J. Ageing Longev., Volume 5, Issue 2 (June 2025) – 9 articles

Gait speed and grip strength are widely used measures of physical function in older adults and are predictive of disability, hospitalization, and mortality. However, there is a limited understanding of the long-term trajectories of these measures and which older adults are at the highest risk of functional decline. We used data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) to identify subgroups of community-dwelling older adults with distinct 10-year trajectories in gait speed and grip strength and to examine the baseline factors associated with these patterns. The sample included 4961 adults aged 65 years and older who completed gait speed and grip strength assessments in 2011 and at least one subsequent wave between 2013 and 2021. Using latent class growth analysis, we identified three trajectories for each measure: worsening, stable, and improving. More than one-third of participants were in the worsening group for at least one measure. In multinomial logistic regression models, lower income, Medicaid coverage, cognitive impairment, and multiple chronic conditions were associated with membership in worsening trajectory groups. These findings highlight the heterogeneity of physical aging and the importance of the early identification of older adults who may benefit from targeted interventions to maintain function and independence over time. Full article

Background: The 2010 Conical Model of Theoretical Framework for Mobility in Older Adults examines how various factors impact elderly mobility. A decade later, describing the model’s application in research, clinical practice, and policy is crucial. Objective: This scoping review aims to identify studies utilizing the Conical Model in older adult research, clinical practice, and policy while pinpointing implementation gaps. Methods: Seven databases (MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, GooogleScholar) from 2010 to April 2025 with a well-defined search strategy. Pairs of reviewers independently conducted title/abstract and full-text screening, extracted data, and assessed study quality using modified Downs and Black Checklist (quantitative), Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (qualitative), and Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (mixed methods). Results: Twenty-four studies (20 cross-sectional quantitative studies, 2 mixed methods, one concept and one e-Delphi study) were included, with one advancing the Conical Model, eleven testing it, and twelve incorporating it into study development. Findings showed a consistent association between physical and social factors with mobility, although the assessment of mobility factors varied among studies. The quality of articles ranged from good (23%) to excellent (77%). Conclusion: No evidence was found on the Conical Model’s application in clinical practice or policy, despite its theoretical relevance; therefore, there is a need for further validation of the model in real-world applications. Full article

This study examines the relationship between living arrangements and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults in Japan, with a particular focus on gender differences. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Ayase City, Kanagawa Prefecture, using mailed questionnaires, and the analysis was conducted on data from 1409 participants aged 65 and older. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the associations between living arrangements, social networks, social participation, and depressive symptoms, adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related factors. The findings indicate that older adults living alone and those co-residing with their children are particularly vulnerable. Those living alone were more likely to be women aged 75 and older, with economic difficulties, and exhibited higher rates of depressive symptoms and care needs. Similarly, older adults living with their children had a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms and care requirements despite experiencing fewer economic hardships. This group was also characterized by lower educational attainment. Additionally, gender-specific factors were identified in the relationship between social relationships, including living arrangements, and depressive symptoms. These results underscore the necessity of interventions that consider both living arrangements and gender-specific social factors to mitigate mental health risks among older adults. Full article

The institutionalisation of older adults is often associated with negative perceptions from the past, influenced by asylums and hospices that were seen as marginalising older people. These views have contributed to a dominant social representation of residential care as undesirable, being associated with the ideas of social death, isolation and confinement. However, changes in family structures and longer life expectancies have increased the need for residential care. It is thus essential to rethink these institutions as integral parts of the community rather than isolating and marginalising them. Bridging the generation gap and integrating care institutions can help to combat negative perceptions, such as ageism, and promote a more inclusive view of elderly care. One way of involving older adults and recognising their rights and contributions is through community initiatives such as choirs. Community choirs can enhance social cohesion and music learning, offering older adults personal fulfilment, community involvement and resilience. These initiatives underscore respect for autonomy and emphasise their continuing value to society. This study explores the potential impact of community music on relieving feelings of loneliness among older adults in formal care settings. The project engaged 216 participants in singing classes held twice a week over six months. Utilising ethnographic observations and collective interviews with the participants, institutional staff, and family members, in this paper, the changes in participants’ self-perception of loneliness and perspectives from family members and staff are analysed. The findings indicate positive effects on the participants, especially in the psychological, educational and social dimensions, including increased autonomy, active participation, learning and social integration. The project engendered trust, empathy, mutual support and a sense of belonging and community, suggesting that community music contributes to mitigating loneliness and enhancing overall well-being. Full article

Background: Cognitive decline does not always occur; therefore, it is important to recognise the predictors in people over 60. The COVID-19 pandemic led to isolation to limit the spread of the virus, with older people being the most affected. Objectives: To analyse the cognitive variables of older adults in confinement during COVID-19 using tele-neuropsychology for cognitive assessment, comparing online with in-person screening. Methods: In total, 148 subjects took part in the study. Participants were assigned to the in-person or online intervention based on their preferences. A person close to the patient also participated in the study as an informant. Results: The results support the suitability of the protocol used in both modalities (face-to-face/online). Conclusions: Both assessments (face-to-face and online) are equally effective. The findings are consistent with the importance of cognitive measures and the key informant corroboration in identifying indicators of cognitive decline and implementing early intervention strategies. Full article

Shared decision making is a key part of patient-centered care and is associated with improved quality of care. The objective was to analyze associations between sociodemographic factors, health conditions, and how frequently providers ask Medicare beneficiaries about ideas to improve their own health. The 2020 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey, a nationally representative dataset of beneficiaries aged ≥65 years, was analyzed (n = 7416). A survey-weighted multinomial logistic model was performed to analyze associations between independent variables and a three-level categorical dependent variable. Approximately 28.6%, 22.9%, and 48.5% of beneficiaries reported never (reference group), sometimes, and usually/always being asked about their own ideas for improving health, respectively. Beneficiaries aged 65–74 were more likely to usually/always or sometimes be asked for ideas about health improvement than those aged ≥75. Beneficiaries with lower than a high school education were less likely to be asked about ideas to improve their health than those with more than a high school education. Beneficiaries living alone were less likely to be asked about their health improvement ideas than those living with others. Disparities involving how often providers asked questions for shared decision making among beneficiaries were observed. Increasing provider awareness and implementation of standardized shared decision-making models may begin to mitigate these disparities. Full article

This study aimed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the decision-making process among older adults regarding leaving their homes and relocating to senior living communities (SLCs) in the United States. Specifically, it explored various aspects of the relocation experience, including the reasons behind their decision to relocate, the factors influencing their choice of destination, and the challenges encountered during the decision-making process. The study’s data were collected from 44 older adults residing in SLCs through five in-depth, semi-structured focus group discussions. The study results revealed that older adults’ decisions to relocate to an SLC were influenced by health-related factors, housing- and property-related factors, family dynamics, and socio-psychological factors. Older adults evaluated environmental and locational factors, facility attractions and amenities, and opportunities for socialization when selecting an SLC for relocation. Additionally, the study identified several barriers faced by older adults, including family-related barriers, economic constraints, socio-psychological barriers, and barriers related to knowledge and information about SLCs. Full article

Polyphenol-Rich Sugarcane Extract (PRSE), derived from Saccharum officinarum, demonstrates significant neuroprotective effects against amyloid-beta (Aβ_1–42)-induced deficits associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study utilized transgenic C. elegans expressing Aβ_1–42 to investigate PRSE’s impact on lifespan, sensory behavior, learning, memory, and amyloid fibril accumulation. Supplementation with 5 mg/mL of PRSE extended the mean lifespan of Aβ_1–42 worms by 11% (17.78 ± 0.36 days) and reduced amyloid fibril levels by 34% in aged worms compared to untreated worms. PRSE also improved sensory behavior, with a 27% increase in naïve chemotaxis at day 8. Memory deficits were mitigated, with PRSE-treated worms showing 21% and 30% reductions in short-term associative memory loss after 1 h intervals on days 8 and 12, respectively. These improvements can be associated with the polyphenolic compounds in PRSE, which aid in reducing amyloid aggregation. The findings highlight PRSE’s potential as a dietary supplement to address AD-related symptoms and pathologies. Further studies are needed to understand its mechanisms and confirm its effectiveness in mammals, supporting its potential use as a natural preventative supplement for Alzheimer’s and related neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

Antithrombotic medication is recommended for individuals who have a history of atrial fibrillation, venous thromboembolism, acute coronary events, or post-percutaneous coronary intervention. The purpose of this study was to describe the use of antithrombotics among older adults living with dementia at hospital admission and 1-month follow-up, treatments prescribed, and associated complications. The sample included 404 hospitalized older adults living with dementia, the majority of whom were White females, mean age in years of 82 (SD = 8). On admission, 69% of the patients were on at least one antithrombotic medication, and at 1-month post-discharge, this decreased to 64%. At 1-month post-discharge, the percentage of individuals on two or more antithrombotics decreased from admission at 34% to 14%. On admission, 11 (4%) of patients were admitted with adverse events from antithrombotics, and at 1-month post-discharge 5 (2%), patients were readmitted due to adverse events from antithrombotics. Given the risks and benefits of antithrombotic use among older adults living with dementia, a shared decision-making approach with patients and caregivers is recommended. This approach is the best way to help patients achieve their individual goals of care. Full article