scholarly journals What Features and Functions Are Desired in Telemedical Services Targeted at Polish Older Adults Delivered by Wearable Medical Devices?—Pre-COVID-19 Flashback

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (18) ◽  
pp. 5181
Author(s):  
Eliasz Kańtoch ◽  
Anna Kańtoch
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Medical Devices ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Telemedicine Service ◽  
Desirable Feature ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Wearable Medical ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Adult Volunteers

The emerging wearable medical devices open up new opportunities for the provision of health services and promise to accelerate the development of novel telemedical services. The main objective of this study was to investigate the desirable features and applications of telemedical services for the Polish older adults delivered by wearable medical devices. The questionnaire study was conducted among 146 adult volunteers in two cohorts (C.1: <65 years vs. C.2: ≥65 years). The analysis was based on qualitative research and descriptive statistics. Comparisons were performed by Pearson’s chi-squared test. The questionnaire, which was divided into three parts (1-socio-demographic data, needs, and behaviors; 2-health status; 3-telemedicine service awareness and device concept study), consisted of 37 open, semi-open, or closed questions. Two cohorts were analyzed (C.1: n = 77; mean age = 32 vs. C.2: n = 69; mean age = 74). The performed survey showed that the majority of respondents were unaware of the telemedical services (56.8%). A total of 62.3% of C.1 and 34.8% of C.2 declared their understanding of telemedical services. The 10.3% of correct explanations regarding telemedical service were found among all study participants. The most desirable feature was the detection of life-threatening and health-threatening situations (65.2% vs. 66.2%). The findings suggest a lack of awareness of telemedical services and the opportunities offered by wearable telemedical devices.

scholarly journals Frailty in a Frailty Prevention Program Participants During COVID-19 pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Japanese Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 822-822
Author(s):  
Takuya Kanamori ◽  
Mizue Suzuki ◽  
Tomoyoshi Naito ◽  
Keigo Inagaki ◽  
Hiroyuki Umegaki
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Prevention Program ◽  
Related Factor ◽  
Physical Frailty ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Program Attendance

Abstract Objective Health conditions of older adults have deteriorated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Few studies have reported on the frailty of this group of people. The study aimed to investigate physical and social frailty in participants in a frailty prevention program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Japan from January 2021. Further, 863 participants of a frailty prevention program completed the survey. The frequency of program attendance in 2020, physical frailty (5-item frailty screening index), social frailty（diagnostic criteria of social frailty in NCGG-SGS), and depression (GDS-5) were assessed. A related factor of physical frailty was analyzed statistically by Welch's t test and the Chi-squared test. Results The study participants’ mean age, proportion of women, and mean enrollment period in program were 86.8±4.9, 96.3%, 64.3±48.6 months, respectively. The program attendance ratio was 83.4% from January to March, 54.5% from April to June, 79.8% from July to September, and 80.0% from October to December. The prevalence of physical frailty was 20.3% non-frailty, 63.7% pre-frailty, and 15.6% frailty. The prevalence of social frailty was 10.0% non-frailty, 28.6% social pre-frailty, 61.8% social frailty, and the prevalence of depression was 36.8%. Participants with physical frailty were significantly older and showed higher prevalence of social frailty and depression, displaying significantly lower attendance program than non-frailty and pre-frailty older adults (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions The study results suggest that more than half of the participants of a frailty prevention program have social frailty and a high risk of physical frailty due to COVID-19.

scholarly journals Bidirectional Relationship Between Subjective Age and Frailty: Findings From the NHATS

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 271-271
Author(s):  
Yuxiao Li ◽  
Minhui Liu ◽  
Christina Miyawaki ◽  
Xiaocao Sun ◽  
Tianxue Hou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Clinical Syndrome ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Chronological Age ◽  
Subjective Age ◽  
Bidirectional Relationship ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Hispanic White

Abstract Frailty is a clinical syndrome that becomes increasingly common as people age. Subjective age refers to how young or old individuals experience themselves to be. It is associated with many risk factors of frailty, such as increased depression, worse cognitive function, and poorer psychological wellbeing. In this study, we examined the relationship between subjective age and frailty using the 2011-2015 waves of the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Participants were community-dwelling older adults without frailty in the initial wave (N=1,165). Subjective age was measured by asking participants, “What age do you feel most of the time?” Based on the Fried five phenotypic criteria: exhaustion, unintentional weight loss, low physical activity, slow gait, and weak grip strength, frailty was categorized into robust=0, pre-frail=1 or 2; frail=3 or more criteria met. Participants were, on average, 74.1±6.5 years old, female (52%), and non-Hispanic White (81%). Eighty-five percent of the participants felt younger, and 3% felt older than their chronological age, but 41% of them were pre-frail/frail. Generalized estimating equations revealed that an “older” subjective age predicted a higher likelihood of pre-frailty and frailty (OR, 95%CI= 1.01, 1.01-1.02). In contrast, frailty predicted an “older” subjective age (OR, 95%CI= 2.97, 1.65-5.35) adjusting for demographics and health conditions. These findings suggest a bidirectional relationship between subjective age and frailty. Older people who feel younger than their chronological age are at reduced risk of becoming pre-frail/frail. Intervention programs to delay frailty progression should include strategies that may help older adults perceive a younger subjective age.

scholarly journals Attitude toward Aging Mediates the Relationship between Personality and Mental Health in Older Adults

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 594
Author(s):  
Teshome Sirak Bedaso ◽  
Buxin Han
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Potential Mediator ◽  
The Relationship

This study aimed to examine attitude toward aging as a potential mediator of the relationship between personality factors and mental health in terms of depression and life satisfaction among older adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 438 Ethiopian elderly individuals aged 60 to 69. The results of the regression-based path analysis showed that after adjusting for demographic data, the relationship between agreeableness and depression in older adults was partially mediated by attitude toward aging. Likewise, attitude toward physical change due to aging and psychological growth subscales jointly mediated the correlation between neuroticism and depression. However, a significant direct path between neuroticism and depression persisted. On the contrary, openness had no significant direct association with depression apart from an indirect through psychosocial loss. The link between life satisfaction and agreeableness as well as openness to experience were partially mediated by psychosocial loss. Therefore, a person’s attitude toward aging and personality characteristics should be taken into consideration while designing interventions for managing mental health issues among older adults.

scholarly journals The Association of Sensory Impairment With Incident Disability-Related Cessation of Employment in Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 216-216
Author(s):  
Ahmed Shakarchi ◽  
Emmanuel Garcia Morales ◽  
Nicholas Reed ◽  
Bonnielin Swenor
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Sensory Impairment ◽  
Loss To Follow Up ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazard Regression ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Adjusted Model

Abstract Sensory impairment (SI) is common among older adults, and it is an increasingly important public health challenge as the population ages. We evaluated the association between SI and incident disability-related cessation of employment in older adults using the population-based Health and Retirement Study. Participants employed in 2006 completed biennial interviews until self-reported incident disability-related cessation of employment. Participants were censored at loss to follow-up, retirement, or 2018. Participants rated their vision and hearing, using eyeglasses or hearing aids if applicable, on a Likert scale (poor, fair, good, very good, excellent). SI was defined as poor or fair ability, and SI was categorized as neither SI (NSI), vision impairment alone (VI), hearing impairment alone (HI), and dual SI (DSI). Cox proportional hazard regression assessed the association between SI and incident disability-related cessation of employment, adjusting for demographic and health covariates. Overall, 4726 participants were included: 421 (8.9%) were with VI, 487 (10.3) with HI, and 203 (4.3%) with DSI. Mean age was 61.0 ± 6.8 years, 2488 (52.6%) were women, and 918 (19.4) were non-White. In the fully adjusted model, incident disability-related cessation of employment over the 12-year follow-up period was higher in VI (Hazard Ratio (HR)=1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.92, 1.85), HI (HR=1.60, CI=1.16, 2.22), and DSI (HR=2.02, CI=1.38, 2.96). These findings indicate that employed older adults with SI are at increased risk of incident disability-related cessation of employment, and that older adults with DSI are particularly vulnerable. Addressing SI in older adults may lengthen their contribution to the workforce.

scholarly journals Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment and Dementia Risk in Older Adults

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
G L Dunietz ◽  
R D Chervin ◽  
J F Burke ◽  
A S Conceicao ◽  
T J Braley
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Fee For Service ◽  
Medicare Beneficiaries ◽  
Lower Odds ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Not Otherwise Specified ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Study Objectives To examine associations between PAP therapy, adherence and incident diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia not-otherwise-specified (DNOS) in older adults. Methods This retrospective study utilized Medicare 5% fee-for-service claims data of 53,321 beneficiaries, aged 65+, with an OSA diagnosis prior to 2011. Study participants were evaluated using ICD-9 codes for neurocognitive syndromes [AD(n=1,057), DNOS(n=378), and MCI(n=443)] that were newly-identified between 2011-2013. PAP treatment was defined as presence of ≥1 durable medical equipment (HCPCS) code for PAP supplies. PAP adherence was defined as ≥2 HCPCS codes for PAP equipment, separated by≥1 month. Logistic regression models, adjusted for demographic and health characteristics, were used to estimate associations between PAP treatment or adherence and new AD, DNOS, and MCI diagnoses. Results In this sample of Medicare beneficiaries with OSA, 59% were men, 90% were non-Hispanic whites and 62% were younger than 75y. The majority (78%) of beneficiaries with OSA were prescribed PAP (treated), and 74% showed evidence of adherent PAP use. In adjusted models, PAP treatment was associated with lower odds of incident diagnoses of AD and DNOS (OR=0.78, 95% CI:0.69-0.89; and OR=0.69, 95% CI:0.55-0.85). Lower odds of MCI, approaching statistical significance, were also observed among PAP users (OR=0.82, 95% CI:0.66-1.02). PAP adherence was associated with lower odds of incident diagnoses of AD (OR=0.65, 95% CI:0.56-0.76). Conclusions PAP treatment and adherence are independently associated with lower odds of incident AD diagnoses in older adults. Results suggest that treatment of OSA may reduce risk of subsequent dementia.

scholarly journals Patterns and predictive factors of loss of the independence trajectory among community-dwelling older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Bimou ◽  
Michel Harel ◽  
Cécile Laubarie-Mouret ◽  
Noëlle Cardinaud ◽  
Marion Charenton-Blavignac ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Predictive Factors ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Cognitive Disorder ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Functional Autonomy ◽  
Process Loss ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Background Independence is related to the aging process. Loss of independence is defined as the inability to make decisions and participate in activities of daily living (ADLs). Independence is related to physical, psychological, biological, and socioeconomic factors. An enhanced understanding of older people’s independence trajectories and associated risk factors would enable the develop early intervention strategies. Methods Independence trajectory analysis was performed on patients identified in the Unité de Prévention de Suivi et d’Analyse du Vieillissement (UPSAV) database. UPSAV cohort is a prospective observational study. Participants were 221 community-dwelling persons aged ≥75 years followed for 24 months between July 2011–November 2013 and benefits from a prevention strategy. Data were collected prospectively using a questionnaire. Independence was assessed using the “Functional Autonomy Measurement System (Système de Mesure de l’Autonomie Fonctionnelle (SMAF))”. Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was performed to identify independence trajectories, and the results were compared with those of k-means and hierarchical ascending classifications. A multinomial logistic regression was performed to identify predictive factors of the independence trajectory. Results Three distinct trajectories of independence were identified including a “Stable functional autonomy (SFA) trajectory” (53% of patients), a “Stable then decline functional autonomy decline (SDFA) trajectory” (33% of patients) and a “Constantly functional autonomy decline (CFAD) trajectory” (14% of patients). Not being a member of an association, and previous fall were significantly associated of a SDFA trajectory (P < 0.01). Absence of financial and human assistance, no hobbies, and cognitive disorder were significantly associated with a CFAD trajectory (P < 0.01). Previous occupation and multiple pathologies were predictive factors of both declining trajectories SDFA and CFAD. Conclusions Community-living older persons exhibit distinct independence trajectories and the predictive factors. The evidence from this study suggests that the prevention and screening for the loss of independence of the older adults should be anticipated to maintaining autonomy.

‘We’re not doing it to be nasty’: Caregivers’ ethical dilemmas in negotiating driving safety with older adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Michelle N. Lafrance ◽  
Elizabeth Dreise ◽  
Lynne Gouliquer ◽  
Carmen Poulin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Driving Safety ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Ability To Drive

Abstract The purpose of this research was to investigate how informal caregivers of older adults cope with and negotiate driving safety when their loved one is no longer safe to drive. Fifteen informal caregivers of an older adult living at home took part in the present study. Participants cared for individuals with a range of health conditions that significantly impaired driving safety, including dementia, Parkinson’s disease, macular degeneration, and stroke. A thematic analysis of participants’ accounts identified the complex interpersonal, social, and organisational context they encountered when their loved one did not recognise or acknowledge limitations in their ability to drive. This analysis highlights the ethical dilemma at the heart of caregivers’ experiences and identifies stake and blame as key considerations in the development of sensitive and effective policies and practices.

Wireless power charger for wearable medical devices with in-band communication

2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (8) ◽  
pp. 1483-1493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Young-Jin Moon ◽  
Jeongpyo Park ◽  
Mingyu Jeong ◽  
Sang-Hyun Kim ◽  
Jin-Gyu Kang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Devices ◽  
Wireless Power ◽  
Wearable Medical

Determinants of pyelonephritis onset in patients with obstructive urolithiasis

2021 ◽  
pp. 039156032110352
Author(s):  
Georges Abi Tayeh ◽  
Ali Safa ◽  
Julien Sarkis ◽  
Marwan Alkassis ◽  
Nour Khalil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Renal Colic ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Vital Signs ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Stone Size ◽  
Positive Urine ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Fat Stranding ◽  
Obstructive Pyelonephritis

Background: Acute obstructive pyelonephritis due to urolithiasis represents a medico-surgical emergency that can lead to life-threatening complications. There are still no established factors that reliably predict progression toward acute pyelonephritis in patients presenting with a simple renal colic. Objective: To investigate clinical and paraclinical factors that are associated with the onset of acute obstructive pyelonephritis. Methods: Patients presenting to the emergency department for renal colic with obstructive urolithiasis on imaging were enrolled in the study. Demographic data, vital signs, medical comorbidities, blood test results, urinalysis, and radiological findings were recorded. Obstructive pyelonephritis was defined by the presence of two or more of the following criteria: fever, flank pain or costovertebral angle tenderness, and a positive urine culture. Results: Seventeen patients out of 120 presenting with renal colic, were diagnosed with acute obstructive pyelonephritis (14%). Parameters that were associated with the onset of obstructive pyelonephritis were: diabetes ( p = 0.03), elevated CRP ( p = 0.01), stone size (>5 mm) ( p = 0.03), dilatation of renal pelvis ( p = 0.01), peri-renal fat stranding ( p = 0.02), and positive nitrites on urinalysis ( p < 0.01). Hyperleukocytosis, acute kidney injury, multiple stones, pyuria (>10/mm3), hypertension, and were not associated with the onset of obstructive pyelonephritis. Conclusion: This study showed that known diabetic status, elevated CRP, positive urine nitrites, stone size (>5 mm), pyelic dilatation, and peri-renal fat stranding were associated with the onset of pyelonephritis in patients presenting to the emergency department with obstructive urolithiasis.

scholarly journals Factors Associated with Frailty According to Gender of Older Adults Living Alone

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 475
Author(s):  
Hye-Young Jang ◽  
Ji-Hye Kim
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Korean Elderly

This study was conducted to identify the factors associated with frailty according to gender of older adults living alone in Korea. Data from the National Survey of the Living Conditions of Korean Elderly in 2017 were used. Participants were 2340 older adults who live alone. Frailty was determined based on the frailty criteria developed by van Kan et al. that consist of fatigue, resistance, ambulation, and illness. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared test, t-test, Jonckheere–Terpstra test and multinomial logistic regression. Among the older men living alone, 47.7% were in the pre-frail and 5.1% were in the frail. On the other hand, 51.8% were in the pre-frail and 12.2% were in the frail among the older women living alone. The factors associated with frailty according to gender are as follows. In males, depressive symptoms, limitation in IADL, and number of medications in pre-frail; BMI, limitation in IADL, and number of chronic diseases in frail. In females, depressive symptoms, number of chronic diseases, age, and nutritional status in pre-frail; limitation in IADL, depressive symptoms, age, number of chronic diseases, number of medications, nutritional status in frail. Based on the findings of this study, it is considered necessary to approach frailty management considering gender as well as the classification of frailty.

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