Healthy Ageing (healthy + ageing)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Healthy Ageing , Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: Physical Health Issues

JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 3 2001
H. Evenhuis
This report has been prepared by the Ageing Special Interest Research Group of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities (IASSID) in collaboration with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence and the Programme on Ageing and Health, World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland, and all rights are reserved by the above mentioned organization. The document may, however, be freely reviewed, abstracted, reproduced or translated in part, but not for sale or use in conjunction with commercial purposes. It may also be reproduced in full by non-commercial entities for information or for educational purposes with prior permission from WHO/IASSID. The document is likely to be available in other languages also. For more information on this document, please visit the following websites: , http://www.who.int/mental_health> and . [source]


Healthy Ageing: The Role of Nutrition and Lifestyle

JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 4 2009
Richard Hoffman PhD
[source]


Effects of age on the cardiac and vascular limbs of the arterial baroreflex

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 1 2003
C. M. Brown
Abstract Background Healthy ageing has several effects on the autonomic control of the circulation. Several studies have shown that baroreflex-mediated vagal control of the heart deteriorates with age, but so far there is little information regarding the effect of ageing on sympathetically mediated baroreflex responses. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of ageing on baroreflex control of the heart and blood vessels. Materials and Methods In 40 healthy volunteers, aged 20,87 years, we applied oscillatory neck suction at 0·1 Hz to assess the sympathetic modulation of the heart and blood vessels and at 0·2 Hz to assess the effect of parasympathetic stimulation on the heart. Breathing was maintained at 0·25 Hz. Blood pressure, electrocardiographic RR intervals and respiration were recorded continuously. Spectral analysis was used to evaluate the magnitude of the low-frequency (0·03,0·14 Hz) and high-frequency (0·15,0·50 Hz) oscillations in the RR interval and blood pressure. Responses to neck suction were assessed as the change in power of the RR interval and blood pressure fluctuations at the stimulation frequency from baseline values. Results Resting low- and high-frequency powers of the RR interval decreased significantly with age (P < 0·01). However, the low-frequency power of systolic blood pressure did not correlate with age. Spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (alpha-index) showed a significant inverse correlation with age (r = ,0·46, P < 0·05). Responses of the RR interval and systolic blood pressure to 0·1 Hz neck suction stimulation were not related to age, however, the RR interval response to 0·2 Hz neck suction declined significantly with age (r = ,0·61, P < 0·01). Conclusions These results confirm an age-related decrease in cardiovagal baroreflex responses. However, sympathetically mediated baroreflex control of the blood vessels is preserved with age. [source]


Healthy ageing: the role of nutrition and lifestyle

NUTRITION BULLETIN, Issue 2 2009
K. Rahelu
[source]


Healthy ageing: how is it defined and measured?

AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL ON AGEING, Issue 3 2004
Nancye Peel
A review of existing studies which defined and measured healthy ageing as an outcome was undertaken to clarify the term for the purposes of informing policy development and further research into positive health outcomes in older age. Studies which measured the prevalence of healthy (or successful) ageing in population-based settings were identified from a search of health and gerontology databases. Eighteen studies met the selection criteria. The arbitrary nature of the definition, populations sampled, domains selected and measures within the domains resulted in considerable variation between the studies in the proportion of the study population classified as ,healthy ageing', which ranged from 3% to 80%. The present review shows the need to establish a standard for defining and quantifying the concept of healthy ageing. Despite the differences, there was consensus in the studies that the multidimensional, positive health outcome should measure the capacity to function well and adapt to environmental challenges in domains assessing physical, mental and social well-being. [source]


The European Male Ageing Study (EMAS): design, methods and recruitment

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 1 2009
David M. Lee
Summary Life expectancy is increasing in most developed countries, in part due to improved socioeconomic conditions and in part to advances in healthcare. It is widely acknowledged that the promotion of healthy ageing by delaying, minimizing or preventing disabilities or diseases is one of the most important public health objectives in this century. In contrast to the menopausal transition in females, we know relatively little about the contribution of androgens and anabolic hormones to the quality of ageing in men. The European Male Ageing Study (EMAS) is a multicentre prospective cohort designed to examine the prevalence, incidence and geographical distribution of gender-specific and general symptoms of ageing in men, including their endocrine, genetic and psychosocial predictors. Men aged 40,79 years were recruited from eight European centres: Florence (Italy), Leuven (Belgium), Lodz (Poland), Malmö (Sweden), Manchester (UK), Santiago de Compostela (Spain), Szeged (Hungary) and Tartu (Estonia). Subjects were recruited from population registers and those who agreed to take part completed a detailed questionnaire including aspects of personal and medical history, lifestyle factors and sexual function. Objective measures of body size, cognition, vision, skeletal health and neuromuscular function were obtained. Blood and DNA specimens were collected for a range of biochemical and genetic analyses. After an average of 4 years, it is planned to resurvey the participants with similar assessments. A total of 3369 men with a mean age of 60 ± 11 years were recruited. The mean centre response rate was 43%, and highest in those aged 50,59 years. Those who participated were marginally younger than those who were invited but declined to participate (60.0 vs. 61.1 years). Participants left education slightly later than a sample of non-participants, though there were no consistent differences in levels of general health, physical activity, or smoking. EMAS will provide new population-based data concerning the main features that characterize ageing in men and its critical determinants, particularly with reference to age-related changes in hormone levels. Such information is an important prerequisite to develop effective strategies to reduce age-related disabilities and optimise health and well-being into old-age. [source]


Understanding and Modulating Ageing

IUBMB LIFE, Issue 4-5 2005
Suresh IS Rattan
Abstract Ageing is characterized by a progressive accumulation of molecular damage in nucleic acids, proteins and lipids. The inefficiency and failure of maintenance, repair and turnover pathways is the main cause of age-related accumulation of damage. Research in molecular gerontology is aimed at understanding the genetic and epigenetic regulation of survival and maintenance mechanisms at the levels of transcription, post-transcriptional processing, post-translational modifications, and interactions among various gene products. Concurrently, several approaches are being tried and tested to modulate ageing in a wide variety of organisms. The ultimate aim of such studies is to improve the quality of human life in old age and prolong the health-span. Various gerontomodulatory approaches include gene therapy, hormonal supplementation, nutritional modulation and intervention by free radical scavengers and other molecules. A recent approach is that of applying hormesis in ageing research and therapy, which is based on the principle of stimulation of maintenance and repair pathways by repeated exposure to mild stress. A combination of molecular, physiological and psychological modulatory approaches can realize "healthy ageing" as an achievable goal in the not-so-distant future. IUBMB Life, 57: 297-304, 2005 [source]


Older people's expectations regarding ageing, health-promoting behaviour and health status

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 1 2009
Su Hyun Kim
Abstract Title.,Older people's expectations regarding ageing, health-promoting behaviour and health status. Aim., This paper is a study to explore the influence of expectations regarding ageing on physical and mental health status, and to examine the mediating effects of health-promoting behaviour on the relationship between these expectations and physical and mental health. Background., To achieve healthy ageing, it is necessary for older people to play an active role in maintaining good health. Without any expectations for healthy ageing among older people themselves, encouraging them to participate in health-promoting behaviour and thereby to maintain good health would be unsuccessful. Method., A convenience sample of 99 community-residing Korean older people was surveyed in 2007 via questionnaire using a short version of the Expectations Regarding Aging questionnaire, Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II, and Medical Outcomes Study 12-item short form. Findings., Having a higher expectation about ageing was associated with better physical and mental health, after adjusting for age, gender and education. Expectations about ageing were partially mediated through the health-promoting behaviour that influenced physical and mental health. Conclusion., It may be necessary for nurses to make an effort to improve older people's expectations about ageing to help them achieve good health. Nursing interventions to improve these expectations need to be used in conjunction with an emphasis on older people's active involvement in health-promoting behaviour. [source]


Healthy ageing: how is it defined and measured?

AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL ON AGEING, Issue 3 2004
Nancye Peel
A review of existing studies which defined and measured healthy ageing as an outcome was undertaken to clarify the term for the purposes of informing policy development and further research into positive health outcomes in older age. Studies which measured the prevalence of healthy (or successful) ageing in population-based settings were identified from a search of health and gerontology databases. Eighteen studies met the selection criteria. The arbitrary nature of the definition, populations sampled, domains selected and measures within the domains resulted in considerable variation between the studies in the proportion of the study population classified as ,healthy ageing', which ranged from 3% to 80%. The present review shows the need to establish a standard for defining and quantifying the concept of healthy ageing. Despite the differences, there was consensus in the studies that the multidimensional, positive health outcome should measure the capacity to function well and adapt to environmental challenges in domains assessing physical, mental and social well-being. [source]


Recreational folk dance: A multicultural exercise component in healthy ageing

AUSTRALIAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY JOURNAL, Issue 2 2000
Margaret Connor
Recreational international folk dance provides a gentle form of exercise for people of all age groups, and may be used by an occupational therapist to provide a different leisure option for older people. The older adult is often stereotypically perceived as being only capable of certain types of leisure activities, such as bowls, bingo and cards. In multicultural Australia, activities need to be more diverse. Recreational folk dance provides an activity that is socially engaging, physically challenging, creative, and culturally and mentally stimulating. Involvement in the activity has general exercise benefits, which contribute to a healthy lifestyle. The participants can be empowered by their increased participation in community life, due to the classes, but also because of the public performance aspect that is offered with this activity. Exposure to folk costumes, customs, and traditions, can increase awareness of other cultures. Recreational folk dance has a beneficial effect on interpersonal and intrapersonal aspects of self. The language of dance crosses many cultures. Gesture and movement can be conveyed without words, thus making folk dance a good ,non-language' based activity to be used in a multicultural population. [source]


Impact of ageing on the antinociceptive effect of reference analgesics in the Lou/c rat

BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 6 2002
Didier Jourdan
Research on the evolution of experimental pain perception and on the achievement of analgesia with ageing has led so far to contradictory results. This study investigated in the rat the impact of ageing on the antinociceptive effect of reference analgesics, acetaminophen (50, 100, 200, 400 mg kg,1 po), aspirin (50, 100, 200, 400 mg kg,1 sc), clomipramine (5, 10, 20, 40 mg kg,1 sc) and morphine (1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 mg kg,1 sc). Lou/c rats were chosen because they provide a model of healthy ageing and they do not develop obesity with age. Three groups of 40 rats each (mature (4 months), middle-aged (18 months) and old (26 months)), were treated with each drug at 14 days interval. Two tests were used: a thermal test (tail immersion in 48°C water and measurement of reaction latency) and a mechanical test (paw pressure and measurement of struggle threshold). Results confirm the increased mechanical sensitivity to pain and no change in thermal sensitivity for old rats compared to mature and middle-aged animals. They show a marked decrease in the effect of morphine with age and no age-related effect for acetaminophen, aspirin or clomipramine. Plasma levels of morphine and metabolites are not different in the three age groups. It is likely that the influence of age on morphine analgesia is linked mainly to pharmacodynamic rather than pharmacokinetic changes. British Journal of Pharmacology (2002) 137, 813,820. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0704944 [source]


4424: Visual acuity loss with healthy ageing: can it be reversed by wavefront laser?

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010
D ELLIOTT
Purpose To consider what levels of "super acuity" might be achieved by the correction of ocular aberrations in older patients by wavefront corrected ophthalmic surgery. Note that when comparing visual acuity (VA) of older patients with VA in the young, the average optimal monocular visual acuity of a young subject is about 6/4 (decimal VA 1.50) and not the often quoted ,normal' figure of 20/20 (6/6 or 1.0 decimal). Methods Studies that attempted to isolate the cause(s) of deterioration in visual function with age in normal, healthy eyes were reviewed. Results The majority of studies suggest that the deterioration in visual function with age is primarily due to changes within the neural system rather than optical factors. In addition, several studies have shown increases in ocular aberrations with age, but this is only found when comparisons are made across age groups with fixed pupil sizes. When natural pupil sizes are considered, there is no change in aberrations with age because of age-related pupillary miosis Conclusion There appears to be little scope for ocular aberration correction to be used to counteract the loss of vision with age. Reduced vision in patients with cataract is primarily due to increased forward light scatter, and aberrations play a minor role in reducing vision. Intra-ocular lenses (IOLs) should be designed to keep ocular aberrations at a minimum after cataract surgery, but given that vision loss with age appears to be primarily due to neural changes, there seems little scope for IOLs to improve on the vision of phakic subjects under natural pupil conditions. [source]


Pre-receptoral spectral absorption, healthy ageing and pre-clinical indications of retinal disease

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2009
E KONSTANTAKOPOULOU
Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate how chromatic sensitivity changes as a function of age and to establish the extent to which such changes can be attributed to pre-receptoral spectral absorption of short wavelength light and/or changes in retinal mechanisms caused by ageing. Methods The absorption of blue light by the macular pigment (MP) and the crystalline lens and the subjects' sensitivity to rapid flicker were measured using the Macula Assessment Profile (MAP) test. Red-green (RG) and yellow blue (YB) chromatic detection thresholds were measured at the fovea for young and older subjects using the Colour Assessment and Diagnosis (CAD) test at 2.6, 26 and 65 cd/m2. The variables of interest included the spectral absorption of the lens, the optical density of the MP, subject's age and retinal illuminance. Results The absorption of blue light by the lens increased with age. Absorption of blue light by pre-receptoral filters did not affect RG chromatic sensitivity at any of the light levels investigated but had an effect on YB thresholds. The considerably higher colour vision thresholds of some subjects and the subsequent worsening of their chromatic sensitivity at the lower light level may reflect changes in the retina brought about by accelerated aging effects. Conclusion The effect of pre-receptoral absorption of blue light on chromatic sensitivity is small. Ageing affects the amount and spectral composition of the light reaching the photoreceptors and the processing of retinal signals. As a result, flicker sensitivity declines and colour vision deteriorates. Such effects arise mostly from changes in the retina. The MAP and CAD tests help us to detect the effects of accelerated ageing and retinal disease. [source]