scholarly journals Improvement of the Quality of Life in Aging by Stimulating Autobiographical Memory

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (14) ◽  
pp. 3168
Author(s):  
Alba Villasán Rueda ◽  
Antonio Sánchez Cabaco ◽  
Manuel Mejía-Ramírez ◽  
Susana I. Justo-Henriques ◽  
Janessa O. Carvalho
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Depressive Symptomatology ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Reminiscence Therapy ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Post Measure ◽  
Positive Memories

With notable increases in older adult populations, as well as with the associated cognitive impairments that can accompany aging, there is significant importance in identifying strategies to promote cognitive health. The current study explored the implementation of a positive reminiscence program (REMPOS), a non-pharmacological cognitive therapy that has been previously structured, defined, and tested in a Spanish sample. We sought to improve the quality of life of institutionalized older adults with healthy aging, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease by utilizing this protocol in these samples. A randomized design with a pre-post measure was conducted over a three-month period. Two types of interventions were used: the experimental groups received REMPOS, and the control groups underwent their regular daily institutional programming with cognitive stimulation techniques. After the intervention, the three experimental groups showed higher cognitive functioning, decreased depressive symptomatology (except for the MCI group) and higher evocation of specific positive memories (except for the MCI group). This study supports the effectiveness of REMPOS and reminiscence therapy, with regard to both cognitive and mood factors in cognitively impaired older adults.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a Randomized Controlled Trial of Individual Reminiscence Therapy on Cognition, Mood and Quality of Life in Azorean Older Adults with Neurocognitive Disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (22) ◽  
pp. 5395
Author(s):  
Susana I. Justo-Henriques ◽  
Enrique Pérez-Sáez ◽  
João L. Alves Apóstolo ◽  
Janessa O. Carvalho
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Neurocognitive Disorders ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Reminiscence Therapy ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Reminiscence therapy (RT) is a form of cognitive stimulation therapy that incorporates discussion of past activities, events, and experiences to stimulate individual memories; it has had some success in treating persons with neurocognitive disorders. This research aims to evaluate the ability of individual RT, using a simple reminiscence format, to improve the overall cognitive function, memory, executive functions, emotional status, and quality of life in older adults with neurocognitive disorders who received social care and support services. A multicenter randomized controlled trial was completed in the Azores archipelago (an independent region of Portugal) using repeated measures (pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up). The intervention group underwent individual RT sessions, twice weekly for 13 weeks, while the control group completed regular activities administered as part of their program. Results did not reveal any significant differences between the intervention and control groups. While results did not reveal significant effects, a number of historical and contextual factors are considered as possible explanations for the lack of effects—namely, data collection occurring during the COVID-19 global pandemic, participant cohort effects, and therapist heterogeneity.

Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wojtek J. Chodzko-Zajko
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Improve Quality ◽  
Reduce Risk

For more than half a century fellows of the National Academy of Kinesiology have enthusiastically advocated for the promotion and adoption of physically active lifestyles as an affordable and effective means to prevent chronic diseases and conditions, and enhance independence and high quality of life for older adults. It is possible to discern distinct evolutionary stages when examining scholarship related to the role of physical activity in the promotion of healthy aging. Research into physical activity and aging began with critical early studies that established the underlying scientific evidence for a relationship between physical activity and healthy aging. More recent work has addressed such topics as building consumer demand, developing policies and legislation to support active aging, and understanding the complex interrelationships between physical activity and other lifestyle factors in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases and conditions. It is increasingly apparent that strategies to promote active and successful aging must be integrated into an effective public policy. Kinesiologists and other health professionals, working in collaboration with colleagues from other disciplines, can help to reduce risk factors for chronic disease and improve quality of life for older adults by building awareness of the importance of physical activity and by assisting with the development and implementation of appropriate and effective interventions that reduce risk factors and improve quality of life.

scholarly journals IMMUNIZATION AS A HEALTHY AGING STRATEGY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S212-S212
Author(s):  
Eduardo De Gomensoro
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Disease Prevention ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Lifestyle Modification ◽  
Provider Education ◽  
Life Issues ◽  
Children Under 5

Abstract The burden of infectious disease is heavier at the extremes of life: the youngest and the oldest typically have the highest incidence of infectious diseases along with morbidity and mortality. Demographic studies show by the next decade, adults over 65 will outnumber children under 5 years of age. Unfortunately, vaccination coverage in older adults even where permissive recommendations exist is universally lower than in infants or children. Key reasons are a lack of knowledge and understanding of the benefits of vaccination, and inconsistent recommendations by providers. Recently, the concept of ‘healthy aging’ – regular vaccination and lifestyle modification including exercise and diet – has been proposed to go beyond disease prevention and address quality of life issues such as the ability to remain in work, and to live independently. Public and healthcare provider education to ascertain the value of older adult’s immunization are critical for the fulfilment of this agenda.

scholarly journals Efficacy of reminiscence in cognition, depressive symptoms and quality of life in institutionalized elderly: a systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Gil ◽  
Paulo Costa ◽  
Vítor Parola ◽  
Daniela Cardoso ◽  
Maria Almeida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Depressive Symptomatology ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Institutionalized Elderly ◽  
Reminiscence Therapy

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the best available evidence on the efficacy of Reminiscence Therapy in cognition, depressive symptoms and quality of life in elderly individuals with cognitive impairment. Method: The methodology proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute was used. Studies focused on group Reminiscence Therapy aimed at institutionalized elderly people with cognitive impairment aged 65 or over were considered. The critical analysis, extraction and synthesis of results was performed by two independent researchers. Results: Four randomized clinical trials and two quasi-experimental studies (n=296) were included. Given the heterogeneous characteristics of studies found, it was impossible to perform a meta-analysis. Of the six studies included, two presented statistically significant results for efficacy in cognition, and three for efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms. In none of the studies was evaluated the elderly’s quality of life. Conclusion: Reminiscence Therapy has potential efficacy for maintaining cognition and decrease of depressive symptomatology in the target population.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Reminiscence Therapy on Alleviating Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhuo Liu ◽  
Fan Yang ◽  
Yifan Lou ◽  
Wei Zhou ◽  
Feng Tong
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Reminiscence Therapy ◽  
Group Reminiscence

Objective: Depression is one of the most common problems faced by older adults. Reminiscence therapy, defined as using the recall of past events, feelings, and thoughts facilitating pleasure, is one type of psychotherapy that could alleviate depressive feelings among older adults, improve their quality of life, and help them live independently. Reminiscence therapy originated from geriatric psychiatry, and is an effective non-pharmacological intervention that could be structured or unstructured and be conducted individually or in a group. The current systematic review was designed to summarize and review existing evidence on the effect of reminiscence therapy on depression in older adults.Methods: We conducted a systematic review from January 2000 to Mar 2021 using 10 electronic databases in English and Chinese languages, including Medline, Embase, Cinahl, PsychInfo, Cochrane, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, CNKI, and WANFANG. We excluded studies that didn't use randomized controlled trials (RCT) from the meta-analysis. The selected studies were scored using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The RevMan 5.0 was used in subgroup analysis depending on how the interventions were classified.Results: We extracted 527 studies based on keyword searches, of which 10 RCTs met inclusion criteria were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis yielded high heterogeneity, and the analyses of significant subgroups showed that reminiscence therapy has a significant effect on relieving depressive symptoms in older adults. Reminiscence therapy benefits older adults with chronic illness and those on antidepressants as well. The effect and cost-effectiveness of group reminiscence therapy were higher than individual reminiscence therapy. And some specific types of group reminiscence therapy have a significant effect on improving depression and secondary outcomes, including life satisfaction. Although the effectiveness of structured and unstructured group reminiscence on depression has no significant differences according to current evidence, the structured therapy is more replicable, generalizable, and user-friendly due to its detailed protocol for new therapists. Furthermore, reminiscence therapy is more effective for older women and older adults with more severe depressive symptoms.Conclusion: Reminiscence therapy significantly increased older adults' remission from depression and quality of life immediately after the intervention. However, the evidence-based protocol and implementation of reminiscence interventions need to be further developed and standardized to facilitate global use. Moreover, it remains unclear on the long-term effect of reminiscence therapy. Based on the limitations of the current study, more rigorous evidence is needed from studies with large sample sizes, RCT design, and longer follow-up periods. Future studies could also explore the effect of different types of reminiscence therapy. Furthermore, qualitative data should be included to better understand older adults' narrative and experiences with reminiscence therapy. Future studies could also investigate the impact of reminiscence therapy on older relatives as a part of outcome measure to explore the efficacious mechanism of reminiscence therapy in alleviating older adults' depressive symptoms.

scholarly journals Dual-Task Exercise to Improve Cognition and Functional Capacity of Healthy Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naina Yuki Vieira Jardim ◽  
Natáli Valim Oliver Bento-Torres ◽  
Victor Oliveira Costa ◽  
Josilayne Patricia Ramos Carvalho ◽  
Helen Tatiane Santos Pontes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Exercise Training ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Physical Exercise Training

BackgroundIt has been suggested that physical inactivity and lack of stimulating cognitive activity are the two most significant modifiable risk factors to impair cognitive function. Although many studies that investigated the cognitive effects of physical exercise and cognitive stimuli in dual-task conditions showed improved cognitive performance, others have not confirmed these findings. The main aim of the present work is to analyze the effects of a dual-task multimodal physical exercise training, at moderate intensity, and cognitive stimulation on cognitive and physical function in healthy older adults.MethodsThis clinical trial was registered on the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-9zrx3d). Here we tested the effects of a dual-task multimodal physical exercise training, at moderate intensity, on cognitive and physical function and quality of life in community dwelling older adults. The training protocol included 24 group sessions, 2/week, per 75 min. Cognition was assessed using CANTAB automated neuropsychological tests and Functional Capacity to Exercise tests. Performance was compared from baseline to post intervention and to a non-exercise control group using Mixed Linear Model for repeated measures.ResultsControl (CG) and dual-task (DTEx) groups progressed differentially over time on performance of episodic memory, sustained visual attention, functional mobility, cardiorespiratory fitness, lower limbs strength resistance, agility, quality of life and dual-task performance with significant improved DTEx performance. Control group did not show any significant changes on these tests except for showing a reduction in dual-task performance.ConclusionWe suggest that the dual-task combination of multisensory cognitive stimulation and multimodal moderate physical exercise training, twice a week, may be adopted as an effective program to reduce progression of age-related cognitive decline and improve physical fitness and quality of life on healthy older adults.Clinical Trial RegistrationBrazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-9zrx3d -UTN code: U1111-1233-6349.

scholarly journals Nurses’ Experiences of Promoting Healthy Aging in the Municipality: A Qualitative Study

Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 131
Author(s):  
Fan Wu ◽  
Eva Drevenhorn ◽  
Gunilla Carlsson
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Elderly Care ◽  
Team Work ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Qualitative Research Design

The purpose of this study was to describe nurses’ experiences of promoting healthy aging in municipalities. A descriptive qualitative research design based on semi-structured interviews with 13 nurses was employed. The nurses described the importance of giving older adults the possibility to live as individuals, but also that the organization matters as too does the nurses’ own desire to work professionally and with passion. Nurses in the municipality noticed that in today’s world, there is a changing perspective of older adults. They more often want to continue their previous life and care greatly about quality of life and because of this, they also expect more service from their health care. Our study suggests that nurses should be supported to specialize in elderly care and measures should be taken to reduce the gap between vision and reality when it comes to team work.

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