{"title":"Relationship between changes in activities to prevent disability due to the COVID-19 pandemic and mental status or life-related functions among community-dwelling older adults","authors":"Keita Nakagawa , Hungu Jung , Hitoshi Okamura , Tomoyuki Ishii , Shinya Ishii","doi":"10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100143","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100143","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Disability prevention is important for older adults and the society at large. Despite its relevance, factors associated with changes in disability prevention activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the extent to which the implementation of disability prevention activities has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic among community-dwelling older adults, and to examine the relationship between these changes and mental status or life-related functions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This cross-sectional study used self-report questionnaires with a random sample of older adults in 10 locations. The mailing area was determined based on the regional characteristics and demographic changes. Participants were categorized into two groups: those who maintained their disability prevention activities and those who decreased such activities before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental status and life-related functions were investigated using the Kihon Checklist.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of the 263 participants included in the analysis, 89 (33.8 %) decreased their disability prevention activities before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors associated with a decrease in disability prevention activities were identified as those with a higher number of depressive items on the Kihon Checklist (aOR = 0.788, 95 % CI: 0.637–0.947, <em>p</em> = 0.027) and those with a higher total number of disability prevention activities before the COVID-19 pandemic (aOR = 0.653, 95 % CI: 0.476–0.896, <em>p</em> = 0.008).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings suggest the characteristics of older adults that require special attention when taking steps to support the continuation of disability prevention activities in future events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100119,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus","volume":"2 2","pages":"Article 100143"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143726152","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ecem Çakın, Taner Artan, Rumeysa Dinçer, Ahmed Taha Arifoglu
{"title":"Does poverty increase geriatric depressive symptoms in older adults in Turkey? The mediating role of quality of life","authors":"Ecem Çakın, Taner Artan, Rumeysa Dinçer, Ahmed Taha Arifoglu","doi":"10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100147","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100147","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The generalization of factors associated with the mental health of older adults remains a subject of debate in the literature. This study aims to examine the relationship between poverty and quality of life on geriatric depression symptoms among older adults in Turkey within the framework of an inter-factorial analysis model. The sample consists of 417 older adults residing in Turkey (<em>M</em> = 69.4, SD = 7.43). The findings indicate that poverty is negatively associated with quality of life and positively associated with geriatric depression symptoms. Additionally, quality of life is negatively associated with geriatric depression symptoms. Moreover, the study reveals that quality of life has a partial and negative mediating role in the relationship between poverty and geriatric depression symptoms. In other words, quality of life acts as a protective factor in the relationship between poverty and geriatric depression symptoms. Based on these results, several recommendations are proposed to enhance the quality of life of older adults living in poverty.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100119,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus","volume":"2 2","pages":"Article 100147"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143726151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Matthew Halma , Mariyam Aniwar , Edgar Selem , Jack Tuszynski , Joseph Varon , Paul Marik
{"title":"Blood biomarkers associated with all-cause mortality risk: Accessibility and clinical utility for lifestyle medicine","authors":"Matthew Halma , Mariyam Aniwar , Edgar Selem , Jack Tuszynski , Joseph Varon , Paul Marik","doi":"10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100145","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100145","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mortality associated biomarkers are advantageous in that they are strongly associated with general health. Disease specific biomarkers, if optimized for, can often create suboptimal outcomes in another area, thereby compromising the health of the measured person. We use an existing database of mortality associated blood biomarkers to assess their applicability as part of a general anti-aging protocol, and the cost effectiveness of a strategy relying on biomarker testing combined with targeted interventions to improve one's aging outlook. Early intervention for suboptimal biomarkers may yield health benefits in later age, and biomarker tests provide a means of intervening in negative health habits and promoting healthy behavior.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100119,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus","volume":"2 2","pages":"Article 100145"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143697958","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Aging through the lens of the gut microbiome: Challenges and therapeutic opportunities","authors":"Kanimozhi N V, Sukumar M","doi":"10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100142","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100142","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aging is a complex biological process influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Among these, the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in modulating health and disease across the lifespan. This review explores the dynamic relationship between aging and the gut microbiome, highlighting its implications for age-related diseases. As individuals age, the gut microbiome undergoes significant compositional and functional changes, often leading to dysbiosis—an imbalance associated with increased inflammation, weakened immunity, and metabolic disorders. The phenomenon of inflammaging, characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation, is closely linked to gut microbial alterations and contributes to neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Additionally, the gut-brain axis is emerging as a critical pathway in neurocognitive aging, with microbial metabolites influencing brain function and neuroprotection.</div><div>Given these insights, targeted interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) are being explored as potential strategies to restore microbial balance and improve health outcomes in the elderly. Diet, antibiotics, and medication use also play pivotal roles in shaping gut microbiota composition, further influencing longevity and disease susceptibility. This review synthesizes current research on the aging gut microbiome and discusses therapeutic advancements aimed at mitigating age-related diseases through microbiome-based strategies. Finally, we provide a perspective on future directions in microbiome research, emphasizing its potential in precision medicine for aging populations. Understanding the gut microbiome's role in aging offers novel opportunities for promoting longevity and enhancing quality of life in older adults.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100119,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus","volume":"2 2","pages":"Article 100142"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143683606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Traumatic stress in caregivers of adult patients with cancer: A scoping review","authors":"Elizaveta Klekovkina , Maya A. Stern , Carmine Malfitano , Esme Fuller-Thomson","doi":"10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100141","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100141","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The goal of this review was to critically review the research literature on traumatic stress in caregivers of adult cancer patients. Objectives included identifying the prevalence of significant traumatic stress symptoms, themes within the literature, and factors that are associated with traumatic stress in this population.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A search was conducted of APA PsycInfo, MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL. Two authors screened abstracts and full-texts and extracted data from included articles. A total of 1,150 unique titles and abstracts were identified, with 2f articles selected for full-text screening after title and abstract screening. There were 23 studies which were included in the review.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Most studies reported a prevalence of PTSD of 15 % and above. The caregivers of newly diagnosed patients, those with recurrent cancer, and those on active treatment were the most distressed. Caregivers of patients who had completed treatment and those of longer-term survivors were less distressed. Significant associations were identified between caregiver traumatic stress and caregiver and patient psychological comorbidity, lower social support, higher caregiver burden, and patient's greater physical symptoms.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This scoping review reveals that a substantial proportion of caregivers of adult patients with cancer experience traumatic stress. However, the majority of published studies are cross-sectional, with small sample sizes, and a lack of racial and gender diversity. There is an urgent need for further research, including on proactive and tailored interventions provided at the time of diagnosis or recurrence of the disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100119,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus","volume":"2 2","pages":"Article 100141"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143620562","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Multimorbidity is associated with phase angle among community-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional study","authors":"Takuya Yanagisawa , Yuta Kubo , Takahiro Hayashi , Takato Nishida , Shinya Onda , Mahiro Murakami , Yuya Hasegawa , Akira Ochi","doi":"10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100140","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100140","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>This study aimed to clarify the association between multimorbidity and phase angle (PhA), a measure of cell membrane integrity and overall health status, in community-dwelling older adults, stratified into early (65–74 years) and late older (≥75 years) adults.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This cross-sectional study enrolled 166 participants from the Health Check Program. The PhA, as the primary outcome, was measured using a multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Skeletal muscle mass, hand grip strength, isometric knee extension strength, usual gait speed, and presence or absence of sarcopenia and frailty were assessed as secondary outcomes. Sarcopenia and frailty were diagnosed based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria and the Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria, respectively. Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of two or more chronic diseases. Multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between multimorbidity and outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of 166 participants, 152 were included in the analyses. In participants aged 75 years and older, multimorbidity was significantly associated with the lower extremity PhA (β = -0.17, <em>B</em> = -0.25, 95 % confidence interval: -0.44 to -0.05, <em>p</em> = 0.011), but not with other outcomes even after adjustment for potential confounders. In contrast, in participants aged 65 to 74 years, multimorbidity was not significantly associated with all outcomes after adjustment for potential confounders.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Multimorbidity is associated with the lower extremity PhA but not with the upper extremity PhA, upper and lower extremity muscle strength, or physical function in community-dwelling older adults aged ≥75 years.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100119,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus","volume":"2 2","pages":"Article 100140"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143628984","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Joel O. Faronbi , Adesanmi Akinsulore , Grace O. Faronbi , Chidozie Mbada
{"title":"Barriers and facilitators of social interaction and physical activity participation among Nigerian older adults","authors":"Joel O. Faronbi , Adesanmi Akinsulore , Grace O. Faronbi , Chidozie Mbada","doi":"10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100137","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100137","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Understanding barriers and facilitators to physical activity participation and social interaction is vital in designing effective intervention programmes to promote the well-being of older adults. This study aimed to explore the perception of Nigerian older adults on barriers and facilitators to structured social and physical activity programme participation.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A qualitative study utilising in-depth interviews was carried out among 16 older adults. Audio recordings were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. This enquiry was situated in the social cognitive theory, which stipulates that symbolising, vicarious, forethought, self-regulatory, and self-reflective capabilities determine behaviour describe human functioning.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Programme of the old, by the old, and for the old, availability of age-appropriate and age-friendly games, self-determination and self-reliance, social-cultural and religious integration, affordable fee and subsidy, and variety is the spices of life, and available emergency preparedness were the most emerging themes. The findings indicate a complex interaction of factors which, in different combinations, acted as barriers and facilitators for effective participation in social interaction and physical activities.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The development of social and physical activity programmes that are responsive to age and culture may promote interaction and physical activities, which may have positive effects on older adults' health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100119,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus","volume":"2 2","pages":"Article 100137"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143683607","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The impact of healthy behaviors and physical activity on preventing cognitive impairment among older residents in Taipei","authors":"Wan-Yu Lin , Yu-Kai Lin","doi":"10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100139","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100139","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>With the rapid aging of the population, the prevalence of dementia among older adults has been increasing. This study aims to investigate the impact of healthy lifestyle behaviors and physical activity on the attenuation of cognitive decline in older adults.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study longitudinally analyzed health examination data from older adults aged 65 and above in Taipei between 2005 and 2010. A total of 30,314 participants provided self-reported data through structured questionnaires on their health-related behaviors (tobacco use, alcohol consumption, vegetables and fruits intake, and milk consumption), engagement in physical activity and cognitive function. The Cox proportional hazards model was employed for data analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The findings indicated that older adults who occasionally consumed alcohol exhibited a 47 % (95 % CI: 0.42–0.68) lower risk of developing cognitive impairment. Individuals who did not consume vegetables and fruits daily had a 23 % (95 % CI: 1.06–1.43) higher risk of cognitive impairment compared to those with regular consumption. Furthermore, older adults who engaged in consistent physical activity demonstrated a reduced risk of cognitive impairment relative to their inactive counterparts. Specifically, individuals who exercised 1–2 times per week and those who were entirely sedentary exhibited an increased risk of 20 % (95 % CI: 1.04–1.38) and 84 % (95 % CI: 1.52–2.22), respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study provides empirical evidence that adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors significantly contributes to mitigating cognitive decline in older adults. Moreover, these behaviors are feasible and adaptable in later life.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100119,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus","volume":"2 2","pages":"Article 100139"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143609986","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Association of weight loss and decreased food intake with mortality in the oldest population: People in their 80s versus those aged ≥90 years","authors":"Yuri Takada, Kasumi Ikuta, Sakiko Fukui","doi":"10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100138","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100138","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study investigated the relationship between weight loss (WL), decreased food intake (DFI), and mortality among nursing home residents in their 80s and those aged ≥90 years.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 296 residents aged ≥80 years (138 in their 80s and 158 aged ≥90 years) from five nursing homes in Japan. All had care need levels ≥3 and had been admitted for at least 3 months. Data from electronic care records (2016–2020) were analyzed. WL was categorized with cutoffs at 3 %, 5 %, and 10 %, and DFI was assessed with a 10 % cutoff, measured over 90 days post-admission. Cox proportional hazard models evaluated the associations between WL, DFI, and mortality for both age groups.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>For residents aged ≥90 years, WL was significantly associated with mortality at all cutoffs: 3 % WL (hazard ratio [HR] 2.22), 5 % WL (HR 3.22), and 10 % WL (HR 8.86). No significant association was found between WL and mortality in their 80s (3 % WL: HR 1.97; 5 % WL: HR 1.27; 10 % WL: HR 1.86). DFI was significantly associated with increased mortality risk in both age groups.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>WL of 3 % or more and DFI of 10 % or more within the first 90 days were linked to higher mortality risk in residents aged ≥90 years. For those in their 80s, only DFI was associated with increased mortality risk. Monitoring WL and DFI is crucial for assessing mortality risk, especially in the oldest residents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100119,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus","volume":"2 2","pages":"Article 100138"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143579421","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Association of CBC and CBC-derived inflammatory markers with depression and post-diabetes mellitus depression: A large cohort NHANES study spanning 2011–2020","authors":"Wen Chen , Fasheng Deng","doi":"10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100131","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100131","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Inflammation promotes the risk of depression-related diseases but remains controversial. Therefore, this study investigated the association between complete blood count (CBC)/CBC-derived inflammatory markers and depression/post-diabetes mellitus (DM) depression.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Initially, based on NHANES database during 2011-2020, 17,628 participants were included to construct generalized linear models (GLMs) and restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves to explore associations and dose-response relationship between CBC/CBC-derived inflammatory markers and depression, respectively. Furthermore, 2,197 DM participants were selected to build GLMs and RCS curves to investigate associations and dose-response between CBC/CBC-derived inflammatory markers and post-DM depression, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Result</h3><div>After GLMs and RCS curves analyses, we found that high CBC inflmmatory markers including white blood cells (WBC), lymphocytes, neutrophils and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) were positively association and linear dose-response relationships with depression. CBC-derived inflammatory marker like systemic immune inflammation index (SII) was association with the risk of developing depression, exhibiting a nonlinear dose-response relationship. Additionally, high WBC increased the risk of having post-1 type DM (T1DM) with nonlinear dose-response relationship, while high monocytes resulted in a susceptibility to post-2 type DM (T2DM) depression with linear relationship.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The association of CBC/CBC-derived inflammatory markers with depression/post-depression suggested that inflammtion contributed to depression-related diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100119,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus","volume":"2 2","pages":"Article 100131"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143629062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}