Asthma in the elderly and COVID-19: results of the 90-day post-hospital follow-up.

Background. After the first wave of the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection, the researchers focused on identifying potential short-and long-term complications of COVID-19, especially in high-risk patients, after prolonged hospitalization and intensive care. Objective. To study the outcomes, adverse effects of severe COVID-19 and their predictors 90 days after hospital discharge in elderly patients with asthma. Material and methods. The study included elderly patients (101 subjects, 42 males and 59 females;median age 74 (67;79) years) with asthma, discharged from the hospital after treatment of severe COVID-19. They were followed up for 90 days after discharge. In the hospital, COVID-19 was confirmed by laboratory tests (polymerase chain reaction method) and/or clinically and radiologically. All patients had a documented history of asthma according to GINA 2020 criteria. Results and discussion. During the 90-day post-hospital follow-up, 86 (85%) patients survived, and 15 (15%) died after discharge. Deaths were reported within 1 to 4 weeks after discharge: 6 subjects died during re-hospitalization, 6 at home, and 3 in a rehabilitation center. The multivariate regression analysis model, adjusted for all statistically significant indicators, and the ROC analysis showed the most significant predictors of 90-day post-hospital mortality and their threshold values. They include the Charlson comorbidity index >=4 points, lung damage according to computed tomography >=30%, the absolute number of eosinophils <=100 cells/muL, and concomitant diabetes mellitus. The analysis showed that 90-day post-hospital mortality depends on combinations of identified risk factors;a combination of two, three, and especially four risk factors statistically significantly is associated with patients' lower average survival time. Conclusion. The key risk factors for 90-day post-hospital mortality in elderly patients with asthma after severe COVID-19 include the Charlson comorbidity index, lung damage >=30% according to computed tomography, the absolute number of eosinophils <=100 cells/muL, and concomitant diabetes mellitus. The 90-day post-hospital survival rate is correlated with the number of risk factors identified in patients. The effect of asthma severity on 90-day post-hospital mortality in elderly patients was not observed.Copyright © 2023, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

Temporal trends of morbidities, and risk and protective factors for noncommunicable diseases in elderly residents in Brazilian capitals / Tendências temporais de morbidades e fatores de risco e de proteção para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis em pessoas idosas residentes nas capitais brasileiras

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the temporal trends of prevalence of morbidities, risk and protection factors for noncommunicable diseases in elderly residents in Brazilian capitals between 2006 and 2021. Methods: A time series study with data from the Surveillance System of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Inquiry. The variables analyzed were: high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, overweight, obesity, consumption of alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, fruits and vegetables, and the practice of physical activity. Prais-Winsten regression and Interrupted Time Series from 2006 to 2014 and 2015 to 2021 were used. Results: From 2006 to 2021, for the total elderly population, there was an increase in diabetes (19.2 to 28.4%), alcohol consumption (2.5 to 3.2%), overweight (52.4 to 60.7%) and obesity (16.8 to 21.8%), and a reduction in the prevalence of smokers (9.4 to 7.4%) and in soft drink consumption (17 to 8.7%). By the interrupted series, between 2015 and 2021, there was stability in the prevalence of diabetes, female smokers, overweight among men, obesity in the total and male population, and soft drink consumption. Conclusion: Over the years, there have been changes and worsening in the indicators analyzed, such as an increase in diabetes, alcohol consumption, overweight, and obesity, which reinforces the importance of continuous monitoring and sustainability programs to promote the health, especially in the context of economic crisis, austerity, and COVID-19 pandemic.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar as tendências temporais das prevalências de morbidades e dos fatores de risco e de proteção para as doenças crônicas não transmissíveis em pessoas idosas residentes nas capitais brasileiras entre 2006 e 2021. Métodos: Estudo de série temporal com dados do Sistema de Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico. Analisaram-se as variáveis: hipertensão arterial; diabetes; tabagismo; excesso de peso; obesidade; consumo de bebidas alcoólicas, refrigerantes, frutas e hortaliças; e prática de atividade física. Empregaram-se o modelo de regressão de Prais-Winsten e a séries temporais interrompidas (de 2006 a 2014 e de 2015 a 2021). Resultados: De 2006 a 2021, para a população total de idosos, houve aumento de diabetes (19,2 para 28,4%), do consumo de álcool (2,5 para 3,2%), do dexcesso de peso (52,4 para 60,7%) e da obesidade (16,8 para 21,8%), e redução do tabagismo (9,4 para 7,4%) e consumo de refrigerantes (17,0 para 8,7%). Pelas séries interrompidas, entre 2015 e 2021, houve estabilidade da prevalência de diabetes, fumantes do sexo feminino, excesso de peso nos homens, obesidade na população total e no sexo masculino e consumo de refrigerante. Conclusão: Ao longo dos anos houve mudanças e piora dos indicadores analisados, como aumento de diabetes, do consumo de álcool, do excesso de peso e da obesidade, o que reforça a importância do monitoramento contínuo e da sustentabilidade de programas de promoção da saúde, especialmente no contexto de crise econômica, austeridade e pandemia decorrente da COVID-19.

The Efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in the Elderly: A Systemic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Given the reduced immune response to vaccines in older populations, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccinations and its impact on breakthrough infection, hospital admission, and mortality in the elderly. METHODS: We carried out a systemic review and meta-analysis where MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials were queried to identify relevant literature. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomized trials, prospective, observational cohort, and case-control studies assessing breakthrough infection, hospital admission, and mortality after coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination in the elderly (≥ 60 years old). RESULTS: Overall, 26 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with the unvaccinated group, the vaccinated group showed a decreased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection after 28-34 (relative risk [RR] = 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37-0.49) and 35-60 days (RR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.37-0.62). There was a step-wise increase in efficacy with additional doses with the two-dose group experiencing decreased risk of breakthrough infection (RR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.32-0.42), hospital admissions (RR = 0.25, 95% CI 0.14-0.45), disease severity (RR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.20-0.70), and mortality (RR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.14-0.32) compared with those receiving one or no doses. Similarly three-dose and four-dose vaccine groups also showed a decreased risk of breakthrough infection (3-dose: RR = 0.14, 95% CI 0.10-0.20; 4-dose RR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.4-0.53), hospital admissions (3-dose: RR = 0.11, 95% CI 0.07-0.17; 4-dose: RR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.32-0.55), and all-cause mortality (3-dose: RR = 0.10, 95% CI 0.02-0.48; 4-dose: RR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.28-0.84) Subgroup analysis found that protection against mortality for vaccinated vs. unvaccinated groups was similar by age (60-79 years: RR = 0.59; 95% CI, 0.47-0.74; ≥ 80 years: RR = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.59-0.98) and gender (female: RR = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.50-0.87, male: (RR = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.44-0.76), and comorbid cardiovascular disease (CVD) (RR = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.52-0.92) or diabetes (DM) (RR = 0.59; 95% CI, 0.39-0.89. CONCLUSIONS: Our pooled results showed that SARS-CoV-2 vaccines administered to the elderly is effective in preventing prevent breakthrough infection, hospitalization, severity, and death. What's more, increasing number of vaccine doses is becoming increasingly effective.

[Risk factors for adverse outcomes in elderly patients with asthma and severe COVID-19 at the hospital and early post-hospital stages].

BACKGROUND: Mortality and COVID-19 related factors are thoroughly analyzed. Given the large number of hospitalized patients, the potential short- and long-term COVID-19 related complications, further research is needed on the possible consequences of hospitalization, especially in higher-risk patients, after prolonged hospitalization and intensive care admission. AIM: To study the clinical course and outcomes of severe COVID-19 in elderly patients with asthma at the hospital and early post-hospital stages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 131 elderly patients (WHO, 2020) >60 years old, n=131 with asthma, hospitalized for severe COVID-19. Of these, 86 (65.6%) patients survived, 30 (22.9%) died in the hospital, and 15 (14.9%) patients died after discharge from the hospital (in the 90-day post-hospital period). COVID-19 was confirmed by laboratory tests (SARS-CoV-2 PCR RNA test) and/or clinically and radiologically. All patients had a documented history of asthma. Patients were followed up during the hospital stay and for 90 days after discharge. RESULTS: Comparison of outcomes showed that in the groups of patients with a fatal outcome (regardless of the stage), the Charlson comorbidity index, respiratory rate, extent of lung damage assessed by computed tomography, the absolute leukocyte and neutrophil number and the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes were statistically significantly higher. The absolute number of eosinophils was lower in these groups. In the group of patients who died during hospitalization, severe (IV-V) asthma (p=0.03), steroid use during the previous year (p=0.02), chronic heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (p=0.009) were more common, and atopic asthma phenotype was less common (p=0.02). In those who died after discharge, more common were non-invasive ventilation and diabetes mellitus (p<0.001). The multivariate regression analysis model revealed the most significant predictors of mortality at the hospital and early post-hospital stages. CONCLUSION: Adverse outcomes of severe COVID-19 in elderly patients with asthma include hospital and post-hospital mortality. The most significant predictors of mortality are the comorbidity index and low eosinophil count. Hospital mortality is associated with a higher ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes and lower total protein levels; early (90-day) post-hospital mortality is associated with extensive lung damage shown by computed tomography and diabetes mellitus.

University to Tambon (U2T) program and sustainable community development during COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand

The Thai government created proactive policies designed to mitigate the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic while it developed durable interventions after the crisis ended. One such intervention, the U2T program ('University to Tambon") used universities to partner with communities to create lasting changes in areas such as sustainable community development. Using Participatory Action Research (PAR) and Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), one case study is presented that addresses income insecurity among community elders. Qualitative data was collected through participant observation, interviews of participants (N = 36) and focus group members (N = 30) and augmented by needs assessments and asset mapping. The income generating activities for the elderly germinated from using PAR and ABCD. Themes that emerge from the data involve buttressing bridging capital in the Tambons and developing linking capital to expand and create new networks outside the community. The results suggest that universities can facilitate community development via PAR and ABCD.

Asthma in the elderly and COVID-19: results of the 90-day post-hospital follow-up.

Background. After the first wave of the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection, the researchers focused on identifying potential short-and long-term complications of COVID-19, especially in high-risk patients, after prolonged hospitalization and intensive care. Objective. To study the outcomes, adverse effects of severe COVID-19 and their predictors 90 days after hospital discharge in elderly patients with asthma. Material and methods. The study included elderly patients (101 subjects, 42 males and 59 females;median age 74 (67;79) years) with asthma, discharged from the hospital after treatment of severe COVID-19. They were followed up for 90 days after discharge. In the hospital, COVID-19 was confirmed by laboratory tests (polymerase chain reaction method) and/or clinically and radiologically. All patients had a documented history of asthma according to GINA 2020 criteria. Results and discussion. During the 90-day post-hospital follow-up, 86 (85%) patients survived, and 15 (15%) died after discharge. Deaths were reported within 1 to 4 weeks after discharge: 6 subjects died during re-hospitalization, 6 at home, and 3 in a rehabilitation center. The multivariate regression analysis model, adjusted for all statistically significant indicators, and the ROC analysis showed the most significant predictors of 90-day post-hospital mortality and their threshold values. They include the Charlson comorbidity index >=4 points, lung damage according to computed tomography >=30%, the absolute number of eosinophils <=100 cells/muL, and concomitant diabetes mellitus. The analysis showed that 90-day post-hospital mortality depends on combinations of identified risk factors;a combination of two, three, and especially four risk factors statistically significantly is associated with patients' lower average survival time. Conclusion. The key risk factors for 90-day post-hospital mortality in elderly patients with asthma after severe COVID-19 include the Charlson comorbidity index, lung damage >=30% according to computed tomography, the absolute number of eosinophils <=100 cells/muL, and concomitant diabetes mellitus. The 90-day post-hospital survival rate is correlated with the number of risk factors identified in patients. The effect of asthma severity on 90-day post-hospital mortality in elderly patients was not observed.Copyright © 2023, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

The Predictive Ability of the Existential Vacuum and Death Anxiety in Psychological Hardiness Among Elderly.

This research paper aimed to identify the level of psychological hardiness, the level of death anxiety, and the level of existential vacuum among the elderly, also the role of the predictive ability of death anxiety and existential vacuum in the psychological hardiness of the elderly at the governorates of Tafilyah and Ma'an in light of the Corona pandemic in Jordan. The descriptive-analytical approach was utilized. sample consists (500) elderly, that were selected by a simple random approach. Then the needed statistical measure was operated to achieve the required results. The results indicated a low level of psychological hardiness, a high level of death anxiety, and an existential vacuum in the elderly. The results show a suitable predictive ability for each of death anxiety and the existential vacuum in reducing psychological hardiness. The research paper recommended the necessity of rehabilitating the elderly in Jordan regarding the mental and psychological aspects.

An Explorative Study of the Political, Economic, and Social Factors Influencing the Development of Senior Housing: A Case Study of Hong Kong

Senior housing with age-friendly design and elderly care services contributes to the health and well-being of older people. Previous research has evidenced that the immediate environment factors of senior housing, such as the design of housing features and facilities, have a direct bearing on the satisfaction and quality of life of older people. However, external environment factors, such as political, economic, and social ones that affect key stakeholders' behaviors in senior housing development, are relatively under-researched. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore the external environmental factors influencing the development of senior housing. Taking Hong Kong as case study, this study first commenced with a systematic review to identify the factors in political, economic, and social domains from global evidence. Following this, we interviewed local experts from academia, industry, and government to solicit their opinions on the relative importance of these factors. We then determined the factor rankings using the analytical hierarchy process method. The results showed that local experts perceived economic factors as the most critical ones in influencing senior housing development in Hong Kong, including land costs, funding from financial institutions, and government incentives. If policymakers tend to promote senior housing in densely populated cities like Hong Kong, the policies should be attractive for housing developers, such as land premium concessions and innovative financial channels for supporting the long-term development of senior housing. © 2023 by the authors.

Metaverse Virtual Social Center for the Elderly Communication During the Social Distancing

The lack of social activities in the elderly for physical reasons can make them feel lonely and prone to depression. With the spread of COVID-19, it is difficult for the elderly to conduct the few social activities stably, causing the elderly to be more lonely. The metaverse is a virtual world that mirrors reality. It allows the elderly to get rid of the constraints of reality and perform social activities stably and continuously, providing new ideas for alleviating the loneliness of the elderly. Through the analysis of the needs of the elderly, a virtual social center framework for the elderly was proposed in this study. Besides, a prototype system was designed according to the framework. The elderly can socialize in virtual reality with metaverse-related technologies and human-computer interaction tools. Additionally, a test was jointly conducted with the chief physician of the geriatric rehabilitation department of a tertiary hospital. The results demonstrated that the mental state of the elderly who had used the virtual social center was significantly better than that of the elderly who had not used it. Thus, virtual social centers alleviated loneliness and depression in older adults. Virtual social centers can help the elderly relieve loneliness and depression when the global epidemic is normalizing and the population is aging. Hence, they have promotion value © 2022 Beijing Zhongke Journal Publishing Co. Ltd

Now That You Have Retired -What's Next?

PLANS A, B, AND C It's important to have your plan A but also a plan B or even a plan C. As an example, you may have envisioned lots of travel, and then along came COVID, or a new partner, or health problems that make travel less likely. Amenities in these retirement communities include gyms, restaurants, golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, and interesting lectures\classes that make your retirement pleasurable. [...]you might want to improve your gardening skills, landscape your yard, paint the fence, clean the garage, and sit and watch the sunset. Look into courses at a local community college or university;many higher education centers allow individuals to take non-credit classes at a low cost.

Association between the overall burden of comorbidity and Ct values among the older patients with Omicron infection: Mediated by inflammation.

Objectives: To investigate the associations between the overall burden of comorbidity, inflammatory indicators in plasma and Ct values among the elderly with COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study. The results of each nucleic acid test of during hospitalization were obtained. Linear regression models assessed the associations between the overall burden of comorbidity, inflammatory indicators in plasma and Ct values among the elderly. A causal mediation analysis was performed to assess the mediation effects of inflammatory indicators on the association between the overall burden of comorbidity and Ct values. Results: A total of 767 COVID-19 patients aged ≥ 60 years were included between April 2022 and May 2022. Patients with a high burden of comorbidity had significantly lower Ct values of the ORF gene than subjects with a low burden of comorbidity (median, 24.81 VS 26.58, P < 0.05). Linear regression models showed that a high burden of comorbidity was significantly associated with higher inflammatory responses, including white blood cell count, neutrophil count and C-reactive protein. Also, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, C-reactive protein and the overall burden of comorbidity assessed by age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index were independent risk factors for the Ct values. A mediation analysis detected the mediation effect of white blood cells on the association between the burden of comorbidity and Ct values, with the indirect effect estimates of 0.381 (95% CI: 0.166, 0.632, P < 0.001). Similarly, the indirect effect of C-reactive protein was -0.307 (95% CI: -0.645, -0.064, P = 0.034). White blood cells and C-reactive protein significantly mediated the relationship between the burden of comorbidity and Ct values by 29.56% and 18.13% of the total effect size, respectively. Conclusions: Inflammation mediated the association between the overall burden of comorbidity and Ct values among elderly with COVID-19, which suggests that combined immunomodulatory therapies could reduce the Ct values for such patients with a high burden of comorbidity.

Investigation into the Relationship Between COVID-19 Anxiety and Spiritual Orientation in Elderly Individuals in Nursing Homes and Care Centers in Turkey.

Spirituality is seen as a coping strategy for reducing stress and anxiety. This research aimed to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 anxiety and the spiritual orientation of individuals aged 65 and over in nursing homes and elderly care centers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. The findings showed that with increasing age, coronavirus anxiety levels decrease, and spiritual orientation increases. There was a negative relationship between the time of diagnosis of COVID-19 and coronavirus anxiety (r =  - .48; p =  0.01). Those diagnosed with COVID-19 had higher coronavirus anxiety levels (U = 374.5; p < 0.001) and had lower spiritual orientation (U = 593.5; p > 0.05). As spiritual orientation increases in elderly individuals, their level of anxiety decreases.

Usefulness of STOPP/START criteria and Beers criteria for prescribing in geriatric patients in a tertiary health care center, Raipur, Central India.

Background: Polypharmacy and inappropriate prescribing are risk factors for adverse clinical outcomes in older people. Screening tools can identify potential medicine-related patient safety incidents for the elderly on multiple medicines and with chronic diseases. Methods: In this prospective observational study, details of demography, diagnosis, history of constipation/peptic ulcer disease, over-the-counter medications, and clinical and laboratory findings were noted. Information obtained was reviewed and analyzed with the help of STOPP/START and Beers 2019 criteria. At 1 month follow-up, improvement was assessed with the help of a structured questionnaire. Results: As per the criteria, modification in drugs was recommended for 213 drugs; it was actually performed for 27.73% and 48.71% drugs as per Beers and STOPP/START criteria, respectively. Glimepiride was replaced with short-acting sulfonylureas because of hypoglycemia, and angiotensin receptor blockers were stopped because of hyperkalemia as per Beers criteria. Statins were started in 19 patients by START criteria. Overall general health improvement was observed at 1 month, but an increase in anxiety, tension, worry, depressed feel, and insomnia was observed in initial days of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Conclusions: In view of polypharmacy in the prescriptions, the combination of prescribing criteria need to be considered while prescribing medications to the elderly to get optimum therapeutic benefits and improvement in the quality of life. The quality of primary care of the elderly can also be improved by use of screening tools such as STOPP/START and Beers criteria by a primary/family physician. Prescription evaluation by a trained pharmacologist/physician for possible drug/food/disease interactions and for therapy modification can be incorporated for routine geriatric care at a tertiary care center. Clinical trial registry of India registration number: CTRI/2020/01/022852.

Elderly people's knowledge and preventive practices about COVID-19 / Saberes e práticas preventivas de pessoas idosas sobre a COVID-19

RESUMO Objetivo compreender os saberes e as práticas preventivas de pessoas idosas sobre a COVID-19. Métodos pesquisa qualitativa e desenvolvida com 11 pessoas idosas residentes em um condomínio do idoso. Dados obtidos com uso da técnica de entrevistas individuais e, a seguir, submetidos à análise lexicográfica por meio da Classificação Hierárquica Descendente utilizando o software IRaMuTeQ®; e discussão à luz da literatura sobre COVID-19. Resultados emergiram seis classes: Construindo saberes e práticas preventivas sobre a COVID-19; Consequências emocionais; Práticas preventivas e de controle; Reconhecimento e importância das estratégias de prevenção; Impactos físicos, sociais e econômicos e Fatores de risco individuais e coletivos. Conclusão as pessoas idosas compreendem as consequências negativas da COVID-19, identificando os fatores de risco individuais e coletivos, apreendidos com base em vivências durante a pandemia, experiências prévias, diálogos e fontes de informação. Reconhecem a importância das práticas preventivas, realizando cuidados no ambiente domiciliar e urbano. Contribuições para a prática o estudo contribui positivamente para a assistência às pessoas idosas com a construção de conhecimentos acerca da COVID-19, sobretudo, no contexto de pessoas idosas residentes em um condomínio do idoso, sensibilizando e embasando os profissionais de saúde para planejarem e desenvolverem ações educativas problematizadoras, impactando na prática profissional.

ABSTRACT Objective to understand the knowledge and preventive practices of elderly people about COVID-19. Methods qualitative research developed with 11 elderly people living in a condominium for the elderly. Data were obtained using the technique of individual interviews and then submitted to lexicographic analysis by means of the Descending Hierarchical Classification using the software IRaMuTeQ®; and discussion in the light of the literature on COVID-19. Results six classes emerged: Building knowledge and preventive practices about COVID-19; Emotional consequences; Preventive and control practices; Recognition and importance of prevention strategies; Physical, social, and economic impacts; and Individual and collective risk factors. Conclusion the elderly understands the negative consequences of COVID-19, identifying the individual and collective risk factors, learned based on experiences during the pandemic, previous experiences, dialogues, and sources of information. They recognize the importance of preventive practices, carrying out care in the home and urban environment. Contributions to practice the study contributes positively to the care of the elderly with the construction of knowledge about COVID-19, especially in the context of elderly residents in a condominium for the elderly, sensitizing and grounding health professionals to plan and develop problematizing educational actions, impacting on professional practice.

Cognitive stimulation and socialization of institutionalized older adults during the Covid-19 pandemic / Estímulo cognitivo e socialização de idosos institucionalizados na pandemia por Covid-19 / Estímulo Cognitivo y Socialización de Ancianos Institucionalizados en la Pandemia por Covid-19

Objetivo: Relatar a experiência de discentes e docentes de enfermagem no desenvolvimento de atividades lúdico-pedagógicas em uma Instituição de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI) durante a pandemia por COVID-19. Síntese dos dados: Trata-se de um relato de experiência, a partir da vivência de acadêmicas e docentes de um projeto de extensão do curso de Enfermagem em uma Instituição de Longa Permanência para Idosos, no interior de Minas Gerais, nos meses de junho e julho de 2020. A equipe do projeto elaborou o planejamento de um bingo, sendo todos os idosos premiados com livros de colorir e gizes de cera. As ações se desdobraram em quatro etapas: planejamento das atividades; elaboração do material; entrega do material impresso; e operacionalização da ação. Com a entrega do material na instituição no dia 23 de julho, realizou-se a dinâmica no dia 20 de agosto de 2020. Conclusão: O planejamento e a elaboração de materiais, como o jogo do bingo e o livro de colorir, permitiram que o projeto de extensão desse seguimento ao trabalho mesmo no período da pandemia, propondo duas atividades que despertaram o interesse e a participação de todos os envolvidos.

Objective: To report the experience of nursing students and professors in the development of recreational and pedagogical activities in a Long-Term Care (LTC) Institution for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data synthesis: This is an experience report based on the experience of students and professors of an extension project of the Nursing program in a Long-Term Care Institution for older adults in the countryside of Minas Gerais in the months of June and July 2020. The project team prepared a bingo plan, with all the older adults being awarded with coloring books and crayons. The actions unfolded in four stages: planning of activities; preparation of the material; delivery of printed material; and operationalization of the action. With the delivery of the material to the institution on July 23, the action took place on August 20, 2020. Conclusion: The planning and construction of materials, such as the bingo game and the coloring book, allowed the project to extend this follow-up to work even during the pandemic period by proposing two activities that aroused the interest and participation of all those involved.

Objetivo: Informar la experiencia de dicentes y docentes de enfermería en el desarrollo de actividades lúdico-pedagógicas en una Institución para Ancianos de Larga Estancia (IALE) en la pandemia por Covid-19. Síntesis de datos: Se trata de un informe de experiencia, a partir de la vivencia de académicas y docentes de un proyecto de extensión del curso de Enfermería en una Institución para Ancianos de Larga Estancia, en el interior de Minas Gerais, en los meses de junio y julio de 2020. El equipo del proyecto elaboró la planificación de un bingo, premiando todos los ancianos con libros de colorear y crayón. Las acciones se desplegaron en cuatro etapas: planificación de las actividades; elaboración del material; entrega del material impreso; y operacionalización de la acción. Con la entrega del material en la institución en el día 23 de julio, se realizó la dinámica en el día 20 de agosto de 2020. Conclusión: La planificación y la elaboración de materiales, como el juego de bingo y el libro de colorear, permitieron que el proyecto de extensión diera continuidad al trabajo aunque en período de la pandemia, proponiendo dos actividades que despertaron el interés y la participación de todas las partes.

Use of a Virtual Assistant in Preparing Elderly People to Overcome Loneliness

The problem of loneliness in old age is updated, its causes are highlighted, including the loss of a spouse, relatives and friends. Statistical data on the negative impact of loneliness on the physiological and psychological changes of the personality are provided. After labor activity is over, a person has the right for a decent life, but neither their own children nor the state currently pay the necessary attention to the majority of elderly people. The results of the study of the ideas of the elderly about the "ideal model of old age" in Poland and Ukraine are analyzed and the 4 most typical ones are selected - living with children;accommodation in specialized institutions;independent living and combined model. The assumption is substantiated that the desire for independent living and independence may be the reason for the increase in the number of elderly people who experience loneliness. The insufficient level of solving the problem of loneliness in old age is noted and the search for innovative solutions based on the combination of modern psychological directions of helping the elderly and the latest technical achievements using artificial intelligence is suggested. Attention is focused on the fact that in the process of developing modern technical means aimed at helping the elderly, it is mandatory to observe ethical and psychological principles, the list of which is proposed to be supplemented. In particular, it is emphasized that it is important not to adapt a person to the requirements of electronics, but to teach electronic devices to "communicate" in human language and in a way that is convenient for people. Also, technical means should be available to different age categories of users equally, including the elderly. In the context of adult education, the preparation of elderly people to use personal electronic assistants - virtual assistants to overcome loneliness - is gaining relevance. The results of the discussion aimed at developing the readiness of the elderly to use electronic devices based on artificial intelligence are given. The needs of elderly people are highlighted, which should be taken into account when developing personal virtual assistants, including basic life and health needs, social and communicative needs, as well as needs for cognition, development and self-realization of the personality. It is concluded that training elderly people to use personal electronic assistants is an important component of modern adult education and an essential step for the psychological support of a large part of elderly citizens who have the right for a full life and self-realization in society.

Effects of Service Quality Characteristics of Neighborhood Sports Facilities on User Satisfaction and Reuse Intention of the Elderly during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

PURPOSE: this study aimed to examine the user satisfaction and reuse intention of the elderly for neighborhood sports facilities in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: this study surveyed 386 Korean elderly individuals aged ≥ 65 years, who were users of neighborhood sports facilities, from 1 May to 31 August 2022. A total of 386 questionnaires were used for data analysis, which was carried out using SPSS 23.0 statistical software. Descriptive statistics of the mean, standard deviation, and frequency distribution were used at the descriptive level. Moreover, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Scheffe's post hoc pair-wise comparison analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis were used at the inferential level. The significance level of these tests was considered for less than 0.05. RESULTS: the mechanistic and humanistic service factors of neighborhood sports facilities affected user satisfaction and reuse intention. Furthermore, user satisfaction of the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic had a positive effect on reuse intention. CONCLUSION: this study confirmed that the service quality characteristics of neighborhood sports facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic had a positive effect on user satisfaction and intention to continue to exercise among the elderly.

Moderating Effects of Religious Tourism Activities on Environmental Risk, Leisure Satisfaction, Physical and Mental Health and Well-Being among the Elderly in the Context of COVID-19.

The purpose of this study is to explore whether religious tourism activities can create a safe leisure environment and improve the well-being of the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the participants in the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage in Taiwan as the subjects of this study. A mixed research method was used. First, statistical software and the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data. Then the respondents' opinions were collected. Finally, a multivariate analysis method was used to discuss the results of analysis. The findings showed that the elderly respondents thought that the epidemic prevention information and leisure space planning for the pilgrimage made them feel secure. The elderly believed the scenery, religious atmosphere, and commodities en route could reduce the perception of environmental risks to tourists, relieve pressure on the brain, and increase social opportunities. Therefore, the friendlier the leisure environment around the pilgrimage, the greater the leisure satisfaction among the elderly respondents. The happier the elderly felt, the less they considered the concentration of airborne contaminants, including viruses. The better their physical and mental health was, the less likely they were to want to ask for religious goods.

Exploring Depression among the Elderly during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Effects of the Big Five, Media Use, and Perceived Social Support.

The mental health of the elderly is vulnerable during public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and the risks of depression is increased. The study aimed to explore the effects of physical health, the Big Five personality traits, media use, and different kinds of perceived social support as predictors of levels of depression among the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in more than 120 cities in China with a sample of 1147 older adults, and hierarchical regression was established to examine the predictors of the level of depression. The results showed that almost half of the elderly (48%) had a status of mild or much more severe depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. The level of depression was negatively associated with physical health, extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and family support, while it was positively associated with neuroticism and media use. The study emphasized the effects of physical health, the Big Five personality traits, media use, and perceived social support from family as the predictors of levels of depression, providing further measures to help the elderly better react to a public health emergency.

Analysis of Diseases in the Elderly Affecting Covid-19

Covid-19 virus began in December 2019, and the coronavirus (COVID-19) has impacted several countries, affecting more than 90,000 patients and making it a global pandemic. Where health workers include doctors, nurses, and other health workers, play a role in treating infected patients and become the vanguard in the handling of coronavirus. Based on data Indonesia positive cases of Covid-19 as many as 3,872,738 people and patients recovered 3,381,884 people and patients who died as many as 118,883 people and 48.3% of the cases of COVID-19 patients in Indonesia are elderly. The actual SARS-CoV-2 outbreak caused a highly transmissible disease with a tremendous impact on elderly people. This study focused on very elderly patients (over 80 years old) was created with the aim of analyzing the relationship of some diseases in the elderly that affect covid-19 at Royal Prima Hospital Medan in 2020, And the conclusion of this study based statistically shows that there is no link between DM, heart and kidney diseases in the elderly that affect covid-19, as well as the presence of hypertensive disease and ARI in the elderly that affects covid-19.