scholarly journals An Exergame Solution for Personalized Multicomponent Training in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (17) ◽  
pp. 7986
Author(s):  
Vânia Guimarães ◽  
Elsa Oliveira ◽  
Alberto Carvalho ◽  
Nuno Cardoso ◽  
Johannes Emerich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Urinary Incontinence ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Pelvic Floor Muscle ◽  
Wearable Sensors ◽  
Mobility Limitations ◽  
User Characteristics ◽  
Training Requirements ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Automatic Adaptation

In addition to contributing to increased training motivation, exergames are a promising approach to counteract age-related impairments. Mobility limitations, cognitive impairment, and urinary incontinence are very common in older adults. To optimally address these conditions, exergames should include interventions for strength, balance, cognition, and pelvic floor muscle training. In this study, we develop a personalized multicomponent exergame solution for the geriatric rehabilitation of age-related impairments. The exergame can provide interventions for balance, strength, cognition, and urinary incontinence in one single session, accommodating the needs of older adults with multiple disabilities. For its development, we involved a multidisciplinary team that helped us to specify the structure and contents of the exergame considering training requirements, game design principles, and end-user characteristics. In addition to allowing the customization of the training components, the exergame includes automatic adaptation of difficulty/load, in line with player progress over time. The game mechanics ensures the fulfilment of training needs as defined by the therapist. The exergame is cross-platform compatible (web-based) and includes novel means of interaction with wearable sensors.

scholarly journals Loneliness of Older Adults: Social Network and the Living Environment

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Astrid Kemperman ◽  
Pauline van den Berg ◽  
Minou Weijs-Perrée ◽  
Kevin Uijtdewillegen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Life Cycle Stage ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Mobility Limitations ◽  
Perceived Safety ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Comprehensive Framework

The social participation and integration of older adults are important aspects of healthy aging. However, in general, older adults have smaller social networks than their younger counterparts due to changes in their life cycle stage, such as retirement or age-related losses, along with a declining health and increasing mobility limitations. Consequently, with increasing age, an increasing proportion of older people experience feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Previous studies that have analyzed the relationships between loneliness, social networks, and the living environment have often been based on bivariate relationships or included only a limited number of variables. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze multiple relationships in a more comprehensive framework. Data were collected using a survey among 182 adults aged 65 years and over in the Netherlands. A Bayesian belief network (BBN) modeling approach was used that derives all direct and indirect relationships between the variables. The results showed that feelings of loneliness are directly related to satisfaction with one’s social network and neighborhood attachment and are indirectly related to perceived safety and satisfaction with local amenities and services. This knowledge is relevant to urban planners and policy makers who focus on creating livable and healthy social neighborhoods for the aging population.

scholarly journals Progressive Resistance Training Improves Torque Capacity and Strength in Mobility-Limited Older Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (8) ◽  
pp. 1316-1321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davis A Englund ◽  
Lori Lyn Price ◽  
Gregory J Grosicki ◽  
Megumi Iwai ◽  
Makoto Kashiwa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Resistance Training ◽  
Muscle Fatigue ◽  
Progressive Resistance Training ◽  
Mobility Limitations ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Torque Capacity ◽  
Progressive Resistance

Abstract Background Progressive resistance training (PRT) is consistently shown to improve muscle strength in older adults. The efficacy of PRT to improve muscle fatigue in older adults with demonstrated mobility limitations remains unclear. Methods Mobility-limited (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB] ≤ 9) older adults (age 70–92 years) were recruited for this study and randomized to either PRT or home-based flexibility (FLEX) 3 d/wk for 12 weeks. Muscle fatigue and strength outcomes were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. The primary outcome was torque capacity, a composite measure of strength and fatigue, defined as the sum of peak torques from an isokinetic fatigue test. Results Seventy participants were randomized (mean [SD] age 78.9 [5.4] years; 60% female; mean [SD] SPPB 7.5 [1.6]). At follow-up, the PRT group improved significantly in torque capacity, mean between-group difference (95% confidence interval) 466.19 (138.4, 793.97) Nm (p = .006), and maximal strength 127.3 (60.96, 193.61) Nm (p = .0003), when compared with FLEX group. Neither group demonstrated significant changes in muscle fatigue or torque variability. Conclusion Twelve weeks of PRT improved torque capacity, as well as strength in mobility-limited older adults. These results demonstrate PRT improves multiple age-related muscular impairments.

scholarly journals Aging Into Disability: A Conceptual Challenge for Gerontology

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 541-541
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Kahana ◽  
Timothy Goler ◽  
Lawrence Force
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Disability Rights ◽  
Mobility Limitations ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Disability Identity ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Gerontological Research ◽  
Complex Process ◽  
The Subject

Abstract One of the most fraught subjects facing a fast growing aging population is the subject of aging into disability. This paper examines the processes of aging into disability as a distinct challenge for not only older persons, but also for the field of gerontology, and public policy-makers. Disability in youth and in middle age has largely defined the disability rights agenda, and elders aging into disability have not been the subject of much attention from scholars in the field of disability. Surprisingly, however, scholars and policy-makers in gerontology have also by and large avoided the subject of older persons aging into disability—a complex process that involves impairment, environmental disablement, and changes in social relationships. This process accelerates with advancing age, and disproportionately affects women. Moreover, when older adults develop mobility limitations, experience falls, become hard of hearing, or experience other such impairments of age related disability, they do not think of themselves as aging into disability, or being disabled. This lack of disability identity may protect them from stigma and from low self-esteem. At the same time, it stands in the way of seeking accommodations and from developing a bond with other older adults who are aging into disability. This paper explores the dynamics of disability avoidance as an ideal that can harm older adults and their caregivers. It aims to bring disability more fully into the normal life-course, and to suggest lines of inquiry for gerontological research, to broaden the field, and to make service communities more inclusive .

scholarly journals PELVIC FLOOR REHABILITATION IN MALES…. AN IGNORED DOMAIN

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 3
Author(s):  
Sadia Shafaq
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Incontinence ◽  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Pelvic Floor ◽  
Pelvic Floor Muscle ◽  
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction ◽  
Asian Population ◽  
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation ◽  
Prostate Hyperplasia ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Male Patients

y writing in Pakistan Journal of Rehabilitation, I would like to draw attention of the readers toward the ignorance on the need of physical therapy in pelvic floor rehabilitation among males. Urinary incontinence is prevalent by 1.8-30.5% in Europe, 1.7-36.4% in USA and is 1.5-15.2% in Asian population due to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. By recent studies, it has been observed that urinary incontinence in males has less emphasis when compared with females. Urinary incontinence among males is possibly an outcome of prostatitis, trauma, chronic infection, obesity, heavy lifting, benign prostate hyperplasia, prostatectomy4, and many other age-related diseases. Globally, pelvic pain and dysfunction influence millions of males worldwide and till date little evidence is present regarding pelvic floor rehabilitation among males. A major concern is the lack of awareness in male patients regarding pelvic floor dysfunction. Moreover, other issues include unfamiliarity with physical therapy, hesitation to discuss genital issues, referral issues by physicians and less number of available pelvic floor physiotherapist. Pelvic floor rehabilitation utilizes the concept of physical therapy to contribute in an organized program for strengthening pelvic floor muscles

Age-Related Eye Disease and Mobility Limitations in Older Adults

2011 ◽  
Vol 52 (10) ◽  
pp. 7168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mihaela L. Popescu ◽  
Hélène Boisjoly ◽  
Heidi Schmaltz ◽  
Marie-Jeanne Kergoat ◽  
Jacqueline Rousseau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Eye Disease ◽  
Mobility Limitations ◽  
Age Related

scholarly journals Personal and Environmental Challenges of Aging in Place with Long-Term Mobility Disabilities

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 956-956
Author(s):  
Widya Ramadhani ◽  
Wendy Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Aging In Place ◽  
Interview Data ◽  
Environment Interaction ◽  
Mobility Limitations ◽  
Environmental Barriers ◽  
Age Related ◽  
At Home

Abstract Maintaining independence while aging in place at home requires support, especially for older adults aging with long-term mobility disabilities. As age-related changes progress, individuals with long-term mobility disabilities experience more challenges engaging with daily living activities (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). To understand the activity challenges of these older adults, we analyzed the interview data from the Aging Concerns, Challenges, and Everyday Solution Strategies (ACCESS) study, a comprehensive user needs assessment of 60 older adults who have had mobility disabilities for at least ten years (Koon et al. 2019). We selected interview data that focused on the conduct of ten activities at home: bathing, dressing, moving around, toileting, transferring, doing hobbies, housekeeping, home maintenance, managing diet and nutrition, and caring for others. This archival study used the coding schemes from the ACCESS study that were developed using both conceptual- and data-driven approaches (Koon et al., 2019). The ecological theory of adaptation and aging (Nahemow and Lawton, 1973) was the underlying framework to identify the challenges related to older adults' functional capacity (personal) and physical environmental barriers (environmental). We identified five main challenges: physical strength, general health limitations, mobility limitations, physical access, and transferring. Older adults' responses to overcoming the challenges involved personal, environmental, and person-environment interaction strategies. This study provides insights into the relationship between the source of environmental barriers and personal coping strategies to guide the design of appropriate aging in place supports for older adults with mobility disabilities.

Age-Related Differences in Processing Dynamic Information to Identify Vowel Quality

1992 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 892-902 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Allen Fox ◽  
Lida G. Wall ◽  
Jeanne Gokcen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Vowel Quality ◽  
Perceptual Cues ◽  
Dynamic Information ◽  
Process Dynamic ◽  
Center Condition ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Control Version ◽  
Older Subjects ◽  
Whole Word

This study examined age-related differences in the use of dynamic acoustic information (in the form of formant transitions) to identify vowel quality in CVCs. Two versions of 61 naturally produced, commonly occurring, monosyllabic English words were created: a control version (the unmodified whole word) and a silent-center version (in which approximately 62% of the medial vowel was replaced by silence). A group of normal-hearing young adults (19–25 years old) and older adults (61–75 years old) identified these tokens. The older subjects were found to be significantly worse than the younger subjects at identifying the medial vowel and the initial and final consonants in the silent-center condition. These results support the hypothesis of an age-related decrement in the ability to process dynamic perceptual cues in the perception of vowel quality.

Activity Engagement in Cognitive Aging: A Review of the Evidence

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Rogalski ◽  
Muriel Quintana
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
Activity Engagement ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Age Related Cognitive Decline

The population of older adults is rapidly increasing, as is the number and type of products and interventions proposed to prevent or reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline. Advocacy and prevention are part of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA’s) scope of practice documents, and speech-language pathologists must have basic awareness of the evidence contributing to healthy cognitive aging. In this article, we provide a brief overview outlining the evidence on activity engagement and its effects on cognition in older adults. We explore the current evidence around the activities of eating and drinking with a discussion on the potential benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, alcohol, and coffee. We investigate the evidence on the hypothesized neuroprotective effects of social activity, the evidence on computerized cognitive training, and the emerging behavioral and neuroimaging evidence on physical activity. We conclude that actively aging using a combination of several strategies may be our best line of defense against cognitive decline.

Inefficient Encoding as an Explanation for Age-Related Deficits in Recollection-Based Processing

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 148-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Friedman ◽  
Ray Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Semantic Retrieval ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Face ◽  
Episodic Memories

A cardinal feature of aging is a decline in episodic memory (EM). Nevertheless, there is evidence that some older adults may be able to “compensate” for failures in recollection-based processing by recruiting brain regions and cognitive processes not normally recruited by the young. We review the evidence suggesting that age-related declines in EM performance and recollection-related brain activity (left-parietal EM effect; LPEM) are due to altered processing at encoding. We describe results from our laboratory on differences in encoding- and retrieval-related activity between young and older adults. We then show that, relative to the young, in older adults brain activity at encoding is reduced over a brain region believed to be crucial for successful semantic elaboration in a 400–1,400-ms interval (left inferior prefrontal cortex, LIPFC; Johnson, Nessler, & Friedman, 2013 ; Nessler, Friedman, Johnson, & Bersick, 2007 ; Nessler, Johnson, Bersick, & Friedman, 2006 ). This reduced brain activity is associated with diminished subsequent recognition-memory performance and the LPEM at retrieval. We provide evidence for this premise by demonstrating that disrupting encoding-related processes during this 400–1,400-ms interval in young adults affords causal support for the hypothesis that the reduction over LIPFC during encoding produces the hallmarks of an age-related EM deficit: normal semantic retrieval at encoding, reduced subsequent episodic recognition accuracy, free recall, and the LPEM. Finally, we show that the reduced LPEM in young adults is associated with “additional” brain activity over similar brain areas as those activated when older adults show deficient retrieval. Hence, rather than supporting the compensation hypothesis, these data are more consistent with the scaffolding hypothesis, in which the recruitment of additional cognitive processes is an adaptive response across the life span in the face of momentary increases in task demand due to poorly-encoded episodic memories.

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