scholarly journals Vulnerability in the elderly

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 62-67
Author(s):  
Ana Popescu ◽  
◽  
Gabriela Soric ◽  
Victoria Federiuc ◽  
Vitalie Ojovanu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Functional Decline ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Important Target ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Assessment Measures ◽  
Cognitive Problems

Background: Aging process involves an increased risk for the development of vulnerability, because senescence is a process characterized by a multitude of changes that influence the living conditions and health of the individuals. In geriatrics, the term “vulnerability” implies a multidimensional aspect, among which, multimorbidity, functional incapacity, socio-economic and cognitive problems in the elderly. The main objective of the article is to systematize data from the literature through the analysis of the concept and prevalence of vulnerability, assessed by the score Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13) in the elderly. For this purpose, publications from the database GoogleSearch, PubMed, Hinari, etc. were analyzed. The information was systematized, highlighting the main aspects of the contemporary vision of the last 5 years.A series of studies (USA, Brazil, etc.) revealed a high prevalence of vulnerability in the elderly according to the VES-13 score, it was estimated in respondents aged > 65 years, between 40-50% of cases were vulnerable people, with a score ≥ 3 p. The vulnerability of the elderly results from different conditions, correlated with each other, especially biological, social and genetic factors. There was a functional decline between 13 and 24% of cases, especially in the elderly over 75 years, and an association with health problems, mobility and low autonomy in over 50% of cases, with a poor quality of life and increased risk of institutionalization. Conclusions: Vulnerability assessment measures are important for identifying older people at high risk of deteriorating health, which is an important target for interdisciplinary intervention.

Assessment of the Therapeutic Effect of Physiotherapy on Minimizing Imbalances of Geriatric Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-91
Author(s):  
Justyna Pawlak ◽  
Małgorzata Dudkiewicz ◽  
Łukasz Kikowski
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Therapeutic Effect ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Geriatric Patients ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Risk Of Falling ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Climbing Stairs ◽  
Tinetti Test

Introduction: The progressing aging process and comorbidities worsen the efficiency of the balance system in the elderly, which leads to a weakening of stability and, as a consequence, to falls and injuries. The first ones lead to: worsening of functioning, reduced mobility, an increased risk of disease and mortality, therefore systematic physical activity and shaping the balance using physiotherapy, which can prevent dangerous falls is very important. Aim: Assessment of the therapeutic effect of physiotherapy on minimizing imbalances in geriatric patients. M aterial and Methods: The study group consisted of 46 people, including 32 women (69.6%) and 14 men (30.4%); average age of respondents – 72.5 years. They were patients of the Department of Rehabilitation of Poddębice Health Center, Ltd. The researchers used a self-made questionnaire, body mass to height index (BMI) and the Tinetti Test. Results: Patients with an elevated BMI (89.1%), as well as those taking more than 4 medication (78.3%), have had more falls over the past year (respectively 91.4% and 81.4%). After the use of comprehensive therapy, none of the patients achieved a worse result than before the physiotherapy while 91.3% of the respondents had an increase in the number of points scored in the Tinetti Test. The percentage of patients at high risk of falling reduced from 67.4% to 37%. There was also a decrease in the fear of walking (in 58.7%), falling (in 57.7%) and climbing stairs (in 47.9%). According to 78.3% of respondents, physiotherapy positively affected their independence and quality of life. Conclusions: The use of comprehensive physiotherapy reduces the fear of walking, climbing stairs and falling, which can be a good predictor of prevention. Both polypragmasia and an elevated body mass index (BMI) increase the risk of falling. Comprehensive physiotherapy of geriatric patients helps to improve balance and gait stereotype. Physiotherapy for the elderly helps improve the quality of life, independence, minimize imbalances, and thus reduce the risk of falls. Balance exercises play an important role in preventing falls.

Fatigue: Has It Affected Your Compassion?

2017 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 289-293
Author(s):  
Bobbi S. Greiner ◽  
Gail A. Poskey
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Work Productivity ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Job Dissatisfaction ◽  
Job Turnover ◽  
Additional Stress ◽  
Increased Risk

AbstractCompassion fatigue is a concept used to describe how various stressors affect individuals who work in health care and other caregiving professions. The results of compassion fatigue may include decreased work productivity, poor quality of care, safety concerns, job dissatisfaction, and job turnover. The NICU professionals are at an increased risk for experiencing compassion fatigue because of the nature of working with critically ill infants, their families, and the additional stress of the workplace. The purpose of this article is for the NICU professional to understand compassion fatigue, identify the risk factors, recognize the signs and symptoms, and offer strategies to implement within the NICU environment.

Hemodialysis Patients with Pruritus and Insomnia Have Increased Risk of Death

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 419-425
Author(s):  
Olga Hilda Orasan ◽  
Flaviu Muresan ◽  
Augustin Mot ◽  
Adela Sitar Taut ◽  
Iulia Minciuna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Study Groups ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Survival Difference ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Laboratory Features ◽  
Impact On Survival

Background: Pruritus and insomnia are common disorders in hemodialysis (HD) patients, with a major clinical impact as they are associated with poor quality of life and increased mortality. Their coexistence and impact on survival in HD patients have rarely been investigated. Our aim is to investigate the survival of HD patients presenting either none, one, or both disorders and to compare certain features between these groups. Methods: After the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 170 patients treated by HD or online hemodiafiltration were assigned in 4 study groups depending on the presence of either, neither, or both pruritus and insomnia. We analyzed the survival difference between groups after 20 months, and we searched if there were significant differences in terms of clinical and laboratory features. Results: Survival at 20 months was lower in patients with both pruritus and insomnia. Patients with pruritus alone had a lower Kt/V than those with no complaints or insomnia alone. Those with no complaints had lower C-reactive protein and higher albumin levels than patients with insomnia alone or both conditions. Conclusion: Pruritus and insomnia should be actively investigated and correlated with some clinical and laboratory features as they have a significant impact on survival in HD patients.

scholarly journals FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT OF OLDER OBESE PATIENTS CANDIDATES FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY

2014 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis PAJECKI ◽  
Marco Aurélio SANTO ◽  
Ana Lumi KANAGI ◽  
Daniel RICCIOPPO ◽  
Roberto de CLEVA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Functional Assessment ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Functional Decline ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Obese Patients ◽  
Instrumental Activities

Context Obesity in the elderly is associated with exacerbation of functional decline (dependency), that occurs with aging, because of decreased muscle mass and strength, and increased joint dysfunction. Consequently, there is progressive loss of independence, autonomy, chronic pain and impaired quality of life. The weight loss can bring benefits in all these aspects, especially when accompanied by exercises. Elderly patients with morbid obesity may be submitted to surgical treatment, taking into account that the massive weight loss, eventually caused by bariatric surgery, may exacerbate the loss of muscle mass and nutritional complications that may bring harm to the overall health and quality of life of these patients. The functional assessment of elderly patients, candidates for bariatric surgery and the extent to which surgery can bring benefits to the patients, in the field of functionality, has still to be determined. Objective To describe profile functionality in obese elderly referred to a bariatric surgery program. Methods Patients with age ≥60 and BMI ≥35 underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment that evaluates co morbidities, medication use, ability to perform basic activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, and the “Timedupandgo” test to evaluate mobility, whose cut-off point was ≤10 seconds. Statistical analysis was performed in order to see if there is a positive correlation of dependency with BMI and age (over or under 65 years). Results Forty subjects have completed evaluation. The mean age was 64.1 years (60-72) and 75% were women. They had an average weight of 121.1 kg (72.7-204) and a mean BMI of 47.2 kg/m2 (35.8-68.9). 16 patients (40%) have shown dependency for activities of daily living, 19 (47,5%) for instrumental activities of daily living and 20 patients (50%) had a “Timedupandgo” test over 10 seconds. Statistical analysis (t-Student, Mann-Whitney, Binary Logistic Regression) has shown positive correlation of dependency in activities of daily living for BMI >49 kg/m2, dependency in instrumental activities of daily living for BMI >46,5 kg/m2, and “Timedupandgo” test greater than 10 seconds for BMI >51 kg/m2 (P<0,05). No dependency difference was observed for patients over or under 65 years age. Conclusions Functional decline is observed in almost half of the morbid obese patients over 60 years old. It is related to increasing BMI (BMI >46,5 kg/m2) but not related to age (60 to 65 years or over 65 years). Functional decline should be considered a co-morbidity in the elderly obese patients and should be assessed before bariatric surgery in this population.

scholarly journals HUBUNGAN KEHILANGAN GIGI DENGAN STATUS GIZI DAN KUALITAS HIDUP PADA PERKUMPULAN LANSIA DI DESA PENATAHAN KECAMATAN PENEBEL TABANAN

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 145
Author(s):  
A.A Gde Wirasantika Adhiatman, Sari Kusumadewi, Putu Adiartha Griadhi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Oral Disease ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Kolmogorov Smirnov ◽  
Relationship Of

Background: Health practitioners around the world are now dealing withincreasing health problems, including oral disease. One of them is tooth loss.Losing teeth can cause problems or disturbances in the main functions of teeth(mastication, aesthetics and phonetics). These conditions can be overcome byusing denture. If the loss of untreated teeth doesn�t restored using denture, it will cause the function of the missing tooth can not be restored, which will result in disruption of nutritional status and quality of life of the elderly. This study aimed to determine the relationship of tooth loss with nutritional status in elderly society in the Penatahan village Penebel Tabanan.Methods: The research was an observational analytic study with cross sectionalresearch design. Total sampling used with total sample 109 people. The datawere collected by filling the dental chart, measuring IMT and interview using theOHIP-14 questionnaire.Results: The results showed 65.1% respondents had loss <6 teeth, 42.2%respondents had obesity, 75.2% respondents observed poor quality of life. Dataanalyzed using kolmogorov smirnov obtained p = 0,952 for relationship betweentooth loss with nuturional status and p = 0.676 for relationship between useof denture with nutritional status. Chi square used to test relationship betweentooth loss with quality of life (p= 0,735) and use of denture with quality of lifeshowed p = 0,139.Conclusions: The conclusion is there is no relationship between tooth lossand use of denture with nutritional status and quality of life in elderly society inPenatahan Village Penebel Tabanan

Age, cancer site and gender associations with symptoms and problems in specialised palliative care: a large, nationwide, register-based study

2019 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2019-001880 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maiken Bang Hansen ◽  
Lone Ross ◽  
Morten Aagaard Petersen ◽  
Mogens Groenvold
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Cancer Site ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
And Gender

BackgroundPatients referred to specialised palliative care are troubled by symptoms/problems, but more knowledge is needed on the level and frequency of symptoms/problems. It is also uncertain how gender, age and cancer diagnosis, respectively, are associated with symptoms/problems.AimsTo describe symptoms/problems in patients with cancer at the start of specialised palliative care, and to study how age, gender and cancer diagnosis were associated with symptoms/problems.DesignA register-based study including data from the Danish Palliative Care Database.Setting/ParticipantsPatients with cancer who reported their symptoms/problems using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionaire-Core-15-Palliative Care (EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL) at the start of specialised palliative care were included. Ordinal logistic regression was performed to test if gender, age and cancer diagnosis were associated with each symptom/problem.Results31 771 patients with cancer were included in the study. The most prevalent and severe symptoms/problems were pain, appetite loss, fatigue, poor physical function and poor quality of life. Gender, age and cancer diagnosis were significantly associated with most symptoms/problems. The strongest associations between symptoms/problems and gender and age, respectively, were increased risk of nausea in women, as well as increased risk of poor physical function and reduced risk of sleeplessness and pain with increasing age. Patients with brain/central nervous system cancer had the lowest risk of symptoms but the highest risk of poor physical function.ConclusionAt the start of specialised palliative care, patients with cancer experience severe levels of symptoms, poor physical function and poor quality of life. Age, gender and diagnosis were significantly associated with most symptoms/problems, but the strength and direction of the associations differed across symptoms/problems.

scholarly journals Factors associated with the quality of life of elderly caregivers of other elderly persons

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Letícia Decimo Flesch ◽  
Samila Sathler Tavares Batistoni ◽  
Anita Liberalesso Neri ◽  
Meire Cachioni
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Selection Of Variables ◽  
Elderly Caregivers

Abstract Objective : To evaluate the association between the double vulnerability of being elderly and a caregiver and quality of life assessed by Control, Autonomy, Self-realization and Pleasure factors (CASP-19). Method : 148 elderly caregivers participated in the present study. They were selected for convenience from Brazilian public and private health services - a sample from the study “The Psychological Well-Being of Elderly Persons Caring for Other Elderly Persons in a Family Context”. The variables: caregiver’s state of health, care demands, perception of burden, self-rated health, and quality of life were selected. Descriptive analyses, chi-squared tests, Fisher’s exact test, the Kruskal-Wallis test and analysis of multivariate hierarchical logistics were carried out, with theStepwisecriteria applied for selection of variables. Results : The hierarchical multivariate analyses found that number of symptoms and total burden were significantly associated with a poorer quality of life. Elderly persons with three or more symptoms and those with a high burden level were at a higher risk of poor quality of life. The variables number of diseases, burden, and self-rated health compared with the past, were significantly associated with a poorer quality of life. Conclusion : It can be concluded that for the elderly caregiver, physical aspects (signs and symptoms, chronic diseases and a perception of health deterioration) combined with burden are the aspects that most influence quality of life.

Radiofrequency exposure in young and old: different sensitivities in light of age-relevant natural differences

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Redmayne ◽  
Olle Johansson
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Economic Implications ◽  
Population Means ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Comparative Risk

AbstractOur environment is now permeated by anthropogenic radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation, and individuals of all ages are exposed for most of each 24 h period from transmitting devices. Despite claims that children are more likely to be vulnerable than healthy adults to unwanted effects of this exposure, there has been no recent examination of this, nor of comparative risk to the elderly or ill. We sought to clarify whether research supports the claim of increased risk in specific age-groups. First, we identified the literature which has explored age-specific pathophysiological impacts of RF-EMR. Natural life-span changes relevant to these different impacts provides context for our review of the selected literature, followed by discussion of health and well-being implications. We conclude that age-dependent RF-EMR study results, when considered in the context of developmental stage, indicate increased specific vulnerabilities in the young (fetus to adolescent), the elderly, and those with cancer. There appears to be at least one mechanism other than the known thermal mechanism causing different responses to RF-EMR depending upon the exposure parameters, the cell/physiological process involved, and according to age and health status. As well as personal health and quality-of-life impacts, an ageing population means there are economic implications for public health and policy.

scholarly journals Sleep Quality of Elderly with Diabetes Melitus

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Citra Windani Mambang Sari ◽  
Upi Parida ◽  
Dian Adiningsih
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Community Setting ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Quality Of Sleep ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Negative Impacts

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronical community health problem, and mostly suffered by the elderly. The elderly with DM have several symptoms at night that caused a sleep disorder and it may be affected by the poor quality of sleep.  The poor quality of sleep has several negative impacts to elderly including sleepy in the daylight, a lack of attention, memory disorders, depression, easy to fall, and reduce of the quality of life. There is a need for a study that assesses the sleep quality of elderly with DM. This study used descriptive quantitative approach. The samples were chosen using total sampling technique. This study involved 47 elderly with DM in the primary health center (PHC) Garuda. The data were collected using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) Questionnaire that has been adapted for elders. The data were analyzed using distribution frequency. The results showed that the majority of elderly had a poor sleep quality (51%). All elders in this study had sleep disorders, and some of them had behavior that affected   their sleep quality, such as sleeping in a bright room (n=25), sleeping in low temperature room (n=27), and consuming caffeine (n=28). Nurses in the community setting are expected to provide health education to maintenance a good sleep quality, such as the importance of sleeping in the dark and warm temperature room, and avoiding to consume caffeine.

scholarly journals The impact of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use in elderly cardiovascular patients: an observational study from tertiary care in South India

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 1787
Author(s):  
Sadhna Sharma ◽  
Biju Govind ◽  
Kondal Rao
Keyword(s):  
Observational Study ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Impact

Background: Long-term use of NSAIDs, by patients having cardiovascular conditions, has shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular events and increased risk of death. Hence, the study was conducted to determine the complications related to NSAID use by the elderly patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD).Methods: The study was a single-center prospective observational study conducted November 2017 to October 2018. Elderly patients (>60 years) suffering from various CVDs and reported NSAID intake daily for at least one month were included. A questionnaire included demographic, treatment related history and complete details of NSAIDs intake including nature, dose, indication, source etc. The same questionnaire was again filled at the end of one-year follow-up.Results: A total of 100 participants were included in the study. The mean age was 72±8.6 years. Majority of the patients (93%) had hypertension, and 69% of the patient had previous MI.  Five NSAIDs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, mefenamic acid, naproxen, and ketorolac) were used routinely. At least one over the counter NSAID used was reported by 86%, 57% were prescribed at least one NSAIDs by their orthopaedics and physicians. At the end of 1-year follow-up, authors found that 71% had MI (2% increase), 4% developed reinfarction, 20% had severe left ventricular failure (4% increase), 7% had atrial fibrillation (1% increase), and 2% patients died and 63% patients reported raise in systolic blood pressure by 5mmHg.Conclusions: High prevalence of concomitant NSAID use among elderly CVD patients, which might be contributing towards increase in CVS morbidity and mortality.

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