by Krish Chetty

Received: 02 March 2023;  Published: 25 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2303243

This study delves into the potential benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy training for late-career-stage workers approaching retirement. These workers often possess extensive experience but may lack the necessary digital and AI skills. AI literacy training can empower them to leverage their experience and become proficient contributors to the digital economy. Furthermore, the article describes how these workers might benefit from AI training, particularly when employing practical applications of AI in [...]

by Sheri R. Levy  and MaryBeth Apriceno

Received: 20 June 2019;  Published: 28 October 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904083

Worldwide, people are living longer but not necessarily experiencing optimal health since healthy ageing stems from a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. The growing interdisciplinary literature on ageism from fields such as education, medicine, psychology, and social work increasingly highlights the pivotal role that ageism plays in ageing. Ageism is generally an overlooked factor in understanding and fostering healthy ageing. Ageism creates a negative view of the ageing process as marked [...]

by Ciro Comparetto  and Franco Borruto

Received: 31 August 2023;  Published: 13 September 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2303248

In the United States (US), menopause occurs at an average age of 52. Menopausal symptoms tend to be maximal during the few years before and the year after menopause (during perimenopause), except for symptomatic vulvovaginal atrophy, which may worsen over time. Up to 20% of bone density loss occurs during the first 5 years after menopause, followed by an age-related bone loss rate similar to that in men. Menopause should be considered confirmed if an age-appropriate woman who is not pregnant has not had a menstrual [...]

by Renata Mancopes  , Pooja Gandhi  , Sana Smaoui  and Catriona M. Steele

Received: 24 November 2020;  Published: 19 January 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2101153

Research suggests there are age-related changes in swallowing that do not constitute impairment (“presbyphagia”). The goal of this study was to explore the influence of age on quantitative measures of healthy swallowing by controlling for the effects of sex and sip volume in order to determine the specific characteristics of presbyphagia. Videofluoroscopy recordings of thin liquid swallows from 76 healthy adults (38 male), aged 21-82 were analysed. Blinded duplicate ratings of swallowing safety, efficiency, kinemat [...]

by Adam Spandorfer  , Katelyn Stuart  , Judy Daboul  , Gavisha Waidyaratne  and Subhankar Chakraborty

Received: 12 December 2024;  Published: 28 April 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2502309

Dysphagia in the geriatric population, age 65 or older, is increasingly common and a growing concern among healthcare providers. Not only can it critically impact quality of life, but it can also lead to clinically significant malnutrition, hospitalizations, increased length of stays, and has been shown to impact mortality. A multi-disciplinary approach to assess oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal etiologies is key to guiding targeted management, which can include behavioral modifications, medications, and endoscopic [...]

by Robert L. Conder  , Christopher Friesen  and Alanna A. Conder

Received: 30 November 2018;  Published: 20 March 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901039

Background: While the percent of persons 65 and older is expected to increase to 17% of the world’s population by 2050, this increase in longevity does not necessarily suggest a parallel increase in health status. While aging is an inevitable aspect of living, there are factors which can accelerate morbidity and mortality, as well as factors likely to promote a healthy transition into longevity. This paper addresses behavioural and complementary interventions for healthy neurocognitive aging. Specific evidence-base [...]

by Loren Pickart  and Anna Margolina

Received: 08 June 2018;  Published: 14 August 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1803009

Background: Stem cell technology is a promising research area with a potential to create effective therapies for many degenerative diseases. However, to apply stem cell technology, we need to be able to identify and understand mechanisms that distinguish healthy regeneration processes from processes, which may result in chronic inflammation, scarring, fibrosis or cancer. GHK-Cu (glycine-L-histidine-lysine) is a small copper-binding peptide, which has a remarkable and well-documented ability to improve wound healing [...]

by Terence Seedsman

Received: 29 January 2019;  Published: 24 May 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902055

The history surrounding the notion of ‘informed consent’ is provided in the interest of setting a framework for the emergence of an ethics of aged care. Informed consent negligence is seen as a breach of duty involving potential litigation through the legal concept of ‘failure to warn’. Respect for the autonomy of older persons is highlighted as a cornerstone of care by medical professionals and family members. There remains the challenge, however, of caring for older people who do not have full decision-making cap [...]

by Robert J. Brent

Received: 31 July 2019;  Published: 10 October 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904079

Background: The 2018 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures special report includes two new guidelines for measuring dementia symptoms. The first requires that a biomarker (biological factor) be added to a doctor's clinical judgment of the cause of symptoms when determining whether dementia is present. The second involves identifying four stages of dementia: normal cognition, preclinical, MCI and dementia. Now only those with defining brain pathologies and significant symptoms will be judged to be persons with stage [...]

by Elizabeth M. Goldberg  , Cameron J. Gettel  , Kelsey Hayes  , Renee R. Shield  and Kate M. Guthrie

Received: 21 August 2019;  Published: 10 October 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904078

Background: Three million US emergency department (ED) visits occur for falls each year. The mortality of falls is increasing and only one fourth of older adults report their fall to their primary care provider, suggesting that valuable preventative opportunities are missed. A fall prevention intervention initiated in the ED immediately after a fall has the potential to reduce subsequent falls, but ED providers lack the time and resources to complete fall risk assessments on their patients. GAPcare, the Geriatric A [...]

by Carol Krucoff  , Kimberly Carson  and Mitchell Krucoff

Received: 13 August 2020;  Published: 07 January 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2101150

Teaching yoga to seniors is often considered an entry-level job for a yoga instructor since older adults are unlikely to attempt complicated, “advanced” postures. Unfortunately, this ill-informed attitude puts the most vulnerable students with the least-trained instructors who may unknowingly put their students at risk. Even experienced yoga instructors often do not understand the vulnerabilities of older adults, and many commonly taught yoga poses may present risks for seniors. This could explain why participants [...]

by Behzad Foroutan

Received: 26 December 2022;  Published: 09 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2402277

This narrative review aimed to select, gather, and present inclusive evidence about osteoporosis etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, diet, and treatment. We searched PubMed and Google using these terms: osteoporosis AND etiology, osteoporosis AND epidemiology, osteoporosis AND diagnosis, osteoporosis AND diet, and osteoporosis AND treatment. Each title of the extracted manuscripts was read first. If deemed suitable, the abstracts of the manuscripts and text were read carefully. Afterward, the details of each term we [...]

by Maggi A Budd  and Michelle E Mlinac

Received: 30 January 2025;  Published: 30 May 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2502314

Identifying and addressing ethical issues in the care of older adults can be complex and challenging in clinical settings. This article reviews specific ethical principles including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, dignity, and justice, and explores them in the context of interprofessional geriatric care. Situations and related ethical components such as treatment in intensive care units, end-of-life care, dementia care, and aging with advancing technology are included. Case scenarios for each principle or s [...]

by Eileen J. Carter  , Srijesa Khasnabish  , Jason S. Adelman  , Michael Bogaisky  , Mary Ellen Lindros  , Lois Alfieri  , Maureen Scanlan  , Ann Hurley  , Megan Duckworth  , Alexandra Shelley  , Kenrick Cato  , Shao P Yu  , Dianne L Carroll  , Emily Jackson  , Stuart Lipsitz  , David W Bates  and Patricia C. Dykes

Received: 23 March 2020;  Published: 18 May 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2002119

Falls represent a persistent and costly patient safety issue. Fall TIPS (Tailored Interventions for Patient Safety) is a patient-centered and clinical decision-supported, fall prevention program that has led to fewer falls and related injuries among hospitalized patients. We aimed to identify dominant facilitators and barriers to Fall TIPS adoption. This multisite qualitative study was conducted in 11 hospitals representing three academic health systems, where Fall TIPS had been implemented for at least one year. I [...]

by Gunasekaran Singaravelu  , Calvin B Harley  , Joseph M Raffaele  , Pratheesh Sudhakaran Sudhakaran  and Anitha Suram

Received: 27 January 2021;  Published: 29 April 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2102168

TA-65 is a small molecule telomerase activator extracted from Astragalus species. A previous observational study suggested that TA-65 decreased the number of immunosenescent cells in healthy subjects. Here we examined the impact of TA-65 in a much larger randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study. This study aims to evaluate the effects of TA-65 on senescent CD8+CD28- T cells in healthy subjects. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and multi-arm parallel trial in 500 healthy subject [...]

by Ayodeji Folorunsho Ajayi  , Oluwole Tolulope David  , Adelakun Ademola Ayodele  , Ajayi Lydia Oluwatoyin  , Oyowvi Mega Obukohwo  , Oyedokun Precious  , Akanbi Grace Bosede  , Dare Sarah Nene  and Adeniran Adebola Magret

Received: 11 January 2024;  Published: 03 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2402276

This review aims to bring attention to the growing issue of andropause, a condition that affects men as they age. The literature was identified by searching the major bibliographic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, Web of Science, and CINAHL. Studies were included if they focused on strategies for reducing and preventing andropause, published between 1980 and 2023. Andropause, which is often overlooked and misconceived, is the result of a decrease in testosterone production and can result in p [...]

by Garuth Chalfont  , Jane Simpson  , Sarah Davies  , David Morris  , Ruth Wilde  , Leigh Willoughby  and Christine Milligan

Received: 08 April 2019;  Published: 07 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903066

The dominant narrative around dementia argues that progression cannot be halted or reversed. However, evidence on multimodal non-pharmacological treatments formulated around a ‘personalised medicine’ approach challenges this view. This paper reviews the current evidence for dementia prevention utilising such treatments and explains the logic of applying personalised medicine. The functional medicine treatment approach to ‘root cause’ analysis is presented as currently practiced with patients experiencing cognitive [...]

by Danielle Brates  , Michelle S. Troche  and Sonja M. Molfenter

Received: 29 October 2020;  Published: 15 April 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2102166

Fatigue is a term commonly used to describe patient performance and/or subjective experience in the evaluation and management of swallowing disorders (known as dysphagia). There is an association between fatigue and aging, as well as fatigue and many dysphagia-causing diseases/disorders. Therefore, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are justifiably aware of and concerned about the potential impact of fatigue on swallowing performance and mealtime behavior. However, there is minimal agreement on and understanding o [...]

by Annelie K Gusdal  and Christine Gustafsson

Received: 09 November 2019;  Published: 07 April 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2002114

The people with dementia experience a progressive loss of cognition, while more than 90% of them develop behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). BPSD may result in physical injuries and psychological distress among people with dementia and their family/caregivers. First-line care strategies in dementia care should not unthinkingly involve pharmacological interventions to avert or reduce the behavior, and should rather consider the person and their unique requirements. Therefore, a combination of p [...]

by Koh Iwasaki

Received: 24 August 2020;  Published: 27 October 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2004136

Aspiration pneumonia is one of the most common reasons for death in stroke patients. Recently, a traditional herbal medicine banxia houpu tang is remarked to prevent the aspiration pneumonia. This review tells the history of study of banxia houpu tang for prevent aspiration pneumonia.

by Andreea L. Seritan

Received: 31 July 2023;  Published: 24 October 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2304254

Climate change is a major public health emergency. Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, landslides, wildfires, and volcanic eruptions) have been increasing in frequency and severity and can cause lasting psychological sequelae. Older adults are highly vulnerable to the physical and mental health impacts of extreme weather and natural disasters. A narrative review was conducted to identify and summarize English-language articles focusing on the impact of climate change on older ad [...]

by Gian Andrea Rollandi  , Aldo Chiesa  , Nicoletta Sacchi  , Mauro Castagnetta  , Matteo Puntoni  , Adriana Amaro  , Barbara Banelli  and Ulrich Pfeffer

Received: 31 January 2019;  Published: 05 May 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902051

Aging is associated with an increased incidence of major diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic and autoimmune diseases. Primary prevention and early diagnosis of these diseases have a dramatic impact on incidence, outcome, quality of life and are commonly applied as age-dependent indications based on evidence of efficacy for specific groups of the aging population. They likely contribute to the observed increase in life expectancy through the reduction of incidence and the retarda [...]

by Renate Verkaik  , Iris van der Heide  , Eugenie van Eerden  , Peter Spreeuwenberg  , Erik Scherder  and Anneke L. Francke

Received: 02 April 2019;  Published: 11 December 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904092

Background: Studies conducted on the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions have indicated that sensory stimulation represents a promising approach to reduce the psychological and behavioral disturbances in people with dementia. Multi-sensory stimulation involves the simultaneous stimulation of multiple senses, through the use of various methods, for example, by using a variety of lights, gentle stimulating music, aromas, and tactile objects, among others. A relatively novel approach is the enriched thematic m [...]

by Nikita Francis

Received: 15 March 2020;  Published: 01 June 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2002121

Despite continuous efforts to combat neurodegenerative diseases, researchers have been unable to find an intervention that reverses degeneration and/or improves cognition in dementia or healthy aging. Therefore, it is considerably important to identify lifestyle factors that could potentially aid in healthy brain aging and prevent or delay neurodegenerative diseases. The emerging interest in the ancient practice of fasting has inclined researchers to study the physiological and behavioral effects of this practice. [...]

by Namita A. Goyal  and Tahseen Mozaffar

Received: 11 November 2020;  Published: 21 January 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2101154

Inclusion body myositis is one of the most common acquired myopathies seen in the aging population. The muscle weakness is of insidious onset, frequently starting in the legs, but over time gradually progresses to eventually involve all skeletal muscles of the limbs, face, swallowing and respiratory muscles, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Complications resulting from dysphagia are the leading cause of poor quality of life and mortality, while highly prevalent, are still underappreciated and underre [...]

by María Izal  , Roberto Nuevo  and Ignacio Montorio

Received: 19 June 2019;  Published: 12 December 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904094

Background: In the last two decades, successful aging (SA) and positive psychology (PP), the two paradigms of health have received great attention. They originate from different approaches, theoretical background, and objectives. Although they share many characteristics, their association remains understudied. This article aims to empirically analyze their possible interrelation. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 169 healthy, old adults completed several questionnaires to assess the central framework for succ [...]

by Chiara Castellani  , Emanuele Molteni  , Serena Colafrancesco  , Fabrizio Conti  , Roberta Priori  and Rossana Scrivo

Received: 13 August 2020;  Published: 18 November 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2004139

Musculoskeletal conditions represent one-third to more than one-half of all non-communicable disease multimorbidities in the elderly, worsening their disability because of pain and limited physical function, often concurring with their mental decline. Musculoskeletal conditions significantly contribute to frailty and global disability, second only to mental health conditions. Furthermore, premature mortality, generally due to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, has been documented in several rhe [...]

by Ezekiel Ijaopo  and Ruth Ijaopo

Received: 26 April 2018;  Published: 27 August 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1803010

With increased life expectancy coupled with falling birth rate, issues concerning population ageing have vital outcomes and effects for all aspects of human life particularly as it relates to older people’s health and health care. Among these issues are oral health diseases which present as major public health concerns and constitute significant burden to all regions of the world. FDI World Dental Federation in 2018, states that 90% of the entire world’s population will be afflicted by oral health problems in their [...]

by Emma Wolverson  , Heather Birtles  , Esme Moniz-Cook  , Ian James  , Dawn Brooker  and Frances Duffy

Received: 08 September 2019;  Published: 11 October 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904080

Background: Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia and Challenging Behaviour in dementia are just two of a variety of terms for a complex paradigm that covers the most distressing and costly aspects of the condition. The terminology used to describe these aspects can influence what is measured as outcomes and what is considered as evidence of improvement. Unhelpful or outmoded narratives could be a barrier to developing innovative interventions or in determining what works for whom. This UK study explor [...]

by Chrisann Fahy  and Lisa Hollis-Sawyer

Received: 19 January 2018;  Published: 10 October 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1804014

Background: The growing aging population requires care support resources which engage older adults in many different aspects of human functioning and experiences [1]. The purpose of this applied research project was to develop, and pilot test a holistic enrichment program manual used with Institutionalized Residential Care Facilities (IRCF) that encompasses motor skill, social, cognitive and self- enrichment outcomes, and to pilot test the enrichment program manual to be both cost-effective and a time savings to IR [...]

by Koji Naruishi

Received: 06 September 2018;  Published: 26 October 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1804016

In Japan, the amount of aged hospitalized patients has been steadily increasing. Elderly people are susceptible to poor health, and the rise of elderly patients increases medical care expenses, which can cause economic strain. Therefore, it is clinically and socially important to reduce the occurrence of geriatric diseases, such as aspiration pneumonia and cognitive impairment. The daily care by family members is considered to be effective for the prevention of geriatric diseases, however, early detection of the di [...]

by Stephen Ames

Received: 08 April 2019;  Published: 13 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903068

Thirty years ago, Tom Kitwood proposed a change in the care of people with dementia, from ‘warehousing’ to ‘person-centred care’. The change had noticeable benefits for those with dementia. Kitwood set out his presuppositions for this change. For example, Kitwood understood personhood as the standing or status bestowed on one human being by others in the context of relationships and social being and held that respect for the absolute value of each person is a key theme in Western ethical discourse. He was clear thi [...]

by David Smithard  , Signe Westmark  and Dorte Melgaard

Received: 15 September 2019;  Published: 15 November 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1904086

Background: With the increasing age of the world population, the number of old and frail people is increasing. Respiratory disease is a common reason for hospital admission for older people. Aspiration of saliva, which is probably infected, is the likely etiological agent. The incidence of an abnormal swallow is high in frail older people. Despite the high incidence of swallow problems among older people, many hospital services do not routinely screen older people for dysphagia. Methods: A survey, using Research El [...]

by Karen Harrison Dening  and Zena Aldridge

Received: 26 February 2019;  Published: 10 May 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902053

There has been a strong thrust to identify the needs of people with dementia against a background of person-centred care, however, people with dementia do not exist in isolation; they live within relational contexts with family members. Case management is a model of care that has its origins in supporting patients with a long term disease, however, a very practical approach to case management that can support the care needs of both the person with dementia and the family carers is emerging in the UK. Admiral Nursin [...]

by Michael Fossel

Received: 31 December 2018;  Published: 15 February 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901034

The consensus that cell senescence plays a role in age-related disease has prompted a number of potential clinical interventions, including attempts to reset cell senescence and attempts to remove senescent cells from aging tissues. The latter approach, senolytic therapy, has attracted considerable attention, but both theoretical considerations and published data suggest that the clinical benefits will be transient and that senolytic therapies will likely accelerate long-term degenerative disease. We review the ove [...]

by XinRan Quan  and Marica Bakovic

Received: 21 December 2020;  Published: 21 July 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2103176

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are a diverse group of neuropathological diseases that are currently incurable due to the irreversible neuronal loss. At the present rate of the world population growth, it is projected that the number of ND cases will double by the year of 2050. With treatments only available for symptom management and relief, disease prevention may yield significant benefits. Recently, there had been association drawn between the disruption of phospholipid (PL) homeostasis and the progression of N [...]

by Noorhazlina Ali  , Cai Ning Tan  , Jasmine Kang  , Aik Phon Chew  , Caroline Caroline  , Mary Lee  and Wee Shiong Lim

Received: 27 October 2020;  Published: 04 December 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2004140

A locally-adapted, multisensory, psychosocial intervention called Namaste Care program was developed to improve the daily life of persons with advanced dementia (PwAD) through arranging meaningful activities and physical interactions by healthcare staff (Namaste Carers). Congruent with Asian values, the families of PwAD were invited to participate in Namaste Care sessions. The study aimed to explore the influence of Namaste Care on cognitive status and quality of life (QOL) of PwAD, and perceptions and attitudes of [...]

by Tracy Harwood  , John Maltby  and Elizabeta B. Mukaetova-Ladinska

Received: 28 March 2019;  Published: 15 July 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1903062

Background: Art enhances both physical and mental health wellbeing. The health benefits include reduction in blood pressure, heart rate, pain perception and briefer inpatient stays, as well as improvement of communication skills and self-esteem. In addition to these, people living with dementia benefit from reduction of their non-cognitive, behavioural changes, enhancement of their cognitive capacities and being socially active. Methods: The current study represents a narrative general literature review on availabl [...]

by Anya Ahmed  , Paula Ormandy  and Maaike L. Seekles

Received: 15 November 2018;  Published: 24 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901030

Background: Promoting a good quality of life for the oldest members of society has become a top priority as evidenced in UK policy. The ‘household’ model is a departure from traditional approaches to care provision since it offers person-centred support - combing health and social care - to older people in specially-designed, small, homelike environments. Having gained increasing popularity in care homes across developed countries, the impact of this model of service delivery on residents’ quality of life and its c [...]

by Karla Caillouet  , Joshua Wludyga  and Elgin Andrews

Received: 06 May 2020;  Published: 16 November 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2004138

Research has indicated that older adult participation in resistance training provides foundational strength for performance of activities of daily living. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a six-week progressive resistance training intervention on functional fitness among community-dwelling older adults. From 2010–2015, twelve sessions of a six-week resistance training intervention included 95 community-dwelling older adult participants (37 male, 58 female; Mage=73.5+7.2). Resistance [...]

by Tiffany Field

Received: 28 April 2018;  Published: 25 September 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1803012

This narrative review is based on literature searches of PubMed and PsycINFO using the terms online dating in older adults. The papers that met inclusion criteria include content analyses of online dating profiles and interviews with online dating individuals. The issues that emerged from this literature included online versus off-line advantages and disadvantages, online profile characteristics that differ by age and gender and online use problems. Online versus off-line dating older adults have reputedly experien [...]

by Temitope Akinjogbin  , Jacob Parnell  and Maria C. Duggan

Received: 05 May 2020;  Published: 13 July 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2003128

Delirium is an acute change in mental status with key features of inattention and disorganized thinking. It is particularly common in older adults, with multiple and varied causes. Delirium increases the risk of morbidity, mortality, institutionalization, and healthcare costs; however, it is often missed because it is difficult to recognize without the use of a validated screening tool. The Age-Friendly Health Systems (AFHS) initiative highlights the need for implementation of a delirium monitoring program in hospi [...]

by Craig A Talmage  and Richard C Knopf

Received: 30 October 2018;  Published: 24 December 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1804025

Background: Wisdom and curiosity require greater attention in the lifelong learning literature pertaining to older adulthood. Lifelong learning can assist older adults in amalgamating wisdom and pursuing their curiosities, but how wisdom is amalgamated and how curiosity is pursued in older adulthood needs more exploration. Methods: This qualitative study investigates subthemes of wisdom amalgamation and curiosity pursuits elucidated from interviews of older adults who participated in a university-based lifelong lea [...]

by Aditi Gupta  , Bor-Jang Hwang  , Daniel Benyamien-Roufaeil  , Sara Jain  , Sophie Liu  , Rex Gonzales  , Robert A. Brown  , Michal Zalzman  and A-Lien Lu

Received: 22 July 2021;  Published: 02 April 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2202196

Telomeres consist of special features and proteins to protect the ends of each chromosome from deterioration and fusion. The telomeric DNA repeats are highly susceptible to oxidative damage that can accelerate telomere shortening and affect telomere integrity. Several DNA repair factors including MYH/MUTYH DNA glycosylase, its interacting partners Rad9/Rad1/Hus1 checkpoint clamp, and SIRT6 aging regulator, are associated with the telomeres. MYH prevents C:G to A:T mutation by removing adenine mispaired with a frequ [...]

by Lindy A. Kilik  and Robert W. Hopkins

Received: 01 March 2019;  Published: 09 May 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902052

Background: Clinical studies have shown that caregivers of dementia patients often experience a great deal of stress related to caregiving. This paper examines caregiver stress within the context of behaviour change in dementia using the Kingston Caregiver Stress Scale (KCSS) and the Kingston Standardized Behaviour Scale (Community Form) (KSBA(comm)). Methods: Eighty patients with moderate dementia and their caregivers participated. Each patient was cognitively assessed with the Kingston Standardized Cognitive Asse [...]

by Elizabeth Orsega-Smith  , Stephen Goodwin  , Melissa Ziegler  , Katie Greenawalt  , Jennie Turner  and Erica Rathie

Received: 31 October 2018;  Published: 10 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901029

Background: Research has shown that positive psychology interventions can enhance subjective well-being and reduce depression. However, the efficacy of these programs with older adult populations has been minimally studied. The present study studied the short and long term impact of an intervention enhancing happiness and overall mental well-being in older adults. Methods: The Art of Happiness is an 8-week program conducted at 2 senior centers in the state of Delaware. Each 90-minute class examined a different topi [...]

by Malith Kadirappulli-Hewage  and Rasika Jayasekara

Received: 30 August 2019;  Published: 02 January 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2001096

Social isolation and social disconnectedness have resulted in some older adults ending their lives by suicide; therefore, improving social connectedness has become an integral part of suicide prevention programmes. The purpose of this literature review was to assess the impact of social connectedness interventions for preventing suicide in older adults. It is evident that interventions aimed at promoting social connectedness are intended to alleviate stress and depressive symptoms due to social separation and traum [...]

by Rachel Mills  , Louisa Jackman  , Mithila Mahesh  and Ian James

Received: 12 December 2018;  Published: 11 February 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1901032

Background: Research suggests that the use of lies and deception is prevalent within dementia care settings, despite ongoing debates raised about the ethics of this approach. There has been increasing exploration of when and why deceptive practices should be used, but the lack of clarity as to what constitutes a lie has caused difficulty in ensuring that lies are used ethically. The aim of this study was to widen our understanding of the key dimensions that underpin the use of lies, and further to use this informat [...]

by Sima Farpour  , David Smithard  and Hamid reza Farpour

Received: 14 November 2019;  Published: 20 February 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2001109

Dysphagia is a term that is used for the difficulty in moving liquid/food from mouth to the stomach. Dysphagia is very common in elders, which makes them susceptible to malnutrition, infection, institutionalization, and death. Consequently, it is categorized as a geriatric syndrome. Therefore, multidisciplinary teams need to work together to determine the correct etiology and implement an appropriate care plan. Oral care is crucial in managing dysphagia and dental hygienists and dentists serve as the key members. I [...]

by Marie Jardine  , Anna Miles  and Jacqui Allen

Received: 07 November 2020;  Published: 25 December 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2004146

Generalisations and misconceptions about ageing and swallowing can influence clinical opinion. Assumptions about swallowing function based on someone’s age risk overmedicalising or, conversely, undertreating older patients. Evidence suggests that increased prevalence of swallowing problems in older age is attributed to pathology known to affect swallowing function, or an unrelated serious illness and combination of health factors, and not ageing itself. This review highlights factors clinicians should consider when [...]