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Geriatrics
Special Issues
Healthy Ageing and Lifestyle Medicine: Current Knowledge and Future Direction
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Healthy Ageing and Lifestyle Medicine: Current Knowledge and Future Direction

A special issue of Geriatrics (ISSN 2308-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Healthy Aging".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 6679

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Alice Masini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont Amedeo Avogadro, 28100 Novara, Italy
Interests: lifestyle medicine, health promotion and prevention interventions; physical activity and nutrition
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Massimiliano Panella

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Translational Medicine (DiMeT), Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
Interests: patient safety; clinical pathways; quality in healthcare; healthcare planning and organization; lifestyle medicine and safety
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Population ageing is a major 21st century phenomenon that is also known as the third demographic transition and it is estimated that by 2050, there will be an increase in the number of people aged 65 and over. The World Health Organization defines healthy ageing as “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability (i.e., people’s capabilities of being and doing what they have reason to value) that enables well-being in older age”.

From a public health perspective, the emerging health needs for the global population have become fundamental in this field and it is clear that the healthcare systems need to adapt to this change and reorganise themselves, as the current models of care are inadequate to meet the health needs of a rapidly ageing population. In this scenario, lifestyle medicine, health promotion and prevention interventions have become imperative, reflecting a major shift in our society towards an emphasis on healthy and safety lifestyles.

This Special Issue aims to publish high-quality articles that provide valuable insights and practical implications for improving active and healthy ageing among the global population. We are interested in studies that investigate new approaches or innovative strategies for promoting longevity and lifestyle medicine.

For this Special Issue, we are looking for original research, review articles, short reports, brief commentaries and case reports. We look forward to receiving your submissions and appreciate your valuable contributions to this Special Issue.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Healthcare.

Dr. Alice Masini
Prof. Dr. Massimiliano Panella
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. Geriatrics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 1800 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

  • active aging
  • healthy ageing
  • aging population
  • longevity
  • lifestyle medicine
  • healthcare
  • care model
  • policy
  • quality of life
  • well-being
  • safety
  • systematic reviews
  • scoping reviews
  • narrative reviews
  • observational studies
  • quasi-experimental studies
  • randomized control trials
  • qualitative study
  • mixed methods research

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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25 pages, 1432 KiB  
Article
Development of an Adult Daycare Center Service Model for the Elderly Through Community Participation: An Action Research Approach
by Benjayamas Pilayon, Kanin Chueaduangpui, Juthaluck Saentho, Ruchakron Kongmant and Niruwan Turnbull
Geriatrics 2025, 10(2), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics10020055 - 4 Apr 2025
Viewed by 836
Abstract
Introduction: This study aimed to develop a service model for daycare centers for the elderly through community participation using participatory action research methods. The objectives were threefold: (1) to investigate the current situation of the elderly in the community and their needs [...] Read more.
Introduction: This study aimed to develop a service model for daycare centers for the elderly through community participation using participatory action research methods. The objectives were threefold: (1) to investigate the current situation of the elderly in the community and their needs for daycare center services, (2) to develop a daycare center for the elderly with active community involvement, and (3) to evaluate the effectiveness of the service delivery at the daycare center for the elderly. Methods: The study was conducted in Ban Kho Subdistrict, Phon Sawan District, Nakhon Phanom Province. Research participants included 210 elderly individuals surveyed to assess their situation, and 15 key informants, including elderly club leaders, subdistrict health promotion hospital staff, volunteers, subdistrict administrative organization officers, and village health volunteers, were specifically selected for in-depth insights. The research process was structured into three phases: Phase 1 focused on studying the situation of the elderly in the community and their service needs; Phase 2 was dedicated to developing the daycare center with community participation; and Phase 3 involved evaluating the service delivery of the daycare center. Results: The results indicated that the development process of the daycare center service model for the elderly, through community participation, involved four key mechanisms: elderly clubs, subdistrict health promotion hospitals, volunteer teachers or technicians, and village volunteers. Additionally, the supporting mechanisms included academic institutions, hospitals, temples, village heads, the Non-Formal Education Center, foundations, and the subdistrict administrative organization. The comprehensive service model encompassed five components: health, social, psychological, economic, and environmental aspects. Conclusions: The study successfully developed a daycare center service model for the elderly through community participation, which can be expanded and adapted to other semi-urban and semi-rural contexts. This model demonstrates the importance of community involvement in providing holistic care for the elderly, addressing various aspects of their well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Ageing and Lifestyle Medicine: Current Knowledge and Future Direction)
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23 pages, 804 KiB  
Systematic Review
Overview of Systematic Reviews on Factors Related to the Structure and Functioning of Residential Long-Term Care Facilities for Older Adults
by Aurélio Matos Andrade, Karine Rodrigues Afonseca, Tatiana de Almeida Jube, Suelen Meira Góes, Maíra Catharina Ramos and Flavia Tavares da Silva Elias
Geriatrics 2025, 10(3), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics10030064 - 3 May 2025
Viewed by 306
Abstract
Objective: To identify factors influencing the structure and functioning of long-term residential care facilities for older adults worldwide, in order to uncover practices and support evidence-based improvements in care delivery. Method: An overview of systematic reviews was performed according to the PRISMA protocol [...] Read more.
Objective: To identify factors influencing the structure and functioning of long-term residential care facilities for older adults worldwide, in order to uncover practices and support evidence-based improvements in care delivery. Method: An overview of systematic reviews was performed according to the PRISMA protocol and registered on the PROSPERO platform (no. CRD42023486204). Research was carried out on 21 September 2023, using the following databases: PubMed (via MedLine), EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, Virtual Health Library (VHL), and Epistemonikos. Results: The search yielded 12,040 articles, including 61 systematic reviews. Analyzing the primary outcomes, personnel structure, and risk management were the most-studied outcomes of the systematic reviews, followed by pharmaceuticals, food services, mobility/accessibility, and technological and physical structures. In terms of primary outcomes of the systematic reviews, the personnel structure was the most highlighted (in 39.34%), followed by risk management (in 32.79%), while the least highlighted was physical structure (in 9.84%). Conclusions: Personnel are critical to the safe and effective functioning of Long-Term Care Facility (LTCF) operations. Future research is needed to identify associations between models of care and structural concerns, including physical environment, as they relate to quality of care in LTCFs, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Ageing and Lifestyle Medicine: Current Knowledge and Future Direction)
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23 pages, 643 KiB  
Systematic Review
Preventive Pathways for Healthy Ageing: A Systematic Literature Review
by Alice Masini, Niccolò Cherasco, Andrea Conti, Irlanda Pighini, Francesco Barone-Adesi and Massimiliano Panella
Geriatrics 2025, 10(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics10010031 - 18 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 921
Abstract
Background: The world’s population is not only growing but also ageing, and healthcare systems should adapt to the needs of an ageing population. Until now, there has been no clear definition of a preventive pathway with the aim of improving lifestyles and [...] Read more.
Background: The world’s population is not only growing but also ageing, and healthcare systems should adapt to the needs of an ageing population. Until now, there has been no clear definition of a preventive pathway with the aim of improving lifestyles and promoting healthy and active ageing. The present systematic review aims to provide evidence to support the development of effective ways of delivering preventive pathways for healthy ageing. Methods: Several databases were searched, i.e., MEDLINE, COCHRANE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, by using specific inclusion criteria, such as elderly population (i.e., subjects aged 65 years and older), preventive interventions for healthy ageing, studies with or without control groups, and effectiveness and methodological structure of the prevention pathway. The risk of bias was assessed by using the Joanna Briggs Institute and mixed methods appraisal tools. Results: A total of 9998 studies were identified after the removal of duplicates, and after screening title, abstracts, and full text, 14 studies were finally included. All the prevention pathways described are based on physical activity (PA) programmes, dietary interventions, and cognitive and mental health. The professional figures involved in the pathways were experts in prevention and health promotion, like family and community nurses, kinesiologists, and experts in stress management. The majority of the preventive pathways were implemented in primary care and community settings. Conclusions: Our systematic review provides evidence for developing an effective preventive healthy ageing pathway through tailored PA, diet, and cognitive health interventions. This co-designed approach should involve a multidisciplinary expert team and be implemented in primary care and community settings to improve psycho-physical health and longevity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Ageing and Lifestyle Medicine: Current Knowledge and Future Direction)
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17 pages, 792 KiB  
Systematic Review
Echocardiographic Assessment of Cardiac Structure and Function of Centenarians: A Systematic Review
by Andrea Sonaglioni, Gian Luigi Nicolosi, Giovanna Elsa Ute Muti-Schünemann, Alessio Polymeropoulos, Michele Lombardo and Paola Muti
Geriatrics 2025, 10(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics10010026 - 12 Feb 2025
Viewed by 861
Abstract
Background: During the last two decades, a limited number of studies have provided echocardiographic details regarding the cardiac structure and function of individuals aged ≥100 years. These studies analyzed limited sample sizes of centenarians using different methodologies. The present systematic review was primarily [...] Read more.
Background: During the last two decades, a limited number of studies have provided echocardiographic details regarding the cardiac structure and function of individuals aged ≥100 years. These studies analyzed limited sample sizes of centenarians using different methodologies. The present systematic review was primarily designed to summarize the main findings of these studies and to examine the overall influence of extremely advanced age on cardiac structure and function. Methods: All echocardiographic studies that evaluated the cardiac structure and function in individuals aged ≥100 years, selected from the PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases, were included. There was no limitation on the time period. The risk of bias was assessed by using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Results: A total of eight studies with 1340 centenarians [median age 101.4 years (IQR 101–103 years)] met the eligibility criteria and were analyzed. The centenarians were predominantly females [76.3% (IQR 60–85%)] with a small body surface area, long history of hypertension and slightly impaired renal functional reserve. The centenarian population showed a reduced burden of cardiovascular disease but an increased comorbidity burden, as assessed using the Charlson [median value 3.7 (IQR 1.8–5.5)] and Katz [median value 2.1 (IQR 1.1–3.1)] indexes. The echocardiographic findings comprised left ventricular (LV) concentric remodeling, with first-degree diastolic dysfunction [median E/A ratio 0.8 (IQR 0.7–0.9)], a moderate increase in LV filling pressure [median E/e’ ratio 16.8 (IQR 16.2–17)], normal LV systolic function [median left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 60.9% (IQR 55–84%)] and mild-to-moderate pulmonary hypertension [median systolic pulmonary artery pressure 42.1 mmHg (IQR 37–54 mmHg)]. The pooled prevalence of LV systolic dysfunction (LVEF < 50%) was 15.8%. Moderate-to-severe valvular heart diseases were detected in less than one-third of the centenarians. Compared with the outpatient and in-home cohorts, hospitalized centenarians were less commonly females and were more likely to be affected by significant LV hypertrophy with a supra-normal LVEF, higher degrees of valvulopathies and impaired pulmonary hemodynamics. Conclusions: The evidence currently suggests that centenarians have typical LV concentric remodeling with increased myocardial stiffness and diastolic dysfunction, which predispose them to heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Cardioprotective treatment should be considered for personalized implementation and uptitration in this special population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Ageing and Lifestyle Medicine: Current Knowledge and Future Direction)
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15 pages, 845 KiB  
Systematic Review
Nutritional Support in the Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers in Healthy Aging: A Systematic Review of Nursing Interventions in Community Care
by Giovanni Cangelosi, Francesco Sacchini, Federico Biondini, Stefano Mancin, Sara Morales Palomares, Gaetano Ferrara, Gabriele Caggianelli, Marco Sguanci and Fabio Petrelli
Geriatrics 2025, 10(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics10010017 - 22 Jan 2025
Viewed by 2900
Abstract
Introduction: Pressure ulcers (PUs) represent a significant challenge in chronic care, particularly among the elderly with reduced mobility. They result in substantial socio-healthcare costs and negatively impact patients’ psychological well-being. Malnutrition is a key risk factor, hindering healing and increasing the risk of [...] Read more.
Introduction: Pressure ulcers (PUs) represent a significant challenge in chronic care, particularly among the elderly with reduced mobility. They result in substantial socio-healthcare costs and negatively impact patients’ psychological well-being. Malnutrition is a key risk factor, hindering healing and increasing the risk of complications. As such, appropriate nutritional interventions are crucial for managing PUs. However, these interventions are often underestimated in clinical practice, underscoring the need for a more comprehensive approach to elder care and healthy aging. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to identify the best scientific evidence on nutritional interventions implemented by nurses in community settings to prevent complications related to PUs. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative outcomes reported in the included studies were analyzed. Method: This systematic review was conducted following PRISMA international guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and CINAHL databases. A predefined search strategy using Boolean operators was employed, and two researchers independently selected papers, with a third researcher resolving any discrepancies. Additional sources and manual reviews were conducted to minimize selection bias. Results: Out of 1003 records, 6 studies were included. Findings indicate that nurses play a fundamental role in managing PUs in community settings through specific nutritional intervention assistance processes. These healthcare professionals are pivotal in the prevention, care, and rehabilitation of vulnerable individuals with PUs. Conclusions: Nurses are strategic in the management of PUs within community care for frail populations. With nutritional support that plays a key role in both preventing and accelerating the healing of PUs. Policymakers are encouraged to invest in nursing roles to enhance assistance in community contexts, supporting healthy aging and lifestyle medicine approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Ageing and Lifestyle Medicine: Current Knowledge and Future Direction)
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