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To explore the relationship between walking activity and sleep quality among elderly. A cross-sectional, correlation study with purposive sampling was conducted on participants with a walking habit but not regular moderate-intensity exercise. Data were collected by structured questionnaires, including the Walking Activity Questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The total walking time per week and frequency of walking per day were significant predictors of sleep quality. Walking can help older community-dwelling adults improve their sleep quality. Walking more than once per day and total walking time per week ≥210 minutes were associated with good sleep quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine the effects of a simplified reablement program on physical function and quality of life in hospitalized older patients. Methods: The randomized controlled trial enrolled 114 older patients aged ≥65 years who, 2 weeks before admission, had been able to walk independently. Patients randomized to the reablement group received supervision and assistance to carry out the simplified reablement program 30 min daily during their hospital stay. Patients in the reminding group received only oral encouragement to continue the reablement program for 30 min daily. The control group received only usual care that included medical intervention consistent with the patient's diagnosis. The main outcome was improvement in physical function, including the modified version of the Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score, Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and Hand Grip Strength (HGS). Secondary outcomes included the EuroQoL 5 Dimension (EQ‐5D) Questionnaire and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results: The intervention had no significant effect on the Katz ADL score. However, a significant within‐group improvement in TUG occurred in the reminding group and reablement group. In addition, a significant time‐dependent improvement in HGS occurred only in the reablement group. With respect to secondary outcomes, the EQ5D score improved significantly only in the reablement group at 3 months after discharge. Conclusions: The simplified reablement program may be beneficial to optimize physical function and improve quality of life in hospitalized older patients. It is recommended that health professionals should assist or encourage older patients to do simplified reablement during their hospital stay. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 436–442. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older ICU survivors are often challenged with clusters of geriatric syndromes and functional decline. The purpose of this study was (a) to assess patterns of geriatric syndromes and functional status from admission to 6 months post discharge and (b) to examine the predictors of longitudinal functional status. This is a prospective cohort study. Demographic information, clinical variables, geriatric syndromes, and functional status were collected longitudinally. A total of 192 medical ICU older adult survivors were included in the analysis. Factors associated with reductions in functional status over 6 months were (a) institutionalized prior to hospitalization, (b) pressure sore before admission, (c) existing delirium, (d) impaired mobility at baseline, (e) increased APACHE II score upon ICU admission, and (f) use of mechanical ventilation during the ICU stay. Importantly, overweight was the only factor that was associated with increased functional level over 6 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the gender differences in the relationship between walking activity and sleep disturbances. A cross-sectional study of 201 community-dwelling older adults with diabetes was conducted in southern Taiwan. Using the Taiwanese version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, self-administered short version (IPAQ-SS), information on physical activity and sleep disturbance conditions was collected. Among older female adults with diabetes, 54.2% reported sleep disturbance significantly higher than males (38.1%). Logistic regression analysis suggested that for women, in addition to the active group, older adults in the low-active, high-walking group exhibited a significantly lower rate of sleep disturbance than did those who walked less. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives To explore the incidence, associated factors and adverse outcomes for initial inappropriate use of urinary catheters in hospitalised older patients. Background Urinary catheters can lead to substantial complications. The related factors and adverse outcomes associated with initial inappropriate urinary catheter use among hospitalised older patients have not been studied. Design Prospective cohort study. Methods A total of 321 older patients admitted to the hospital in southern Taiwan having urinary catheters placed within 24 hours of admission were recruited. Demographic factors, voiding function history, health conditions and care conditions of catheter placement were collected through a review of medical records, interviewing participants or their primary caregivers. Catheter-associated urinary tract infection during hospitalisation, transfer to a nursing home, length of hospital stay and change in activities of daily living determined as outcomes. Criteria for urinary catheter placement were developed to identify inappropriate use. Results The incidence of initial inappropriate use of urinary catheters among hospitalised Taiwanese older patients was 38·3%. The rationale most often reported for initial inappropriate use was 'convenience of care' (49·6%). Factors associated with initial inappropriate use were, chronic constipation, urinary tract infection history, medical treatment diagnosis, cognitive impairment, depressive symptoms and independence in activities of daily living and, insertion of catheter during evening and night shifts and lack of nursing documentation of the rationale for catheterisation. Patients with initial inappropriate use showed greater decline in activities of daily living function between admission and discharge. Conclusion Older patients with greater care needs may become the victims of initial inappropriate use of urinary catheters. Inappropriate use may devastate the activities of daily living in older patients. Nurses' awareness of indications for urinary catheters may prevent inappropriate use. Relevance to clinical practice A policy to strengthen nurses' awareness of the use of urinary catheters is needed in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the relationships between types of activity and quality of life (QOL) for older men and women at different ages. Based on cross-sectional data that included 220 community-dwelling elderly persons aged 65 and older in southern Taiwan, the results showed that the participation rates in many activities declined with age for both genders. Social activity and solitary leisure activity were significantly associated with QOL for old-old men, but not for young-old men. Only social activity was significantly associated with QOL for young-old women, but there was no significant association between any activity and QOL for old-old women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The practice of respecting patients’ autonomy is rooted in the healthcare professionals’ empathy for patients’ situations, without which appropriate supports to the patients during the informed consent process may be remarkably moderated. The purpose of this study was to explore elective surgery patients’ experiences during their decision-making process. This research was conducted using a phenomenological approach, and the data analysis was guided by Colaizzi’s method. A total of 17 participants were recruited from a hospital in southern Taiwan. Two major themes emerged from the analyses: (a) a voluntary yet necessary alternative—to undergo a surgery and (b) alternatives compelled by the unalterable decision—the surgery. It was concluded that unless healthcare professionals can empathize with the distressed situation of their patients who are facing elective surgery, the practice of informed consent may become merely a routine. Nurses can be the best advocates for patients and facilitators to enhance communication between patients and healthcare personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]