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Osteoarthritis is a highly prevalent disease particularly in subjects over 65 years of age worldwide. While in the past it was considered a mere consequence of cartilage degradation leading to anatomical and functional joint impairment, in recent decades, there has been a more dynamic view with the synovium, the cartilage, and the subchondral bone producing inflammatory mediators which ultimately lead to cartilage damage. Inflammaging is defined as a chronic, sterile, low-grade inflammation state driven by endogenous signals in the absence of infections, occurring with aging. This chronic status is linked to the production of reactive oxygen species and molecules involved in the development of age-related disease such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Inflammaging contributes to osteoarthritis development where both the innate and the adaptive immune response are involved. Elevated systemic and local inflammatory cytokines and senescent molecules promote cartilage degradation, and antigens derived from damaged joints further trigger inflammation through inflammasome activation. B and T lymphocyte populations also change with inflammaging and OA, with reduced regulatory functions, thus implicating self-reactivity as an additional mechanism of joint damage. The discovery of the underlying pathogenic pathways may help to identify potential therapeutic targets for the management or the prevention of osteoarthritis. We will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the current literature on the role of inflammaging in osteoarthritis and discuss the emerging therapeutic strategies. [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]

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Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) for improving postoperative cognitive function in senior patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical (VATS). Methods: From January to December 2020, 97 participants were randomly assigned to the TEAS group (49 cases) and the control group (48 cases) by a random number table. The patients in the TEAS group received TEAS, at the bilateral Neiguan (PC 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) acupoints. The control group received sham TEAS. The stimulation was started from 30 min before surgery until the end of the operation. The primary outcome was the incidence of pstoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), diagnosed based on the changes in the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores. The secondary outcomes were plasma levels of S100β protein and neuron-specific enolase (NSE). Results: The incidence of POCD on day 1 and 3 after surgery in the TEAS group was significantly lower than that in the control group [day 1 after surgery: 28.3% (13/46) vs. 52.3% (23/44), P=0.028; day 3 after surgery: 21.7% (10/46) vs. 40.9% (18/44), P=0.043]. Compared with baseline, the MMSE and MoCA scores decreased to various extents in both groups. The MMSE scores on day 1, 3, and 5 after surgery and MoCA scores on day 1, 3, 5, and 7 after surgery in the TEAS group were higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05) in both groups. Compared with baseline, the plasma levels of S100β and NSE were significantly increased at 4, 8, 12, 24 h after surgery (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the plasma levels of S100β and NSE were lower in the TEAS group at 4, 8, 12, and 24 h after surgery (all P<0.05). No obvious adverse events were found during the trial. Conclusion: Application of TEAS in senior patients after VATS could reduce incidence of POCD and improve postoperative cognitive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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With the rapid increase of senior users in mobile social network sites (MSNS), how to attract and maintain seniors' continuous usage is more and more important for the social network sites to keep their competitiveness. The purpose of this study is to disclose the cognitive-affective-conative process of seniors' MSNS continuous using intention. Using data from 374 WeChat senior respondents, the integrated model was developed based on expectation-confirmation model of information system continuance, perceived ease of use, emotional attachment and related explanatory variables, and validated in the Chinese context. The results indicated that: (1) Satisfaction and emotional attachment play partly and full mediator role between the perceived usefulness, confirmation of expectation, perceived ease of use and continuance intention. In addition, perceived usefulness is directly positively associated with continuance intention; (2) Emotional attachment has the largest association with continuance intention in all the factors; (3) Satisfaction, relatedness need satisfaction and competence need satisfaction are positively associated with emotional attachment, and the relatedness need satisfaction has the strongest association among these three factors; (4) Unexpectedly, autonomy need satisfaction has no significant association with emotional attachment and the effect of declining physiological conditions has no significant association with perceived ease of use. This research enriches the existing work by explaining the underlying cognitive-affective-conative process of seniors' MSNS continuance using. It also provides guidance to keep the loyalty of senior users for MSNS practitioners. [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]

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: Research into care for older patients in the hospital environment has become an increasingly valuable source of information, as it gives feedback on the quality of hospital care provided. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the self-reported needs of older people in hospital care. Methods: The scoping review was conducted by searching the following databases: Medline, Web of Science, ProQuest Central, Scopus, Cinahl, PsycINFO and Summon. Results: The search identified articles focusing on older people in hospital care. The majority of these articles address the system and quality of care for seniors at a somewhat general and theoretical level. Met and unmet needs were assessed by a variety of test methods focusing mainly on medical issues (e.g., Mini-Nutritional Assessment, ADLs—activities of daily living, Abbey Pain Scale) and mostly from the perspective of hospital staff, carers and relatives. Only 15 articles used assessments based on information and opinions obtained from the seniors themseAbstract_Paralves (self-reported needs). A thematic analysis revealed seven main themes: conduct and care in emergency departments, dignity, nutritional care, satisfaction of patients' needs, pain, caring with respect, decision-making and spiritual needs. Conclusion/discussion: The results of this scoping review suggest that more attention should be focused on information acquired from the patients themselves, as it is only the patient, however, old or frail, who can offer an accurate perspective on met or unmet needs and the quality of care provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Zeitschrift für Gerontologie und Geriatrie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Although some social participation initiatives exist to counter the isolation of older adults, none were identified and prioritized according to the needs of rural regional county municipalities (RCM), including in Canada.Aims: To identify and prioritize social participation initiatives for older Canadians, and to document the feasibility of their implementation in a rural RCM.Methods: An action research was used to identify, based on a review of scientific and grey literature, social participation initiatives, enriched and prioritized by the community. Facilitators, challenges, and advice for the implementation of these initiatives were documented through nine group discussions (n = 85).Results: Two social participation initiatives were identified as more relevant to the RCM, combined and adapted as the Benevolent Community to locate and assist isolated older adults. Two other initiatives were prioritized to identify transportation needs and solutions, and create a website on social participation activities available. Most participants perceived these initiatives as feasible, and will address older adults’ social participation needs. Two facilitators were a field worker for older adults and the preoccupations of the community toward isolated older adults. The main challenges concerned the difficulty in recruiting volunteers and locating isolated older adults, exacerbated by the RCM’s vast territory. Main advice involved suggestions of people for the recruitment of volunteers.Discussion: Through valuable collaboration with the community, initiatives were identified and prioritized, and challenges were raised, with anticipated success.Conclusions: Further studies are needed to document the implementation and effects of these initiatives on the social participation of older adults in the RCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to compare junior and senior healthy participants for their multimodal integration capability. The instrument used for the investigation was the rubber hand illusion (RHI) where synchronous and asynchronous multimodal stimulation were applied. The study focused on assessing the rate of integration for visuo-tactile and visuo-proprioceptive stimuli. Methods: From a large sample of right-handed volunteers, 50 senior employees (containing younger and middle age adults) and 51 senior retired (senior adults) participants were recruited. Results: The between-subject analyses revealed that individuals both the junior and the senior participants responded to induction of RHI with vivid ownership and disownership experiences and a higher mislocalization error in the synchronous condition. However, the between-group analysis showed that participants in the senior group reported less vivid ownership and less vivid total RHI experiences scores compared to members of the junior group, but no mislocalization error differences were found between the groups. Conclusion: The results indicated that when visuo-tactile stimuli synchronously presented, the gain in multisensory integration decreased in seniors group. In contrast, in the case of visuo-proprioceptive synchronous presentation, the efficiency of multisensory integration remained unchanged across the lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the efficiency of this structured individualized program in “real life” context and to investigate the association of participation, and regularity and organizational context of participation with socioeconomic status and location from an intermittent work exercise program (IWEP) in seniors, we conducted a longitudinal prospective study in 3 cities in France. The 18-session 9-week IWEP was run on ergometric bicycles. Participants’ attitudes and behaviors with respect to IWEP, and quality of life (QoL) were assessed. A total of 232 volunteers (mean age 66.0 ± 6.5 years) were enrolled. For half, maintaining physical fitness was the main motivation to participate; 15.9% were completely sedentary. The programme adherence was 100%. A significant gain was measured in 92.2% of participants. At baseline, QoL scores were already high. After the IWEP, they were further enhanced of 10.0 ± 20.0% on average. In multifactorial analysis, none sociodemographic and financial characteristics were found to be linked with gain in performance. Previously sedentary individuals were those who beneficiate the most of the IWEP, and, this, whatever their health and sociodemographic status. Participants living in a northern urban area (Strasbourg) beneficiated the most from the IWEP compared to southern city (Toulouse) and rural district (Baume-les-Dames). Finally the health status did not influence the impact of the IWEP as well as tobacco and alcohol consumption or the quality of food intakes. This real life study confirmed that the IWEP enhanced endurance capacities and QoL in seniors and gives clues about determinants of the gain of endurance capacities in seniors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the study was to define the types of musculoskeletal injuries present in senior international rowers. According to the literature, no such study has been performed in this group. Methods: Injury data were obtained from a total of 634 rowers (33 % female, 67 % male) who completed a 12-month retrospective questionnaire on injury incidence while participating in the Senior World Rowing Championships in Munich, Germany, in 2007. Results: The mean injury rate per one year was 0.92 injuries per rower (1.75 injuries per 1,000 training sessions per rower). The vast majority of self-reported injuries were chronic injuries (acute vs chronic ratio was 1:2.63), and the majority of reported injuries did not result in loss of time from training or competition. Of all acute injuries, 58.1 % were sustained during rowing-specific training, with 20.6 % injuries sustained in the gym and 21.3 % during cross-training. The most common site of injury was the low back followed by the knee and the chest/thoracic spine. Senior open weight rowers who sustained chronic injuries achieved significantly better final ranking at the 2007 Senior World Rowing Championships compared to the same group of rowers who did not sustain any injury. Conclusion: Senior international rowers participating in World Rowing Championships sustained predominantly chronic (overuse) injuries during the rowing season studied. Those were mainly low severity injuries, with the low back being the most frequently injured site. This study may will help in prevention and early diagnosis of eventual injuries in top-level rowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to understand and examine the effects of participation in the health promotion program between elderly (over age sixty) people (male: 98, female: 158) who use a senior welfare center on recognition of their health condition and to contribute to the development of health science. The results of the present study were collected through an interview survey of elderly people at a senior welfare center and show that: 1) Morbidity rate of chronic diseases among the aged was high. 2) The most frequent diseases were arthritis, hypertension, low back pain, and cataract among participants in their 60s-80s. 3) The elderly had a negative recognition of their subjective health state while they had a positive recognition of their relative health state. The confidence of health state in the future was low. 4) The users of health promotion programs showed high satisfaction. They were more likely to participate in the senior programs which could be helpful for their health or which provided educational opportunity. 5) Above all things, the participation in exercise and therapy programs directly influenced the health related concepts. Therefore, these results, in part, suggest that participation in social welfare programs, especially exercise and therapy, positively promoted health recognition among the elderly, and that development of senior specialized physical therapy and the utilization of senior leisure facilities are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Measurements with a body plethysmograph of lung function parameters and reports of unusual complaints or irritations were taken from 41 senior citizens in the situations where they usually spend their daytime hours. The subjects belonged to a group commonly assumed to be at risk from ozone. Each subject was examined on 8 days both in the morning and in the afternoon. The object was to obtain for every subject an equal distribution of measuring days between those with elevated ozone concentrations (maximum 0.5 h mean values between 1.00 and 4.00 p.m. of at least 0.050 ppm) and those with low ozone concentrations (maximum 0.5 h mean values between 1.00 and 4.00 p.m. of at most 0.040 ppm). The results showed no relevant ozone related effects on the lung function parameters or the subjective reports of irritations. Thus there was no indication that senior citizens represent a group at particular risk with respect to moderately elevated concentrations of environmental ozone, as occur in central Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]