scholarly journals A longitudinal study monitoring the quality of life in a national cohort of older adults in Chile before and during the COVID-19 outbreak

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Soledad Herrera ◽  
Raúl Elgueta ◽  
M. Beatriz Fernández ◽  
Claudia Giacoman ◽  
Daniella Leal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
T Test ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Face ◽  
National Cohort ◽  
Non Parametric

Abstract Background Confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic has placed great stress on older adults, which may be affecting their quality of life. Thus, this study aims to describe the changes in mental and physical health, isolation and loneliness, residence and socioeconomic resources in a national cohort of Chilean older adults before and during the COVID-19 outbreak. It also analyzes the changes in depressive symptoms by changes in the other quality of life indicators before and during the COVID-19 outbreak. Possible methodological biases of telephone surveys in older adults living in non-developed countries are also discussed. Methods Between June and September 2020, a random subsample of 720 people who had participated in the face-to-face V National Survey on Quality of Life in Older Adults in Chile conducted at the end of 2019 was followed up by telephone. Descriptive bivariate analyses were performed using t-test and non-parametric tests for independent variables, comparing the baseline sample with the current 2020 follow-up sample during the peak of the pandemic outbreak in Latin America. Furthermore, descriptive bivariate analysis through t-test and non-parametric test for paired samples compared the follow-up subsample at baseline with the not-included sample, examining possible biases of the telephone interview compared with the face-to-face interview. Results In the panel, there was no variation in self-rated health. The health symptoms that worsened were memory, stomach, and mood problems. Depressive symptoms and anxiety increased; similarly, smartphone users, social contacts, intergenerational co-residence and resilience increased. The telephone follow-up sample had a higher educational level and greater smartphone use than those not included in the subsample. Conclusions Although some physical and mental health indicators have worsened during the pandemic, older adults mobilized resources that could allow them to maintain their quality of life, such as improved resilience. Thus, these findings can guide future research and the development of efficient strategies to improve these resources among older adults to ensure wellbeing.

scholarly journals Positive and negative well-being of older adults with symptomatic peripheral artery disease: A population-based investigation

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 204800402096171
Author(s):  
Snorri Bjorn Rafnsson ◽  
Gerry Fowkes
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Peripheral Artery Disease ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Peripheral Artery ◽  
Artery Disease

Objective We investigated positive and negative subjective well-being in relation to lower-extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) in a sample of older adults. Method 4760 participants in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) provided baseline data on symptomatic PAD, sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle risk factors, and co-morbid conditions. Baseline and two-year follow-up data were available for life satisfaction, quality of life, and depressive symptoms. Results Participants with PAD symptoms had lower baseline levels of life satisfaction (β = −0.03, p < .05) and quality of life (β = −0.04, p < .01), and more depressive symptoms (β = 0.03, p < .05). These associations remained statistically significant in multivariate analyses. Baseline PAD did not, however, influence well-being levels at two-year follow-up. Discussion Greater awareness of the potential for chronic vascular morbidity to disrupt the lives of older adults is needed to inform effective multidisciplinary support and interventions that help maintain the quality of life of those affected.

Cathartic Effect of Suicide Attempts Not Limited to Depression

Crisis ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yves Sarfati ◽  
Blandine Bouchaud ◽  
Marie-Christine Hardy-Baylé
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
World Health ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Short Term

Summary: The cathartic effect of suicide is traditionally defined as the existence of a rapid, significant, and spontaneous decrease in the depressive symptoms of suicide attempters after the act. This study was designed to investigate short-term variations, following a suicide attempt by self-poisoning, of a number of other variables identified as suicidal risk factors: hopelessness, impulsivity, personality traits, and quality of life. Patients hospitalized less than 24 hours after a deliberate (moderate) overdose were presented with the Montgomery-Asberg Depression and Impulsivity Rating Scales, Hopelessness scale, MMPI and World Health Organization's Quality of Life questionnaire (abbreviated versions). They were also asked to complete the same scales and questionnaires 8 days after discharge. The study involved 39 patients, the average interval between initial and follow-up assessment being 13.5 days. All the scores improved significantly, with the exception of quality of life and three out of the eight personality traits. This finding emphasizes the fact that improvement is not limited to depressive symptoms and enables us to identify the relative importance of each studied variable as a risk factor for attempted suicide. The limitations of the study are discussed as well as in particular the nongeneralizability of the sample and setting.

scholarly journals Religiousness and Quality of Life Among Older Adults of Different Ethnic Groups in Malaysia: A Five-Year Follow-up Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Min Tan ◽  
Daniel D. Reidpath ◽  
Rachel Sing-Kiat Ting ◽  
Pascale Allotey ◽  
Tin Tin Su
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Follow Up Study

scholarly journals A physical activity program versus usual care in the management of quality of life for pre-frail older adults with chronic pain in primary care: randomized controlled trial.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Otones ◽  
Eva García ◽  
Teresa Sanz ◽  
Azucena Pedraz
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Frail Older Adults

Abstract Background Exercise have shown being effective for managing chronic pain and preventing frailty status in older adults but the effect of an exercise program in the quality of life of pre-frail older adults with chronic pain remains unclear. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of multicomponent structured physical exercise program for pre-frail adults aged 65 years or more with chronic pain to improve their perceived health related quality of life, compared with usual care. Methods Open label randomized controlled trial. Participants were community-dwelling pre-frail older adults aged 65 years or older with chronic pain and non-dependent for basic activities of daily living attending a Primary Healthcare Centre. Forty-four participants were randomly allocated to a control group (n = 20) that received usual care or an intervention group (n = 24) that received an 8-week physical activity and education program. Frailty status (SHARE Frailty Index), quality of life (EuroQol-5D-5L), pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale), physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery) and depression (Yessavage) were assessed at baseline, after the intervention and after 3 months follow-up. The effect of the intervention was analysed by mean differences between the intervention and control groups. Results The follow-up period (3 months) was completed by 32 patients (73%), 17 in the control group and 15 in the intervention group. Most participants were women (78.1%) with a mean age (standard deviation) of 77.2 (5.9) years and a mean pain intensity of 48.1 (24.4) mm. No relevant differences were found between groups at baseline. After the intervention, mean differences in the EuroQol Index Value between control and intervention groups were significant (-0.19 95%CI(-0.33- -0.04)) and remained after three months follow-up (-0.21 95%CI(-0.37- -0.05)). Participants in the exercise group showed better results in pain intensity and frailty after the intervention, and an improvement in physical performance after the intervention and after three months. Conclusions An eight-week physical activity and education program for pre-frail older adults with chronic pain, compared with usual care, could be effective to improve quality of life after the intervention and after three-months follow-up. Study registration details: This study was retrospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier NCT04045535.

scholarly journals The Prevalence and Impact on Patient Outcomes of Malnutrition Among Older Adults Presenting at an Irish Emergency Department: A Secondary Analysis of the OPTIMEND Trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Griffin ◽  
Aoife O´Neill ◽  
Margaret O´Connor ◽  
Damien Ryan ◽  
Audrey Tierney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Functional Ability ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Functional Decline ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Nutrition Status

Abstract BackgroundMalnutrition is common among older adults and is associated with adverse outcomes but remains undiagnosed on healthcare admissions. Older adults use emergency departments (EDs) more than any other age group. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition on admission and with adverse outcomes post-admission among older adults attending an Irish ED. MethodsSecondary analysis of data collected from a randomised trial exploring the impact of a dedicated team of health and social care professionals on the care of older adults in the ED. Nutritional status was determined using the Mini Nutritional Assessment- short form. Patient parameters and outcomes included health related quality of life, functional ability, frailty, hospital admissions, falls history and clinical outcomes at index visit, 30-day and 6-month follow up. Aggregate anonymised participant data linked from baseline to 30-days and 6-month follow-up were used for statistical analysis.ResultsAmong 353 older adults (mean age 79.6 years (SD=7.0); 59.2% (n=209) female) the prevalence of malnutrition was 7.6% (n=27) and ‘risk of malnutrition’ was 28% (n=99). At baseline, those who were malnourished had poorer quality of life scores, functional ability, were more frail, more likely to have been hospitalised or had a fall recently, had longer waiting times and were more likely to be discharged home from the ED than those who had normal nutrition status. At 30-days, those who were malnourished were more likely to have reported another hospital admission, a nursing home admission, reduced quality of life and functional decline than older adults who had normal nutrition status at the baseline ED visit. At 6-months, a reported further decline in functional ability was more likely among those who were malnourished compared to those who had normal nutritional status. ConclusionOver one-third of older adults admitted to an Irish ED are either malnourished or at risk of malnourishment. Malnutrition was associated with a longer stay in the ED, functional decline, poorer quality of life, increased risk of hospital admissions and a greater likelihood of admission to long-term care at 30 days. Trial registration: Protocol registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03739515, first posted November 13, 2018. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03739515

scholarly journals Are Loneliness and Social Isolation Associated with Quality of Life in Older Adults? Insights from Northern and Southern Europe

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (22) ◽  
pp. 8637
Author(s):  
Giorgi Beridze ◽  
Alba Ayala ◽  
Oscar Ribeiro ◽  
Gloria Fernández-Mayoralas ◽  
Carmen Rodríguez-Blázquez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Standard Deviation Increase ◽  
The North ◽  
Health Aging ◽  
Context Specific

Purpose: Loneliness and social isolation have detrimental effects on health in old age; however, the prospective associations with quality of life (QoL) remain unclear. Furthermore, despite the existence of a European north-south gradient in the distribution of loneliness and social isolation, little is known whether the associations are context-specific. We investigated the relationships between loneliness, social isolation and QoL of older adults residing in the North (Sweden) and South (Spain) of Europe. Methods: Study sample consisted of 2995 Swedish and 4154 Spanish older adults who participated in waves six and seven of the Study on Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Loneliness and social isolation were measured at the baseline, and QoL was measured at the baseline and follow-up using CASP-12. Prospective associations were assessed via multivariate linear regression. Results: In Sweden, subjects with higher vs. lower loneliness had 1.01 (95% CI: −1.55, −0.40) units lower QoL, while every standard deviation increase in social isolation was associated with a 0.27 (95% CI: −0.42, −0.09)-unit decrease in QoL. In Spain, every standard deviation increase in social isolation was associated with a 0.66 (95% CI: −1.11, −0.22)-unit decrease in QoL. The association was stronger in subjects aged ≤65 years old and those with no chronic diseases. The association with loneliness was not statistically significant in Spain. Conclusion: Loneliness and social isolation are prospectively associated with decreased QoL among older adults, yet the associations are contextually bound. Future interventions should target both exposures, among others, in order to increase QoL in this group.

scholarly journals Effects of Mind–Body Interventions Involving Meditative Movements on Quality of Life, Depressive Symptoms, Fear of Falling and Sleep Quality in Older Adults: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (18) ◽  
pp. 6556
Author(s):  
Manuel Weber ◽  
Thiemo Schnorr ◽  
Mareike Morat ◽  
Tobias Morat ◽  
Lars Donath
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Background: The aim of the present systematic meta-analytical review was to quantify the effects of different mind–body interventions (MBI) involving meditative movements on relevant psychological health outcomes (i.e., quality of life (QoL), depressive symptoms, fear of falling (FoF) and sleep quality) in older adults without mental disorders. Methods: A structured literature search was conducted in five databases (Ovid, PsycINFO, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science). Inclusion criteria were: (i) the study was a (cluster) randomized controlled trial, (ii) the subjects were aged ≥59 years without mental illnesses, (iii) an intervention arm performing MBI compared to a non-exercise control group (e.g., wait-list or usual care), (iv) psychological health outcomes related to QoL, depressive symptoms, FoF or sleep quality were assessed and (v) a PEDro score of ≥5. The interventions of the included studies were sub-grouped into Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) and Yoga/Pilates (YP). Statistical analyses were conducted using a random-effects inverse-variance model. Results: Thirty-seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (comprising 3224 participants) were included. Small to moderate-but-significant overall effect sizes favoring experimental groups (Hedges’ g: 0.25 to 0.71) compared to non-exercise control groups were observed in all outcomes (all p values ≤ 0.007), apart from one subdomain of quality of life (i.e., social functioning, p = 0.15). Interestingly, a significant larger effect on QoL and depressive symptoms with increasing training frequency was found for TCQ (p = 0.03; p = 0.004). Conclusions: MBI involving meditative movements may serve as a promising opportunity to improve psychological health domains such as QoL, depressive symptoms, FoF and sleep quality in older adults. Hence, these forms of exercise may represent potential preventive measures regarding the increase of late-life mental disorders, which need to be further confirmed by future research.

scholarly journals A supervised exercise intervention fails to improve depressive symptoms and quality of life among sedentary older adults with HIV infection

AIDS Care ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 714-721
Author(s):  
DeLayna Goulding ◽  
Melissa P. Wilson ◽  
Samantha MaWhinney ◽  
Catherine M. Jankowski ◽  
Kristine M. Erlandson
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Supervised Exercise
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