Journal of Ageing and Longevity

Objective: Historically, television has been regarded as the mass medium that is most closely associated with audiences’ needs and expectations. In the context of rapid population ageing, older adults now inhabit a progressively important place in society, and they remain the most frequent consumers of broadcast television. This study investigates the formative role of television among Portuguese older adults—combining informal learning, cognitive engagement, and social connection. It explores how TV contributes to well-being and participation in later life. Methods: An anonymous survey was conducted with 203 participants aged 65 to 94. Results: Television continues to play a fundamental role in older adults’ everyday lives, mitigating loneliness and promoting happiness, information, and life satisfaction. We also saw that higher TV consumption is related with superior income and residence in urban areas. Conclusions: The findings highlight television’s enduring formative and compensatory functions and contribute to ongoing debates on active ageing, media literacy, and digital inclusion among older adults. Full article

The increasing complexity of care home residents’ needs, driven by demographic shifts, multimorbidity and late-stage admissions, poses significant challenges for food service provision in Swiss care homes. Current systems struggle to meet individual nutritional and psychosocial needs due to staff shortages, financial constraints and rigid infrastructures. This perspective article explores the necessity for a more individualised and systematic approach to food services in long-term care settings, with a particular focus on developing resident personas as a guiding tool. Such personas, based on typical end-of-life disease trajectories, can support tailored food service planning and staffing. The authors highlight the inadequacy of current food service models, which often fail to accommodate residents’ diverse health conditions and personal preferences. They emphasise the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of resident-centred strategies. Achieving this calls for a shift from fragmented, chef-driven decisions to a holistic, evidence-based system. By aligning food services with specific resident profiles, care homes can optimise resources, improve quality of life and enhance overall care. Future research should focus on applied, interdisciplinary solutions that address the interdependencies between nutrition, health and operational feasibility in care homes. Full article

Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to analyze the effects of strength training on the quality of life (QoL) of older adults diagnosed with sarcopenia, contributing to a better understanding of the impact of this intervention on the physical and psychological well-being of this population. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The search was conducted on the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases, including studies published until 2025. Randomized controlled trials that applied strength training interventions in individuals aged 60 years or older with sarcopenia were included, evaluating QoL as the primary outcome. Data screening, extraction, and analysis were performed by two independent investigators. Results: Three studies from the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and China were included, with interventions ranging from 6 to 16 weeks. The results showed that strength training can improve the quality of life of older adults with sarcopenia (instruments: SarQoL, SF-36, WHOQOL-BREF), being more effective in high-intensity and supervised interventions. One of the studies revealed significant improvements (p < 0.001), while the others showed non-significant increases. Conclusions: Strength training proved to be a promising intervention for promoting improvements in the quality of life of older adults with sarcopenia, especially when performed at adequate intensity and with regular monitoring. However, further studies with larger samples, long-term follow-up, and standardization of QoL assessment tools are needed. Full article

Since the World Health Organization (WHO) launched its global network for age-friendly cities (AFC) movement in 2010, the number of participating cities and towns, as well as the body of literature focusing on this initiative has grown steadily. Nevertheless, few studies have directly examined how older adult volunteers are involved in AFC planning and initiatives for their municipalities. This study explores the experience of citizen volunteers, mostly older adults, engaging in local municipal-level age-friendly (AF) advisory committees as a part of the Age-Friendly Niagara (AFN) movement in Ontario, Canada. Since its conception as a grassroots movement in 2013, the AFN Network (AFNN) has expanded across the entire region, as each municipal government has appointed its local AF advisory committee or an equivalent, which consists of citizen volunteers, at least one councilor and one municipal staff member. Employing a qualitative multisite case study approach, we conducted focus groups with eight municipal AF advisory committees (or their equivalent) (n = 48, average age 69) to explore their roles, achievements and challenges. Our findings highlight the crucial role older adult volunteers play in their local AFC initiatives as they strive to co-produce and co-create sustainable age-friendly communities in collaboration with their municipal government. Full article

Background/Objectives: Older adults should be capable of reasoned judgments regarding their health, lifestyle, and disease management. Therefore, interventions to improve Health Literacy (HL) are essential for empowering older adults to make choices that improve their quality of life. Correct medication use is vital to maintaining and enhancing health outcomes in older adults. This study aimed to identify the most effective HL interventions with impact on medication use among older adults. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE to identify interventional studies evaluating HL interventions that have an impact on medication use in older adults. Results: Three studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. The evidence indicates that HL interventions have positive effects and can be effectively implemented by several healthcare professionals through tailored communication strategies. However, the review underscores a substantial lack of high-quality research on HL strategies aimed at improving medication use in older adults, particularly given the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and polypharmacy in this population. Conclusions: This systematic review identifies substantial research gaps regarding HL interventions and their impact on medication use among older adults. While the included studies demonstrate encouraging outcomes, further rigorous research is necessary to develop specific HL interventions addressing medication-related challenges in older adults. Full article

Cultural adaptation is essential for ensuring that interventions are relevant and effective across diverse sociocultural contexts. However, little is known about how these adaptations are conducted and whether they follow structured, evidence-based frameworks. This review critically evaluated how dementia-related interventions have been culturally adapted and assessed the extent to which these adaptations align with the three-step process outlined in the Integrated Strategy for Cultural adaptation of Evidence-Based Interventions. A total of 19 cultural adaptations reported in 23 publications were identified from PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus. Of the included interventions, six targeted behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, one addressed both people with dementia and their caregivers, and the remainder focused on informal caregivers. All adaptations were guided by structural frameworks and aligned mostly with the integrated strategy for cultural adaptation. Common adaptation processes included stakeholder engagement through focus group, pilot testing, and review and refinement. However, communities were not engaged in intervention selection, a critical gap in ensuring cultural relevance. Although many studies preserved core components, post-adaptation fidelity checks were not conducted in some of the studies. Future adaptations should prioritize stakeholder engagement in intervention selection and incorporate fidelity assessments to maintain both cultural fit and intervention integrity. Full article

The specific postural control systems associated with falls and frailty in older adults remain poorly understood. This study aimed to examine whether postural control systems are associated with, and can predict, the presence of falls over a 1-year period and frailty after 1 year. We conducted a prospective cohort study involving 127 community-dwelling older adults. Balance was assessed using the Brief-Balance Evaluation Systems Test, and frailty was determined according to the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria. Data were collected at baseline and 1-year follow-up. The results suggested that lower baseline scores in anticipatory postural adjustments (APA) and gait stability were related to falls, and that a decrease of ≥2 points in gait stability assessed by the Timed Up and Go test may indicate the presence of falls. At baseline, several postural control systems—biomechanical constraints, stability limits/verticality, APA, postural responses, and gait stability—were significantly associated with frailty status after 1 year. Furthermore, 1-year declines in sensory orientation and gait stability were also significantly associated with frailty status and showed potential predictive ability for it. These preliminary findings suggest that specific systems of postural control may be differentially related to falls and frailty, supporting outcome-specific approaches to intervention. Full article

The global rise in the elderly population inherently escalates the demand for health and social care. Ensuring cognitive performance for healthy brain aging presents significant challenges for researchers and health professionals promoting self-care behaviors. This article aims to provide a comprehensive and critical analysis of the latest research on healthy brain aging by employing a biopsychosocial framework. It integrates biological, psychological, and social dimensions to elucidate their collective influence on cognitive health in older adults. Methodologically, this article provides a narrative review of the existing literature. A diverse array of bibliographic resources was obtained from prominent electronic databases, including MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, to ensure broad coverage of the topic. The search was designed to capture relevant studies published between 2010 and 2025, using key terms such as ‘aging’, ‘biomarker’, ‘neurodegeneration’, and ‘cognitive performance’. Following a rigorous selection process, two field specialists evaluated a total of 106 full-text articles to identify those that met the eligibility criteria, ultimately yielding 70 relevant studies. The findings reveal important connections between psychosocial and biological biomarkers and brain morphology, highlighting lifestyle factors—such as diet, exercise, and social engagement—as crucial for cognitive health. The article also underscores specific biomarkers relevant for assessing brain age and their relationship to neurodegenerative disorders. Notably, while biological markers like Aβ, tau, and α-synuclein (proteins that define the core molecular pathology of common neurodegenerative diseases) are present, they do not guarantee the onset of neurodegenerative diseases; psychosocial factors play an essential role in determining disease manifestation. In conclusion, these results support a holistic approach to healthy aging, which integrates psychosocial environments and lifestyle choices that enhance cognitive resilience. We propose further cross-sectional descriptive studies to better identify the biopsychosocial variables influencing cognitive performance and healthy brain aging, aiming to improve clinical practices and inform public health strategies. Full article

Background/Objective: This study examined whether a brief measure combining subjective cognitive concerns and financial interference, termed Subjective Cognitive Decline-Financial (SCD-F), is associated with excess spending behavior in older adults. Methods: Community-dwelling older adults, some with early memory loss and some with no cognitive complaints (N = 150, M age = 72.6), provided 12 months of checking account statements and participated in interviews to clarify aspects of their personal financial behaviors. SCD-F was defined by asking if memory decline was interfering with financial decision-making or transactions. A 3-point SCD-F measure was created. Excess spending was determined by checking whether account expenditures exceeded all sources of income. Nonparametric tests (Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U) and multiple regression models assessed group differences and predictors. Results: Group differences in excess spending were pronounced (H(2) = 15.75, p < 0.001). Those in the high SCD-F group had a significantly greater likelihood of excess spending (Z = −4.11; r = 0.43) and higher excess spending percentages (Z = −4.11; r = 0.43) compared to those with no memory loss. Regression analyses indicated that SCD-F was the strongest predictor of excessive spending (β = 0.40, t = 5.43, p < 0.001), even after controlling for age, gender, race, and education (R² = 0.235, F(5,144) = 8.86, p < 0.001). Conclusions: A brief self-report measure, SCD-F, effectively identifies older adults at risk of financial mismanagement, even absent formal cognitive impairment. Monitoring subjective cognitive concerns together with financial interference could enable early intervention. This brief measure may be useful in clinical settings as a screening tool, and in large national surveys. Full article

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a precursor to dementia, with a prevalence of over 15% among community dwellers, with significant economic and social implications. Despite preserved autonomy in daily living, individuals with MCI face challenges in handling everyday technology and memory-related tasks, necessitating digital interventions, such as digital planning-based technologies to support cognitive functioning. Objective: The aim of this study is to identify and summarize available research literature on available digital planning-based technologies to support memory-related functioning in older adults with MCI. Specifically, this study seeks to (1) document the types and functions of these technologies, (2) report their effectiveness, and (3) identify gaps in the current evidence. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of four databases (Medline, Embase, APA PsycINFO, and CINAHL) was conducted in accordance with Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review methodological framework from inception to February 6, 2024, without restrictions. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed studies involving adults aged 50 or older with diagnosed cognitive impairment, specifically using digital planning-based technologies for memory support. Results: From 1854 sources, 8 studies were included. Five categories of digital planning-based technologies were identified: (1) reminders and alarms, (2) electronic calendars, (3) digital memory notebooks, (4) digital visual mapping, and (5) smart-home integration. Several studies reported improved task performance, memory recall, and executive function, with digital memory notebooks and visual mapping software showing greatest impact on functional independence. While interventions were generally well-received, usability challenges and low adherence were common, often linked to technological familiarity and motivation. Conclusions: Digital planning-based technologies show promise in supporting memory-related functioning in older adults with MCI. While studies report positive outcomes, more research is needed to refine these tools, evaluate long-term effects, and ensure integration into daily life. Expanding the evidence base will be key to improving accessibility and effectiveness for this population. Full article

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs), including ageism, of rehabilitation service providers regarding older adults with substance use disorders to examine the association between KAPs and ageism on the knowledge of rehabilitation providers and confidence in treating this population. Methods: An online survey was developed to assess providers’ familiarity with geriatric substance use disorders, attitudes towards aging, and perceived barriers to treatment. The survey included the Expectations Regarding Aging (ERA-12) tool to measure ageist attitudes. Data was collected from 25 rehabilitation healthcare providers across rehabilitation centers in North Carolina. Descriptive statistics and ERA-12 scoring were used to analyze the results. Results: Most (52.0%) respondents reported slight or moderate familiarity with specific risk factors for substance use disorders associated with older adults, and participants most commonly expressed ambivalence (48.0% indicated they were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied) with their training on this demographic. Barriers included a lack of specialized training, limited availability of age-appropriate treatment programs, and resistance to change. Negative attitudes towards aging and substance use disorders were prevalent among respondents. Providers indicated a need for enhanced education, clinical guidelines, and access to geriatric-trained professionals. Discussion: The findings highlight a critical need for specialized training for rehabilitation providers to improve care for older adults with substance use disorders. Addressing ageism, increasing awareness, and enhancing provider education are essential to improving treatment outcomes. Implementing targeted training programs and specialized resources could significantly enhance the quality of care for this underserved population. Full article

Suicide is a leading cause of mortality and a recognized public health priority. In the last two decades, older adults (age 65 and older) saw the largest percentage increase in suicide rates. Despite these rising trends, geriatric suicide remains an understudied public health crisis. In this review, we summarize risk factors specific to geriatric suicide using a socioecological framework and the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide of burdensomeness and belongingness. Specifically, we categorize these risk factors into individual, interpersonal, organizational, and policy levels. For each type of risk factor, we review prevention and intervention programs that can help mitigate the risk of suicide among older adults. Some strategies we discuss include early detection, comprehensive healthcare approaches, community-based support systems, and legislative and policy solutions. The paper underscores the need for increased awareness and more targeted research to address the unique challenges faced by the aging population to provide more informed support and prevent suicide mortality. Full article

This study investigates the decision-making process behind moving into a senior living community. Prospective residents were asked to identify the most important qualities of a happy, healthy, and engaged life, so called successful aging. Our effort resulted in a scale with 27 items reflecting seniors’ needs for successful aging. Building upon the Andersen’s model to predict the medical service utilization, this study developed the Needs of Successful Aging-Enabling-Psychosocial (N-SEP) model. The results showed the needs for successful aging have a positive effect on prospective residents’ attitudes and subjective norms, which in turn affect seniors’ decision to move. In addition, enabling factors were found to increase the perceived control, leading to a decision to move. This study benefits both senior living practitioners and academics who are interested in studying this fast-growing field in the future. Full article

Many developed countries are experiencing a marked rise in the ageing population, with a growing proportion of adults entering older age groups. Whilst the literature has focused on the design, management, and quality of services within senior living facilities, less attention has been paid to services for ageing in one’s home and community. This article seeks to add understanding of the needs of older customers and how services and service processes can be designed to support their independent living and ageing in place. These services can enable older customers who feel challenged by daily tasks to continue to live in the community as opposed to in senior facilities. However, the literature on the designing of services has failed to keep pace with the growing trend of older customers and there is currently a deficiency of literature focusing on services designed for ageing in place. Therefore, this article addresses this lacuna through a thematic review of the literature in the field of service design, gerontology, and hospitality. The article reconceptualises hospitality in both hospitality and non-hospitality services and offers a theoretical and practical perspective into service design through the hospitality and human-design lens to enable older customers to age in place. Full article

This study explores how older Chinese migrants in London engage with climate change discourse using participatory co-design workshops. Although already practising sustainability behaviours such as recycling, this group faces significant barriers—particularly language difficulties and cultural differences—that limit their active participation in broader climate initiatives. The research addresses three key aspects: (1) identifying opportunities for sustainable practices within migrants’ daily routines; (2) understanding their influential roles within families and communities; and (3) examining their trusted sources and preferred channels for climate communication. Results highlight that family and community networks, combined with digital platforms (e.g., WeChat) and visually engaging materials, play essential roles in disseminating climate information. Participants expressed strong motivations rooted in intergenerational responsibility and economic benefits. The findings emphasise the necessity of inclusive and peer-led communication strategies that are attuned to older migrants’ linguistic preferences, media habits, and cultural values—underscoring their significant but often overlooked potential to meaningfully contribute to climate action. Full article

Ageism, a pervasive form of discrimination based on age, has become a growing concern across various fields. Artificial Intelligence (AI), despite its transformative potential, may have unintentionally reinforced ageist stereotypes through flawed design, biased datasets, and implementation practices. This review delves into the complex interplay between ageism and AI, offering a thorough analysis of existing research on the subject and its consequences for older adults. It highlights significant gaps, including the underrepresentation of older individuals in datasets and the absence of age-inclusive design standards, which may perpetuate algorithmic biases. Ethical principles, policy development, and societal implications of ageist AI systems are critically assessed. Furthermore, the article proposes constructive strategies and outlines future research directions to promote equitable and inclusive AI systems. By addressing these challenges, this review aims to contribute to a fair and dignified technological landscape for all age groups. Full article

Background: Although nature exposure is recognized for its beneficial effects on psychological, cognitive, and physiological health, its impact on physical function has been underexplored. The main aim of this paper is to cover this gap. Methods: A systematic search of Cochrane, CINAHL Plus, and PubMed databases (2012–2023) was conducted using terms related to nature and physical function. Results: Eight intervention studies (total n = 209, age 25–91) met the inclusion criteria. NBIs, such as horticultural therapy and forest therapy, demonstrated generally positive effects across physical, psychosocial, and physiological outcomes, though effect size and quality varied. Study quality ranged from low to high. Conclusions: NBIs appear to promote multi-dimensional functioning in people living with physical chronic disease and offer promising complementary strategies to traditional rehabilitation. Full article

(1) Background: Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) are a major cause of mortality among older adults globally. The cognitive decline associated with ADRD often reduces individuals’ ability to live independently over time, increasing reliance on caregivers. Assistive and socially assistive robots offer a promising means of supporting independent living. This narrative review examined how older adults with ADRD, their caregivers, and healthcare providers perceive and experience interactions with robots. (2) Methods: Guided by the Population, Phenomenon of Interest, and Context (PICo) framework, five databases were searched. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Extracted data were summarized, and a convergent synthesis integrated qualitative and quantitative findings. (3) Results: Drawing on content analysis, the qualitative findings were organized into three domains: user perceptions and experiences, barriers to adoption, and suggestions for improvement. Quantitative results emphasized usability, usefulness, acceptance, satisfaction, feature preferences, and barriers. While most stakeholders viewed robots as beneficial, acceptance was shaped by factors such as design features, timing of introduction, familiarity with technology, and perceived need. (4) Conclusions: This review highlights priorities for future research and development, including personalization, ethical safeguards, and caregiver integration, to improve the acceptance and effectiveness of robot-assisted support for individuals with cognitive impairment. Full article

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder reliant on medication regime adherence to alleviate symptomology. When hospitalised, people with Parkinson’s disease have specific medication management needs which are consistently unmet. This study aims to develop, implement and evaluate solutions for improving the medication management of inpatients with Parkinson’s disease. A healthcare redesign approach was utilised, focusing on the final three phases: solutions design, implementation and evaluation. Five solutions were derived: formalise routine patient identification, provide improved staff education, develop and install automated prescriber alerts, review and amend ward PD medication stock, and develop systematic prompts for PD medications. The findings suggest that our solutions sustainably improved systems and processes that contribute to quality and safe medication management for Parkinson’s patients. Correct identification of Parkinson’s patients within an acute care hospital leads to correct prescription of medications, timeliness of medication administration and timely pharmacy review. The length of stay was not positively impacted. Full article