Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Angela Y. M. Leung, Jing Jing Su, Elsa S. H. Lee, Jeff T. S. Fung, Alex Molassiotis
Summary: This study using the WHO ICOPE framework assessed intrinsic capacity impairment in community-dwelling older adults and investigated the relationship between intrinsic capacity, social engagement, and self-care capacity. The findings showed that the ICOPE screening tool is sensitive in detecting intrinsic capacity impairment, which is prevalent in locomotor and cognitive capacity among community-dwelling older adults. Younger age, higher education, and absence of hypertension were associated with better intrinsic capacity. Intrinsic capacity was positively associated with self-care capacity and social engagement.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Amanda Kenny, Virginia Dickson-Swift, Carina Ka Yee Chan, Mohd Masood, Mark Gussy, Bradley Christian, Brad Hodge, Susan Furness, Lisa C. Hanson, Samantha Clune, Emma Zadow, Ron J. Knevel
Summary: This study aims to explore evidence on oral health interventions for older people in residential aged care facilities, develop a causal theory, and produce guidelines to improve the quality of oral health interventions.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Pablo Galvez-Hernandez, Luis Gonzalez-de Paz, Carles Muntaner
Summary: This study found a lack of consistency in strategies to identify lonely and socially isolated older adults in primary care, potentially leading to conflicts between intervention content and participant needs. Additionally, there was a predominance of schemes linking primary care with non-healthcare sectors, but durable interventions were scarce despite the need reported by professionals and participants for long-lasting interventions to create meaningful social networks. Sustainability should be a core outcome when implementing loneliness and social isolation interventions in primary care.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Tassiane Cristine Santos Paula, Camila Chagas, Ana Regina Noto, Maria Lucia Oliveira Souza Formigoni, Tiago Veiga Pereira, Cleusa Pinheiro Ferri
Summary: This study aims to examine the effectiveness of interventions delivered by community health workers in reducing alcohol consumption among older adults in a primary healthcare setting. A total of 242 at-risk drinkers will be recruited and randomly allocated to receive usual care or an intervention provided by trained non-specialist community health workers in Brazil. The outcomes will be evaluated after a 6-month follow-up period including alcohol consumption, cognitive performance, physical activity, depression, and quality of life.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Natalia Arias-Casais, Jotheeswaran Amuthavalli Thiyagarajan, Monica Rodrigues Perracini, Eunok Park, Lieve van den Block, Yuka Sumi, Ritu Sadana, Anshu Banerjee, Zee-A Han
Summary: This study aimed to identify and categorize long-term care interventions for older adults based on the WHO's public health framework. The interventions were diverse, targeting various settings and areas to address chronic conditions, loss of capacity, and functional decline. However, the majority of interventions reported in the literature were from high-income settings, indicating a lack of research from low-resource settings.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Dimitra Panagiotoglou, Michal Abrahamowicz, David L. Buckeridge, J. Jaime Caro, Eric Latimer, Mathieu Maheu-Giroux, Erin C. Strumpf
Summary: This study aims to conduct a comprehensive cost-effectiveness analysis of harm reduction interventions for people who inject drugs, taking into account the prevention of skin, soft tissue and vascular infections, as well as anoxic/toxicity-related brain injury, in addition to traditional measures of benefit such as HIV, hepatitis C, and overdose morbidity and mortalities averted.
Editorial Material
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Simon Conroy, Matt Thomas
Summary: Geriatric medicine focuses on the care of older people, especially those with frailty. Comprehensive geriatric assessment is a holistic form of care that can reduce adverse outcomes. The specialty has evolved from community-based services to acute care, posing a challenge in delivering optimal geriatric care across the entire hospital.
Editorial Material
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Judith S. L. Partridge, S. Ramani Moonesinghe, Nicholas Lees, Jugdeep K. Dhesi
Summary: Increasing numbers of older people are undergoing surgery, but they are more prone to postoperative medical complications. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and optimisation can reduce these complications and be cost effective in the perioperative setting. However, challenges in implementing such services need to be addressed.
Article
Psychiatry
Carla Kotze, Johannes Lodewikus Roos, Rene Ehlers
Summary: The study found that 65% of older individuals with serious mental illness had decision-making capacity for end-of-life decisions, were able to express their values and engage in advance care discussions. Healthcare providers have a duty to initiate advance care discussions, optimize decision-making capacity, and protect autonomous decision-making.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Enwu Liu, Maggie Killington, Ian D. Cameron, Raymond Li, Susan Kurrle, Maria Crotty
Summary: This study assessed the life expectancy of aged care facility residents in Australia who experienced hip fracture and found that age, gender, and cognition level were associated with life expectancy. The study revealed that the life expectancy for these patients was significantly shorter than that of the general Australian population.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jenny Lau, Philip Ding, Samantha Lo, Rouhi Fazelzad, Andrea D. Furlan, Sarina R. Isenberg, Sheryl Spithoff, Alissa Tedesco, Camilla Zimmermann, Daniel Z. Buchman
Summary: Palliative care interventions for people who use substances during communicable disease outbreaks are crucial, but currently, there is limited knowledge about this issue, especially in resource-limited countries. Further research and guidance are needed.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Despina Pampaka, Katerina Pantavou, George Giallouros, Eirini Pavlitina, Leslie D. Williams, Daniele Piovani, Stefanos Bonovas, Georgios K. Nikolopoulos
Summary: This study examined factors associated with poor mental health among PWID, finding a positive relationship between unemployment and depression, as well as injecting drug use as a risk factor for low positive affect scores. However, poor mental health was not directly linked to HIV-related stigma or social support. Perceived access to care was associated with low depression, and HIV-positive participants reported higher scores than HIV-negative participants.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Nursing
Sarah Wayland, Sarah Coker, Myfanwy Maple
Summary: This paper reports on a study that explored the experiences of caregivers providing care for individuals who have previously attempted suicide. Through thematic analysis of qualitative interview data, two symbiotic themes emerged: the lived experience of caring and the impact of engagement and support from the healthcare system. The authors highlight the multidimensional role of caregivers and emphasize the importance of being aware of the shifting relationship dynamics in providing care.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Alice Day, Kay Phelps, John Maltby, Emma Palmer, Keith Snell, Derek Raine, Simon Conroy
Summary: This study aimed to develop a programme theory to guide the design of loneliness interventions through a mixed-method evaluation informed by the realist approach. Common local interventions focused on enhancing social connectivity, providing emotional support and advice/information, but none were robustly evaluated. Interviews and focus groups with service providers and users helped create an overarching programme theory that highlighted the need for a personalized approach to address the wide variation in causes and consequences of loneliness.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Paul D. Meesters
Summary: The number of elderly people with schizophrenia aged 65 years and above is increasing, posing challenges to the existing care systems. Research on schizophrenia in later life has been limited, but recent years have seen a significant increase in novel and high-quality studies. Older people with schizophrenia include those who had an early onset and aged with the disorder, as well as a smaller but significant group with a late onset. With aging, physical needs become more important and medical comorbidity contributes to higher mortality. Symptoms and functioning fluctuate with time, leading to deterioration in some but improvement in others. It is worth noting that a substantial number of older people may experience subjective well-being despite ongoing symptoms and social impairments. Many individuals with schizophrenia live in the community, but when institutionalization is needed, they are often placed in residential or nursing homes where staff is ill-equipped to address their complex needs. There is a need for new care models that integrate mental health and general health systems.
Editorial Material
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Celine Demonceau, Charlotte Beaudart, Jean-Yves Reginster, Nicola Veronese, Olivier Bruyere
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Francesco Di Gennaro, Alessandra Belati, Ottavia Tulone, Lucia Diella, Davide Fiore Bavaro, Roberta Bonica, Vincenzo Genna, Lee Smith, Mike Trott, Olivier Bruyere, Luigi Mirarchi, Claudia Cusumano, Ligia Juliana Dominguez, Annalisa Saracino, Nicola Veronese, Mario Barbagallo
Summary: This study used a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to determine the incidence of long COVID symptoms. The results showed that patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 may experience long-term COVID symptoms regardless of the severity of the acute illness. There were differences in the prevalence of long COVID symptoms among different genders, age groups, continents, and follow-up lengths.
INTERNAL AND EMERGENCY MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Xiao-Xuan Zhao, Wen-Qing Xie, Wen-Feng Xiao, Heng-Zhen Li, Shinen Naranmandakh, Olivier Bruyere, Jean-Yves Reginster, Yu-Sheng Li
Summary: This review discusses the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) and focuses on the role of perlecan in the development of OA. Perlecan has a protective effect in normal cartilage and is involved in vascular invasion, catabolic and anabolic actions of chondrocytes, and pain sensitization pathways in OA.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Rebecca J. Moon, Jean-Yves Reginster, Nasser M. Al-Daghri, Jotheeswaran A. Thiyagarajan, Charlotte Beaudart, Olivier Bruyere, Nansa Burlet, Manju Chandran, Mario Coelho da Silva, Philip G. Conaghan, Willard H. Dere, Adolfo Diez-Perez, Peyman Hadji, Philippe Halbout, Mickael Hiligsmann, John A. Kanis, Eugene V. McCloskey, Sif Ormarsdottir, Daniel Prieto-Alhambra, Regis P. Radermecker, Rene Rizzoli, Yousef Al-Saleh, Stuart L. Silverman, Lee S. Simon, Friederike Thomasius, Tjeerd van Staa, Andrea Laslop, Cyrus Cooper, Nicholas C. Harvey
Summary: This narrative review summarises the recommendations of a Working Group of the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) for real-world evidence studies in osteoporosis research. The review emphasizes the importance of conducting research using real-world data to the highest standards and ensuring transparency throughout the study process.
OSTEOPOROSIS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Robinson Ramirez-Velez, Maria Iriarte-Fernandez, Guzman Santaf, Armando Malanda, John R. Beard, Antonio Garcia-Hermoso, Mikel Izquierdo
Summary: The World Health Organization (WHO) introduced a framework for healthy aging that focuses on functional ability instead of absence of disease. In a prospective cohort study, the link between mortality and respiratory diseases was investigated in almost half a million adults. The study found that higher levels of functional ability were associated with increased risk of respiratory disease mortality, highlighting the importance of the WHO's framework in improving geriatric care.
RESPIRATORY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Alexis Messina, Michael Schyns, Bjoern-Olav Dozo, Vincent Denoel, Romain Van Hulle, Anne-Marie Etienne, Stephanie Delroisse, Olivier Bruyere, Vincent D'Orio, Sebastien Fontaine, Michele Guillaume, Anne-Catherine Lange, Gilles Louppe, Fabienne Michel, Anne-Sophie Nyssen, Fabrice Bureau, Eric Haubruge, Anne-Francoise Donneau, Laurent Gillet, Claude Saegerman
Summary: The University of Liege in Belgium commissioned the creation of a serious game called SARS Wars to raise awareness of preventive measures among its university community. After almost two years of design, the game was created as a decision-making management game for browsers and smartphones. The game integrates an adapted SEIR model and allows a better understanding of pandemics and epidemics.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Celine Demonceau, Fanny Buckinx, Jean-Yves Reginster, Olivier Bruyere
Summary: This study investigated the relationships between frailty, nutritional status, muscle strength, and the incidence and severity of Covid-19 in nursing home residents. The results showed that after adjusting for covariates, there was no association between frailty, nutritional status, grip strength, and the incidence and severity of Covid-19.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Robinson Ramirez-Velez, Maria Iriarte-Fernandez, Guzman Santafe, Armando Malanda, John R. Beard, Antonio Garcia-Hermoso, Mikel Izquierdo
Summary: The concept of intrinsic capacity (IC) is proposed by the World Health Organization as central for healthy ageing. This study examines the association between IC and cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and mortality in middle- and older-aged adults. The results indicate that IC deficit score is a powerful predictor of CVD incidence and premature death.
JOURNAL OF CACHEXIA SARCOPENIA AND MUSCLE
(2023)
Article
Gerontology
Kar Him Mo, Esther Ng, Jean Woo, Rina Ko
Summary: This study examines the differences in perception of intergenerational living among three age categories of older adults: emerging old (aged 50-64), young-old (aged 65-79), and old-old (aged 80 and above). Survey results indicate that while all three age categories have similar perceptions of intergenerational living and its benefits, emerging old respondents are more receptive to various forms of intergenerational living compared to the other two age categories. The findings of this study can contribute to future housing solutions that better cater to the diverse needs of the older population.
JOURNAL OF AGING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Ruby Yu, G. Leung, D. Lai, C. Tong, L. Y. Tam, C. Cheng, S. Kong, J. Woo
Summary: Although integrated care is considered a key strategy in health system reform, particularly in medical social integration, it is challenging to implement in practice. This study aimed to investigate the capacity and role of social care professionals in implementing integrated care, as well as the barriers and facilitators identified by stakeholders. The findings suggest a gap in actualizing the integrated care approach within existing social service and care structures, but also support for the WHO ICOPE approach as a model for integrated care. Factors hindering and facilitating implementation include workforce capacity-building, coordinated networks and partnerships, and financial mechanisms.
JOURNAL OF FRAILTY & AGING
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
R. Yu, D. Lai, G. Leung, J. Woo
Summary: This study aimed to identify different patterns of intrinsic capacity (IC) trajectories in older people and examine their associations with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). Three distinct IC trajectories were identified, with the first class being more likely to preserve IADL compared to the second class.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION HEALTH & AGING
(2023)
Article
Gerontology
Kar Him Mo, Danyang Lei, Jean Woo, Rina Ko
Summary: This study explores the housing preferences of older adults in Hong Kong's private housing estates, finding that safety, thermal comfort, and health-related information become increasingly important as people age. Proximity to facilities, on-site support, and social media were preferred for property information, while home assessment received less attention. The study offers recommendations for improving housing design standards, property management practices, and public education programs for older adults.
JOURNAL OF AGING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Fanny Buckinx, Marvin Rezoulat, Esar Lefranc, Jean-Yves Reginster, Olivier Bruyere
Summary: This study demonstrates that remote physical performance measurements of older adults exhibit consistently high levels of relative reliability compared to face-to-face measurements. Additionally, certain remote evaluations show acceptable absolute reliability.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Ken Cheung, Anson Kai Chun Chau, Jean Woo, Eric T. C. Lai
Summary: This study explored the perceptions of older adults in a highly digitalized city in Hong Kong regarding the impact of the digital age on their daily living during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings indicated that while ICT provided numerous benefits to the daily life of older adults, they also expressed concerns about age-related losses and the fear of digital exclusion.
ARCHIVES OF GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Eric Tsz Chun Lai, Suzanne C. Ho, Jean Woo
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between social isolation, socioeconomic status, and functional impairment. The results showed that older people with lower socioeconomic status, particularly those with lower income, were at a higher risk of social isolation. However, it was unclear whether social isolation mediated the relationship between socioeconomic status and functional impairment.
AGING CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
