EXPRESS: Age-related differences when searching in a real environment: The use of semantic contextual guidance and incidental object encoding

Visual search is a crucial, everyday activity that declines with aging. Here, referring to the environmental support account, we hypothesized that semantic contextual associations between the target and the neighboring objects (e.g., a teacup near a tea bag and a spoon), acting as external cues, may counteract this decline. Moreover, when searching for a target, viewers may encode information about the co-present distractor objects, by simply looking at them. In everyday life, where viewers often search for several targets within the same environment, such distractor objects may often become targets of future searches. Thus, we examined whether incidentally fixating a target during previous trials, when it was a distractor, may also modulate the impact of aging on search performance. We used everyday object arrays on tables in a real room, where healthy young and older adults had to search sequentially for multiple objects across different trials within the same array. We showed that search was quicker: (1) in young than older adults, (2) for targets surrounded by semantically associated objects than unassociated objects, but only in older adults, and (3) for incidentally fixated targets than for targets that were not fixated when they were distractors, with no differences between young and older adults. These results suggest that older viewers use both environmental support based on object semantic associations and object information incidentally encoded to enhance efficiency of real-world search, even in relatively simple environments. This reduces, but does not eliminate, search decline related to aging.

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Dual Effects of Hearing Loss and Dementia on Functional Limitations in Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.690 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 214-214

Author(s):

Michael McKee ◽

Yunshu Zhou ◽

Joshua Ehrlich ◽

Elham Mahmoudi ◽

Jennifer Deal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Hearing Loss ◽

Self Care ◽

Household Activity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Age Related ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Lower Mobility ◽

Independent Effects ◽

The Impact

Abstract Age-related hearing loss (HL) is both common and associated with elevated risk for cognitive decline and poorer health. To care for an aging population, it is critical to understand the effect of coexisting HL and dementia on functional activities. The effect of co-existing dementia and self-reported HL on daily functioning were assessed. A cross-sectional analysis was performed using nationally-representative data from the 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study consisting of U.S. adults 65+. The sample included 1,829 adults with HL (22.8%) and 5,338 adults without HL. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to model the independent effects and interaction of self-reported HL and dementia status on three validated functional activity scales (self-care, mobility, and household). All analyses adjusted for sociodemographic and medical factors. HL participants were more likely to be white, older, male, less educated (p <0.01). 8.4% had possible dementia and 6.5% had probable dementia. Respondents with HL or possible or probable dementia had significantly lower mobility, self-care, and household activity scores (p<.001 for all comparisons) compared to their peers. A small yet significant interaction was present in all models, suggesting that HL respondents with co-occurring dementia had lower mobility, self-care, and household activity scores than predicted by the independent effects of dementia and self-reported HL (p<.001 for all comparisons). Older adults with co-occurring dementia and HL are at increased risk for poor functioning and should be screened by healthcare providers. Future work should consider the impact of intervention in this vulnerable/at-risk population.

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The Impact of Behavioral Intervention on Obesity Mediated Declines in Mobility Function: Implications for Longevity

Journal of Aging Research ◽

10.4061/2011/392510 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2011 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Joe Nocera ◽

Thomas W. Buford ◽

Todd M. Manini ◽

Kelly Naugle ◽

Christiaan Leeuwenburgh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Aging Process ◽

Strong Predictor ◽

Functional Limitations ◽

Mobility Performance ◽

Mobility Function ◽

Age Related ◽

Close Relationship ◽

Primary Focus ◽

The Impact

A primary focus of longevity research is to identify prognostic risk factors that can be mediated by early treatment efforts. To date, much of this work has focused on understanding the biological processes that may contribute to aging process and age-related disease conditions. Although such processes are undoubtedly important, no current biological intervention aimed at increasing health and lifespan exists. Interestingly, a close relationship between mobility performance and the aging process has been documented in older adults. For example, recent studies have identified functional status, as assessed by walking speed, as a strong predictor of major health outcomes, including mortality, in older adults. This paper aims to describe the relationship between the comorbidities related to decreased health and lifespan and mobility function in obese, older adults. Concurrently, lifestyle interventions, including diet and exercise, are described as a means to improve mobility function and thereby limit the functional limitations associated with increased mortality.

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Age-Related Differences in Actual-Ideal Personality Trait Level Discrepancies

10.31234/osf.io/642kf ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Marie Hennecke ◽

Paul Schumann ◽

jule specht

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Big Five ◽

Personality Trait ◽

Age Effects ◽

Big Five Personality ◽

Age Related ◽

Trait Level ◽

Patterns Of Behavior ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

The Impact

People differ from each other in their typical patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion and these patterns are considered to constitute their personalities (Funder, 2001). For various reasons, for example because certain trait levels may help to attain certain goals or fulfill certain social roles, people may experience that their actual trait levels are different from their ideal trait levels. In this study, we investigated (1) the impact of age on discrepancies between actual and ideal Big Five personality trait levels and (2) the impact of these discrepancies on personality trait changes across a period of two years. We use data of a large, nationally representative, and age-diverse sample (N = 4,057, 17-94 years, M = 53 years). Results largely confirmed previously reported age effects on actual personality trait levels but were sometimes more complex. Ideal trait levels exceeded actual trait levels more strongly for younger compared to older adults. Unexpectedly, neither ideal trait levels nor their interaction with beliefs about the extent to which personality is malleable vs. fixed predicted trait change over two years (controlling for actual trait levels). We conclude that ideal-actual trait level discrepancies may provide an impetus for change but that they appear to neither alone nor in combination with the belief that personality trait change is possible suffice to produce such change. We discuss commitment, self-efficacy, and strategy knowledge as potential additional predictors of trait change.

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Effects of Reallocating Time Spent in Different Physical Activity Intensities on Sarcopenia Risk in Older Adults: An Isotemporal Substitution Analysis

Biology ◽

10.3390/biology11010111 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 111

Author(s):

Jort Veen ◽

Diego Montiel-Rojas ◽

Fawzi Kadi ◽

Andreas Nilsson

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Protein Intake ◽

Handgrip Strength ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Self Report ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Age Related ◽

Muscle Health ◽

The Impact

The role of daily time spent sedentary and in different intensities of physical activity (PA) for the maintenance of muscle health currently remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the impact of reallocating time spent in different PA intensities on sarcopenia risk in older adults, while considering PA type (muscle strengthening activities, MSA) and protein intake. In a sample of 235 community-dwelling older adults (65–70 years), a sarcopenia risk score (SRS) was created based on muscle mass assessed by bioimpedance, together with handgrip strength and performance on the five times sit-to-stand (5-STS) test assessed by standardized procedures. Time spent in light-intensity PA (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and being sedentary was assessed by accelerometry, and PA type (MSA) by self-report. Linear regression models based on isotemporal substitution were employed. Reallocating sedentary time to at least LPA was significantly (p < 0.05) related to a lower SRS, which remained evident after adjustment by PA type (MSA) and protein intake. Similarly, reallocating time in LPA by MVPA was related to a significantly (p < 0.05) lower SRS. Our results emphasize the importance of displacing sedentary behaviours for more active pursuits, where PA of even light intensities may alleviate age-related deteriorations of muscle health in older adults.

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Can Undergraduate Students Help Change Older Adults’ Confidence for Making Nutrition-Related Decisions in a 45-Minute Nutrition Workshop?

Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research ◽

10.3148/cjdpr-2021-010 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-4

Author(s):

Rakhshan Kamran ◽

Giulia Coletta ◽

Janet M. Pritchard

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Social Cognitive ◽

Cognitive Theory ◽

Outcome Expectations ◽

Community Members ◽

Age Related ◽

Dietary Choices ◽

The Social ◽

The Impact

Purpose: The Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) suggests health behaviour can be modified by enhancing knowledge of health benefits and outcome expectations of changing behaviour, improving self-efficacy (confidence), and developing goals to overcome barriers to behaviour change. This study aimed to determine the impact of student-led nutrition workshops on participants’ confidence related to SCT constructs for making dietary choices that align with evidence-based nutrition recommendations. Methods: Level-4 Science students developed and delivered 9 workshops on nutrition recommendations for the prevention and management of age-related diseases. Participants attending the workshops completed pre- and post-surveys to assess SCT constructs. For each SCT construct, participants rated their confidence on a 10-point Likert scale. The number (%) of participants who rated their confidence as ≥8/10 on the pre- and post-surveys were compared using the χ2 test. Results: Sixty-three community members (60% female, mean ± SD age 71 ± 7 years) attended the workshops. The number of participants rating confidence as ≥8/10 for each SCT construct increased after the workshops (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Undergraduate students can positively influence community members’ confidence for making nutrition-related decisions. Involving students in interventions where SCT-structured workshops are used may help conserve health care resources and reach older adults who may not have access to dietitian services.

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Semi-Autonomous Vehicles as a Cognitive Assistive Device for Older Adults

Geriatrics ◽

10.3390/geriatrics4040063 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 63

Author(s):

Frank Knoefel ◽

Bruce Wallace ◽

Rafik Goubran ◽

Iman Sabra ◽

Shawn Marshall

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Autonomous Vehicles ◽

Cognitive Change ◽

Health Needs ◽

Assistive Device ◽

Cognitive Changes ◽

Age Related ◽

Vehicle Automation ◽

The Impact ◽

Aging Drivers

Losing the capacity to drive due to age-related cognitive decline can have a detrimental impact on the daily life functioning of older adults living alone and in remote areas. Semi-autonomous vehicles (SAVs) could have the potential to preserve driving independence of this population with high health needs. This paper explores if SAVs could be used as a cognitive assistive device for older aging drivers with cognitive challenges. We illustrate the impact of age-related changes of cognitive functions on driving capacity. Furthermore, following an overview on the current state of SAVs, we propose a model for connecting cognitive health needs of older drivers to SAVs. The model demonstrates the connections between cognitive changes experienced by aging drivers, their impact on actual driving, car sensors’ features, and vehicle automation. Finally, we present challenges that should be considered when using the constantly changing smart vehicle technology, adapting it to aging drivers and vice versa. This paper sheds light on age-related cognitive characteristics that should be considered when developing future SAVs manufacturing policies which may potentially help decrease the impact of cognitive change on older adult drivers.

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A-03 The Brain–Body Connection in Aging Neurological Populations: Examining the Impact of Exercise and Sedentary Behavior on Brain Structure and Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults with Multiple Sclerosis

Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology ◽

10.1093/arclin/acaa067.03 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 35 (6) ◽

pp. 776-776

Author(s):

C Roman ◽

P Arnett

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Older Adults ◽

Graph Theory ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Moderate Activity ◽

Subcortical Structures ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Age Related ◽

The Impact

Abstract Objective Advancements in treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) have led to an increase in the number of older adults living with the disease. Exercise has been shown to be remarkably beneficial for “healthy aging,” while sedentary behavior has proved to have more deleterious effects. Despite evidence for the impact of these factors, their influence on older adults with MS is largely unknown. The current study utilizes volumetric measures and graph theory to investigate the relationship between physical activity/sedentary behavior, structural brain indices, and cognition in older adults with MS. Method Twenty-seven older adults (55+) with MS were scanned during a structural MRI protocol and cognitively evaluated using the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite and Symbol Digit Modalities Test. Graph theory metrics were calculated to examine white matter network properties. FreeSurfer was used to calculate volumes for subcortical structures. Exercise was quantified as the ‘days per week engaged in moderate activity,’ while sedentary behavior was measured as ‘hours per day sitting.’ Results Multiple regression interaction analyses were conducted. Results showed an exercise by age interaction, such that exercise protected against the negative effects of age on thalamic volume and assortivity. Hours sitting per day was shown to add to the negative effects of aging on structural networks even after controlling for exercise. Lastly, exercise was observed to be protective against age-related cognitive decline in this sample. Conclusions This is one of the first studies to examine exercise/sedentariness and brain indices in older adults with MS, pointing to possible brain altering and protective interventions for this group.

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The Impact of Assistive Device Use on Disability and Depression Among Older Adults With Age-Related Vision Impairments

The Journals of Gerontology Series B ◽

10.1093/geronb/61.5.s274 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 61 (5) ◽

pp. S274-S280 ◽

Cited By ~ 40

Author(s):

A. Horowitz ◽

M. Brennan ◽

J. P. Reinhardt ◽

T. MacMillan

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Assistive Device ◽

Age Related ◽

Device Use ◽

The Impact

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Conclusion

10.1093/med/9780199392063.003.0012 ◽

2016 ◽

Author(s):

Maria A. Sullivan

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Substance Use ◽

The Elderly ◽

Social Consequences ◽

Individual Therapy ◽

Older Individuals ◽

Prescribing Practices ◽

Elderly Age ◽

Age Related ◽

The Impact

Addiction in older adults very often goes unrecognized, for several reasons: social biases about the elderly, age-related metabolic changes, and the inappropriate use of prescription benzodiazepines and opioids to address untreated anxiety and mood conditions. Alcohol or substance-use disorders (SUDs) in older individuals may present in subtle and atypical ways. Strategies to overcome such difficulties include systematic screening using validated instruments, patient education regarding the impact of psychoactive substances on health, and cautious prescribing practices. Relying on standard DSM criteria may result in a failure to detect an SUD that presents with cognitive symptoms or physical injury, as well as the absence of work or social consequences. Older individuals can benefit from the application of risk-stratification measures, and they can be referred, e.g., to age-appropriate group therapy and non-confrontational individual therapy focusing on late-life issues of loss and sources of social support, as well as be offered medication management for alcohol or substance use disorder. Although research has been limited in this population, treatment outcomes have been found to be superior in older adults than younger adults.

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Considerations for the Development of Innovative Foods to Improve Nutrition in Older Adults

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11061275 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 1275 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Mariane Lutz ◽

Guillermo Petzold ◽

Cecilia Albala

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Functional Limitations ◽

Chronic Illnesses ◽

Consumer Market ◽

Age Related ◽

Swallowing Problems ◽

Global Burden Of Diseases ◽

The Impact

The population of older adults is growing globally. This increase has led to an accumulation of chronic illnesses, so-called age-related diseases. Diet and nutrition are considered the main drivers of the global burden of diseases, and this situation applies especially to this population segment. It relates directly to the development of coronary heart disease, hypertension, some types of cancer, and type 2 diabetes, among other diseases, while age-associated changes in body composition (bone and muscle mass, fat, sarcopenia) constitute risk factors for functional limitations affecting health status and the quality of life. Older adults present eating and swallowing problems, dry mouth, taste loss, and anorexia among other problems causing “anorexia of aging” that affects their nutritional status. The strategies to overcome these situations are described in this study. The impact of oral food processing on nutrition is discussed, as well as approaches to improve food acceptance through the design of innovative foods. These foods should supply a growing demand as this group represents an increasing segment of the consumer market globally, whose needs must be fulfilled.

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