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J. Ageing Longev., Volume 2, Issue 4 (December 2022) – 8 articles

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11 pages, 260 KiB  
Article
Factors Associated with Annual Influenza Vaccination Uptake in U.S. Older Adults from 2019 to 2020
by Margaret Anne Lovier and Roger Wong
J. Ageing Longev. 2022, 2(4), 340-350; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal2040028 - 17 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1758
Abstract
Annual influenza vaccination is important for older adults to prevent morbidity and mortality from seasonal influenza. Although the United States has had limited success in increasing influenza vaccination, the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 may have changed older adults’ approach to [...] Read more.
Annual influenza vaccination is important for older adults to prevent morbidity and mortality from seasonal influenza. Although the United States has had limited success in increasing influenza vaccination, the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 may have changed older adults’ approach to vaccination. The objective of this study is to determine factors associated with influenza vaccination in 2019 and 2020 and compare their degree of associations across the two years. Data from the 2019 and 2020 National Health Interview Survey, a nationally representative cross-sectional interview, were collected for variables relating to annual influenza vaccination and possible associated factors. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression. The results show that never having received a vaccination for pneumonia increased the odds of receiving an influenza vaccination by 6.79–7.80 times. Recent specialist care for eye or oral health significantly increased the odds of receiving an influenza vaccination. Being a smoker, identifying as African American, and considering oneself to have excellent overall health were associated with significantly lower odds of receiving a vaccination. Although self-reported feelings of anxiety were not associated with vaccination in 2019, they increased the odds in 2020. Overall, influenza vaccination in older adults may be tied to reliable healthcare access and perceived susceptibility to infectious respiratory diseases. Full article
14 pages, 328 KiB  
Article
Loneliness in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Neglected Factor in Accelerated Aging?
by Barton W. Palmer, Mariam A. Hussain and James B. Lohr
J. Ageing Longev. 2022, 2(4), 326-339; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal2040027 - 09 Dec 2022
Viewed by 2387
Abstract
Prior research suggests that people with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may experience a form of accelerated biological aging. In other populations, loneliness has been shown to elevate risk for many of the same components of accelerated biological aging, and other deleterious outcomes, as [...] Read more.
Prior research suggests that people with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may experience a form of accelerated biological aging. In other populations, loneliness has been shown to elevate risk for many of the same components of accelerated biological aging, and other deleterious outcomes, as seen in people with PTSD. Although standard diagnostic criteria for PTSD include “feelings of detachment or estrangement from others”, the relationship of such feelings to the concept of loneliness remains uncertain, in par potentially due to a failure to distinguish between loneliness versus objective social isolation. In order to catalyze wider research attention to loneliness in PTSD, and the potential contribution to accelerated biological aging, the present paper provides three components: (1) a conceptual overview of the relevant constructs and potential interrelationships, (2) a review of the limited extant empirical literature, and (3) suggested directions for future research. The existing empirical literature is too small to support many definitive conclusions, but there is evidence of an association between loneliness and symptoms of PTSD. The nature of this association may be complex, and the causal direction(s) uncertain. Guided by the conceptual overview and review of existing literature, we also highlight key areas for further research. The ultimate goal of this line of work is to elucidate mechanisms underlying any link between loneliness and accelerated aging in PTSD, and to develop, validate, and refine prevention and treatment efforts. Full article
10 pages, 255 KiB  
Article
Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives on the Outgoing Geriatric Team: A Qualitative Explorative Study
by Sanne Have Beck and Dorthe Susanne Nielsen
J. Ageing Longev. 2022, 2(4), 316-325; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal2040026 - 09 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1409
Abstract
The need for communication and collaboration increases when an older patient is discharged from the hospital, as the transition of care is complex for older patients living with multiple concurrent diseases. An intervention: The outgoing geriatric team was developed and initiated to address [...] Read more.
The need for communication and collaboration increases when an older patient is discharged from the hospital, as the transition of care is complex for older patients living with multiple concurrent diseases. An intervention: The outgoing geriatric team was developed and initiated to address these patients’ complex needs. The outgoing geriatric team aimed to collaborate with healthcare professionals at a skilled nursing facility. This study explored how the intervention was experienced by the healthcare professionals from both the outgoing geriatric team and the skilled nursing facility. The study employed a qualitative explorative design using semi-structured interviews. Fourteen healthcare professionals participated in the interviews. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clark’s thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: (1) The need for personal contact and communication; (2) the need for competent care and sensitive observation; and (3) the need for clarification of responsibilities. The study emphasized the importance of meeting face-to-face during cross-sectoral collaboration when treating and caring for patients with complex care needs. Full article
12 pages, 282 KiB  
Article
Socio-Cultural Factors Influencing the Perception and Management of Meningitis among Older Patients and Their Caregivers
by Kafayat Mahmoud, Moshood Issah and Darlingtina Esiaka
J. Ageing Longev. 2022, 2(4), 304-315; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal2040025 - 02 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1573
Abstract
Limited studies have investigated the socio-cultural factors influencing the management and control of Meningococcal Meningitis among older adults in Northern Nigeria. This study explored the lived experiences of older individuals with Meningococcal Meningitis and relationships with their caregivers in the Kaiama Local Government [...] Read more.
Limited studies have investigated the socio-cultural factors influencing the management and control of Meningococcal Meningitis among older adults in Northern Nigeria. This study explored the lived experiences of older individuals with Meningococcal Meningitis and relationships with their caregivers in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. Twenty (20) Meningococcal Meningitis patients aged 65+, their caregivers, and three (3) traditional healers were purposely selected for in-depth interviews. Results show that some older adults believed that their health conditions were caused by supernatural forces, thereby influencing the scope and type of care they receive. For such participants, traditional treatment options are fundamental for addressing the root causes of their ailment. Few participants mentioned that their health conditions were caused by excessive heat in their community and were more likely to consider biomedical treatments as the most effective for diagnosing, treating, and managing the ailment. Additionally, Meningococcal Meningitis might have caused physical, cognitive, and psychological frailties and impairments among the older patients, compelling family caregivers to support the older adult patients in their homes. We discuss the need for a policy that would benefit both those who care for older adults and the older adults themselves. Full article
11 pages, 431 KiB  
Article
Incarcerated Brazilian Elderly: Memories about Family
by Pollyanna Lima, Alessandra Oliveira, Luana Reis, Arianna Lopes, Elaine Santana, Thaiza Nobre and Luciana Reis
J. Ageing Longev. 2022, 2(4), 293-303; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal2040024 - 30 Nov 2022
Viewed by 1082
Abstract
This article aims to analyze the memories of incarcerated elderly people about family. This is an exploratory and analytical study, with a qualitative approach, carried out in three prison units in Bahia, with 31 incarcerated elderly people, through semi-structured interview. Most are male [...] Read more.
This article aims to analyze the memories of incarcerated elderly people about family. This is an exploratory and analytical study, with a qualitative approach, carried out in three prison units in Bahia, with 31 incarcerated elderly people, through semi-structured interview. Most are male (30), between 60 to 65-years-old (21), married (12) and with three to four children (10). The results show that the 10 most evoked words were: family; sons; mom; father; women; life; cry; today; brothers; and longing. The study showed that the family constitution is maintained because the experiences that are symbolized in it have socially crystallized definitions as references. Anchored by social frames of memories that remain, since they remain alive in the groups and are permanently maintained. It was also found that the family plays an extremely important role in their lives and that the mother is the central point of this family. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Healthy, Safe and Active Aging)
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16 pages, 273 KiB  
Article
Multivariate Analysis of Risk Factors for Cerebral Infarction Based on Specific Health Checkups in Japan
by Yoh Tamaki, Yoshimune Hiratsuka and Toshiro Kumakawa
J. Ageing Longev. 2022, 2(4), 277-292; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal2040023 - 12 Nov 2022
Viewed by 1589
Abstract
Stroke is a progressive disease with remissions and exacerbations; it significantly reduces the quality of life of patients and their family and caregivers. Primary prevention is necessary to reduce the growing incidence of stroke globally. In this study, we determined the risk factors [...] Read more.
Stroke is a progressive disease with remissions and exacerbations; it significantly reduces the quality of life of patients and their family and caregivers. Primary prevention is necessary to reduce the growing incidence of stroke globally. In this study, we determined the risk factors for cerebral infarction in elderly Japanese residents and proposed a primary care strategy to prevent cerebral infarction. We investigated the relationship between the incidence of cerebral infarction and the results of checkups 10 years ago. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the variables related to the occurrence of cerebral infarction in biochemical tests and questionnaires administered ten years ago. Hypertension and abnormal creatinine levels were related to increased risk of cerebral infarction based on our findings of the health checkups conducted 10 years previously. Furthermore, weight gain or loss of >3 kg over the last year and habit of eating an evening meal within 2 h before going to bed were associated with an increased risk of cerebral infarction based on the questionnaire results from the specific health checkups. Long-term, large-scale prospective studies are required to determine the specific health items related to increased risk of cerebral infarction. Full article
11 pages, 251 KiB  
Article
Death Education among Social Science College Students: The Good, the Bad, and the Unchanged
by Jennifer Zorotovich and Adrienne Lynn Cohen
J. Ageing Longev. 2022, 2(4), 266-276; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal2040022 - 22 Oct 2022
Viewed by 1595
Abstract
Personal identity is often dictated by the social roles a person fulfills (e.g., mother, son, partner, employee, etc.) and these social roles are defined by the greater family unit and surrounding social environments. Monumental events, such as death, often change a person’s social [...] Read more.
Personal identity is often dictated by the social roles a person fulfills (e.g., mother, son, partner, employee, etc.) and these social roles are defined by the greater family unit and surrounding social environments. Monumental events, such as death, often change a person’s social roles and demand a reorganization of the family unit. To provide comprehensive end-of-life care, human services professionals become an integral piece of care provisions as they are trained in serving the mothers, fathers, and children of the world, more so than treating the biological aspects of illness. It is for this reason that understanding the impacts of education on social science majors is important. To date, research on the effects of end-of-life education has largely focused on the negative affect among those in healthcare-related programs, leaving gaps in the literature surrounding the impacts, both negative and positive, of death education on future human services professionals. The current study explores pre–post semester changes in negative and positive affect among social science students (n = 92) enrolled in courses focused on end-of-life compared to those in an aging and human services-focused courses. Using paired and individual samples t-tests, within- and between-group changes were explored. Students in the experimental group reported lower death anxiety scores post-semester (M = 4.34, 95% CI [2.60, 6.08], t(74) = 4.97, p < 0.05), but this was not the case for the control group. Between group differences revealed that students in the experimental group displayed a greater decrease in fear of others dying (x = 4.08, sd = 6.23) than those in the control group (x = 1.24, sd = 0.95) and they reported larger increases in subjective happiness by an average of 0.61 points (sd = 2.42) when compared to those in the control group who reported an average increase of 0.10 points (sd = 2.45). Findings are discussed in terms of within- and between-group differences and suggestions for future research are provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Recent Advances in Healthy Ageing)
14 pages, 1591 KiB  
Article
Sociodemographic Associations of Dementia Literacy in Older Australians
by Joyce Siette and Laura Dodds
J. Ageing Longev. 2022, 2(4), 252-265; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal2040021 - 27 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3201
Abstract
Recent levels of dementia literacy in older Australian adults remains relatively unexplored. Our purpose was to identify whether dementia literacy has changed in older Australians, sociodemographic characteristics associated with better literacy, and barriers to dementia risk reduction. A 32-item adapted British Social Attitudes [...] Read more.
Recent levels of dementia literacy in older Australian adults remains relatively unexplored. Our purpose was to identify whether dementia literacy has changed in older Australians, sociodemographic characteristics associated with better literacy, and barriers to dementia risk reduction. A 32-item adapted British Social Attitudes Survey was administered to 834 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 73.3, SD = 6.0, range 65–94) on dementia awareness and knowledge of dementia risk and protective factors. Descriptive analyses, logistic, and multiple linear regressions were used to examine sociodemographic factors on dementia awareness and literacy. Most respondents (61%) were aware of the relationship between different lifestyle factors and dementia risk, with the majority reporting cognitive (85.0%) and physical inactivity (83.4%) as key risk factors. Few were able to identify less well-known factors (e.g., chronic kidney disease; 15.8%). Individuals with higher educational attainment were more likely to agree that dementia is modifiable (OR 1.228, 95% CI 1.02–1.47). Younger age (β = −0.089, 95% CI −0.736–−0.065, p = 0.019) was significantly associated with a higher number of correctly-identified dementia risk factors. Lack of knowledge was the key barrier to hindering dementia risk reduction. A tailored, evidence-informed, population-based lifespan approach targeting dementia literacy may help alleviate commonly reported barriers and support dementia risk reduction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Recent Advances in Healthy Ageing)
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