scholarly journals Benefits of Exercise on Influenza or Pneumonia in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 2655 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Song ◽  
Feng Ren ◽  
Dong Sun ◽  
Meizi Wang ◽  
Julien S. Baker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Randomized Control Trials ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Randomized Control ◽  
Asian Martial Arts

A coronavirus pandemic has recently become one of the greatest threats the world is facing. Older adults are under a high risk of infection because of weaker immune systems. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize the recent scientific evidence that outlines the effects of exercise on influenza or pneumonia in older adults. An electronic literature search was conducted using the WEB OF SCIENCE, SCIENCEDIRECT and GOOGLE SCHOLAR databases using the following keywords, “Exercise,” “Older adult,” “Influenza,” and “Pneumonia.” Any randomized control trials, cross-sectional and observational studies that related to this topic were all included. Twenty studies met the eligibility criteria for this review. Thirteen randomized control trials investigated the effects of exercise on the immune responses to influenza or pneumonia vaccination: seven trials employed moderate aerobic exercise, three employed resistance exercise, and the remaining three used Asian martial arts or special home-based exercises. Five cross-sectional and two observational studies examined the associations between exercise/physical condition and influenza/pneumonia. Most of the current studies suggested that prolonged moderate aerobic exercise may help to reduce the risk of influenza-related infection and improve the immune responses to influenza or pneumonia vaccination in older adults. In addition, training in traditional Asian martial arts was also found to be beneficial. Future research should focus on the different effects of moderate and vigorous exercise on influenza-related diseases.

scholarly journals Social Engagement and Episodic Memory in Non-Hispanic Black and White Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 343-343
Author(s):  
Abbey Hamlin ◽  
A Zarina Kraal ◽  
Laura Zahodne
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Social engagement may confer cognitive benefits in older adulthood, but studies have typically been restricted to largely non-Hispanic White (NHW) samples. Levels of social engagement vary across race such that NHW report larger social networks, more frequent participation in social activities, and greater social support than non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB). Associations between social engagement and cognition may also vary by race, but research is sparse. The current cross-sectional study examined associations between different aspects of social engagement and episodic memory performance, as well as interactions between social engagement and race among NHB and NHW participants in the Michigan Cognitive Aging Project (N = 247; 48.4% NHB; age = 64.19 ± 2.92). Social engagement (network size, activities, support) was self-reported. Episodic memory was a z-score composite of immediate, delayed, and recognition trials of a list-learning task. Separate hierarchical linear regression models quantified interactions between race and each of the three social engagement variables on episodic memory, controlling for sociodemographics, depressive symptoms, and health conditions. Results showed a main effect of more frequent social activity on better episodic memory, as well as an interaction between race and social support indicating a significant positive association in NHB but not NHW. These preliminary findings suggest that participating in social activities may be equally beneficial for episodic memory across NHB and NHW older adults and that social support may be particularly beneficial for NHB. Future research is needed to determine the potential applications of these results in reducing cognitive inequalities through the development of culturally-relevant interventions.

scholarly journals The Epidemiology of Tobacco Use among Khat Users: A Systematic Review

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saba Kassim ◽  
Mohammed Jawad ◽  
Ray Croucher ◽  
Elie A. Akl
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Tobacco Consumption ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Electronic Database ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
University Teachers ◽  
Policy Interventions ◽  
Khat Use ◽  
Current Tobacco

Khat, an “amphetamine-like green leaf,” may influence the consumption of tobacco. This study reviews the epidemiology of tobacco use among khat users. Electronic database searches using appropriate keywords/terms were conducted to identify observational studies of khat use. Assessment of quality and risk of bias of all included studies was conducted, and the results were synthesised descriptively. Nine eligible cross-sectional studies were identified. All assessed self-reported tobacco among khat users and were carried out in Africa and the Middle East. Eight reported cigarettes and one reported waterpipes as the mode of use. Methods of tobacco use prevalence assessment varied. Prevalence of “current” tobacco use among students and university teachers ranged from 29 to 37%; “lifetime” tobacco use in university teachers was 58% and “undefined” tobacco use in nonspecific adults and students ranged from 17 to 78%. Daily tobacco use among adults was reported as 17% whilst simultaneous tobacco and khat use was reported as between 14 and 30% in students. In conclusion, tobacco prevalence among khat users appears significant. Findings should be interpreted cautiously due to self-reported tobacco use, diversity in questions assessing tobacco use, and type of tobacco consumption. Future research should address the methodological shortcomings identified in this review before appropriate policy interventions can be developed.

scholarly journals Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between receptive arts engagement and loneliness among older adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (7) ◽  
pp. 891-900 ◽  
Author(s):  
Urszula Tymoszuk ◽  
Rosie Perkins ◽  
Daisy Fancourt ◽  
Aaron Williamon
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Community ◽  
Lower Odds ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Engagement Factors ◽  
Arts Engagement

Abstract Purpose Loneliness in older adulthood is a societal and public health challenge warranting identification of sustainable and community-based protective factors. This study investigated whether frequency of receptive arts engagement is associated with lower odds of loneliness in older adults. Methods We used data of respondents from waves 2 (2004–2005) and 7 (2014–2015) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) and examined cross-sectional (n = 6222) and longitudinal (n = 3127) associations between frequency of receptive arts engagement (including visits to the cinema, museums/galleries/exhibitions, theatre/concerts/opera) and odds of loneliness (cut-off ≥ 6 on three-item short form of the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale). We fitted logistic regression models adjusted for a range of sociodemographic, economic, health and social, community and civic engagement factors. Results Cross-sectionally, we found dose–response negative associations between engagement with all receptive arts activities and odds of loneliness. Prospectively, in the fully-adjusted models we found most robust evidence for the negative association between engagement with museums/galleries/exhibitions and odds of loneliness (OR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.48–0.95) for those who engaged every few months or more often compared with those who never engaged. We found weaker evidence for lower odds of loneliness for more frequent engagement with theatre/concerts/opera. Conclusions Frequent engagement with certain receptive arts activities and venues, particularly museums, galleries and exhibitions, may be a protective factor against loneliness in older adults. Future research is needed to identify the mechanisms through which this process may occur, leading to better understanding of how arts activities and venues can reduce loneliness among older adults.

scholarly journals The Potential Associations of Pornography Use with Sexual Dysfunctions: An Integrative Literature Review of Observational Studies

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 914 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Diana Dwulit ◽  
Piotr Rzymski
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Satisfaction ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sexual Dysfunctions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Delayed Ejaculation ◽  
Confounding Variables ◽  
Pornography Use ◽  
Existing Data

This paper reviews the associations between pornography use and sexual dysfunction based on evidence from observational studies. The existing data in this regard mostly derive from cross-sectional investigations and case reports. There is little if no evidence that pornography use may induce delayed ejaculation and erectile dysfunction, although longitudinal studies that control for confounding variables are required for a full assessment. The associations between pornography use and sexual desire may differ between women and men although the existing data is contradictory and causal relationships cannot be established. The strongest evidence is available for the relation of pornography use with decreased sexual satisfaction, although the results of prospective studies are inconsistent. The paper outlines future research prospects beneficial in understanding the nature of associations between pornography use and sexual dysfunctions in men and women.

scholarly journals Social support and depression among community dwelling older adults in Asia: a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. e026667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tengku Amatullah Madeehah Tengku Mohd ◽  
Raudah Mohd Yunus ◽  
Farizah Hairi ◽  
Noran N Hairi ◽  
Wan Yuen Choo
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Support Measures ◽  
Received Social Support ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

ObjectivesThis review aims to: (1) explore the social support measures in studies examining the association between social support and depression among community-dwelling older adults in Asia and (2) the evidence of association.DesignA systematic review was conducted using electronic databases of CINAHL, PubMed, PsychINFO, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, SocINDEX and Web of Science for articles published until the 11th of January 2018.Eligibility criteriaAll observational studies investigating the association between social support and depression among community-dwelling older adults in Asia were included.ParticipantsOlder adults aged 60 years and more who are living in the community.Exposure measuresSocial support.Outcome measuresDepression.ResultsWe retrieved16 356 records and screened 66 full-text articles. Twenty-four observational studies were included in the review. They consisted of five cohort studies and 19 cross-sectional studies. Social support was found to be measured by multiple components, most commonly through a combination of structural and functional constructs. Perceived social support is more commonly measured compared with received social support. Good overall social support, having a spouse or partner, living with family, having a large social network, having more contact with family and friends, having emotional and instrumental support, good support from family and satisfaction with social support are associated with less depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults in Asia.ConclusionsThere were 20 different social support measures and we applied a framework to allow for better comparability. Our findings emphasised the association between good social support and decrease depression among older adults. Compared with western populations, family support has a greater influence on depression among community-dwelling older adults in Asia. This indicates that the family institution needs to be incorporated into designed programmes and interventions when addressing depression in the Asian context.Trialregistration numberCRD42017074897.

Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Cognition

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Etnier
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Causal Link ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Training Interventions ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Wide Range

There is substantial interest in identifying the behavioral means by which to improve cognitive performance. Recent research and commercial ventures have focused on cognitive training interventions, but evidence suggests that the effects of these programs are small and task-specific. Researchers have also shown interest in exploring the potential benefits of physical activity for cognitive performance. Because the effects of physical activity have been found to be small to moderate and to be more global in nature, interest in physical activity has been growing over the past several decades. Evidence regarding the efficacy of physical activity is provided through cross-sectional studies, longitudinal prospective studies, and randomized controlled trials. When reviewed meta-analytically, small-to-moderate beneficial effects are reported for children, adults, older adults, and cognitively impaired older adults, and these effects are evident for a wide range of cognitive domains, including executive function, memory, and information processing. Researchers are currently focused on identifying the mechanisms of these effects. Most of this research has been conducted using animal models, but there is a growing body of literature with humans. From this evidence, there is support for the role of changes in cerebral structure, hippocampal perfusion, and growth factors in explaining the observed benefits. Thus far, however, the literature is quite sparse, and future research is needed to clarify our understanding of the mechanisms that provide the causal link between physical activity and cognitive performance. Research is also focused on understanding how to increase the benefits by potentially combining cognitive training with physical activity and by identifying the genetic moderators of the effects. These lines of work are designed to elucidate ways of increasing the magnitude of the benefits that can be obtained. At this point in time, the evidence with respect to the potential of physical activity for benefiting cognitive performance is quite promising, but it is critical that funding agencies commit their support to the continued exploration necessary to allow us to ultimately be able to prescribe physical activity to specific individuals with the express purpose of improving cognition.

scholarly journals Dynapaenic obesity and its association with health outcomes in older adult populations: protocol for a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e027728 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siobhan Leahy ◽  
Marica Cassarino ◽  
Matthew DL O' Connell ◽  
Liam Glynn ◽  
Rose Galvin
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age Related

IntroductionTwo major global health challenges are the rapidly ageing population and the high prevalence of obesity in all age groups. Older adults are also susceptible to age-related loss of muscle strength, termed dynapaenia. The co-occurrence of both obesity and dynapaenia, termed dynapaenic obesity (DO), has been associated with poorer health outcomes and increased healthcare usage compared with either state alone. The purpose of this systematic review is to quantify the prevalence and incidence of DO in older adult populations, and to explore the association between DO and health outcomes, specifically chronic disease and multimorbidity, functional disability and healthcare usage.Methods and analysisUsing the Meta-analyses Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines, we will conduct a systematic review of cross-sectional and longitudinal observational studies of older adults, which include measures of DO and specified outcomes. Detailed literature searches of will be conducted using six electronic databases: Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), PubMed, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, ScienceDirect and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Complete (CINAHL), including articles published from database inception until Febuary 2019. The reference lists of included articles will also be searched. Two independent reviewers will undertake a three-step screening and review process using the Population, Risk Factor, Outcome framework to define eligibility. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale for non-randomised studies will be used to assess risk of bias and to rate study quality. The findings will be synthesised in a narrative summary, and a meta-analysis will be conducted where appropriate.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required for this systematic review. Findings from this research will be submitted for peer-reviewed publication in academic journals, and presented at relevant academic conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018112471.

scholarly journals BASELINE DRIVING MILEAGE PREDICTS STATE-REPORTED CRASHES ACROSS 5 YEARS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S343-S343
Author(s):  
Junyan Tian ◽  
Sara A Freed ◽  
Lesley Ross
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Population Density ◽  
The United States ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Crash Data ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
Testing Site

Abstract Although annual driving mileage has frequently been examined as a predictor of crashes among older adults, most research used cross-sectional design and relied on self-reported crash data. This study used multivariate regression to examine the number of state reported at-fault crashes between groups of low (14,000km) self-reported annual distance over five years. Additionally, key factors of interest including age, gender, and population density were examined as predictors. The sample included 519 healthy older adults aged 65-90 (M=73.17, SD=5.56) across five sites in the United States. 12% of participants experienced a crash across five years, and among those who crashed, the majority (87%) experienced one crash (range 0-3 crashes). After controlling for age, gender and testing site, people in the high annual mileage group had a greater number of crashes compared to the low mileage group (β=.14, t(513)=2.37, p=.02). There was not a significant difference in number of prospective crashes between the low and medium group. Also, people who drove in sites with low population density had more crashes than those who in high population density sites (β=.10, t(513)=2.24, p=.03). Higher age was associated with a greater number of prospective crashes (β=.01, t(513)=3.67, p =.002); however, gender was not a significant predictor of crashes. Our results highlight the importance of examining prospective crashes over time, and taking mileage and population density into consideration. Future research should examine trajectories of driving exposure in relation to prospective crashes using multilevel modeling.

DHERENCE TO A MEDITERRANEAN DIET IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH RISK OF SARCOPENIC SYMPTOMOLOGY: A CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS OF OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE OLDER ADULTS IN AUSTRALIA

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
A. Stanton ◽  
J. Buckley ◽  
A. Villani
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediterranean Populations ◽  
Appendicular Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Sectional Analysis

Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is inversely associated with sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to examine the association between adherence to a MedDiet and sarcopenic symptomology in obese older adults. For confirmation of sarcopenia, low appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM: males, ≤7.25kg/m2; females, ≤5.5kg/m2) accompanied low handgrip strength (males, ≤30kg; females, ≤20kg) or low physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB]: ≤8; or gait speed: ≤0.8m/sec). Adherence to a MedDiet was determined using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS). Sixty-five older adults were included. Adherence to a MedDiet was not associated with a decreased risk of sarcopenic symptomology (SPPB: OR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.01-3.1; P = 0.234; Muscle strength: OR = 1.81; 95% CI: 0.32-10.15; P = 0.499; Gait speed: OR = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.13-2.50; P = 0.468). Future research should investigate whether a Mediterranean-style intervention can prevent or improve sarcopenic symptomology, including in non-Mediterranean populations.

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