The Impact of Tooth Retention on Health and Quality of Life in Older Adults

Abstract America is aging rapidly, and older adults (age ≥65 y) are retaining more of their natural teeth, a trend expected to continue. Although much is known about the impact of complete tooth loss on overall health and well-being, less is known about the effect of partial tooth loss. We conducted a systematic review to advance our understanding of the impact of retaining ≥20 teeth on health and quality of life (QoL) in older adults using two tooth retention concepts – shortened dental arch (SDA) and functional dentition (FD). We searched seven scientific databases from 1981–2019 for publications on tooth retention and outcomes and impact on health and QoL. Ninety-six studies were included in this review. Most were assessed with low risk of bias (n=74) and of good quality (n=73) using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Tooth retention was defined as FD in 82 studies, SDA in 10 studies, and four studies used both. Most were cross-sectional and only seven were from the US. We found an increasing trend among published studies in using FD and SDA to describe natural dentition retention (50 articles in 2015-19 vs one in 1995-99). In general, having <20 teeth was associated with increased likelihood for functional dependence, onset of disability, declines in higher-level functioning, and lower QoL. New information is needed to facilitate clinical decision-making, care-giving, and to help health providers better meet the future oral health needs of an aging US population.

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The psychosocial benefits of providing non-kin childcare in older adults: A longitudinal study with older New Zealanders

10.26686/wgtn.12702854.v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Á Szabó ◽

Eva Neely ◽

C Stephens

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

Longitudinal Study ◽

Well Being ◽

Grandparental Childcare ◽

Psychosocial Benefits ◽

The Impact ◽

Over Time ◽

New Zealanders

© The Author(s) 2019. Community grandparenting may promote the well-being of older adults. We examined the impact of non-kin and grandparental childcare on quality of life and loneliness using longitudinal data from 2653 older New Zealanders collected over 2 years. Providing both non-kin and grandparental childcare predicted greater self-realisation for women only and was associated with reduced levels of control and autonomy for men. Non-kin childcare was also associated with reduced social loneliness over time independent of gender. Findings suggest that non-kin grandparenting has psychosocial benefits for older adults. Surrogate grandparenting offers promising avenues for those without grandchildren to experience the benefits of grandparenting.

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NOTEWORTHY: THE IMPACT OF A CHOIR FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA ON THE WELL-BEING AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF CAREGIVERS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.2759 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S752-S752

Author(s):

Debra J Sheets ◽

Stuart W MacDonald ◽

Andre Smith ◽

Mary Kennedy

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

Health Indicators ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Caregiver Support ◽

Economic Implications ◽

Health Quality ◽

The Impact

Abstract Informal caregivers provide 80% of the care needed to support community-dwelling older adults with dementia. Over time caregivers often face adverse effects on their health, quality of life and well-being; particularly those caring for someone with dementia. This study examines the impact of participation in the Voices in Motion (ViM) choir on caregiver burden, mood and quality of life. A measurement burst approach was used to investigate intraindividual variability on key psychosocial and health indicators. Results indicate that choir participation significantly improves caregiver well-being (e.g. mood, burden) and quality of life. Findings suggest that choirs offer significant caregiver support and respite. The discussion focuses the public policy and on the potential economic implications which suggests a shift is needed in the services available to older adults with dementia and their caregivers.

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The psychosocial benefits of providing non-kin childcare in older adults: A longitudinal study with older New Zealanders

10.26686/wgtn.12702854.v2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Agnes Szabo ◽

Eva Neely ◽

C Stephens

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

Longitudinal Study ◽

Well Being ◽

Grandparental Childcare ◽

Psychosocial Benefits ◽

The Impact ◽

Over Time ◽

New Zealanders

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Impact of the use of the internet on quality of life in older adults: review of literature

Primary Health Care Research & Development ◽

10.1017/s1463423620000584 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 ◽

Author(s):

Bhumika Aggarwal ◽

Qian Xiong ◽

Elisabeth Schroeder-Butterfill

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

Information Technology ◽

Literature Review ◽

Internet Use ◽

Well Being ◽

The Internet ◽

Use Of Internet ◽

The Impact

Abstract Aim: Given the paucity of data on the use of internet and quality of life (QoL), this literature review aimed to identify the motivations and barriers for internet use and the impact on QoL on older adults using the internet. Background: Even though older adults are increasingly using information technology, the numbers remain quite small globally. Currently published research primarily focuses on the various ways and methods of information technology use by older adults and the factors influencing use rather than on the impact of information technology on QoL of older adults. Methods: The studies included in this literature review were searched in three databases: WEB of Science, GoogleScholar and PubMed. English language articles were searched using the terms ‘older’, ‘elderly’, ‘senior’, ‘well-being’, ‘life satisfaction’, ‘quality of life’, ‘internet’ and “computer”. Findings: The review demonstrated the association of internet use on QoL in older adults. The majority of the studies substantiate the advantages of internet use by older adults including the ability to communicate with family and friends, maintain a wide social network, have access to information and participate in online leisure activities. There are some studies, though less in number, which did not find a relationship between well-being and use of internet by older adults. The policy implications of this review advocate a multidimensional strategy to support internet use by the older people incorporating internet training and education, financial issues, technical support and access needs to be developed.

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The influence of caregivers’ burden on the quality of life for caregivers of older adults with chronic illness in Nigeria

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610216002295 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 29 (7) ◽

pp. 1085-1093 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Joel Olayiwola Faronbi ◽

Adenike Ayobola Olaogun

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

Chronic Illness ◽

Social Functioning ◽

Physical Functioning ◽

General Health ◽

Well Being ◽

Role Limitation ◽

The Impact

ABSTRACTBackground:This study investigated the impact of caregivers’ burden on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among the caregivers of older adults, and tested the predictive effect of burden and socio-demographic factors on HRQoL.Methods:The study employed a cross-sectional design. Three hundred and twenty-five caregivers of older adults with chronic illness were purposively selected. Data were collected using the Zarit Burden Interview and Short Form (SF-36) Health Survey. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially.Results:Findings revealed that 59.1% of caregivers experienced severe burden. In measuring the HQRoL, respondents performed poorly in seven domains: Role limitation due to emotional problems (19.69 ± 9.46), Energy/fatigue (43.47 ± 16.46), Emotional well-being, (45.83 ± 13.93), Social functioning (49.09 ± 18.46), Role limitation due to physical function (43.33 ± 10.15), Physical functioning (43.6 ± 18.73), and General health (37.31 ± 12.09). Respondents, however, showed a higher score in the pain domain (56.77 ± 35.79). Furthermore, findings revealed a positive correlation between caregivers’ burden and General health (r = 0.342), Emotional well-being (r = 0.222), and Physical functioning (r = 0.083). Similarly, there is a negative correlation between caregivers’ burden and Social functioning (r = –0.618), Role limitation due to physical activities (r = 0.459), Role limitation due to emotional well-being (r = –0.530), and Energy/fatigue domains (r = –0.509). In addition, burden of caregiving (β=–3.142119, p = 0.000) and age (β=0.612752, p = 0.011) are predictors of the quality of life of caregivers.Discussion:This study concluded that there is a high prevalence of caregivers’ burden resulting in poor HQRoL. In addition, burden and age are predictors of the quality of life of caregivers.

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Optimisation of Scores Generated by an Online Feline Health–Related Quality of Life (HRQL) Instrument to Assist the Veterinary User Interpret Its Results

Frontiers in Veterinary Science ◽

10.3389/fvets.2020.601304 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

Author(s):

Vinny Davies ◽

Jacqueline Reid ◽

E. Marian Scott

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Clinical Decision Making ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Meaningful Improvement ◽

Hrql Instrument ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related ◽

The Impact

Using methodology previously described for the dog health-related quality of life (HRQL) tool (VetMetrica™), the aim was to optimize the scores profile of a comparable feline online HRQL instrument for monitoring HRQL in cats, to assist in its interpretation. Measuring HRQL helps quantify the impact of disease and its treatment on well-being, aids clinical decision making and provides information in clinical trials. In Study 1, using data collected from previous studies, scores generated for three domains of HRQL (Vitality, Comfort, Emotional Well-being) in healthy cats were normalized using standard statistical techniques of logit transformation and T-scores, such that the average healthy cat has a score of 50 in all three HRQL domains. Using normalized scores from healthy and sick cats, a threshold score of 44.8 was determined, above which 70% of healthy cats should score. Study 2 determined the Minimal Important Difference (MID) in normalized score that constituted a clinically significant improvement in each domain. Three methods were tested in order to determine the MID, with the final choice made based on statistical and clinical considerations. Thresholds of 5, 7.5, and 5 were chosen for the three HRQL domains representing Vitality, Comfort and Emotional Well-being, respectively. This study makes available a means of displaying HRQL scores from an online application in an easily interpretable manner and quantifies a clinically meaningful improvement in score. To illustrate the practical application of these developments, three case examples are presented. Example 1 illustrates the raw and normalized scores for a group of overweight cats enrolled in a Feline Weight Management Programme. Example 2 shows three groups of osteoarthritic cats, each with different severity of disease. The third is an elderly, un-well cat whose HRQL was recorded over time, specifically to facilitate end of life discussion between owner and veterinary clinician.

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Psychotherapeutic Interventions for Dementia: a Systematic Review

Canadian Geriatrics Journal ◽

10.5770/cgj.24.447 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 24 (3) ◽

pp. 222-236

Author(s):

Paweena Sukhawathanakul ◽

Alexander Crizzle ◽

Holly Tuokko ◽

Gary Naglie ◽

Mark J. Rapoport

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Psychotherapeutic Interventions ◽

Compassion Focused Therapy ◽

The Impact

Background and Objectives While a range of psychotherapeutic interventions is available to support individuals with dementia, comprehensive reviews of interventions are limited, particularly with regard to outcomes related to adjustment and acceptance. The current review assesses studies that evaluated the impact of various forms of psychotherapeutic interventions on acceptance and adjustment to changing life circumstances for older adults with cognitive impairment. Research Design and Methods A systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases was conducted, restricted to articles published in English within the last 16 years (from 2003 to 2019). Twenty-four articles were identified that examined the effects of psychotherapeutic interventions on outcomes related to acceptance and adjustment which included internalizing symptoms, quality of life, self-esteem, and well-being. Fifteen studies examined interventions targeted towards individuals with cognitive impairment, while nine studies also targeted their caregivers. Results Interventions that impacted outcomes related to acceptance and adjustment (e.g., adaptation, depressive symptoms, helplessness, self-esteem, and quality of life) varied in their theoretical approach, which incorporated elements of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), problem-solving therapy, psychotherapy, reminiscence therapy, interpersonal therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, and meaning-based, compassion-focused therapy. Among all interventions, reductions in depression were the most commonly reported treatment outcome particularly among interventions that incorporated problem-focused and meaning-based therapies. Mixed findings were reported with regard to outcomes related to helplessness, quality of life, self-esteem, and life satisfaction indices for individuals with cognitive impairment. Discussion and Implications There is some support for the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions on improving acceptance and adjustment in older adults with cognitive impairment, particularly with regard to reducing depressive symptoms.

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COVID-19 pandemic-related changes in wellness behavior among older Americans

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10825-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Elgloria Harrison ◽

Lillie Monroe-Lord ◽

Andrew D. Carson ◽

Anne Marie Jean-Baptiste ◽

Janet Phoenix ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Food Security ◽

Well Being ◽

The United States ◽

Negative Impacts ◽

The Impact ◽

Health And Well Being

Abstract Background COVID-19 has taken its toll on citizens in all 50 states of the United States. The United States (U.S.) leads the world with 30,291,863 confirmed reported cases and 549,664 deaths as of March 29, 2021 compared to globally confirmed cases at 127,442,926 and 2,787,915 deaths as of March 29, 2021. The U.S. federal government primarily left the response to the virus to individual states, and each implemented varying measures designed to protect health of citizens and the state’s economic well-being. Unintended consequences of the virus and measures to stop its spread may include decreased physical activity and exercise, shifting access and consumption of food, and lower quality-of-life. Therefore, our primary goal was to quantify the impact of COVID-19 on health and well-being by measuring changes in physical activity, mental health-quality of life, food security and nutrition in adults ages 40 and older. We believed shifts in health behaviors would be more prevalent in minorities, less educated, lower socio-economic status, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions, so a secondary goal was to determine the impact of COVID-19 on these sub-populations. Methods We conducted an online survey with 9969 adults 40 years and older between 9 August and 15 September 2020 in urban areas across the four U.S. census regions. The survey included questions about demographic variables, pre-existing health conditions, physical activity, access to food, quality-of-life, and nutritional food status and asked participants to respond with information from pre-pandemic and pandemic conditions. We used paired-sample t-tests to detect changes in variables after the start of the pandemic and Cohen’s d to determine effect sizes. Results Our main findings showed a decrease in physical activity since the onset of COVID-19 for minorities and non-minorities. Food security also slightly increased for minorities during the pandemic, but we found no other changes in food security, quality-of-life indicators, or nutritional status of those who responded to this survey. Conclusions It is concerning that physical activity declined. Such activity helps maintain physical and mental health, and it is also an important time to socialize for many older adults. In many ways, our data indicate that the older adult population in U.S. cities may be more resilient than expected during the pandemic. However, the pandemic could have negative impacts that we did not detect, either due to the survey instrument or the timing of our survey, so the health and well-being of older adults should continue to be monitored in order to mitigate potential negative impacts.

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Impact of Oral Health on Quality of Life and Subjective Well-Being in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Mexico

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.731 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 226-227

Author(s):

Irma Díaz ◽

Neyda Ma Mendoza- Ruvalcaba ◽

Elva Dolores Arias ◽

Julio Diaz

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

Oral Health ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Confounding Factors ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

The Impact ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Objective: Associate the impact of oral health with quality of life and subjective well-being in the community-dwelling older adults in Mexico. Methods: Non-random sample; 326 subjects: age collected (60-69 / ≥ 70); gender (male / female); marital status (couple / no partner); schooling (0-6 years / ≥7); income for basic needs (yes / no); no depression (GDS-15), no cognitive impairment (MMSE) and comorbidity (no disease / ≥ 1 disease) to control biases. Oral conditions; Caries index (ICPOD) WHO criteria: Very low-Low; Moderate and High. Need for dental prostheses (WHO Manual): No prostheses needed (27-28 natural teeth or fixed / removable / total combination; Need prosthesis: 2-28 tooth without replacement. Xerostomia (Thomson Inventory); moderate to severe xerostomia > 17 points. Dependent variables: Quality of Life Related to Oral Health (GOHAI); 57-60 points: High perception. Subjective well-being: Moral Scale of the Geriatric Center of Philadelphia (PGCMS): Low score (0-11). Results: Age: 71.84 ± 7,278; female / male (70.9 / 29.1%). Controlling confounding factors, multiple logistic regression showed that the need for multi-unit or total prostheses; high CPOD index; severe xerostomia; and low perception of well-being subjective, were associated with low GOHAI scores: P = 0.000; P = 0.004; P = 0.003; P = 0.02 respectively. Subjective well-being only was associated with severe xerostomia and low CVRSO perception: P = 0.0 1; P = 0.02 respectively. Conclusion: Taking into account various confounding factors, the Quality of Life related to Oral Health was the most affected by the deterioration of oral health.

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