scholarly journals Hidden Hunger: Solutions for America’s Aging Populations

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manfred Eggersdorfer ◽  
Ucheoma Akobundu ◽  
Regan Bailey ◽  
Julie Shlisky ◽  
Amy Beaudreault ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Nutrient Status ◽  
Aging Population ◽  
The United States ◽  
Demographic Shift ◽  
Demographic Group ◽  
Hidden Hunger ◽  
Aging Populations ◽  
Global Population

The global population, including the United States, is experiencing a demographic shift with the proportion of older adults (aged ≥ 65 years) growing faster than any other age group. This demographic group is at higher risk for developing nutrition-related chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes as well as infections such as influenza and pneumonia. As a result, an emphasis on nutrition is instrumental for disease risk reduction. Unfortunately, inadequate nutrient status or deficiency, often termed hidden hunger, disproportionately affects older adults because of systematic healthcare, environmental, and biological challenges. This report summarizes the unique nutrition challenges facing the aging population and identifies strategies, interventions, and policies to address hidden hunger among the older adults, discussed at the scientific symposium “Hidden Hunger: Solutions for America’s Aging Population”, on March 23, 2018.

Refining Evidence-Based Treatments for Late-Life Depression

GeroPsych ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-76
Author(s):  
Grace C. Niu ◽  
Patricia A. Arean
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Brain Plasticity ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Aging Population ◽  
The United States ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Late Life Depression ◽  
Evidence Based Treatments

The recent increase in the aging population, specifically in the United States, has raised concerns regarding treatment for mental illness among older adults. Late-life depression (LLD) is a complex condition that has become widespread among the aging population. Despite the availability of behavioral interventions and psychotherapies, few depressed older adults actually receive treatment. In this paper we review the research on refining treatments for LLD. We first identify evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for LLD and the problems associated with efficacy and dissemination, then review approaches to conceptualizing mental illness, specifically concepts related to brain plasticity and the Research Domain Criteria (RDoc). Finally, we introduce ENGAGE as a streamlined treatment for LLD and discuss implications for future research.

scholarly journals Examining Cardiovascular Disease Risk Profiles Among Older Adults With and Without Fibromyalgia

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 430-430
Author(s):  
Dylan Serpas ◽  
Barbara Cherry ◽  
Laura Zettel-Watson
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽  
The United States ◽  
Normal Aging ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Health Profiles

Abstract Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Preexisting chronic health conditions may be confer increased CVD risk, specifically fibromyalgia (FM), a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, stiffness, and concentration problems. CVD risk increases with normal aging; however, characteristics of FM are suggested to exacerbate health profiles in normal aging processes that may contribute to increased CVD risk. Method: The sample included 221 older adults (M=63.40, SD=8.86; 82% female; 88% White/European American) and 55% reported an FM diagnosis. CVD risk factors were entered separately in a five-block hierarchical binary logistic regression model as predictors and included: cardiorespiratory fitness using the six-minute walk, BMI, standing and lying mean arterial pressure (MAP), and depression using the Beck Depression Inventory. Results: Logistic regression analyses revealed that poorer cardiorespiratory fitness (OR=.99, 95% CI=.99-1.00, p=.001), greater depressive symptoms (OR=1.35, 95% CI=1.19-1.53, p< .001) and lower standing MAP (OR=.98, 95% CI=.96-1.00, p=.036) were associated with higher odds of an FM diagnosis. However, no differences in lying MAP (OR=1.02, 95% CI=1.00-1.04, p=.137) or BMI (OR=1.02, 95% CI=.95-1.10, p=.644) for an FM diagnosis emerged. Discussion: These data support the importance of examining the health profiles of persons with FM in the context of CVD risk. Experiences of FM may produce distinct health profiles with characteristics that serve as both protective and risk factors in the context of CVD.

scholarly journals East Meets West: Developing Support Systems to Meet the Diverse Needs of Older Adults in the United States and in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 583-583
Author(s):  
Bei Wu ◽  
Jiehua Lu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Support Systems ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Aging Population ◽  
The United States ◽  
Intergenerational Support ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Caregiver Support ◽  
The U.S

Abstract With the rapid growth of the aging population around the world, developing support systems for older adults has become increasingly important. It is crucial for researchers， educators, policy makers to share their experience and knowledge to initiate innovative and supportive programs and services that will meet the challenges of the aging population. The East meets West Forum is a platform that researchers from the Gerontological Society of America and the Chinese Association for Gerontology and Geriatrics established in 2017. Previously, the East meets West Forum focused on the issues of the long-term care (LTC) workforce, LTC services, and programs for older adults in the U.S and in China. In this session, we include four presentations (two from the U.S. and two from China) that focus on a broader area of support systems, beyond LTC, that would meet the diverse needs of older adults from housing, wellness visits, family caregiving system, to end of life care. More specially, it includes: 1) expand housing services for low-income older adults; 2) strengthen family support systems and promote intergenerational support; 3) develop a comprehensive program for early detection and treatment of dementia at primary care settings; and 4) examine diversity in the family care patterns for the oldest old. This session provides opportunities for aging researchers/educators from two countries to share their knowledge and experience on developing supportive systems for older adults and their families. It also provides policy discussions on improving health and family caregiver support services in these two countries.

Making Aging Healthier

Pained ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 207-208
Author(s):  
Michael D. Stein ◽  
Sandro Galea
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Older People ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Aging Population ◽  
Built Environments ◽  
Aging Populations

This chapter studies four new realities which need to be considered in addressing the needs of the aging population. First, healthy aging is the ultimate example of prevention in action. To age in a healthy way, we have to prevent disease from taking hold, suggesting a redoubled effort in preventing some of the conditions—such as obesity and substance use—that result in unhealthy older life. Second, we must take steps such as creating more accessible built environments, and ensuring older adults have volunteer opportunities, to make sure populations remain integrated in communities as they age. Third, we must close health gaps that exist among aging populations. These include gaps created by race, LGBTQ status, and socioeconomic status. Finally, we need to intensify our efforts to tackle the health challenges that older people face, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

scholarly journals 672 COVID-19 Anxiety and Sleep in Middle-aged and Older Adults: Impact of Age and Sex

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A262-A263
Author(s):  
Sadhika Jagannathan ◽  
Mikayla Rodgers ◽  
Christina S McCrae ◽  
Mary Beth Miller ◽  
Ashley Curtis
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Sleep Duration ◽  
The United States ◽  
Sleep Efficiency ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Aging Populations ◽  
Middle Aged Adults ◽  
Age And Sex

Abstract Introduction COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory illness that was declared a pandemic in March 2020. During the course of COVID-19, studies have demonstrated worsening sleep quality and anxiety. No studies have examined age-related and sex-specific associations between COVID-19 anxiety and sleep in aging populations. We examined associations between COVID-19 anxiety and sleep, and evaluated age and sex as moderators, in middle-aged/older adults. Methods Two hundred and seventy-seven middle-aged/older adults aged 50+ (Mage=64.68, SD=7.83; 44% women) living in the United States who were cognitively healthy (no cognitive impairment/dementia/neurological disorders) completed an online Qualtrics survey in July/August 2020 measuring sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; PSQI) and COVID-19 anxiety (Coronavirus Anxiety Scale; CAS). Multiple regressions examined whether CAS was independently associated with or interacted with age or sex in its associations with PSQI total score/subscores (sleep quality, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, daytime dysfunction), controlling for age, education, number of medical conditions, sleep/pain medication use, and COVID-19 status. Results CAS interacted with age (B=-.008, SE=.003 p=.02, R-squared=.02), not sex (p=.31), in its association with sleep duration. Higher CAS was associated with shorter sleep duration in oldest-older adults (~73 years old; B=.12, SE=.05, p=.01) and younger-older adults (~65 years old; B=.07, SE=.03, p=.02), not middle-aged adults (~57 years old, p=.47). CAS interacted with age (B=.01, SE=.004, p=.02), not sex (p=.56), in its association with sleep efficiency. Higher CAS was associated with worse sleep efficiency in oldest-older adults (B=.14, SE=.05, p=.009) and younger-older adults (B=.08, SE=.04, p=.03), not middle-aged adults (p=.60). Higher CAS was associated with greater daytime dysfunction (B=.26, SE=.07, p<.001) and higher PSQI total score (B=.82, SE=.33, p=.01), and did not interact with age or sex (ps>.05). Conclusion Increased COVID-19 anxiety is associated with several aspects of worse sleep (shorter sleep duration, sleep efficiency) in older adults but not middle-aged adults. Generally, in middle-aged/older adults, higher COVID-19 anxiety is associated with worse daytime dysfunction and overall sleep quality. Sex does not moderate these associations. Increased COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in aging populations may translate to increased anxiety and subsequent sleep disruptions. Interventions aimed at mitigating negative pandemic-related psychological and sleep outcomes may be particularly relevant for older adults. Support (if any):

scholarly journals Examining the Pharmacist Labor Supply in the United States: Increasing Medication Use, Aging Society, and Evolution of Pharmacy Practice

Pharmacy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan H. Watanabe
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Medical Expenditure Panel Survey ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Labor Demand ◽  
Pharmacy Practice ◽  
The United States ◽  
Medical Expenditure ◽  
Demographic Shift ◽  
Case Scenario ◽  
The Us

The increasing number of pharmacists in the US has generated concern regarding potential oversupply. A 2018 analysis from the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (NCHWA) in the US projected a best case scenario of an oversupply of more than 18,000 pharmacists in the year 2030. In this commentary, the limitations of this general health labor force analysis by the NCHWA are described. The goal of this work was to provide a more nuanced examination of the pharmacist labor demand in the US. Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the US Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) were utilized to examine, annually over a ten year period ending in 2017, the number of pharmacists, the ratio of pharmacists to persons living in the US, the ratio of pharmacists to older adults living in the US, and the ratio of medications to pharmacists. The number of pharmacists grew from 266,410 in 2008 to 309,330 in 2017. As anticipated, despite a growing US population, the ratio of people living in the US per pharmacist dropped unabated from 1141 to 1053 from 2008 to 2017, respectively. However, the reverse trend was observed for the ratio of persons 65 years or older per pharmacist. This ratio increased from 146.1 older adults to each pharmacist in 2008 to 164.3 in 2017. The accelerating demographic shift to an older population is also reversing an overall trend in the number of medications to pharmacist that will continue for the foreseeable future. While the ratio of medications to pharmacist dropped overall from 2008 to 2016, it has begun to rise again from 2016 to 2017. Beyond the increasing number of medications attributable to a rapidly aging population, there is a growing demand for clinical care from pharmacists due to the maturing environment of complex, costly medications for chronic disease treatment. As the portion of total health expenditure is increasingly devoted to medications and the US health delivery system continues its movement to community-based care, the demand for pharmacist care will require a larger number of pharmacists trained for advanced-practice care.

New micro-mobilities and aging in the suburbs

2021 ◽  
pp. 115-132
Author(s):  
Jennifer Dean ◽  
Edward Donato
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
World Health ◽  
Age In Place ◽  
Global Trend ◽  
Aging Populations ◽  
Older Adult Population ◽  
Global Population

This chapter discusses the World Health Organization's (WHO) launch of the Age-Friendly Cities (AFCs) program as a response to the global trend towards aging populations and increasing urbanization. It outlines the WHO's anticipation that by 2050, approximately 22 percent of the global population will be over the age of 60 years, with the majority residing in sub/urban areas. It examines the intensity of older adults that will be felt in small and mid-sized cities where the mean older adult dependency ratio will grow by 103 percent and 90 percent respectfully by 2036. The chapter considers the certainty of demographic change and the heterogeneity of the older adult population, which acquires a time-sensitive need to understand how to support older adults who desire to age in place or live safely and independently in their existing communities. It looks at academic literature that links built environments and human health.

scholarly journals Healthy aging through the lens of community-based practitioners: a focus group study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rubee Dev ◽  
Oleg Zaslavsky ◽  
Barbara Cochrane ◽  
Thomas Eagen ◽  
Nancy F Woods
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Aging Population ◽  
The United States ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Community Based

Abstract Background: Nearly one in every seven Americans is 65 years and older, facing day-to-day challenge of aging. Although interest in healthy aging is growing, most of the efforts are directed towards understanding the perceptions of older adults. Little is known about the perspectives of community-based practitioners who work with older adults and deliver programs to promote healthy aging. The purpose of this project was to expand knowledge on healthy aging by exploring the perspectives of community-based practitioners working directly with older adults. Methods: We purposively sampled community-based practitioners (n=12, including nurses, physician, social workers, and other community services professionals) working with older adults, who then participated in one of three in-depth focus group discussions conducted between March and June 2016. Each focus group discussion lasted for about two hours. Verbatim transcript data were analyzed in Atlas.ti 7 using a conventional content analysis with an inductive approach, and consensual validation of coding was achieved.Results: Three core categories of healthy aging were identified: (1) characteristics of healthy aging; (2) healthy aging attainment; and (3) programs and activities for healthy aging. Practitioners identified a number of characteristics of healthy aging under person-specific (physiological, basic, psych-emotional, and cognitive needs), social aspects (creating community and contributing to the community), and spiritual dimensions (cultural views and beliefs) of healthy aging. Healthy aging attainment was represented as facilitators and barriers both with respect to care recipients and care providers, and programs and activities through promoting fitness and wellness. Conclusions: The rapidly changing demographics and aging population in the United States and their various needs suggest the implications for recognizing opportunities and developing and implementing programs to promote healthy aging. Although practitioners’ perspectives had some overlap with traditional research and medical views on healthy aging, the unique and holistic conceptual framework derived in the study might provide a more refined foundation for delivering appropriate health care services to the American aging population.

scholarly journals Loneliness and Social Isolation in Older Adults: The Effects of a Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Amber Heape
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Aging Population ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Geriatric Population

Purpose: This clinical focus article examines the effect of social isolation and loneliness forced by the pandemic on the geriatric population. Since March 11, 2020, when a global pandemic was declared, a new concept of social distancing has swept the United States and the world. While these efforts have been challenging for the entire population, there has been a disproportionate effect on minority groups, low-income communities, and one especially vulnerable group that has emerged: older adults. Method: A review of existing scientific research on social isolation and loneliness in the aging population was conducted. Current demographic data on the aging population were gathered to determine clinical applicability of research evidence. Principles of bioethics were considered within a risk/benefit assessment related to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Social determinants of health were examined within the context of the pandemic. Results: Research supports the link between social isolation, loneliness, and negative outcomes in older adults. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the prevalence of these negative effects, including anxiety/depression, neuroinflammation, substance abuse, physical or nutritional deficits, and a decline in overall health. Conclusion: Strategies to mitigate the negative effects of social isolation may include technological intervention, attendance at virtual events, socially distanced outdoor activities, family connection, and cognitive stimulation or leisure tasks.

scholarly journals Want to Engage More Physical Therapy Students in Geriatrics? Teach the 4Ms

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 14-15
Author(s):  
Tiffany Shubert ◽  
Cristine Henage
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Programs ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Physical Therapy Students ◽  
Demographic Shift ◽  
The Impact ◽  
What Matters

Abstract In 2019, 1.2% of the 209,000 licensed physical therapists in the United States had completed sufficient training to be Geriatric Certified Specialists. The dramatic demographic shift in the population will require all physical therapists to have foundational knowledge of evidence-based management of older adults. Our purpose was to pilot the impact of an 8-week curriculum for physical therapy students that integrated key concepts of rehabilitation for older adults with the Age-Friendly Health System’s 4Ms (Mentation, Mobility, Medications, What Matters). The curriculum included guest speakers from medicine, social work, nutrition, pharmacy, community providers (YMCA) and older adults. Every class modeled how to assess the Ms and integrate information into a plan aligned with what matters to the client. Students completed a pre-post survey to evaluate their understanding of the 4Ms, and self-assess confidence in applying concepts to practice. Results supported the value of integrating the 4Ms into the curriculum. Over 89% of respondents reported assessing medications and mentation was very important to patient care compared to 11% and 33% pre-course, and 78% of students reporting they were highly-likely to advocate for the 4Ms as part of their practice. The 4Ms provided a framework that made geriatric care more appealing. Several students commented they had no interest in geriatrics prior to the course, but were more confident in their abilities and more interested in caring for older adults. Findings from this pilot support the value of the 4Ms as a framework for graduate-level allied health programs curriculum development.

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