Aging of Competitive Athletes

Gerontology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 488-494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hirofumi Tanaka
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Masters Athletes ◽  
Competitive Athletes ◽  
Vascular Stiffening ◽  
High Motivation ◽  
Clinical Conditions

Demographics of human aging are rapidly changing. As illustrated in the biomedicalization of aging, an ever increasing number of older adults is affected by a variety of clinical conditions and diseases, including vascular stiffening, sarcopenia, physical disability, and poor quality of life. One population that is situated in the opposite end of the health and functional spectrum to the sedentary frail elderly is Masters athletes. These older competitive athletes are endowed with substantial functional capacity, overall long-term health, high motivation, and psychosocial outlook. Masters athletes are combating the dogma and negative stereotypes of older adults and aging. From the scientific standpoint, examining Masters athletes can provide insight into preventive gerontology, primary prevention of age-related diseases and dysfunctions, and exercise-based medical practices. Moreover, the study on Masters athletes is simply joyous and entertaining as they often remind us what can be possible in aging.

scholarly journals Dissociating refreshing and elaboration and their impacts on memory

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lea M. Bartsch ◽  
Vanessa M. Loaiza ◽  
Lutz Jäncke ◽  
Klaus Oberauer ◽  
Jarrod A. Lewis-Peacock
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Ethics Committees ◽  
Fmri Data ◽  
Ethical Review ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
List Type ◽  
Term Memory ◽  
Age Related

AbstractMaintenance of information in working memory (WM) is assumed to rely on refreshing and elaboration, but clear mechanistic descriptions of these cognitive processes are lacking, and it is unclear whether they are simply two labels for the same process. This fMRI study investigated the extent to which refreshing, elaboration, and repeating of items in WM are distinct neural processes with dissociable behavioral outcomes in WM and long-term memory (LTM). Multivariate pattern analyses of fMRI data revealed differentiable neural signatures for these processes, which we also replicated in an independent sample of older adults. In some cases, the degree of neural separation within an individual predicted their memory performance. Elaboration improved LTM, but not WM, and this benefit increased as its neural signature became more distinct from repetition. Refreshing had no impact on LTM, but did improve WM, although the neural discrimination of this process was not predictive of the degree of improvement. These results demonstrate that refreshing and elaboration are separate processes that differently contribute to memory performance.HighlightsRepeated reading, refreshing, and elaboration are differentiable in brain activation patterns in both young and older adults.Elaboration selectively improved long-term memory for young adults, and the size of the benefit was related to the neural separability of elaboration from other processes.Older adults implemented a sub-optimal form of elaboration, and this may be a factor contributing to age-related deficits in long-term memory.Ethics statementThe study was approved by the ethical review board of the canton of Zurich (BASEC-No. 2017-00190) and all subjects gave informed written consent in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.Data and code availability statementAll behavioral data and analysis scripts can be assessed on the Open Science Framework (osf.io/p2h8b/). The fMRI data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author, LMB. The fMRI data are not publicly available due to restrictions of the Swiss Ethics Committees on research involving humans regarding data containing information that could compromise the privacy of research participants.

scholarly journals AGE-BASED STEREOTYPE THREAT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF PRIMING TECHNIQUES AND THEIR EFFECTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S455-S456
Author(s):  
Francesco Vailati Riboni ◽  
Francesco Pagnini
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Stereotype Threat ◽  
Functional Performance ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Experimental Methods ◽  
Experimental Manipulation ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Age Related

Abstract Age-based stereotype threat (ABST) occurs when older adults are influenced by negative stereotypes about age-related decline and functional losses and ironically behave in disengaging and self-defeating ways that confirm the stereotype (Steele & Aronson, 1995). Aging stereotypes are found to be strong predictors of health and illness outcomes in later life, and are associated with performance in specific areas, mainly in cognitive and physical domains. The current study reviewed the experimental methods and their reported effects previously published in the literature to determine if there were different ABST methods were associated with different types of age-related outcomes. We conducted a systematic review, screening the scientific literature for papers that included experimental manipulation of age-related stereotypes as an independent variable, focusing on samples of older adults (1113 articles, most published after 2003). Through a classification of the common and distinctive characteristics of the different stereotype manipulation techniques, we were able to identify three specific types of experimental methods: by instruction, tests, and interpersonal exposure. Although the mechanism by which stereotypes are associated with functional outcomes in older adults remains unclear, our review suggests it is possible to experimentally control the activation of the stereotype by manipulating its specific characteristics and the way older participants are exposed to it. Findings also highlight the possibility that specific experimental methods used to induce ABST in older individuals may lead to unique and different consequences on functional performance variation.

scholarly journals Nutrition for Special Populations: Young, Female, and Masters Athletes

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 220-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Desbrow ◽  
Nicholas A. Burd ◽  
Mark Tarnopolsky ◽  
Daniel R. Moore ◽  
Kirsty J. Elliott-Sale
Keyword(s):  
Relative Energy ◽  
Young Female ◽  
Special Population ◽  
Energy Deficiency ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Masters Athletes ◽  
Dietary Education ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Dietary Strategies

Adolescent, female, and masters athletes have unique nutritional requirements as a consequence of undertaking daily training and competition in addition to the specific demands of age- and gender-related physiological changes. Dietary education and recommendations for these special population athletes require a focus on eating for long-term health, with special consideration given to “at-risk” dietary patterns and nutrients (e.g., sustained restricted eating, low calcium, vitamin D and/or iron intakes relative to requirements). Recent research highlighting strategies to address age-related changes in protein metabolism and the development of tools to assist in the management of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport are of particular relevance to special population athletes. Whenever possible, special population athletes should be encouraged to meet their nutrient needs by the consumption of whole foods rather than supplements. The recommendation of dietary supplements (particularly to young athletes) overemphasizes their ability to manipulate performance in comparison with other training/dietary strategies.

scholarly journals Study of adverse drug reactions and clinical profile of elderly in relation to polypharmacy

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 80-84
Author(s):  
Nagaraja BS ◽  
Keerthana Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Adverse Drug Reactions ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Drug Reactions ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Improve Compliance ◽  
Clinical Conditions

Background: Polypharmacy is a becoming more prevalent in older adults and adverse risk increases with age-related change. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are common in older adults and worrisome aspect of treatment in elderly. Aims and Objective: The study aimed to identify the common clinical conditions leading to polypharmacy and to compare the adverse drug profiles of the 2 groups. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted in Hospitals attached to BMCRI, where 200 patients aged 65 or more were interviewed. 100 elderly patients using 5 or more drugs were identified as cases and assessed against a control group of 100 patients. Results: Our study found that ADRs were found to be three times higher in individuals on polypharmacy compared to the control group (OR 3.4675 95% CI 1.6241 to 7.4035). The most commonly occurring ADRs were dyspepsia (OR 1.9259), drowsiness (OR 3.5926) and fatigue (OR 1.5319) with increased incidence in the case group. The most common conditions associated with polypharmacy were found to be hypertension (53%), diabetes mellitus(46%), COPD(14%) and IHD(14%). 66% of the study group had two or more of the above diseases, whereas in the control group only 32% had multiple illnesses. The most commonly prescribed medications were antihypertensives (61%), hypolipidemics (44%), antiplatelets (41%) and antibiotics(40%). Conclusion: Polypharmacy in the elderly comes with a significant increase in adverse effects. The reduced pill burden will not only decrease ADRs and improve compliance, but will also result in greater patient satisfaction and mental health, thereby improving the quality of geriatric care.

scholarly journals EMPOWERING OLDER ADULTS IN HEALTHCARE SETTINGS: COMMUNICATION SKILLS TRAINING FOR SURGICAL RESIDENTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S298-S298
Author(s):  
Linda Roberts ◽  
Charles Cornell ◽  
Mathias Bostrom ◽  
Sandra Goldsmith ◽  
Titilayo Ologhobo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Medical Knowledge ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Surgical Residents ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Aging Attitudes

Abstract Older adults often perceive themselves as stigmatized and powerless in healthcare settings. Communication with them is complicated by age-related issues and negative stereotypes about older adults and aging. It is therefore vital for physicians and surgeons, who encounter the most vulnerable elderly, to communicate successfully with this population, who wish to maintain quality and dignity in their lives. Successful patient communication leads to better recall of information, compliance, adherence to medications, satisfaction, and overall better outcomes. We developed a two-part training program comprised of small group interactive didactic sessions on aging issues with third year surgical residents, and workshop demonstrations given by the residents to a group of older adults, followed by a question and answer session. Residents were assessed using a 22-item pre–post questionnaire covering medical knowledge of aging, attitudes toward older adults, and personal anxiety about aging. Since its inception, the program has reached 88 residents and 711 older adults. For residents, knowledge scores (p ≤ 0.001), six of nine attitude items (p ≤ 0.01) and one of four anxiety items (p ≤ 0.001) improved significantly. This is notable as well since attitudes and anxiety levels are attributes that are deep-seated and hard to change. For older adults, post surveys showed that 96% strongly agreed/agreed that residents had demonstrated sensitivity toward them and 96% were very satisfied/satisfied with the program. Our replicable, low-cost program enables residents to learn and realistically practice universal underlying communication skills in order to maintain effective and sensitive communication with this vulnerable population.

scholarly journals SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE EFFECTS OF NON-VR EXERGAMING ON MOBILITY OUTCOMES OF OLDER ADULTS LIVING IN LONG-TERM CARE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S473-S474
Author(s):  
Charlene H Chu ◽  
Renee Biss ◽  
Afroza Sultana ◽  
Amelie Gauthier-Beaupré ◽  
Arezoo Talebzadeh
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Complex Needs

Abstract Introduction: Institutionalized older adults have high-rates of mobility decline resulting in reduced quality of life and increased dependency. Given the ageing population, there has been a proliferation of exergaming technology targeting older adults to maintain their physical activity (PA) levels and prevent decline. However, it is unclear if exergaming is effective to maintain or improve the PA of institutionalized older adults. Method: Four databases (MEDLINE/CINAHL/PsycINFO/Compendex) were systematically searched (key terms like “nursing homes”, exergaming”). Quantitative manuscripts examining the effects of exergaming on PA measures of institutionalized older adults published in English between 2006-present were eligible. Virtual reality was excluded from the search. No meta-analysis was conducted due to hetereogeneity of the results. Results: 11 studies were included from a search that yielded 208 results. The exergaming platforms that were used the most were the Kinect and Wii. The most commonly used PA measures were the Berg Balance Scale and the Timed-up-and-Go (n=4 studies) with no other measures being used in more than one study. Interventions ranged in exercise (e.g. cognitive-motor training, strength training, balance, etc), frequency, duration, and modality. Study designs were also heterogeneous. Articles were of very poor to poor quality. There was minimal reporting on adverse events. Older adults with cognitive impairment were commonly excluded. Challenges in current technology and studying this group are highlighted. Conclusion: Exergaming may be promising to maintain PA but more robust research is needed. More exergaming technology designed for long-term care to meet the specific complex needs of this population is warranted.

Psychological Considerations for the Older Athlete

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradley W. Young ◽  
Bettina Callary ◽  
Scott Rathwell
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Critical Mass ◽  
Baby Boomer Generation ◽  
Older Athletes ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Masters Athletes

Paralleling the graying of the baby boomer generation, there has been remarkable growth in the number of Masters athletes (adult sport participants generally 35+ years old) and Seniors athletes (55+) worldwide. The phenomenon of the aging or older athlete is an opportunity to study the psychological conditions and considerations that distinguish older sportspersons from their younger counterparts. Although the vast majority of sport psychology research focuses on youth and adolescents or young adults in a high-performance context, a critical mass of literature on middle-aged and older athletes has emerged. Much research has aimed to understand the sport motivation of older adults; this work has evolved from early descriptive works to increasingly theoretically grounded and analytically advanced efforts that seek to better understand older athletes’ sport commitment and their long-term goal striving behaviors. Another theme of inquiry relates to the nature of adult athletes’ social motivations and the role of social identity in explaining immersion into sport. Research has examined various social influences on older athletes, and specifically how different social agents and social norms come to bear on older athletes’ sport participation. Much work has interrogated how social support facilitates older sport participation as well as the unique negotiations that older adults make with significant others to sustain their experience. Another research theme has sought to determine the various psychosocial benefits of adult sport, cataloguing benefits related to personal growth, age-related adaptation, and successful aging outcomes. Although the discourse on adult sport has been overly positive, several contributions have problematized aspects of adult sport, challenged the assertion that adult athletes are models that many others could follow, and have further suggested that narratives of Masters athletes may reinforce ageist stigma.

scholarly journals Cognitive aging and verbal labeling in continuous visual memory

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (7) ◽  
pp. 1196-1213
Author(s):  
Alicia Forsberg ◽  
Wendy Johnson ◽  
Robert H. Logie
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Visual Memory ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Age Related

Abstract The decline of working memory (WM) is a common feature of general cognitive decline, and visual and verbal WM capacity appear to decline at different rates with age. Visual material may be remembered via verbal codes or visual traces, or both. Souza and Skóra, Cognition, 166, 277–297 (2017) found that labeling boosted memory in younger adults by activating categorical visual long-term memory (LTM) knowledge. Here, we replicated this and tested whether it held in healthy older adults. We compared performance in silence, under instructed overt labeling (participants were asked to say color names out loud), and articulatory suppression (repeating irrelevant syllables to prevent labeling) in the delayed estimation paradigm. Overt labeling improved memory performance in both age groups. However, comparing the effect of overt labeling and suppression on the number of coarse, categorical representations in the two age groups suggested that older adults used verbal labels subvocally more than younger adults, when performing the task in silence. Older adults also appeared to benefit from labels differently than younger adults. In younger adults labeling appeared to improve visual, continuous memory, suggesting that labels activated visual LTM representations. However, for older adults, labels did not appear to enhance visual, continuous representations, but instead boosted memory via additional verbal (categorical) memory traces. These results challenged the assumption that visual memory paradigms measure the same cognitive ability in younger and older adults, and highlighted the importance of controlling differences in age-related strategic preferences in visual memory tasks.

Working Memory Training From an Individual Differences Perspective

2019 ◽  
pp. 14-39
Author(s):  
Erika Borella ◽  
Barbara Carretti ◽  
Cesare Cornoldi ◽  
Rossana De Beni
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Task Demands ◽  
Memory Training ◽  
Training Procedure ◽  
Adaptive Procedure ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Underlying Processes

This chapter presents and discusses a verbal WM training developed for older adults. The model of working memory (WM) proposed by Cornoldi and Vecchi, which is based on an analysis of individual and age-related differences, is used as a framework for discussing the efficacy of the WM training procedure proposed and developed for older adults. The model (a) assumes that different WM tasks (and underlying processes) may be located along two continua that describe the type of content to be processed and the degree of active control required by the task and (b) considers metacognitive/motivational aspects, which also have a role in determining WM performance. The WM training procedure presented here takes into account not only the capacity to use WM resources and attentional control by adopting an adaptive procedure, but also the importance of including variations in the training task demands to produce a challenging and engaging task that sustains motivation and favor the training’s short- and long-term efficacy, at least in older adults. These aspects seem crucial in explaining the results obtained with this verbal WM training program in aging.

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