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Health and Well-Being among Older Adults: Current Trends and Future...
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Health and Well-Being among Older Adults: Current Trends and Future Challenges

A special issue of European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education (ISSN 2254-9625).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 6901

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Paulo Santos-Costa

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Guest Editor
Nursing Research, Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), Nursing in Lisbon (ESEL), 1600-190 Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: gerontogeriatrics; technological development; aging
Dr. Manuela Vilar

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Guest Editor
Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: psychometrics; quality of life; aging
Dr. Liliana B. Sousa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), 3000-232 Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: psychometrics; functional capacity; aging

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As the global population continues to age, the complexities surrounding the health and well-being of older adults become increasingly significant. This Special Issue of the European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education explores the physical, mental, cultural, and social dimensions of health among older adults, aiming to contribute valuable insights to the ongoing discourse in gerontogeriatrics and related fields.

Authors are invited to submit original research articles, reviews, and opinion pieces that align with the themes of this Special Issue. We particularly welcome studies that explore the topic in light of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. More specifically, authors should consider submitting articles on the following topics:

  • Physical Resilience and Aging: exploring the physiological changes associated with aging and their impact on overall health and longevity.
  • Mental Health in Later Life: focusing on cognitive health, psychological resilience, and interventions that support positive mental health outcomes in aging populations.
  • Social and Cultural Connectedness: exploring the role of social relationships, community engagement, and support networks in promoting the overall well-being of older adults.
  • Healthcare Innovations for Aging Populations: studying the advancements in healthcare technologies, interventions, and policies that address the unique health needs of older adults.
  • Cultural and Ethical Perspectives on Aging: focusing on the various viewpoints regarding cultural, societal, and ethical considerations associated with aging.

Best regards,

Dr. Paulo Santos-Costa
Dr. Manuela Vilar
Dr. Liliana B. Sousa
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • older adults
  • aging
  • mental health
  • social connectedness
  • healthcare innovation

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 1388 KiB  
Article
Olfactory Identification as a Biomarker for Cognitive Impairment: Insights from Healthy Aging, Subjective Cognitive Decline, and Mild Cognitive Impairment
by Jaime Bouhaben, Alice Helena Delgado-Lima and María Luisa Delgado-Losada
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(12), 2978-3000; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14120196 - 29 Nov 2024
Viewed by 408
Abstract
Introduction: This study aims to investigate the relationship between olfactory identification (OI) and cognitive impairment by examining OI abilities across various stages of cognitive deterioration. Methods: A total of 264 participants were divided into three groups based on cognitive status: cognitively [...] Read more.
Introduction: This study aims to investigate the relationship between olfactory identification (OI) and cognitive impairment by examining OI abilities across various stages of cognitive deterioration. Methods: A total of 264 participants were divided into three groups based on cognitive status: cognitively healthy, subjective cognitive, and mild cognitive impairment. All participants were assessed using the Sniffin’ Sticks Olfactory Identification test and a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. Results: Our results highlight the main effects of age and cognitive status on OI scores. Regarding cognitive abilities, OI is associated with measures of short-term memory, long-term, working memory, and selective attention. Finally, logistic regression models showed that OI is a significant predictor for discriminating SCD from CH, MCI from CH, and MCI from SCD. Discussion: These findings suggest the addition of olfactory identification measures in neuropsychological assessments could improve the early detection of individuals at risk for cognitive impairment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health and Well-Being among Older Adults: Current Trends and Future Challenges)
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16 pages, 569 KiB  
Article
Sexual Well-Being and Aging Patterns: Findings of a Cluster Analysis among Older Adults in Portugal and Spain
by Sofia von Humboldt, Emilia Cabras, Gail Low and Isabel Leal
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(7), 2013-2028; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14070134 - 11 Jul 2024
Viewed by 885
Abstract
Objectives: From a cross-cultural perspective, aging well may encompass pertinent challenges in terms of adjustment, sexual well-being, and satisfaction with life in the late years. Considering the paucity of empirical data concerning cultural diversity of experiencing aging, this study aims to help fill [...] Read more.
Objectives: From a cross-cultural perspective, aging well may encompass pertinent challenges in terms of adjustment, sexual well-being, and satisfaction with life in the late years. Considering the paucity of empirical data concerning cultural diversity of experiencing aging, this study aims to help fill this gap by assessing the specific patterns of sexual satisfaction, adjustment to aging (AtA), and life satisfaction with life (SwL) of older adults in Portugal and Spain. Methods: This cross-national study included 326 older adults, age 65 and older, from Portugal and Spain. Five instruments were applied: (a) Adjustment to Aging Scale (ATAS); (b) Satisfaction with Life Scale (SwLS); (c) New Sexual Satisfaction Scale-Short (NSSS-S); (d) Mini-Mental State Exam; and (e) Sociodemographic, Health and Lifestyle questionnaire. K-means cluster analysis was employed to identify and characterize the clusters considering adjustments to aging, sexual satisfaction, and life satisfaction. One-way ANOVAs were conducted to analyze differences in sexual well-being among clusters. Results: Findings indicated three clusters, which explained 77.7% (R-sq = 0.777) of the total variance: Cluster 1: “Most skilled” (n = 26, 8.0%), Cluster 2: “Least adjusted” (n = 115, 35.3%), and Cluster 3: “Aging strivers” (n = 185, 56.7%). Participants in Cluster 1 were mostly Portuguese, with high levels of AtA, sexual satisfaction, and SWL. Conversely, Cluster 2 included mostly Portuguese participants with moderate sexual satisfaction and lower levels of AtA and SwL. Participants from Cluster 3 were mostly Spanish, with moderate levels of AtA and reduced sexual satisfaction and SwL. Conclusions: This study innovates by exploring the elaborate interplay among sexual satisfaction, AtA, and SwL in a cross-cultural perspective, with implications for tailoring interventions, service planning, development, and evaluation of culturally diverse older populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health and Well-Being among Older Adults: Current Trends and Future Challenges)
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19 pages, 1348 KiB  
Article
Technological Perception with Rural and Urban Differentiation and Its Influence on the Quality of Life of Older People with Age-Related Macular Degeneration
by Angel Parra-Sanchez, Vanessa Zorrilla-Muñoz, Gema Martinez-Navarrete and Eduardo Fernandez
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(5), 1470-1488; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14050097 - 20 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1330
Abstract
The past decade has seen a global increase in population age, especially in developed countries, where aging involves visual diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which severely affect quality of life (QoL) and mental health, as well as increase isolation and care [...] Read more.
The past decade has seen a global increase in population age, especially in developed countries, where aging involves visual diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which severely affect quality of life (QoL) and mental health, as well as increase isolation and care costs. This study investigated how persons with AMD perceive the impact of technology use on their QoL, focusing on potential disparities between urban and rural contexts in Spain. Using a cross-sectional observational design, data from the 2020 National Statistics Institute’s Disability, Personal Autonomy, and Dependency Situations Survey were analyzed, focusing on QoL aspects based on the WHO items of the WHOQOL-100 scale. The results revealed a generally positive perception of technology among participants, with urban residents perceiving technology’s positive impact more favorably. Sex discrepancies in technology perception were also observed, as women exhibited a more positive outlook on technology’s influence on QoL. The analysis of QoL aspects, such as ‘Visibility’, ‘Learning’, ‘Mobility’, and ‘Domestic life’, highlighted distinct challenges faced by rural and urban populations, underscoring the importance of context-specific approaches in technology interventions. However, these perceptions were intertwined with comorbidities, which can exacerbate AMD-related issues. Furthermore, this study explored the role of technology in enhancing QoL among older adults with AMD, examining how it influences daily activities and independence, particularly in the context of AMD management. This study concluded that developing more-inclusive policies tailored to the specific needs of persons with AMD, with special attention to environmental and sex differences, is imperative to enhance the positive impact of technology on their QoL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health and Well-Being among Older Adults: Current Trends and Future Challenges)
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16 pages, 439 KiB  
Article
Associations of eHealth Literacy with Social Activity among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Mamiko Eto and Koji Yamatsu
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(5), 1279-1294; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14050084 - 6 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1376
Abstract
Older adults who use digital technology are desired to adapt to digitalization and literacy. One required aspect is eHealth literacy, measured with the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS). Many studies on eHealth literacy have used the eHEALS to examine the health behaviors of college [...] Read more.
Older adults who use digital technology are desired to adapt to digitalization and literacy. One required aspect is eHealth literacy, measured with the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS). Many studies on eHealth literacy have used the eHEALS to examine the health behaviors of college students, relatively younger adults, and Internet users. However, the relevance of eHealth literacy to social activity has not yet been studied in older adults. The purposes of this study were to examine the relationship between eHealth literacy and health behaviors and social activities (community, cultural, and sports activities) and to investigate the factors associated with eHEALS scores among community-dwelling older adults. The mean eHEALS score was 12.4 points (SD 8.2), with the majority (73.3%) having the lowest score (the lowest score is 8 points). Males (17.6, SD 10.5) scored significantly higher than females (11.8, SD 7.7). The eHEALS score had a significant relationship with both cultural and community activity. Five factors significantly associated with having the lowest eHEALS score were cultural activity at least once a week, no cultural activity, no community activity, total IADL score, and intellectual activity. These results suggest that eHealth literacy is associated with community activity and cultural activity among older adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health and Well-Being among Older Adults: Current Trends and Future Challenges)
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13 pages, 295 KiB  
Article
Association between Levels of Loneliness, Laboratory Measurements, and Behavioral Aspects in a Primary Care Setting in Crete, Greece
by Panagiotis Volkos, Manolis Linardakis, Panagiotis Stachteas, Foteini Anastasiou, Athina Tatsioni, Marilena Kampa and Emmanouil K. Symvoulakis
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(4), 1055-1067; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14040069 - 18 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1650
Abstract
This paper examines potential associations of loneliness with laboratory data and specific psychosocial and behavioral attitudes. The sample collection took place in an urban Primary Health Care unit between May and July 2023, consecutively, and once exclusion criteria were implemented. Participants were aged [...] Read more.
This paper examines potential associations of loneliness with laboratory data and specific psychosocial and behavioral attitudes. The sample collection took place in an urban Primary Health Care unit between May and July 2023, consecutively, and once exclusion criteria were implemented. Participants were aged between 40 and 75 years. Routine laboratory test results upon study initiation and six months before were used. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Loneliness Scale (Version 3), blood glucose, serum lipids, Fibrosis-4 index, and Creatinine Clearance (CrCl) were assessed through hierarchical multiple logistic regression analysis. Based on full model (3rd) analysis, those who were engaged in an individual sport or activity or had contacts with more friends presented significantly lower odds for increased loneliness levels (odds ratio (OR): 0.28 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09–0.91], p = 0.034 and OR: 0.76 [95%CI 0.66–0.88], p < 0.001, respectively). The consumption of alcohol was associated with increased loneliness (OR: 5.55 [95%CI 1.42–21.63], p = 0.014). Elevated triglyceride levels were linked with moderate or no loneliness (OR: 0.20 [95%CI 0.05–0.83], p = 0.026), while an increased LDL/HDL atherosclerotic index was related to increased subjective loneliness (OR: 4.50 [95%CI 1.12–18.13], p = 0.035). The need for holistic approaches—involving primary care personnel—in understanding and addressing loneliness, recognizing its multifaceted nature as well as the diverse factors that contribute to this issue, is considered challenging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health and Well-Being among Older Adults: Current Trends and Future Challenges)
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: Insomnia in the elderly: prevalence, causes, consequences and adapted treatment.
Authors: M. Lancel; E. Meijer; G.J. Boersma:
Affiliation: Centre of Expertise on Sleep and Psychiatry, GGZ Drenthe Mental Health Institute Assen, Netherlands, Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Netherlands
Abstract: Sleep is essential for optimal physical, mental and cognitive functioning and lack of sleep adversely affects quality of life and longevity. Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder with prevalence rates in the general population between 6%-10%. Older adults are more vulnerable to insomnia and their prevalence rate ranges between 12%-20%. Non-pathological sleep changes across the lifespan are normative but increase insomnia susceptibility. Furthermore, risk factors in the elderly population such as retirement-related lifestyle changes, comorbid physical and psychiatric diseases, polypharmacy and psychosocial changes contribute to the occurrence of insomnia. With this paper we aim to provide an overview of age-related sleep changes, prevalence of insomnia, possible underlying factors, consequences as well as methods for objective assessment of sleep in vulnerable, institutionalized older adults. Finally, tailored treatment options for insomnia in the elderly population will be discussed and illustrated with case descriptions.

Title: Psychological well-being in older adults: the crucial role of family dynamics and loneliness in Peruvian community contexts
Author: VELARDE-CAMAQUI
Highlights: - Family dynamics significantly influenced (54.2%) the psychological well-being of older adults. - 34% reported high levels of family violence, and 83% experienced moderate loneliness, highlighting the magnitude of the issue in this population. - 67% exhibited low to moderate levels of psychological well-being, emphasizing the vulnerability of this group in terms of mental health.

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