A Healthy Lifestyle for Preventing Chronic Diseases among Active Older Adults Aged Over 80 Years: A Case Study in Tron District, Uttaradit Province, Northern Thailand

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the health/functioning of the older adult who consumes psychoactive substances through the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, considering the theory of complexity. Method: Qualitative case study, with 11 older adults, held between December 2015 and February 2016 in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, using interviews, documents and non-systematic observation. It was approved by the ethics committee. The analysis followed the propositions of the case study, using the complexity of Morin as theoretical basis. Results: We identified older adults who consider themselves healthy and show alterations - the alterations can be exacerbated by the use of psychoactive substances - of health/functioning expected according to the natural course of aging such as: systemic arterial hypertension; depressive symptoms; dizziness; tinnitus; harmed sleep/rest; and inadequate food and water consumption. Final consideration: The assessment of health/functioning of older adults who use psychoactive substances, guided by complex thinking, exceeds the accuracy limits to risk the understanding of the phenomena in its complexity.

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Coping Capacity and Episodic Memory in Older Adults With SMCs: The Mediating Role of Healthy Lifestyle

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.891 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 278-279

Author(s):

Feilong Wang ◽

Shijie Li ◽

Kaifa Wang ◽

Yanni Yang

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Mediating Effect ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Coping Capacity ◽

Memory Decline ◽

Mediating Role

Abstract Older adults with subjective memory complaints (SMCs) are at increased risk for episodic memory decline. Episodic memory decline is an important predictor of objective memory impairment (one of the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease) and an often-suggested criterion of successful memory aging. Therefore, it is important to explore the determinant factors that influence episodic memory in older adults with SMCs. Roy adaptation model and preliminary evidence suggest that older adults with SMCs undergo a coping and adaptation process, a process influenced by many health-related risks and protective factors. This study aimed to explore the relationship between coping capacity and episodic memory, and the mediating role of healthy lifestyle between coping capacity and episodic memory in a sample of 309 community-dwelling older adults with SMCs. Results from the structural equation modeling showed that coping capacity directly affects episodic memory (r=0.629, p＜0.001), and there is a partial mediating effect (60.5%) of healthy lifestyle among this sample of older adults with SMCs. This study demonstrates that coping capacity and adaptation positively correlate with episodic memory in older adults with SMCs, and that these correlations are mediated by healthy lifestyle. The results suggest that older adults with poor coping capacity should be assessed and monitored regularly, and clear lifestyle-related interventions initiated by healthcare providers that promote healthy lifestyles may effectively improve coping capacity and episodic memory in this population group. Note: First author: Feilong Wang, Co-first author: Shijie li, Corresponding author: Yanni Yang

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Changing Educational Gradients in Life Expectancy With and Without Disease Among U.S. Older Adults From 2000 to 2010

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1630 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 505-505

Author(s):

Matthew Farina ◽

Phillip Cantu ◽

Mark Hayward

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Life Expectancy ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Population Aging ◽

Good Health ◽

Vital Statistics ◽

Healthy Life Expectancy ◽

Healthy Life ◽

Education Group ◽

Education Groups

Abstract Recent research has documented increasing education inequality in life expectancy among U.S. adults; however, much is unknown about other health status changes. The objective of study is to assess how healthy and unhealthy life expectancies, as classified by common chronic diseases, has changed for older adults across education groups. Data come from the Health and Retirement Study and National Vital Statistics. We created prevalence-based life tables using the Sullivan method to assess sex-specific life expectancies for stroke, heart disease, cancer, and arthritis by education group. In general, unhealthy life expectancy increased with each condition across education groups. However, the increases in unhealthy life expectancy varied greatly. While stroke increased by half a year across education groups, life expectancy with diabetes increased by 3 to 4 years. In contrast, the evidence for healthy life expectancy provides mixed results. Across chronic diseases, healthy life expectancy decreased by 1 to 3 years for respondents without a 4-year degree. Conversely, healthy life expectancy increased for the college educated by .5 to 3 years. While previous research shows increases in life expectancy for the most educated, trends in life expectancy with chronic conditions is less positive: not all additional years are in lived in good health. In addition to documenting life expectancy changes across education groups, research assessing health of older adults should consider the changing inequality across a variety of health conditions, which will have broad implications for population aging and policy intervention.

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Source of Purchased Medications and Its Impact on Medication Mistakes and Hospitalizations: The NHATS 2017

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2875 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 793-793

Author(s):

Martha Coates ◽

Janeway Granche ◽

Rose Ann DiMaria-Ghalili

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Hospital Stay ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Hospital Stays ◽

Related Harm

Abstract Older adults self-administer prescribed medication regimens to treat chronic diseases which can lead to mismanagement, medication related harm and hospitalizations. We examined the extent to which source of purchased medications influenced the occurrence of self-reported medication mistakes and hospitalizations in community-dwelling participants who managed medications independently (N= 3899). The majority (65%) picked-up medications, 18% had medications delivered, and 17% used both (picked-up and delivery). Compared to those picking up their medications, those using delivery only were less likely to have a hospital stay (OR=0.691 [95% CI 0.507-0.943]) and no difference in odds of medication mistakes (OR=1.051 [95% CI 0.764-1.445]), while those using both methods were more likely to report hospital stays (OR=1.429 [95% CI 1.106-1.846]) and medication mistakes (OR = 1.576[95% CI 1.078-2.304]). Older adults who picked-up medications from a local pharmacy and had medications delivered were more likely to report medication mistakes and hospitalizations.

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A Tale of Two Disasters

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2429 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 694-694

Author(s):

Tammy Mermelstein

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Media ◽

Interest Group ◽

Media Analysis ◽

Ice Storm ◽

Social Media Analysis ◽

Individual Survival ◽

Social Media Platforms

Abstract Preparing for or experiencing a disaster is never easy, but how leaders communicate with older adults can ease a situation or make it exponentially worse. This case study describes two disasters in the same city: Hurricane Harvey and the 2018 Houston Texas Ice Storm and the variation in messaging provided to and regarding older adults. For example, during Hurricane Harvey, the primary pre-disaster message was self-preparedness. During the storm, messages were also about individual survival. Statements such as “do not [climb into your attic] unless you have an ax or means to break through,” generated additional fear for older adults and loved ones. Yet, when an ice storm paralyzed Houston a few months later, public messaging had a strong “check on your elderly neighbors” component. This talk will explore how messaging for these events impacted older adults through traditional and social media analysis, and describe how social media platforms assisted people with rescue and recovery. Part of a symposium sponsored by Disasters and Older Adults Interest Group.

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Developing A Digital Psychoeducational Tool to Reduce Loneliness in Older Adults: A Design Case Study

International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction ◽

10.1080/10447318.2021.1949854 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-30

Author(s):

Abdullah Al Mahmud ◽

Katrina M. Long ◽

Karra D. Harrington ◽

Kit Casey ◽

Sunil Bhar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Design Case ◽

Design Case Study

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The ‘loneliness pandemic’: implications for gerontological nursing

British Journal of Nursing ◽

10.12968/bjon.2021.30.11.652 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 30 (11) ◽

pp. 652-655

Author(s):

Carlos Laranjeira

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Older People ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Old Age ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Social Relationships ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Gerontological Nursing

The COVID-19 pandemic compelled states to limit free movement, in order to protect at-risk and more vulnerable groups, particularly older adults. Due to old age or debilitating chronic diseases, this group is also more vulnerable to loneliness (perceived discrepancy between actual and desired social relationships) and social isolation (feeling that one does not belong to society). This forced isolation has negative consequences for the health of older people, particularly their mental health. This is an especially challenging time for gerontological nursing, but it is also an opportunity for professionals to combat age stereotypes reinforced with COVID-19, to urge the measurement of loneliness and social isolation, and to rethink how to further adjust interventions in times of crisis, such as considering technology-mediated interventions in these uncertain times.

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Long-Term Effects on Loneliness of a Computer-Tailored Intervention for Older Adults With Chronic Diseases: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal of Aging and Health ◽

10.1177/08982643211015027 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 089826432110150

Author(s):

Janet M. Boekhout ◽

Esmee Volders ◽

Catherine A. W. Bolman ◽

Renate H. M. de Groot ◽

Lilian Lechner

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Social Activity ◽

Time Frame ◽

Future Research ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Social Loneliness

Objectives: This study explores the effects of the Active Plus intervention aiming to decrease loneliness among older adults (>65 years) with chronic diseases. Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed (N = 585; age: M = 74.5 years, SD = 6.4), assessing loneliness at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Outcome measures in the multilevel linear regression analyses were total, social and emotional loneliness. Results: At 12 months, significant decreases in total ( B = −.37, p = .01) and social loneliness ( B = −.24, p = .02) were found. Age was a significant moderator for total and social loneliness; however, the intervention was effective only for participants aged 80 years and older. Discussion: The Active Plus intervention showed a significant decrease in total and social loneliness and was especially beneficial for the vulnerable age group of 80 years and older. A more comprehensive tool for measuring social activity and mobility impairments, and using a longer time frame to detect loneliness changes, may form interesting future research.

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