scholarly journals Cognitive Benefits of Online Social Networking for Healthy Older Adults

2016 ◽  
pp. gbw025 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janelle W. Myhre ◽  
Matthias R. Mehl ◽  
Elizabeth L. Glisky
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Online Social Networking ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Benefits

scholarly journals Online social networking and cognitive performance in older adults: A Greek-Canadian study

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 43
Author(s):  
Stephanie Hatzifilalithis ◽  
Elisavet Chrysochoou ◽  
George Pavlidis ◽  
Ana B. Vivas
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Online Social Networking ◽  
Delayed Recall ◽  
The Social ◽  
Gender Education ◽  
The Relationship

The present study examined the relation between cognitive performance and social networking in older adults from Canada and Greece. The two groups were matched on age, gender, education level, and MMSE scores. Participants reported the amount of both off-line and online networking, as well as the social support received in these contexts. Immediate and delayed recall, speed of processing, and executive functioning were also assessed. Online networking was associated with executive functioning. Interestingly, country context didn’t moderate the relationship, despite differences observed between Greeks and Canadians in executive functioning and online networking. Our findings suggest that online social participation could serve both as a source of social support and as cognitive training, benefiting older adults’ cognitive vitality. The findings are discussed in relation to the characteristics of the specific countries, stressing the need to explore the effects of online social networking and participation on cognitive function in the aging population.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review on the Cognitive Benefits and Neurophysiological Correlates of Exergaming in Healthy Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 734 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Stojan ◽  
Claudia Voelcker-Rehage
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Outcomes ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Video Gaming ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Cognitive Benefits

Human aging is associated with structural and functional brain deteriorations and a corresponding cognitive decline. Exergaming (i.e., physically active video-gaming) has been supposed to attenuate age-related brain deteriorations and may even improve cognitive functions in healthy older adults. Effects of exergaming, however, vary largely across studies. Moreover, the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms by which exergaming may affect cognitive and brain function are still poorly understood. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the effects of exergame interventions on cognitive outcomes and neurophysiological correlates in healthy older adults (>60 years). After screening 2709 studies (Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Pubmed, Scopus), we found 15 eligible studies, four of which comprised neurophysiological measures. Most studies reported within group improvements in exergamers and favorable interaction effects compared to passive controls. Fewer studies found superior effects of exergaming over physically active control groups and, if so, solely for executive functions. Regarding individual cognitive domains, results showed no consistence. Positive effects on neurophysiological outcomes were present in all respective studies. In summary, exergaming seems to be equally or slightly more effective than other physical interventions on cognitive functions in healthy older adults. Tailored interventions using well-considered exergames and intervention designs, however, may result in more distinct effects on cognitive functions.

Online Social Networking and Mental Health among Older Adults: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Erica Chen ◽  
Devin Wood ◽  
Renate Ysseldyk
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Online Social Networking

Abstract As the number of older adults is expected to increase exponentially within the next few decades, loneliness, social isolation, and depression among seniors are growing public health concerns. Although formal treatment options, such as therapy and medication, can be helpful for depression, they can also be expensive and sometimes ineffective. It is therefore important to consider other potential treatment options and social interventions. Alternative methods for addressing mental health issues are especially important for older adults, as they may encounter barriers associated with aging such as limited mobility and decreased social networks. In these circumstances, online social networking may offer a potential “social cure” to alleviate loneliness, social isolation, and depression. The purpose of this scoping review was to gather and summarize the current literature on associations between online social networking and mental health outcomes (e.g., depression, life satisfaction, loneliness) among older adults. An initial search of 3,699 articles resulted in 52 articles that met criteria for inclusion. Five common themes were identified: (1) enhanced communication with family and friends, (2) greater independence and self-efficacy, (3) creation of online communities, (4) positive associations with well-being and life satisfaction, and (5) decreased depressive symptoms. Implications for older adults’ mental health, social connectedness, programs and policies are discussed.

Comparison of the Cognitive Benefits of Doing Aerobic Exercise versus Performing Theater in Healthy Older Adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Ángel Fernando Villalva-Sánchez ◽  
Hermelinda Salgado-Ceballos ◽  
Mario Arturo Rodriguez-Camacho ◽  
Jorge Alberto Guzmán-Cortés ◽  
Jorge Bernal Hernández
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Benefits

scholarly journals The Effects of Low-Intensity Multimodal Proprioceptive Exercise on Cognitive Function in Older Adults

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Spencer E. Boyle ◽  
Melissa A. Fothergill ◽  
John Metcalfe ◽  
Sarah Docherty ◽  
Crystal F. Haskell-Ramsay
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Psychological Benefits ◽  
Alternative Mode ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Benefits ◽  
Falls In Older Adults ◽  
Exercise Class ◽  
And Control

Background: Physical activity provides a number of physical and psychological benefits. Multimodal proprioceptive exercise represents a useful balance-based exercise with the potential to reduce falls in older adults. Previous research has also indicated cognitive benefits following multimodal proprioceptive exercise in young and older adults. This study aimed to assess cognition and mood following 2 types of physical activity (multimodal proprioception vs yoga) compared with control (classroom-based) in healthy older adults. Method: Nineteen older adults (Mage = 65, sex = 9 males) participated in this randomized controlled crossover trial. Participants completed a 20-minute multimodal proprioceptive exercise class, 20-minute yoga session, and 20-minute classroom-based control. Numeric working memory and mood were assessed before and immediately following each of the interventions. Results: The multimodal proprioceptive intervention significantly reduced numeric working memory reaction time versus the yoga (P = .043) and control (P = .023) group. There were no differences found for accuracy or mood. Conclusions: These results indicate that multimodal proprioceptive exercise is worthy of further investigation as an alternative mode of exercise alongside the more traditional aerobic and strength-based exercise for healthy older adults.

scholarly journals Berry Phenolics Are Associated With Cognitive Enhancement in Blueberry- and Strawberry-Supplemented Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 921-921
Author(s):  
Grant Rutledge ◽  
Marshall Miller ◽  
Amandeep Sandhu ◽  
Indika Edirisinghe ◽  
Britt Burton-Freeman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Phenolic Acids ◽  
Cognitive Enhancement ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Freeze Dried ◽  
Cognitive Benefits ◽  
Post Hoc

Abstract Objectives Research suggests that supplementation with berries may improve cognition during aging. In two recently published 90-day trials, healthy older adults (ages 60–75; BMI 18.5–29.9) who consumed 24 g/d freeze-dried blueberry or strawberry showed improved cognitive function, relative to placebo controls. However, the mechanism of action underlying these cognitive benefits and the role of berry phenolics in cognitive enhancement is not fully understood. In this study, we hypothesized that dietary supplementation with blueberry or strawberry would increase the concentrations of circulating phenolics in healthy older adults and that these changes would be associated with the enhanced cognitive measures observed in these trials. Methods Anthocyanins and phenolic acids, including both parent compounds and metabolites, were quantiifed in plasma from the two trials after an overnight fast and 2-h postprandially at each time point (day 0, 45, 90) using HPLC. Metabolite concentrations were analyzed by two-way ANOVA followed by post hoc testing with Fisher's LSD to determine differences between the groups. Regression analysis was performed on the change in individual berry phenolic (D90-D0) and the change in measures of cognition (D90-D0). Results Of the 30 phenolic acids and anthocyanins detected in our samples, blueberry and strawberry significantly increased plasma concentrations of 18 phenolics (group x visit interaction, p < 0.05) at the fasting and postprandial time points. Most phenolic compounds were metabolized and returned to baseline concentrations following an overnight fast; however, phenolic acids, particularly hippuric acid, were retained in circulation, suggesting potential adaptation. Regression analysis determined a significant association in a number of phenolics and improvements in executive function and memory (P < 0.05). Conclusions Blueberry and strawberry polyphenols are absorbed and extensively metabolized, resulting in the production of phenolic acid derivatives and their conjugates. Furthermore, altered plasma concentrations of individual blueberry and strawberry polyphenolics were associated with improvements in cognition. Funding Sources Supported by USDA intramural funds, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council and the California Strawberry Commission.

Partner-Specific Communication Deficits in Individuals With Alzheimer's Disease

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Eun Jin Paek ◽  
Si On Yoon
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Referential Communication ◽  
Sorting Task ◽  
Audience Design ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Communication Task ◽  
Design Skills ◽  
Referential Expressions

Purpose Speakers adjust referential expressions to the listeners' knowledge while communicating, a phenomenon called “audience design.” While individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) show difficulties in discourse production, it is unclear whether they exhibit preserved partner-specific audience design. The current study examined if individuals with AD demonstrate partner-specific audience design skills. Method Ten adults with mild-to-moderate AD and 12 healthy older adults performed a referential communication task with two experimenters (E1 and E2). At first, E1 and participants completed an image-sorting task, allowing them to establish shared labels. Then, during testing, both experimenters were present in the room, and participants described images to either E1 or E2 (randomly alternating). Analyses focused on the number of words participants used to describe each image and whether they reused shared labels. Results During testing, participants in both groups produced shorter descriptions when describing familiar images versus new images, demonstrating their ability to learn novel knowledge. When they described familiar images, healthy older adults modified their expressions depending on the current partner's knowledge, producing shorter expressions and more established labels for the knowledgeable partner (E1) versus the naïve partner (E2), but individuals with AD were less likely to do so. Conclusions The current study revealed that both individuals with AD and the control participants were able to acquire novel knowledge, but individuals with AD tended not to flexibly adjust expressions depending on the partner's knowledge state. Conversational inefficiency and difficulties observed in AD may, in part, stem from disrupted audience design skills.

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