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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 -
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice Jul 2018The loss of range of motion (ROM) in the upper extremities can interfere with activities of daily living (ADL) and, therefore, many interventions focus on improving... (Review)
Review
The loss of range of motion (ROM) in the upper extremities can interfere with activities of daily living (ADL) and, therefore, many interventions focus on improving impaired ROM. The question, however, is what joint angles are needed to naturally perform ADL. The present review aimed to compile and synthesize data from literature on shoulder and elbow angles that unimpaired participants used when performing ADL tasks. A search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, CINAHL, and PEDro. Studies were eligible when shoulder (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction) and/or elbow (flexion, extension) angles were measured in unimpaired participants who were naturally performing ADL tasks, and angles were provided per task. Thirty-six studies involving a total of 66 ADL tasks were included. Results demonstrated that unimpaired participants used up to full elbow flexion (150°) in personal care, eating, and drinking tasks. For shoulder flexion and abduction approximately 130° was necessary. Specific ADL tasks were measured often, however, almost never for tasks such as dressing. The synthesized information can be used to interpret impairments on the individual level and to establish rehabilitation goals in terms of function and prevention of secondary conditions due to excessive use of compensatory movements.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Biomechanical Phenomena; Child; Child, Preschool; Elbow Joint; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Range of Motion, Articular; Self Care; Sex Factors; Shoulder Joint; Young Adult
PubMed: 29377745
DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2017.1422206 -
Science Translational Medicine May 2023Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) has attracted interest as a technique for causal investigations into how rhythmic fluctuations in brain neural... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) has attracted interest as a technique for causal investigations into how rhythmic fluctuations in brain neural activity influence cognition and for promoting cognitive rehabilitation. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of tACS on cognitive function across 102 published studies, which included 2893 individuals in healthy, aging, and neuropsychiatric populations. A total of 304 effects were extracted from these 102 studies. We found modest to moderate improvements in cognitive function with tACS treatment that were evident in several cognitive domains, including working memory, long-term memory, attention, executive control, and fluid intelligence. Improvements in cognitive function were generally stronger after completion of tACS ("offline" effects) than during tACS treatment ("online" effects). Improvements in cognitive function were greater in studies that used current flow models to optimize or confirm neuromodulation targets by stimulating electric fields generated in the brain by tACS protocols. In studies targeting multiple brain regions concurrently, cognitive function changed bidirectionally (improved or decreased) according to the relative phase, or alignment, of the alternating current in the two brain regions (in phase versus antiphase). We also noted improvements in cognitive function separately in older adults and in individuals with neuropsychiatric illnesses. Overall, our findings contribute to the debate surrounding the effectiveness of tACS for cognitive rehabilitation, quantitatively demonstrate its potential, and indicate further directions for optimal tACS clinical study design.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation; Cognition; Brain; Aging; Cognitive Training
PubMed: 37224229
DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abo2044 -
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Aug 2023Skin and soft tissue aging has been an important topic of discussion among plastic surgeons and their patients. While botulinum toxin, facial fillers, chemical peels,... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Skin and soft tissue aging has been an important topic of discussion among plastic surgeons and their patients. While botulinum toxin, facial fillers, chemical peels, and surgical lifts preside as the mainstay of treatment to restore appearance of youth, emergent technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, proteostasis, flap biology, and stem cell therapies, have gained traction in addressing the aging process of skin and soft tissue. Several studies have introduced these advancements, but it remains unclear how safe and effective these therapeutics are in facial rejuvenation, and how they may fit in the existent treatment workflow for soft tissue aging.
MATERIALS/METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted to identify and assess therapeutics utilized in addressing skin and soft tissue aging. Variables collected included year of publication, journal, article title, organization of study, patient sample, treatment modality, associated outcomes. In addition, we performed a market analysis of companies involved in promoting technologies and therapeutics within this space. PitchBook (Seattle, WA), a public market database, was utilized to classify companies, and record the amount of venture capital funding allocated to these categories.
RESULTS
Initial review yielded four hundred and two papers. Of these, thirty-five were extracted after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Though previous literature regards CRISPR-Cas9 technology as the most favorable anti-aging innovation, after reviewing the current literature, stem cell therapies utilizing recipient chimerism appeared to be the superior skin anti-aging technique when accounting for possible disadvantages of various techniques. The psychosocial and cosmetic outcomes from using cell therapy to modulate allograft survival and tolerance may confer more long-term proposed benefits than the technologies in CRISPR-Cas9, flap biology innovations, and autologous platelet-rich plasma use. Market analysis yielded a total of 87 companies, which promoted innovations in technology, biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, cell-based therapies, and genetic therapy.
CONCLUSION
This review provides physicians and patients with relevant, usable information regarding how therapeutics can impact treatment regimen for facial aesthetics and skin rejuvenation. Furthermore, the goal of this research is to elucidate the varying therapeutics to restore appearance of youth, present associated outcomes, and in doing so, present plastic surgeons and their colleagues with greater insight on the role of these therapeutics and technologies in clinical practice. Future studies can further assess the safety and efficacy of these innovations and discuss how these may fit within surgical plans among patients seeking rejuvenation procedures.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III
This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Cosmetic Techniques; Aging; Skin Aging; Face; Rejuvenation; Esthetics
PubMed: 37154849
DOI: 10.1007/s00266-023-03322-1 -
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 -
Nutrients Mar 2018The increasing recognition of sarcopenia, the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function (muscle strength and physical performance), as a determinant of poor... (Review)
Review
The increasing recognition of sarcopenia, the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function (muscle strength and physical performance), as a determinant of poor health in older age, has emphasized the importance of understanding more about its aetiology to inform strategies both for preventing and treating this condition. There is growing interest in the effects of modifiable factors such as diet; some nutrients have been studied but less is known about the influence of overall diet quality on sarcopenia. We conducted a systematic review of the literature examining the relationship between diet quality and the individual components of sarcopenia, i.e., muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance, and the overall risk of sarcopenia, among older adults. We identified 23 studies that met review inclusion criteria. The studies were diverse in terms of the design, setting, measures of diet quality, and outcome measurements. A small body of evidence suggested a relationship between "healthier" diets and better muscle mass outcomes. There was limited and inconsistent evidence for a link between "healthier" diets and lower risk of declines in muscle strength. There was strong and consistent observational evidence for a link between "healthier" diets and lower risk of declines in physical performance. There was a small body of cross-sectional evidence showing an association between "healthier" diets and lower risk of sarcopenia. This review provides observational evidence to support the benefits of diets of higher quality for physical performance among older adults. Findings for the other outcomes considered suggest some benefits, although the evidence is either limited in its extent (sarcopenia) or inconsistent/weak in its nature (muscle mass, muscle strength). Further studies are needed to assess the potential of whole-diet interventions for the prevention and management of sarcopenia.
Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Aging; Diet; Diet, Healthy; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muscle Strength; Muscle, Skeletal; Nutritional Status; Nutritive Value; Protective Factors; Risk Factors; Risk Reduction Behavior; Sarcopenia
PubMed: 29510572
DOI: 10.3390/nu10030308 -
Aging Clinical and Experimental Research Jun 2022Healthy ageing frameworks have been highly explored. Our objective was to assess existing frameworks for healthy ageing and to identify commonly described factors that... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Healthy ageing frameworks have been highly explored. Our objective was to assess existing frameworks for healthy ageing and to identify commonly described factors that can potentially act as determinants of healthy ageing.
METHODS
We carried out a systematic review by searching five electronic databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane, PsychINFO, and CINAHL) from January 2010 to November 2020 to capture contemporary evidence. Eligible studies needed to report a clear framework of healthy ageing in humans, within one or more of three domains (physical, mental/cognitive, social), in English. No restriction was placed on geographical location. Retrospective studies, studies that did not report a framework of healthy ageing, and studies with a focus on diagnostic measures were excluded.
RESULTS
Of 3329 identified records, nine studies met our eligibility criteria and were included. Most of the studies were qualitative or cross sectional, and a majority were carried out in Asia, followed by North America, Australia, and Africa. The ten determinants identified for healthy ageing include physical activity, diet, self-awareness, outlook/attitude, life-long learning, faith, social support, financial security, community engagement, and independence.
CONCLUSIONS
We identified ten determinants of healthy ageing proposed by the contemporary evidence base. There appears to be increasing acknowledgement of the instrumental role of social and mental/cognitive well-being as determinants of healthy ageing. The extent to which each determinant contributes to healthy ageing requires further evaluation.
Topics: Australia; Cross-Sectional Studies; Healthy Aging; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Social Support
PubMed: 35132578
DOI: 10.1007/s40520-021-02049-w -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) Dec 2015It has frequently been reported that balance and lower-extremity muscle strength/power are associated with sports-related and everyday activities. Knowledge about the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
It has frequently been reported that balance and lower-extremity muscle strength/power are associated with sports-related and everyday activities. Knowledge about the relationship between balance, strength, and power are important for the identification of at-risk individuals because deficits in these neuromuscular components are associated with an increased risk of sustaining injuries and falls. In addition, this knowledge is of high relevance for the development of specifically tailored health and skill-related exercise programs.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this systematic literature review and meta-analysis were to characterize and, if possible, quantify associations between variables of balance and lower-extremity muscle strength/power in healthy individuals across the lifespan.
DATA SOURCES
A computerized systematic literature search was performed in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus up to March 2015 to capture all relevant articles.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
A systematic approach was used to evaluate the 996 articles identified for initial review. Studies were included only if they investigated healthy individuals aged ≥6 years and tested at least one measure of static steady-state balance (e.g., center of pressure [CoP] displacement during one-legged stance), dynamic steady-state balance (e.g., gait speed), proactive balance (e.g., distance in the functional-reach-test), or reactive balance (e.g., CoP displacement during perturbed one-legged stance), and one measure of maximal strength (e.g., maximum voluntary contraction), explosive force (e.g., rate of force development), or muscle power (e.g., jump height). In total, 37 studies met the inclusionary criteria for review.
STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS
The included studies were coded for the following criteria: age (i.e., children: 6-12 years, adolescents: 13-18 years, young adults: 19-44 years, middle-aged adults: 45-64 years, old adults: ≥65 years), sex (i.e., female, male), and test modality/outcome (i.e., test for the assessment of balance, strength, and power). Studies with athletes, patients, and/or people with diseases were excluded. Pearson's correlation coefficients were extracted, transformed (i.e., Fisher's z-transformed r z value), aggregated (i.e., weighted mean r z value), back-transformed to r values, classified according to their magnitude (i.e., small: r ≤ 0.69, medium: r ≤ 0.89, large: r ≥ 0.90), and, if possible, statistically compared. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using I2 and Chi-squared (χ2) statistics.
RESULTS
Three studies examined associations between balance and lower-extremity muscle strength/power in children, one study in adolescents, nine studies in young adults, three studies in middle-aged adults, and 23 studies in old adults. Overall, small-sized associations were found between variables of balance and lower-extremity muscle strength/power, irrespective of the age group considered. In addition, small-sized but significantly larger correlation coefficients were found between measures of dynamic steady-state balance and maximal strength in children (r = 0.57) compared with young (r = 0.09, z = 3.30, p = 0.001) and old adults (r = 0.35, z = 2.94, p = 0.002) as well as in old compared with young adults (z = 1.95, p = 0.03).
LIMITATIONS
Even though the reported results provided further insight into the associations between measures of balance and lower-extremity muscle strength/power, they did not allow us to deduce cause and effect relations. Further, the investigated associations could be biased by other variables such as joint flexibility, muscle mass, and/or auditory/visual acuity.
CONCLUSIONS
Our systematic review and meta-analysis showed predominately small-sized correlations between measures of balance and lower-extremity muscle strength/power in children, adolescents, and young, middle-aged, and old adults. This indicates that these neuromuscular components are independent of each other and should therefore be tested and trained complementarily across the lifespan. Significantly larger but still small-sized associations were found between measures of dynamic steady-state balance and maximal strength in children compared with young and old adults as well as in old compared with young adults. These findings imply that age/maturation may have an impact on the association of selected components of balance and lower-extremity muscle strength.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aging; Child; Exercise; Female; Humans; Lower Extremity; Male; Middle Aged; Muscle Strength; Physical Fitness; Postural Balance; Young Adult
PubMed: 26412212
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-015-0390-z