Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6020040

Authors: Min Gyung Kim Joonho Moon

This study examines the determinants of subjective economic status and life satisfaction among Korean middle-aged individuals, defined as those between 45 and 57 years old. The research explores the impact of eating out expenses, clothing expenses, employment status, and physical exercise on these factors. Data is drawn from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Elderly Employment (KLoEE) for the year 2022, with a sample size of 4392 observations. To test the research hypotheses, quadratic multiple regression analysis was employed. The findings reveal that subjective economic status is significantly influenced by both eating out and clothing expenses, exhibiting an inverted-U-shaped effect. Additionally, an inverted U-shaped relationship between clothing expenses and life satisfaction was also observed. Employment had a positive effect on subjective economic status but a negative impact on life satisfaction. Furthermore, regular physical exercise was found to influence both subjective economic status and life satisfaction positively. The study concludes that subjective economic status positively affects life satisfaction among the Korean middle-aged population. This research contributes to the literature by identifying key behavioral characteristics of this demographic in Korea and discussing relevant policy implications.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6020039

Authors: Francesca Morganti Emanuele Garda Michela Cameletti Stefania Butti Marta Rodeschini Oksana Bardhi

Addressing global urbanization and demographic shifts, this study argues that urban affordance—the environment’s capacity to promote or constrain healthy activities—is the critical link missing in current ageing in place (AIP) models. The research introduces a new multidisciplinary approach bridging urbanism, statistics, and psychology to evaluate the relationship between urban space and ageing through the lens of environmental affordance. It synthesizes 47 indicators across five macro-areas (demographic, economic, healthcare, social–relational and urban–environmental) into a composite index named the index of Vulnerability for Ageing in place and Longevity (VAL index). It maps over 65 vulnerabilities related to AIP at the neighbourhood level in Bergamo, an Italian medium-sized city. The VAL index reveals critical discrepancies between objective urban determinants and subjective resident conditions (e.g., high walkability contrast with low perceived safety). In conclusion, this index reorients urban planning for ageing, leveraging an AIP approach to advance spatial justice and demographic resilience.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6020038

Authors: Maria Claudia Moretti Iris Bonfitto Vincenzo Giorgio Luciano Nieddu Ivana Leccisotti Savino Dimalta Giovanni Moniello Antonello Bellomo Mario Altamura Francesco Panza Madia Lozupone

Background: Language impairment is a core feature of Major Neurocognitive Disorder (MND), yet the domain-specific relationship between language functioning and everyday functional status remains insufficiently characterized. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study in 125 older adults diagnosed with MND according to DSM-5 criteria with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment measured with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Language performance was assessed using semantic, phonemic verbal fluency and confrontation naming. Functional status was evaluated using basic (BADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Ordinal logistic regression models examined associations between language domains and functional outcomes, adjusting for global cognitive status (MMSE), demographic variables, multimorbidity, and depressive symptoms. Model fit was evaluated using the Akaike Information Criterion. Results: Semantic fluency emerged as the best-performing predictor of BADL across all hierarchical models, remaining statistically significant after full adjustment for MMSE and clinical covariates (β ≈ 0.60, p < 0.05). Phonemic fluency showed the most robust association with IADL, with a stable effect across models, reaching a trend toward statistical significance in the fully adjusted analyses (β ≈ 0.22–0.27, p = 0.069). Naming ability did not influence functional outcomes. All observed associations persisted after controlling for MMSE, demographic variables, multimorbidity, and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Language abilities showed differential associations across language domains with functional status in this sample of patients with MND. Semantic fluency was associated with basic self-care, while phonemic fluency showed a trend toward association with instrumental daily activities. These relationships remained observable after adjustment for global cognitive impairment, suggesting verbal fluency as a potentially sensitive marker of functional vulnerability.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6020037

Authors: Maria Azzopardi Roberta Sultana Maria Aurora Fenech

Despite growing recognition of holistic care in gerontology, the role of spirituality and religion in physiotherapy practice remains underexplored. This study examines Maltese physiotherapists’ perceptions and awareness of religious and spiritual care in the treatment of older persons, contributing to an untapped area in local research and adding to the limited international literature, particularly within Mediterranean and predominantly Catholic healthcare contexts. A questionnaire was distributed via SurveyMonkey to government sector physiotherapists in Malta. Findings revealed that while physiotherapists recognised the importance of incorporating spiritual and religious considerations into older persons’ care, they often viewed such care as outside their clinical responsibilities. Key barriers included limited training, insufficient knowledge, and time constraints. Notably, physiotherapists with personal religious or spiritual beliefs were more inclined to integrate these aspects into their practice compared to their atheist or agnostic counterparts. The study underlines the need for enhanced training at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and advocates for qualitative research to deepen understanding of the barriers and facilitators to spiritual care. Addressing these gaps will promote holistic, person-centred care that respects individual beliefs, ultimately enhancing outcomes for older persons.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6020036

Authors: Brunilda Subashi Fatjona Kamberi Erlini Kokalla

Background: Medication adherence is essential for effective management of chronic conditions, particularly among older adults with complex chronic conditions (CCCs). The Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (SMAQ) is a brief self-report instrument widely used to assess adherence; however, its psychometric properties have not been evaluated in Albanian older populations. Objective: To assess the psychometric properties of the SMAQ in Albanian older adults with CCCs. Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted among 727 adults aged ≥65 years with two or more chronic conditions recruited from primary healthcare centers in southern Albania. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s ω. Construct validity was evaluated through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and correlations with clinical and behavioral variables. Discriminative validity was examined using known-group approach and independent samples t-tests, and criterion validity was assessed using Spearman correlations. Results: The SMAQ demonstrated good internal consistency (α = 0.799, ω = 0.821). Factor analyses supported a unidimensional structure, with all items loading significantly onto a single factor. Model fit indices indicated acceptable fit (CFI = 0.921; SRMR = 0.051), although RMSEA suggested some misfit (0.116). Non-adherent participants had significantly higher SMAQ scores than adherent participants (p < 0.001), indicating strong discriminative validity. Conclusions: The SMAQ is a reliable and valid tool for assessing medication adherence among Albanian older adults with CCCs, supporting its use in primary healthcare and research settings.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6020035

Authors: Robert J. Thomas Madeleine Williams Jeffrey W. F. Aldous Stacey A. Kenfield Robert U. Newton

As men age, systemic inflammation increases, whereas grip strength (GS) and testosterone levels tend to fall. This rate of decline is known to be influenced by gut microbial health, lifestyle and diet but the role for interventions to slow this decline are less well established. This double-blind randomised controlled trial evaluated the impact, and explored the synergistic potential, of boosting phytochemical rich foods and Lactobacillus probiotics on these physical and biological markers. Two hundred and eight men with untreated early prostate cancer managed with observation only (average age 74 years) received a phytochemical rich supplement (PRS) containing concentrated broccoli, green tea, pomegranate, ginger, cranberries and turmeric (YourPhyto). In addition, they were randomised to either a 5-blend Lactobacillus probiotic (PB) capsule (YourGutplus) or a placebo (P). Average GS improved by 2.5 kg from baseline to trial completion, at 4 months in men taking PRS +P (95% CI 1.8–3.4, p < 0.001). In the PRS+PB arm, GS improved by 4.4 kg (95% CI 3.6–5.2, p < 0.001). The odds of grip strength improving was 11.8% greater (p = 0.002, OR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.04–1.20) in the PRS+PB arm. Improvements in systemic inflammation were better in the PRS+PB arm (−0.41 vs. +0.39, p = 0.04). Four-month testosterone levels were greater in the PRS+PB arms (14.75 vs. 13.02 ng/L, 95% CI 0.23 to 3.33 ng/L p = 0.046). In conclusion, boosting dietary phytochemicals was associated with improved GS. The addition of this blend of Lactobacillus further enhanced GS, and reduced markers of inflammation. These data justify longer studies exploring the synergy between phytochemicals and probiotics, on more objective markers of longevity.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6020034

Authors: Thauã Pereira Menezes Ricardo Luiz Damatto Samuel De Mattos Alves Paulo José Fortes Villas Boas Thaís Facundes Santana Santos Silva José Ferreira de Oliveira Neto Nauany Araujo Costa José Eduardo Corrente Adriana Polachini Valle

Older adults are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat, but evidence of the role of social factors in regional heat vulnerability remains limited. To assess the impacts of heat waves on cardiorespiratory hospitalizations and mortality, we developed a Climate Vulnerability Index by the Regional Health Department (RHD), including adults aged ≥ 60 years across 17 RHDs in São Paulo State, Brazil. Health data were obtained from national information systems, and heat wave exposure was derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, defined as periods of at least three consecutive days with daily mean temperature exceeding the seasonal climatological mean by ≥3 °C, for 2010–2019 and 2023–2024, excluding 2020–2022. Associations between heat waves and health outcomes were estimated using distributed lag non-linear models with lags of 0–15 days. Cumulative relative risks, along with sociodemographic, sanitation, and health system indicators, were integrated to construct the Index based on IPCC sensitivity and adaptive capacity domains. Heat waves were associated with increased risks of cardiorespiratory hospitalizations and mortality across all RHDs, with stronger effects observed for mortality and inland regions. Higher vulnerability was concentrated in RHDs characterized by larger older adult populations, greater heat-related risks, and weaker health system and sanitation indicators, whereas more developed regions showed lower vulnerability. Overall, the Index provides a practical tool to support territorial prioritization and targeted heat–health adaptation strategies in ageing populations.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010033

Authors: Oluwaseun Adeyemi Dowin Boatright Joshua Chodosh

Background: Activity trackers support physical activity, yet evidence on their effectiveness among older adults and care partners is limited. This study assesses the relationship between activity-tracking frequency and engagement in consistent physical activity among older adults and care partners. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, 615 older adults and care partners completed online surveys assessing the frequency of activity tracking (predictor) and the regularity in physical activity engagement (outcome). Using multivariable logistic regression, we assessed the association between the predictors and the outcome across the entire population and separately among older adults (n = 310) and care partners (n = 305), adjusting for sociodemographic, mobility, and health-related covariates. We reported the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Older adult (OA) and care partner (CP) respondents were predominantly female (OA: 57%, CP: 53%) and non-Hispanic White (OA: 51%, CP: 43%). Across the entire population, frequent tracking of physical activity was associated with a 2.4-fold increase in the odds of engaging in consistent physical activity (aOR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.45–3.96). Older adults who frequently track their physical activity were 2.5 times more likely to engage in consistent physical activity (aOR: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.08–5.64). Care partners who occasionally tracked their physical activity were 3.5 times more likely to engage in consistent physical activity (aOR: 3.54; 95% CI: 1.54–8.11). Conclusions: Physical activity tracking is associated with greater physical activity engagement among older adults and care partners. These findings contribute to understanding factors associated with physical activity behavior in this population.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010032

Authors: Hasina Amanzai Sepali Guruge Kateryna Metersky Cristina Catallo Areej Al-Hamad Yasin M. Yasin Zhixi Cecilia Zhuang Betty Qiuxuan Wang Angelina Stafford Lu Wang Lixia Yang

Global forced displacement has reached unprecedented levels, with more than 123 million people uprooted by the end of 2024. Although older adults represent a growing proportion of refugee populations, their mental health needs remain overlooked. This scoping review synthesized current evidence on depression among older adult refugees aged 50 years and older. Guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reported using PRISMA-ScR standards, searches were conducted in CINAHL, PsycINFO, AgeLine, and Medline for English-language publications from 2015 to 2025. A total of 1971 records were identified, with nine studies (N = 1370 participants) meeting eligibility criteria. Most studies employed cross-sectional designs and were conducted in high-income countries. Depression prevalence was consistently elevated, with rates ranging from 22% to over 70%, depending on population and measurement tools. Risk factors included female sex, widowhood, low socioeconomic status, chronic illness, functional impairment, trauma exposure, language barriers, social isolation, and limited access to care. Protective influences such as family support, higher socioeconomic status, and improved living conditions were identified but inconsistently reported. Findings indicate that older refugees are at high risk of depression, often shaped by intersecting aging- and displacement-related vulnerabilities. Findings highlight the need for culturally specific tools and longitudinal research to inform culturally safe care for older refugees.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010031

Authors: Tine Fristrup Jon Dag Rasmussen

This article develops the concept of Housing for Artful Ageing by integrating theoretical perspectives from Artful Ageing philosophy with empirical insights from an anthropological study of housing for older adults in Copenhagen. Drawing on Jon Dag Rasmussen’s concept of ‘the housing area for older adults’ particular (care) ecology’, we argue that successful housing for older adults requires attention to both spatial (physical–material) and spacious (inclusive–experiential) dimensions of ageing lives. Through detailed analysis of everyday life in Guldbergs Have, a housing area for older adults in Copenhagen, we demonstrate how micro-interactions, sensory experiences, and minor gestures create an ecological whole that supports wellbeing beyond biomedical paradigms of successful ageing. Synthesising Manning’s theory of minor gestures with Basting’s creative care approach, we show how Artful Ageing transforms ageing from a narrative of decline into a dynamic process of becoming. We propose design principles and policy implications for creating housing that enables artful processes of becoming in later life, challenging the pathologising tendencies of active ageing discourse through attention to the small ageing experiences that constitute meaningful everyday existence.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010030

Authors: Mark R. O’Donovan Nicola Cornally Rónán O’Caoimh

The Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) is a cross-national panel study including approximately 160,000 adults aged ≥50 years from 29 countries. While multiple cognitive subtests are available, the SHARE consortium does not currently recommend a standardised approach to cognitive screening. This scoping review and mapping study aimed to (1) assess how cognition is measured in SHARE publications, (2) identify whether any cognitive screening instruments (CSIs) are validated in the SHARE, and (3) explore the potential to replicate additional CSIs using cognitive measures available in recent waves that include an expanded battery of subtests. SHARE-related publications were identified by searching PubMed, and a dedicated online registry of SHARE publications. Methodical details were extracted and quantitative counts calculated. Among 234 SHARE publications, the most common choices were using single subtests (n = 94), CSIs (n = 56), and standardised scores (n = 50). From 22 unique CSIs used in the SHARE, only the SHARE Cognitive Instrument and Langa–Weir Criteria were formally validated. Cognitive impairment was assessed in 36 studies, yet no validated recognised definition of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was found. Mapping other potential CSIs (n = 81) identified the 10-Point Cognitive Screener, Six-Item Screener and Mini-Cog as other potential CSIs for use across SHARE waves. Further research is needed to validate existing CSIs and to better operationalise MCI in the SHARE.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010029

Authors: Victoria J. Meng Dima Hadid Stephanie Ayers Sandra Clark Rebekah Woodburn Roland Grad Anthony J. Levinson

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), also known as mild neurocognitive disorder, represents a transitional stage between normal cognitive aging and dementia and often signals early neurodegenerative change. Despite its clinical importance, MCI remains poorly understood by the public and family care partners, leading to uncertainty and distress following diagnosis. This study evaluated UnderstandingMCI.ca, a brief multimedia e-learning lesson designed to improve MCI literacy among the public and care partners. The lesson was disseminated through the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal, with web analytics tracking uptake, progress, and completion, and a post-lesson survey incorporating the Net Promoter Score (NPS), the Information Assessment Method for all (IAM4all) questionnaire, and open-text feedback assessing perceived impact. Between 15 January and 7 February 2025, over 5000 users initiated the lesson, 1537 completed it, and 984 responded to the survey. Respondents were predominantly women aged 65 years or older. The NPS was 72 (“excellent”); 942 respondents (96%) found the lesson relevant, 937 (95%) anticipated benefits from using the information, and nearly all (982 respondents) reported understanding the material. Thematic analysis of 296 comments identified greater understanding of MCI versus normal aging and dementia, emotional reassurance, and motivation for proactive brain-health behaviors. UnderstandingMCI.ca was well-received, with respondents reporting that the lesson was understandable and relevant, and that they intended to use the information, suggesting it may be a feasible and scalable approach to public and care partner education about MCI.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010028

Authors: Thomas E. Dorner Matei Capatu Christina Fastl Sabine Lehner Andreas Jakl

Fear of falling (FoF) is common in older adults and can reduce physical activity, mobility, and independence. As assistive technologies become more common, understanding how attitudes towards technology influence FoF is important. This study examined indoor FoF and its association with technology acceptance among 500 community-dwelling Austrian adults aged 65–85 via a cross-sectional web survey. Indoor FoF was assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale–International (FES-I) indoor items. Technology acceptance was measured using the TechPH questionnaire, which captured TechEnthusiasm and TechAnxiety. Logistic regression models were used to analyse associations with FoF, dichotomised at the median. The mean age was 74 years, and 55% of participants were female. Overall, indoor FoF was low. Adjusted models indicated that older age (OR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.04–1.12) and female sex (OR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.01–2.38) were linked to higher FoF. Greater TechEnthusiasm was associated with lower FoF (OR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.50–0.85), while higher TechAnxiety (i.e., less confidence with technology) was linked to higher FoF (OR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.40–2.27). The TechEnthusiasm-FoF association was stronger among women. Promoting enthusiasm for technology may reduce FoF, but potential acceptance barriers must be addressed, especially among higher-risk individuals.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010027

Authors: Sydney Giancola Russell Estreicher Ann Joseph Rachel J. Bar Maurita T. Harris

Dance can enhance older adults’ well-being by fostering social connection, physical activity, and creative expression. Yet it is often framed primarily as a health intervention rather than an accessible and enjoyable form of life enrichment. This study explored older adults’ perspectives on the benefits of dance and factors influencing accessibility in the Greater Toronto Area. A qualitative video elicitation study was conducted on 22 January 2025, with nine older adults participating in a Sharing Dance Older Adults class at Canada’s National Ballet School. The class was professionally recorded from fixed positions, and six participants subsequently took part in semi-structured focus groups to review selected footage and discuss their experiences. Data were analyzed by a three-member team using reflexive thematic analysis. The findings identified themes related to perceived health benefits, dance class design, and accessibility, with participants emphasizing that accessible program features enhanced enjoyment and engagement. These findings suggest that prioritizing accessibility in dance programming may support joyful participation among older adults. This study contributes to research on aging and the arts, informs inclusive program design, and demonstrates the utility of video elicitation for examining embodied dance experiences.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010026

Authors: Alessandra Errigo Maria Pina Dore Elettra Merola Giovanni Mario Pes

Background: Genetic variants associated with lifespan are typically identified by comparing long-lived individuals with younger populations. However, factors influencing the attainment of advanced age may differ from those affecting survival once extreme age has already been reached. The Sardinian “Longevity Blue Zone” (LBZ) represents a well-characterized longevity population in which this distinction can be investigated. Methods: We conducted a prospective survival study in 150 community-dwelling nonagenarians from the Sardinian LBZ with follow-up for more than seven years. Previously investigated candidate polymorphisms involved in aging-related pathways, including APOE, ACE1, IL6, TNFα, FOXO3A, KLOTHO, and G6PD, were reanalyzed using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age at recruitment, sex, and comorbidity burden (CIRS score). Results: Most polymorphisms showed no association with residual survival after age 90. In unadjusted analyses, carriers of the APOE ε4 allele displayed lower mortality than non-carriers (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.26–0.93). However, after adjustment for age at recruitment, sex, and comorbidity (CIRS score), the association was attenuated and no longer statistically significant (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.24–1.03). Conclusions: In this cohort of Sardinian nonagenarians, candidate longevity-associated polymorphisms did not significantly influence survival beyond age 90. The absence of an independent mortality disadvantage among APOE ε4 carriers indicates that the allele is compatible with survival into extreme age rather than conferring a survival advantage. These findings highlight the importance of distinguishing genetic determinants of longevity attainment from factors governing mortality dynamics at extreme ages.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010025

Authors: Emily Smyth Annie O’Brien Sanela Begic Felipe Malagon Juliette Hussey Emer Guinan Linda O’Neill

A substantial body of evidence supports the role of exercise in mitigating many effects of cancer and its treatments. However, services for survivors remain scarce, highlighting a significant research-to-practice gap. To address this gap, it is essential to explore strategies that could enhance the dissemination of evidence, supporting the translation of exercise oncology trial findings into clinical practice. To this end, this qualitative study aimed to explore the viewpoints of stakeholders (patients/healthcare professionals (HCPs)/policy makers/researchers) on the dissemination of exercise oncology trials. Stakeholders were invited to take part in a one-to-one semi-structured interview exploring their experiences of and preferences for exercise oncology trial dissemination. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using a thematic approach. Thirty stakeholders were recruited: patients with a history of cancer (n = 14), healthcare professionals (HCPs) (n = 3), researchers (n = 10), and policy makers/healthcare management (n = 3). Median interview length was 14 min and 10 s (range 8 min 16 s to 37 min and 23 s). Three main themes were identified: (i) the need for enhanced dissemination strategies, (ii) engaging stakeholders throughout the study lifespan as key to facilitating effective dissemination, and (iii) tools to support closing the research-to-practice gap. Results indicate that stakeholders want dissemination approaches tailored to the intended audience and presented in formats that are accessible both linguistically and practically, recognising the individuality of each stakeholder group. To support this, three main recommendations were generated: (i) engage all stakeholders throughout the entire research project, from planning to dissemination, to ensure that dissemination avenues are appropriately targeted; (ii) implement a multi-component dissemination strategy that incorporates multiple avenues, blending traditional and innovative approaches to address the priorities of specific stakeholder groups; (iii) adopt multiple communication approaches that extend beyond written format alone and use stakeholder-specific language which is understandable to target audience while maintaining credibility and rigour.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010024

Authors: Monika Ardelt

Previous research found an inverse U-shaped association between age and different measures of wisdom, with the apex in late midlife. What might explain the negative relation between age and wisdom during the later years of life? This research investigated the impact of subjective physical health and mastery, using data from the Successful AGing Evaluation (SAGE) study of 976 adults between the ages of 51 and 99 years (M = 77.23, SD = 12.18). Physical health tends to decline with advancing years and, therefore, might reduce older adults’ sense of mastery and control over their lives, which might adversely affect their wisdom. Results showed that age correlated negatively with subjective health, wisdom, and mastery. In multivariate regression and path analyses, the negative relations of age and ill health on wisdom became non-significant after mastery was entered into the model. If wisdom declines in old age due to ill health that results in a perceived loss of mastery, enabling older adults to maintain their sense of control might preserve wisdom.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010023

Authors: Ryan Browne Takamitsu Shinada Toshimi Ogawa Yasuyuki Taki

Aim: Brain training games offer a promising avenue for promoting cognitive engagement and healthy aging among older adults. However, little is known about how design features align with the specific needs of this demographic to promote sustained usage and thereby cognitive intervention. The aim of this study was to characterize how all aspects of the game design and player experience might influence adherence mechanisms, and assess the feasibility and acceptability of a wearable brain-activity measuring device. Methods: We use an exploratory mixed-methods approach with n = 6 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 68 ± 3.94) within a smart-home-style Living-Lab. Participants played two commercially available brain-training games. One of the games uses a wearable brain-activity measuring device. We collected System Usability Scale (SUS) and User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) scores and conducted focus-group interviews and structured observations. We performed a qualitative theory-informed analysis through the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) framework. Results: Participants reported high motivation to play brain-training games for dementia prevention. They preferred large, high-contrast text, intuitive navigation, touch-based controls, and a relaxed pacing. The wearable device was acceptable and comfortable for home use. There were requests for a clearer meaning of brain activity scores and the integration of personalized brain data with other health apps and broader health metrics. Quantitative scales (SUS and UEQ) showed similar ratings for both games, with both meeting the threshold for acceptability. Conclusions: In this formative study, concrete design features that plausibly increase engagement, persistence and adherence were identified, alongside evidence for the feasibility of integrating a wearable brain-sensor. Our findings motivate a follow-on trial testing whether an adherence-optimized design increases the training dose and downstream cognitive outcomes.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010022

Authors: Changhee Lee Kyeongmin Jang

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is common in later life and shaped by modifiable lifestyle and clinical factors, yet data specific to rural older adults are limited. This cross-sectional study analyzed rural Koreans aged ≥65 years (unweighted n = 467) from the 2023 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, incorporating the complex survey design (strata, clusters, and weights). MetS was defined using National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria with Asian-specific waist cutoffs (≥3 of 5 components). Sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics were compared by MetS status using design-based tests, and complex-sample logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The survey-weighted prevalence of MetS was 42.8%. Compared with those without MetS, participants with MetS had higher body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, more hypertension and diabetes, higher triglycerides, and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol did not differ meaningfully. In multivariable models, BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (aOR 9.08; 95% CI 6.01–13.71, p ≤ 0.001), hemoglobin A1c ≥ 7.0% (aOR 4.42; 95% CI 1.75–11.16, p = 0.003), and vitamin D deficiency <20 ng/mL (aOR 2.32; 95% CI 1.23–4.35, p = 0.012) were independently associated with higher odds of MetS, whereas meeting the World Health Organization physical activity guideline was inversely associated (aOR 0.50; 95% CI 0.26–0.96, p = 0.039). These findings highlight adiposity, suboptimal glycemic control, and vitamin D deficiency as key, potentially modifiable correlates of MetS in rural older adults and support promotion of guideline-level physical activity as part of integrated cardiometabolic risk management in rural settings.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010021

Authors: Sara Lima Francisca Pinto Raquel Carvalho Helena Correia Sónia Martins

The main aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a health promotion-based psychoeducational intervention on Health Literacy (HL) and Digital Health Literacy (DHL) levels in older people. This one-group pre–post design study includes a sample of community-dwelling older people, at risk of social isolation, sedentary lifestyles, or physical deterioration. A multidimensional assessment protocol, with specific measures of HL and DHL, was applied before and after the intervention. The psychoeducational intervention includes 20 sessions, conducted by a multidisciplinary team and focused on four core areas (Health Promotion, Interpersonal Relationships and Citizens’ Rights, Health Literacy, and Digital Health Literacy). Non-parametric statistics tests (Wilcoxon signed-rank test) were used, since data did not follow a normal distribution. Seventy-nine older persons participated, with a mean age of 71.7 (SD = 4.6), mostly female (66%) and with basic education (91%). There was a statistically significant increase in the mean total HL score (Z = −3.132; p = 0.002; effect size r = 0.76) and DHL score (Z = −4.735; p < 0.001; effect size r = 0.61) after the intervention, reflecting an improvement in HL and DHL levels. This study showed that this intervention was effective in improving the HL and DHL levels of older adults. These results are particularly noteworthy, considering that HL and DHL are modifiable factors that influence self-management, as well as health outcomes in older adults.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010020

Authors: Limkile Mpofu Zamokuhle Mbandlwa

This study examined how resilience-based interventions enable rural older women living with HIV in Zimbabwe to confront stigma and sustain their quality of life. Guided by the 4S framework of resilience resources planning (social support, coping strategies, sagacity, and solution-seeking), the research explored how women apply these dimensions to navigate challenging life events. A purposive sample of 17 women (those not living with a spouse or in a socially sanctioned relationship), aged 40–65, all on antiretroviral therapy and drawn from rural Matabeleland South Province, participated through in-depth interviews. Using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, four themes emerged: (1) Social Support and Social Networks as Foundations of Resilience, (2) Self-Efficacy and Coping Strategies in Managing Emotional Distress, (3) Spirituality and Sagacity as Sources of Strength and Meaning, and (4) Sense of Purpose and Solution-Seeking Behaviours. The findings highlight that resilience is actively mobilised through family ties, peer groups, and community initiatives, enabling women to adapt to socio-economic hardship and health-related barriers. This study concludes that empowerment strategies, especially community-based programmes focused on skills development and economic opportunities, are essential for enhancing resilience, reducing vulnerability, and improving health outcomes. Strengthening these resources not only equips women to manage HIV-related challenges but also contributes to sustainable development within their communities.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010019

Authors: Ken-ichi Takayama

Sex steroid hormones play a pivotal role in maintaining systemic homeostasis throughout life. Their age-related decline is closely associated with the onset of frailty, including sarcopenia and dementia. Here, this article provides a narrative review of the existing literature about the multifaceted roles of sex steroid hormones, particularly estrogens and androgens, in aging and age-related diseases. Sex steroid action is mediated by nuclear receptors such as estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and androgen receptor (AR). Transcriptional activation through these receptors is orchestrated by epigenetic mechanisms, including histone modifications and chromatin remodeling. Beyond their reproductive functions, sex hormones also influence systemic physiology, metabolism, immune responses, and neuroplasticity. Clinical studies on hormone-deprivation therapies for prostate and breast cancers, as well as animal models, have revealed the key contributions of AR and ER activity to muscle integrity, bone density, and cognitive function. The sexual dimorphism in cognitive decline, especially in postmenopausal women, suggests the therapeutic potential of hormone supplementation and receptor-targeted strategies. Thus, AR- and ER-associated genes are considered promising targets for preventing frailty, sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and dementia. This review summarizes the current knowledge on sex hormone signaling in aging, with an emphasis on translational implications and future research directions.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010018

Authors: Elfriede Derrer-Merk Maria Fernanda Reyes Ashley Navarro-McCarthy Mary Mulenga-Wincierz Kate Mary Bennett

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly disrupted the lives of older adults, yet their experiences have remained underexplored. This paper draws on empirical evidence from a two-wave (W1 April–July 2020, W2 January–April 2021) qualitative study in the UK (n = 62) and a companion study in Colombia (n = 32), focusing on participants aged 60 and above. Data was analysed using constructivist grounded theory principles, leading to the development of an ecological theory of older adults’ well-being within the context of a health crisis at three interconnected levels: individual, community, and societal. Individual resources, such as adaptability and support systems, contributed to enhancing and maintaining their well-being. Community support and a sense of belonging were essential to meet the needs of people in later life, whilst necessary social health protection measures during the pandemic restricted social activities, further impacting well-being, mostly perceived as challenging. Cultural differences and societal support systems shaped participants’ experiences. The study emphasises the interdependence of the different levels in impacting older adults’ well-being, offers strategies for policy and practice, and advocates and contributes for the development of gerontological theories in the context of health crises.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010017

Authors: Yutaka Yoshida Kiyoko Yokoyama

Reaction time (RT) is a key indicator of cognitive and motor processing speed, and its age-related decline has important implications for everyday activities such as driving. However, conventional Psychomotor Vigilance Tests (PVTs) assess hand responses and do not capture lower-limb reaction characteristics relevant to pedal operations. This study aimed to compare RT characteristics between younger and older adults using the foot-response version of the PVT (Foot PVT) and to examine factors associated with RT. Sleep-related variables, physical activity level (PAL), and height were analyzed, and RT distribution characteristics were evaluated. Twenty younger adults (24 ± 3 years, range: 22–29 years) and twenty-four older adults (73 ± 5 years, range: 66–84 years) performed a 10 min Foot PVT. Mean RT was significantly slower in older adults (818 ± 105 ms) than in younger adults (700 ± 73 ms) (p < 0.001), indicating an age-related delay of approximately 120 ms. Older adults showed lower skewness and kurtosis, suggesting more homogeneous and cautious responses. In younger adults, height was negatively correlated with RT (r = −0.593, p = 0.006), and multiple regression analysis identified height as a significant predictor (adjusted R2 = 0.316). No significant predictors were found in older adults. In the combined sample, age and height jointly explained 37.2% of the variance in mean RT. These findings indicate that Foot PVT performance reflects both biomechanical characteristics and age-related declines in reaction speed, supporting its utility for assessing lower-limb reaction capabilities relevant to driving and aging.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010016

Authors: Keisuke Kokubun

Population ageing has led to a rapid increase in the number of individuals aged 80 and above, yet empirical evidence on the determinants of quality of life among the oldest-old remains limited. This study investigates the socioeconomic, lifestyle, and care-related factors associated with functional independence at very advanced ages using harmonized cross-national data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Focusing on individuals aged 80 and above, we estimate logistic regression models to examine the probability of experiencing limitations in activities of daily living (ADL). The results reveal a persistent socioeconomic gradient in functional health: educational attainment is significantly associated with lower odds of ADL limitations, even after controlling for age, gender, physical functioning, living arrangements, and country fixed effects. Preserved physical functioning, proxied by the absence of walking difficulties, emerges as a strong protective factor against functional dependency. By contrast, institutional residence does not exhibit an independent association with ADL limitations once individual characteristics are taken into account. These findings demonstrate that functional independence among the oldest-old reflects long-term life-course resources and lifestyle-related capacities rather than late-life care settings alone. Policies aimed at promoting successful ageing should therefore adopt a life-course perspective, emphasizing education, health literacy, and the maintenance of physical functioning to enhance quality of life at very advanced ages.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010015

Authors: Ivon Y. Rivera Deras Ana Esther Callejón Martin Miguel Ángel Espuelas Vázquez Lilia Alejandrina Ruiz Ávila Jesús María López Arrieta

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to describe changes in physical performance and nutritional status among frail adults at risk of falls receiving muscle-targeted oral nutritional supplementation (MT-ONS) as part of routine clinical care. Methods: A prospective, open-label, single-centre, uncontrolled, descriptive study was conducted in a real-world clinical setting. Patients ≥ 70 years attending an outpatient fall clinic were consecutively recruited and assessed at baseline and after at least 90 days of MT-ONS (100% whey protein enriched with leucine and vitamin D), provided as part of a comprehensive care plan including exercise recommendations, medication review, and home adaptation advice. Sociodemographic, physical performance [Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)], nutritional status [Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form, (MNA®-SF)], walking ability [Functional Ambulation Categories (FACs)], number of falls, muscle strength (dynamometry), body composition (Tanita), health-related quality-of-life (SF-12), functional capacity (Barthel Index), and adherence data were collected. Statistics analyses were descriptive and exploratory. Results: Twenty-six participants were assessed (58% women, age: 82.1 ± 5.4 years). Mean SPPB score increased from 7.3 (±3.6) to 8.0 (±4.0) (p = 0.3). At baseline, 35% were malnourished, 42% at risk of malnutrition, and 23% well-nourished. After ≥90 days of MT-ONS, 4% were malnourished, 54% at risk, and 42% well-nourished. The number of falls decreased from 1.2 falls/month (±0.9) to 0.2 falls/month (±0.3, p < 0.0001). Favourable changes in physical performance were positively correlated with improvements in nutritional status (p = 0.03). Adherence was high (92%), largely attributed to pleasant taste (71%) and smell (58%) and positive health perceptions (58%). Conclusions: In routine clinical practice, frail adults at risk of falls who received MT-ONS, 100% whey protein enriched with leucine and vitamin D for ≥90 days, as part of a comprehensive care plan improved their physical performance and nutritional status and reduced the number of falls. These findings should be interpreted as preliminary.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010014

Authors: Aditi Garg Carolina Estevao Saamdu Chetri

Ageing is a dynamic biological process involving interconnected physiological, psychological, and social changes, making the promotion of healthy ageing a global public health priority. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines healthy ageing as the process of developing and maintaining functional ability that enables well-being in older age. The WHO’s Decade of Healthy Aging (2021–2030) outlines four key action areas: changing attitudes toward ageing, creating age-friendly environments, delivering integrated and person-centred care, and ensuring access to long-term care. This Perspective examines yoga, a holistic mind–body practice integrating physical postures, breath regulation, and mindfulness, as a potentially safe, adaptable, and scalable intervention for older adults. Evidence suggests that yoga may improve flexibility, balance, mobility, and cardiovascular function, reduce pain, and support the management of chronic conditions commonly associated with ageing. Psychological and cognitive research further indicates reductions in stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, alongside potential benefits for attention, memory, and executive function. Improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) have been reported across physical, psychological, and social domains, with benefits sustained through regular practice. Adaptations such as chair-based practices, restorative postures, and the use of props enhance accessibility and safety, allowing participation across diverse functional levels. Mindfulness and breath-focused components of yoga may additionally support emotional regulation, resilience, and psychological well-being, particularly among older adults experiencing stress or limited mobility. Yoga interventions are generally well tolerated, demonstrate high adherence, and can be delivered through in-person and digital formats, addressing common access barriers. Despite this growing evidence base, yoga remains underintegrated within health policy and care systems in the US, UK, and India. Strengthening its role may require coordinated efforts across research, policy, and implementation to support healthy ageing outcomes.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010013

Authors: Areej Al-Hamad Yasin Mohammad Yasin Sepali Guruge Kateryna Metersky Cristina Catallo Hasina Amanzai Zhixi Zhuang Lu Wang Lixia Yang Lina Kanan Yasmeen Chamas

Despite the increasing number of older Syrian refugees in Canada, little is known about how they manage their health care needs while contending with language barriers, cultural dissonance, and systemic inequities. This qualitative study explored how older Syrian refugees in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) navigate healthcare across Canadian and transnational contexts. The study was guided by the transnational circulation of care framework and used an interpretive descriptive design. Following research ethics approval, 20 older Syrian refugees were interviewed by bilingual research assistants. In-depth individual interviews were conducted in Arabic and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four interrelated themes emerged: (1) Navigating a New System; (2) Living in Two Worlds; (3) Medication Portability, Herbal Practices, and Supplement Culture; and (4) Digital Health Across Borders. Findings demonstrate that older Syrian refugees actively construct hybrid care pathways that integrate biomedical, cultural, and transnational practices. These strategies reflect resilience and adaptability but also expose gaps in the healthcare system. The study underscores the need for culturally responsive and age-friendly healthcare practices that acknowledge transnational realities. By illuminating how care circulates across borders, this study provides actionable guidance for designing responsive health systems.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010012

Authors: Samantha E. Vasquez Anna J. Bierma Brian M. Kreisman

This scoping review aims to synthesize peer-reviewed literature exploring quality of life (QoL) for individuals with age-related hearing loss (ARHL), age-related central auditory processing (ARCAP) deficits, and age-related cognitive decline. A growing body of research has identified ARHL as a risk factor for the development of dementia, highlighting the connection between the sensory and cognitive systems. As the aging population continues to grow, examining comorbid age-related hearing and cognitive decline is especially relevant. These conditions may have potential negative consequences on the daily functioning, social participation, mental health, and overall wellbeing of older adults. A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature was conducted across multiple databases, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. Studies that focused on the impact of ARHL, ARCAP deficits, and/or related cognitive deficits on QoL were included in the present review. Key data extracted included QoL measures categorized into the ICF framework, the effects of hearing loss intervention on QoL, and the impact of ARHL on QoL for aging individuals. This review summarizes the reported effects that ARHL, ARCAP, and/or cognitive decline have on older adults, and discusses the clinical and practical implications for managing clients with these conditions. In addition to preventative measures and deficit management, maintenance of life participation, social engagement, and overall wellbeing should be considered when caring for aging adults with hearing and/or cognitive impairment.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010011

Authors: Víctor Sánchez Sergio Novi Alex C. Carvalho Andres Quiroga Rodrigo Menezes Forti Fernando Cendes Clarissa Lin Yasuda Rickson C. Mesquita

Resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) provides insight into the intrinsic organization of brain networks and is increasingly recognized as a sensitive marker of age-related neural changes. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) offers a portable and cost-effective approach to measuring rsFC, including in naturalistic settings. However, its sensitivity to age-related alterations in network topology remains poorly characterized. Here, we applied graph-based analysis to resting-state fNIRS data from 57 healthy participants, including 26 young adults (YA, 18–30 years) and 31 older adults (OA, 50–77 years). We observed that older adults exhibited a marked attenuation of low-frequency oscillation (LFO) power across all hemoglobin contrasts, corresponding to a 5–6-fold reduction in spectral power. In addition, network analysis revealed altered topological organization under matched sparsity conditions, characterized by reduced degree heterogeneity and increased segregation in older adults, with the strongest differences observed in the default mode (DMN), auditory, and frontoparietal control (FPC) networks. Network visualizations further indicated a shift toward more right-lateralized and posterior hub organization in older adults. Together, the coexistence of reduced oscillatory power and increased connectivity suggests that fNIRS-derived rsFC reflects combined neural and non-neural hemodynamic influences, including increased coherence arising from age-related vascular and systemic physiological processes. Overall, our findings demonstrate that fNIRS is sensitive to age-related changes in large-scale hemodynamic network organization. At the same time, sensitivity to non-neural hemodynamics highlights the need for cautious interpretation, but it may provide complementary, clinically relevant signatures of aging-related changes.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010010

Authors: Rosa Angela Fabio Angela Bellantone Barbara Colombo Domenica Viviana Bertuccio Giulia Picciotto

Cognitive reserve (CR) is widely recognized as a protective factor that supports cognitive functioning across the lifespan. Recent research suggests a reciprocal relationship between CR and creative thinking—particularly divergent thinking (DT)—with DT potentially contributing to and benefiting from CR and remaining relatively preserved in older adulthood. This cross-sectional study, conducted in Italy between April and July 2025 using convenience sampling, examined whether CR predicts verbal and conceptual creativity in healthy older adults. One hundred participants (aged 65–92 years; M = 68.45, SD = 8.12) completed the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq), the Test di Intelligenza Breve (TIB; Short Intelligence Test), and two creativity tasks. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 25.0; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Multiple regression analyses showed that overall CR significantly predicted all creativity outcomes, including verbal fluency (β = 0.316, p = 0.011) and flexibility (β = 0.336, p = 0.007), as well as conceptual fluency (β = 0.371, p = 0.003), flexibility (β = 0.381, p = 0.002), and originality (β = 0.338, p = 0.006). Education and leisure activities more strongly predicted verbal creativity, whereas occupational experience and leisure activities predominantly predicted conceptual creativity. These findings indicate that CR supports creative thinking in later life and highlight the importance of cognitively and socially enriched experiences across the lifespan.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010009

Authors: Giorgio Bertolazzi Anna Calabrò Giulia Accardi Anna Aiello Calogero Caruso Anna Maria Corsale Marta Di Simone Serena Meraviglia Giuseppina Candore

This study aims to characterise the B cell compartment in a cohort of Sicilian centenarians by analysing absolute CD3−CD19+ lymphocyte counts, in association with age, sex, cytomegalovirus (CMV) serostatus, related to immune ageing, and interleukin (IL)-6 levels, representative of inflamm-ageing. It also investigates age-related changes in the CD4+/CD19+ ratio as a marker of immune ageing, reflecting shifts in immune homeostasis. B cell counts were assessed by flow cytometry on 53 Sicilians aged 19–110 years: 20 Adults, 15 Older adults, 11 long-living individuals, and 7 oldest centenarians. A multiple negative binomial regression was applied to evaluate the effects of age, sex, CMV serostatus, and Il-6 levels on values of B cells. The results showed a non-significant trend toward age-related decline without sex-based differences. A significant reduction in B cell count was observed in individuals with high anti_CMV titres, while IL-6 levels showed a borderline inverse correlation. CD4+/CD19+ ratio values showed an age-related increase. Our findings suggest that the age-related decline in B cell numbers may be mostly related to CMV infection and IL-6 values, without sex contribution. The age-related increase in the CD4+/CD19+ ratio, most pronounced in oldest centenarians, may represent a compensatory adaptation promoting immune regulation and chronic inflammation control.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010008

Authors: Bijoyaa Mohapatra Reza Ghaiumy Anaraky

Dementia is a progressive condition that affects cognition, communication, mobility, and independence, posing growing challenges for individuals, caregivers, and healthcare systems. While traditional care models often focus on symptom management in later stages, emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies offer new opportunities for proactive and personalized support across the dementia trajectory. This concept paper presents the Assistive Intelligence framework, which aligns AI-powered interventions with each stage of dementia: preclinical, mild, moderate, and severe. These are mapped across four core domains: cognition, mental health, physical health and independence, and caregiver support. We illustrate how AI applications, including generative AI, natural language processing, and sensor-based monitoring, can enable early detection, cognitive stimulation, emotional support, safe daily functioning, and reduced caregiver burden. The paper also addresses critical implementation considerations such as interoperability, usability, and scalability, and examines ethical challenges related to privacy, fairness, and explainability. We propose a research and innovation roadmap to guide the responsible development, validation, and dissemination of AI technologies that are adaptive, inclusive, and centered on individual well-being. By advancing this framework, we aim to promote equitable and person-centered dementia care that evolves with individuals’ changing needs.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010007

Authors: Hongtu Chen Marta Pagán-Ortiz Sara Romero Vicente Emma Chapman James Maxwell Otis L. Owens Sue Levkoff

Background/Objectives: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a transitional stage between normal aging and early dementia, affecting up to 20% of older adults. Sleep disturbances, particularly insomnia, affect around 60% of individuals with MCI, contributing to declines in cognitive and physical function. Although Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is an evidence-based non-pharmacological treatment, few studies have adapted it for individuals with MCI. This pilot study developed and evaluated Slumber, a clinician-supported mobile CBT-I app tailored for older adults with MCI and insomnia. Methods: The study had three aims: (1) to develop the app for delivering CBT-I to individuals with MCI; (2) to evaluate its usability and refine smart messaging prompts; and (3) to assess the feasibility of outcome measurement while detecting exploratory signals of change through a 6-week pilot trial. N = 19 participants completed the trial. Results: A significant reduction in insomnia severity was observed (mean difference = −2.06; p = 0.0131), while changes in cognitive and physical functioning were not statistically significant. Participants reported high satisfaction with the app’s tracking features and motivational reminders, though some noted technical challenges with presenting and interpreting sleep analysis charts. Conclusions: Findings support the usability of the Slumber app and the feasibility of outcome measurement in this population. The observed improvement in sleep quality provides an initial signal of promise. Future studies should address user feedback, enhance technical features, and evaluate clinical effectiveness in a larger randomized trial.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010006

Authors: Hillary B. Spangler David H. Lynch Wenyi Xie Nina Daneshvar Haiyi Chen Feng-Chang Lin Elizabeth Vásquez John A. Batsis

Background: Frailty is a geriatric syndrome of increased physiological vulnerability, decreasing an older adult’s ability to successfully cope with health stressors. Social determinants of health (SDOH), including rural residence, can amplify healthcare disparities for older adults due to less accessibility to resources and lead to worse health outcomes. While the impact of rurality on older adult health is well-established, little is known about how the interaction of SDOH and geographical residence impact frailty status in older adults. Methods: Older adults (65+ years) in the National Health and Aging Trend Study (2011–2021) were categorized using Fried’s frailty phenotype (robust, pre-frail, frail). Rurality was defined using the 2013 Rural–Urban Continuum Codes. Generalized estimation equations with generalized logit link function determined the relationship between SDOHs (healthcare access, community support, income, education) and frailty status. Results: Of n = 6082 participants (56.4% female), the mean age was 75.12 years (SE 0.10), 1133 (18.6%) lived in rural residence, and 2652 (53.0%) had pre-frailty. Although there was no relationship between geographical residence and frailty status (p = 0.73), we did observe lower associated odds of worse frailty status for those with Medigap insurance coverage (0.81, SE 0.08; p = 0.04) and inconsistent frailty status trends for those of divorced (1.12, SE 0.05; p = 0.007) and never married (0.20, SE 0.03; p < 0.001) status in urban areas. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that geographic residence may modify the relationship between SDOH and frailty status in older adults, providing novel insight into the complexity of these interactions. This work is important for identifying modifiable areas where additional support interventions may be important for mitigating frailty development and progression for older adults with efforts at both the individual and system levels.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010005

Authors: Sara Brás Alves Leandro Moreira de Sá Carla Agradém Eugénia Mendes António Miguel Monteiro Adília Fernandes Hélder Fernandes Josiana Vaz Ana Pereira

Introduction: The Mediterranean Diet is known for its protective effects against cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Metabolic syndrome, characterized by multiple health risk factors, is increasingly concerning in older populations. Understanding dietary impacts on metabolic health is key for promoting healthy ageing. Objectives: This feasibility study aimed to explore the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and metabolic risk factors in older adults participating in a community exercise program and to evaluate the feasibility of applying validated tools in this setting. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet was evaluated using the PREDIMED questionnaire, while Metabolic Syndrome was evaluated according to National Cholesterol Education Program criteria. Blood samples were taken following WHO guidelines. Results: Ten participants (mean age 73.1 years; 90% women) were included. 50% showed high adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, while 40% had moderate or low adherence. No participants met the full criteria for Metabolic Syndrome. Significant associations were found between Mediterranean Diet adherence and chronic disease (r = 0.869, p < 0.01), and an inverse correlation with the number of Metabolic Syndrome criteria (r = –0.707, p < 0.05). The Mediterranean Diet score was also inversely related to cholesterol (r = –0.740, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Higher adherence to the Mediterranean Diet was associated with better metabolic profiles, highlighting its potential protective role. The study demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating nutritional screening in community exercise programs for older adults. Future research should include larger and longitudinal samples and integrate inflammatory biomarkers.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010004

Authors: Christine Marie Mills Catherine Donnelly

Nutrition risk is prevalent in community-dwelling older adults, and leads to increased morbidity and mortality. Understanding the factors associated with the development of high nutrition risk is crucial for the development of appropriate programs and policies to address this problem. Therefore, our objective was to identify the psychosocial factors correlated with the development of high nutrition risk, as assessed by SCREEN-8, among Canadian adults categorized by ten-year age groups (45–54, 55–64, 65–74, and 75+). We used data from 17,051 participants in the tracking cohort of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging and employed multivariable binomial logistic regression to identify the social and demographic factors associated with the emergence of high nutrition risk at follow-up, three years after the baseline. Baseline data were gathered between 2011 and 2015. At baseline, 34.4% of participants across all age groups were at high nutrition risk, while 40.0% were at high risk at follow-up. Factors consistently associated with the development of high nutrition risk across all age groups included lower levels of social support, lower self-rated social standing, infrequent participation in sports or physical activities, infrequent participation in cultural or educational activities, and lower household incomes. Programs and policies addressing these factors may reduce the prevalence of high nutrition risk and the development of high nutrition risk.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010003

Authors: Tomoko Imai Keiko Miyamoto Ayako Sezaki Fumiya Kawase Yoshiro Shirai Chisato Abe Masayo Sanada Ayaka Inden Norie Sugihara Toshie Honda Yuta Sumikama Saya Nosaka Hiroshi Shimokata

Purpose: Cross-sectional analysis using open data has revealed an association between the traditional Japanese diet score (TJDS) and healthy life expectancy (HALE). This study aimed to clarify the association of the TJDS with the HALE and average life expectancy (LE) via a longitudinal analysis. Methods: Data regarding the food supply and total energy were extracted from the database of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and data regarding HALE and LE were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The supply of items consumed frequently (rice, fish, soybeans, vegetables, and eggs) and less frequently (wheat, milk, and red meat) in the Japanese diet were scored (total: −8 to 8 points) and stratified into tertiles by country. The gross domestic product, aging rates, years of education, smoking rate, physical activity, and obesity rate were used as covariates. Longitudinal analyses were conducted for 143 countries, using the HALE and LE for each country from 2010 to 2019 as dependent variables and the 2010 TJDS as an independent variable. Results: The fixed effects (standard errors) were HALE 0.424 (0.102) and LE 0.521 (0.119), indicating significance (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The nine-year longitudinal analysis using international data suggests that the traditional Japanese diet based on rice may prolong the HALE and LE.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010001

Authors: Zofia Szarota Aleksandra Błachnio

This article addresses selected issues concerning the formulation and implementation of public policies on aging both at the global and regional levels. Selected key initiatives undertaken by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations (UN), and the European Union (EU) are discussed. The article further examines three distinct models of aging policy as exemplified by Norway, Lithuania, and Poland. These countries share commonalities, including very high rates of demographic aging and membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). However, each nation adopts a different model of social policy, consequently reflecting diverse models of senior citizen support. The research aims to elucidate the determinants and impacts of social policies targeting a particularly vulnerable segment of the population—older adults requiring long-term services and support. Central to this investigation is the comparative analysis of general characteristics distinguishing the different national models. This was achieved through a synthesis and evaluation of selected quantitative and qualitative indicators. Methodologically, the study utilizes expert interviews, comprehensive literature reviews, secondary analyses of international and national statistical data, including data from Eurostat and OECD databases, European Commission policy documents, and an extensive review of grey literature encompassing pertinent Internet sources. Findings reveal marked differences in the design and execution of aging policies across the three countries, highlighting variations in how the welfare function of the state is operationalized in addressing the needs of the elderly.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal6010002

Authors: Sepali Guruge Maureen Saha John Shields Kaveenaa Chandrasekaran Kateryna Metersky Cristina Catallo Hasina Amanzai Zhixi Zhuang Souraya Sidani

Background: In Canada, 30 percent of the older adult population is foreign-born. Immigrant older adults are more likely to experience significant social isolation due to a variety of factors. However, limited research exists on the influence of specific factors. The objective of this study is to understand the economic factors that contribute to social isolation among older immigrants in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Canada. Methods: A qualitative interpretive description method was used. Following research ethics boards’ approval, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with a total of 47 Arabic, Mandarin, and Punjabi-speaking older immigrants in the GTA. The interviews were conducted in their preferred language, audio-recorded, and translated (when needed) into English and transcribed. Thematic analysis of the data was informed by an ecosystemic framework. Results: Six themes were identified: (1) barriers to finding employment; (2) living a “hand-to-mouth life” due to limited income/pension; (3) housing costs that eliminate choices and options; (4) costs (and availability) of transportation as a barrier to getting around; (5) lack of “essential” healthcare coverage; and (6) costs of community programs that prevent “getting out of the house.” These economic factors at micro, meso, and macro levels of society intersected to create desperate situations that contributed to social isolation among older immigrants in the GTA. Conclusions/Implications: Addressing these economic factors is critical to immigrant older adults’ aging in place. Service providers must advocate for accessible physical and financial resources and services including affordable housing and transportation, old age security, and comprehensive healthcare coverage for older immigrants. Future research should focus on economic challenges faced by older adults across other immigrant communities in the GTA as well as in other cities, provinces, and territories.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5040056

Authors: Geovanna Souza do Nascimento Claudinéia Matos de Araújo Gesteira Claudio Henrique Meira Mascarenhas Luana Machado Andrade Margarida Neves de Abreu Elaine dos Santos Santana Luciana Araújo dos Reis

As life expectancy increases, the disease profile of the population also changes, with a higher prevalence of chronic diseases and reduced functional capacity, which increases the risk of social isolation and vulnerability. The aim of this study was to identify the association between functionality, depressive symptoms, and fragility in elderly adults in primary care. This is an exploratory, descriptive study with a quantitative approach and a cross-sectional design, carried out in a municipality in the interior of southwestern Bahia. The instruments used were the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), a sociodemographic questionnaire on health conditions, the Edmonton Fragility Scale (EFS), and the Self-Reported Fragility Scale. The data were analyzed through descriptive analyses with absolute and relative frequencies and the application of the Chi-square test, adopting a value of p ≤ 0.05. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between elderly adults classified as frail and female gender (p = 0.019), marital status without a partner (p = 0.001), dependence in BADL (p = 0.008), dependence in IADL (p-value = 0.000), and the presence of depressive symptoms (p = 0.000). Conclusion: This study found an association between marital fragility related to being without a partner, dependence in IADL (instrumental activities of daily living), and the presence of depressive symptoms.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5040055

Authors: Rachel L. Knight Kelly A. Mackintosh Andrea Tales Ralph Maddison Emily J. Oliver Deborah J. Morgan Melitta A. McNarry

Assistive technologies are increasingly promoted to mitigate age-related declines in cognitive and physical function. Given high levels of sedentary behaviour in older adult care-home residents, technologies promoting physical activity may be beneficial. However, there is little evidence concerning their implementation, evaluation, use, and effects in care-home settings. This evidence gap is particularly notable in terms of the perspectives and experiences of care-home staff. This narrative reflects on insights gained from exploring key feasibility factors related to delivering an immersive cycling intervention in residential care homes from the perspective of care-home staff. Contemporaneous field notes, conversations with care-home managers and staff, and a discussion group involving six care-home staff and one care-home management group representative, as part of a workshop event, identified that standard research timescales and designs may be unsuitable for this research type, highlighting the need for comprehensive community engagement. Cultural and sector-wide considerations of risk and sensitivity to staffing and wider resource pressures are needed to determine optimal technology implementation and use. While assistive physical activity-focused technologies have potential benefits for adult care-home residents, especially those with cognitive impairment, their implementation and use in research and practice require careful planning. Flexible data collection and research designs that capture implementation processes and how participants’ use varies in dynamic contexts are required. Technologies that require high levels of staff supervision are often impractical. Implications for researchers, developers, and care-home operators are discussed with respect to improved informed decision-making and implementation.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5040054

Authors: Giulia Fest Lara Costa Ezequiel Pinto Helena Leitão Tânia Nascimento

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5040053

Authors: Kyeongmin Jang

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5040052

Authors: Sreelatha Akkala Meesha Iqbal Regina Hansen Jyothi Akkula

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5040051

Authors: Luis Miguel Pato Ricardo Pocinho Patricia Torrijos Fincias Cristóvão Margarido Juan José Fernández Muñoz

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5040050

Authors: Nicole Gerber Thorsten Merkle Nico Schefer

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5040049

Authors: Luís Fernandes Raúl Antunes Rui Matos Diogo Monteiro Nuno Amaro Nuno Couto Miguel Jacinto

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5040048

Authors: Miya Narushima Pauli Gardner Majuriha Gnanendran Jaclyn Ryder Mei Low Lynn McCleary

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5040047

Authors: Carla Perpétuo Ana I. Plácido Ramona Mateos-Campos Adolfo Figueiras Maria Teresa Herdeiro Fátima Roque

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5040046

Authors: Michael C. Ibekaku Lori E. Weeks Parisa Ghanouni Lawrence Adebusoye Caitlin McArthur

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5040045

Authors: Tomoyuki Shinohara Ayumi Maruyama Yuta Yabana Miyu Kamijo Shota Saito

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5040044

Authors: Claudio San Martín Carlos Rojas Yasna Sandoval Benjamín Vicente

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5040043

Authors: Emily V. Flores Moyosoreoluwa Jacobs Peter A. Lichtenberg Vanessa Rorai

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5040042

Authors: Aswen Sriranganathan Shaylene Kathiravelu Tracy Li Lindsey Sikora Shekinah McClymont Dona Locke Melanie Chandler Anne Shandera-Ochsner Adrian D. C. Chan Fateme Rajabiyazdi Octavio A. Santos Chantal Trudel Atul Jaiswal Neil Thomas

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5040041

Authors: Marybeth Johnson Michelle L. Cathorall Tina M. K. Newsham Elizabeth Fugate-Whitlock

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5040040

Authors: Sophia Xian Seethalakshmi Ramanathan Stephen J. Glatt Michiko Ueda

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5040039

Authors: Zihui Ma Hyun Jeong Kim

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5040038

Authors: Vessela Warren Richard Nicholls

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5040037

Authors: Qing Ni Hua Dong Antonios Kaniadakis

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5030036

Authors: Diana Amundsen

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5030035

Authors: Émilie Fortin Marie-Ève Langelier Guillaume Léonard Rubens A. da Silva

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5030034

Authors: Delaram Sirizi Morteza Sabet Katelyn Hummel Juanita-Dawne R. Bacsu Ava Longo Zahra Rahemi

(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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5030033

Authors: Susan Williams Marissa Anne Iannuzzi Sarah J. Prior

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5030032

Authors: Brunilda Subashi Fatjona Kamberi Glodiana Sinanaj Vasilika Prifti Erlini Kokalla Rezarta Lalo

The Older People’s Quality of Life Questionnaire (OPQOL-35) is a validated tool used to measure quality of life in the older people in many countries. The study describes the linguistic validation, cultural adaption, and pilot testing of the Albanian version of the OPQOL-35 (AL-OPQOL-35) in older adults, confirming its internal consistency and reliability. The process of linguistic validation, cross-cultural verification and adaptation of the AL-OPQOL-35 questionnaire went through four stages: forward translation, backward translation, patient testing, and proofreading. The AL-OPQOL-35 instrument obtained after forward–backward translation was tested on a sample of 40 elderly people with chronic diseases and multimorbidity. The sample consisted of 75% females and the age group 65–74 makes up the highest percentage with 72.5%. The sample consisted of 25% with one chronic disease, while 75% had two or more chronic diseases. After the evaluation by a panel of experts and pilot testing, the AL-OPQOL-35 was found to be clear and understandable for older adults with chronic conditions and multimorbidity, showing good reliability with a Cronbach’s alpha α = 0.848. It is recommended to use the AL-OPQOL-35 instrument in a larger population and evaluate its psychometric properties.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5030031

Authors: Jordan Nguyen Jacqueline B. LaManna Chanhyun Park Boon Peng Ng

Hypertension is a major chronic condition affecting older adults in the United States. The condition imposes clinical and economic burdens. Self-efficacy, or confidence in managing health, is crucial for effective self-management of hypertension. This study explored the relationships between socio-demographics, health status, and confidence in following provider recommendations for controlling hypertension among Medicare beneficiaries. The 2021 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey was analyzed, including responses from 5838 beneficiaries aged ≥65 years with reported hypertension. A three-level categorical dependent variable ((1) very confident/confident, (2) somewhat confident, and (3) not confident (reference group)) based on provider recommendations for lifestyle changes for hypertension control was created. A survey-weighted multinomial logit model examined associations between socio-demographics and self-reported health status and the dependent variable. Among respondents, 70.8%, 21.4%, and 7.8%, respectively, were very confident/confident, somewhat confident, and not confident in following provider recommendations for lifestyle changes to control hypertension. Beneficiaries with obesity, fair/poor general health, and limitations in basic activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living were less likely to report being very confident/confident. The findings of this cross-sectional study highlighted the potential need for targeted support (e.g., tailored health coaching, peer mentoring) of lifestyle changes for at-risk older adults to manage hypertension.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5030030

Authors: Edgar Atraca Luísa Solinho Sara Pires Vera Braga Idalina Gomes Ana Ramos

The rising prevalence of CKD, particularly within aging populations, demands effective and accessible self-management strategies. Three middle-aged and older adult inpatients (one female, two males; mean age 58.6 years ± 23) with CKD and preserved cognitive capacity (Mini-Mental State Examination) participated. A multiple case study was conducted in a Portuguese nephrology unit between November 2024 and February 2025, utilizing baseline assessments that included the Braden, Barthel, and Morse scales, as well as the KDQOL-SF. A targeted educational program addressed key CKD management aspects: disease understanding, vascular access care, medication regimens, and dietary restrictions. Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured knowledge gains. Results indicated improvements in participants’ knowledge and self-management capabilities across several domains. These included enhanced understanding of the disease process, vascular access for hemodialysis, dietary requirements, and fluid restrictions. Participants also demonstrated improved self-assessment of support systems, coping mechanisms, and family involvement. A 15% average increase in knowledge scores post-intervention was observed. This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the efficacy of a structured educational nursing program in improving CKD self-management. The significant improvements in knowledge and self-reported confidence suggest that targeted education is a valuable component of comprehensive CKD care. Future research should incorporate larger, more diverse samples and explore the long-term impact of the intervention. Furthermore, the integration of technological tools, such as personalized learning platforms and digital health, holds a significant promise for enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of such educational programs.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5030029

Authors: Melissa Baker Jillian Crocker Barry Nierenberg Ashley Stripling

Multimorbidity, or the presence of two or more co-occurring chronic medical conditions, is extremely prevalent within the United States (US), with disproportionately high incidence rates in individuals with minoritized identities. Sleep disturbances are an empirically supported risk factor contributing to disease status and maintenance throughout the lifespan. Given this, this study examines the relationship between disturbed sleep and multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) in adults using cross-sectional data from (n = 1013) participants enrolled in the Survey of Midlife Development in the US Study (MIDUS-2). Participants within this study were predominantly female (54.9%), white (93.2%), middle-aged (MAGE = 58 years old), and experienced multimorbidity (56.6%) by having two or more (MCHRON = 2.25) chronic health conditions in the past year. A negative binomial regression indicated that sleep disturbances significantly predict the number of chronic health conditions, with sleep-disturbed individuals reporting a 41% increase in reported health conditions (IRR = 1.407, p < 0.001). Findings suggest that disturbed sleep is significantly related to disease presence in aging populations and should be addressed through early intervention to mitigate negative health consequences.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5030028

Authors: Aditya Narayan Nirav R. Shah

By 2040, more than 80 million Americans will be aged ≥65, yet contemporary senior living communities still operate on a hospitality-first model developed for healthier cohorts three decades ago. This commentary argues that the next generation of senior living must pivot from hotel-style amenities to person-centric health platforms that proactively coordinate medical, functional, and social support. We outline four mutually reinforcing pillars. (1) Data infrastructure that stitches together clinical, functional, and social determinants of health enables continuous risk stratification and early intervention. (2) Ambient and conversational artificial-intelligence tools can extend sparse caregiving workforces while preserving resident autonomy. (3) Value-based contractual arrangements—for example, Medicare Advantage special-needs plans embedded within senior living sites—can realign financial incentives toward prevention rather than occupancy. (4) Targeted policy levers, including low-income housing tax credits for the “forgotten middle” and outcomes-based regulatory frameworks, can catalyze adoption at scale. Ultimately, re-architecting senior living around integrated technology, value-based financing and supportive regulation can transform these communities into preventive-care hubs that delay nursing home entry, improve quality of life, and reduce total cost of care.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5030027

Authors: Hillary B. Spangler David H. Lynch Wenyi Xie Nina Daneshvar Haiyi Chen Feng-Chang Lin Elizabeth Vásquez John A. Batsis

Older adults, aged 65 years and older, develop and experience frailty at different rates. Yet, this heterogeneity is not well understood, nor are the factors, such as geographical residence, that influence different frailty trajectories and subsequent healthcare outcomes. We aim to identify factors that impact older adult frailty trajectories, skilled nursing facility (SNF) placement, and death. Medicare beneficiaries ≥ 65 years from the National Health and Aging Trend Study (2011–2021) with complete data using Fried’s frailty phenotype on ≥ 2 occasions (n = 6082) were included in the analysis. Rural/urban residence was defined using Office of Management and Budget criteria. Latent class growth analysis (LCGA) helped identify four frailty trajectories: improving, stable, mildly worsening, and drastically worsening. Cox proportional hazard analysis and logistic regression determined the association of social determinants of health (sex, race/ethnicity, education and income level, healthcare and transportation access, and social support) on death and SNF admission, respectively. The mean age was 75.12 years (SE 0.10); 56.4% female, 18.6% (n = 1133) rural residence. In the overall sample, 1094 (23.0%) older adults were classified as robust, 3242 (53.0%) as pre-frail, and 1746 (24.0%) as frail. Urban residence did not modify the relationship between frailty trajectories and SNF placement, nor did geographic residence on death. Higher income was associated with lower odds of a worse frailty trajectory, SNF admission, and a lower hazard of death, all reaching statistical significance. Future work should examine the factors that influence older adult participation in research and the impact of standardizing the definition of geographic rurality on older adult frailty and health outcomes.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5030026

Authors: Alessandra Errigo Giovanni Mario Pes Calogero Caruso Giulia Accardi Anna Aiello Giuseppina Candore Sonya Vasto

Blue Zones (BZs) are regions across the world associated with exceptional human longevity, where individuals routinely live into their 90s and beyond. These areas share distinct lifestyle and environmental factors that promote healthy aging. The established BZs include Sardinia, Okinawa, Ikaria, and Nicoya, while several “emerging” BZs have been reported in various parts of the globe. This study investigates an area in Sicily for similar longevity patterns. Demographic data from the Italy National Institute of Statistics and local civil registries identify the municipality of Caltabellotta, home to approximately 3000 residents, and the nearby Sicani Mountains as a potential emerging BZ. The area exhibits a significantly higher prevalence of nonagenarians and centenarians compared to national and regional averages. Between 1900 and 1924, the proportion of newborns in Caltabellotta who reached age 90 and above rose from 3.6% to 14%, with 1 out of 166 individuals during this period reaching the age of 100. Historical, dietary, environmental, and sociocultural characteristics align with known BZ traits, including adherence to the Mediterranean diet, physical activity through agrarian routines, strong social cohesion, and minimal environmental pollution. A comparative analysis with the validated Sardinia BZ supports the hypothesis that this Sicilian area may represent an emerging longevity hotspot. Further multidisciplinary investigation is warranted to substantiate these findings.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5030025

Authors: Areej Al-Hamad Yasin M. Yasin Kateryna Metersky Kristina M. Kokorelias Lujain Yasin Fatima Afzal

As global populations age, there is increasing demand for effective, person-centered healthcare solutions that support older adults to age in place. Home healthcare has emerged as a crucial strategy to address the complex health and social needs of older adults while reducing reliance on institutional care. This umbrella review aimed to synthesize evidence from existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses on home healthcare services and interventions targeting older adults. A comprehensive search was conducted across five databases and gray literature sources, including Google Scholar, for reviews published between 2000 and 2025. The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA statement. Twenty reviews met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a total of over 3.1 million participants. Interventions were grouped into four categories: integrated and multidisciplinary care, preventive and supportive home visits, technological and digital interventions, and physical, transitional, and environmental support. Results indicated that many interventions led to improved health outcomes, including enhanced functional ability, reduced hospital readmissions, and increased satisfaction. However, effectiveness varies depending on the intervention type, delivery model, and population. Challenges such as caregiver burden, digital exclusion, and implementation in diverse settings were noted. This review highlights the promise of home healthcare interventions and underscores the need for context-sensitive, equitable, and scalable models to support aging populations.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5030024

Authors: Kieran J. Flanagan Heidi M. Olsen Erin Conway Patrick Keyzer Laurie Buys

Aged-care services are in crisis through a combination of rising demand and increasing costs. Quality of care is often reported to be insufficient. Medical science has increased lifespans but the overmedicalisation of aged care may affect the financial sustainability and quality of care. Person-centred care was developed as a solution and is generally interpreted as being concerned with consumer choice. This study presents a human rights-based approach to a code of conduct for aged-care consumers and workers to ensure autonomy and participation in aged-care communities, which are fundamental to person-centred care. A test–retest cohort study was used to investigate the impact of a training module about a human rights-based code of conduct on the perspectives of new aged-care workers (n = 11) on a case scenario involving conflicting care priorities. Qualitative content analysis was used to categorise and count the participants’ responses. The analysis found that prior to training the majority of participants were focused on a medical and risk reduction model of care. After the training participants had a more expansive understanding of care needs and recognised the importance of client empowerment to enable clients to participate in decisions affecting their care. The results support the implementation of a human rights-based approach to worker training and client care; such an approach is consistent with person-centred care.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5030023

Authors: Olufisayo O. Elugbadebo Oluwagbemiga Oyinlola Baiba Berzins Bibilola Oladeji Lisa M. Kuhns Babafemi O. Taiwo

The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated and intensified pre-existing structural vulnerabilities among older adults living with HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria. Within already overstretched healthcare infrastructures, these individuals faced heightened economic precarity, disrupted HIV care, and pronounced psychosocial distress. Exploring their lived experiences critically advances an understanding of resilience and informs contextually responsive interventions that can mitigate future health crises. This study employed a narrative qualitative approach to explore the lived experiences of older adults (aged 50 and above) attending the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) clinic in Ibadan, Nigeria, during the pandemic lockdown. Purposive sampling guided by maximum variation principles enabled the selection of 26 participants who provided detailed accounts through in-depth interviews. Reflective thematic analysis identified complex narratives illustrating intensified financial hardships, disrupted access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and heightened psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and profound isolation. Conversely, participants also articulated experiences of resilience, manifesting in improved medication adherence, strengthened family bonds, and introspective growth fostered by enforced isolation. These nuanced findings highlights the necessity of developing an adaptive, integrated healthcare interventions that addresses economic vulnerabilities, psychosocial wellbeing, and ART continuity, thereby better preparing resource-constrained health systems to support older adults with HIV/AIDS in future public health crises.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5030022

Authors: Elfriede Derrer-Merk Maria-Fernanda Reyes-Rodriguez Pilar Baracaldo Marisol Guevara Gabriela Rodríguez Ana-María Fonseca Richard P Bentall Kate Mary Bennett

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, particularly for older adults. They were identified as a high-risk group. While research has primarily focused on health measures, less is known about their adaptation processes during this period in the UK and Colombia. This study explores “how older adults in the UK and Colombia adapted during the health crisis after one year”. We conducted interviews with 29 participants in the UK and 32 participants in Colombia, aged 63–95, about their experiences one year after the pandemic. We analysed their anonymised transcripts using constructivist grounded theory. The pandemic highlighted older adults’ ability to learn new skills in the face of adversities. Some found new goals; others found pleasure in optimising existing skills and tasks. Some compensated for the lack of social connectivity by intensifying hobbies. We identified three broad ways older adults adapted. Cognitive adaptation included acceptance, positive reframing, and religious trust. Emotional regulation was experienced not only through deep freeze, weather impact, social support, religion, pet companionship but also emotional struggles. Finally behavioural adaptation was enacted through routine modification, use of virtual technologies, intertwined cognitive–emotional–behavioural adaptation, and previous experiences. However, adaptation varied, with some individuals struggling to adapt, highlighting that while adaptation is possible for some, it is not universal among all older adults.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5030021

Authors: Tindara Caprì Rosa Angela Fabio Mariachiara Gioia

Background: Decision-making under risk is a crucial process for undertaking health behaviors. Although the influence of individual differences on decision-making under risk has been widely examined, there is no clear consensus yet as to how to explain this process considering both young and older adults. The main aim of this preliminary study was to examine age differences in decision-making under risk, risk propensity, sensation-seeking, and self-conscious emotions between younger and older adults. Methods: A total of 40 subjects (20 young adults and 20 older adults) participated in the present study. The young adults were aged 18–35 years (M = 23.25, SD = 2.59). The older adults were aged 65–70 years (M = 68.50, SD = 4.01). Participants completed the Risk Propensity Scale, the Sensation-Seeking Scale, the Test of Self-Conscious Affect, and the Prisoner’s Dilemma Game. Results: The results indicated that the groups showed different behaviors in sensation-seeking (p < 0.001, pη2 = 0.14). The older group showed a larger propensity to seek recreational activities and unconventional behaviors than the younger group (p < 0.0001, d = 0.78; p = 0.001, d = 0.75). Also, the older adults demonstrated a greater inclination toward pride (p < 0.01, d = 0.78), whereas younger adults exhibited a stronger tendency towards shame (p < 0.01, d = 0.76). Conclusions: These data suggest a shift in risk preferences as individuals age, potentially influenced by a variety of psychological, social, and experiential factors. The applications of this study can support psychological well-being, productivity, and quality of life in later adulthood.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5020020

Authors: Ahuva Even-Zohar Shulamith Kreitler Hanna Gendel Guterman

Falls among older adults create major damage to their quality of life. The present study explores which has a greater impact on this quality and feeling of safety in daily life—falling itself or the fear of falling. A stratified sample of 403 Israelis aged 55–80 years was recruited through a panel survey company, and self-reported questionnaires were completed. The questions included history of the number of past falls, as well as meaning and quality of life, along with the feeling of safety. Fear of falling was directly measured using a new scale as an additional measure to the feeling of safety. The research analysis was based on a theoretical model, tested by path analysis. The main findings show that fear of falling has a greater negative impact on the feeling of safety and quality of life than actually falling and is significantly influenced by subjective psychological feelings. The implications for clinical practice should be to raise awareness among the staff who care for older adults of the psychological fear of falling among the adults in their care and build both diagnosis and treatment programs for treating and reducing the fear of falling. Such programs have to be built by organizations, either in institutions or in meetings organized for community-dwelling older adults.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5020019

Authors: David H. Lynch Hillary Spangler Jacob S. Griffin Anna Kahkoska Dominic Boccaccio Wenyi Xie Feng-Chang Lin John A. Batsis Roger A. Fielding

Gait speed and grip strength are widely used measures of physical function in older adults and are predictive of disability, hospitalization, and mortality. However, there is a limited understanding of the long-term trajectories of these measures and which older adults are at the highest risk of functional decline. We used data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) to identify subgroups of community-dwelling older adults with distinct 10-year trajectories in gait speed and grip strength and to examine the baseline factors associated with these patterns. The sample included 4961 adults aged 65 years and older who completed gait speed and grip strength assessments in 2011 and at least one subsequent wave between 2013 and 2021. Using latent class growth analysis, we identified three trajectories for each measure: worsening, stable, and improving. More than one-third of participants were in the worsening group for at least one measure. In multinomial logistic regression models, lower income, Medicaid coverage, cognitive impairment, and multiple chronic conditions were associated with membership in worsening trajectory groups. These findings highlight the heterogeneity of physical aging and the importance of the early identification of older adults who may benefit from targeted interventions to maintain function and independence over time.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5020018

Authors: Michael E. Kalu Daniel G. Rayner Izma Ali Angela Bilic De Silva Tharani Jake Lee Anthony Samy Vidhi Bhatt Caitlin McArthur Vanina Dal Bello-Haas

Background: The 2010 Conical Model of Theoretical Framework for Mobility in Older Adults examines how various factors impact elderly mobility. A decade later, describing the model’s application in research, clinical practice, and policy is crucial. Objective: This scoping review aims to identify studies utilizing the Conical Model in older adult research, clinical practice, and policy while pinpointing implementation gaps. Methods: Seven databases (MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, GooogleScholar) from 2010 to April 2025 with a well-defined search strategy. Pairs of reviewers independently conducted title/abstract and full-text screening, extracted data, and assessed study quality using modified Downs and Black Checklist (quantitative), Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (qualitative), and Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (mixed methods). Results: Twenty-four studies (20 cross-sectional quantitative studies, 2 mixed methods, one concept and one e-Delphi study) were included, with one advancing the Conical Model, eleven testing it, and twelve incorporating it into study development. Findings showed a consistent association between physical and social factors with mobility, although the assessment of mobility factors varied among studies. The quality of articles ranged from good (23%) to excellent (77%). Conclusion: No evidence was found on the Conical Model’s application in clinical practice or policy, despite its theoretical relevance; therefore, there is a need for further validation of the model in real-world applications.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5020017

Authors: Shinpei Ikeda Hirotomo Shibahashi Kanta Ohno Yousuke Seike

This study examines the relationship between living arrangements and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults in Japan, with a particular focus on gender differences. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Ayase City, Kanagawa Prefecture, using mailed questionnaires, and the analysis was conducted on data from 1409 participants aged 65 and older. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the associations between living arrangements, social networks, social participation, and depressive symptoms, adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related factors. The findings indicate that older adults living alone and those co-residing with their children are particularly vulnerable. Those living alone were more likely to be women aged 75 and older, with economic difficulties, and exhibited higher rates of depressive symptoms and care needs. Similarly, older adults living with their children had a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms and care requirements despite experiencing fewer economic hardships. This group was also characterized by lower educational attainment. Additionally, gender-specific factors were identified in the relationship between social relationships, including living arrangements, and depressive symptoms. These results underscore the necessity of interventions that consider both living arrangements and gender-specific social factors to mitigate mental health risks among older adults.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5020016

Authors: Carolina Aguilar Gomes Irene Cortesão Sofia Castanheira Pais

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5020015

Authors: Antonio Sánchez-Cabaco Beatriz Palacios-Vicario Lizbeth De La Torre Rosalía García-García Jesús Cacho Gutiérrez Paula Prieto Fernández

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5020014

Authors: Ingrid Wu Susan B. Quelly Zhuo Chen Boon Peng Ng

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5020013

Authors: Suja Chaulagain

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5020012

Authors: Deniz Heydarian Matthew Flavel Mihiri Munasinghe Markandeya Jois Jency Thomas

Polyphenol-Rich Sugarcane Extract (PRSE), derived from Saccharum officinarum, demonstrates significant neuroprotective effects against amyloid-beta (Aβ1–42)-induced deficits associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study utilized transgenic C. elegans expressing Aβ1–42 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 Aβ1–42 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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5020011

Authors: Barbara Resnick Amy Ives Marie Boltz Elizabeth Galik Ashley Kuzmik Rachel McPherson

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.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5010010

Authors: Tine Fristrup

This article explores the transformative potential of Artful Ageing as a conceptual framework for enriching experiences in later life. By synthesising Manning’s theory of minor gestures with Basting’s creative care approach, the article demonstrates how Artful Ageing fundamentally reconfigures our understanding of the ageing experience. The findings indicate that this framework transforms ageing from a narrative of decline into a dynamic process of becoming, where physical and existential spaces intertwine to create opportunities for emancipatory experiences. The transformative power emerges through what Manning terms “art-as-practice” and Basting describes as “moments of awe”—small, ephemeral encounters that carry profound potential for connection and meaning-making. This study reveals how Artful Ageing transforms conventional care environments into cultural spaces where creativity becomes embedded in everyday interactions rather than isolated to scheduled activities. The author identifies how this approach enables a shift from outcome-oriented interventions focused primarily on physical health to process-oriented engagements that honour the non-rational and in-between elements of ageing lives. The research demonstrates that when implemented, Artful Ageing transforms not only individual experiences but also relational dynamics and institutional structures, challenging biopolitical agendas embedded in current regimes of active ageing. This transformative framework ultimately offers new pathways for understanding and supporting meaningful engagement throughout later life.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5010009

Authors: Alexandre Sidorenko Kai Leichsenring

This review and discussion article is based on a literature review of selected materials and is devoted to the role of research agendas in linking research and policy in the field of ageing and longevity. After emphasizing the importance of research evidence in international policy frameworks on ageing and defining the main parameters of research agendas, the authors turn to describing how research agendas can play a key role in bridging research and policy on population ageing and individual longevity. Examples of international (global), regional and national research agendas are presented. Finally, the authors reflect on the benefits and current limitations of research agendas in supporting evidence-based policy and highlight the potential role of research agendas in developing appropriate and timely responses to the challenges and opportunities of population ageing and individual longevity.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5010008

Authors: Rachel Ng Min Wen Grace Chua Mei En Clement Hong Therese Marie Tay Tianma Xu

A 7-week group-based cooking program led by an occupational therapist was developed for older adult clients in Senior Care Centres (SCCs) in Singapore. This study aimed to test this cooking program’s feasibility and clinical effects in a SCC. A mixed-methods study design was implemented over 3 months, which included a 7-week intervention and a booster session 1-month post-intervention. Eligible participants were screened for participation. Feasibility was assessed by recording recruitment, attendance and attrition rates. Pre- and post-assessments, including community mobility, physical function and self-perceived quality of life, at three time points, were conducted to measure functional changes. Quantitative data were analysed using repeated measure analysis of variance, and all interviews were audio-recorded with permission and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis. Six out of seven participants completed the program with a high attendance rate (80.4%). Participants demonstrated improvements in physical functions and community mobility immediately after the intervention and at a one-month follow-up. Participants shared their motivational factors for participating and demonstrated positive changes in lifestyle routines, dietary habits, and nutritional knowledge. Social and personal factors were found to play a crucial role in their compliance and active participation in the program. Our finding suggests that a structured cooking program for older adults at an SCC is acceptable and feasible in Singapore. Finetuning of the program content is necessary before conducting a larger study.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5010007

Authors: Therese Doan Sumiyo Brennan Jongmi Seo Hisao Osada Michiyo Bando

Age discrimination in nursing may result in judgmental care and compromise the quality of care offered to older adults. While geriatric–gerontological education can address ageism among nursing students, cross-cultural perspectives on aging remain understudied. This study describes the characteristics of nursing students in the USA and Japan and explores their perspectives on aging after completing a life review assignment, both personally and professionally. A mixed-methods study using quantitative surveys and an exploratory–descriptive qualitative design was conducted at two nursing schools (one each in the USA and Japan). Students participated voluntarily with strict anonymity and confidentiality. There were significant differences between American and Japanese nursing students in both demographics and perceived impact of the life review assignment. The American students were predominantly older and had more experience in caregiving for older adults, whereas the Japanese students were younger and lacked such experience. The qualitative analysis revealed an increased awareness of patient-centered care for older adults as a major professional theme across both groups. The life review assignment proved effective in providing meaningful experiential learning opportunities for future nurses across different cultural contexts. This method appears promising in addressing ageism through personalized engagement with older adults.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5010006

Authors: Erika Squires An Dinh Lori A. Pakulski

Age-related hearing loss is becoming more prevalent as the aging population continues to rise worldwide. Left untreated, hearing loss is a significantly under-reported concern that negatively impacts quality of life including mental health, cognition, and healthcare communication. Since many older adults may not report hearing concerns to their primary physicians, allied healthcare providers (AHPs) have an important role in recognizing communication challenges due to potential hearing loss, screening for hearing issues, and making referrals as needed. Moreover, AHPs may need to address hearing loss, at least temporarily, to provide their services when communication problems are present. The purpose of this study was to examine knowledge and practice patterns of AHPs regarding hearing loss among their patients. Results of a national survey indicated that many AHPs understand the negative implications of unaddressed hearing loss and the importance of hearing screening, but they are unsure of who, when, and how to address it. Consequently, immediate and innovative solutions are offered to AHPs to enhance communication with patients who might have unaddressed hearing loss. Moreover, findings can be used to develop training and policies to ensure that professionals are well positioned to address the complex needs of individuals with unaddressed hearing loss.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5010005

Authors: Daniela Pamias-Lopez Tara Keck

Background: The global population is experiencing a demographic shift towards older ages, which has the potential to increase the prevalence of ageing-related diseases and associated healthcare costs. Promoting healthy ageing behaviours, such as physical and social activity, has been shown to reduce disability and frailty among older people and improve their life satisfaction. To this aim, several Healthy Ageing Centres have been established across nine municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to support healthy ageing behaviours in older populations. This cross-sectional study hypothesises that participation in these centres will be associated with an increase in healthy behaviours. Methods: This exploratory study compares the behaviours of Healthy Ageing Centre members (n = 399) and non-members (n = 55) to assess if participation in Healthy Ageing Centres is associated with healthy ageing behaviours such as physical activity, social interactions, and life satisfaction. Results: Members at Healthy Ageing Centres had a higher life satisfaction, exercised for significantly longer, and engaged in social activities more frequently than non-members. No differences were found in diet, alcohol consumption or loneliness levels. Conclusions: The present study highlights the positive behaviours associated with attending Healthy Ageing Centres, suggesting that their establishment in ageing populations could be beneficial for supporting healthy ageing.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5010004

Authors: Daniel L. Dam Jon A. Christensen Pia Ø. Olsen Jason J. Wilson Mark A. Tully Sussi F. Buhl Paolo Caserotti

Age-related declines in muscle mass, neuromuscular, and physical function can be mitigated by resistance training (RT). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Ω-3 PUFAs) supplementation has shown benefits in older adults. However, it remains unclear if combining Ω-3 PUFAs with RT is more effective than RT alone or with placebo. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Ω-3 PUFAs combined with RT compared to RT alone or placebo on muscle mass and function in healthy older adults (≥65 y). Databases such as PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science were searched on 11 April 2024. No restriction on language or publication date was implemented. Mean differences (MDs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals and pooled effects were calculated. Nine studies (n = 286, 54% men) met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis found no significant effect of Ω-3 PUFAs on muscle mass or neuromuscular function but a large effect on chair-rise performance. Potential impact of Ω-3 PUFAs dose, duration, or sex were not observed. Most studies had varying levels of bias, and none met recommended quality standards for investigating Ω-3 PUFAs, but findings suggest no clear advantage of combining Ω-3 PUFAs with RT.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5010003

Authors: Mohammad Fakhimi Adriana Hughes Allison Gustavson

Background: Smart home technologies (SHTs) hold promise for supporting older adults by enabling early detection and intervention in mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. However, adoption remains limited due to usability, accessibility, and privacy concerns. Methods: This narrative review examined the literature from 2010 to early 2024 related to SHTs and their impact on older adults’ mental health. In total, 34 relevant studies met the inclusion criteria, and also, a standardized quality assessment tool was used to evaluate the methodological soundness of the included studies. Results: Findings reveal that interface complexity, cognitive overload, high costs, and privacy concerns are significant barriers to adoption. Accessibility challenges, including physical and sensory impairments, further reduce engagement and inclusivity. Key facilitators for user acceptance include user-centric design, personalization, participatory co-development, and cultural adaptations. SHTs incorporating AI-driven features, such as behavioral monitoring, medication reminders, and social engagement tools, demonstrate significant potential for early mental health interventions. Based on these findings, we propose a holistic framework integrating technical innovation with human-centered design to address these challenges and optimize SHTs for mental healthcare. Conclusions: Tailored systems that prioritize usability, accessibility, ethical data management, and user feedback can empower older adults to maintain autonomy, support aging in place, and enhance their quality of life with dignity.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5010002

Authors: Jocelyn L. Brown

This study introduces racial capitalism, the theory that racism and capitalistic exploitation are inextricably linked, into psychology and gerontology by exploring its mental impact across different age groups of Black Americans. Using Constructivist Grounded Theory (CGT), 27 participants from diverse age groups and socioeconomic statuses were interviewed via theoretical and purposive sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted to examine their lived experiences of racial capitalism and its evolving mental health impact. Data collection continued until thematic saturation was reached, and analysis followed an iterative coding process to identify emergent themes. The analysis revealed three themes: Individual-level racism impacts older adults’ mental well-being; middle-aged adults are learning from older adults’ poor mental health awareness; and younger adults are mentally struggling under the weight of capitalistic exploitation. Older adults primarily focused on individual-level racism earlier in life, maintaining a generally positive outlook. Middle-aged adults reflected on limited mental health awareness passed down from older cohorts and the strain of limited generational wealth transfer. Younger participants expressed heightened mental distress due to contemporary systemic racism and exploitation. These findings informed the development of Cumulative Racial Capitalism Theory (CRCT), a framework theorizing how racism and capitalism continually evolve, cumulatively impacting Black Americans’ mental health.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal5010001

Authors: Maaha Ayub Meher Angez Nabiha B. Musavi Syed Tabish Rehman Deepak Kataria Rabeea Farhan Namirah Jamshed

Hyponatremia, a common electrolyte imbalance in older adults, results from physiological aging, medication use, and comorbidities, with significant implications for morbidity and quality of life. This narrative review aims to explore the impact of dietary habits and nutritional deficiencies on the development and management of hyponatremia in this population. A literature search identified relevant studies addressing the risk factors related to sodium balance, dietary intake, and nutrition. The key findings reveal that low sodium and age-related changes increase vulnerability to hyponatremia and its associated risks, including cognitive decline and falls. Nutritional strategies, such as optimizing sodium and protein intake and reducing processed food consumption, may offer preventative benefits. Future research should focus on tailored dietary interventions and establishing sodium intake guidelines specific to older adults. Implementing such strategies could improve the health outcomes and reduce the healthcare costs associated with hyponatremia in older populations.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal4040034

Authors: Carol Nash

Informal dementia home caregiving is viewed negatively by society and can result in caregiver depression and anxiety from burnout, potentially compromising caregiving. Caregiver creation of a graphic memoir may help to mitigate the negative dementia narrative while engaging in it, and a psychoanalytic narratology method may reduce experienced depression and anxiety associated with burnout. This investigation examines writing, illustrating, and publishing a graphic memoir by one informal dementia home caregiver. As the mother of the illustrator and the editor and publisher of this graphic memoir, I provide the perspective of this investigation based on communications with the author and illustrator. My historical analysis, in which the author participated, represents psychoanalytic narrative research, serving as the historical method. The effects of writing, illustrating, and publishing the graphic memoir were able to reduce the informal dementia home caregivers’ symptoms during the entire process and extend the effect of this endeavor until the death of the mother. Engaging in the psychoanalytic narrative research process was additionally effective in this regard. The outcomes demonstrate the viability of writing and illustrating a publishable graphic memoir for other informal dementia home caregivers and the possibility of it and the narrative research method to help decrease their depression and anxiety regarding burnout.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal4040033

Authors: Jennifer Zorotovich Hunter Reeder Thomas Patrick Sweeney Aylia Z. Naqvi Adrienne Edwards-Bianchi

Loneliness is well documented as a major, yet preventable, risk factor for well-being among older adults that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly half of some countries’ older population experience loneliness, which significantly increases risks for dementia, heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety, hospitalization, and even hastened death. Utilizing socioemotional selectivity theory, the current study addresses. the inverse relationship between aging and social outlet availability by providing empirical data on the benefits of intergenerational programming. Data from adult–college student dyads who participated in a telephone reassurance program focused on reminiscence guiding were analyzed to determine outcomes of participation. Qualitative analyses revealed the emergence of themes surrounding familial/friendship bonds and self-discovery among adult participants and a rejuvenated appreciation for the little things in life as well as a sense of purpose from meaningful contributions among college student participants. Results are discussed in terms of continued growth and development during late adulthood and professional and personal growth among students. The psychologically and emotionally meaningful nature of quality intergenerational programs provides a platform for the formation of unique relationships to offset fractured social outlets during later life, providing protections against loneliness and work to establish unique relationships between disparate groups who otherwise may never have crossed paths.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal4040032

Authors: Seungjong Cho

Depressive symptoms are influenced not only by absolute income but also by relative income, particularly among older adults. The present article, guided by relative deprivation theory and the relative position hypothesis, examines the relationship between neighborhood relative income and depressive symptoms in older adults. This study utilized a merged dataset from the American Community Survey data and the RAND Health and Retirement Study data (N = 3071; age 65+). Neighborhood relative income was measured by calculating the difference between the natural logarithm of an individual’s household income and the natural logarithm of the median household income in their Census tract and then dividing this difference by the natural logarithm of the median household income in the same tract. Negative binomial regression revealed a significant link between lower relative economic positions and more counts of depressive symptoms, even after controlling for individual and neighborhood covariates. These findings underscore the urgent need for social work interventions and policies that address the mental health impacts of economic inequities in older populations.

Journal of Ageing and Longevity doi: 10.3390/jal4040031

Authors: Gregory W. Hartley Mateo Serrano Kathryn E. Roach

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of beliefs and attitudes of practicing physical therapists (PTs) about aging on their expectations concerning the behavior and outcomes of patients with orthopedic conditions. We hypothesized that some beliefs and attitudes would be related to expectations of worse outcomes in older patients compared to clinically identical younger patients. Methods: Seventy-one (71) practicing PTs with a mean age of 40 years (±10.44, range 24–67) were recruited via snowball sampling and asked to participate in a three-part online questionnaire. For part 1, participants were randomly assigned a hypothetical case involving either a 42-year-old or an 85-year-old patient s/p surgical repair of a femoral shaft fracture. Thirty-five (35) participants were randomly assigned to the young case group (YCG) and 37 to the old case group (OCG). Participants were asked questions related to their expectations concerning the patient’s clinical and functional potential, response and adherence to physical therapy, and patient responsibility for their own outcomes. For part 2, all participants completed the Kogan Attitude Toward Old People Scale consisting of 34 paired (positive/negative) statements. Part 3 consisted of subject demographics. Results: Participants in the YCG and the OCG were similar in age (41 vs. 40 years), PT experience (16.7 vs. 14.8 years), gender (82.9% vs. 86.5% female), and positive Kogan score (69.5 vs. 68.2). The groups differed in belief the patient would return to their prior level of function. YCG believed it was “extremely likely”, while the OCG believed it was “moderately likely”. In the OCG, greater likelihood that the patient would return to prior level of function was related to stronger belief that “Most ageing adults are really no different from anybody else” (r = 0.35). Conclusion: In general, physical therapist participants in this study agreed with positive attitudes and beliefs about aging adults as measured by total positive Kogan score. The only outcome expectation that appeared to be influenced by the age of hypothetical patient was return to prior level of function. Although some specific age-related beliefs were correlated to expectation of return to prior level of function, the positive Kogan score was not. It is possible that age related differences in expectations of return to prior level of function were influenced by clinical experience rehabilitating older patients rather than negative attitudes and beliefs about aging.