Journal of Ageing and Longevity

Polypharmacy and the use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) are prevalent issues among institutionalized older adults, contributing to adverse drug events and decreased quality of life. This study aimed to describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with polypharmacy and the use of PIM in elderly people in nursing homes. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 151 residents aged ≥ 65 years. Data was extracted from institutional records. The mean age of participants was 86.48 ± 8.00 years; 71.5% were female. Excessive polypharmacy was observed in 49.7% of residents. The mean number of medications was 9.66 ± 4.18, with nervous system drugs being the most prescribed (3.73 ± 2.31). PDDIs were detected in 94% of the sample and PIMs were present in 82.8% of residents. The most common PIMs were proton pump inhibitors (ATC A) and anxiolytics (ATC N). Binary logistic regression identified two independent predictors for PIMs: the total number of medications (AOR = 1.259) and the use of ATC A (Alimentary tract and metabolism) medications (AOR = 2.315). Conversely, age and sex were not significant predictors. The study reveals a critical prevalence of excessive polypharmacy, PIM use, and PDDIs among institutionalized elderly in the Algarve. These findings underscore the urgent need for systematic, multidisciplinary medication reviews in Portuguese nursing homes to promote safer and more rational prescribing practices.

Falls are a major cause of morbidity in aging populations; this study examined physical, psychological, and lifestyle correlates of falls among older Korean adults. Using 2022 KNHANES data, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of adults aged ≥65 years (n = 612). Fall in the past year was the outcome; multivariable logistic regression and ROC analyses evaluated candidate predictors. Lower weekly working hours (<12) (OR = 3.11, 95% CI 1.23–7.88), insufficient physical activity (<150 min/week) (2.49, 1.03–5.99), reduced grip strength (<15 kg) (2.23, 1.14–4.35), low diastolic blood pressure (<69 mmHg) (2.06, 1.09–3.89), elevated LDL cholesterol (≥150 mg/dL) (3.06, 1.49–6.28), and depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 3) (3.02, 1.52–6.00) were independently associated with higher fall odds. Age ≥ 75 years, alcohol use, anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 3), vitamin D ≤ 3 ng/mL, and vitamin E ≤ 7 mg/L were not significant in adjusted models. Discrimination was modest across individual markers (AUCs 0.55–0.65); model fit was acceptable (Nagelkerke R² = 0.262; Hosmer–Lemeshow p = 0.318). These findings suggest that screening for low muscle strength, depressive symptoms, hypotension, and high LDL cholesterol—alongside promoting physical activity and social engagement through work—may help identify and manage fall risk in community-dwelling older adults. Causal inference is not supported due to the cross-sectional design.

Polypharmacy is common among aging populations and is associated with adverse health outcomes. We designed this cross-sectional study to determine the association of polypharmacy with physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among the United States (US) adults aged ≥50 years. We used the nationally representative Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data, 2022, and conducted the analysis on 5343 adults. Polypharmacy was operationalized as the use of five or more medications simultaneously. HRQoL was assessed via physical and mental component summary scores from the 12-item short form health survey. We applied a multivariate linear regression model to determine the relationship between polypharmacy and HRQoL, after adjusting for sociodemographic factors (age, sex, race/ethnicity, and marital status) and comorbidities (diabetes and cardiovascular disease). Polypharmacy was reported by 70% of participants and was significantly associated with decreased physical (adjusted β: −2.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −3.64, −2.26, R² = 0.25, p < 0.001) and mental HRQoL (adjusted β: −0.85, 95% CI: −1.48, −0.22, R² = 0.07, p < 0.001). Other significant predictors of poor HRQoL included female sex, unmarried status, public insurance, lower educational attainment, and higher comorbidity index (p < 0.001). In contrast, higher education and private insurance were associated with better HRQoL. Based on the study findings, it is crucial to invest in programs and targeted interventions such as routine medication review and deprescribing strategies to reduce the negative impact of polypharmacy on HRQoL among US adults.

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.