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• We offer a framework for the socioeconomic implications of aging populations. • We introduce a composite indicator: the Senior Economy Tracker (SET). • The SET assesses inter/intra-regional readiness in adapting to aging populations. • The SET guides policymaking and raises awareness of this demographic challenge. Aging constitutes the dominant demographic challenge globally. The demographic transition entails a paradigm shift in the economic model to accommodate economic structures to life-expectancy gains. The socioeconomic implications from this transition remain largely undefined conceptually from an integrated perspective and unrecognized in official statistics. This study introduces a multidimensional and multi-actor reference framework, and a composite indicator, the Senior Economy Tracker (SET), to measure national readiness and progress in adapting to the demographic transition, over time and across countries. We apply our indicator to 27 European countries in 2010-2021. Our study reveals crucial differences in pathways and stages of maturity in addressing the socioeconomic impacts of aging. The proposed indicator aims to guide action to adapt economic structures to longer life spans, assist organizational and individual decision making, facilitate the development of effective policy interventions and raise awareness of the demographic transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Older women might achieve similar surgical outcomes following transobturator mid-urethral sling procedures as younger women. Older age is associated with greater likelihood of urinary incontinence and unmet care needs. It was hypothesized that age might influence clinical and ultrasound outcomes of transobturator mid-urethral sling (TOS) surgery. The aim of this study was to compare 1-year postoperative clinical and ultrasonographic outcomes of TOS surgery among women of different ages. A retrospective analysis of a cohort of women who underwent primary and isolated TOS surgery for uncomplicated urodynamic stress incontinence was undertaken. All women underwent pre-operative and 1-year postoperative evaluations including clinical interview, pelvic examination, urodynamic studies and introital four-dimensional ultrasound. To be eligible for surgery, women needed to be independent in their daily life, and to have an acceptable level of surgical risk on pre-operative assessment. The primary outcome was the rate of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after surgery. The secondary outcomes comprised postoperative adverse events and ultrasound findings. In total, 162, 213, 60 and 29 women aged <51, 51–64, 65–74 and ≥75 years, respectively, were included in this study. At 1-year postoperative assessment, older women were more likely to report SUI and bothersome SUI, while the severity of SUI and postoperative adverse events were similar in older women compared with other age groups. Ultrasound revealed that the sling tended to be looser and higher in older women. TOS surgery is effective and safe for women of all ages who are independent in their daily life and who have an acceptable level of surgical risk. The sling tended to be looser and higher in older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme that is responsible for the production of lactic acid, which is a necessary byproduct when the body does not have enough oxygen. LDH levels in the blood can be used as a marker to predict mortality in patients with ARDS, severe COVID-19, and cancer. To analyze the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in the elderly and the correlation between LDH and respiratory failure in COVID-19 patients, to improve the identification and management of this type of pneumonia by clinicians. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study. We performed routine laboratory tests in 105 COVID-19 patients admitted to the affiliated hospital of Qingdao University (Qingdao, China) from October 1, 2022 to February 1, 2023. The diagnosis of respiratory failure was established based on the results of blood gas analysis upon admission. Results: The median age was 79 years. Among all univariable parameters, LDH, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and Prothrombin Time (PT) were significantly independent risk factors of RF in elderly COVID-19 patients. LDH (AUC=0.829) also had a maximum specificity (96.5%), with the cutoff value of 280.5. Conclusion: The levels of LDH, NLR, and PT may serve as potential indicators for elderly COVID-19 patients combined with respiratory failure. LDH, NLR and PT assays can be beneficial for patients who need closer respiratory monitoring and more aggressive supportive care to prevent a negative prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As the world's population ages, there has been increasing attention to developing health policies to support older adults. Engaging older adults in policy‐making is one way to ensure that policy decisions align with their needs and priorities. However, ageist stereotypes often underestimate older adults' ability to participate in such initiatives. This scoping review aims to describe the characteristics and impacts of public engagement initiatives designed to help inform health policy‐making for older adults. Methods: A systematic search of peer‐reviewed and grey literature (English only) describing public engagement initiatives in health policy‐making for older adults was conducted using six electronic databases, Google and the Participedia website. No geographical, methodological or time restrictions were applied to the search. Eligibility criteria were purposefully broad to capture a wide array of relevant engagement initiatives. The outcomes of interest included participants, engagement methods and reported impacts. Results: This review included 38 papers. The majority of public engagement initiatives were funded or initiated by governments or government agencies as a formal activity to address policy issues, compared to initiatives without a clear link to a specific policy‐making process (e.g., research projects). While most initiatives engaged older adults as target participants, there was limited reporting on efforts to achieve participant diversity. Consultation‐type engagement activities were most prevalent, compared to deliberative and collaborative approaches. Impacts of public engagement were frequently reported without formal evaluations. Notably, a few articles reported negative impacts of such initiatives. Conclusion: This review describes how public engagement practices have been conducted to help inform health policy‐making for older adults and the documented impacts. The findings can assist policymakers, government staff, researchers and seniors' advocates in supporting the design and execution of public engagement initiatives in this policy sector. Patient or Public Contribution: Older adult partners from the McMaster University Collaborative for Health and Aging provided strategic advice throughout the key phases of this review, including developing a review protocol, data charting and synthesis and interpreting and presenting the review findings. This collaborative partnership was an essential aspect of this review, enhancing its relevance and meaningfulness for older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing scale of suicidal behavior in the population poses a significant challenge to public health activities. Seniors, i.e. people over 60 years of age, and people of pre-retirement age constitute a higher risk group, which is visible in the number of suicide attacks and completed suicides. Comparative analyzes between individual age cohorts allow us to identify this age group as having the highest rate of attacks in relation to suicide attempts. The cognitive and theoretical goal is to learn about the determinants of seniors’suicidal behavior. The practical and implementation goal is to develop recommendations for preventing seniors’suicidal behavior. The main research problem is the following question: What are the determinants of seniors’suicidal behavior? The desk research method was used. Using the typology of suicides presented by Durkheim, an attempt was made to analyze age-specific factors increasing the risk of suicide attacks. Due to the above, it is postulated to combine gerontological and suicidological knowledge into a gerontosuicidological perspective. Analyzes from this perspective will allow researchers to pay more attention to the problems of the suicidological crisis in the analyzed age cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the relative importance of micro-level design features of outdoor fitness areas preferred by older adults and whether preferences varied according to gender, park accompaniment, and mobility status. A series of Adaptive Choice-Based Conjoint (ACBC) tasks were completed by older adults (n = 372, 65–93 years, 57% female) in an online survey. Ten different micro-level design features of outdoor fitness areas were examined including surface type, location of fitness equipment, equipment designed for older adults, equipment distribution, shade sails, light fixtures, shady trees, benches, drinking water, and water body near fitness area. Hierarchical Bayes analyses within Sawtooth software were used to identify the relative importance scores and part-worth utilities of the design features. For the overall sample, the three most important features were as follows: surface type (21.5%, 95% CI 20.0, 22.9); equipment specifically designed for older adults (18.7%, 95% CI 17.3, 20.2); and shady trees around the fitness area (14.0%, 95% CI 12.9, 15.0). A few significant differences in the relative ranking of design features were observed by gender and mobility status. This study will help stakeholders in understanding which design features to prioritise when (re)designing outdoor fitness areas for older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epidemiology of cancer leaves no illusions that the coming decades we will see a further increase in the incidence of cancer and that, due to the aging of the population, the population of seniors with oncological diseases will expand rapidly. It is in the over-60s that approximately 70% of cancers are diagnosed. Responding to the unique needs of oncology patients in late adulthood and their families requires an efficient, holistic support system. In addition to medical staff, professionals prepared to provide comprehensive non-medical support play an essential role. For many people, not only single people but entire families, the social worker is an indispensable source of multifaceted support in illness. The research aimed to discern what activities are carried out in social work practice with oncological patients. The study used an in-depth interview with 20 social workers in the Silesian Voivodeship. The data collected allows us to describe the psychosocial, environmental and functional interventions social workers carry out to support people undergoing cancer treatment. Seniors are an important group among them. Undertaken in the residential environment, at different stages of the disease trajectory and life cycle, they show the resources of social work in realizing a holistic model of support for the patient and his/her family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have consistently underlined the significance of personality characteristics in rugby, emphasizing how these traits influence an athlete's performance, interactions within the team, and overall success in the sport. Rugby, being a physically demanding and mentally challenging team sport, requires a diverse set of personality characteristics to excel. The aim of this paper is to assess the agreeableness, the main factor of personality, and its facets, among rugby male and female players, junior and senior. Thus, we consider that between junior and senior rugby players there are some statistically significant differences, depending on their gender, in terms of agreeableness and its facets. In this regard, 99 rugby players were investigated, 51 senior players (male=28, female=23), with an average age of 24 and 22 years, competing in the National Rugby 7's Championship and 48 junior players (male=23, female=25) with an average age of 15 years. To assess agreeableness, the Big Five Questionnaire©plus_short was utilized. This tool investigates all personality factors, including extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, neuroticism, and openness, and it was developed and validated for the Romanian population in accordance with the Big Five model. The individual results were generated and interpreted by the PsihoProfile platform, and the values of the five meta-factors and their facets were analyzed using the Anova statistical test. The study results revealed that, overall, there are similarities in the level of agreeableness and its facets among rugby players. Nonetheless, statistically significant differences were observed in the level of agreeableness and its facets based on the athletes' gender and age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, bicycles are a popular mode of transportation for senior citizens. A disproportionate number of traffic-related fatalities and injuries involve cyclists. The violation of cycling laws is a significant cause of cyclist crashes. Few studies have analyzed the cycling violation behaviour of seniors. Therefore, it is essential to examine the factors that influence older individuals' intention to engage in cycling violation behaviours. In this study, the effects of social-demographic characteristics, the exogenous constructs in the health belief model (HBM), and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) on senior cyclists' violation intention were investigated using hierarchical regression analysis. Interviews were conducted with older cyclists in urban areas of Wuhan City, all above 60 years of age. The results showed that very little variance in behavioural intention could be explained by social-demographic factors. The TPB has a significantly greater capacity than the HBM to explain variance in behavioural intention. Perceived susceptibility, perceived benefit, cues to action, subjective norm and attitude significantly impacted behavioural intention, whereas perceived severity, perceived barrier and self-efficacy did not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Senior pets can suffer from a wide range of age-related diseases that cause distress to the pet and their owner. Diet is one of the easiest ways for improving pet health that can be accessed by pet owners. Fibre is one of the most important ingredients for maintaining gut health. This study aimed to understand whether a novel blend of prebiotic fibres added to a nutritionally complete commercial diet could improve the health of senior dogs. Results show that the prebiotic-blend could improve the gut health of senior dogs as measured by improved faecal quality and beneficial changes to the microbiome. The developed prebiotic fibre blend could have a range of future dietary applications. Senior pets can suffer from a wide range of age-related diseases that can impact the quality of life for the pet and the relationship between a pet and their owner. Dietary fibre plays a key role in shaping the gastrointestinal health in mammalian species. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a novel prebiotic fibre blend containing sugar beet pulp, galacto-oligosaccharides, and cellulose on the health of senior dogs when fed on top of a background commercial dry diet. Thirty-two dogs aged >8 years received the prebiotic fibre blend as a dietary topper for 21 days on top of a nutritionally complete diet using a cross-over study design. The prebiotic fibre blend improved the gastrointestinal health of senior dogs as measured through improved faecal quality scores, a reduction in faecal pH, changes to the taxonomic composition of the gut, and a reduction in faecal branched-chain fatty acids, which are markers for proteolytic degradation. Broader systemic measures, such as changes to serum cytokines, were not impacted by the prebiotic fibre blend. In conclusion, a novel prebiotic fibre blend containing sugar beet pulp, galacto-oligosaccharides, and cellulose improved the gastrointestinal health of senior dogs and could have a range of potential future dietary applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The role of conventional surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is increasingly questioned since the indication for transcatheter aortic valve implantations (TAVIs) is currently extended. While the number of patients referred to SAVR decreases, it is unclear if SAVR should be performed by junior resident surgeons in the course of a heart surgeons training. Methods Patients with isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) were analyzed with respect to the surgeon's qualification. AVR performed by resident surgeons was compared with AVR by senior surgeons. The collective was analyzed with respect to clinical short-term outcomes comparing full sternotomy (FS) with minimally invasive surgery and ministernotomy (MS) with right anterior thoracotomy (RAT) after a 1:1 propensity score matching. Results The 30-day all-cause mortality was 2.3 and 3.4% for resident versus senior AVR groups, cerebrovascular event rates were 1.1 versus 2.6%, and no cases of significant paravalvular leak were detected. Clinical short-term outcomes between FS and minimally invasive access, as well after MS and RAT were comparable. Conclusion Our current data show feasibility and safety of conventional SAVR procedure performed by resident surgeons in the era of TAVI. Minimally invasive surgery should be trained and performed in higher volumes early in the educational process as it is a safe treatment option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article seeks to illustrate the outcome of entering partnerships with open and flexible goals and lines of communication. Two unique, long-term partnerships at a medium-sized, regional museum of art and science are described, with details of the impact of these partnerships and different audiences served. Using current research on best practices for community partnerships and anecdotal information, the article outlines ways to enter open communication with community partners and what to expect out of long-term partnerships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detecting and classifying factors that contribute to age-related balance decline are essential for targeted interventions. Dynamic postural tests that challenge neuromuscular balance control are important to detect subtle deficits that affect functional balance in healthy aging. How does healthy aging affect specific components of dynamic postural control as measured by the simplified Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT)? Twenty healthy younger (18–39 years) and twenty healthy older (58–74 years) adults performed the standardized simplified SEBT, which involved standing on one leg and reaching the contralateral leg as far as possible in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. Optical motion capture was used to quantify the maximum reach distance normalized by body height (%H) for three repeated trials in each direction per leg. Linear mixed effects models and pairwise comparisons of estimated marginal means were used to assess differences (p < 0.05) in normalized maximum reach distance by age group, reach direction, and leg dominance. Intersubject and intrasubject variability were also assessed by age group using coefficients of variation (CV). Healthy older adults had less dynamic postural control compared to younger adults, with shorter reach distances in the anterior (7.9 %), posteromedial (15.8 %), and posterolateral (30.0 %) directions (p < 0.05). Leg dominance and sex did not significantly affect SEBT score for either age group (p > 0.05). Low intrasubject variability (CV<0.25 %) was found for repeated trials in both the older and younger participants. Therefore, the comparatively higher intersubject variability (Range CV=8–25 %) was mostly attributed to differences in SEBT performance across participants. Quantifying dynamic postural control in healthy older adults in a clinical setting is important for early detection of balance decline and guiding targeted and effective treatment. These results support that the simplified SEBT is more challenging for healthy older adults, who may benefit from dynamic postural training to mitigate age-related decline. • The SEBT reliably detects balance decline with healthy aging (60+ years). • Posterior unilateral leg movements were most challenging for older adults. • SEBT learning capacity and leg symmetry were similar across age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Factors affecting the motivation to study natural sciences are intensively researched. However, most authors focus on younger age groups of the population, especially primary and secondary school students. In this study, in contrast, we focused on seniors. Their interest-based education at retirement age is becoming more and more important, as the population in the Czech Republic is aging overall. Our main aim was to discover what motivates seniors to begin studying at university, which we did by conducting semi-structured interviews with eight participants in University of the Third Age (U3A) science-oriented courses at the Faculty of Science, Charles University. In the first part of the study, we look at how the seniors view their lives, including their school years, which helps us understand why they want to begin university studies now. The majority of respondents reported that they were very happy and positive during their school years. In the second part, we take a look at their current studies of Third Age university courses. Among the most frequently-mentioned factors that motivated participants to study U3A courses were: an active way of spending free time, interest in current information, expanding what is already known (hobbies), creating new communication topics, a reason to leave the comfort of home, the opportunity to visit interesting places (excursions), the pleasant atmosphere at U3A, and home preparation for courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Professional values in nursing are the foundation of ethical practice affecting patient care quality. Aim: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the development of professional values and ethical sensitivities among new nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods: A prospective observational study with a pre‐test and post‐test design was used. The sample constituted students (n = 302). The Nurses Professional Values Scale‐Revised and Modified Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire for Student Nurses were used for collecting data. Results: Professional values post‐test mean scores of participants were significantly higher than the pre‐test scores (p < 0.001). No significant difference was determined between the pre‐test and post‐test mean scores of ethical sensitivity (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The current study concluded that the professional values of newly graduated nurses developed during the COVID‐19 pandemic, but there was no change in ethical sensitivities. Implications for nursing and health policy: This study provides one of the first pieces of evidence for nursing educators and managers to assess the professional values and ethical sensitivities of newly qualified nurses who may have been affected both during and after the outbreak. Newly qualified nurses should are valued members of the health care institutions, and orientation programmes should be implemented to improve their perceptions of the profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of increasingly senior populations worldwide, healthy ageing is becoming an important factor that can help reduce the burden of disease and disability and related healthcare costs. Previous research has shown that physical activity (PA) is crucial for healthier ageing and a better quality of life. This study sought to measure the PA and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people 55 years old or more. A sample of 202 senior adults completed a survey that comprised the EQ-5D-5L and other items assessing PA and activities of daily living (ADL) performance. Descriptive statistical analyses were carried out to characterise the sample and define its HRQoL. Non-parametric tests were used to compare the respondents' HRQoL according to sociodemographic variables and PA and ADL performance. The level of agreement between HRQoL and ADL scores was assessed using Spearman's rho. Sample subgroups were compared according to their age (i.e. nearly senior and senior) and sport and leisure time activities. Results show that HRQoL is lower for respondents with at least one diagnosed disease. Senior adults who take part in sport and leisure activities overall have a higher HRQoL, which is also impacted by the presence of at least one diagnosed disease and individuals' natural age-related issues. The results show the importance of preventing disease by helping senior adults engage in some level of PA given its impact on HRQoL. This research also confirmed that the EQ-5D-5L is a valid tool for measuring senior people's HRQoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared older and younger adults envenomated by the green pit viper (GPV) with regard to the following: follow-up compliance, elapsed time between envenomation and emergency department (ED) visit, and clinical/treatment outcomes. This was a two-site retrospective cohort study. We searched hospital electronic medical databases between January 2011 and December 2021. Patients aged 15 and above were eligible if they had a history of snakebite and had at least two VCT and/or platelet count results in their medical records. After the search, 1550 medical records were reviewed and 760 cases were found to be eligible for analysis. In total, 205 cases (27.0%) were ≥60 years old. The median ages in the younger and older groups were 40 (26–51) and 68 (64–75) years, respectively. The median elapsed times from bite to the ED were 47 (30–118) vs. 69 (35–150) min (p-value = 0.001). Overall, 91.3% of all cases were managed as out-patient cases and were eligible for follow-up appointments. The rate of out-patient follow-up at 72 ± 12 h in the older patients was significantly higher (43.2%) than in the younger adult patients (32.4%) (p-value = 0.01). Regarding the clinical/treatment outcomes, the rates of coagulopathy, antivenom administration, and hospital admission were not statistically different between both groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the pandemic situation, the online form of education has become widespread in all its spheres. The education of seniors, which is provided, among others, at universities of the third age, has been no exception. Prior to the global pandemic, universities of the third age mainly provided full-time education. However, the new situation has brought new challenges. Third Age Universities have either decided to provide online education or have temporarily ceased their activities. In this paper, we focus on online education during the pandemic at a particular third age university. Based on the results of a questionnaire survey, we present the experiences of seniors with online learning, specifically, identifying the advantages of online education for seniors and the disadvantages of this form of education for this target group. To achieve these objectives, a quantitative research survey was conducted among seniors who participated in online learning at the University of the Third Age in question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of this article is to focus on the financial literacy of seniors. Find out with the help of financial literacy teachers and also various projects focused on this issue, such as seniors in Slovakia. After evaluating the results, try to make a questionnaire that can be filled in by senior - university of the third age students. In the reaserch, we focused on qualitative research enriched with quantitative research, in the form of a questionnaire. The research sample consisted of 547 respondents - U3A students, the results of research approached the current situation of financial literacy education for seniors in Slovakia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the use of isolation and social distancing strategies can be emotionally challenging. When thinking about the elderly population, there is a certain psychosocial vulnerability, in addition, the risk of suicide is high in old age and is often underreported. The objective was to analyze the factors that favor the risk of suicide in the elderly population during the pandemic. A systematic literature review was carried out, based on the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 scientific articles, published between 2020 and 2021 in the VHL, Pepsic, Capes Periodicals and Pubmed databases, were read in full. The collected material was analyzed by the Iramuteq software, in which 704 text segments were evaluated and resulted in a retention of 87.24% of the total. The results showed a high risk of suicide in the elderly in the context of the pandemic, especially those with preexisting mental disorders, regarding situations of emotional, physical, and social vulnerability. It is concluded that is necessary to adopt public policies that provide assessment, intervention, and prevention of suicide in the elderly, especially during the pandemic period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: People with aging or ill family members often fill the role of caretaker. Companion dogs are often viewed as family members and because they age more rapidly than people and have shorter lifespans, having a dog often includes caring for it during its senior years. Caring for an elderly dog can be physically and emotionally challenging, yet we know little about how caring for an aging dog impacts guardians' lives. This study was designed to better understand dog guardians' experiences and perceptions related to caring for their aging dog. We asked dog guardians to complete an online anonymous survey, resulting in a sample size of 284 participants. We found that the impact on guardians when caring for an aging dog appear to share many similarities with caregivers of human family members. Our results suggest that, for many guardians, caring for an aging dog is a complex dynamic with both positive and negative factors that offers an opportunity to deepen the human-animal bond and create positive, rewarding experiences and memories. Companion dogs are increasingly popular, 38.4% of households in the United States include at least one dog. There are numerous benefits to sharing one's home with a dog, but because they age more rapidly than people and have shorter lifespans, acquiring a dog often includes caring for it during its senior years. Caring for an elderly dog can be physically and emotionally challenging, yet the impact on guardians' lives when caring for an aging dog has received minimal scientific attention. This study was designed to better understand dog guardians' experiences and perceptions related to caring for their aging dog. Utilizing an exploratory mixed methods design, this study asked dog guardians to complete an online anonymous survey. From a total of 284 participants, we found that the impact on guardians when caring for an aging dog appears to share many similarities with caregivers of human family members. Our quantitative and qualitative results suggest that, for many guardians, caring for an aging dog is a complex dynamic with both positive and negative factors that offers an opportunity to deepen the human-animal bond and create positive, rewarding experiences and memories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is a process that includes natural and time-dependent changes in the body. Dogs whose quality of life is not adversely affected are classified as healthy elderly dogs. Behavioral and cognitive status should be taken into consideration together with blood analyzes in the health evaluation of old dogs. Therefore, it was aimed to evaluate hematochemical parameters and canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) scale in 10 healthy senior (senior group, SG) and 14 healthy geriatric (geriatric group, GG) dogs in this study. No statistical difference was determined between the groups in the CBC analysis. In the blood gases analysis, pCO2 (P=0.006), base excess (P=0.020) and HCO3 (P=0.041) levels were found to be lower in GG compared to the SG. In serum biochemistry analysis, BUN (P=0.016) and GGT (P=0.003) levels were found to be higher whereas LDH (P=0.008) and triglyceride (P=0.003) levels were found to be lower in GG compared to SG. The total CCD scale score was 14.50 (12-23) in the SG and 50.50 (32-68) in the GG (P<0.001). In conclusion, differences in some parameters were determined as a result of blood gases and serum biochemistry analyzes between healthy senior and geriatric dogs, and it was concluded that routine hematochemical analyzes are important also in healthy elderly dogs. In addition, it was observed that the CCD scale scores of Terriers were higher in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a therapeutic approach whose therapeutic effect has been clearly demonstrated in many patients. Seniors are those members who can benefit from CBT, especially if they are modified procedures recommended for that population. Research evaluating the effectiveness of CBT in depression in older adults was first published in the early 1980s, and since then research and applications of CBT in older adults have expanded to include other disorders. The paper has the character of a review work. The aim of this review is to evaluate the results of systematic reviews of the effectiveness of individual cognitive-behavioral therapy in the elderly. In order to study the highest level of evidence dealing with the effect of individual cognitive behavioral therapy in the elderly, electronic databases PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane Library were searched. The report included 20 systematic reviews. Evaluation of the effect of individual cognitive behavioral therapy in the elderly has been demonstrated in the elderly with depression, anxiety, pain, sleep disorders and fear of falling. In general, the basic evidence of CBT is very strong, especially for the elimination of depression and anxiety disorders. Despite the existing literary base, there is still a clear need for high-quality studies to examine the efficacy of CBT in this age group, which would respect the peculiarities of a given age. To control the effectiveness of an individual CBT in seniors, we recommend conducting research in the Czech environment as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the clinical characteristics of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) with age. Study design: Retrospective, cross-sectional study. Methods: One-hundred and forty-seven CSC patients were classified into three age groups (aged <50 years (younger group; n=53), 50–70 years (middle group; n=68), and >70 years (senior group; n=26)) and the characteristics were compared. Bilateral ophthalmic evaluation included the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spherical equivalents, fundus examination, fundus autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein angiography (FA), and indocyanine green angiography. Results: The male/female ratio became lower at more advanced ages (P=0.011). Bilateral macular abnormalities were observed more frequently in the senior group than the other groups (p=0.018) and multiple drusen were characteristic in the senior group (p<0.0001). The more advanced age groups displayed a worse BCVA (P=0.002). The rate of eyes with flat retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) elevation on OCT was significantly higher in the middle group than the other groups (P=0.024). The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT) was thickest in the younger group (P<0.0001). Unifocal leakage on FA and choroidal vascular hyperpermeability were mostly found in eyes of the younger group (P<0.001,P=0.020). Conclusion: CSC cases in those aged >70 years were associated with an increased proportion of women and having bilateral macular abnormalities, multiple drusen, and multifocal leakage sites. The BCVA and the SCT decreased with age. Patients with CSC aged 50–70 years had the highest rate of flat RPE elevation on OCT. These characteristics need to be considered to make an accurate diagnosis, particularly in elderly patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents non-representational theory as a methodological approach to illuminate the lived experiences of older people's everyday mobilities using the example of travel to and from the supermarket. Previous studies have explored older people's everyday mobilities and highlighted a number of challenges, but few studies address specific journeys, such as grocery shopping, and none empirically engage with non-representational theory. In this article we draw on a qualitative research study with participants over the age of 65 living in the UK as we investigate their journeys to and from the supermarket. We present three vignettes/personas of individuals with differing needs and experiences and find that their grocery shopping journeys are not just about procuring food but also sociomaterial events that both affect, and are affected by, bodily capabilities and mental wellbeing. We conclude with some recommendations for designing older people's local travel experiences and argue for non-representational theory as a method for accessing the socio-material world in which everyday mobilities play out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate follow-up strategies for active surveillance of renal masses and to assess contemporary data. Methods: We performed a comprehensive search of electronic databases (Embase, Medline, and Cochrane). A systematic review of the follow-up protocols was carried out. A total of 20 studies were included. Result: Our analysis highlights that most of the series used different protocols of follow-up without consistent differences in the outcomes. Most common protocol consisted in imaging and clinical evaluation at 3, 6, and 12 months and yearly thereafter. Median length of follow-up was 42 months (range 1–137). Mean age was 74 years (range 67–83). Of 2243 patients 223 (10%) died during the follow-up and 19 patients died of kidney cancer (0.8%). The growth rate was the most used parameter to evaluate disease progression eventually triggering delayed intervention. Maximal axial diameter was the most common method to evaluate growth rate. CT scan is the most used, probably because it is usually more precise than kidney ultrasound and more accessible than MRI. Performing chest X-ray at every check does not seem to alter the clinical outcome during AS. Conclusion: The minimal cancer-specific mortality does not seem to correlate with the follow-up scheme. Outside of growth rate and initial size, imaging features to predict outcome of RCC during AS are limited. Active surveillance of SRM is a well-established treatment option. However, standardized follow-up protocols are lacking. Prospective, randomized, trials to evaluate the best follow-up strategies are pending. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Discomfort encountered during oral processing may cause food avoidance and increase the risk of malnutrition in older adults. The aim of the present survey was to explore the relationships between oral health and the oral discomfort experienced while eating in senior people. Materials and methods: In a cross‐sectional study, oral discomfort was assessed in a sample of 119 independently living participants aged between 35 and 81 years. Statistical analyses were used to identify categorical variables associated with food‐related oral discomfort, including age, oral health‐related quality of life (OHQoL), saliva secretion, occluding support, oral diseases and denture use. Results: Food‐related oral discomfort concerned 28.5% of the participants. Within the sample study, the risk of experiencing food‐related oral discomfort was increased for participants perceiving average (OR = 7.968, CI 95% = 2.603–24.381, p =.000) or poor OHQoL (OR = 17.109, CI 95% = 4.398–66.552, p =.000) and presenting strictly fewer than 7 occlusal functional units (OFUs) (OR = 3.396, CI 95% = 1.206–9.561, p =.020). Textured foods including fibrous (66.6%), heterogenous (60.6%) and grainy foods (42.4%) were mostly cited as food‐related oral discomfort trigger factors. Within the 66–80 years group, participants having 0–6 OFUs were four times more likely to experience oral discomfort related to fibrous foods than participants having more than 7 OFUs (OR = 4.812, CI 95% = 1.192–19.415, p =.024). Within this group, participants having their teeth replaced by denture were also four times more likely to develop oral discomfort related to foods with heterogeneous textures (OR = 4.714, CI 95% = 1.030–21.562, p =.045) and grainy foods (OR = 7.285, CI 95% = 1.308–40.568, p =.023) than non‐denture wearers. Conclusion: Poor oral health conditions may generate oral discomfort with foods in the elderly especially with fibrous, heterogenous and grainy textures, and thus affect mealtime experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Food appearance is one of the most important aspects that determine food choice. • Products with different shape evoked a different emotional response in senior. • Both genders experienced different emotion on both conscious and unconscious level. • Combination of explicit and implicit methods discriminated better between samples. The elderly population holds significance among consumers because many of them experience alterations in taste and smell or suffer from physical disorders. These factors can lead to reduced food intake, malnutrition, and, consequently, serious health problems. Therefore, there is a need to develop tailored products for seniors, offering both nutrition and appealing foods with easily consumable textures. Among the various characteristics of food, appearance stands out as one of the most critical aspects influencing food preferences and choices. Surprisingly, there is limited knowledge about how food shape affects the holistic emotional responses of seniors. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of food shape on the emotional responses of seniors. This exploration involved the use of explicit methods, such as self-reported questionnaires, and implicit methods, including the measurement of skin conductance responses and facial expressions, as well as their combination. To achieve this goal, we enlisted the participation of 50 individuals (54 % women) from the senior population aged between 55 and 75 years. These participants evaluated two food products with identical sensory characteristics in terms of taste, texture, and flavor. However, these products differed in terms of their shape. We measured their degree of liking and emotional responses using a 7-point hedonic scale, EsSense25, in conjunction with galvanic skin response, and facial expressions, which served as representatives of behavioural and physiological responses. The multivariate analysis allowed to examine sample configurations by gender and establish associations between variables. The combination of implicit and explicit methods led to better discrimination of samples of the same category than the use of each of the methods independently. Although both samples elicited equivalent liking perceptions, they evoked distinct emotional responses, measured at cognitive, physiological, and behavioural levels. In general, men and women experienced different emotions while observing, smelling, handling, or consuming both samples, both consciously and unconsciously. This newfound knowledge could be valuable when designing food products for this demographic. The ultimate goal is to engage consumers and enhance their enjoyment of the food experience by offering more visually appealing food options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complete and balanced foods for "all life stages", according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), meet the needs for reproduction and growth. While these are recognized as the most nutritionally demanding stages, they are relatively short time periods in the life of a pet. Unique to companion animals, and humans, is the prolonged "senior" life stage. Although this stage is not well defined, it has become evident that energy, protein and other nutrient requirements may change with age in seniors. To establish guidelines for a lifestage, that lifestage must be defined (Table 1). Species and breed differences exist in terms of aging, in that small breed dogs have longer lifespans versus large breed dogs, and cats differ from dogs, with cats showing a definable fourth lifestage of "geriatric" that differs from a "senior" lifestage. A major challenge to defining senior or geriatric nutritional needs is the fact that animals "age" at different rates, causing senior/geriatric to be the most physiologically diverse lifestage. In nutritionally complete and balanced foods, nutrients are provided in proportion to the energy content of the diet and to the expected energy intake of the pet. Regardless of lifestage, energy requirements can differ significantly among dog breeds and among individuals. Added to this is evidence that energy requirements in dogs decrease with age, such that senior dogs need about 25% fewer calories, on average, than young adult dogs. Likewise, senior cats show a decrease in energy requirements, but geriatric cats display an increase in energy needs. Thus, even if the absolute requirement for nutrients did not change with age, the content needed on an energy basis will change. One of the challenges to establishing protein requirements for senior and geriatric pets is age-related loss of lean body mass (LBM), or sarcopenia. LBM serves as a protein reservoir and provides the amino acids used on a 24/7 basis for endogenous protein synthesis, while dietary protein maintains or restores this reservoir. It has become evident that nitrogen balance studies, long used to determine protein requirements for adults, are not sufficient in that they do not account for contributions from LBM. Maintenance of LBM may be a better assay for defining protein requirements. However, LBM is lost with age in all species studied, including humans, dogs and cats. Geriatric cats lose approximately one third of their LBM, while senior dogs lose about 10%. Loss of LBM is associated with greater morbidity and mortality, thus, preservation of LBM is an important goal. While increasing protein intake can slow the loss, and vice versa, increasing protein intake alone cannot prevent loss of LBM. Therefore, an important challenge is to determine how to measure protein requirements in aging pets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dementia and arterial hypertension (AH) belong to the key non-infectious epidemics in the 21st century, both with a high potential to significantly deteriorate the quality of life as well as shorten the life expectation. Nowadays, we can consider it proven, that middle-aged AH predicts cognitive impairment and dementia (Alzheimer's and vascular type) in advanced age. AH is considered an equally strong risk factor for cognitive impairment as for chronic kidney disease or atrial fibrillation. So far, the treatment options for dementia are still relatively limited. Therefore, we need to pay more attention to any intervention, that can reduce or at least slow down the development of dementia. AH is a modifiable risk factor for cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases. It is highly rational to assume that its adverse effect on cognition is amplified in the case of usual geriatric polymorbidity (commonly: atrial fibrillation, diabetes, dyslipidaemia). Antihypertensives with a higher potential to reduce the development of cognitive disorders probably include some calcium channel blockers and substances affecting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Having in mind the benefits of appropriate AH control in relation to cognition we must not forget the risks of undue blood pressure reduction. Other well-designed studies are needed for an evidence-based confirmation of the positive effect of AH control on the development of dementia and to refine the effectiveness of individual antihypertensive medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is intended to examine the group of superintendents of the GDL evangelical Reformed clergy in the 17th-18th centuries. The development of the formation of this spiritual position, the theological substantiation, and the conditions and circumstances of persons becoming superintendents, are presented. A group composition of which 93 people were part until the end of the 18th century was reconstructed. The management functions of superintendents as church leaders and administrators at the unit and individual districts level are analysed: activities in collegial church institutions (general, provincial and particular synods);the most dynamic means of church supervision - visits, clergy (priests, catechists, lecturers) ordinances and practices (Sluck, Vilnius, Biržai, Kėdainiai gymnasiums, local church schools) and foreign alumni studies supervision; responsibility for preserving and revising church archives; financial management in solving treasury policy issues; taking care of execution of wills for churches; alternatives to using church manors; organising general and tolls; communicating with the Radvilas of BiržaiDubingiai (until 1695), Nesvyžius-Olyka (until 1795) branches and smaller church patrons for the implementation of foundations and proper material provision of the church. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study examines how seniors in Singapore use mobile devices for healthcare purposes.Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 35 mobile phone users aged between 58-82 years old.Results: Seniors regard mobile phones as important personal devices for socialization, security, and emergency purposes. Most of the seniors consider mobile telephony (voice calls and text messaging) as an accessible platform to access healthcare. Perceived usefulness, ease of use, compatibility, technology anxiety, financial cost, and self-efficacy were identified as factors affecting the use of mHealth among seniors. Although a few adopt mHealth applications and mobile Internet for health-information seeking, some younger seniors show enthusiastic attitudes toward its adoption. Additionally, some seniors also have technology anxiety and resistance toward using mHealth applications.Conclusion: Seniors use mobile phones for healthcare purposes in their daily life, and its use involves several facilitators and barriers. Interpersonal training is likely to reduce their anxiety and increase mHealth literacy and adoption. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the "new virus" SARS-CoV-2, has changed the way the world runs. In the majority of cases, the course of the infection is asymptomatic or only mild symptoms are present: however it can also be serious and even lethal. Here, seniors are at special COVID-19 risk. The disease attacks mainly the respiratory system, but other systems, the cardiovascular sytem being one of them, are frequently affected as well. In this review, we offer one way of looking at what we know of the cardiovascular consequences of COVID-19 in seniors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cat foods marketed for senior cats (≥7 years) are available to owners. The variability in the nutritional content of these foods is unknown. Objectives: To measure the caloric density and caloric distribution of crude protein, crude fiber, crude fat, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and vitamin D3 in commercially available foods for senior cats and to compare nutrient content with foods for adult cats. Samples Thirty‐one senior and 59 adult commercial nontherapeutic cat food products. Methods: Descriptive study. Crude protein, crude fiber, and crude fat were measured using Dumas nitrogen combustion, Ankom filter bag technique, and acid hydrolysis, respectively. Mineral concentrations were measured using inductively coupled argon plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy. Vitamin D3 was determined by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Caloric density was calculated using modified Atwater values. Results: The evaluated nutrient concentrations in all foods for senior cats met the values of the Association of American Feed Control Officials Cat Food Nutrient Profile for adult maintenance. Foods for senior cats had significantly higher crude fiber content when compared to foods for adult cats (P <.0001). No significant difference in crude protein, crude fat and mineral concentrations was found between foods for senior and adult cats. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Foods marketed for senior cats are highly variable in their caloric density and nutrient content and, except for crude fiber, are similar to foods for adult cats. Veterinarians should avoid broad recommendations regarding commercially available foods for senior cats, and dietary recommendations should reflect the patient's individual needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to show the senior as a voter and ICT user in particularly difficult conditions of the threat caused by the Covid 19 pandemic. The studies conducted in twenty seven countries and other studies from August 2020 showed that seniors and men are most exposed to the effects of the disease. This article assumes that e-voting is a safe election solution in a pandemic. Digital divide is a factor that still remains correlated with the age of citizens, even in countries considered technologically advanced. As older voters express more confidence in traditional forms of voting, their attitude slows down the implementation of e-voting in electoral systems. It can be seen that the conservative worldview goes hand in hand with the distrust of seniors in e-voting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Canada's aging population is increasing, along with the number of caregivers providing support to seniors. Caregiving is a taxing responsibility that often results in loneliness and distress. Creating awareness of available supports for caregivers is essential for their health and to provide the best support to the care recipients. This study aims to better understand and improve the caregiving experience for caregivers from diverse ethnic communities and the LGBTQI2S+ communities. The goal is to improve the well-being and resilience of caregivers and optimize outcomes for care recipients by delivering educational workshops that resemble the design of existing workshops currently offered by the participating social service agency. Content will be adapted based on identified participant learning needs. These workshops will be offered to the English-speaking community, diverse newcomer ethnic groups and the LGBTQI2S+ community.Methods: This mixed-methods, longitudinal study includes two streams of caregivers; Stream One consists of English-speaking caregivers and care recipients while Stream Two includes individuals from the Afghan, Iranian, Somali-, Tamil- and Spanish-speaking populations and those belonging to LGBTQI2S+ communities. Each stream has two phases; Phase One includes needs assessments using focus groups and semi-structured interviews with caregivers and care recipients while Phase Two includes a pre-test post-test evaluation of educational workshops. The anticipated sample size for Phase One is 30 caregivers from the English-speaking community, 150 from the five linguistic/cultural communities combined and 30 from the LGBTQI2S+ group. For Phase Two, we plan to recruit 250 caregivers from the English-speaking community, 250 from the five linguistic/cultural communities, and 50 from the LGBTQI2S+ group.Discussion: To provide caregivers with optimal support, we must acknowledge the caregivers and care recipients from diverse communities. Currently, at least two focus groups have been conducted with caregivers from each of the seven targeted groups and workshops have begun for all communities. Recruitment has been a challenge for all groups, but our team continues to conduct outreach with caregivers and will use our learning to inform the delivery of educational caregiver workshops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this research are to explore the lifestyle dimensions of the elderly and to verify whether selected sociodemographic factors cause significant differences among their lifestyles and travel motivations. A total of 311 responses were collected with self-administered questionnaires that comprised 3 main sections: questions on lifestyle using 24 general activities, interests, and opinions (AIO) statements, 34 questions about travel motivations, and 8 basic questions about sociodemographic characteristics. The results revealed that sociodemographic characteristics, such as age, gender, marital status, education, health, and economic status, played a crucial role in explaining the difference in lifestyles and travel motivations of the elderly. This study provides insights that allow for better identification of Korean elderly travel market segments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to identify the role of seniors' overseas travel motivations in terms of preferred attraction types and activities, socio-demographic features, and preferred travel-related features. The results show that the motivation of potential senior travelers is a multidimensional construct. A five-cluster solution using extracted senior travel motivational factors demonstrates distinctive characteristics. The clusters show differences on gender, marital status, preferred travel partner, preferred accommodation type, and level of travel information technology acceptance, which are accounted for by preferred attraction types and activities. Consequently, this study indicates that senior travel motivation can be an important segmentation indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The rapid population aging is now a global issue. The increase in the elderly population will impact the health care industry and health enterprises; various senior needs will promote the growth of the senior health industry. Most senior health studies are focused on the demand side and scarcely on supply. Our study selected quality enterprises focused on aging health and analyzed different strategies to provide excellent quality services to senior health enterprises.Design: We selected 33 quality senior health enterprises in Taiwan and investigated their excellent quality services strategies by face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interviews with CEO and managers of each enterprise in 2013.Setting: A total of 33 senior health enterprises in Taiwan.Participants: Overall, 65 CEOs and managers of 33 enterprises were interviewed individually.Intervention(s): None.Main Outcome Measure(s): Core values and vision, organization structure, quality services provided, strategies for quality services.Results: This study's results indicated four type of value-added strategy models adopted by senior enterprises to offer quality services: (i) residential care and co-residence model, (ii) home care and living in place model, (iii) community e-business experience model and (iv) virtual and physical portable device model. The common part in these four strategy models is that the services provided are elderly centered. These models offer virtual and physical integrations, and also offer total solutions for the elderly and their caregivers. Through investigation of successful strategy models for providing quality services to seniors, we identified opportunities to develop innovative service models and successful characteristics, also policy implications were summarized.Conclusions: The observations from this study will serve as a primary evidenced base for enterprises developing their senior market and, also for promoting the value co-creation possibility through dialogue between customers and those that deliver service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Street furniture is an independent discipline. It addresses detailed solutions of products designed for human use in an exterior environment. Based on present-day studies, senior citizens constitute the fastest growing segment of the population. The sample element with defined ergonomic parameters has been defined by analyzing the standard and most used component of street furniture – bench, by the comparison of used materials and chosen construction. During the comparison and the subsequent conclusions, a great emphasis was placed on the functionality and durability of the individual components. The categories of street furniture have been based on the study of production programs of mainstream furniture manufacturers in Europe, and on the research of factors influencing street furniture. With the basic material of the supporting structure, the sitting and leaning sections and based on the measurements and defining of materials, a sample construction design has been proposed, and supporting element of concrete, steel and wooden constructions including their surface treatment has been described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integration of nursing classroom didactics with clinical and simulation experiences is crucial to obtaining improved student learning outcomes and successful academic achievement. According to the Institute of Medicine (2010), to ensure the delivery of safe, patient-centered care across settings, the nursing education system must be improved. Patient needs have become more complicated, and nurses need to attain requisite competencies to deliver high-quality care. An important aim is to increase active learning behaviors and maintain student engagement, which will foster an effort to learn and meet the complex needs of patients today. The integration of clinical and simulation with theory concepts can contribute to successful student development, confidence, self-efficacy, and reenforced desire to learn which is the key to success and competence development. Teamwork and collaboration are valued in nursing educational objectives as well as in the workplace. Blending a shared vision and mutual expectations helps to meet goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the reliability of ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) to assess biceps brachii muscle (BBM) and quadriceps muscle (QM) stiffness in senior volunteers. Methods: Using a linear array ultrasound transducer (7 MHz), we prospectively measured shear wave velocity (SWV) of BBM and QM in passive joints (elbow and knee) flexion (90°) and extension (180°) in 19 senior volunteers by two operators. We developed SWV rate (SWV elbow-extension – SWV elbow-flexion)/SWV elbow-flexion to assess BBM contractibility. Statistical analysis included unpaired t -test to examine the difference in SWV of muscle between left vs right limbs, men vs women, and athletes vs nonathletes; Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and violin plots for analyzing intra- and inter-observer reliability in performing SWE in muscles. Results: There was no significant difference in SWV between left vs right (flexion or extension), male vs female (flexion or extension), for BBM and QM, and athlete vs nonathlete extension for QM (all p > 0.05). The difference in SWV of BBM in elbow extension and in SWV rate between athlete and nonathlete was significant (p < 0.05). The difference in muscle SWV between joint flexion and extension was also significant (p < 0.05). Reliability in performing SWE of BBM and QM was good (ICC > 0.75). Conclusions: Our results suggest that ultrasound SWE is feasible in estimating BBM and QM stiffness in seniors with good reproducibility. SWV rate and SWV of the extended BBM representing muscle contractibility in athlete were higher than in nonathlete. • Development of a new ultrasound parameter (shear wave velocity rate) for assessing muscle contractibility • Quantification of the difference in muscle stiffness and contractibility between athlete and nonathlete in seniors. • Good inter-observer and intra-observer variability in performing shear wave elastography of skeletal muscles [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising number of seniors in the society forces the state to engage in creating activities which would motivate and activate this social group. The various forms of such activities meant to extend the mental and physical faculties among the senior citizens have been the subjects of an ongoing multidisciplinary effort, and contact with literature has been one such activity meant to stimulate the mental faculties. Libraries, as centers for the propagation of readership, organize book signings and readings, exhibitions and, first and foremost, create Book Clubs, which serve to talk about literature and promote reading as well as facilitate the contact with "the spoken book" for the people with hearing impairments. Those Book Clubs require help with the selection of literature suitable to the seniors. The article recommends several titles alongside with the justification for the choice, as well as a selection of activities meant to facilitate further discussion. Libraries are facing difficult challenges. The implemented methods of reading popularization do not reach a wide enough audience. Moreover, it is crucial to form multigenerational reading groups in order to make the society realize that old age requires preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A majority of senior Internet users maintains persistent social connections with others through social media (SM), such as Facebook and Twitter. This research explores the impacts of helping, self-expression, and enjoyment on bonding social capital and bridging social capital which in turn influence SM involvement; it also explores the moderating effect of avoidance attachment among senior SM users. The results show that helping, self-expression, and enjoyment have significant impacts on bonding social capital and bridging social capital. Also, bonding social capital and bridging social capital have significant effects on SM involvement. Furthermore, relationships between helping and bonding social capital, between self-expression and bonding social capital, and between self-expression and bridging social capital are stronger for seniors with high avoidance attachment. Conversely, the relationships between enjoyment and bonding social capital as well as between enjoyment and bridging social capital are stronger for seniors with low avoidance attachment. Accordingly, the results of this study provide theoretical contributions to the literature of behaviour and information technology. In addition, some implications of the research and various strategies for practitioners and marketers that can be used to better increase users' involvement in SM for tourism-related activities are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accelerated aging of the population has caused the older ones to become a target group of high interest for some brands. Therefore, this work is proposed to know the opinion that seniors have about advertising and the degree of credibility they give to the ads depending on the issuer and the media that displays them. The methodology used to respond to this objective is based on interviews with individuals from 65 to 84 years old with active aging habits and living in Segovia capital (N=184). The results show some reluctance to advertising, especially among men and the youngest (65 to 74 years old), even though its usefulness is recognized. In addition, radio advertising and institutional advertising are perceived as more credible as opposed to the one issued on the internet and that other coming from political parties. This work is the starting point of a line of research aimed at knowing the behavior of seniors in their role as consumers of advertising. Its originality lies in offering a new and segmented information that can help plan communication strategies aimed at impacting a target group as heterogeneous and unknown as the senior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that patients at risk of falling engage in evidence‐based community fall prevention programs (EBCFPPs). EBCFPPs are often delivered in senior centers (SCs). This is the first independent assessment of availability of EBCFPPs in SCs. DESIGN: Cross‐sectional study of four types of EBCFPPs in the 25‐mile radius of 10 US academic centers (ACs). SETTING: SCs. PARTICIPANTS: SCs. INTERVENTION: None. MEASUREMENTS: Number and types of EBCFPPs offered at SCs. RESULTS: Across the 10 ACs, 249 SCs were sampled. Of the SCs, 35% offered zero, 54% offered at least one, 9% offered at least two, and 2% offered at least three EBCFPPs. Tai Chi of any type was offered in 59.8%, A Matter of Balance was offered in 8.9%, Stepping On was offered in 8.0%, and Staying Active and Independent for Life was offered in 1.2% of SCs sampled. SCs near Columbia University offered all four of the programs, while those near the University of Utah, Johns Hopkins University, and Seattle University only offered three of the programs. In univariate analysis, the number of local SCs was significantly associated with quantity of EBCFPPs (odds ratio [OR] = 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.9‐2.6; P < .001), but not with diversity of EBCFPPs (OR = 1.0; 95% CI = 1.0‐1.1; P =.13). In multivariate regression, city, sex distribution, and average household income did not correlate with the overall number or the diversity of EBCFPPs, whereas locales with more SCs offered more EBCFPPs (OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.7‐2.9; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of SCs still do not offer any EBCFPPs. From those that do, few offer a diversity of these programs. Opportunities exist to increase access to EBCFPPs in SCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]