Potential Applications of Smart Multifunctional Wearable Materials to Gerontology

Gerontology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 287-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
David G. Armstrong ◽  
Bijan Najafi ◽  
Mohsen Shahinpoor
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Smart Materials ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Fall Detection ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Personalized Care ◽  
Wearable Technologies ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Health Related

Smart multifunctional materials can play a constructive role in addressing some very important aging-related issues. Aging affects the ability of older adults to continue to live safely and economically in their own residences for as long as possible. Thus, there will be a greater need for preventive, acute, rehabilitative, and long-term health care services for older adults as well as a need for tools to enable them to function independently during daily activities. The objective of this paper is, thus, to present a comprehensive review of some potential smart materials and their areas of applications to gerontology. Thus, brief descriptions of various currently available multifunctional smart materials and their possible applications to aging-related problems are presented. It is concluded that some of the most important applications to geriatrics may be in various sensing scenarios to collect health-related feedback or information and provide personalized care. Further described are the applications of wearable technologies to aging-related needs, including devices for home rehabilitation, remote monitoring, social well-being, frailty monitoring, monitoring of diabetes and wound healing and fall detection or prediction. It is also concluded that wearable technologies, when combined with an appropriate application and with appropriate feedback, may help improve activities and functions of older patients with chronic diseases. Finally, it is noted that methods developed to measure what one collectively manages in this population may provide a foundation to establish new definitions of quality of life.

Lifestyle and Cultural Factors Related to Longevity Among Older Adults in the Northeast of Thailand

2020 ◽  
pp. 104365962092122
Author(s):  
Alchalee Jantapo ◽  
Wichitra Kusoom
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Healthy Longevity ◽  
And Control ◽  
Thai Culture

Introduction: Healthy longevity is important in older adults. The lifestyle and cultural background are likely related to longevity. This study explored lifestyles and Buddhist Thai culture relating to longevity, and evaluated activities of daily living (ADL), body mass index (BMI), and mental health. Method: A mixed method using concurrent embedded strategy was employed. Qualitative data collection included observation and in-depth interviews with 30 older adults aged 80 years and above from Northeastern Thailand. Quantitative data: Barthel ADL, BMI, and Thai Geriatric Mental Health Assessment (T-GMH-A) were assessed. Content analysis was applied using the Strauss and Corbin method. Results: Four major themes were, promoting physical activities, prevention and control of diseases, mental health management, and Buddhist socio-Thai culture. Means of Barthel ADL, BMI, and T-GMH-A were 19.0 ( SD 1.1), 21.34 ( SD 3.07), and 53.53 ( SD 7.22), respectively. Discussion: These factors greatly influenced longevity and well-being. Culturally congruent care should be implemented to health care services.

scholarly journals MEASURING REGIONAL PROGRESS TOWARDS SDG 3 WITH GEOSPATIAL AND STATISTICAL INFORMATION – A CASE STUDY OF DEQING COUNTY

2019 ◽  
Vol XLII-4/W20 ◽  
pp. 89-95
Author(s):  
Q. W. Wang ◽  
D. Q. Fan ◽  
Y. Qiu ◽  
Y. Q. Miao
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Monitoring And Evaluation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Statistical Information ◽  
Morbidity Rate ◽  
Geospatial Information ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Health Related

Abstract. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were proposed in 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations in 2015, in which SDG 3 is about ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages. The assessment on SDG 3 helps to measure or monitor the level of sustainable and healthy development of nation or sub-nation regions. However, the SDG 3 is mainly aimed at the global or national levels, and lack of quantitative assessment and analysis. Therefore, this paper, taking Deqing County of Zhejiang Province in China as an example, presents a pilot study which measured county-level SDG 3 by using statistical information and geospatial information. There are three main steps: Firstly, a set of localized indicators for SDG 3 was built according to adaptability, scalability, and coverage, combined with the specific conditions of Deqing County. Secondly, the selected indicators were calculated by combining integration of statistical and geospatial information. Thirdly, an assessment based on dashboard was processed. The results showed that 12 of the 15 health-related indicators in Deqing County were evaluated as green, 1 was yellow, and 2 were gray. The morbidity rate and mortality rate of infectious diseases in 2010–2017 are low and essential health-care services are equally covered in space. This study provides scientific basis for the management of healthy and sustainable development in Deqing County, and provides a reference example for monitoring and evaluation of SDG 3 in other regions.

scholarly journals Creative Arts-Based Approaches to Improve the Well-Being of Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 234-235
Author(s):  
Darina Petrovsky ◽  
Justine Sefcik
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Creative Arts ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Building Program

Abstract As older adults age they may face cognitive impairment, disruption in their sleep, and a decrease in mood and overall well-being. Given the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, they may experience a disruption in their access to health care services. Creative arts-based approaches have shown promise in improving the well-being of older adults and may be helpful in augmenting health care services. In this symposium, we will present research results of creative arts-based interventions aimed at improving the well-being of older adults, including those with dementia. We will also discuss ways to successfully engage with organizations that serve older adults using arts-based interventions. The first presentation will focus on the results from a feasibility randomized controlled trial examining the effects of a tailored music listening intervention on sleep outcomes in older adults living with dementia and their caregivers. The second presentation will report findings from the Mason Music & Memory Initiative aiming to improve mood and behavioral outcomes in persons living with dementia in nursing homes. The third presentation will focus on the preliminary results of a pilot study that integrated the delivery of music therapy telehealth with remote social work support and service linkage for rural older adults from low-income areas. The fourth presentation will report findings from the capacity-building program for teaching artists, health/aging organizations, and arts organizations committed to strengthening Creative Aging efforts through research. Implications for future research and creative arts-based intervention development for older adults will be discussed.

scholarly journals Health and Safety Issues in Children with Intellectual Disability

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Munevera Bećarević ◽  
Alma Dizdarević ◽  
Zulfo Ahmetović ◽  
Amila Mujezinović ◽  
Esed Omerkić
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
General Population ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Background: People with intellectual disability, have been shown to become high and frequent users of primary health care services—both general population health professionals and intellectual disability specialists. Aim: The aim of this paper has been to assess differences of Health and Safety Activities children with intellectual disabilities on the Supports Intensity Scale-Children’s Version and to confirm assumptions that support needs are confounded with age, IQ andgender.Methods:The sample included 377 children with intellectual disabilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina aged 5-16. Most respondents also had the presence of other, concurrent conditions and disorders. Using IQ, the sample was equalized to the level of intellectual functioning, and this data was obtained from the findings and opinions of the Commission for the Categorization of Children with Special Needs.Results:It was found at the multivariate level there are statistically significant differences between respondents of different ages and IQ in values of type, frequency and time of duration of support. No significant differences between boys and girls were identified at the multivariate level. Healthcare professionals and intellectual disability specialists must work as a team to guarantee any person with intellectual disability possibility to come as close as possible to the standard levels of well-being and health-related quality of life of the general population.

scholarly journals A national survey of caregiver’s own experiences and perceptions of U.S. health care system when addressing their health and caring for an older adult

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill C. Slaboda ◽  
Sandahl H. Nelson ◽  
Zia Agha ◽  
Gregory J. Norman
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
National Survey ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Recipient ◽  
Personal Health ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Background Caregiving is a demanding role that can negatively impact a person’s health and well-being. As such, adequate access to health care is important for maintaining the family caregiver’s own personal health. The aims of this study were to identify if family caregivers of older adults had more difficulty accessing health care services than non-caregivers and to identify if family caregivers felt access to additional services would be beneficial for maintaining their own personal health care. Methods National survey of 3026 US adults aged 30 to 89 years old. Participants were grouped based on self-reported caregiving experience. Survey asked about access to care, importance of health care services and whether caregivers had support needed. Descriptive statistics were used to compare caregiver and non-caregiver’s responses. Multivariate logistic regression model assessed correlates of caregivers not having the support they needed. Results Caregivers were older, female, lower educational attainment, lower income, had more multiple chronic health conditions and health condition or disability that impacts their daily life. Caregivers reported difficulty accessing mental health services, dental services, medications, and supportive services at home. Caregivers felt it was important to have care coordinator, long-term relationship with primary care provider and access to house calls, telemedicine, and medications delivered to the home. Age, ethnicity, chronic conditions and confidence in finances were factors influencing whether caregiver had support needed to provide assistance to older care recipient. Conclusion Caregivers provide needed support and care to older adults while also needing support for themselves. Health care services delivered in the home were highly desirable to caregivers and could help them maintain their health and well-being.

scholarly journals The Health and Well-Being of African-American Older Adults With a History of Incarceration

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 506-506
Author(s):  
Rodlescia Sneed
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
African American ◽  
African Americans ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Formerly Incarcerated ◽  
Older Prisoners ◽  
Health Related ◽  
History Of ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
African American Older Adults

Abstract African-Americans are overrepresented in the criminal justice system. Longer prison stays and release programs for older prisoners may result in an increased number of community-dwelling older adults with a history of incarceration. In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in research on health-related outcomes for currently incarcerated older adults; however, there has been little inquiry into outcomes for formerly incarcerated African-American older adults following community re-entry. In this study, we used secondary data from the Health and Retirement Study to describe employment, economic, and health-related outcomes in this population. Twelve percent of the 2238 African-Americans in our sample had been previously incarcerated. Those who had been previously incarcerated had higher rates of lung disease, arthritis, back problems, mobility problems, and mental health issues than their counterparts. They also had higher rates of hospitalization and lower use of dental health services. Further, while they did not experience lower employment rates than those with no criminal history, those who had been incarcerated had more physically demanding jobs and reported greater economic strain. Given the disproportionate incarceration rates among African-Americans, the aging of the prison population, and the increase in community re-entry for older prisoners, research that explores factors that impact the health and well-being of formerly incarcerated individuals has broad impact. Future work should focus on addressing the needs of this vulnerable population of African-American older adults.

Hypnotherapy as an Adjunct to Medical Treatment: Highlighting Effectiveness and Identifying Barriers to Further Integrative Treatment

2021 ◽  
pp. 097206342110115
Author(s):  
Feryad A. Hussain
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Medical Treatment ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Medical Treatments ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Secondary Health Care ◽  
History Of ◽  
Clinical Hypnosis ◽  
The Mind

Integrative models of health care have garnered increasing attention over the years and are currently being employed within acute and secondary health care services to support medical treatments in a range of specialities. Clinical hypnosis has a history of working in partnership with medical treatments quite apart from its psychiatric associations. It aims to mobilise the mind–body connection in order to identify and overcome obstacles to managing symptoms of ill health, resulting in overall improved emotional and physical well-being. This article aims to encourage the use of hypnotherapy in physical health care by highlighting the effectiveness of hypnosis as an adjunct to medical treatment and identifying barriers preventing further integrative treatments.

scholarly journals The role of iron and zinc in cognitive development of children

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-151
Author(s):  
Md Abdullah Al Mamun ◽  
Ruhina Binta A Ghani
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Services ◽  
Economic Cost ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Deficiency Anemia ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Dietary Practices ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Iron And Zinc ◽  
Frequent Consumption

The effects of iron and zinc on cognitive, motor and behavioral development are on children is scientifically accepted and concentrates on the more recent work, some previous work and areas of controversy. There are well established associations with poor development and iron and zinc deficiency in food source but the deficiencies usually occur in disadvantaged circumstances and establishing causal relationships is not easy. The health and well being of children depend upon the interaction between their genetic potential and exogenous factors like adequacy of nutrition, safety of the environment, social interaction and other childhood activity. Both proteins-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies increase the risk of death from common diseases such as acute gastroenteritis, pneumonia and measles. Iron deficiency anemia, for example, is estimated to affect almost 25% of the world’s population resulting in high economic cost by adding to the burden on health care services, affecting learning in school. Dietary practices frequently seen in children from both developed and developing countries, leading to frequent consumption of nutrient poor foods, may also put them at risk of micronutrient deficiencies.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2017, 3(2): 145-151

Variation in Utilization of Health Care Services for Rural VA Enrollees With Mental Health-Related Diagnoses

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 244-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher E. Johnson ◽  
Ruth L. Bush ◽  
Jeffrey Harman ◽  
Jane Bolin ◽  
Gina Evans Hudnall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Health Related
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