Development of a composite healthy ageing score: evidence from middle-to-older aged Australians.

We developed and validated a composite healthy ageing score (HAS) to address the absence of a definitive composite score comprising multiple health domains that measure healthy ageing in epidemiology. The HAS is developed from 13 health domains reported to influence healthy ageing. Data to measure these domains was extracted from the 45 and Up Study baseline. We applied best practices for scale validation and development. Physical functioning, cognitive function, mental health, sleep, quality of life, balance, social connections and overall health were retained. Functional capacity and resilience were uncovered as underlying latent structures. The HAS ranges from 0 to 16 with higher scores indicating a better health profile. This research contributes a comprehensive measuring tool, HAS, It enables examination and comparison of individual or collective health profiles and the investigation of the factors that influence their chances of living healthy for longer.

The proportion of the population living longer is increasing, but longevity does not necessarily imply ageing well. Advancements in medicine have made it possible for people to live longer even while managing multiple ailments. The determinants of how well one age result from a complex interaction of various factors. This paper examined thirteen factors that can influence healthy ageing to construct a healthy ageing score comprising the crucial health domains relevant to ageing well. We found that 8 of the 13 health domains, namely: physical functioning, cognitive function, balance and falls, overall health, mental health, quality of life, sleep and social connections were crucial to ageing well. Individuals were scored a 2, a 1 or 0 based on whether they met recommended levels for each domain item and aggregated as the healthy ageing score. The score ranges from 0 to 16, with higher scores indicating a healthier ageing profile.

The Relationship Between Green Space and Prosocial Behaviour Among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review.

The plausible role of nearby green space in influencing prosocial behaviour among children and adolescents has been studied recently. However, no review has been conducted of the evidence testing the association between green space and prosocial behaviour. This systematic review addresses this gap among children and adolescents. Within this review, we propose a conceptual framework describing potential pathways linking green space to prosocial behaviour, discuss the direction, magnitude, moderators, and mediators of the association, and develop a narrative synthesis of future study directions. Out of 63 extracted associations from 15 studies, 44 were in the positive or expected direction, of which 18 were reported to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Overall, the current evidence shows that exposure to green space may potentially increase prosocial behaviour among children and adolescents, with some contingencies (e.g., child's sex and ethnic background). However, the volume and quality of this evidence is not yet sufficient to draw conclusions on causality. Further, heterogeneity in the indicators of green space exposure could lead to mixed findings. In addition, none of the included studies investigated potential mediators. Nevertheless, this review provides preliminary evidence and a basis for further investigation with rigorous study methodology capable of drawing causal inferences and testing potential effect modifiers, linking pathways, and relevant green space measures.