scholarly journals Aging With HIV: Inflammation Is Associated With Pain, Poorer Physical Function, and Frailty

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 334-334
Author(s):  
Heather Derry ◽  
Carrie Johnston ◽  
Chelsie Burchett ◽  
Eugenia Siegler ◽  
Marshall Glesby
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Well Being ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cognitive Complaints ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Comorbidity Burden ◽  
Ifn Γ

Abstract With advances in antiretroviral therapies, people living with HIV have life expectancies similar to their HIV-negative peers. Yet, they experience elevated multi-morbidity that can compromise quality of life as they age. Links between inflammation and accelerated aging may inform interventions, but these links are understudied in older adults with HIV. We investigated cross-sectional relationships between inflammation, well-being, and geriatric syndromes among 161 HIV-positive older adults. Participants provided fasting blood samples (for serum cytokines and CRP) and completed surveys (MOS-HIV; falls) and cognitive (MoCA) and frailty assessments (using Fried criteria). Adjusted linear and logistic regression models tested relationships between inflammatory markers and age-related health outcomes, controlling for age, gender, BMI, race, comorbidity burden, statin use, and smoking status. 93% had suppressed viral load. 11% had CRP levels suggesting possible acute illness (>10 mg/L) and were excluded from analyses. Participants with higher IFN-γ reported greater pain (p=0.003), greater cognitive complaints (p=.02), and worse physical function (p=0.04), than those with lower IFN-γ. Similarly, higher IL-6 levels were related to worse physical function (p=0.01) and slightly greater cognitive complaints (p=0.06), but were not significantly related to pain in adjusted models. Compared to those with lower IL-6, those with higher IL-6 levels were more likely to be frail (p=0.04). CRP was not significantly related to these outcomes. Six-month fall history and objective cognitive scores were not significantly related to the assessed inflammatory markers. Our results illustrate key, expected links between inflammatory processes, frailty, physical function, and pain among older adults with HIV.

scholarly journals The Role of Psychological and Social Well-being on Physical Function Trajectories in Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (8) ◽  
pp. 1579-1585
Author(s):  
Marguerita Saadeh ◽  
Anna-Karin Welmer ◽  
Serhiy Dekhtyar ◽  
Laura Fratiglioni ◽  
Amaia Calderón-Larrañaga
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
National Study ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Combining Data ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Rate Of Decline

Abstract Background Psychological and social well-being are emerging as major determinants in preserving health in old age. We aimed to explore the association between these factors and the rate of decline in physical function over time in older adults. Methods Data were gathered from the Swedish National study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K). The study population consisted of 1,153 non-demented, community-dwelling men and women free from multimorbidity or impairments in basic or instrumental activities of daily living at baseline. They were followed over 12 years to capture the rate of decline in physical function, which was measured by combining data on walking speed, balance, and chair stands. The association between baseline psychological and social well-being and decline in physical function was estimated through linear mixed models, after multiple adjustments including personality and depressive symptoms. Results Higher levels of psychological (β = .007; p = .037) and social (β = .008; p = .043) well-being were significantly associated with a decreased rate of decline in physical function over the follow-up. There was a significant three-way interaction between psychological well-being*time*sex (female vs male) (β = .015; p = .047), showing that a slower decline in physical function was observed only among women and not in men. The association was strongest for individuals with high levels of both psychological and social well-being (β = .012; p = .019). Conclusion High levels of psychological and social well-being may slow down the age-related decline in physical function, which confirms the complexity of older adults’ health, but also points towards new preventative strategies.

scholarly journals Links between inflammation, mood, and physical function among older adults with HIV

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather M Derry ◽  
Carrie D Johnston ◽  
Chelsie O Burchett ◽  
Mark Brennan-Ing ◽  
Stephen Karpiak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Cytokine Levels ◽  
Key Factor

Abstract Objectives People living with HIV (PLWH) treated with antiretrovirals have lifespans similar to their HIV-negative peers. Yet, they experience elevated inflammation-related multi-morbidity. Drawing on biopsychosocial determinants of health may inform interventions, but these links are understudied in older PLWH. We investigated cross-sectional relationships between psychosocial factors (mood, loneliness, and stigma), inflammatory markers, and age-related health outcomes among 143 PLWH ages 54 to 78 years. Methods Participants provided blood samples for serum cytokines and C-reactive protein (CRP), completed surveys assessing psychosocial factors and health, and completed frailty assessments. Regression models tested relationships between key psychosocial, inflammation, and age-related health variables, adjusting for relevant sociodemographic and clinical factors. Results Participants with more depressive symptoms had higher composite cytokine levels than those with fewer depressive symptoms (ß=0.22, t(126)=2.71, p=0.008). Those with higher cytokine levels were more likely to be prefrail or frail (adjusted OR=1.72, 95% CI=1.01 to 2.93) and reported worse physical function (ß= -0.23, t(129)= -2.64, p=0.009) and more cognitive complaints (ß= -0.20, t(129)= -2.16, p=0.03) than those with lower cytokine levels. CRP was not significantly related to these outcomes; six-month fall history was not significantly related to inflammatory markers. Discussion Novel approaches are needed to manage comorbidities and maximize quality of life among older PLWH. Illustrating key expected biopsychosocial links, our findings highlight several factors (e.g., depressive symptoms, poorer physical function) that may share bidirectional relationships with chronic inflammation, a key factor driving morbidity. These links may be leveraged to modify factors that drive excessive health risk among older PLWH.

Elevated Inflammatory Markers and Arterial Stiffening Exacerbate Tau but Not Amyloid Pathology in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Alexandra L. Clark ◽  
Alexandra J. Weigand ◽  
Kelsey R. Thomas ◽  
Seraphina K. Solders ◽  
Lisa Delano-Wood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Cognitive Testing ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Protein Biomarkers ◽  
Age Related ◽  
T Tau

Background: Age-related cerebrovascular and neuroinflammatory processes have been independently identified as key mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), although their interactive effects have yet to be fully examined. Objective: The current study examined 1) the influence of pulse pressure (PP) and inflammatory markers on AD protein levels and 2) links between protein biomarkers and cognitive function in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: This study included 218 ADNI (81 cognitively normal [CN], 137 MCI) participants who underwent lumbar punctures, apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotyping, and cognitive testing. Cerebrospinal (CSF) levels of eight pro-inflammatory markers were used to create an inflammation composite, and amyloid-beta 1–42 (Aβ 42), phosphorylated tau (p-tau), and total tau (t-tau) were quantified. Results: Multiple regression analyses controlling for age, education, and APOE ɛ4 genotype revealed significant PP x inflammation interactions for t-tau (B = 0.88, p = 0.01) and p-tau (B = 0.84, p = 0.02); higher inflammation was associated with higher levels of tau within the MCI group. However, within the CN group, analyses revealed a significant PP x inflammation interaction for Aβ 42 (B = –1.01, p = 0.02); greater inflammation was associated with higher levels of Aβ 42 (indicative of lower cerebral amyloid burden) in those with lower PP. Finally, higher levels of tau were associated with poorer memory performance within the MCI group only (p s <  0.05). Conclusion: PP and inflammation exert differential effects on AD CSF proteins and provide evidence that vascular risk is associated with greater AD pathology across our sample of CN and MCI older adults.

scholarly journals Comparing the Protective Value of Human and Pet Social Support on Well-Being of Older Adults During COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 936-936
Author(s):  
Juliet Sobering ◽  
Lisa Brown
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Behavioral Activation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Benefits ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Media Reports

Abstract Older adults are vulnerable to particular risk factors that contribute to lower well-being and poorer functioning. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of social support has been highlighted in media reports because of its well-known beneficial effects on overall well-being. However, as adults age, social networks, contacts, and activities naturally decrease. These age-related losses are often difficult, if not impossible, to replace. Pets have recently been recognized as a valuable source of social support for many older adults, providing both physical and psychological benefits through mutual connection and behavioral activation. Previous studies have examined how human social support or pet social support enhance older adults’ well-being (i.e., positive emotions, engagement, relationships, accomplishment, and meaning). However, there is a gap in our scientific knowledge as previous research has not evaluated if pet social support can serve as a protective factor in the absence of adequate human social support. Current analyses, with 141 older adult participants, suggests that pet owners with a positive attachment to their pet experience higher well-being as pets serve as a coping resource that protects against common life stressors. Similar to human social support, pet social support appears to be a protective factor that also promotes and fosters a sense of well-being in older adults. Support in late life is especially important for families and agencies to be attuned to, especially during a global pandemic.

scholarly journals Gaming Technology to Support Leisure Activities Among Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 559-559
Author(s):  
Walter Boot
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Gaming Technology ◽  
Research And Education

Abstract There has been a great deal of research on technology to support older adults in their performance of Activities and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. There has been substantially less research, however, on exploring technology solutions that support hobbies and leisure. This is unfortunate, as quality of life and well-being are determined by more than just one’s ability to manage everyday tasks. An overview will be presented of research the Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) has conducted over two decades with the goals of understanding and supporting older adults’ performance of technology-based leisure activities. Many of these studies have involved videogaming, where there exists a substantial age-related digital divide. CREATE has evaluated older adults’ attitudes and game experiences through survey and research studies and has even recorded longitudinal gameplay. How these findings can be applied to support technology-based leisure activities will be expanded upon. Part of a symposium sponsored by Technology and Aging Interest Group.

Goal disengagement capacities and severity of disease across older adulthood

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joelle Jobin ◽  
Carsten Wrosch
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Older Adulthood ◽  
Mediation Analyses ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Goal Disengagement ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Early Old Age

This study examined age-related associations between goal disengagement capacities, emotional distress, and disease severity across older adulthood. Given that an age-related increase in the experience of stressors might render important goals unattainable, it is expected that goal disengagement capacities would predict a decrease in the severity of experienced illness (i.e., the common cold) by preventing emotional distress (i.e., depressive symptoms), particularly so among individuals in advanced (as compared to early) old age. This hypothesis was tested in a 6-year longitudinal study of 131 older adults (age range = 64 to 90). Regression analyses showed that goal disengagement capacities buffered 6-year increases in older adults’ cold symptoms, and that this effect was significantly pronounced among older-old participants. Mediation analyses further indicated that changes in depressive symptoms exerted an indirect effect on the age-related association between goal disengagement and changes in cold symptoms. The study’s findings suggest that goal disengagement capacities become increasingly important for protecting emotional well-being and physical health as older adults advance in age.

Rising above It: Status Ambivalence in Older Adults

Gerontology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 576-588
Author(s):  
Deirdre A. Robertson ◽  
David Weiss
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Status ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Protective Mechanism ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Social ◽  
Implicit And Explicit

Background: Social status is the standing of a person or group in the social hierarchy, and is perceived to change across the life span from low social status in early life, to peak in midlife, and to a decline thereafter. As threats to subjective social status are known to be detrimental to individuals’ health, it is important to better understand how older adults perceive themselves and others in terms of age-related social status. Objective: We examined status ambivalence – the potential discrepancy between how older adults’ perceive social status for themselves compared to older adults in general. Method: Study 1 used qualitative data from 37 semi-structured interviews with older adults to assess perceptions of social status. Study 2 used quantitative survey data from 114 older adults who completed explicit and implicit measures of social status. Results: Study 1 (n = 37, meanage = 71.72, SDage = 5.69; 81.1% women) provided preliminary evidence for status ambivalence such that older adults reported unequivocal low social status for other older adults but a more ambivalent perception of their own social status. Study 2 (n = 114, meanage = 64.32, SDage = 8.98, 57.9% women) compared implicit and explicit measures of social status revealing that older adults consistently perceive older adults to have low social status but again show a more ambivalent perception of their own social status. Conclusion: We discuss status ambivalence as a potential protective mechanism in the context of negative societal perceptions of age-related social status that may be important for well-being in later life.

scholarly journals SENIOR FRIENDLY PACKAGING AND PRODUCT TESTING: FEEDBACK FROM OLDER CONSUMERS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S639-S640
Author(s):  
Lisa A Hollis-Sawyer ◽  
Alison O’Neil
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
The United States ◽  
Consumer Products ◽  
Color Contrast ◽  
Product Testing ◽  
Package Design ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract By 2050, older adults ages 65 or older will account for 83.7 million people in the U.S. population (An Aging Nation: The Older Population in the United States, 2014). It is imperative that products and technologies are designed to accommodate age-related changes that older adults are likely to experience. Given this population surge of older adults, there is a growing interest in identifying consumer products that are usable for older adults or “senior friendly.” Senior-friendly product testing (e.g., Senior Select®) focuses on the usability of various health and consumer products targeted to people with diminishment of any of the following: hearing, vision, taste, touch, smell, mobility & dexterity and /or mental acuity. A usability evaluation study was conducted in three senior living communities located in the Atlanta area. Twenty-nine participants ranged in age from 66 years old to 102 years old. Participants were shown a snack bar product and then asked to use the product themselves to perform a series of prepared tasks. After interacting with the product, participants were asked to share any comments that they had concerning the product. Issues of color contrast between the main packaging and the pull tab, easy of gripping and tearing the wrapper, the labeling of the nutrition information, and the package labeling (should refer to “adult” snack) were reported. Many respondents suggested that senior-friendly package design relates to their health and well-being. Implications toward a wide range of products for older adults of varying ability levels will be discussed.

Does Aging and Disease Increase the Importance of Cognitive Strategies? Social and Temporal Comparisons in Healthy Younger and Older Adults and in Younger and Older Cancer Patients

2017 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-81
Author(s):  
Mimi Mehlsen ◽  
Mai Bjørnskov Mikkelsen ◽  
Christina Maar Andersen ◽  
Chaitali Ollars
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Cognitive Strategies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Primary Control ◽  
Physical Decline ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Older Cancer Patients ◽  
The Individual

Social and temporal comparisons may help the individual anchor his or her self-image in a social and temporal context. In the Life-Span Theory of Control, comparisons are included in the repertoire of secondary control strategies individuals may apply when primary control strategies are obstructed, for example, by age-related losses or physical decline. The aim of this study was to explore differences in prevalence and effects of social and temporal comparisons in younger and older adults and healthy and diseased individuals ( n = 34). Semistructured interviews were conducted and analyzed using a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative data analysis. The results revealed that older adults engaged in more comparisons than younger adults and that the outcomes of comparisons were more positive for older adults, particularly older cancer patients. The results indicate that comparisons may be applied more often by older and diseased individuals in the service of maintaining well-being.

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