scholarly journals The epidemiology of headaches in an elderly population within the Life Rights Buildings of an elderly care facility in KwaZulu-Natal

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Keegan Craig Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Informed Consent ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Elderly Care ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Tension Type Headache ◽  
Primary Headaches ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Practitioner Education ◽  
The Impact

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of selected headaches and their impact on the elderly residing within a particular elderly care facility in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Subjects: Elderly participants, aged 60 years and older, residing in a selected elderly care facility in KwaZulu-Natal. Methodology: Once the Institutional Research Ethics Committee (IREC) approved the study, The Association for the Aged (TAFTA) granted permission for the researcher to conduct the study in their life rights buildings. The researcher then administered the questionnaires to the elderly who met the inclusion criteria, on the same day that they had read and completed the information letter and informed consent. The researcher and the research assistant remained present to read the questions to any participants unable to read or who were no longer able to read and answer any questions the participants may have had throughout the process. A total of 123 informed consent forms and questionnaires were distributed and collected, a return rate of 72% (p<0.05). All completed questionnaires were analysed by only the researcher and the statistician. Results: In total, 123 questionnaires were utilised for statistical analysis. The results indicated that 45.5% (p=0.3) of the participants presented with headaches and of these participants, 64.3% had primary headaches, while 35.7% presented with suspected secondary headaches (p=0.03). Of the primary headaches, tension type headache (TTH) had the highest prevalence at 17.1%, with migraine at 7.3% and cluster headache at 2.4%. This is congruent with current literature indicating that TTH has the highest effect on the elderly population. Conclusion: This study is consistent with previous studies conducted on the prevalence of headaches in the elderly. This study has contributed to a greater understanding of headaches experienced by the elderly and the impact headaches have on their daily lives. Focus needs to be placed on satisfactory and effective healthcare, with patient and practitioner education alike to enhance the quality of life and the ability to function self-sufficiently as an elderly individual.

scholarly journals The epidemiology of musculoskeletal pain in an elderly population within a selected elderly care facility in KwaZulu-Natal

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Luke Fitzroy Pendock
Keyword(s):  
Informed Consent ◽  
Musculoskeletal Pain ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Elderly Care ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Pain In The Elderly

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiology of the elderly presenting with musculoskeletal pain, within a selected elderly care facility in KwaZulu-Natal. Subjects: Elderly participants, aged 60 years and older, residing in the selected elderly care facility in KwaZulu-Natal. Methodology: Once the Institutional Research Ethics Committee (IREC) approved the study, and TAFTA had granted permission for the study to be conducted, the researcher administered the questionnaires to the participants who met the inclusion criteria, on the same day that they had read and completed the letter of information and informed consent. The researcher, and the research assistant, remained present to read the questions to any participants unable to read, or who were no longer able to read, and answer any queries or concerns the participants may have had throughout the process. A total of 302 completed informed consent forms and questionnaires were collected, and placed in separate sealed ballot boxes to ensure that questionnaires could not be linked to the participants. This served to maintain confidentiality and anonymity in the study. All completed questionnaires were analysed by only the researcher and the statistician. The number issued to the participant’s questionnaire was used on the data sheet to maintain confidentiality. Results: In total, 302 questionnaires were utilised for statistical analysis. The results showed a significantly high point (79.1%) and lifetime (86.1%) prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the elderly participants. The most common areas of pain reported by the participants were the lower back (41.1%), the knee (33.1%) and the shoulder (20.1%). The statistically significant risk factors for musculoskeletal pain in the elderly were difficulty sleeping and the amount of hours slept per night (p=0.018); anxiety; stress and depression (p=0.026); concomitant medical conditions (p=0.012); medication used, and past musculoskeletal pain experienced (p<0.001). Conclusion: This study is consistent with previous studies conducted on the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the elderly. Musculoskeletal pain has a negative impact on the activities of daily living in the elderly, making it a public health concern. Focus needs to be placed on satisfactory and effective healthcare, with patient education and rehabilitation to enhance the quality of life and the ability to function independently in the elderly population.

scholarly journals The epidemiology of musculoskeletal pain in an elderly population within a selected elderly care facility in KwaZulu-Natal

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Luke Fitzroy Pendock
Keyword(s):  
Informed Consent ◽  
Musculoskeletal Pain ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Elderly Care ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Pain In The Elderly

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiology of the elderly presenting with musculoskeletal pain, within a selected elderly care facility in KwaZulu-Natal. Subjects: Elderly participants, aged 60 years and older, residing in the selected elderly care facility in KwaZulu-Natal. Methodology: Once the Institutional Research Ethics Committee (IREC) approved the study, and TAFTA had granted permission for the study to be conducted, the researcher administered the questionnaires to the participants who met the inclusion criteria, on the same day that they had read and completed the letter of information and informed consent. The researcher, and the research assistant, remained present to read the questions to any participants unable to read, or who were no longer able to read, and answer any queries or concerns the participants may have had throughout the process. A total of 302 completed informed consent forms and questionnaires were collected, and placed in separate sealed ballot boxes to ensure that questionnaires could not be linked to the participants. This served to maintain confidentiality and anonymity in the study. All completed questionnaires were analysed by only the researcher and the statistician. The number issued to the participant’s questionnaire was used on the data sheet to maintain confidentiality. Results: In total, 302 questionnaires were utilised for statistical analysis. The results showed a significantly high point (79.1%) and lifetime (86.1%) prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the elderly participants. The most common areas of pain reported by the participants were the lower back (41.1%), the knee (33.1%) and the shoulder (20.1%). The statistically significant risk factors for musculoskeletal pain in the elderly were difficulty sleeping and the amount of hours slept per night (p=0.018); anxiety; stress and depression (p=0.026); concomitant medical conditions (p=0.012); medication used, and past musculoskeletal pain experienced (p<0.001). Conclusion: This study is consistent with previous studies conducted on the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the elderly. Musculoskeletal pain has a negative impact on the activities of daily living in the elderly, making it a public health concern. Focus needs to be placed on satisfactory and effective healthcare, with patient education and rehabilitation to enhance the quality of life and the ability to function independently in the elderly population.

scholarly journals Health risk assessment and countermeasure analysis of the elderly population exposed to PM2.5 microenvironment

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Yan Xu ◽  
Wantian Cui
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Exposure Concentration ◽  
Physical Diseases ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND: China’s atmospheric PM2.5 pollution is serious, and PM2.5 exerts a negative impact on the human respiratory system, cardiovascular, and mental health, and even more serious health risk for the elderly with weak immunity. OBJECTIVE: This work aims to analyse the impacts of PM2.5 microenvironment exposure on the health of the elderly and provide corresponding countermeasures. METHODS: The survey subjects are 118 retired elderly people in the community. PM2.5 exposure concentrations are monitored in summer (June 10 ∼ July 10, 2019) and winter (November 25 ∼ December 25, 2019). RESULTS: The exposure concentration in winter is higher than that in summer, with statistical difference (P <  0.05). Under the impact of PM2.5 microenvironment exposure, smoking in the elderly can increase the concentration of PM2.5, and long-term exposure to PM2.5 in the elderly can cause mental health problems. CONCLUSION: Long-term exposure of the elderly to the PM2.5 microenvironment leads to physical diseases and even psychological problems, which requires attention.

scholarly journals A comparative study of the voice-related quality of life among Egyptian elderly with and without voice complaints

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nesreen Fathi Mahmoud ◽  
Huda Zahran ◽  
Sherif Abdelmonam
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Voice Disorders ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Voice

Abstract Background This study focuses on the self-perception of the voice in the elderly as assessed by the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) questionnaire. This work aimed to compare differences in the voice-related quality of life outcomes between (1) elderly with and without voice disorders, (2) female and male elderly with voice disorders, and (3) different types of voice disorders, and to explore the correlation between the V-RQOL and perceptual analysis done by the clinician. Forty-three dysphonic and 44 non-dysphonic elderly filled out the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) protocol that analyzes the impact of dysphonia on life quality. Vocal perceptual assessment of each subject with dysphonia was made by three voice therapists, followed by a flexible nasofibrolaryngoscope. Results A significant statistical difference was found between the means of total V-RQOL scores and its subdomains for each group (dysphonic and non-dysphonic). No significant differences were found between male and female elderly with dysphonia. The statistical analysis showed a significant correlation with the vocal assessment made by the clinicians and the V-RQOL self-assessment made by the subjects. Conclusions This study provides valuable information regarding the risk factors that contribute to vocal quality in the elderly population. Our results revealed that different types of voice disorders are common among the elderly population with significant negative effects on quality of life. It was observed that the poorest score on the V-RQOL was for functional voice disorders, followed by neoplastic lesions, whereas MAPLs had the best score on the V-RQOL.

scholarly journals Use of Music Therapy as an Audiological Rehabilitation Tool in the Elderly Population: A Mini-Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Sophie Grenier ◽  
Louise Lafontaine ◽  
Andréanne Sharp
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Vestibular Function ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
The Impact

It is well known and documented that sensory perception decreases with age. In the elderly population, hearing loss and reduced vestibular function are among the most prevalently affected senses. Two important side effects of sensory deprivation are cognitive decline and decrease in social participation. Hearing loss, vestibular function impairment, and cognitive decline all lead to a decrease in social participation. Altogether, these problems have a great impact on the quality of life of the elderly. This is why a rehabilitation program covering all of these aspects would therefore be useful for clinicians. It is well known that long-term music training can lead to cortical plasticity. Behavioral improvements have been measured for cognitive abilities and sensory modalities (auditory, motor, tactile, and visual) in healthy young adults. Based on these findings, it is possible to wonder if this kind of multisensory training would be an interesting therapy to not only improve communication but also help with posture and balance, cognitive abilities, and social participation. The aim of this review is to assess and validate the impact of music therapy in the context of hearing rehabilitation in older adults. Musical therapy seems to have a positive impact on auditory perception, posture and balance, social integration, and cognition. While the benefits seem obvious, the evidence in the literature is scarce. However, there is no reason not to recommend the use of music therapy as an adjunct to audiological rehabilitation in the elderly when possible. Further investigations are needed to conclude on the extent of the benefits that music therapy could bring to older adults. More data are needed to confirm which hearing abilities can be improved based on the many characteristics of hearing loss. There is also a need to provide a clear protocol for clinicians on how this therapy should be administered to offer the greatest possible benefits.

scholarly journals A Basic Study on the Analysis of Spatial Hierarchy in the Elderly Care Facility

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 17-22
Author(s):  
Youhee Heo ◽  
◽  
Hyunmin Lee ◽  
Heangwoo Lee* ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Care ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Basic Study ◽  
Spatial Hierarchy

Impact of Tuberculosis in Elderly Population

2018 ◽  
pp. 326-338
Author(s):  
Gagan Chooramani ◽  
Pooja Singh
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
World Health ◽  
Tuberculosis Patients ◽  
Disease Outcomes ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Poor Memory

The World Health Organization has declared that the spread of tuberculosis is a global emergency. Despite the implementation of strong tuberculosis-control initiatives by WHO, this highly infectious disease continues to affect all vulnerable populations, including the elderly population. Adverse social factors and poor living conditions also affect the elderly much more than the young. The clinical characteristics of tuberculosis in older adults can be unusual and may be confused with age-related illnesses. Various factors related to old age can also cause complications in the diagnosis, treatment, and disease outcomes for tuberculosis patients. The contributory factors may be poor memory, deafness, mental confusion, or impairment of speech. In addition, therapy for tuberculosis in elderly individuals is challenging because of the increased incidence of adverse drug reactions. Hence, understanding the impact of these substantial aspects will help to overcome the problem of tuberculosis in the elderly population.

scholarly journals Assessing the impact of daylight exposure on sleep quality of people over 65 years old

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-192
Author(s):  
Lorna Flores-Villa ◽  
Jemima Unwin ◽  
Peter Raynham
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Sleep Disruption ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Poor Sleep Quality ◽  
Daylight Exposure ◽  
The Impact

Due to our social behaviours, people spend at least 80% of their time indoors, mostly under artificial light. In research and building design, daylight is considered a valuable asset because it is the primary source of free, good quality light and it is suggested that it has a positive influence on human performance, health and sleep quality. There is a tendency in the population for increasingly poor sleep quality with age, and this affects at least 50% of the elderly population. Research on sleep disruption has found that especially in the elderly population, interrupted sleep can affect alertness, cognitive performance and mood. This increases the risk of falls, increases fatigue and reduces some other mental functions. Exposure to daylight (indoors and outdoors) is expected to reduce sleep disruption. Physical activities and sleep quality were assessed using 32 participants living independently in the UK, aged between 65 and 95 years old. The study was divided into two seasons due to a considerable difference in daylight availability in summer and winter. In each season participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire, Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) and a seven-day sleep diary/log activity; where time spent outdoors was identified. It was expected that participants who reported less exposure to daylight during summer and winter would report worse sleep quality. However, this was not the case; subjective sleep quality did not differ greatly between summer and winter, even though exposure to daylight varies greatly between seasons. This study explores the relationship between exposure to daylight throughout two different seasons and people’s chronotypes, physical activities and sleep quality (between and within participants). This information is essential to find means of supporting an ageing population. Practical applications: In the built environment, daylight is an important feature to consider for the occupant’s health and wellbeing. This research provides real-world insight into the amount of daylight that active aged people are exposed to during two seasons in London, and how this could impact their overall sleep quality. The findings suggest that exposure to daylight could benefit people over 65 years old with poor sleep quality by reducing the number of awakenings during the night. This research provides a step towards understanding how daylight exposure effects people, and can be used to inform housing design for the ageing population.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document