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DOAJ Open Access 2026
Daycare geriatric mental health services through social prescription by primary health care staff: a randomized control trial at community centers Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, India

Jayanthi Tarugu, Kiranmayi Koni, Sirshendu Chaudhuri et al.

Abstract Background Health issues among the elderly population are almost inevitable. Mental health problems are common among them, and it is one of the most neglected areas of health. There is a felt need to develop strategies to meet the needs of these populations. Social prescribing is one of the effective strategies to improve their health and well-being. The objective of this study is to estimate the effectiveness of daycare geriatric mental health services through social prescription on quality of life (QOL) of elderly aged 60 years and above in rural communities of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. Methods In this randomized controlled interventional trial, people aged 60 years and above with no acute psychotic symptoms will be recruited from the community areas of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. Eligible populations will be directed to daycare geriatric mental health services, where interventions will be planned based on the results of the needs assessment. Follow-up will be conducted every two months to identify challenges in continuing daycare services by these populations. Implementation costs will be calculated concurrently. Analysis will be conducted using both intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol analyses. To examine the association between the participants' characteristics and their QOL, univariate analysis will be done. Thematic analysis will be done to analyze qualitative data where themes and sub-themes will be identified. Discussion Mental health services for the geriatric population are a neglected area. Daycare geriatric mental health services are essential to improve the quality of living and also their physical and mental health. Trial registration CTRI/2023/03/050503 dated 09/03/2023, under the Clinical Trials Registry-India version 1.0 dated 09/03/2023.

DOAJ Open Access 2026
Asia-Pacific consensus statement on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients with osteoporosisKey Points & RecommendationsKey Points & RecommendationsKey Points & RecommendationsKey Points & RecommendationsKey pointsKey PointsKey PointsKey Points & RecommendationsKey Points & RecommendationsKey Points & RecommendationsKey Points & RecommendationsKey PointsKey Points & Recommendations

Akira Taguchi, Daisuke Inoue, Jin-Woo Kim et al.

A unified consensus statement on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) has not yet been established among the Asian member countries or regions of the Asian Federation of Osteoporosis Societies (AFOS). This study aimed to develop a consensus on MRONJ in patients with osteoporosis across these countries and regions. In this study, the term “Asia-Pacific” refers specifically to the Asian member countries and regions of AFOS. A structured survey consisting of nine MRONJ-related questions was distributed across 10 countries and regions to assess the level of agreement and summarize regional perspectives. In addition, a manual literature review and voting were conducted to evaluate the current evidence on MRONJ. The key aspects of MRONJ, including definition, staging, diagnosis, pathogenesis, risk factors, management, and prevention, were generally consistent among the AFOS countries and regions. The annual incidence and incidence rate of MRONJ associated with low-dose antiresorptive therapy in patients with osteoporosis ranged from 0.025% to 0.136% and 21 to 283 cases per 100,000 person-years, respectively. However, evidence regarding the benefits of drug discontinuation before dental surgery, such as tooth extraction, remains insufficient. Large-scale, multinational studies across AFOS countries and regions are warranted to determine the incidence of MRONJ better and evaluate the impact of antiresorptive drug discontinuation before dental procedures. These findings may contribute to the development of effective evidence-based strategies for preventing MRONJ in patients with osteoporosis.

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
DOAJ Open Access 2025
Examining Technology Perspectives of Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: Scoping Review

Snezna Bizilj Schmidt, Stephen Isbel, Blooma John et al.

Abstract BackgroundMild cognitive impairment (MCI) affects up to 20% of people older than the age of 65 years. The global incidence of MCI is increasing, and technology is being explored for early intervention. Theories of technology adoption predict that useful and easy-to-use solutions will have higher rates of adoption; however, these models do not specifically consider older adults with cognitive impairments or the unique human-computer interaction challenges posed by MCI. There are gaps in understanding the combined impacts of aging and cognitive impairment on factors affecting technology adoption for older adults with MCI, and it is not clear how MCI impacts human-computer interaction and device and interaction modality preferences in this population. ObjectiveThis study aimed to collate perspectives from older adults with MCI about technology solutions proposed for them, to understand whether solutions are perceived as useful, easy to use, and what changes are suggested. It also identifies which devices and interaction modalities are preferred, and other factors that may affect usage and adoption. MethodsThis scoping review was completed according to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. A consistent search was performed across 9 electronic databases (ACM Digital Library, EBSCOhost CINAHL Plus with Full Text, EBSCOhost Computers and Applied Sciences Complete, Google Scholar, JMIR Publications, IEEE Xplore, EBSCOhost MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection) for studies published between January 1, 2014, and May 1, 2024. Extracted data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. ResultsWe identified 4271 studies, and after the removal of duplicates and screening, 83 studies were included for data extraction. Inductive thematic analysis of feedback from older adults with MCI about technology solutions proposed for them identified five themes: (1) purpose and need, (2) solution design and ease of use, (3) self-impression, (4) lifestyle, and (5) interaction modality. Solutions were perceived as useful, even though gaps in functional support exist; however, they were not perceived as entirely easy to use due to issues related to usability and user experience. Devices that are lightweight, portable, familiar, and have large screens are preferred, as is multimodal interaction—particularly speech, visual or text, and touch. ConclusionsUsing technology can create feelings that positively or negatively affect a user’s comfort, confidence, and overall well-being. Older adults with MCI value independence and autonomy, and solution designs should support these. Usefulness, ease of use, security, privacy, cost, physical comfort, and convenience are important considerations for technology use. Reliable technology creates trust, confidence, and feelings of empowerment. This review recommends future work to (1) improve usability and user experience, (2) enhance personalization, (3) better understand interaction preferences and effectiveness, (4) enable options for multimodal interaction, and (5) more seamlessly integrate solutions into users’ lifestyles.

DOAJ Open Access 2025
Rehabilitation, reablement, and restorative care approaches in the aged care sector: a scoping review of systematic reviews

Claire Gough, Raechel A. Damarell, Janine Dizon et al.

Abstract Background Ageing populations are set to drive up demand for aged care services, placing strain on economies funding social care systems. Rehabilitation, reablement, and restorative care approaches are essential to this demographic shift as they aim to support independent function and quality of life of older people. Understanding the impact of these approaches requires nuanced insights into their definitions, funding, and delivery within the aged care context. This scoping review mapped and compared systematic review-level research on rehabilitation, reablement, and restorative care approaches within aged care with the aim of determining definitional clarity, key themes, and the professional groups delivering each approach. Methods Nine databases were searched (2012 to September 2023) to identify English-language systematic reviews on aged care-based rehabilitation, reablement and/or restorative care. Two reviewers independently screened studies following predetermined eligibility criteria. Only reviews reporting quality appraisal findings were eligible. Data charting and synthesis followed the Arksey and O’Malley approach and are reported according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Results Forty-one reviews met inclusion criteria. Most (68%) reported on rehabilitation in aged care, and eight (20%) combined the approaches. Only 14 reviews (34%) defined the approach they described. Reviews centred on services for older people in the home or community (n = 15), across a mix of settings including community, hospital, and residential care (n = 10). Ten distinct themes highlight the importance of multidisciplinary teams, allied health, risk of falls, hip fracture, reduced functional independence, and specific types of interventions including physical activity, technology, cognitive rehabilitation, goal setting, and transition care. Most reviews described the role of occupational therapists (n = 22), physiotherapists (n = 20) and nurses (n = 14) with wider support from the multidisciplinary team. The quality of primary studies within the reviews varied widely. Conclusions This scoping review summarises the evidence landscape for rehabilitation, reablement, and restorative care approaches in the context of aged care. Despite their role in enhancing independence and quality of life for older people, policy, funding, and terminology variation means the evidence lacks clarity. This fragmented evidence makes it challenging to argue the effectiveness of one approach over another for older people in receipt of aged care services. Clinical trial number Not applicable.

DOAJ Open Access 2025
Predictors of progression from pre-frailty to frailty in older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Lan Liu, Liping Zhao, Chunbo Guo et al.

Introduction Frailty is a global health issue, particularly among older adults, and is strongly associated with adverse health outcomes. The intermediate stage of pre-frailty, which represents a transition from robust health to frailty, has garnered growing concern due to its potential reversibility. This systematic review and meta-analysis will aim to identify predictors associated with the progression from pre-frailty to frailty in older adults.Methods and analysis A comprehensive literature search will be conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CNKI, Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and China Biomedical Literature Database from inception to the most recent search date. Eligible studies will report predictors of frailty progression among older adults with pre-frailty at baseline. Two reviewers will independently screen the studies, extract relevant data and assess methodological quality using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis and meta-regression will be performed to estimate pooled effect sizes and explore potential predictors. Subgroup analyses will be conducted to investigate possible sources of heterogeneity.Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval will not be required, as this study will not involve primary data collection. The findings will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.PROSPERO registration number CRD42024594175.

DOAJ Open Access 2025
Associations of sarcopenia with depression and suicidal ideation: the sex-specific mediating role of loneliness

Youjuan Zhang, Shuai Zhou, Yang Chao et al.

Abstract Background The global aging population amplifies sarcopenia’s burden, a syndrome linked to physical decline and comorbid mental health risks. Despite growing understanding of the associations between sarcopenia, depression, and suicidal ideation, the mediating role of loneliness and sex-specific patterns remains underexplored. This study investigates whether loneliness mediates the sarcopenia–negative mood relationship and examines sex differences in these pathways among Hong Kong older adults. Methods We analyzed data from 2126 adults aged ≥ 60 (69 ± 6.5 years, 57% women) in the 2024–2025 Panel study of Active Ageing and Society (PAAS). Sarcopenia was assessed using the SARC-F questionnaire (score > 4). Negative mood included depressive symptoms (CES-D-8 scale) and past-week suicidal ideation (binary item). Loneliness was measured via a 3-item UCLA-based scale (score 3–9). Linear regression (depression) and probit models (suicidal ideation) tested associations, adjusted for sociodemographic and health covariates. Entropy balancing and propensity score matching were used to address selection bias. KHB decomposition analysis quantified the total, direct and indirect effects of the loneliness mediation, stratified by sex. Results Sarcopenia prevalence was 9.6%, disproportionately affecting women, socioeconomically disadvantaged adults, and patients with comorbidities. Adjusted models revealed sarcopenia was positively associated with depressive symptoms (B = 3.41, SE = 0.28) and a 17.6% greater probability of suicidal ideation (B = 0.83, SE = 0.11). Effects were stronger in women (depression: B = 3.48 vs. 3.11 in men). Loneliness mediated 23.73% of the sarcopenia–suicidal ideation association and 20.54% of the sarcopenia–depression association. Sex-dimorphic pathways emerged: loneliness mediated more of sarcopenia’s effect on suicidal ideation in men (27.98%) than women (22.48%), despite women’s stronger direct effects. Conclusion Loneliness significantly explains the sarcopenia–mental health relationship, with men exhibiting stronger indirect pathways via loneliness. This highlights the need for integrated interventions targeting sarcopenia (e.g., resistance training) and loneliness (e.g., group-based social activities), tailored to sex-specific mechanisms. Scaling such approaches is urgent for the aging society, with highly prevalent sarcopenia and mental health problems among older adults.

DOAJ Open Access 2024
Transitions: Living With Young‐Onset Alzheimer's Disease: A Qualitative Interview Study

Malin Aspö, Leonie N. C. Visser, Miia Kivipelto et al.

ABSTRACT Introduction Persons with young‐onset dementia (YOD) are confronted with specific challenges. Due to the neurodegenerative nature of the disease, people diagnosed with YOD face many changes with different consequences, for example, regarding their life perspective. These changes can give rise to transition processes and strategies for coping, hopefully stimulating well‐being and acceptance. However, this might not always be the case, and support may be warranted. Our aim was to describe the experiences of those living with YOD due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and identify signs of transitions during the first year after diagnosis. Method In this qualitative interview study, we explore the experiences of younger persons living with AD. Thirteen participants under the age of 65 years (nine female and four male; mean age: 57) were included 1 year after being diagnosed with AD. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis with a deductive approach. To gain a deeper understanding of the data, Meleis's transitions theory was used as a theoretical framework. Results Two categories were identified: ‘Life has changed’ and ‘Mastering a changed life situation’. One year after diagnosis, participants described how they experienced a changed life situation, changing symptoms, a loss of meaningful activities and an increased risk of social isolation. Furthermore, living with uncertainty about the future caused feelings of being disconnected. Awareness was described as an important aspect of coping with YOD and progressing in the transition process. Participants also highlighted the importance of support from others. Conclusion The results suggest that preventing social isolation is important in facilitating healthy transitions. Therefore, professionals need to identify signs of transitions and be aware of the complexity of coping with YOD, thereby helping to prevent unwanted responses to change and facilitate a healthy transition process. Patient or Public Contribution The findings are based on interviews with 13 persons with YOD and provide insight into experiences of living with YOD.

Medicine (General), Public aspects of medicine
DOAJ Open Access 2023
Association between Clinical Frailty Scale and Risk of Hip Fractures among Geriatric Population

Abdul Majid, Muhammad Usman Khan, Abdul Ghafoor et al.

Background The study aims to identify the association between frailty and risk of hip fracture among the geriatric population admitted in the orthopaedic wards of tertiary care hospitals for the procedure of hip arthroplasty to determine if the cause of hip fracture is underlying frailty as estimated using a Clinical Frailty Scale. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the orthopedic ward of a tertiary care hospital, involving a total of 345 geriatric individuals who were admitted due to a hip fracture. The study examined various factors related to hip fractures in individuals aged 65 years and above, encompassing both males and females. Results The association between clinical frailty scale and hip fracture were determined, and the findings revealed that 34.78% of the participants who had suffered from hip fracture had a clinical frailty score of 7 which is severely frail, whereas 29.85% had a clinical frailty score of 6 (moderately frail), 21.7% were at 5 (mildly frail), 3.76% were at a score of 4 (vulnerable), 2.89% were at a score of 3 (managing well), 2.31 at a score of 2 (well) and 1.73% who suffered from hip fracture were not frail at all and found at a score of 1 (very well). Conclusion A higher frailty score is associated with a higher risk of hip fracture among the older adult population.   DOI: https://doi.org/10.59564/amrj/01.02/003

DOAJ Open Access 2023
Treatment of an Ill-Fitting complete dental prosthesis with digital sensor device: A case report

Shilpi Gupta, Ramya Srinivasan, Sanjana Rebecca Tharakan et al.

Complete edentulism is one of the most common problems encountered by geriatric individuals. With advanced aging, despite attempts made to retain natural dentition, loss of entire teeth is yet observed. For precise denture fabrication, a digital sensor device was used during the making procedure. The use of sensor device aided in better appreciation and more retentiveness of denture.

Medical technology
DOAJ Open Access 2022
Multiple therapeutic effects of human neural stem cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells in a rat model of post-traumatic syringomyelia

Tingting Xu, Xiaofei Li, Yuxi Guo et al.

Summary: Background: Post-traumatic syringomyelia (PTS) affects patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) and is characterized by progressive deterioration of neurological symptoms. To improve surgical treatment, we studied the therapeutic effects of neuroepithelial-like stem cells (NESCs) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in a rat model of PTS. To facilitate clinical translation, we studied NESCs derived from Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant iPSCs. Methods: Human GMP-compliant iPSCs were used to derive NESCs. Cryo-preserved NESCs were used off-the-shelf for intraspinal implantation to PTS rats 1 or 10 weeks post-injury, and rats were sacrificed 10 weeks later. In vivo cyst volumes were measured with micro-MRI. Phenotypes of differentiated NESCs and host responses were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Findings: Off-the-shelf NESCs transplanted to PTS rats 10 weeks post-injury reduced cyst volume. The grafted NESCs differentiated mainly into glial cells. Importantly, NESCs also stimulated tissue repair. They reduced the density of glial scars and neurite-inhibiting chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4), stimulated host oligodendrocyte precursor cells to migrate and proliferate, reduced active microglia/macrophages, and promoted axonal regrowth after subacute as well as chronic transplantation. Interpretation: Significant neural repair promoted by NESCs demonstrated that human NESCs could be used as a complement to standard surgery in PTS. We envisage that future PTS patients transplanted with NESCs will benefit both from eliminating the symptoms of PTS, as well as a long-term improvement of the neurological symptoms of SCI. Funding: This work was supported by Vinnova (2016-04134), Karolinska Institutet StratRegen, and the Chinese Scholarship Council.

Medicine, Medicine (General)
DOAJ Open Access 2021
Quality of Life and Mental Health Status of Japanese Older People Living in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Takeshi Yoda, Bumnet Saengrut, Benjamas Suksatit et al.

This study aimed to establish the quality of life and mental health status among older Japanese people living in Chiang Mai, Thailand. We conducted a questionnaire survey among Japanese retired people aged 50 years or over who had been living in Thailand. The questionnaire covered socio-demographic variables including health status and ability to communicate in Thai. We measured mental health status using the Japanese version of the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) and quality of life using the Japanese version of EuroQOL-5D-3L. We explored the factors associated with poor mental health and quality of life using logistic regression analysis. In total, 96 (89.7%)participants provided complete responses. Overall, quality of life was generally good, although those with one or more chronic diseases reported significantly lower quality of life. Having one or more chronic diseases and being aged 70–79 were significantly associated with poorer mental health. In total, 21 (21.8%) respondents had a possible neurosis, which was defined as a total GHQ-28 score of more than 6. The logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between possible neurosis and the presence of chronic diseases (adjusted odds ratio: 11.7 1). Quality of life among older Japanese people living in Chiang Mai was generally good, but there was a high level of possible neurosis, especially among those with one or more chronic diseases.

DOAJ Open Access 2018
Physiotherapy of women after mastectomy

Wiktoria Śniegowska, Anna Ziółkowska, Paweł Wojtczak et al.

Physiotherapy of patients after mastectomy is a complex process. It includes not only physical exercises, but also other physiotherapy treatments, such as hydrotherapy, physical therapy, massage, kinesiotaping and psychological therapy. The best results brings the the early introduction of rehabilitation to the patients, before the procedure, when they learn how to properly perform exercises, and improve the performance of the muscle pump and prevent blockages by circulatory and respiratory exercises, which are the basis of kinesiotherapy.

Education, Sports
DOAJ Open Access 2018
An Insight into the Effect of Exercises on the Prevention of Osteoporosis and Associated Fractures in High-Risk Individuals

Helen Senderovich, Andrew Kosmopoulos

The purpose of this review was to investigate what type of exercises can potentially prevent osteoporosis (OP) and its associated fractures in high-risk populations. MEDLINE was searched for work relevant to various types of exercises used to prevent osteoporotic fractures in high-risk population, from the year 1995 onwards. Twelve articles were identified, and, from them, four were deemed suitable to the objective. The studies reviewed show that various types of exercise are effective and safe in preventing the onset of OP. For example, high-intensity progressive resistance training (HiPRT) has been shown to increase vertebral height and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD), in addition to improving functional performance. Additional studies reviewed suggested that bone reabsorption levels may be positively impacted by low-impact exercise, such as walking. This review provides insight into the effectiveness of various types of exercise to combat and possibly prevent OP for high-risk individuals, which include postmenstrual Caucasian females, people with multiple comorbidities, individuals who smoke or consume alcohol, and the frail elderly population. The prevention of OP should reduce both the social (emotional) and economic burdens faced by patients, caregivers, and health-care systems. Moving forward, research that identifies and bridges pharmaceutical treatment and exercise should be conducted, in addition to the comparison of passive versus active forms of exercise to determine which treatment best prevents OP in high-risk populations.

Medicine, Medicine (General)
DOAJ Open Access 2018
Frailty transitions and types of death in Chinese older adults: a population-based cohort study

Liu ZY, Wei YZ, Wei LQ et al.

Zu-yun Liu,1,* Yin-zhi Wei,2,* Li-qing Wei,3,* Xiao-yan Jiang,4 Xiao-feng Wang,5 Yan Shi,6 Hua Hai7 1Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; 2Department of Geriatrics, Huangshi Central Hospital, Edong Healthcare Group, Huangshi, China; 3Department of Medical Laboratory, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; 4Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias of the Ministry of Education of China, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; 5Unit of Epidemiology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; 6Department of Emergency, Huai’an Second People’s Hospital and the Affiliated Huai’an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai’an, China; 7Department of Intensive Care Unit, Xuyi People’s Hospital, Xuyi, China *These authors contributed equally to this work Background: Little is known about the adverse effects of frailty transitions. In this study, we aimed to characterize the transitions between frailty states and examine their associations with the type of death among older adults in China, a developing country with a rapidly growing aging population. Methods: We used data of 11,165 older adults (aged 65–99 years) from the 2002 and 2005 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Overall, 44 health deficits were used to construct frailty index (FI; range: 0–1), which was then categorized into a three-level variable: nonfrail (FI ≤0.10), prefrail (0.10< FI ≤0.21), and frail (FI >0.21). Outcome was four types of death based on bedridden days and suffering state (assessed in the 2008 wave of CLHLS). Results: During the 3-year period, 3,394 (30.4%) participants had transitioned between different frailty states (nonfrail, prefrail, and frail), one-third transitioned to death, and one-third remained in previous frailty states. Transitions to greater frailty (ie, “worsening”) were more common than transitions to lesser frailty (ie, “improvement”). Among four categories of frailty transitions, “worsening” and “remaining frail” had increased risks of painful death, eg, with odds ratios of 1.92 (95% confidence interval [CI] =1.41, 2.62) and 4.75 (95% CI =3.32, 6.80), respectively, for type 4 death (ie, ≥30 bedridden days with suffering before death). Conclusion: This large sample of older adults in China supports that frailty is a dynamic process, characterized by frequent types of transitions. Furthermore, those who remained frail had the highest likelihood of experiencing painful death, which raises concerns about the quality of life in frail populations. Keywords: frailty, transition, older adult, death

DOAJ Open Access 2018
Identification of Facilitators and Deterrents of the Quality of Life in Elderly Women and Men: A Phenomenological Research

Ali Imanzadeh, Melika Hamrahzdeh

Objectives Considering the rapid growth of elderly population in the world, especially in Iran, studying the quality of life in elderly people and the identification of factors affecting them is of particular importance. This research aimed to identify factors which could improve or deteriorate quality of life in elderly women and men. Methods & Materials  The present research is a qualitative and phenomenological study. The study participants were 23 elderly who were selected by the purposive sampling method, having ages between 61 and 101 years. The elderly subjects consisted of 60.9% of women and 39.1% of men. Data were collected by in-depth and semi-structured interviews. The interviews were recorded and analyzed based on Streubert and Carpenter method. Results Research findings include 6 main themes and 24 subthemes. The main themes are as follows: “internal facilitate contexts”, “external driving factors”, “interpersonal challenges and problems”, “obstacles and deficiencies in the field of external”, “declined desires and aspirations”, and “necessities and suggestions for improvement”. Conclusion Our study indicates that to improve the life, the elderly should pay attention to factors such as the role of religious beliefs, proper nutrition, meeting relatives, reminiscence, and establishing proper social relationships. In addition, removing barriers such as breaking the taboo of elderly marriage, financial support, and providing counseling services could improve their quality of life.

Geriatrics, Public aspects of medicine
DOAJ Open Access 2017
Association Between Home Visit Programs and Emergency Preparedness Among Elderly Vulnerable People in New South Wales, Australia

W. Kathy Tannous PhD, Kingsley Agho PhD, Vera Williams Tetteh PhD

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the association between home visit programs and emergency preparedness among elderly vulnerable people in New South Wales, Australia. Method: The study used data acquired from an intervention program run by emergency agencies and consisted of 370 older people. Seven emergency outcome measures were examined by adjusting for key demographic factors, using a generalized estimating equation model, to examine the association between home visit programs and emergency preparedness. Results: The study revealed that knowledge demonstrated by participants during visits and post home visits showed significant improvements in the seven emergency outcome measures. The odds of finding out what emergencies might affect one’s area were significantly lower among older participants who were born outside Australia and those who were women. Discussion: The findings suggest that the intervention via home visits and periodic reminders post these visits may be a useful intervention in improving emergency preparedness among older people, especially among men and those who were born outside of Australia. In addition, other reminders such as safety messaging via mobile or landline telephone calls may also be a supplementary and useful intervention to improve emergency preparedness among older people.

DOAJ Open Access 2017
Adapted yoga to improve physical function and health-related quality of life in physically-inactive older adults: a randomised controlled pilot trial

Garry A. Tew, Jenny Howsam, Matthew Hardy et al.

Abstract Background Yoga is a holistic therapy of expanding popularity, which has the potential to produce a range of physical, mental and social benefits. This trial evaluated the feasibility and effects of an adapted yoga programme on physical function and health-related quality of life in physically-inactive older adults. Methods In this randomised controlled pilot trial, 52 older adults (90% female; mean age 74.8 years, SD 7.2) were randomised 1:1 to a yoga programme or wait-list control. The yoga group (n = 25) received a physical activity education booklet and were invited to attend ten yoga sessions during a 12-week period. The control group (n = 27) received the education booklet only. Measures of physical function (e.g., Short Physical Performance Battery; SPPB), health status (EQ-5D) and mental well-being (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale; WEMWBS) were assessed at baseline and 3 months. Feasibility was assessed using course attendance and adverse event data, and participant interviews. Results Forty-seven participants completed follow-up assessments. Median class attendance was 8 (range 3 to 10). At the 3-month follow-up, the yoga group had a higher SPPB total score compared with the control group (mean difference 0.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.3 to 2.0), a faster time to rise from a chair five times (mean difference − 1.73 s, 95% CI −4.08 to 0.62), and better performance on the chair sit-and-reach lower-limb flexibility test (mean difference 5 cm, 95% CI 0 to 10). The yoga group also had superior health status and mental well-being (vs. control) at 3 months, with mean differences in EQ-5D and WEMWBS scores of 0.12 (95% CI, 0.03 to 0.21) and 6 (95% CI, 1 to 11), respectively. The interviews indicated that participants valued attending the yoga programme, and that they experienced a range of benefits. Conclusions The adapted yoga programme appeared to be feasible and potentially beneficial in terms of improving mental and social well-being and aspects of physical function in physically-inactive older adults. An appropriately-powered trial is required to confirm the findings of the present study and to determine longer-term effects. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02663726 .

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