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Healthy Aging: Past and Future Challenge

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Behavior, Chronic Disease and Health Promotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2022) | Viewed by 14428

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Dr. Marina Almeida-Silva

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H&TRC-Health & Technology Research Center, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde (ESTeSL), Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1900-096 Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: environmental health; healthy ageing; susceptible population exposure to air pollutants; human health impacts to air pollutants; indoor and atmospheric air quality assessment; source apportionment
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Dear Colleagues,

The continuous growth of older populations, as a consequence of demographic changes in Europe, is a huge challenge. To prevent costly and negative impacts effects on the population as a whole, it is crucial that the European societies increase their knowledge of promoting good health among older people, to promote good health and a better quality of life in later stages.

This Special Issue will evaluate the societal challenges of healthy aging, its impact in recent years, and future steps.

Dr. Marina Almeida-Silva
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Healthy aging
Old people
Environment
Health
Policies

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 526 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stuck in the Present: A Human Lack of Ability to Visualise (Different) Needs in the Future May Hamper Timely Implementation of AAL and Supportive Technology

by Ulrike Bechtold, Natalie Stauder, Martin Fieder and Harald Wilfing

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6804; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116804 - 02 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1486

Abstract

Cities face an evident demographic change, making assistive technologies (AAL) an interesting choice to support older adults to autonomously age in place. Yet, supportive technologies are not as widely spread as one would expect. Hence, we investigate the surroundings of older adults living in Vienna and analyse their “socio relational setup”, considering their social integration and psychophysical state compared to others (health, fitness, activeness, contentedness). Method: Our data included 245 older adults (age: M = 74, SD = 6654) living in their own homes (2018–2020 with different grades of needing support). We calculated univariate and multivariate models regressing the socio-relational setup on the change of routines, technology attitude, mobility aid use, internet use, subjective age, openness to move to an institutional care facility in the future, and other confounding variables. Results: We found a strong correlation between all categories (health, fitness, activeness, contentedness) of older adults comparing themselves to their peers. Among others, they are significantly related to institutional care openness, which implies that participants who felt fitter and more active than their peers were less clear in visualising their future: unpleasant circumstances of ageing are suppressed if the current life circumstances are perceived as good. This is an example of cognitive dissonance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Aging: Past and Future Challenge)

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16 pages, 1346 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable and Active Program—Development and Application of SAVING Methodology

by Marina Almeida-Silva, Ana Monteiro, Ana Rita Carvalho, Ana Marta Teixeira, Jéssica Moreira, David Tavares, Maria Teresa Tomás, Andreia Coelho and Vítor Manteigas

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6803; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116803 - 02 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1985

Abstract

The SAVING project aimed to create a sustainable and active aging program to promote the transition to sustainable aging in residential structures for the elderly (RSEs), developing research activities to apply the best strategies and good practices regarding the promotion of an active, healthy, and sustainable aging regarding social, economic, environmental, and pedagogic aspects. All this innovative methodology was built on a living-lab approach applied in one RSE, that was used as a case study. The results showed that the creation of the SAVING Brigade allowed not only increased reflection and mutual learning, but also created better conditions to face uncertainties and obstacles. Moreover, the use of indicators supported the basic themes and enabled comparison with other studies, between institutions or programs. Finally, the Action Plan acted as a tool for the development of previously defined strategies. It is possible to conclude that the breadth of the concept of quality of life encompasses the physical health of the individual, their psychological state, their social relationships, their perceptions, and the relationship with the characteristics of the context in which they are inserted. Therefore, active, sustainable, and healthy aging should be the goal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Aging: Past and Future Challenge)

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10 pages, 340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Friendship in Later Life: How Friends Are Significant Resources in Older Persons’ Communication about Chronic Pain

by Imane Semlali, Gilles Merminod, Orest Weber, Ana Terrier, Isabelle Decosterd, Eve Rubli Truchard and Pascal Singy

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5551; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095551 - 03 May 2022

Viewed by 1759

Abstract

Background: This article focuses on how older persons perceive their friends’ role in their daily experience of chronic pain. It reports part of the results of a study in which we interviewed 49 participants, aged 75 and older, about the way they communicate about chronic pain within their social network. Methodology: Using discourse and content analysis, we first examine older persons’ definition of friendship, and then identify the various dimensions of friendship that are engaged in the communication about chronic pain. Results: Participants define close friends as people with whom they share intimacy and social proximity (same gender, age and experience of pain). These dimensions allow older persons to talk freely about their pain without the fear of being judged or rejected, particularly when it is related to a dynamic of reciprocity. Conclusions: This article shows that the contribution of friends to the everyday life of older persons with chronic pain is mainly that of providing emotional support. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Aging: Past and Future Challenge)

19 pages, 1879 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ageing Well in Small Villages: What Keeps Older Adults Happy? Environmental Indicators of Residential Satisfaction in Four Dutch Villages

by Nienke J. A. Moor, Kim Hamers and Masi Mohammadi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 3922; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073922 - 25 Mar 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2198

Abstract

This article aims to contribute to the existing literature about liveability in rural areas by explicitly focusing on the level of residential satisfaction of older adults (55+) in four small Dutch villages. We strive not only to identify the key indicators of residential satisfaction among older villagers but also to better understand how these indicators affect their (daily) life. Moreover, in line with the person–environment fit tradition, we differentiate according to the capabilities and vulnerabilities of older villagers. To this end, we use a mixed-method approach, in which we combine survey data with qualitative data collected with photovoice in the four villages. The findings indicate that older adults’ perceptions of spatial, social and functional aspects of the living environment are related to the degree of residential satisfaction overall. However, these perceptions appear to be strongly intertwined, especially perceptions about spatial characteristics, local identity and connectedness. Older adults who are hindered by health problems in undertaking daily activities experience a lower level of person–environment fit, which is reflected in a lower level of residential satisfaction. However, this relationship between subjective health and residential satisfaction can only be partially explained by different perceptions of the spatial, social and functional environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Aging: Past and Future Challenge)

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14 pages, 2409 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Suicide Risk Factors among Polish Adults Aged 65 or Older in 2000–2018 Compared with Selected Countries Worldwide

by Witold Śmigielski, Karolina Małek, Tomasz Jurczyk, Karol Korczak, Robert Gajda, Alicja Cicha-Mikołajczyk, Jerzy Piwoński, Joanna Śmigielska-Kolańska, Janusz Śmigielski, Wojciech Drygas and Piotr Gałecki

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9921; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189921 - 21 Sep 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2302

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the tendencies of change in suicide frequency among Polish adults aged 65 or older, recognize the importance of available socio-demographic data (age, sex, marital status, and education attainment level) and provide an in-depth psychological understanding of the obtained results. We analysed the influence of education and marital status on suicide risk in the Polish adult population aged 65 or older, which has not been previously presented in publications related to the Central Statistical Office or any other research. Our results indicated that male adults aged 65 or older that were single or divorced and with a lower education had a higher risk of death by suicide. In female adults aged 65 or older, those with higher education and who were divorced or married had a higher risk of fatal suicide behaviour meanwhile, single women and widows had a lower risk. The dominant method of suicide among Polish older adults was suicide by hanging, regardless of sex; female older adults were more likely to die by suicide by poisoning or jumping from a height, and male older adults were more likely to die by shooting with a firearm. Although data from recent years highlights a downward trend for suicide rates in Polish older adults, the problem cannot be considered solved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Aging: Past and Future Challenge)

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24 pages, 740 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interventions across the Retirement Transition for Improving Well-Being: A Scoping Review

by Miriam Rodríguez-Monforte, Carles Fernández-Jané, Anna Martin-Arribas, Lluís Costa-Tutusaus, Mercè Sitjà-Rabert, Inés Ramírez-García, Olga Canet Vélez, Jenna Kopp, Jordi Vilaró and Elena Carrillo-Alvarez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(12), 4341; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124341 - 17 Jun 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3491

Abstract

(1) Background: The work-to-retirement transition involves a process of psychologically and behaviorally distancing oneself from the workforce that is often accompanied by other social changes, which can influence health and well-being. However, research on interventions targeting the work-to-retirement transition to improve health status is limited. Our objective was to summarize and describe interventions aiming to improve well-being across the retirement transition; (2) Methods: We conducted a scoping review following the methodological framework described by Arksey and O’Malley; the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines as well as the PRISMA-ScR statements; we systematically searched articles and gray literature to identify interventions and policies that aimed to improve well-being across the retirement transition. (3) Results: 15 publications were included, which comprised both experimental designs (n = 10) and systematic reviews (n = 5). (4) Conclusions: More research on how to promote overall well-being during the work-to-retirement transition is needed. The results of this scoping review show that most reported interventions address one single lifestyle behavior, and that relevant social determinants of health have been barely considered in their design. Future investigations need to consider vulnerable groups and country-specific structural conditions. Adopting a patient and public involvement approach will contribute to developing interventions that address the significant needs of those in the transition to retirement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Aging: Past and Future Challenge)

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