scholarly journals Meal frequency and vegetable intake does not predict the development of frailty in older adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Johannesson ◽  
Elisabet Rothenberg ◽  
Susanne Gustafsson ◽  
Frode Slinde
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Meal Frequency ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Positive Health Outcomes ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Frailty is considered highly prevalent among the aging population. Fruit and vegetable intake is associated with positive health outcomes across the life-span; however, the relationship with health benefits among older adults has received little attention. Aim: The aim was to examine if a relationship exists between meal frequency or frequency of vegetable intake and the development of frailty in a population of older adults. Methods: A total of 371 individuals, 80 years or older, from the study ‘Elderly Persons in the Risk Zone’ were included. Data was collected in the participants’ home by face-to-face interviews up to 24 months after the intervention. Baseline data were calculated using Chi2-test; statistical significance was accepted at the 5% level. Binary logistic regression was used for the relationship between meal frequency or vegetable intake and frailty. Results: Mean meal frequency was 4.2 ± 0.9 meals per day; women seem to have a somewhat higher meal frequency than men (p=0.02); 57% of the participants had vegetables with at least one meal per day. No significant relationship was found between meal frequency or vegetable intake and frailty at 12 or 24 months follow-ups. Conclusions: Among this group of older adults (80+), meal frequency was slightly higher among women than men, and just over half of the participants had vegetables with at least one meal a day. The risk of developing frailty was not associated with meal frequency or vegetable intake. The questions in this study were meant as indicators for healthy food habits.

scholarly journals The power-trust cycle in global health: Trust as belonging in relations of dependency

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Emma-Louise Anderson ◽  
Laura Considine ◽  
Amy S. Patterson
Keyword(s):  
Global Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Global Health Initiatives ◽  
Health Initiatives ◽  
Power Trust ◽  
Trust And Power ◽  
Positive Health Outcomes ◽  
Exercise Of Discretion ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Trust between actors is vital to delivering positive health outcomes, while relationships of power determine health agendas, whose voices are heard and who benefits from global health initiatives. However, the relationship between trust and power has been neglected in the literatures on both international politics and global health. We examine this relationship through a study of relations between faith based organisations (FBO) and donors in Malawi and Zambia, drawing on 66 key informant interviews with actors central to delivering health care. From these two cases we develop an understanding of ‘trust as belonging’, which we define as the exercise of discretion accompanied by the expression of shared identities. Trust as belonging interacts with power in what we term the ‘power-trust cycle’, in which various forms of power undergird trust, and trust augments these forms of power. The power-trust cycle has a critical bearing on global health outcomes, affecting the space within which both local and international actors jockey to influence the ideologies that underpin global health, and the distribution of crucial resources. We illustrate how the power-trust cycle can work in both positive and negative ways to affect possible cooperation, with significant implications for collective responses to global health challenges.

When Religion Hurts: Structural Sexism and Health in Religious Congregations

2021 ◽  
pp. 000312242199668
Author(s):  
Patricia Homan ◽  
Amy Burdette
Keyword(s):  
General Social Survey ◽  
State Level ◽  
Religious Participation ◽  
Religious Institutions ◽  
Religious Congregations ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Positive Health Outcomes ◽  
High Degree ◽  
The Relationship

An emerging line of research has begun to document the relationship between structural sexism and health. This work shows that structural sexism—defined as systematic gender inequality in power and resources—within U.S. state-level institutions and within marriages can shape individuals’ physical health. In the present study, we use a novel dataset created by linking two nationally representative surveys (the General Social Survey and the National Congregations Study) to explore the health consequences of structural sexism within another setting: religious institutions. Although religious participation is generally associated with positive health outcomes, many religious institutions create and reinforce a high degree of structural sexism, which is harmful for health. Prior research has not reconciled these seemingly conflicting patterns. We find that among religious participants, women who attend sexist religious institutions report significantly worse self-rated health than do those who attend more inclusive congregations. Furthermore, only women who attend inclusive religious institutions exhibit a health advantage relative to non-participants. We observe marginal to no statistically significant effects among men. Our results suggest the health benefits of religious participation do not extend to groups that are systematically excluded from power and status within their religious institutions.

Understanding Variations in the Health Consequences of Sedentary Behavior: A Taxonomy of Social Interaction, Novelty, Choice, and Cognition

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Wendell C. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Adverse Health Outcomes ◽  
Important Challenge ◽  
Positive Health Outcomes

The study of sedentary behaviors requires taxonomies (classification schemes) to standardize data collection, measurements, and outcomes. Three taxonomies of sedentary behaviors have been identified, but none address an important challenge in sedentary behavior research, which is to distinguish between beneficial and detrimental health effects of various sedentary behaviors. Some sedentary behaviors (e.g., reading) are associated with positive health outcomes, whereas other sedentary behaviors (e.g., television viewing) are associated with adverse health outcomes. To address directly this complexity and present a different conception and understanding of discrepant findings related to health outcomes, a new taxonomy is needed. The development of the new taxonomy is guided by analysis of literature and selection of a relevant and informative behavioral sciences theoretical framework (i.e., self-determination theory). Because older adults are an increasing percentage of the population and report a high prevalence of sedentary behaviors, the new taxonomy was designed for older adults with potential application to all age groups. Taylor’s taxonomy of sedentary behaviors is parsimonious with four domains: social interaction (i.e., not solitary, companionship, interacting, and connecting with others); novelty (i.e., refreshingly new, unusual, or different); choice (i.e., volition, preferred option or alternative, the power, freedom, or decision to choose); and cognition (i.e., mentally stimulating and engaging).

The relationship between activities of daily living,falls and fear of falling in older adults : A crosssectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 420-425
Author(s):  
Hamed Mortazavi ◽  
Mahbubeh Tabatabaeichehr ◽  
Masoumeh Taherpour ◽  
Mohadece Masoumi
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
The Relationship

Objective : Doingactivities of daily living can bring independence for the elderly. It can also maintain their health and social participation. However, experience of falls and fear of falling can affect the health and personal social life of the elderly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between falls and fear of falling with activities of daily living in older adults. Materials and methods : Four hundred and fifty elderly persons were enrolled in this cross-sectional study using cluster sampling. Demographic variables, Fall Efficacy Scale- International (FES-I) and questionnaires related to the study of activities of daily living were employed. To investigate advanced activities of daily living, open-ended questions were used. The history of falls within the last 12 months was investigated. Results : Mean score of basic activities of daily living in the elderly being studied was 15.49±1.74, and 95.4% of them were independent in doing these activities.Mean score of instrumental activities of daily living was 11.30±3.36, and 71.5% of them were independent in doing these activities. Participation of elderly persons in social activities was reported to be 77.9%. There was a significant relationship between activities of daily living (basic, instrumental, and advanced) and falls and fear of falling (p<0.05). Conclusion : Falls and fear of falling reduce the independence of elderly persons in doing activities of daily living. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.20(2) 2021 p.420-425

scholarly journals Vision Impairment and Participation in Cognitively Stimulating Activities: The Health ABC Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Varshini Varadaraj ◽  
Beatriz Munoz ◽  
Eleanor M Simonsick ◽  
Bonnielin K Swenor
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Longitudinal Models ◽  
Body Composition Study ◽  
Health Aging ◽  
Cognitive Activities ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Stereo Acuity

Abstract Background Engagement in cognitively stimulating activities is associated with decreased rates of cognitive decline in older adults. However, most cognitively stimulating tasks require good vision, potentially affecting the ability of visually impaired adults to engage in these activities. We examined the relationship between vision and participation in cognitively stimulating activities. Method Data from the Health, Aging, and Body Composition study (1999–2005) were analyzed. Associations between visual function (visual acuity [VA], contrast sensitivity [CS], and stereo acuity [SA] impairments) and annual rates of change in number of cognitively stimulating activities (by self-report) performed at least once a month were examined. Results Analyses included 924 participants aged 75.2 ± 2.8 years. At baseline, impaired CS (27%) and SA (29%) were associated with participation in fewer cognitive activities (β = −0.33, 95% CI = −0.63, −0.03 and β = −0.32, 95% CI = −0.61, −0.03, respectively), while VA (8%) was not (β = −0.34, 95% CI = −0.81, 0.13). In longitudinal models, groups with and without VA, CS, and SA impairments exhibited declines in monthly cognitive activities over time. Annual rates of decline were relatively higher in the VA (β = −0.16, 95% CI = −0.26, −0.05) and CS (β = −0.14, 95% CI = −0.19, −0.09) impaired groups than observed in the respective unimpaired groups (no VA: β = −0.12, 95% CI = −0.15, −0.10; no CS: β = −0.12, 95% CI = −0.15, −0.09), but did not achieve statistical significance. Stereo acuity (β = −0.13, 95% CI = −0.17, −0.09) and no SA (β = −0.13, 95% CI = −0.16, −0.10) groups had similar rates of decline. Conclusions Visually impaired older adults participate in fewer cognitive activities and although participation decline is similar to the non-impaired, lower overall participation indicates a need to identify cognitively stimulating activities accessible to visually impaired older adults.

scholarly journals A-179 The Relationship Between Self-Rated Everyday Memory and Cognitive Status Among Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 974-974
Author(s):  
Vasquez M ◽  
Helphrey J ◽  
Sandlin A ◽  
Bennett-Leleux L ◽  
Donnell R ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Normal Function ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Everyday Memory ◽  
Everyday Cognition ◽  
Memory Functioning ◽  
Mini Mental Status Exam ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Objective Neuropsychologists often supplement performance-based measures of cognition with self-report questionnaires. One questionnaire—the Measurement of Everyday Cognition (ECog)—has shown promise in differentiating between impaired and non-impaired populations; however, little research has been done specifically on the memory items from the shortened version: the ECog-12. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which the Ecog-12 Memory subscale can predict actual cognitive function as measured by a performance-based screening test. Method Older adults (ages 55–90; n = 74) completed the ECog-12 and were administered the Mini-Mental Status Exam—2nd Edition (MMSE-2), with scores dichotomized into normal function and impaired function. Results Binary logistic regression found that the ECog-12 Memory subscale items explained between 57% and 87% of variance in normal/impaired MMSE-2 scores and accurately classified 79.7% of cases. Conclusion Brief self-report measures of everyday memory functioning are sensitive to cognitive decline among older adults.

scholarly journals Verification of the Mediating Effect of Social Support on Physical Activity and Aging Anxiety of Korean Pre-Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (21) ◽  
pp. 8069
Author(s):  
Ahra Oh ◽  
Jiyoun Kim ◽  
Eunsurk Yi ◽  
Jongseob Shin
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Senior Citizens ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Social Support Scale ◽  
Aging Anxiety ◽  
Activity Questionnaires ◽  
The Relationship

There is a lack of research on Korean prospective elderly persons. In particular, there is little research regarding whether social support has a mediating effect on the relationship between physical activity and aging anxiety. Accordingly, this study investigated how social support affected physical activity and aging anxiety in 778 prospective senior citizens (55 to 65 years old) out of a total of 1447 senior citizens who participated in the Embrain Panel Power and Panel Marketing Interactive. Participants completed the IPAQ (International Physical Activity Questionnaires), Social Support Scale, and Aging Anxiety Scale. Physical activity in these Korean pre-older adults affected aging anxiety (p < 0.001), with a fixed effect of physical activity on social support (p < 0.001). Further, social support affected aging anxiety (p < 0.001). Social support was also an important parameter in the relationship between physical activity and aging anxiety. In conclusion, high physical activity of pre-older Korean persons lowered their anxiety regarding aging. Social support acted as a mediator that lowered anxiety regarding aging in the most active pre-older persons.

scholarly journals The Impact of Public Benefits on Low-Income Older Adults’ Financial Well-Being

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 732-732
Author(s):  
Lauren Popham
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poverty Level ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Behavioral Determinants ◽  
Public Benefits ◽  
Financial Burdens ◽  
Positive Health Outcomes ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Nineteen percent (13 million) older adults have incomes below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, leaving them with limited means to afford basic living expenses. Public benefits can help bridge the gap allowing older adults to afford food, home energy, and health expenses. There are studies demonstrating the positive health outcomes associated with public benefits in older adults. It remains unclear how benefits may also improve subjective measures of well-being in older adults. To examine this question, baseline measures of well-being including the CFPB Financial Well-Being Scale were administered to older adults before they enrolled in benefits and again six months after receiving benefits to examine changes in well-being as a result of accessing benefits to help ease some of their financial burdens. Results revealed that older adults experience subjective, psychological improvements from benefits. These findings have implications for the social and behavioral determinants of health in older adults.

scholarly journals Smoke-Free Hospital Grounds

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Harris ◽  
Sheila Tucker
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Prince Edward Island ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Materials Used ◽  
Additional Education ◽  
Positive Health Outcomes ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
And Training ◽  
Psychiatric Facilities

Smoke-free campus policies at inpatient health facilities are most effective when situated within comprehensive smoking cessation programs that include cessation support for staff and patients and effective communications and signage for staff, patients, and visitors. Canadian jurisdictions such as Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Alberta, British Columbia, and Northwest Territories have provincial smoke-free legislation that applies to the grounds of health facilities. This approach permits public health inspectors and peace officers to enforce the smoke-free grounds rules with the option of issuing fines to individuals or hospital corporations for non-compliance. There is very little existing evidence on the effectiveness of issuing fines as a means of enforcing smoke-free policies. There can be unique considerations associated with implementing smoke-free policies in inpatient psychiatric facilities or units, given the relationship between mental health and substance use issues and tobacco use. Evidence shows that smoke-free policies are feasible and result in positive health outcomes in psychiatric facilities or units. Staff may require additional education and training in smoking cessation and tools to support productive conversations with patients, visitors, or colleagues who are not in compliance with smoke-free policies. Examples of tools and communications materials used in other jurisdictions are provided in Appendix 1.

scholarly journals Mindfulness and decision-making: Sunk-costs or escalation of commitment?

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil Schmitzer-Torbert
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Sunk Costs ◽  
Escalation Of Commitment ◽  
Trait Mindfulness ◽  
Sunk Cost ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Course Of Action ◽  
Cognitive Benefits ◽  
Positive Health Outcomes ◽  
The Relationship

Mindfulness is related to a number of positive health outcomes, such as decreased stress, anxiety and improved physical functioning. Recent studies have also identified a range cognitive benefits of mindfulness, including recent studies demonstrating that higher trait mindfulness and brief mindfulness inductions are associated with improved decision-making, and specifically to resistance to the influence of sunk-costs, where higher mindfulness is associated with increased willingness to discontinue a costly, but disadvantageous, course of action. However, some previous studies examining mindfulness and the sunk-cost bias have methodological limitations which make it difficult to determine if mindfulness is specifically related to sensitivity to the sunk-cost bias, or rather than to a general willingness to continue an unprofitable course of action (independent of the level of prior investment). The present study extends previous work by replicating the finding that trait mindfulness is positively related to resistance to the effects of sunk-costs, and also demonstrates that mindfulness is related to reduced escalation of commitment, an individual’s willingness to continue their commitment to a unprofitable course of action through the further investment of resources or time. Overall, trait mindfulness was most consistently related to reduced escalation of commitment, whereas the relationship between trait mindfulness and resistance to the effects of sunk-costs were less consistently observed

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