Ageism on geriatric dentistry Instagram posts

Studies on the Role of Copper in Mammalian Pigmentation : Preliminary Report

This study examines how different measures of socioeconomic status (SES) across childhood and adulthood relate to frailty in older age. Data came from the Lausanne cohort 65+ (Lc65+), a population-based study of approximately 4,500 older adults followed over 20years. SES measures included education in young adulthood, occupational class in midlife, and specific early old-age factors: perceived income, wealth, financial strain, and receipt of financial subsidies. Frailty trajectories over a 10-year period were assessed using Fried's frailty phenotype and group-based trajectory modeling. Logistic regression models adjusted for sex, age, cohort, living situation, marital status, and number of children. Lower education, occupational class, financial strain, and financial subsidies in older age were each independently associated with higher frailty risk at ages 65-70. Financial strain and financial subsidies in early old age increased odds of medium- (aOR, 1.48-1.69) and high-frailty (aOR, 2.07-2.28) trajectories. SES across the life course strongly correlates with frailty in early old age. Early interventions and financial protection policies in older age could help mitigate frailty risk and SES-related frailty inequalities.

BackgroundProlonged sitting is common in older adults and is associated with insulin resistance and poor cardiometabolic health. We investigate whether breaking prolonged sitting with regular short bouts of standing or light walking improves postprandial metabolism in older white European and South Asian adults and whether effects are modified by ethnic group.MethodsThirty South Asian (15 women) and 30 white European (14 women) older adults (aged 65–79 years) undertook three experimental conditions in random order. (a) Prolonged sitting: continuous sitting during an observation period if 7.5 hours consuming two standardized mixed meals. (b) Standing breaks: sitting interrupted with 5 minutes of standing every 30 minutes (accumulating 60 minutes of standing over the observation period). (c) Walking breaks: sitting interrupted with 5 minutes of self-paced light walking every 30 minutes (accumulating 60 minutes of walking). Blood samples (glucose, insulin, triglycerides) and blood pressure were sampled regularly throughout each condition.ResultsCompared with prolonged sitting, walking breaks lowered postprandial insulin by 16.3 mU/L, (95% CI: 19.7, 22.0) with greater reductions (p = .029) seen in South Asians (22.4 mU/L; 12.4, 32.4) than white Europeans (10.3 mU/L; 5.9, 14.7). Glucose (0.3 mmol/L; 0.1, 0.5) and blood pressure (4 mm Hg; 2, 6), but not triglycerides, were lower with walking breaks, with no ethnic differences. Standing breaks did not improve any outcome.ConclusionsBreaking prolonged sitting with short bouts of light walking, but not standing, resulted in clinically meaningful improvements in markers of metabolic health in older adults, with South Asians gaining a greater reduction in postprandial insulin.Trial RegistrationNCT02453204

BackgroundLittle is known about vision impairment and frailty in older age. We investigated the relationship of poor vision and incident prefrailty and frailty.MethodsCross-sectional and longitudinal analyses with 4-year follow-up of...

Graying: gerontobiology of the hair follicle pigmentary unit.

Frailty and life course violence: The international mobility in aging study

Among potentially modifiable age-related conditions linked to dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and late-life cognitive disorders, age-related hearing impairment (ARHI) or presbycusis is the most widely diffused sensory disorder and one of the principal causes of chronic disability in older adults (Gates and Mills, 2005). The impairments of peripheral (sensory or strial) and central (predominantly neural) auditory pathways, diagnosed with different procedures, are often variously imbricated in determining ARHI, with mixed clinical findings (Gates and Mills, 2005). A growing body of epidemiological evidence linking ARHI with late-life cognitive disorders (Panza et al., 2015a) suggested the potential for correcting hearing loss so that elders can function better also from a cognitive point of view with appropriate treatment. ARHI is also a substantial marker for frailty in older age, another age-related clinical condition for identifying older persons at elevated risk for numerous adverse health outcomes such as falls, institutionalization, hospitalization, disability, and death (Rodriguez-Manas, 2013). Frailty is as a multidimensional syndrome characterized by a nonspecific state of vulnerability, reduced multisystem physiological reserve, and decreased resistance to stressors (Rodriguez-Manas, 2013). Although there is no consensus regarding the operational definition of frailty, in general, two are the most frequently used approaches: the first is the physical or “phenotypic” model of frailty, while the second is based on deficit accumulation, measured with the so called frailty indexes, and defined as an accumulation of health-related deficits and disorders (Rodriguez-Manas, 2013). However, also psychological, cognitive and social factors are part of this multidimensional syndrome, with great influence on its definition and treatment. Cognition has already been suggested as a possible component of frailty with increased risk of adverse outcomes. Therefore, the prevention of cognitive-related adverse outcomes including delirium (Eeles et al., 2012) and late-life cognitive disorders (Robertson et al., 2013; Panza et al., 2015b) may be possible also through frailty prevention.

Greying hair is one of the definitive physical markers of advancing years. Indeed the phrase ‘going grey’ is a common metaphor for ageing itself, while efforts to soften or lessen the visibility of grey, such as the ‘blue rinse’, have in the past served as a symbol in the stereotyping of older people. The process of greying, from the discovery of the first few grey hairs, through the ‘salt and pepper’ stage and on to fully grey or white hair is gradual and takes place over many years. Yet going grey is often presented as a socially and personally significant ‘moment’, cast in advertising and other cultural representations of ageing as a threshold or a point of transition. We are spurred to act at the sight of grey and the way we respond often serves as an indicator of the meanings that we attach to later life and the extent to which we accept or resist dominant constructs of greying.

The purpose of the study was to estimate the 8-year rate of hospitalization for congestive heart failure (CHF), to report the resources consumed, and to evaluate previously reported risk factors in a nationally representative sample of 7,286 older white and black adults. Secondary analysis of baseline interview data was linked to Medicare hospitalization and death records for 1984 to 1991. Hospitalization for CHF was defined as having one or more episodes with an International Classification of Diseases (ninth revision, clinical modification) discharge code of 428. Combined and separate analyses of first-listed and second-through fifth-listed CHF discharge diagnoses were conducted. Multivariable proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the risks in pooled analyses of all white and black men and women and in separate stratified analyses of white men and white women. Over the 8-year period, 1,102 or 15.1% of the 7,286 older white and black adults were hospitalized for CHF (7.1% with first-listed and 8.1% with second- through fifth-listed diagnoses). The 1- and 5-year combined postdischarge mortality rates were 34.7% and 69.0%, respectively. In descending order, the major risk factors for being hospitalized for CHF in the combined, pooled analysis were age, being a white man, having lower body functional limitations, and having self-reported medical histories of coronary heart disease, heart attack, diabetes, and angina. The increased risk associated with age was not linear, and it diminished significantly over the course of life. Some significant differences were observed in the risk factors for hospitalization for first-listed versus second- through fifth-listed CHF and in the risk factors for white women versus white men. Hospitalization for CHF among older adults is a common, costly event with a poor prognosis. The differential risk for white men remains unexplained and warrants further study.

Lasers and light sources are now used worldwide for permanent or prolonged hair removal. Patients now prefer lasers and light sources for hair removal because of their noninvasiveness and fewer reported side effects. To study and report on leukotrichia that developed following application of intense pulsed light (IPL). From February 9, 2001 to February 14, 2002 a total of 821 patients were treated for unwanted hair. The system used was a noncoherent IPL system, with a 650 nm flashlamp filter; the parameters used varied with different Fitzpatrick skin types. The patients were treated monthly, with the rate of hair loss, measured by hair counts, and possible side effects recorded. Twenty-nine of 821 patients treated developed leukotrichia. Thirteen patients had no white or gray hairs before IPL therapy; the remaining 16 patients, who had few white hairs before treatment reported accelerated development of new white hairs starting after the first or second IPL therapy. Restoration of hair color occurred in 9 patients and the remaining 20 patients had no improvement or worsening of the condition within the next 2-6 months. Temporary or permanent leukotrichia may develop following IPL and laser hair removal therapy. This finding may be explained by the difference in the thermal relaxation times of melanocytes and germinative cells. The light absorbed and the heat produced by melanin may be sufficient enough to destroy or impair the function of melanocytes but insufficient to damage the hair follicle cells.

IntroductionA cross-cultural qualitative study about older portuguese and mexican adults and sexual well-being.ObjectivesSexual well-being (SWB) refers to the subjective emotional and cognitive evaluation of the quality of the individual's sexuality, it plays a relevant role in quality of life and health promotion on old age and has cross-cultural implications. The aim of this study is to analyse comparatively the perspectives of older adults on their SWB in Portugal and Mexico.MethodsData were collected from 86 Portuguese and 80 Mexican community-dwelling participants aged 65 years and older, using a semi-structured interview protocol. Older adults were inquired about their perceptions on what contributes to their sexual well-being. Socio-demographic data were also enquired. Content analysis was used to identify key themes.ResultsOutcomes indicated eight themes: eroticism, supportive relationship, positive self-concept, health and self-care, romance, active life, tenderness and care, and no pain and no pregnancy restrictions, for both samples. Eroticism was the most frequent theme reported by Portuguese participants (31.4%) and health and self-care were the most frequent theme reported by Mexican participants (26.5%).ConclusionsThe empirical results of this study indicated that SWB is strongly influenced by socio-cultural and psychosocial values. This cross-cultural comparison between Portugal and Mexico contributes to understand this concept in old age with different perspectives and place a scenario for future culture-adapted interventions and comprehensive policies.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

BackgroundAfrican Americans (AA) are twice as likely to develop dementia compared to White counterparts. Cigarette smoking is a known modifiable risk factor for dementia and harder to quit with worse health outcomes for AA versus White adults. Because age is the strongest predictor of dementia onset, and older adults are half as likely to quit smoking compared to younger counterparts, older AA adults who smoke may be at higher risk for dementia compared to older non‐Hispanic whites. Culturally‐specific interventions for AA smokers are beneficial in terms of intentions to quit, utilization of quit‐smoking resources, and quitting success. However, there has yet to be a culturally‐specific message for older adult AA smokers to motivate cessation attempts and increase the use of evidence‐based quitting treatments.Method8 focus groups and key informant interviews were conducted with current and former AA smokers between 50‐80 years old with no history of dementia or MCI. Interviews lasted 60 minutes, used a semi‐structured interview guide, and were completed in person or virtually and led by a trained moderator knowledgeable of smoking in AA communities.ResultDirected content analyses using a combination of deductive/inductive coding identified themes in 5 domains: concerns about aging, previous tobacco prevention advertisements, recommendations for future tobacco prevention advertisements, smoking and health risks, and smoking cessation treatments. Participants reported multiple concerns about aging; most were related to their smoking. Contrary to previous research with primarily White older adults who smoke, AA participants indicated dementia was no more important than any other health condition in motivating quitting. Most participants reported a strong existing motivation to quit, but multiple barriers impeded their success. One key barrier to quitting was access to cessation resources, and participants reported a strong desire for support groups with similarly aged and race‐concordant peers trying to quit smoking. Participants felt existing cessation advertisements were not made for them and did not include enough information to be helpful.ConclusionFindings highlight a need for increased resources to support cessation efforts in older adult AA communities, utility of developing culturally‐specific messages, and importance of discussing priorities with communities prior to developing dementia prevention messaging.

Falls prevention education between older adults and healthcare providers during transition from hospital to community-living

Older Americans increasingly engaged in volunteering to organizations. The volunteering rates for adults ages 65 and over showed a upward trend in the past three decades, rising from 14.3% in 1974 to 24.6% in 2008 (Corporation for National and Community Service, 2006; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2009). As the first of the Baby Boomer generation has turned 60, there will be a large pool of potential older adult volunteers owing to the unprecedented size of this generation (Einolf, 2009). The aging Baby Boomers also encompass increased racial and ethnic and cultural diversification. For example, 8.3% of older adults were black in 2008; this proportion increases to 11.6% among Baby Boomers (Administration on Aging, 2009). Volunteering is viewed as an empowerment process whereby older adults actively engaged in the community and improve their psychosocial and physical well-being (Cheung & Kwan, 2006; Kam, 2002). Moreover, volunteering generates a host of benefits that accrue to the recipients of volunteer services, to the community in which volunteers serve, and to the social service sector that has come to rely increasingly on volunteers. The value of volunteering and the extent of racial and ethnic diversity call for greater scholarly attention to the volunteer behavior of various ethnic groups (Sundeen, Garcia, & Raskoff, 2009). The research on racial and ethnic difference in volunteering is very limited, and the findings controversial (Fischer & Schaffer, 1993; Hinterlong, 2006; Sundeen et al., 2009). Some data show that white people have substantially higher rates of volunteering than other ethnic groups, whereas others find no difference or even the reverse of the trend (Fischer & Schaffer, 1993). Using the National Survey of Families and Households data, Miner and Tolnay (1998) examined the racial difference and race-related crossover effect on volunteer participation in different types of organizations. Findings showed that young cohorts of black people and white people had similar rates of voluntary organization participation, whereas older black people had lower rates of participation than their white counterparts in social service and job-related organizations, except in neighborhood groups, especially church groups that have historically been open to black people (Miner & Tolnay, 1998). By contrast, Hinterlong (2006) documented that white older adults volunteered to organizations at significantly higher rates than their black peers consistently across three waves of data collection through longitudinal analyses of nationally representative data from the Americans' Changing Lives surveys (see http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/icpsrweb/ICPSR/studies/04690). The relevance of race to volunteering may be linked with life quality that make volunteering possible--for example, education and income. Despite recent gains in educational and occupational achievements, black people are still worse off than [white people] across a broad range of quality-of-life indicators (Musick, Wilson, & Bynum, 2000, p. 1539). Cumulative disadvantages over the life course, including racial discrimination, have created unequal access to volunteer roles for black people and white people (Dannefer, 2003), which may explain why black people less likely to volunteer. Racial difference in volunteering rates is even more apparent in the older population (Miner & Tolnay, 1998), probably because older black people have historically experienced more socioeconomic and political marginalization and have restricted access to certain type of volunteer organizations. The inequalities embedded in social structures of race and social class differentiate individuals and their aging experience (Dannefer, 2003), and these dynamics likely reflected in volunteer engagement. Yet exclusion from volunteering threatens to further marginalize older black people by denying them opportunities of community participation, access to potential benefits of volunteering, and chances of contribution to the society. …

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between religious meaning and subjective well-being. A major emphasis is placed on assessing race differences in the relationship between these constructs. Interviews were conducted with a nationwide sample of older White and older Black adults. Survey items were administered to assess a sense of meaning in life that is derived specifically from religion. Subjective well-being was measured with indices of life satisfaction, self-esteem, and optimism. The findings suggest that older adults who derive a sense of meaning in life from religion tend to have higher levels of life satisfaction, self-esteem, and optimism. The data further reveal that older Black adults are more likely to find meaning in religion than older White adults. In addition, the relationships among religious meaning, life satisfaction, self-esteem, and optimism tend to be stronger for older African Americans persons than older White persons. Researchers have argued for some time that religion may be an important source of resilience for older Black adults, but it is not clear how these beneficial effects arise. The data from this study suggest that religious meaning may be an important factor.