{"title":"[Physical activity promotion among older adults in community settings: structures, implementation barriers and the role of political narratives].","authors":"Christoph Aluttis, Annalena Bußkamp, Tanja Hüber","doi":"10.1007/s00103-026-04308-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00103-026-04308-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Physical activity is one of the most effective measures for preventing non-communicable diseases and for maintaining independence and quality of life in older age. Current data indicate that the majority of adults in Germany aged 65 and older do not meet recommended levels of physical activity. Against this background, the article discusses why effective interventions should not focus solely on individual behaviour but also address the settings in which older adults live.Within Germany's federal system, a variety of structures for promoting physical activity exist at both federal and state levels. However, their broad implementation also depends on the municipal level, which represents a key setting for health promotion and disease prevention. Municipal practice is often fragmented and characterised by project-based approaches and limited resources. Activity-friendly environments-such as safe routes, accessible everyday destinations and appropriate public spaces-emerge as a central factor for enabling physical activity. Furthermore, the article argues that narratives can play an important role in political prioritisation. Such strategic narratives may help to move physical activity promotion beyond its sectoral niche and establish it as an integral component of core municipal responsibilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":9562,"journal":{"name":"Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149029851","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"[Digital assistive systems to support everyday functioning: first experiences with telepresence robotics in home-based stroke care].","authors":"Sonja Haug, Karsten Weber, Edda Currle","doi":"10.1007/s00103-026-04295-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00103-026-04295-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Digital assistive systems can support everyday functioning of people needing help by providing information, supporting therapeutic processes and enabling communication and social participation. Telepresence robotics (TPR) comprises physically embodied, mobile systems that can be used in domestic environments. So far, the technology has not yet been widely implemented in healthcare practice. This study aimed to examine the expectations, experiences and acceptance of TPR among individuals with stroke, their relatives and healthcare staff.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Before (t1) and after (t2) a 24-week trial phase involving two TPR devices (field phase 2021-2023), patients and relatives were surveyed using a standardised questionnaire (t1: 48 and 53 respectively; t2: 39 and 50). A cross-sectional survey involved 31 healthcare professionals. The data were analysed using descriptive and bivariate statistics. Additionally, personal interviews with patients and relatives were analysed using structuring qualitative content analysis according to Mayring.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The initially high expectations associated with TPR regarding independence, safety, communication and relief for relatives in everyday life were often not met. None of the systems were considered a convincing aid for everyday life. Autonomous mobility and voice assistance proved to be of limited help. The simple and flexible tablet solution was preferred over TPR.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>While telepresence robotics has the potential to support outpatient care, it is not yet sufficiently adapted to patients' needs and home environments. Technical limitations, dependence on family members and the higher acceptance of simpler technologies highlight the need for further development for a widespread implementation of assistive systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":9562,"journal":{"name":"Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148981964","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Andrea Lohmann-Haislah, Katja Schuller, Wibke Leistner
{"title":"[Work intensity-current situation and trends : Cross-sectional data comparison based on the 2012, 2018, and 2024 BIBB/BAuA Employment Surveys].","authors":"Andrea Lohmann-Haislah, Katja Schuller, Wibke Leistner","doi":"10.1007/s00103-026-04291-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00103-026-04291-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Work intensity is considered a key work-related risk factor for employee health. It describes the ratio between the amount of work and the time available. Its increase since the 1990s is seen as a key feature of the changing nature of work.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>By using the 2024 BIBB/BAuA Employment Survey, the current prevalence of work intensity among around 18,000 employees was examined and compared with data from 2012 and 2018 to investigate how it has developed. Three work intensity characteristics were used for this purpose. The data were stratified according to gender, working hours, professional requirements, and occupational activity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Women, full-time employees, and employees with higher professional requirements are more affected by work intensity than men, part-time employees, or employees with low job requirements. Overall, multitasking increased and deadline or performance pressure and working at the limit of one's capacity decreased. However, these changes do not apply to all employee groups equally. There are still groups with noticeably high and even increasing work intensity.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Efforts to create well-designed work must be intensified, especially for these employees. Despite positive overall trends, work intensity must continue to be kept in mind as a key factor in occupational safety, prevention, and work design, because prolonged high work intensity contributes to the development of cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and depressive disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":9562,"journal":{"name":"Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148905160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"[Health status of older people in long-term inpatient care-a narrative review].","authors":"Christina Hoffmann, Gabriele Meyer, Jens Abraham","doi":"10.1007/s00103-026-04283-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00103-026-04283-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The risk of health impairments and the need for care increases with age. Approximately 14 % of people in need of care in Germany are cared for in nursing homes; among nursing home residents, the proportion of very old people is around 70 %. Nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable due to a variety of issues, but the data available on the health status of this target group are insufficient. This narrative review summarizes the empirical findings from Germany over the past decade on the health status of very old people in nursing homes. Furthermore, it presents intervention approaches and current reports on the quality of care.A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE via PubMed in November 2025 and supplemented by a free search for quality reports. The search yielded a total of 1597 hits, and 76 publications were ultimately included. The studies were very heterogeneous in terms of topics and reporting. The main topics were skin health, medication, and challenging behavior in people with dementia, with some marked differences in reported frequencies. Relevant aspects such as pain, nutrition, oral health, and quality of life were not addressed or only rarely. Only a few reports were available on the quality of care.Overall, the health situation of very old people in nursing homes has not been adequately described to date. There is a need for methodologically robust studies with appropriate data collection methods and outcome measures in order to comprehensively assess and report on the specific needs of this target group.</p>","PeriodicalId":9562,"journal":{"name":"Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz","volume":" ","pages":"1018-1028"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13562270/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148683419","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"[The oldest old and climate change: an emerging field of research].","authors":"Grit Höppner, Martina Brandt","doi":"10.1007/s00103-026-04281-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00103-026-04281-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Climate change poses significant challenges to people and societies at regional, national, and global levels. The associated extreme weather events increasingly affect older and very old people, particularly in rapidly ageing societies such as Germany. However, the diversity of ageing is not systematically considered in the discourse on adaptation strategies and environmentally conscious behavior. In particular, the oldest old who depend on care are often overlooked in both gerontology and environmental research.This article aims to shed light on the research field emerging at this intersection. First, we present the current state of research in gerontology and in environmental and sustainability research, before we outline their relation. Then, we identify gaps in the literature concerning adaptation strategies for the oldest old and their opportunities for environmentally conscious behavior. We conclude with a look at future theoretical and empirical development opportunities and necessities in this field.</p>","PeriodicalId":9562,"journal":{"name":"Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz","volume":" ","pages":"1036-1043"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13562117/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148705529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Anforderungen an die Hygiene bei der Reinigung und Desinfektion von Flächen : Empfehlung der Kommission für Infektionsprävention in medizinischen Einrichtungen und in Einrichtungen und Unternehmen der Pflege und Eingliederungshilfe (KRINKO) beim Robert Koch-Institut.","authors":"","doi":"10.1007/s00103-026-04261-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00103-026-04261-3","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":9562,"journal":{"name":"Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz","volume":" ","pages":"1068-1120"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148429873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"[Quality of relationships among the oldest old in Germany-an examination of the association with depressive symptoms and loneliness].","authors":"André Hajek, Hans-Helmut König","doi":"10.1007/s00103-026-04277-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00103-026-04277-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>To date, there is restricted knowledge with regard to the association of relationship quality with family and friends and depressive symptoms and loneliness among the oldest old. Thus, we aimed to address this knowledge gap.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data were taken from wave 8 of the German Ageing Survey (December 2022 to June 2023), a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling individuals in their second half of life. We restricted our analytical sample (n = 810 respondents) to individuals aged 80 years and over (i.e., oldest old). Loneliness was measured using the De Jong Gierveld tool. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used to measure depressive symptoms. Multiple linear regression models were estimated. Both the quality of relationships with family and friends was measured via single-item tools. Multiple linear regression models were used.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A high quality of relationship with family (compared to a low-quality relationship) was neither statistically significantly associated with depressive symptoms nor with loneliness. Contrary, a high quality of relationship with friends (compared to a low-quality relationship) was significantly associated with fewer depressive symptoms (β = -3.71, p < 0.01) and lower loneliness levels (β = -0.28, p < 0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our findings revealed an association of a high quality of relationship with friends and fewer depressive symptoms and lower loneliness scores among the oldest old in Germany. Upcoming research should elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the identified associations.</p>","PeriodicalId":9562,"journal":{"name":"Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz","volume":" ","pages":"1029-1035"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13562208/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148618573","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Judith Fuchs, Giselle Sarganas, Dinara Yessimova, Eva Grill
{"title":"[Falls and polypharmacy-an exploration of both the frequency and approaches to prevention].","authors":"Judith Fuchs, Giselle Sarganas, Dinara Yessimova, Eva Grill","doi":"10.1007/s00103-026-04290-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00103-026-04290-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>In light of demographic changes, preventing falls among very old people is becoming increasingly important. This article examines the incidence of falls among people aged 80 years and over in Germany, focusing particularly on the impact of medication use.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The analysis is based on data from the Gesundheit 65+ longitudinal epidemiological study of the health of people aged 65 and over in Germany. The analysis examined the prevalence of falls over a 12-month period among people aged 80 and over, as well as risk factors such as previous falls, polypharmacy (the long-term use of five or more medications), the use of fall-risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs), physical and cognitive limitations, and sociodemographic factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study population comprised 1742 individuals aged 80 and over. Data from 742 participants were available for the medication analysis. At baseline, 38.1% of participants reported at least one fall prior to the start of the study. Within the 12-month period following the baseline survey, 46.7% of participants experienced a fall. The prevalence of polypharmacy was 48.7%, and 59.2% of participants were taking at least one FRID. In the adjusted regression model, urinary incontinence, visual impairment, and depressive symptoms were associated with an elevated probability of falling. Polypharmacy and FRIDs were also associated with falls, but this association was not statistically significant after adjustment.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The high prevalence of falls among people aged 80 and over highlights the need for more effective fall prevention measures in Germany. Key areas for preventive measures include mobility limitations, previous falls, urinary incontinence, visual impairment, depressive symptoms, polypharmacy, and FRIDs.</p>","PeriodicalId":9562,"journal":{"name":"Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz","volume":" ","pages":"1008-1017"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13562214/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148758228","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sonja Nowossadeck, Svenja M Spuling, Stefan Stuth, Judith Fuchs
{"title":"[Physical functioning and frailty in very old age in Germany].","authors":"Sonja Nowossadeck, Svenja M Spuling, Stefan Stuth, Judith Fuchs","doi":"10.1007/s00103-026-04280-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00103-026-04280-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Physical functional capacity is central to autonomy and participation in very old age. The aim of this study is to describe functional limitations among the oldest old in Germany using a global indicator (Global Activity Limitation Indicator - GALI) and domain-specific indicators (activities of daily living, mobility, sensory function, urinary incontinence). In addition, frailty is examined as a risk factor.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The analyses are based on data from the 2023 German Ageing Survey (DEAS) (n = 938) and the 2021/22 Health 65+ study (n = 2028) for persons aged 80 and older living in private households. GALI is analysed across datasets, while further indicators are analysed separately for each dataset. Results are stratified by gender and income.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>About one quarter of the oldest old have severe functional limitations; this finding is consistent across both datasets. In daily living activities, men show significantly better scores than women. Around one third are severely limited in walking more than one kilometre, and just under one sixth are severely limited in climbing stairs. Severe sensory limitations affect 10% in vision and 27% in hearing. Urinary incontinence is reported by 40% of the oldest old, more often by women than by men. According to the selected criteria, almost half are robust, 43% are pre-frail and 8.6% are frail. Differences between income groups are only partly evident and are not consistent.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Functional limitations are widespread among the oldest old living in private households, particularly among women and, in some cases, among those with low income. Sensory impairments, urinary incontinence and frailty are common and highly relevant for health and social care. Prevention and care should start early and take gender and socioeconomic position into account.</p>","PeriodicalId":9562,"journal":{"name":"Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz","volume":" ","pages":"991-999"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13562169/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148705526","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"[Preventive home visits as an intervention to promote the health of older people].","authors":"Britta Blotenberg, Anne Gebert","doi":"10.1007/s00103-026-04286-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00103-026-04286-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This discussion paper examines preventive home visits (PHVs) as low-threshold, outreach-based counselling and support services aimed at promoting the health of older people. PHVs can help to identify risks such as the risk of falls, social isolation or nutritional deficiencies at an early stage, strengthen health and care literacy, and support independent living in the home environment. In Germany, there is a growing number of projects whose approaches differ significantly in terms of target groups, access routes, the qualifications of visiting staff, the range of services, evaluation, organisational structure and funding. The analysis shows that PHVs are situated at the interface between local authority support for older people, the health service and long-term care. A key challenge lies in the long-term funding and sustainability of services that have so far often been organised on a project basis. Sustainable implementation requires conceptual clarification, robust evaluations and cross-sectoral structural and funding models. The prevention of the need for long-term care should be given greater focus in health policy and be more firmly embedded within the statutory health and long-term care insurance systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":9562,"journal":{"name":"Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz","volume":" ","pages":"1053-1065"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13562178/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148720219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}