Has learning gone to waste?-Health-promoting behaviors of seniors.

Objective: Regardless of the fact that Universities of Third Age (UTA's) are becoming more and more popular among seniors there are not many available studies examining the impact of conducted educational activities on seniors' adherence to health-promoting activities. The aim of the study was to compare health behaviors (e.g.,: physical activity, eating habits, alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking, preventive tests performance) between seniors attending and not attending UTA's classes. Methods: The study involved 631 (100%) seniors aged 60-92 years (x =70.28 ± 6.09 years). The majority of the study group were women (475; 75.28%). To conduct the study, a proprietary questionnaire was used, consisting of questions regarding the discussed topic and basic questions including: age, gender, place of residence and education. Polish versions of standardized questionnaire-"My eating behaviors" examine eating behaviors of the respondents. The Chi2 test was used for qualitative data, and for quantitative data-the Mann-Whitney U test (No normal distribution: T S-W < 0.001). Linear and logistic regression models were used to check whether the associations would remain after adjustments for potential cofounders. The level of statistical significance was set at α < 0.05. Results: Number of seniors participating in UTA's activities was higher in terms of engaging in: actively spending free time (261; 73.73% vs. 93; 26.27%; p < 0.001), regular physical activity (270; 76.27% vs. 133; 48.01%; p < 0.001), self-assessment of physical activity (259; 73.16% vs. 95; 26.84%; p = 0.004), duration of physical activity (< 0.001), past tobacco smoking (133; 37.57 vs. 76; 27.44%; p = 0.007) and alcohol consumption depending on the habit frequency (p < 0.001). Number of seniors not participating in UTA's classes was lower in terms of: regular annual dental controls (161; 58.12%; vs. 265; 74.86%; p < 0.001), regular self-examination of breasts/testicles (148; 53.43% vs. 218; 61.58%; p = 0.04) and regular laboratory tests (232; 83.75% vs. 318; 89.83%; p = 0.02). Conclusions: Health-promoting behaviors of seniors attending classes at the UTA's were more correct in terms of physical activity, adequate attendance with preventive test and worst in terms of alcohol consumption. Overall picture allows to conclude that participation in UTA's classes seems to have a positive impact on the examined health-promoting behaviors of the surveyed seniors.

Sarcopenic obesity and falls in older adults: A validation study of ESPEN/EASO criteria and modifications in Western China communities.

OBJECTIVES: The ESPEN and the EASO recently developed consensus criteria for sarcopenic obesity (SO), employing the skeletal muscle mass to weight (SMM/W) ratio. Emerging evidence suggests that adjusting skeletal muscle mass for body mass index (SMM/BMI) could enhance the predictive accuracy for health outcomes. We aimed to validate the ESPEN/EASO criteria and explore the potential benefits of the SMM/BMI adjustment in predicting falls among older adults in Western China. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional study and included community-dwelling older adults. The diagnosis of SO was determined using the standard ESPEN/EASO consensus criteria (SOESPEN) and a modified version adjusting SMM/BMI (SOESPEN-M). The associations of SOESPEN, SOESPEN-M, and their components with falls were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 1353 participants, the prevalence of SO was 13.2 % (SOESPEN) and 11.4 % (SOESPEN-M), which increased with age and higher BMI levels. Within participants with a normal BMI, 4.2 % and 6.2 % were found to have SOESPEN and SOESPEN-M, respectively. SMM/W and SMM/BMI negatively correlated with fall risk (p=0.042 and p=0.021, respectively). Upon adjusting for confounders, only SOESPEN was significantly associated with falls (odds ratios [OR] 1.61, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.08 to 2.40), whereas the association for SOESPEN-M did not achieve significance (OR 1.55, 95 % CI 0.99 to 2.43). CONCLUSIONS: This research validated the ESPEN/EASO criteria (SOESPEN) and their modified version (SOESPEN-M) among community-dwelling older adults in Western China. The SMM/BMI adjustment appears to offer a lower estimate of SO prevalence, with only SOESPEN showing a significant association with falls.

Utilization and Perceived Need for Mental Health Services Among Homeless Seniors.

Homeless seniors confront distinct challenges regarding their mental health needs and service access. This study aims to illuminate the mental health landscape of homeless seniors by examining the prevalence of mental illness, utilization of mental health services, and perceived need for mental health care. The study comprises 177 homeless seniors in New York, NY. Findings indicate 10.2% experiencing depression, 10.2% schizophrenia, and 5.7% bipolar disorder. Despite high prevalence, there is a significant gap between diagnosed mental health conditions and service utilization, with only 50% of those with depression seeking care. Perceived need for mental health services emerges as a critical aspect of the study, with over half of those suffering from depression (61.1%; n = 11), PTSD (75%; n = 3), schizophrenia (77.8%; n = 14), and other mental illnesses (100%; n = 1) expressing a need for mental health care. Also, mental health conditions, loneliness, and levels of social support play significant roles in a need for mental health services.

An Emergency Medical Technician Administered Falls-Assessment Protocol to Safely Identify Elderly Adults with Non-Urgent Conditions that may Avoid Transport to Emergency Department.

Background: Approximately two-thirds of patients transported to emergency departments (ED) for a fall are discharged from the ED without urgent treatment. This pilot study tests the feasibility of implementing a pre-hospital falls-assessment protocol performed by emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to determine whether a patient who fell needs an ED assessment or could be referred safely to a community resource. Methods: The protocol was administered by trained EMTs to adults aged ≥ 65 after a fall between October 2019 and March 2020 in Sherbrooke (QC). All patients were transported to ED regardless of protocol outcome (transport recommended/not recommended). The objective was to assess if EMTs could complete the protocol and make the appropriate decision concerning the transport to ED. Secondary objectives aimed to assess the accuracy in identifying patients who do not require transport, and to measure the impact on avoidable ambulance transports. Results: A total of 125 EMTs interventions were carried out: 17 patients were in the transport not recommended group, representing 14% of transport to hospital for falls-related EMTs calls that could be possibly avoided. Of these, 110 were transported to ED. Mean duration of on-site EMTs interventions was of 31 minutes. Forty-seven patients were admitted, mostly for infections and fractures, including four in the transport not recommended group. Conclusions: This study showed that EMTs can administer a falls-assessment protocol aimed at identifying patients that need an ED evaluation. Results permitted to amend the protocol before the second phase of the project evaluating the safety of the protocol.

[The problem of increased vitamin D3 level in a group of patients hospitalized in a geriatrics clinic]. / Problem podwyzszonego stezenia witaminy D3 w grupie pacjentów hospitalizowanych w klinice geriatrii.

BACKGROUND: Taking into account the multi-directional beneficial effects of vitamin D3 and its widespread deficiency, regular supplementation is recommended. However, more and more attention is being paid to the risk of overdose with supplemented vitamin D3 and the associated serious health consequences. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is a routine test recommended upon admission to the Geriatrics Clinic of Wroclaw Medical University. The aim of the study was to analyze the results from January 2018 to June 2023. Additionally, information on the reported symptoms, gender and age of people with an increased level of vitamin D3 was collected. RESULTS: Analyzing a group of 1400 patients, it was noted that within 5 years, vitamin D3 concentrations exceeding the recommended level were recorded in 7 patients, including 3 with toxic levels. All abnormal results occurred in women. The most frequently reported symptoms included general weakness, lower limbs and joint pain, sleep disorders, low mood. People with toxic concentrations reported dizziness. In seniors there is a gradual increase in vitamin D concentration and its deficiency is less common. Higher concentrations were recorded in the group of older seniors, and concentrations considered toxic occur in the population >74 years of age. Supplements and drugs with vitamin D are most often used without consulting a doctor, without determining the appropriate dose, or without assessing the concentration of 25(OH)D in the serum. CONCLUSIONS: To prevent vitamin D deficiency in seniors, doses >4000 IU daily are not recommended. It is advisable to check all medications and supplements taken at each doctor's visit in terms of duplicating treatment with vitamin D. It is advisable to assess the status of vitamin D supply the concentration of 25(OH)D in order to select the appropriate dose. Assessment of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentration is recommended in cases of vitamin D toxicity. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(3).

Designing movement space for elderly and disabled people in the construction law in selected countries.

BACKGROUND: Building law regulations determine designing the built environment recognising the needs of users of different ages and psychophysical abilities. Seniors and their spatial needs are covered there to a limited extent. The benchmark for design are wheelchair users. Their spatial requirements are greater in relation to independent walkers, including most older people. This makes it difficult to adapt the whole built environment to the needs of people with less mobility dysfunction. This can be considered in terms of spatial design and investment costs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The paper analyses the building regulations of 3 countries in terms of legal conditions to shape the architectural movement space of older people and disabled people. Analytical and comparative methods are used. Such research is becoming relevant and necessary. The analyses are conducted in the context of ageing populations. They are justified by statistical data on the age groups of Polish society. This is followed by design analyses of the legal requirements in the wheelchair movement space and proposals for alternatives, e.g., people walking with canes (case study). Their aim is to indicate methods to limit excessive communication spaces in buildings while maintaining functional values for all users. RESULTS: Research may show the possibility of greater diversification of regulations and alternatives to current laws. They are dedicated to participants in investment processes to shape accessible buildings. They can also be used in legislative work on amendments to the construction law. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in building regulations and a detailed approach to the mobility needs of older and disabled people (walking independently) are proposed. These decisions can provide benefits (spatial and economic savings). They fall into the "design for all" trend and sustainability of the built environment. These demands are based on no longer valid normative regulations. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(3).

Pain in Dementia: An Empirical Test of a Common Assumption.

Numerous, and often largely overlapping, observational pain assessment tools have been developed specifically to assess pain in older adults with dementia under the assumption that a specialized approach is necessary to evaluate pain in this population. However, this assumption has never been tested empirically. As an empirical test of this implicit assumption, our goal was to compare existing tools for people living with dementia (with respect to psychometric properties), not only against each other, but also against a tool developed for a different population with cognitive impairments. Videos of older adults with severe dementia recorded in long-term care settings were coded for pain behaviors in the laboratory. Trained coders coded pain behaviors in video segments of older adults with dementia during a quiet baseline condition as well as during a physical examination (designed to identify painful areas), using various observational pain assessment tools. An observational measure of agitation was employed to facilitate the assessment of discriminant validity. Consistent with our expectations, all pain tools (including the tool developed for younger people with cognitive impairments) successfully differentiated between painful and nonpainful states, with large effect sizes. This was the first study to compare tools specifically developed to assess pain in people living with dementia to a tool developed for a different population. Given that all tools under study showed satisfactory psychometric properties when tested on persons with dementia, this study suggests that the assumption that different tools are necessary for different populations with cognitive impairments cannot be taken for granted. PERSPECTIVE: This article challenges an implicitly held assumption that specialized tools are needed to assess pain in different populations with cognitive impairments. Given commonalities in pain expression across populations, further research is needed to determine whether population-specific tools are needed.

"I Go Outdoors for Activities Every Day": Go-Along With Seniors With Slow Walking Speeds to Explore Environmental Factors Influencing Mobility.

Objectives: This study aims to: 1) Explore the mobility experiences of seniors with slow walking speeds (SSWS) in urban neighborhoods; and 2) Investigate their environmental barriers and supports. Methods: Go-along interviews were conducted with 36 SSWS residing in urban neighborhoods of Chongqing City, China. The mobility patterns and built environment factors influencing their mobility were revealed through cartographic analysis and thematic analysis. Results: SSWS primarily focused their activities within a 400-meter radius of their homes. Built environment themes included topography, neighborhood services, sidewalks, seating, traffic safety, weather, greenery, and lighting. Significant mobility barriers included long stairs, steep slopes, fast-moving objects on sidewalks, road crossings, and fast traffic. Available handrails, nearby food-service places, ample seating, and greenery were identified as supportive factors for their mobility. Conclusion: This study stands out as the first to specifically examine the mobility of SSWS within the built environment. We suggest that SSWS should be taken into account when establishing a benchmark for general design frameworks. These improvements not only contribute to the mobility of slow walkers but also have positive impacts on the broader population.

Modifiable risk factors for mild cognitive impairment among cognitively normal community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Although numerous studies have investigated modifiable risk factors for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among community-dwelling seniors, no meta-analysis has summarized these findings. Five databases were searched from January 1, 2000, to December 30, 2023. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO. Data were extracted and reported following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Relevant meta-analyses of modifiable risk factors were performed. The evidence of each factor was assessed by the GRADE for cohort studies. Of 16,651 citations, 87 studies involving 225,584 community-dwelling seniors were included. Fourteen meta-analyses involving 20 studies with 44,199 participants were performed. The analyses revealed low-to-moderate-quality evidence supporting that diabetes, 2 or more comorbidities, anxiety, apathy, depressive symptoms, and physical frailty were risk factors for incident MCI in older adults. Conversely, hypertension, agitation, and irritability might not be risk factors. Additionally, moderate-quality evidence supports the protective effect of engaging in cognitive-demanding activities on the onset of MCI. Collectively, this study constitutes the first extensive compilation of evidence regarding the various risk factors for the development of MCI in older adults. Our findings hold significant potential to guide the formulation of prevention and management strategies to either prevent or potentially reverse the onset of MCI.

The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Based Training on Cognitive, Social, and Physical Functioning in High-Functioning Older Adults (CoSoPhy FX): 2-Arm, Parallel-Group Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising technology for enhancing the health care of older individuals, particularly in the domains of cognition, physical activity, and social engagement. However, existing VR products and services have limited availability and affordability; hence, there is a need for a scientifically validated and personalized VR service to be used by older adults in their homes, which can improve their overall physical, cognitive, and social well-being. OBJECTIVE: The main purpose of the CoSoPhy FX (Cognitive, Social, and Physical Effects) study was to analyze the effects of a VR-based digital therapeutics app on the cognitive, social, and physical performance abilities of healthy (high-functioning) older adults. This paper presents the study protocol and the results from the recruitment phase. METHODS: A group of 188 healthy older adults aged 65-85 years, recruited at the Medical University of Lodz, Poland, were randomly allocated to the experimental group (VR dual-task training program) or to the control group (using a VR headset app showing nature videos). A total of 3 cognitive exercises were performed in various 360° nature environments delivered via a VR head-mounted display; the participants listened to their preferred music genre. Each patient received 3 sessions of 12 minutes per week for 12 weeks, totaling a minimum of 36 sessions per participant. Attention and working memory (Central Nervous System Vital Signs computerized cognitive battery) were used as primary outcomes, while other cognitive domains in the Central Nervous System Vital Signs battery, quality of life (World Health Organization-5 Well-Being Index), health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), and anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder 7-item questionnaire) were the secondary outcomes. The group-by-time interaction was determined using linear mixed models with participants' individual slopes. RESULTS: In total, 122 (39%) of the initial 310 participants failed to meet the inclusion criteria, resulting in a recruitment rate of 61% (188/310). Among the participants, 68 successfully completed the intervention and 62 completed the control treatment. The data are currently being analyzed, and we plan to publish the results by the end of September 2024. CONCLUSIONS: VR interventions have significant potential among healthy older individuals. VR can address various aspects of well-being by stimulating cognitive functions, promoting physical activity, and facilitating social interaction. However, challenges such as physical discomfort, technology acceptance, safety concerns, and cost must be considered when implementing them for older adults. Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of VR-based interventions, optimal intervention designs, and the specific populations that would benefit most. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05369897; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05369897. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/53261.

Religion and Satisfaction with Life in Polish Seniors: Mediation by Forgiveness and Hope.

This study examined the mediating role of forgiveness and hope in the relationship between religiousness and satisfaction with life in late adults in Poland. Participants were 237 people (165 females and 72 males) aged between 60 and 92. The mean age of the sample was 68.37 years (SD = 6.92), and the most represented religious affiliation was Roman Catholic (98.3%). Satisfaction with life is related to the centrality of religiousness. In the surveyed seniors, hope and tendency to forgive mediated the relationship between the centrality of religiousness and satisfaction with life.

Alcohol and substance use in older adults with treatment-resistant depression.

INTRODUCTION: Alcohol and substance use are increasing in older adults, many of whom have depression, and treatment in this context may be more hazardous. We assessed alcohol and other substance use patterns in older adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). We examined patient characteristics associated with higher alcohol consumption and examined the moderating effect of alcohol on the association between clinical variables and falls during antidepressant treatment. METHODS: This secondary and exploratory analysis used baseline clinical data and data on falls during treatment from a large randomized antidepressant trial in older adults with TRD (the OPTIMUM trial). Multivariable ordinal logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with higher alcohol use. An interaction model was used to evaluate the moderating effect of alcohol on falls during treatment. RESULTS: Of 687 participants, 51% acknowledged using alcohol: 10% were hazardous drinkers (AUDIT-10 score ≥5) and 41% were low-risk drinkers (score 1-4). Benzodiazepine use was seen in 24% of all participants and in 21% of drinkers. Use of other substances (mostly cannabis) was associated with alcohol consumption: it was seen in 5%, 9%, and 15% of abstainers, low-risk drinkers, and hazardous drinkers, respectively. Unexpectedly, use of other substances predicted increased risk of falls during antidepressant treatment only in abstainers. CONCLUSIONS: One-half of older adults with TRD in this study acknowledged using alcohol. Use of alcohol concurrent with benzodiazepine and other substances was common. Risks-such as falls-of using alcohol and other substances during antidepressant treatment needs further study.

Results from the ENJOY MAP for HEALTH: a quasi experiment evaluating the impact of age-friendly outdoor exercise equipment to increase older people's park visitations and physical activity.

BACKGROUND: Recreational parks can play a significant role in older people's health, with emerging evidence suggesting that changes in the physical environment, such as refurbishments of local parks, can increase park visitations and physical activity engagement. The ENJOY MAP for HEALTH aimed to evaluate the impact of Seniors Exercise Park installations and associated capacity building activities on older people's park visitation, and park-based physical activity. METHOD: The ENJOY MAP for HEALTH was a quasi-experiment study design that involved the installation of specialised Seniors Exercise Park equipment as part of park refurbishment, supported by promotion and community capacity building activities in six municipalities in Victoria, Australia. Direct observations of park users took place prior to park upgrades, one-month post upgrade and 12-months from baseline. The overall number and characteristics of park visitors, and the type and level of physical activity undertaken, were summarised descriptively. Generalised linear models were used to examine the impact of park refurbishment (equipment installation and site activation) on the total number of older people observed in the park, and their engagement in physical activity, accounting for site and seasonal effects. RESULTS: Overall number of visits increased following park upgrades, with the largest number of visitors observed one-month post upgrade (n = 12,501). The proportion of older people observed at the parks remained relatively low prior to and one-month post upgrade compared to other age groups. However, after adjusting for site and seasonal effects, the number of older people observed in the parks increased significantly post upgrade and site activation compared to prior to the refurbishment (incidence rate ratios (IRR) 3.55; 95% CI 2.68, 4.70). The number of older people observed to be exercising at the Seniors Exercise Park also increased by 100% at 12-months post-installation relative to one-month post upgrade (IRR 2.00; 95% CI 1.26, 3.17). CONCLUSION: Installation of the Seniors Exercise Parks and the supportive programs and activities following six park upgrades resulted in an increase in older people's park visitation and engagement in physical activity. Community engagement and training of volunteers with the support of local governments are likely to contribute to the increased park usage by older people. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Trial registration number ACTRN12621000965808. https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=380745&isReview=true .

US seniors' intention to vaccinate against RSV in fall and winter 2023-2024.

In the fall and winter of 2023-2024, the United States may experience a "tripledemic" of COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that may lead to 100 000 deaths. Seniors will be disproportionally affected. The newly released RSV vaccines for those age 60 years and over may reduce the number of deaths for the expected 6000 to 10 000 seniors expected to die from RSV alone. Using a large national survey, we queried Americans over age 60 about their RSV vaccination status and their intention to vaccinate this fall and winter. We found that 9% of seniors had already been vaccinated. Of the remaining unvaccinated, 42% indicated their intent to vaccinate. We found that those with higher levels of concerns for the disease, higher levels of self-assessed risk, believing that vaccines were safe and important, higher levels of trust in health institutions, and men were more likely to seek out vaccinations. Vaccine-hesitant respondents listed a lack of necessity, concerns about side effects and safety, and a lack of information as primary reasons. The large number of unvaccinated seniors will likely lead to an excessive number of hospitalizations and deaths as well as augmented social costs. Evidence-based mitigation measures tailored to seniors' concerns should be implemented immediately.

Leash-related injuries associated with dog walking: an understudied risk for dog owners?

The topic of dog-walking injuries has recently gained notoriety through major media outlets in North America, including the Washington Post, NPR, and US News and World Report. In this review, we have compiled data from the main studies published in the past 2 decades that assess the incidence, demographics, and injury patterns related to dog leash walking. The available papers indicate that dog leash-related injuries have increased, particularly among women over 65. The most common causes of injury are dog-pulling behavior, which can result in tripping or tangling, with or without a fall, as well as upper extremity injuries. However, there is a lack of information regarding dog size, breed, training status, the type of leash used at the time of injury, and the role each factor may have in the incidence of injuries. The available data did not allow for evaluation of the impact of weather conditions on injury incidence. Information about the involved dogs, type of lead device, and weather conditions could be useful in identifying risk factors associated with dog ownership and guide prospective pet owners and their families to mitigate the risk of injuries.

Attributes, Quality, and Downloads of Dementia-Related Mobile Apps for Patients With Dementia and Their Caregivers: App Review and Evaluation Study.

BACKGROUND: The adoption of mobile health (mHealth) apps among older adults (>65 years) is rapidly increasing. However, use of such apps has not been fully effective in supporting people with dementia and their caregivers in their daily lives. This is mainly attributed to the heterogeneous quality of mHealth apps, highlighting the need for improved app quality in the development of dementia-related mHealth apps. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were (1) to assess the quality and content of mobile apps for dementia management and (2) to investigate the relationship between app quality and download numbers. METHODS: We reviewed dementia-related mHealth apps available in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in Taiwan. The identified mobile apps were stratified according to a random sampling approach and evaluated by five independent reviewers with sufficient training and proficiency in the field of mHealth and the related health care sector. App quality was scored according to the user version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale. A correlation analysis was then performed between the app quality score and number of app downloads. RESULTS: Among the 17 apps that were evaluated, only one was specifically designed to provide dementia-related education. The mean score for the overall app quality was 3.35 (SD 0.56), with the engagement (mean 3.04, SD 0.82) and information (mean 3.14, SD 0.88) sections of the scale receiving the lowest ratings. Our analyses showed clear differences between the top three- and bottom three-rated apps, particularly in the entertainment and interest subsections of the engagement category where the ratings ranged from 1.4 to 5. The top three apps had a common feature in their interface, which included memory, attention, focus, calculation, and speed-training games, whereas the apps that received lower ratings were found to be deficient in providing adequate information. Although there was a correlation between the number of downloads (5000 or more) and app quality (t15=4.087, P<.001), this may not be a significant determinant of the app's perceived impact. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of dementia-related mHealth apps is highly variable. In particular, our results show that the top three quality apps performed well in terms of engagement and information, and they all received more than 5000 downloads. The findings of this study are limited due to the small sample size and possibility of disregarding exceptional occurrences. Publicly available expert ratings of mobile apps could help people with dementia and their caregivers choose a quality mHealth app.

Allostatic load and frailty do not covary significantly among older residents of Greater Poland.

BACKGROUND: Physiological dysregulation/allostatic load and the geriatric syndrome frailty increase with age. As a neurophysiological response system, allostasis supports survival by limiting stressor-related damage. Frailty reflects decreased strength, endurance, and physical abilities secondary to losses of muscle and bone with age. One suggestion, based on large cohort studies of person's ages 70 + years, is that frailty contributes to allostatic load at older ages. However, small community-based research has not confirmed this specific association. METHODS: To further explore possible associations between allostatic load and frailty, we enrolled 211 residents of Greater Poland aged 55-91 years living in a small village (Nekla, N = 104) and an urban center and capital of Greater Poland (Poznan, N = 107). For each, we recorded age, self-reported sex, and residence and estimated a 10-biomarker allostatic load score (ALS) and an 8-biomarker frailty index. We anticipated the following: higher ALS and frailty among men and rural residents; for frailty but not ALS to be higher at older ages; significant associations of ALS with sex and place of residence, but not with age or frailty. The significance of observed associations was evaluated by t-tests and multivariate regression. RESULTS: ALS did not vary significantly between men and women nor between Nekla and Poznan residents overall. However, women showed significantly higher frailty than men. Nekla men showed significantly higher ALS but not frailty, while Nekla women showed nonsignificantly higher ALS and lower frailty than Poznan. In multivariate analyses, neither age, nor sex, nor residence was associated with ALS. Conversely, age, sex, and residence, but not ALS, are associated significantly with frailty. In Nekla, both age and sex, but in Poznan only age, are associated with ALS. Among women, both age and residence, but among men, neither associated with ALS. In no case did ALS associate significantly with frailty. CONCLUSION: In this sample, lifestyle factors associated with residence, age, and sex influence stress-related physiology, less so in women, while ALS and frailty do not covary, suggesting their underlying promoters are distinct. Similar complex associations of physiological dysregulation with frailty, age, sex, and residence likely exist within many local settings. Knowledge of this variation likely will aid in supporting health and healthcare services among seniors.

The effect of progressive exercise prescription for group exercise guidance for Taiwan seniors and Integrated Care for old People: Post-event movement observation.

Purpose: This study is aimed at the seniors of the "2022 Taiwan Senior Citizens Fitness Club Subsidy Plan" with a sample. Method: The doctor will diagnose and confirm whether the physical condition suits participation. Then, the professional sports instructor will design and arrange a progressive fitness enhancement group course suitable for the Senior person's physical fitness, conducted four times a week, every 2 h, for three months of group course training. Afterward, four group course instructors analyzed the motor ability of the three periods through a video, divided into 21 evaluation indicators. The data collection will be from January to May 2023. In addition, the Integrated Care for Old People (ICOPE) was used to assess the situation. Result: The results showed that all indexes were significantly better than those in week one at week 6. All indexes at week 12 were significantly better than those in week one and week 6 (p < .001), and the benefit of all indicators was the largest (Cohen's d: 2.79-5.11), the reliability of the scores of each index ICC (0.73-0.94). Conclusion: Progressive and multifaceted guidance on how to safely and effectively enhance the physical activity of senior citizens may be the most suitable method. Through progressive energy enhancement, the participants' physical activity and cognitive function can be improved, especially the overall rhythm of the music, which can be combined with high and low impact, dynamic and static balance control, agility, flexibility, and extensibility to achieve the benefits of health promotion.