J. Ageing Longev., Volume 5, Issue 2 (June 2025) – 6 articles

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