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Obesity Reviews : An Official Journal... Feb 2023Aging and obesity are two global concerns in public health. Sarcopenic obesity (SO), defined as the combination of age-related sarcopenia and obesity, has become a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Aging and obesity are two global concerns in public health. Sarcopenic obesity (SO), defined as the combination of age-related sarcopenia and obesity, has become a pressing issue. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarize the current clinical evidence relevant to SO. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched, and 106 clinical studies with 167,151 elderlies were included. The estimated prevalence of SO was 9% in both men and women. Obesity was associated with 34% reduced risk of sarcopenia (odds ratio [OR] 0.66, 95% CI 0.48-0.91; p < 0.001). The pooled hazard ratio (HR) of all-cause mortality was 1.51 (95% CI 1.14-2.02; p < 0.001) for people with SO compared with healthy individuals. SO was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and related mortality, metabolic disorders, cognitive impairment, arthritis, functional limitation, and lung diseases (all ORs > 1.0, p < 0.05). The attenuated risk of sarcopenia in elderlies with obesity ("obesity paradox") was dependent on higher muscle mass and strength. Apart from unifying the diagnosis of SO, more research is needed to subphenotype people with obesity and sarcopenia for individualized treatment. Meanwhile, the maintenance of proper body composition of muscle and fat may delay or attenuate the adverse outcomes of aging.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Aged; Sarcopenia; Obesity; Aging; Body Composition; Cardiovascular Diseases
PubMed: 36443946
DOI: 10.1111/obr.13534 -
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and... Apr 2016The study aims to discuss the effects of aging on the male reproductive system. A systematic review was performed using PubMed from 1980 to 2014. Aging is a natural... (Review)
Review
The study aims to discuss the effects of aging on the male reproductive system. A systematic review was performed using PubMed from 1980 to 2014. Aging is a natural process comprising of irreversible changes due to a myriad of endogenous and environmental factors at the level of all organs and systems. In modern life, as more couples choose to postpone having a child due to various socioeconomic reasons, research for understanding the effects of aging on the reproductive system has gained an increased importance. Paternal aging also causes genetic and epigenetic changes in spermatozoa, which impair male reproductive functions through their adverse effects on sperm quality and count as, well as, on sexual organs and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Hormone production, spermatogenesis, and testes undergo changes as a man ages. These small changes lead to decrease in both the quality and quantity of spermatozoa. The offspring of older fathers show high prevalence of genetic abnormalities, childhood cancers, and several neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition, the latest advances in assisted reproductive techniques give older men a chance to have a child even with poor semen parameters. Further studies should investigate the onset of gonadal senesce and its effects on aging men.
Topics: Aging; Cellular Senescence; Epigenesis, Genetic; Gonads; Humans; Male; Reproduction; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; Spermatogenesis; Spermatozoa; Testis
PubMed: 26867640
DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0663-y -
American Journal of Public Health Aug 2019Research has found a strong link between ageism, in the form of negative stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination toward older people, and risks to their physical and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Research has found a strong link between ageism, in the form of negative stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination toward older people, and risks to their physical and mental health. Little is known, however, about the effectiveness of strategies to reduce ageism. To assess the relative effects of 3 intervention types designed to reduce ageism among youths and adults-education, intergenerational contact, and combined education and intergenerational contact-by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, AgeLine, EBSCO, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Global Index Medicus, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), Epistemonikos, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Campbell Collaboration, PROSPERO, GreyLit, and OpenGrey. We identified additional records by hand-searching reference lists of relevant review articles as well as records included in the meta-analysis. Two independent reviewers completed the search and screening process. . Eligible studies were those that (1) evaluated an intervention designed to reduce ageism, (2) examined at least 1 ageism outcome in relation to older adults, (3) used a design with a comparison group (randomized or nonrandomized), and (4) were published after 1970, when the ageism concept was developed. Two independent reviewers extracted study-level data from records using a common data collection spreadsheet. They also assessed study quality by using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) tool to assess quality of outcome evidence. Primary outcomes were attitudes toward older people and accuracy of knowledge about aging and older people. Secondary outcomes included comfort with older adults, anxiety about one's own aging, and interest in working in the field of geriatrics or gerontology. We carried out meta-analyses with statistical mixed models. We identified 63 eligible studies (1976-2018) with a total sample of 6124 participants. Ageism interventions demonstrated a strongly significant effect on attitudes (differences of standardized mean differences [d] = 0.33; < .001), knowledge (d = 0.42; < .001), and comfort (d = 0.50; < .001), but no significant effect on anxiety (d = 0.13; = .33) or working with older adults (d = -0.09; = .40). Combined interventions with education and intergenerational contact showed the largest effects on attitudes. We found stronger effects for females and for adolescent and young adult groups. Interventions are associated with substantial reduction in ageism and should be part of an international strategy to improve perceptions of older people and the aging process. Additional research using more rigorous designs to examine the effects of interventions is strongly recommended. Ageism has well-established negative effects on the physical and mental health of older people. Findings suggest that relatively low-cost, feasible strategies involving education and intergenerational contact can serve as the basis of effective interventions to reduce ageism.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ageism; Aging; Bias; Female; Frail Elderly; Health Promotion; Humans; Intergenerational Relations; Male; Middle Aged; Young Adult
PubMed: 31219720
DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2019.305123 -
Nutrients Jul 2018Dietary patterns may be related to quality of life (QoL) of older adults, although evidence from literature is conflicting. The demographic shifts toward ageing... (Review)
Review
Dietary patterns may be related to quality of life (QoL) of older adults, although evidence from literature is conflicting. The demographic shifts toward ageing populations in many countries increases the importance of understanding the relationship between diet and QoL in older adults. This review was designed to investigate associations between dietary patterns and QoL in older adults. The systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eight electronic databases were searched to identify articles published in English from January 1975 to March 2018 that investigated associations between dietary patterns and QoL in older adults. Relevant studies were identified based on set inclusion and exclusion criteria, data were extracted and analysed to examine the relationships and possible implications for public health recommendations. The systematic review included 15 articles (One randomized control trial, six prospective cohorts and eight cross sectional). The studies looked at correlations between different dietary patterns and/or adherence to particular dietary patterns and self-reported QoL or self-rated health status. Excluding two studies which showed no significant association, healthy dietary patterns were associated with better self-rated health and QoL in one or more domains, and adherence to healthy dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet were significantly associated with improvement in at least one of the QoL domains.
Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Diet, Healthy; Feeding Behavior; Female; Healthy Aging; Humans; Male; Mental Health; Middle Aged; Nutritional Status; Nutritive Value; Quality of Life
PubMed: 30050006
DOI: 10.3390/nu10080971 -
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) Nov 2020Accelerated telomere shortening has been associated with several age-related diseases and/or decreased lifespan in humans. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is considered... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Accelerated telomere shortening has been associated with several age-related diseases and/or decreased lifespan in humans. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is considered to be 1 of the most recognized diets for disease prevention and healthy aging, partially due to its demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties which may impact on telomere length (TL). The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the associations between MedDiet adherence and TL maintenance. MEDLINE-PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched up to December 2018 for studies evaluating the association between MedDiet adherence and TL in blood cells. Two reviewers, working independently, screened all titles and abstracts to identify studies that met the inclusion criteria [cross-sectional, case-control, and prospective cohort studies and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published in English and excluded nonoriginal articles]. Data were pooled by the generic inverse variance method using the random effects model and expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD). Heterogeneity was identified using the Cochran Q test and quantified by the I2 statistic. A total of 8 original cross-sectional studies were included for the quantitative meta-analysis, comprising a total of 13,733 participants from 5 countries. A positive association between adherence to the MedDiet and TL was observed in all meta-analyses, with the exception of those conducted only in men: SMD (95% CI) of 0.130 (0.029; 0.231) for all subjects, 0.078 (0.005; 0.152) for women, and 0.095 (-0.005; 0.195) for men. Only 1 prospective cohort study and 1 RCT were identified, therefore, we could not undertake a meta-analysis for these study designs. The present meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies demonstrates that higher MedDiet adherence is associated with longer TL. At the same time, larger and high-quality prospective studies and clinical trials are warranted to confirm this association.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet, Mediterranean; Humans; Prospective Studies; Telomere; Telomere Shortening
PubMed: 32730558
DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmaa079 -
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease : JAD 2019There is some evidence to suggest that social isolation may be associated with poor cognitive function in later life. However, findings are inconsistent and there is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
There is some evidence to suggest that social isolation may be associated with poor cognitive function in later life. However, findings are inconsistent and there is wide variation in the measures used to assess social isolation.
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the association between social isolation and cognitive function in later life.
METHODS
A search for longitudinal studies assessing the relationship between aspects of social isolation (including social activity and social networks) and cognitive function (including global measures of cognition, memory, and executive function) was conducted in PsycInfo, CINAHL, PubMed, and AgeLine. A random effects meta-analysis was conducted to assess the overall association between measures of social isolation and cognitive function. Sub-analyses investigated the association between different aspects of social isolation and each of the measures of cognitive function.
RESULTS
Sixty-five articles were identified by the systematic review and 51 articles were included in the meta-analysis. Low levels of social isolation characterized by high engagement in social activity and large social networks were associated with better late-life cognitive function (r = 0.054, 95% CI: 0.043, 0.065). Sub-analyses suggested that the association between social isolation and measures of global cognitive function, memory, and executive function were similar and there was no difference according to gender or number of years follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
Aspects of social isolation are associated with cognitive function in later life. There is wide variation in approaches to measuring social activity and social networks across studies which may contribute to inconsistencies in reported findings.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Cognition; Cognitive Reserve; Humans; Memory; Quality of Life; Social Isolation
PubMed: 30372678
DOI: 10.3233/JAD-180501 -
Ageing Research Reviews Jul 2015It is unclear to what extent poor social relationships are related to the development of dementia. A comprehensive systematic literature search identified 19... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
It is unclear to what extent poor social relationships are related to the development of dementia. A comprehensive systematic literature search identified 19 longitudinal cohort studies investigating the association between various social relationship factors and incident dementia in the general population. Relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Low social participation (RR: 1.41 (95% CI: 1.13-1.75)), less frequent social contact (RR: 1.57 (95% CI: 1.32-1.85)), and more loneliness (RR: 1.58 (95% CI: 1.19-2.09)) were statistically significant associated with incident dementia. The results of the association between social network size and dementia were inconsistent. No statistically significant association was found for low satisfaction with social network and the onset of dementia (RR: 1.25 (95% CI: 0.96-1.62). We conclude that social relationship factors that represent a lack of social interaction are associated with incident dementia. The strength of the associations between poor social interaction and incident dementia is comparable with other well-established risk factors for dementia, including low education attainment, physical inactivity, and late-life depression.
Topics: Aging; Dementia; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Longitudinal Studies; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Social Environment; Social Participation; Social Support
PubMed: 25956016
DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2015.04.006 -
Qualitative Health Research Jul 2019Negative stereotypes regarding the sex lives of older adults persist, despite sexuality being an important factor that influences the quality of life. We conducted a...
Negative stereotypes regarding the sex lives of older adults persist, despite sexuality being an important factor that influences the quality of life. We conducted a systematic review of the qualitative literature on the sexuality and sexual health of older adults to address which topics have been researched and the quality of research within this field. We searched PsycINFO, SocINDEX, MEDLINE, and CINAHL for qualitative articles investigating the sexuality of adults aged 60+ years. We analyzed 69 articles using thematic analysis to synthesize their findings. We identified two overarching thematic categories: psychological and relational aspects of sexuality (personal meanings and understandings of sex, couplehood aspects, and sociocultural aspects) and health and sexuality (effects of illness and/or treatment on sexuality, and help-seeking behaviors). Research is needed into male sexual desire and pleasure, culture-specific and sexual/gender identities and their effect on outcomes such as help-seeking behavior and sexual satisfaction, and sexual risk-taking in older adults.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Cultural Characteristics; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Middle Aged; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Qualitative Research; Quality of Life; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Health; Sexuality; Socioeconomic Factors
PubMed: 30584788
DOI: 10.1177/1049732318819834 -
Nutrients Aug 2021Astaxanthin (ASX), a xanthophyll carotenoid derived from microalgae , mitigating skin photoaging and age-related skin diseases by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
CONTEXT
Astaxanthin (ASX), a xanthophyll carotenoid derived from microalgae , mitigating skin photoaging and age-related skin diseases by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in animal studies.
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to systematically evaluate if ASX applications have anti-ageing effects in humans.
METHODS
A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science found a total of eleven studies. Nine randomised, controlled human studies assessed oral ASX effects and two open-label, prospective studies evaluated topical, oral-topical ASX effects on skin ageing. was used to extract mean values and standard deviations of baseline and endpoint, and Cochrane Collaboration's tool assessed RoB for all included studies. Review Manager 5.4 was used to conduct meta-analysis of RCTs; the results were reported as effect size ± 95% confidence interval.
RESULTS
Oral ASX supplementation significantly restored moisture content (SMD = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.05, 1.01; I = 52%; = 0.03) and improved elasticity (SMD = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.19, 1.35; I = 75%; = 0.009) but did not significantly decrease wrinkle depth (SMD = -0.26; 95% CI = -0.58, 0.06; I = 0%; = 0.11) compared to placebo. Open-label, prospective studies suggested slightly protective effects of topical and oral-topical ASX applications on skin ageing.
CONCLUSIONS
Ingestion and/or topical usages of ASX may be effective in reducing skin ageing and have promising cosmetical potential, as it improves moisture content and elasticity and reduces wrinkles.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Administration, Topical; Adult; Aged; Aging; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antioxidants; Chlorophyta; Cosmetics; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Skin; Skin Aging; Xanthophylls; Young Adult
PubMed: 34578794
DOI: 10.3390/nu13092917 -
Ageing Research Reviews Nov 2017This systematic review investigated whether the insulin sensitiser metformin has a geroprotective effect in humans. Pubmed and Embase were searched along with databases... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This systematic review investigated whether the insulin sensitiser metformin has a geroprotective effect in humans. Pubmed and Embase were searched along with databases of unpublished studies. Eligible research investigated the effect of metformin on all-cause mortality or diseases of ageing relative to non-diabetic populations or diabetics receiving other therapies with adjustment for disease control achieved. Overall, 260 full-texts were reviewed and 53 met the inclusion criteria. Diabetics taking metformin had significantly lower all-cause mortality than non-diabetics (hazard ratio (HR)=0.93, 95%CI 0.88-0.99), as did diabetics taking metformin compared to diabetics receiving non-metformin therapies (HR=0.72, 95%CI 0.65-0.80), insulin (HR=0.68, 95%CI 0.63-0.75) or sulphonylurea (HR=0.80, 95%CI 0.66-0.97). Metformin users also had reduced cancer compared to non-diabetics (rate ratio=0.94, 95%CI 0.92-0.97) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to diabetics receiving non-metformin therapies (HR=0.76, 95%CI 0.66-0.87) or insulin (HR=0.78, 95%CI 0.73-0.83). Differences in baseline characteristics were observed which had the potential to bias findings, although statistical adjustments were made. The apparent reductions in all-cause mortality and diseases of ageing associated with metformin use suggest that metformin could be extending life and healthspans by acting as a geroprotective agent.
Topics: Aging; Cardiovascular Diseases; Case-Control Studies; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Insulin; Metformin; Neoplasms; Observational Studies as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28802803
DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2017.08.003