A comparative study of quality of life of elderly living in old age homes and within family

Background: The traditional family structure in India, which historically offered support to the elderly within joint families, is transforming with the disintegration of such setups. Consequently, the concept of old age homes (OAHs) is gaining traction, and there is a notable surge in individuals turning to OAHs care. Despite this trend, there is limited knowledge about the quality of life (QOL) experienced by the Indian elderly residing in OAHs. Objectives was to understand why the elderly transition to OAHs and compare their QOL concerning physical, psychological, social support and environmental health with those living with family. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, elderly individuals aged above 60 years were examined. Following the acquisition of written consent and the matching process for age, sex, and socioeconomic status, 100 elderly individuals from OAHs and 200 elderly individuals living within family setups were randomly selected for inclusion in the study. WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. Results: The study revealed that the physical (40.9) and environmental (35) domains were relatively more favourable for the elderly living with their families. In contrast, the social (55.7) and psychological (51.3) domains showed better outcomes (p<0.05) for elderly residing in OAHs. Conclusions: Though Family plays a crucial role in influencing various domains of health, in situations where traditional family structures may not be present, efforts to enhance the structure of OAHs can contribute to improving the QOL for individuals.

Menopausal problems and related health promotion behaviours among post-menopausal women

Background: Menopause is a natural biological process that ends a woman's reproductive years. The typical age range is 45 to 55 years old, with an average age of approximately 51. In addition to symptoms including mood swings, hot flashes, nocturnal sweats, dry vagina, and disrupted sleep, women can face a variety of issues, including irregular menstrual periods. The purpose of the study was to identify the menopause-related health promotion behaviours among post-menopausal women.Methods: Descriptive survey design was used for this study. One-stage cluster probability sampling was used for the selection of 108 post-menopausal women. After getting consent from the participants data was collected through an interview schedule and a health promotion behaviour assessment tool. The Institutional Ethics Committee granted ethical clearance before the study began. Before data was collected, each participant gave their written informed consent.Results: Out of 108 participants, 51.8% of them followed good dietary habits, 26.8% engaged in exercises daily and those who practiced stress reduction measures like yoga, and meditation were 23.1%.Conclusions: The study results show that menopausal women are unaware of the health promotion behaviours that should be adopted in managing menopausal problems. This provides evidence for giving importance to menopausal problems and related health promotion behaviours.

Validismo en el anciano. Contexto social y capacidad funcional

Fundamento: el envejecimiento es un hecho que afecta a toda la población mundial, y de manera considerable, a los países más desarrollados, en los que la esperanza de vida ha ido aumentando tal y como se refleja en el informe de Naciones Unidas. Objetivo: describir el contexto social y capacidad funcional en gerontos del consultorio # 8 del Área de Salud I del municipio Cienfuegos durante el año 2022. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Se seleccionó aleatoriamente una muestra del 30 % para un total de 131 ancianos. Se realizó una entrevista estructurada, que recogió las variables generales: edad, sexo, nivel de escolaridad, ocupación, antecedentes patológicos personales, la colaboración de apoyo y para completar la valoración social se aplicó el Cuestionario de Funcionamiento Familiar. Resultados: el grupo de edad de 60 a 65 años tuvo más prevalencia, el 45,5 % estudió hasta la primaria terminada, seguidos de los de secundaria terminada con el 29,0 %. Los jubilados estuvieron representados en un 38,9 %, las principales enfermedades no transmisibles que prevalecieron fueron: la hipertensión arterial, la cardiopatía isquémica y la diabetes mellitus tipo 2, el 40,4 % vivía solo, el 19,8 % tenía cuidador, el 14,5 % no recibían apoyo y el 9,9 % de los ancianos que se encontraban en probable estado de necesidad social. Conclusiones: un adulto mayor bien nutrido, querido, apoyado, con todas las necesidades básicas satisfechas, así como todas las enfermedades asociadas propias de esta etapa de la vida compensadas, tendrá en cualquier sociedad una mejor calidad de vida.

Foundation: aging is a fact that affects the entire world population, and considerably, the most developed countries, in which life expectancy has been increasing as reflected in the United Nations report. Objective: to describe the social context and functional capacity in gerontos of clinic # 8 of Health Area I of the Cienfuegos municipality during the year 2022. Method: a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. A 30 % sample was randomly selected for a total of 131 elderly people. A structured interview was carried out, which included the general variables: age, sex, level of education, occupation, personal pathological history, support collaboration and to complete the social assessment, the Family Functioning Questionnaire was applied. Results: the age group of 60 to 65 years had the most prevalence, 45.5 % studied until they completed primary school, followed by those who completed secondary school with 29.0 %. Retirees were represented at 38.9 %, the main non-communicable diseases that prevailed were: high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus, 40.4 % lived alone, 19.8 % had a caregiver, 14.5 % did not receive support and 9.9 % of the elderly who were in a probable state of social need. Conclusions: a well-nourished, loved, supported older adult, with all basic needs satisfied, as well as all associated diseases typical of this stage of life compensated, will have a better quality of life in any society.

Mudanças na rotina de instituições delonga permanência para idosos em função da pandemia da COVID-19 / Changes in the routine of long-stay institutions for the elderly due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Objetivo: Identificar as mudanças surgidas como resultado das medidas implementadas em Instituições de Longa Permanecia para Idosos para a prevenção do contágio pelo novo coronavírus SARS-CoV-2 no município de Teresina no Estado do Piauí. Método: Trata-se de um estudo transversal de natureza quantitativa com os gestores de quatro instituições na cidade de Teresina no Piauí, realizada por meio de um formulário, estruturado e eletrônico, na plataforma Google Forms. Resultados: Foram implementados protocolos preventivos em todas as instituições, com foco em medidas de segurança para os idosos e focando em condutas de higiene, de forma unanime a obrigatoriedade do uso de máscara e suspensão de visitas. Conclusões: Foram analisadas quatro Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos e de acordo com os dados coletados as instituições passaram por processo de adaptação as necessidades que surgem para melhorar a qualidade de vida dos idosos institucionalizados.(AU)

Objective: To identify the changes that have arisen as a result of measures implemented in Long Stay Institutions for the Elderly for the prevention of contagion by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in the municipality of Teresina, State of Piauí. Method: This is a cross-sectional study of a quantitative nature with managers of four institutions in the city of Teresina, Piauí, carried out through a structured and electronic form, on the Google Forms platform. Results: Preventive protocols were implemented in all institutions, focusing on safety measures for the elderly and focusing on hygiene behaviors, unanimously the mandatory use of masks and suspension of visits. Conclusions: Four long-stay institutions for the elderly were analyzed and, according to the data collected as institutions, they underwent an adaptation process as needed to improve the quality of life of institutionalized elderly.(AU)

Objetivos: Identificar los cambios que han surgido como resultado de las medidas implementadas en Instituciones de Larga Estancia para Personas Mayores para la prevención del contagio por el nuevo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 en el municipio de Teresina, Estado de Piauí. Método: Se trata de un estudio transversal de carácter cuantitativo con responsables de cuatro instituciones de la ciudad de Teresina, Piauí, realizado a través de un formulario estructurado y electrónico, en la plataforma Google Forms. Resultados: Se implementaron protocolos preventivos en todas las instituciones, enfocándose en las medidas de seguridad para los adultos mayores y enfocados en las conductas higiénicas, por unanimidad el uso obligatorio de mascarillas y suspensión de visitas. Conclusiones: Se analizaron cuatro instituciones de larga estancia para ancianos que, de acuerdo con los datos recolectados como instituciones, se sometieron a un proceso de adaptación según fue necesario para mejorar la calidad de vida de los ancianos institucionalizados.(AU)

Recriando a vida a partir do clown: um estudo com idosos em um centro de convivência em Portugal / Recreating life through clown: a study with seniors at a social center in Portugal

O presente artigo visa apresentar parte de uma investigação empírica que teve como objetivo: verificar de que forma um processo de criação do clown aplicado com idosos pode contribuir para o bem-estar e a vida com qualidade. Orientando-se com base em uma abordagem qualitativa, foi realizada uma pesquisa-ação com um grupo de idosos residentes em um centro para o convívio de idosos na cidade do Porto/Portugal. Desse modo, foi realizado um conjunto de atividades com os idosos: atividades de relaxamento; atividades corporais; e atividades de expressão corporal. O que contribuiu para uma maior vitalidade corporal, aquisição de uma maior desenvoltura dos movimentos, mais segurança em relação ao próprio corpo, mais independência pessoal, e uma melhor respiração, interação, criação, comunicação e desinibição corporal. Assim gerando impactos no seu bem-estar e para a melhoria da qualidade de vida dos idosos em questão.

This article aims to present part of an empirical investigation that aimed to: verify how a clown creation process applied to the elderly can contribute to well-being and quality of life. In this sense, guided by a qualitative approach, an action-research was carried out with a group of elderly residents in a center for the conviviality of the elderly in the city of Porto/Portugal. Thus,a set of activities was carried out with the elderly: relaxation activities; bodily activities; and body expression activities. This contributed to greater bodily vitality, acquisition of greater ease of movement, greater security in relation to one's own body, greater personal independence, and better breathing, interaction, creation, communication and bodily disinhibition. Thus, generating impacts on their well-being and improving the quality of life of the elderly in question.

Caregiver burden of the elderly in a selected urban community, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh

Background: In India, families are the primary source of support in caring for the elderly, whereas the potential group of family caregivers is shrinking. Caregivers need greater recognition and support to help them care for the elderly and to maintain their own health and well-being. Assessment of the perceived burden of caregivers helps identify those in need of support. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted to estimate the perceived level of caregiver burden in families of elderly and to identify the association between selected socio-demographic characteristics of the caregivers and the level of caregiver burden. The caregivers of 50 elderly people categorized as mild and moderate dependents as per the Katz index of Independence were included in the study. The Zarith caregiver burden scale was used to evaluate their perceived level of caregiver burden. Results: Thirty-two (64%) caregivers were found to experience a mild to moderate perceived level of caregiver burden. An ordinal regression analysis between other burdens/responsibilities (predictor) of the caregiver and the perceived level of caregiver burden showed a significant association (?2; p=0.009) between the two. An odds ratio of 6.7 (95% CI, 2.22 to 22.7; p=0.00115) showed that as the predictor increased, the event (caregiver burden) increased as well. Conclusions: The majority of the caregivers suffer from a mild to moderate perceived level of caregiver burden. They experience more burden when they hold additional responsibility of caring for the elderly.

Relationship between mean platelet volume/lymphocyte ratio and left atrial thrombosis in elderly patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate the relationship between mean platelet volume/lymphocyte ratio(MPVLR)and left atrial thrombosis in elderly patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation(NVAF).Methods A total of 178 elderly patients with NVAF admitted to the hospital from January 2019 to December 2022 were enrolled in the study.The patients were divided into thrombosis group(28 cases)and non-throm-bosis group(150 cases)according to the left atrial thrombosis judged by using esophageal echocardiography(TEE).The white blood cell count(WBC),red blood cell count(RBC),lymphocyte count,lymphocyte pro-portion,platelet count(PLT)and mean platelet volume(MPV)were detected by automatic blood cell analy-zer,and MPVLR was calculated.The liver and kidney function indicators and blood lipid indicators were detec-ted by automatic biochemical analyzer.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of MPV,lymphocyte ratio and MPVLR for left atrial thrombosis in NVAF patients.Multiva-riate Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of left atrial thrombosis in elderly NVAF patients.Results MPV,lymphocyte proportion and MPVLR in the thrombosis group were higher than those in the non-thrombosis group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of MPV,lymphocyte ratio and MPVLR for predicting left atrial thrombosis in NVAF patients were 0.821(95％CI:0.764-0.882),0.771(95％CI:0.714-0.842)and 0.901(95％CI:0.861-0.949).respectively.The course of disease in the thrombosis group was longer than that in the non-thrombosis group,the proportion of patients with chronic heart failure,the proportion of patients with stroke,CH A2DS2-VASc score,LAEF,LAD,LVEDV,MPVLR,serum uric acid,MPV,lymphocyte proportion and MPVLR were higher than those in the non-thrombosis group,and LVEF was lower than that in the non-thrombosis group,the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression a-nalysis showed that disease duration ≥1.93 years(OR=3.050,95％CI:1.928-4.824),chronic heart failure(OR=3.333,95％CI:1.808-6.144),MPVLR≥3.10(OR=3.873,95％CI:1.734-8.650)were independ-ent risk factors for left atrial thrombosis in elderly NVAF patients(P＜0.05).Conclusion The increase of MPVLR is associated with left atrial thrombosis in elderly patients with NVAF,and it can be used as a an in-dicator to predict left atrial thrombosis in patients with NVAF.

Clinical progress of internal fixation in the treatment of femoral neck fracture in middle-aged and elderly patients / 国际外科学杂志

Middle-aged and elderly patients with femoral neck fracture often suffer from basic diseases. Conservative treatment will significantly increase the incidence of complications. At present, surgical treatment is mostly advocated. Internal fixation is one of the effective treatment methods for middle-aged and elderly patients with femoral neck fracture. It has the advantages of improving hip joint function, accelerating patient recovery, and improving patient quality of life. At present, there are many choices of internal fixation in the world, each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and there is no unified standard. Different surgical methods can be selected according to various factors such as fracture type, patient′s physical condition and surgical auxiliary technology. This article reviews the clinical progress of internal fixation for femoral neck fractures in middle-aged and elderly patients from four aspects: the characteristics of femoral neck fractures in middle-aged and elderly patients, common internal fixation methods, 3D printing guide plate auxiliary technology and artificial intelligence auxiliary technology.

Clinicopathological and prognostic characteristics of intestinal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor in middle-aged and elderly patients / 实用医学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinicopathological and prognostic characteristics of intestinal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumours(IMT)in middle-aged and elderly patients.Methods The clinical,pathologi-cal morphology,immunophenotype and follow-up results of 5 cases of intestinal IMT in middle-aged and elderly patients were retrospectively analyzed.Results 4 cases of IMT occurred in the right half colon and 1 in the ileum.Most patients(3/5)had a history of intestinal injury,starting the digestive tract symptoms and increased leukocytes.The tumor tissue was composed of fusiform myofibroblasts and fibroblasts arranged in storiform pattern,with an infiltrative growth pattern,accompanied by a large number of lymphocytes and plasma cells infiltration,collagen formation and myxedema.One case was atypically large and deformed.Immunophenotype:vimentin(5cases),SMA(5 cases),desmin(3 cases),ALK(3 cases),CK(2 cases)were positive.Caldesmon,CD34,β-catenin,MC,CD117,DOG1,S-100,BCL-2,CD99,CD68 were negative,and Ki-67 proliferation index was 1.28%to 10.01%.All the 5 cases underwent complete tumor resection and were followed up for 48.5 to 133 months.Among them,1 patient aged 83 was considered to have tumor recurrence 27 months after surgery.The other patient survived 122 months without tumor and died of other causes.All the others survived without tumor and were in good condition.Conclusion(1)Intestinal IMT in the middle-aged and elderly people in this group was more common in the right half colon,and most of them had a history of intestinal injury,first gastrointestinal symptoms and elevated white blood cells;(2)Vimentin and SMA were positive at the same time,and ALK was more positive;(3)4/5 patients had good surgical resection,and 1/5 patients could relapse 2～3 years after surgery;old age,ALK-positive,Ki67 up to 10%,atypia may be an important risk factor for intestinal IMT recurrence in the elderly,of which ALK-positive patients may have a recurrence risk of 1/3.

Effect of Rothman index on unplanned readmission and complications in elderly patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Total hip and knee arthroplasty is widely used in the elderly population,but there is a lack of accurate prediction methods for unplanned readmission and postoperative complications. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of the Rothman index on unplanned readmission and complications in elderly patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty. METHODS:A total of 153 patients who underwent elective total hip and knee arthroplasty from December 2020 to December 2022 in Ward Area One,Department of Orthopedics,The First People's Hospital of Zunyi were selected as the study subjects.According to whether they were unplanned readmission within 90 days after discharge,they were divided into a readmission group(n=21)and a non-readmission group(n=132).The general data of all patients were collected through the electronic medical record system,including gender,age,body mass index,diabetes mellitus,hypertension,and surgical joint type.The Rothman index was evaluated according to the literature.Postoperative complications were counted. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There was no significant difference in gender,body mass index,surgical joint type,and length of hospital stay between the readmission group and the non-readmission group(P>0.05).There were significant differences in the number of comorbidities,age,and Rothman score between the two groups(P<0.05).(2)The results of multivariate Logistics regression analysis showed that the number of comorbidities,age,and Rothman score were independent influencing factors for readmission 90 days after total hip and knee arthroplasty in elderly patients with hip and knee diseases(P<0.05).(3)The results of receiver operating characteristic curve analysis exhibited that the area under the curve of the Rothman index for predicting readmission 90 days after total hip and knee arthroplasty was 0.824;the sensitivity was 80.85%;the specificity was 78.85%;the maximum Youden index was 0.597,and the optimal cutoff value was 46 points.(4)The incidence of total complications in elderly patients with Rothman<46 was higher than that in elderly patients with Rothman≥46(P<0.05).(5)It is concluded that the Rothman index can accurately predict unplanned readmission after total hip and knee arthroplasty in elderly patients with hip and knee joint diseases.Simultaneously,patients with Rothman index of less than 46 points have a higher overall risk of complications and poor joint recovery,which can be used to improve postoperative management of patients in clinical practice.

Research progress on care dependence in elderly stroke patients / 新乡医学院学报

Care dependence refers to a complex and comprehensive state of being dependent on others due to the limita-tion of physical functions caused by the disease.Elderly stroke patients are high risk group for care dependence due to decrease in self-care ability caused by their disease characteristics.Therefore,this paper reviews the current research status,influencing factors,and interventions of care dependence,in order to provide reference for increasing attention to the care needs of elderly stroke patients,reducing their dependence,and improving their quality of life.

Clinical study of percutaneous cement discoplasty for treating elderly patients with vacuum phenomenon-associated lumbar instability / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To investigate the clinical efficacy and significance of percutaneous cement discoplasty (PCD) in treating elderly patients with spinal instability and vacuum phenomenon on imaging. 【Methods】 We retrospectively analyzed 27 patients with spinal instability and vacuum phenomenon on imaging who underwent PVABC between June 2019 and September 2022. We recorded the surgery duration, bone cement usage, intraoperative bleeding, and total hospitalization time. We evaluated the improvement in pain and lumbar function by comparing pre- and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, and lumbar Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores. We also compared the change in intervertebral height and the distribution rate of bone cement in the intervertebral space by pre- and postoperative imaging data. 【Results】 All the 27 patients who underwent PCD had effective follow-up. The mean hospitalization time was (4.2±1.85) days, and the mean surgery duration was (32.3±4.51), (53.6±12.17), (74.4±6.33), and (90.0±10.36) minutes for single-, double-, triple-, and quadruple-level procedures, respectively. The intraoperative bleeding volume ranged from 2 to 13 mL, which was significantly lower than that of traditional intervertebral fusion surgery. Postoperative VAS pain scores, ODI scores, and JOA scores were significantly improved compared to those before surgery. In terms of imaging, the intervertebral height of the patients improved after surgery, and the distribution of bone cement in the intervertebral space was relatively good in the operated segments. Mechanical stability of the spine was restored. 【Conclusion】 For patients who are not suitable for open surgery due to severe complications, PCD is a feasible treatment option.

Effect of an extracorporeal diaphragm pacemaker combined with airway clearance technology on pulmonary infection, diaphragmatic mobility and thickness in older adult patients with dementia / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of an extracorporeal diaphragm pacemaker (EDP) combined with airway clearance technology (ACT) in the treatment of pulmonary infection in older adult patients with dementia and its impact on diaphragmatic mobility and thickness.Methods:A total of 60 patients with dementia and pulmonary infections who received treatment at The Second Hospital of Jinhua from June 2022 to February 2023 were included in this prospective study. These patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 30 patients in each group. The control group received ACT treatment, while the observation group received EDP treatment on the basis of ACT treatment. Two groups were treated for 4 successive weeks. Efficacy was compared between the two groups. Before and after treatment, sputum color score, sputum quality score, diaphragmatic mobility, and diaphragmatic thickness were compared between the two groups.Results:The overall response rate in the observation group was 93.33% (28/30), which was significantly higher than 73.33% (22/30) in the control group ( Z = 2.08, P = 0.038). After treatment, the sputum color score, sputum quality score, and sputum volume in the observation group were (0.46 ± 0.12) points, (0.34 ± 0.10) points, and (8.47 ± 1.23) mL, respectively, which were significantly lower than (0.89 ± 0.17) points, (0.76 ± 0.18) points, and (13.25 ± 2.87) mL, respectively, in the control group ( t = 11.32, 11.17, 8.38, all P < 0.001). After treatment, the diaphragmatic mobility and thickness in the observation group were (13.52 ± 0.51) mm and (0.52 ± 0.06) mm, respectively, which were significantly greater than (12.76 ± 0.41) mm and (0.44 ± 0.04) mm, respectively, in the control group ( t = -6.36, -6.08, both P < 0.001). Conclusion:The combined application of EDP and ACT shows a significant therapeutic effect on patients with dementia and pulmonary infection, effectively improving their pulmonary function, increasing the mobility and thickness of the diaphragm, and alleviating difficulties in breathing.

The impact of lung protective ventilation strategy on elderly emergency surgical patients / 中国现代医生

Objective To observe the effects of implementing lung protective ventilation strategies on lung dynamic compliance and oxygenation function in elderly emergency surgery patients.Methods A total of 126 elderly patients undergoing emergency surgery admitted to Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital from December 2021 to December 2022 were selected.They were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,with 63 patients in each group,using a random number table method.All selected cases underwent general anesthesia mechanical ventilation during surgery.The control group chose conventional ventilation mode,while the observation group adopted lung protective ventilation.The lung dynamic compliance,oxygenation function,inflammatory indicators,and complications of the two groups of patients were compared.Results Within 30 minutes of surgery,the mean airway pressure(Pmean)and peak airway pressure(Ppeak)levels of both groups of patients increased compared to preoperative levels.The observation group had a smaller increase than the control group(P<0.05),and the pulmonary dynamic compliance(Cdyn)levels were lower than preoperative levels.The observation group had a lower increase than the control group(P<0.05).After 2 hours of surgery,the levels of Pmean and Ppeak in both groups of patients decreased compared to 30 minutes during surgery,and the decrease in the observation group was smaller than that in the control group(P<0.05).The levels of Cdyn in both groups decreased compared to before surgery,and the observation group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).24 hours after surgery,the blood oxygen saturation(SpO2)and arterialpartial pressure of oxygen(PaO2)levels in both groups of patients decreased compared to before surgery,and the observation group was lower than the control group(P<0.05).The alveolar-arterial oxygen partial pressure difference[P(A-a)DO2]levels between the two groups increased compared to preoperative levels,and the observation group was higher than the control group(P<0.05).48 hours after surgery,the SpO2 and PaO2 levels in the observation group were higher than those in the control group,and the P(A-a)DO2 levels were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).24 hours after surgery,the serum C-reactive protein(CRP)and white blood cell(WBC)levels in both groups were significantly increased compared to preoperative levels,and the observation group was higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).48 hours after surgery,the serum CRP and WBC levels of both groups of patients decreased compared to 24 hours after surgery,and the observation group was lower than the control group(P<0.05).The incidence of complications in the observation group was lower than that in the control group(7.94％vs.25.40％)(P<0.05).Conclusion Implementing lung protective ventilation strategies for elderly emergency surgical patients is beneficial for improving lung dynamic compliance and oxygenation function,inhibiting the release of inflammatory cytokines,reducing the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications,and effectively exerting lung protective effects.

Cuidados, velhice e pandemia: algumas questões para pensar o cenário brasileiro / Care, old age and the pandemic: some questions to think about the Brazilian scenario / Cuidados, vejez y pandemia: algunas cuestiones para pensar el escenario brasileño

Tendo como pano de fundo o contexto brasileiro, o presente texto tem por objetivo tecer algumas reflexões sobre o cruzamento entre envelhecimento e cuidado no período pandêmico. Amparada por dados de uma pesquisa realizada no período que antecedeu a Covid-19 - 2019 - e por outras que aconteceram durante a pandemia, a proposta é pontuar os links de conexão entre esses dois momentos. Apesar da hiperexposição do idoso durante a pandemia de Covid-19, com destaque para a estigmatização e os diferentes níveis de violência, é possível perceber que se tratou de uma exacerbação da visibilidade, mas não de algo novo. No caso do cruzamento entre cuidado e velhice, podemos dizer que um grande segredo público veio à tona.(AU)

Using the Brazilian context as a backdrop, this text reflects on the intersection of aging and care during the pandemic. Based on data collected by a study conducted in the period leading up to Covid-19 - 2019 - and other studies during the pandemic, the aim is to highlight the connective links between these two moments. Despite the hyper exposure of older people during the pandemic, including stigmatization and different levels of violence, it is possible to see that it was more of an exacerbation of visibility, but not something new. In the case of the intersection of care and old age, we could say that a major public secret came to light.(AU)

Teniendo como telón de fondo el contexto brasileño, el objetivo de este texto es realizar algunas reflexiones sobre el cruce entre envejecimiento y cuidado en el período pandémico. Amparada por datos de una investigación realizada en el período que precedió a la Covid-19 - 2019 - y por otras que tuvieron lugar durante la pandemia, la propuesta es puntuar los enlaces de conexión entre esos dos momentos. A pesar de la súper exposición del anciano durante la Covid-19, con destaque para la estigmatización y los diferentes niveles de violencia, es posible percibir que se trató más de una exacerbación de la visibilidad, pero no de algo nuevo. En el caso del cruce entre cuidado y vejez, podemos decir que un gran secreto público salió a la superficie.(AU)

Representações sociais e morte: perspectiva de pessoas idosas em diferentes contextos de institucionalização

Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos são cada vez mais lugar de morada para pessoas idosas. No conhecimento do senso comum há uma forte associação entre a morte e estas instituições. Com o objetivo de compreender as representações sociais da morte nesse contexto, entrevistamos 15 idosos residentes em instituição pública, privada ou privada sem fins lucrativos. As entrevistas foram submetidas à análise de conteúdo. A morte é representada como natural e inevitável, remetendo à dor, sofrimento e perda e fortemente ancorada no universo religioso, sobretudo na instituição privada sem fins lucrativos. Há aproximação entre as representações de velhice e da morte, sendo a velhice associada a doenças e declínio (instituições privada e privada sem fins lucrativos) contrastando com representação social da velhice marcada pela vida ativa na sociedade e da morte como inevitável (ILPI pública).

Long Stay Institutions for the Elderly are increasingly a place of residence for elderly people. In common sense there is a strong association between death and these institutions. In order to understand the social representations of death in this context, we interviewed 15 elderly people living in public, private or non-profit institutions. The interviews were submitted to content analysis. Death is represented as natural and inevitable, referring to pain, suffering and loss and strongly anchored in the religious universe, especially in the private non-profit institution. There is an approximation between the representations of old age and death, with old age being associated with diseases and decline (private and private non-profit institutions) contrasting with the social representation of old age marked by active life in society and death as inevitable (public ILPI).

Las Instituciones de Larga Estancia para Personas Mayores son cada vez más un lugar de residencia para personas mayores. En el sentido común existe una fuerte asociación entre la muerte y estas instituciones. Para comprender las representaciones sociales de la muerte en este contexto, entrevistamos a 15 personas mayores residentes en instituciones públicas, privadas o sin fines de lucro. Las entrevistas fueron sometidas a análisis de contenido. La muerte es representada como natural e inevitable, refiriéndose al dolor, al sufrimiento y a la pérdida y fuertemente anclada en el universo religioso, especialmente en la institución privada sin fines de lucro. Existe una aproximación entre las representaciones de la vejez y la muerte, asociándose la vejez a las enfermedades y al declive (instituciones privadas y privadas sin fines de lucro) en contraste con la representación social de la vejez marcada por la vida activa en sociedad y la muerte como inevitable (institución pública).

A study of morbidity profile and health seeking behaviour of inmates of selected old age homes of Bangalore city

Background: Assessment of the morbidity profile will help in the application of interventions, to improve the health status and the quality of life of the elderly Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the inmates of selected old age homes of Bangalore city between November to December 2019 using complete enumeration with a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire to assess morbidity profile and health seeking behaviour. Results: Majority of the study population (54.5%) was in the age group of 60-69 years followed by 80 years and above (25.5%) and 66.7% of were female. Most common morbidity identified among the elderly were Musculoskeletal disorders 100 (30.3%) followed by Diabetes 70 (21.2%), Hypertension 58 (17.6%), respiratory diseases 38 (11.5%), and Eye problems 34 (10.3%),) respectively. Majority of them 208 (63.0%) relied on Government health facilities citing free services as the common reason; whereas 122 (37.0%) approached the private sector for health assistance owing to the ease of access. Conclusions: Findings of the present study further reiterates the growing burden of chronic morbidities in the geriatric age group. It calls for programmes for creation of awareness among the elderly regarding regular medical checkups to ensure prevention and early detection of the chronic diseases.

A propósito del debate actual sobre el envejecimiento en Cuba

El envejecimiento poblacional constituye uno de los logros y uno de los retos más importantes del desarrollo de las sociedades. La principal causa del envejecimiento es el descenso de la fecundidad de las mujeres, y en menor proporción la emigración externa, sobre todo de jóvenes. En Cuba, ya mueren más que los que nacen, debido fundamentalmente a los bajos niveles de reemplazo en la fecundidad, situación agravada en los años de la pandemia de COVID-19. Entre las consecuencias negativas del envejecimiento poblacional, se identifican cuatro principales: sanitarias, económicas, socioculturales y legales; entre las positivas, hay algunos reportes de cohortes de personas que llegan a edades avanzadas en mejor estado físico y mental. Los cambios ocurridos en la institución familiar en muchas sociedades y la discriminación por edad de los mayores, tienen consecuencias graves para la salud, el bienestar y los derechos humanos de los ancianos. Se considera que existe mucha información sobre el "diagnóstico" y el "pronóstico" del envejecimiento poblacional, pero hay menos acerca de acciones eficaces para su "tratamiento", aspecto complejo y difícil de enfrentar. Se exponen algunas propuestas de mitigación de estos inevitables cambios demográficos. El propósito de esta comunicación es comentar determinados aspectos del envejecimiento de la población cubana.

Population aging constitutes one of the achievements and one of the most important challenges in the development of societies. The main cause of aging is the decrease in the fertility of women and to a lesser extent external emigration, especially of young people. In Cuba, more people die than are born, mainly due to low replacement levels in fertility, a situation aggravated in the years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the negative consequences of population aging, four main ones are identified: health, economic, sociocultural and legal; among the positive ones, there are some reports of cohorts of people who reach advanced ages in better physical and mental condition. The changes that have occurred in the family institution in many societies and the age discrimination of the elderly have serious consequences for the health, well-being and human rights of the elderly. It is considered that there is a lot of information about the "diagnosis" and "prognosis" of population aging, but there is less about effective actions for its "treatment", a complex and difficult aspect to face. Some proposals are presented to mitigate these inevitable demographic changes. The purpose of this communication is to comment on certain aspects of the aging of the Cuban population.

Implicaciones de la prolongación de la vida en la vejez / Implications of Life Prolongation in Old Age

Resumen: El actual desarrollo científico y tecnológico, que ha permitido aumentar el tiem po de vida en condiciones saludables, ha conducido a una reconfiguración de la vida y la vejez. Esto ha generado nuevas preguntas sobre el sentido de esa vida alargada en el tiempo. El artículo analiza cómo, a través del jovenismo y el consumismo, se ha entronizado el ideal de eterna juventud, denigrando la vejez, medicalizando la vida y creando una obsesión por la cosmética y la estética. En últimas, se evidencia que la búsqueda de la abolición de la vejez responde al intento de disolver la muerte.

Abstract: The current scientific and technological development, which has made it possi ble to increase life span in healthy conditions, has led to a reconfiguration of life and old age. This has raised new questions about the meaning of this extend ed life. The article analyzes how, through youthfulness and consumerism, the ideal of eternal youth has been enthroned, by denigrating old age, medicalizing life, and creating an obsession with cosmetics and aesthetics. Ultimately, it is evident that the search for the abolition of old age responds to the attempt to dissolve death.

Quality of life of occupants of old age homes of a northern Indian province

Background: Although a physiological phenomenon, ageing has enormous bearing on all the dimensions of health. Against age-old tradition, India is also witnessing a rapid increase in nuclearization of families. Increase in old age homes (OAHs) has been proportional to rising number of admissions in such institutions. In order to understand the phenomenon in a holistic way, the present study evaluated the quality of life of occupants such facilities in state of Himachal Pradesh. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to capture quality of life among the occupants of all seven OAHs of the State. Data was collected using World Health Organisation quality of life-Bref (WHOQOL-Bref) instrument consisting of four domains, individual domain and overall scores were compiled; and analysed using appropriate statistical techniques. Results: The mean WHOQOL-BREF score for a total of 145 study participants was 46.6±3 with highest score for environmental domain (49.1±4.7) and least for physical domain (44.0±5.2). Significant higher overall quality of life score was observed for comparatively younger participants, males, more educated individuals, those having a companion prior to the settlement, those having more satisfaction with facilities and lesser morbidities. Conclusions: Considering increasing elderly population proportion, there is a need for increase in number of facilities with standardized infrastructure, staff and facilities; so that quality of life can be maintained and sustained. Being a vulnerable and deprived section of the society, it is imperative that such individuals live out the final stage of their life with quality, dignity and much neglected self-respect.