Understanding the use of digital finance among older internet users in urban China: Evidence from an online convenience sample

Inclusive digital financial services should welcome older populations and make them beneficiaries of the digital and financial revolution. To understand older adults' experience of using digital financial tools, we conducted an online survey of 268 older internet users aged 60 or above from urban areas of 14 Chinese provinces after China's nationwide COVID-19 lockdown in 2021. Our results revealed that older internet surfers were active in digital financial activities and engaged most with activities that were highly compatible with their lifestyles. Active users significantly differed from inactive users in sociodemographics, confirming that a digital divide related to social stratification exists among older internet users. Digital finance active users were also distinguished from inactive users' attitudes and perceptions toward digital finance. Logistic regression results indicated that perceived usefulness, access to proper devices for digital finance, risk perceptions, and perceived exclusion if not using technology were associated with their adoption of these advanced tools. Older adults reported the perceived inconvenience of in-person financial services during the lockdown. They also expressed a willingness to participate in relevant training if provided. The findings of this study could help aging-related practitioners to understand older adults' engagement in digital finance and guide policy and project design in the area of financial inclusion of the aging population.

Cardiometabolic and psychocognitive features of the post-COVID period in patients with atrial fibrillation.

The number of people with long-term consequences of COVID-19 is increasing worldwide. The long-term prognosis for patients remains poorly understood. Objective. To study cardiometabolic and psychocognitive features in comorbid elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), de-pending on the presence of post-COVID syndrome (PCS). Material and methods. The observational analytical cohort study included 223 patients with AF and comorbidity (coronary artery disease, hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus) aged 60-74, who were divided into two groups: group 1 included 123 patients without COVID-19 and group 2 included 110 patients with a history of COVID-19 and the presence of PCS. The study evaluated laboratory and instrumental tests, and a general clinical study assessing psychocognitive disorders using the SPMSQ and HADS questionnaires was conducted. Results and discussion. In COVID-19 survivors, compared with patients of group 1, there were more pronounced atherogenic changes in total cholesterol (TC) (p=0.003), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.001), and triglycerides (p=0.011). Lower dia-stolic blood pressure was found in COVID-19 survivors (p<0.001). In addition, patients in group 2 had higher median pulse pressure (p<0.001) and heart rate (p<0.001). In group 2 patients, a larger ascending aorta diameter was observed (p<0.001). The anx-iety-depressive syndrome was more common in COVID-19 survivors with comorbidities, and a statistically significant difference was found in clinical anxiety (24%, p=0.041) and subclinical depression (21%, p=0.015). When assessing cognitive function, mod-erate cognitive impairment was detected in 22% (p=0.005) of patients with PCS and severe cognitive impairment in 2% (p=0.007). Conclusion. In comorbid elderly patients with the post-COVID syndrome, a high prevalence of psychocognitive disorders and adverse cardiometabolic changes were observed, supporting the need for long-term monitoring of the general clinical condition and psychocognitive status of COVID-19 survivors.Copyright © 2023, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

Editor's view

In the article, the author discusses the challenges in the decision making and advance care planning on critical care admission of patients living with dementia. Also cited are the poor understanding of the public of critical care, the effectiveness of using natural language processing of unstructured records and machine learning to identify those at risk of subsequent falls, and the recommended fall prevention strategies like Tai Chi.

Is COVID-19 a risk for postoperative delirium and death in elderly patients after emergency surgery?

Aim: While recent evidence describes atypical outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in elderly patients, the frequency of delirium and associated outcomes in elderly patients with COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) infection undergoing emergency surgery are not well defined. This study aims to determine the effect of COVID-19 on postoperative delirium and postoperative death in elderly patients undergoing emergency surgery. Material(s) and Method(s): This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in general surgery, orthopedics, and cardiovascular surgery clinics of a public hospital, including 30 days of follow-up between April 1 and May 1, 2021. All patients who were admitted to these clinics for emergency surgery intervention on these dates constituted the study population, while a total of 140 patients aged >=65 years, who met the study criteria, formed the sample of the study. Descriptive Characteristics Form and Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC) were used as data collection tools in the study. SPSS 25.0 statistical program was used for data analysis. Result(s): Thirty (42.85%) of the SARS-CoV-2 positive (n=70) patients developed delirium in the study. 12.9% (n=18) of the patients died within 30 days of follow-up after surgery. There were 30 (69.8) of 70 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients who developed delirium, and 12 patients (25.5) died after testing positive for COVID-19, with a mean of 8.08T1.56 days within 30 days of admission. Discussion(s): These findings may lead to a poor clinical prognosis for COVID-19 infection delirium and postoperative death in patients over 65 years of age undergoing emergency surgery.Copyright © 2023, Derman Medical Publishing. All rights reserved.

Invited discussant comments during the UCL-Penn Global COVID Study webinar 'Reflections, Resilience, and Recovery: A qualitative study of Covid-19's impact on an international adult population's mental health and priorities for support': part 2 of 3.

This discussant commentary considers the findings presented from the UCL-Penn Global COVID Study webinar 'Let's Talk! What do you need to recover from Covid-19?'. The research presented highlights a number of key issues that have affected people of all ages throughout the pandemic. Our aim with this article is to reflect on these themes and, using our own qualitative and quantitative research conducted throughout the pandemic, explore whether the people we spoke to in later life expressed challenges, concerns and frustrations with the same issues as those expressed in Dr Wong's study. As a national charity that supports people in later life, Independent Age has been incredibly concerned by the impact of the pandemic specifically on people aged 65 and over, and believe more must be done by decision-makers in the government and National Health Service (NHS) to support them to recover from the pandemic.

Invited discussant comments during the UCL-Penn Global COVID Study webinar 'Reflections, Resilience, and Recovery: A qualitative study of Covid-19's impact on an international adult population's mental health and priorities for support': part 3 of 3.

This discussant commentary considers the findings presented from the UCL-Penn Global COVID Study webinar 'Let's Talk! What do you need to recover from Covid-19?' and published in Wong et al's article in this journal, Reflections, Resilience, and Recovery, drawing into focus the support required to recover from the changes in people's mental health, physical health and relationships brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. Acknowledging the importance of not making broad generalisations about the effect of the lockdown allows us to see individuals in their own context and their own particular challenges. As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, we need to use the lessons from this study as the foundations for building resilience against future pandemics.

What's Your Pension Story? Women's Perspectives during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Their Old-Age Pension Status, Past and Present.

This study examines the present and retrospective views of mothers who are nearing or are at retirement age regarding their economic status, pension planning, and perceptions of state pension policy. The paper addresses gaps in the literature on the cross-intersections of employment history, vulnerable economic retirement status, and marital and parental status, thereby adopting a life course perspective. Based on in-depth interviews of thirty-one mothers (ages 59-72) during the COVID-19 pandemic, the findings revealed five themes-economic abuse: an unequal distribution of pension funds following divorce; regrets over past choices; COVID-19 and pensions; the state's responsibility for old-age economic security; and knowledge is important, and I can help others. The study concludes that the majority of women at these ages perceive their current economic situation as a product of insufficient familiarity with pension plans, while voicing opinions about the state's irresponsibility regarding people of retirement age.

Invited discussant comments during the UCL-Penn Global COVID Study webinar 'Reflections, Resilience, and Recovery: A qualitative study of Covid-19's impact on an international adult population's mental health and priorities for support': part 1 of 3.

This discussant commentary will consider global health before the pandemic in relation to the UCL-Penn Global COVID Study survey results on what participants need to recover from the pandemic. It explores the case for expanding access to health care, the importance of culturally sensitive interventions and the need to scale up psychologically evidence-based interventions. Reflecting on the UCL-Penn Global COVID Study 'Let's Talk! What do you need to recover from Covid-19?' webinar, the commentary highlights the recommendations from the British Psychological Society (BPS) to the government on what needs to happen for a better recovery.

Investigating factors affecting hospitalization of patients with mucormycosis after contracting COVID-19: a systematic review

Regarding the investigation of the factors related to the hospitalization of patients with Mucormycosis after being infected with Covid-19, several preliminary studies have been conducted in the hospital, but these studies were conducted in a small environment and have a smaller sample size. Therefore, the aim of the present systematic review study is to examine the factors affecting the hospitalization of patients with mucormycosis after being infected with covid-19. Methods: The current systematic review study was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines (preferred reporting items for systematic seviews and meta-analyses). For this study, the keywords "2019-nCoV", "COVID-19", "SARS-CoV-2", "Coronaviruses", "Hospitaliz", "Factor" and "Mucormycosis" in MagIran, SID, ISI, embase databases, ProQuest, PubMed, scopus were searched. Results: diabetes mellitus, old age, high body mass index, kidney disease, high blood pressure and smoking significantly increase the need for hospitalization in patients with mucormycosis after contracting covid-19. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the risk of hospitalization due to Mucormycosis after the covid-19 disease is significantly related to obesity, old age and underlying diseases..

[COVID-19, neuroCOVID-19 and cognitive impairment in elderly and old patients (literature review).]

The new coronavirus infection COVID-19 causes damage to many organs and systems, is a multi-organ disease. Many researchers are studying the relationship of the new coronavirus infection with polymorbid pathology, frailty, sarcopenia. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has the property of neurotropism, therefore, olfactory, taste disorders, as well as cognitive impairments can join the spectrum of clinical manifestations and consequences of the disease. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in the world. It is of interest that there is a link between the coronavirus infection and the development of cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer's disease.

Cardiometabolic and psychocognitive features of the post-COVID period in patients with atrial fibrillation

The number of people with long-term consequences of COVID-19 is increasing worldwide. The long-term prognosis for patients remains poorly understood. Objective. To study cardiometabolic and psychocognitive features in comorbid elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), de-pending on the presence of post-COVID syndrome (PCS). Material and methods. The observational analytical cohort study included 223 patients with AF and comorbidity (coronary artery disease, hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus) aged 60-74, who were divided into two groups: group 1 included 123 patients without COVID-19 and group 2 included 110 patients with a history of COVID-19 and the presence of PCS. The study evaluated laboratory and instrumental tests, and a general clinical study assessing psychocognitive disorders using the SPMSQ and HADS questionnaires was conducted. Results and discussion. In COVID-19 survivors, compared with patients of group 1, there were more pronounced atherogenic changes in total cholesterol (TC) (p=0.003), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.001), and triglycerides (p=0.011). Lower dia-stolic blood pressure was found in COVID-19 survivors (p<0.001). In addition, patients in group 2 had higher median pulse pressure (p<0.001) and heart rate (p<0.001). In group 2 patients, a larger ascending aorta diameter was observed (p<0.001). The anx-iety-depressive syndrome was more common in COVID-19 survivors with comorbidities, and a statistically significant difference was found in clinical anxiety (24%, p=0.041) and subclinical depression (21%, p=0.015). When assessing cognitive function, mod-erate cognitive impairment was detected in 22% (p=0.005) of patients with PCS and severe cognitive impairment in 2% (p=0.007). Conclusion. In comorbid elderly patients with the post-COVID syndrome, a high prevalence of psychocognitive disorders and adverse cardiometabolic changes were observed, supporting the need for long-term monitoring of the general clinical condition and psychocognitive status of COVID-19 survivors.Copyright © 2023, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

Correlation between laboratory findings and clinical severity among the COVID-19 patients in the tertiary care centre

Background: Coronavirus is a highly infectious novel virus we are in urge to know more about their clinical characteristics and laboratory findings for the characterization and selection of treatment protocol. Methods: Prospective, single centre study. Two months data was collected, clinical characteristics data from patient case sheet and the laboratoryvalues from the Hospital Information System (HIS) for the month of July and August 2020. Results: Of 462 patients, 55 (11.9%) are falls under asymptomatic category, 194 (42%) are in mild category, 167 (36.1%) are in moderate category and 46 (10%) in severe category. Fever 230 (49.8%) and cough 211 (45.7%) was most common clinical symptom with p value < 0.01. Non-severe vs severe, 340 (73.6%) and 201 (43.5%) showed decreased in eosinophil count and absolute eosinophil count, 125 (27.1%) and 80 (17.3%) patient showed decrease in lymphocyte count and absolute lymphocyte count, 200 (43.3%) showed increase in neutrophil count with a significance of p value >0.05.186 (40.3%) patients had one or more co-morbidities. Laboratory findings between Asymptomatic VS symptomatic, showed significance changes in neutrophil, lymphocyte, Aspartate aminotransferase, Alkaline phosphatase, globulin values (p value <0.05). Conclusion: Clinical severity categorization at the time of admission was very helpful for the treating doctors in proper understanding of disease progression and appropriate treatment of the patient. Presence of co-morbidity, abnormal laboratory values, old age group patients, higher Computed Tomography score, higher mortality rate are seen more in patients who were in clinical severity grade severe category than in non-severe category patients.

Health and social needs of older adults in slum communities in Ghana: a phenomenological approach used in 2021.

Slum-dwellers lack several essential amenities (such as water, sanitation, and electricity) which make them more vulnerable than non-slum dwellers. As there is limited to no access to health and social care services in slums, the slum environment is expected to be an even more dangerous environment for older adults, negatively impacting their quality of life (QoL). To provide an overview of the perceived (unmet) health and social care needs and how it affects the QoL, this study aims to explore the self-perceived health and social needs of older adults in urban slums in Ghana. Using a phenomenological approach, 25 semi-structured interviews were conducted between May and June 2021, in the homes of older adults in two slums in Ghana. After coding and analysing the transcripts, five main themes emerged: (a) perception of health; (b) (de)motivators of health service use; (c) perception of social care, (d) social needs, and (e) influence of phenomena on QoL. It appeared that older adults believed that spiritual powers were causing illnesses and influenced their use of formal health services. Other factors such as expired insurance cards and the attitude of healthcare workers served as demotivators for using health services.Perceived health needs were mainly current disease conditions (arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, vision/hearing challenges), challenges with health insurance, the behaviour of some health professionals, the proximity of health facilities, and unnecessary queues at major health facilities. Unmet social needs identified by this study were a sense of neglect by family (need for companionship), requiring assistance with activities of daily living, and the need for financial support. Participants had more health needs than social needs. Health providers do not usually prioritize the care of slum-dwelling older adults. Most participants still have challenges with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Their social needs were mainly related to financial difficulties and help with some activities of daily living. Participants expressed that they desired companionship (especially the widowed or divorced ones) and the lack of it made them feel lonely and neglected. Home visits by health professionals to older adults should be encouraged to monitor their health condition and advocate for family members to keep older adults company. Healthcare providers should exhibit positive attitudes and educate older patients on the advantages of formal health services use, as well as the need to seek early treatment as this will influence their QoL to a large extent.

Viral shedding time and its influencing factors in different site samples of patients infected with Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 omicron BA.2 variant

Objective: To analyze the viral shedding time and its influencing factors in different site samples of patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARA-CoV-2) omicron BA.2 variant. Methods: Real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction was used to detect SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in nasopharyngeal swab, sputum and anal swab from 217 patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who were infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 omicron BA.2 variant confirmed by gene sequencing in The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University). The differences of viral shedding time of different site samples were compared. Stratified analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to explore the influencing factors of viral shedding time in different site samples. Results: The age of the 217 COVID-19 patients was 32.0 (24.0, 50.5) years old, 59.0% of them were males (n=128), and 41.0% were females (n=89). Eight (3.7%) cases were diagnosed with asymptomatic infection, 184 (84.8%) cases were mild type, 21 (9.7%) cases were moderate type, 3 (1.4%) cases were severe type, and 1 (0.5%) case was critical type. A total of 70 (32.3%) patients were treated with molnupiravir. The viral shedding time of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in nasopharyngeal swab, sputum and anal swab was 13.0 (11.0, 17.0) d, 16.5 (13.0, 21.0) d and 10.0 (5.3, 11.0) d, respectively, with the differences being significant between them (all P<0.001). Age 60 years old, underlying diseases (especially hypertension, coronary artery diseases, or neurological diseases), and clinical classification of moderate type were risk factors for prolonged viral shedding time in nasopharyngeal swab;male sex and underlying diseases were risk factors for prolonged viral shedding time in sputum;and male sex was a risk factor for prolonged viral shedding time in anal swab. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that critical type was an independent risk factor for prolonged viral shedding time in nasopharyngeal swab (P<0.05), and male sex and underlying diseases were independent risk factors for prolonged viral shedding time in sputum (both P<0.05). Conclusion: Among patients infected with omicron BA.2 variant, the viral shedding time in sputum is the longest and that in anal swab is the shortest. Male patients and/or patients with underlying diseases have longer viral shedding time in sputum.

Senior Volunteering in Pandemics: Impact on the Social Participation of Older People

In successful ageing, the social relationships of older people are essential, as is the feeling of usefulness. Senior volunteering brings these qualities together in a single activity and is directly related to the emotional, psychologic and physical well-being of older people. The global pandemic of COVID-19 has widely affected all sectors of today's society. This research investigates the consequences that the pandemic has had on the lives of senior volunteers, as this demographic cohort has been doubly affected. The methodology used in this research was qualitative. Two focus groups were conducted, with seven participants each, from different volunteer organisations across Extremadura, using the ZOOM platform. The analysis of the data shows how senior volunteers and beneficiaries have suffered and continue to suffer from the effects of the pandemic. They have been forced to adapt to new regulations and situations, which has had an impact on their activities and probably also on their physical and emotional well-being.

Engagement and attitudes towards advanced care planning in primary care during COVID-19: A cross-sectional survey of older adults

Advance care plans (ACPs) increase patient-centered care, reduce caregiver burden and healthcare costs. However, only about 25% of Canadians over 50 years of age have completed an ACP. An anonymous, cross-sectional survey was distributed to those ≥70 years attending a primary care clinic-based COVID-19 vaccination event in Regina, SK in April 2021. The survey included questions about demographics, attitudes, engagement in ACPs according to the Stage of Change model, and patient-reported influence of COVID-19 on ACP thoughts or actions. One hundred thirty-four surveys were completed (96% response rate). Twenty-seven percent of respondents were at the precontemplation stage, 21% at contemplation stage, 16% at planning stage, 26% at action stage, and 10% at maintenance stage. Thirty-three percent of respondents had thought more about ACPs during the pandemic, but few updated or created plans. Most respondents felt comfortable talking with their physician and partners. There is a need for physicians to initiate ACP conversations with patients.

The aging seen from prison: psychosocial analysis of LGBT old age with womens and men deprived of freedom at the brazilian context of COVID-19

Old age is a universal phenomenon that has notably expanded in the Brazilian population, including within the prison system. However, the arrival of the coronavirus in Brazilian prisons reinforced the need to pay attention to the psychosocial vulnerabilities that permeate this environment and affect the population in prison. The study aimed to analyze and compare the social representations of women and men in deprivation of liberty about the conditions that LGBT elderly people have to experience a safe old age in the context in which they live. It is characterized as a qualitative research, based on the Theory of Social Representations, of a descriptive and comparative nature, with cross-sectional data and a non-probabilistic convenience sample. There were 28 people living in deprivation of liberty in male and female penal units, during the pandemic period in a Brazilian state. It is evident that in the representations of the participants, old age is not a phase full of tranquility, as there are conditions and resources necessary to live it well. It is concluded that there is a predominance of many stereotypes about sexual orientation, lifestyle, loneliness in old age and sexuality among the elderly, which can be justified by the lack of knowledge on the subject or even the lack of contact with people LGBT's. © 2022, Sociedad Interamericana de Psicologia. All rights reserved.

'I'm provax': Pro-vaccination personal histories and socialities of older Australians in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccination scholarship often explores how social networks foster vaccine refusal and delay, revealing how social and institutional relations produce refusing or delaying parents and un- or under-vaccinated children. It is likewise critical to understand the development of pro-vaccination orientations by researching those who want to be vaccinated since such attitudes and associated practices underpin successful vaccination programmes. This article explores pro-vaccination sociality, personal histories and self-understandings during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. We draw upon 18 in-depth interviews with older Western Australians, documenting how they articulate 'provax' identities in opposition to those they depict as 'antivax' others. Provax identities were clearly anchored in and solidified through social relations and personal histories, as interviewees spoke of 'likeminded' friends and families who facilitated each other's vaccinations and referenced childhood experiences of epidemics and vaccinations. Access barriers relating to the vaccine programme drove interviewees to reimagine their provax status in light of not yet being vaccinated. Thus, interviewees' moral and ideological understandings of themselves and others were interrelated with supply-side constraints. We examine the development of self-proclaimed 'provaxxers' (in a context of limited access); how they imagine and enact boundaries between themselves and those they deem 'antivax'; and possibilities for public health research.

Accessing a "bounded space": An ethnographic map of a residential care home for old persons during COVID-19.

Taking place in a residential care setting in England during COVID-19, this ethnographic study offers a closer look at residents' experiences of residential care, with particular focus on dignity and wellbeing. Viewing experiences of well-being as embedded within interpersonal negotiations, the study turns to experience and stories to reveal complexities and contradictions in this taken-for-granted space. However, the timeline and design for this project has been greatly impacted by COVID-19. In exploring the design of this study and its 'journey' toward the field, the following article takes a critical view in order to view the impacts that 'bounded' and protected care settings may have on the agency and rights of older adult research participants. In this article, I also consider some of the complex ethical issues of conducting qualitative research during a time when older adults are being denied personal visitors, which can further 'bound' the care home space. The article offers timely insight on issues of agency and voice when working with a 'protected population' during a time which highlights the vulnerability of old adults.

Changes in Going Out after Lifting a Stay-At-Home Order and Decreases of Higher-Level Functional Capacities

To clarify associations between changes in going out after lifting a stay-at-home order and decrease in higher-level functional capacities among older adults with impairments. This study was conducted using questionnaires completed by people registered in two day-service facilities and a nursing station. A baseline survey was conducted during Japan's declaration of emergency for the coronavirus disease 2019, and follow-up surveys were conducted in 4, 8, and 12 months after the declaration was lifted. We performed binary logistic regression analyses to clarify the above associations There were significant associations between Δ sum of purposes of going out and the decrease in higher-level functional capacities in 4 months (OR 0.57) and in 8 months (OR 0.47). Increasing the sum of purposes of going out after lifting a stay-at-home order was associated with lower odds for a decrease in higher-level functional capacities in 4 and 8 months.