Full-text