Socially assistive robots (SARs) have been introduced to enhance the quality of life of older adults. However, a comprehensive understanding of SARs for older adults to guide future research is still lacking. The current study was performed to identify the current research status and emerging trends. Bibliometric analysis using six software tools was combined with a quasi-systematic review approach. A growing trend was observed, with 551 publications identified (R2 = 0.95). Six research themes and three emerging trends were identified: emotion-related SARs, chatbots, and technology acceptance models. Findings highlight the richness and diversity of SARs research in supporting older adults, demonstrating that SARs are increasingly designed with emotional attributes, accessibility features, and a focus on user acceptance. These advancements underscore the significant benefits and developmental potential of SARs in transforming care practices for older adults.

Older family care partners of persons with heart failure (HF-FCPs) face physical, psychosocial, and financial burden, yet their self-care difficulties and unmet needs remain poorly understood. We examined older HF-FCPs' self-management challenges, care-related needs, and health status. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured, one-on-one interviews with 15 HF-FCPs between September 2022 and January 2023. HF-FCPs (mean age = 65.9 years [SD = 4.4 years]) were predominantly female (n = 11) and spouses (n = 13), providing care for 9.3 years and 35.4 hours per week. Arthritis was the most common chronic condition among HF-FCPs, followed by obesity and hearing or vision impairments. Four key themes emerged: Self-Management Challenges, Motivation for Self-Care, Need for Social Connection, and Need for Caregiver Resources in Supporting Patients With HF. Findings highlight the need to develop and implement caregiver-centered health programs tailored to the unique needs of older HF-FCPs.

To examine the relationship between care recipient occurrence and frequency of hospitalization and caregiver well-being. A cross-sectional, secondary analysis was conducted using data from the Caregiving in the United States 2020 survey. Outcomes of interest were the occurrence and incidence of care recipient hospitalization. Dependent variables included domains of caregiver well-being, including physical strain, emotional strain, overall health, and meaning attributed to caregiving. Multivariate regression indicated a strong association between care recipient hospitalization and caregiver general health, physical strain, and emotional strain. The association was sustained for increased number of hospitalizations. The current study highlights components of caregiver well-being that may be affected by the hospitalization of a care recipient. Health care systems may need to include supportive methods for caregivers and their care recipients going through care transitions.

Th e National Hartford Center for Gerontological Nursing Excellence (NHCGNE; https://www.nhcgne.org) is dedicated to leading and advancing excellence in gerontological nursing research, education, and practice.As one of the premier gerontological nursing organizations, we serve as the professional home for nurses, across health care settings, interested in the care of older adults.We believe that nursing care of older adults requires the interplay of research, education, and practice within the context of

To explore family care partners' (FCPs) common support needs, preferences, and caregiving priorities for persons with delirium superimposed on dementia (DSD) to inform intervention development. A descriptive qualitative study was performed, using semi-structured interviews with 12 FCPs from an assisted living community and integrated memory care clinic. Findings reveal the importance of structured education, proactive caregiving strategies, and empathetic communication in improving care outcomes for individuals with DSD. FCPs emphasized the need for health care providers to prioritize their care recipients' baseline and preferences and provide mental health support for caregivers. The study highlights the significant role FCPs play in DSD care and the urgent need for interventions that address their educational and emotional needs to improve patient and caregiver well-being. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 18(3), 113-123.].

Diabetes prevalence is increasing among older adults globally. The current study aimed to compare geriatric syndrome prevalence in older adults with and without diabetes. Primary research (2011 to 2024) in English, French, or Spanish was included. We used multiple databases following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Pooled log odds ratios (ORs) and prevalence rates were calculated using random-effects models. Sensitivity analysis explored heterogeneity, and publication bias was assessed. Older adults with diabetes exhibited higher prevalence rates of cognitive impairment (9.13% vs. 4.22%, log OR: 0.1884), depression (8.96% vs. 5.44%, log OR: 0.3543), falls (11.5% vs. 4.47%, log OR: 0.4237), functional impairment (14.2% vs. 10.6%, log OR: 1.02), urinary incontinence (9.72% vs. 4.35%, log OR: 1.3668), frailty (22.8% vs. 12.1%, log OR: 1.3443), and polypharmacy (22.9% vs. 5.78%, log OR: 2.5420). Diabetes was also associated with a higher comorbidity burden. Multidisciplinary strategies addressing diabetes and associated conditions are crucial for older adults with diabetes. Future research should delve into underlying mechanisms and optimize care strategies. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 18(2), 99-108.].

Patient activation encompasses the knowledge, skills, confidence, and willingness to manage health, particularly critical for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) in effective disease management. The current study investigated the relationship between patient activation and health behaviors. Participants (N = 57) were recruited via social media. Patient activation was measured using the Patient Activation Measure® (PAM®), and health behaviors were assessed through the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II). Partial correlation analyzed associations, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tested differences across groups. Patient activation was significantly correlated with overall health behaviors (r = 0.64, p < 0.001) and all subscales, including health responsibility, physical activity, nutrition, spiritual growth, interpersonal relations, and stress management (range = 0.39 to 0.64). A one-way ANOVA confirmed significant differences in health behaviors across activation levels. Higher patient activation is associated with better health-promoting behaviors in people with PD. Assessing activation may help tailor interventions to support healthy aging in this population.

To test a pilot home-telehealth program to enhance functional ability, physical performance, and objective physical activity in Veterans after hospital discharge. A physical activity trainer and multidisciplinary team supported the progression of rehabilitation goals via a 6-month home exercise program. Pilot program feasibility, including recruitment, retention, reasons for early withdrawal, differences between those who did and did not complete the program, and completion of outcome measures are reported. Outcomes include changes in functional ability, physical performance, and physical activity (using actigraphy) from baseline to endpoint. Twenty-one of 45 Veterans enrolled did not complete the 6-month program. No baseline differences were found comparing completers and non-completers. The majority of completers (n = 24) were White men with a mean age of 74 years (SD = 8 years, range = 64 to 93 years) and included those with no (n = 8), mild (n = 13), and moderate (n = 3) cognitive impairment. Although there were borderline improvements in functional ability and physical performance from baseline to endpoint, mean steps per day increased from 2,206 (SD = 1,780) to 3,888 (SD = 2,895) (p = 0.04). The pilot home-telehealth program is feasible and may address declines in function and activity observed during hospital-to-home transitions, including among those with cognitive impairment. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 17(6), 271-279.].

The National Institute on Aging Alzheimer's Disease/Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Research Implementation Milestones emphasize the need for implementation research that maximizes up-take and scale-up of evidence-based dementia care practices across settings, diverse populations, and disease trajectories. Organizational readiness for implementation is a salient consideration when planning and conducting embedded pragmatic trials, in which interventions are implemented by provider staff. The current article examines the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of organizational readiness for implementation and the operationalization of this construct. We offer a preliminary conceptual model for explicating and measuring organizational readiness and describe the unique characteristics and demands of implementing evidence-based interventions targeting persons with dementia and/or their care partners. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 17(3), 149-160.].

Providing support for older adults after spousal bereavement is crucial for psychological recovery through the grieving process and for promoting a healthy and happy remainder of life. The current study aimed to understand factors influencing well-being among Japanese community-dwelling older adults who experienced spousal bereavement by evaluating how their roles and activities affected their psychological well-being following the loss. We conducted a cross-sectional, anonymous, self-administered questionnaire survey of 332 older adults who had experienced death of a spouse in later adulthood. Identified factors that affected well-being after spousal loss were sex, ability to go out without assistance from others, long duration since spousal loss, having a hobby, and adopting a life-oriented approach to cope with bereavement. Well-being following spousal loss was influenced by participants' activities and roles. Findings of the current study provide potentially valuable suggestions for surviving spouses and their supporters when coping with grief following spousal loss. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 17(3), 121-130.].