Search Results (369)

Background and Objectives: Sarcopenic obesity, or the coexistence of sarcopenia and obesity, carries an additional load of health risks, including functional decline and metabolic disorders. Despite its increasing importance, data on Korean adults’ prevalence and risk factors are poor. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity, sarcopenia, and obesity to identify factors associated with each condition using the most recent nationally representative data. Materials and Methods: This study analyzed data from 4332 adults aged ≥ 40 years who participated in the 2022–2023 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Sarcopenia was defined using the appendicular skeletal muscle index (SMI) via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and obesity by waist circumference per Korean criteria. Participants were categorized into four body composition groups. Complex sample logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with each condition. Results: The prevalence rates of sarcopenic obesity, sarcopenia-only, and obesity-only were 1.9%, 14.4%, and 35.5%, respectively. Sarcopenic obesity was significantly more common among older women with low education level, poor subjective health, diabetes, and low HDL-C. They were associated with older age, lower physical activity, lower education level, past smoking, and poor health condition. Obesity was associated with male sex, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and moderate-to-poor perceived health. Conclusions: Sarcopenic obesity, while less prevalent, is relatively uncommon and represents a high-risk phenotype associated with metabolic and functional deficits. These results highlight the importance of identifying vulnerable subgroups and implementing targeted strategies that address both muscle loss and adiposity in aging Korean adults. Full article

Background/Objectives: Accurately assessing the independence level of older adults using useful assessment tools is an important step toward providing them with the necessary care while preserving their dignity. These tools allow older adults to receive effective, personalized home care, which improves their quality of life. This study aimed to clarify the current prevalence of severe and complete functional dependence and associated factors among Kazakhstan’s older adults aged >60 years. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in several polyclinics and geriatric service care centers in two cities of Kazakhstan from March to May 2024. Functional status was assessed by the Barthel Index. We combined the selection into two categories: total dependency and severe dependency in the category “dependent”, and moderate dependency, slight dependency, and total independence in the category “active patients”. Results: Among the 642 older people in this study, 43.3% were dependent patients, and 56.7% were active patients. The odds of severe and total functional dependence are significantly higher for frail participants (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.70, 5.16], p < 0.001) compared to those that are not frail; eleven times higher for those at home (AOR =11.90, 95% CI [5.77, 24.55], p < 0.001) than those in nursing homes; two times higher for participants with sarcopenia (AOR =2.61, 95% CI [1.49, 4.55], p < 0.001) compared to those with no sarcopenia; and three times higher for participants with high risk of fracture (AOR =3.30, 95% CI [1.94, 5.61], p < 0.001) compared to those with low risk. The odds of having severe and total functional dependence are significantly higher for participants with low dynamometry (AOR =1.05, 95% CI [1.03, 1.07], p < 0.001) compared to those with normal dynamometry. Conclusions: Old age, low dynamometry (for men ≤ 29 kg, for women ≤ 17 kg), frailty, being at home, high risk of fracture and osteoporosis, and sarcopenia were associated with increased risk of severe and total functional dependence. Full article

Objective: To investigate the association between combined physical activity (PA) levels and sedentary behavior (SB) with dynapenic abdominal obesity (DAO) and dynapenic obesity (DO) in older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional, population-based epidemiological study included 207 community-dwelling older adults (58.90% women). PA and SB were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Participants were categorized into four groups: (G1) sufficiently active and low SB; (G2) sufficiently active and high SB; (G3) insufficiently active and low SB; and (G4) insufficiently active and high SB. DAO and DO were defined as the coexistence of dynapenia with abdominal and general obesity, respectively. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Poisson regression with robust variance. Results: The prevalence of DAO was 11.10% and DO was 6.80%. In the adjusted analysis, participants classified as insufficiently active with high SB (G4) had 5.54 times the prevalence of DAO (PR: 5.54, 95% CI: 1.91–16.03) and 6.54 times the prevalence of DO (PR: 6.54, 95% CI: 1.68–36.66) compared to the reference group (G1) (sufficiently active and low SB). Conclusions: Insufficient PA combined with high SB was positively associated with both DAO and DO in the studied population of older adults. Full article

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence and key sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) phenotype in a large occupational cohort. Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) phenotype, defined as the simultaneous presence of elevated waist circumference and high triglyceride levels, are major predictors of cardiometabolic morbidity and mortality. Despite their clinical relevance, data on their distribution and determinants in large occupational populations remain limited. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 139,634 employed adults (56,352 women and 83,282 men) across Spain, based on standardized clinical evaluations and validated questionnaires assessing physical activity, diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, education, and occupational class. Logistic regression models were used to estimate associations with MetS and HTGW. A longitudinal subsample of 40,431 individuals was followed over a 10-year period (2009–2019) to assess trends in metabolic risk phenotypes. Results: Male sex, older age, lower educational attainment, and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors were associated with a higher prevalence of both MetS and the HTGW phenotype. Physical inactivity, low adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and alcohol consumption were significantly associated with increased risk. The HTGW phenotype proved useful in identifying high-risk individuals, with a steadily increasing prevalence over time. Conclusions: Sociodemographic disparities and modifiable lifestyle factors significantly influence the prevalence and progression of MetS and HTGW in the Spanish workforce. Preventive strategies should emphasize early workplace screening, promotion of healthy behaviors, and reduction in educational and socioeconomic inequalities to mitigate cardiometabolic risk. Full article

The aim of this study was to analyze the activation of selected upper limb muscles. For the purposes of this article, we present results concerning the following muscles: triceps brachii, anterior and posterior deltoid, and trapezius in women aged 50 and above during simulated riding of the Torqway device, using surface electromyography (sEMG). The primary objective was to compare muscle activity across two movement phases: active and passive. Accordingly, the following research hypotheses were formulated: muscle activity (measured by RMS values) will be significantly higher during the active phase compared to the passive phase, and MPF (mean power frequency) values will decrease over time, indicating the onset of muscle fatigue. Additionally, the potential of surface electromyography was assessed as a diagnostic tool for evaluating ergonomics and muscle effort in the context of designing personalized mobility devices for older adults. As the study of the Torqway device represents a pioneering research effort, this publication makes a significant contribution to the biomechanical analysis of new forms of active mobility supported by wearable sensor technologies. Full article

Background: The role of physical activity in early recovery following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) remains unclear, particularly regarding potential sex differences. This study examined the effects of physical activity on pain, self-estimation, and strength recovery after ARCR in middle-aged and older adults. Methods: Patients who underwent ARCR were classified into high physical activity (HPA, n = 94) and low physical activity (LPA, n = 99) groups based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASESs) score for self-estimation were assessed preoperatively and at 6, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively. Isokinetic shoulder strength was measured at the same intervals except for the 6-week assessment. Results: All groups demonstrated significant improvements in pain reduction and self-estimation over time (p < 0.05). At 6 and 12 weeks, the HPA group showed significantly lower VAS scores and higher ASES scores than the LPA group (p < 0.05). Notably, at 12 weeks, men in the LPA group exhibited pain levels comparable to the HPA group, whereas women in the LPA group continued to report significantly higher pain levels (p < 0.05). Isokinetic strength assessment revealed greater flexion and external rotation strength in the HPA group at 12 weeks (p < 0.05), though no significant between-group differences were observed at 24 weeks. Conclusions: Higher physical activity levels were associated with better early pain relief and self-estimation after ARCR, particularly within the first 12 weeks. These findings suggest that structured physical activity may enhance postoperative outcomes, with potential sex-based differences in pain perception. Full article

Background/Objectives: In the context of active ageing, functional assessment is key to preserving autonomy in older women. The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a practical tool for estimating general health, but its results can be influenced by various factors. This study analysed cardiorespiratory variations during the 6MWT in older women according to their physical activity level and age-related variables such as pain, sarcopenia, frailty, and motivation to exercise. Methods: A total of 163 older women with musculoskeletal pain, but without cardiac or respiratory conditions, were classified into groups with high (HPA), moderate (MPA), and low (LPA) physical activity. During the 6MWT, heart rate (HR), dyspnoea, and oxygen saturation (SpO₂) were recorded. Pain, sarcopenia, frailty, and motivation to exercise were also assessed. A repeated-measures multivariate analysis of (co)variance (RM-MANCOVA) was performed. Results: The results showed differences in HR depending on the level of physical activity, conditioned by sarcopenia (p < 0.05) and walked distance (p < 0.001), and in dyspnoea conditioned by pain perception (p < 0.01) and social (p < 0.001) and psychological (p < 0.05) motivation to exercise. There were also differences in SpO₂ depending on the level of physical activity (p < 0.0001). There were differences between the HPA group and both the MPA and LPA group, which had higher HR, higher dyspnoea, and lower SpO₂ when undergoing the 6MWT test. Conclusions: To accurately interpret 6MWT results in older adult women, it is essential to consider physical activity level, perceived pain, sarcopenia, and motivation to exercise, as these factors influence HR, dyspnoea, and SpO₂. These variables should guide physical activity recommendations for healthy ageing. Full article

Background/Objective: The impact that lifestyle has on someone’s health has been widely proven. And the lifestyle can also be highly influenced by the sociodemographic background; however, there is less literature that focuses on this matter. Hence, the objective of the present study is to analyze the influence of sociodemographic variables on the lifestyle of the adult population. Methods: A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted in 20 health centers of the Community of Madrid (Spain). A total of 365 participants were scheduled for nursing consultations and recruited through systematic probabilistic sampling. Lifestyle was assessed using the “Ponte a 100” questionnaire; based on the total score achieved by the participants, these were categorized into four groups depending on their need to adopt healthier lifestyle habits: minimal need (80–100 points), mild need (60–79 points), moderate need (40–59 points), and high need (<39 points). Results: Values ranged from 23 to 98 points in the Lifestyle Index (ISEV), with an average of 71.8 (SD = 14.6 points). Older individuals had better eating habits (β = −1.982), while younger individuals had better physical activity habits and a higher consumption of toxic substances. Men consumed more alcohol (β = −2.307) and felt happier with their lives, while women took more active breaks. Being a student was associated with higher levels of stress and anxiety, lower physical activity and leisure time, and higher alcohol consumption. Retirees had better emotional well-being indices (β = 0.999). Lower income levels were associated with occasional drug use and poorer emotional well-being. People with university degrees had better emotional states (β = 0.861) and better eating habits (β = 1.652) and engaged in more intense physical activity. Having no chronic diseases was related to being more physically active (β = 1.789). Conclusions: The study population generally presents a healthy lifestyle. The dimension of emotional well-being was the most influenced by sociodemographic factors. This study contributes to understanding the impact of socioeconomic variables on lifestyle. Full article

(1) Background: This study aimed to assess whether older adults exhibit greater discrepancies between intended and actual motor unit recruitment, which could affect the quality of muscle activation and potentially increase the risk of falls. (2) Methods: Forty-eight physically active older women were assessed (65 ± 6 years, 164 ± 6 cm, and 76 ± 7 kg). The bioelectrical activity (EMG) of the vastus lateralis oblique (VLO) and vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscles were assessed during isometric testing with the knee joint bent to 75 degrees. The participants were instructed to press against a stable bar for 5 s at a specific percentage of their perceived force level (at 15%, 30%, and 60% of MVC) when the EMG activity was recorded. Balance was assessed using a stabilometric platform in a standing position. (3) Results: In all three thresholds, the bioelectrical activity of the VLO and VMO muscles significantly deviated from what was expected under the assumption of a nearly linear relationship between muscle force and bioelectrical activity. In each of the three thresholds, it did not exceed 10% MVC and significantly differed only between the 15% and 60% MVC thresholds. No significant differences were found between the dominant and non-dominant sides. A significant relationship was observed between the sway area (Area 95%) and the activity of the non-dominant limb VLO muscle. (4) Conclusions: Our results suggest that older adults experience deficits in muscle activation perception, leading to discrepancies between intended and actual muscle engagement, which may affect functional task performance and potentially increase fall risk. Full article

This observational pilot study investigated neurocardiovascular responses to an active stand test using continuous physiological monitoring and functional data analysis (FDA) in older women. A sample of 25 community-dwelling female adults aged 59–78 years (mean age: 70.3 years) participated. Participants were dichotomized into comparison groups based on five factors: age (<70 vs. ≥70 years); the presence of initial orthostatic hypotension (IOH, yes/no); body mass index (BMI < 25 vs. ≥25 kg/m²); antihypertensive medication use (yes/no); and physical frailty status assessed by the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe—Frailty Instrument (SHARE-FI score < −0.5 vs. ≥−0.5). Each participant completed an active stand test during which six physiological signals were continuously recorded: systolic (sBP) and diastolic (dBP) blood pressure and heart rate (HR) via digital artery photoplethysmography and left frontal oxygenated hemoglobin (O₂Hb), deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb), and tissue saturation index (TSI) via near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The signal analysis focused on a standardized 200 s window spanning 50 s before to 150 s after the stand, with all signals resampled and synchronized at 5 Hz. FDA was used to statistically compare the full time series between groups for each signal. Group-level differences revealed that younger participants (<70 years) exhibited significantly higher HR in multiple periods following the stand (~10 s, ~30 s, ~90 s, and ~140 s post-stand) compared to their older counterparts. Participants with IOH demonstrated significantly lower sBP at ~10 s, ~80 s, and ~130 s post-stand and lower dBP at ~10 s post-stand. Among participants classified as overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²), significantly lower levels of HHb were observed at ~10 s, ~30–50 s, and ~60 s post-stand, while O₂Hb levels were reduced at ~50 s, ~60 s, ~70–110 s, ~130 s, and ~140 s post-stand. No statistically significant group-level differences were observed based on antihypertensive medication use or frailty status. These findings demonstrate the utility of FDA in detecting subtle, time-dependent physiological variations during orthostatic challenge and underscore the value of continuous neurocardiovascular monitoring in assessing orthostatic tolerance in aging populations. Full article

Atherogenic dyslipidemia is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While lipid abnormalities are well-established clinical risk factors, growing evidence highlights the influence of sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants on lipid profiles. However, large-scale epidemiological data addressing these associations within occupational settings remain limited. Objective: To assess the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between atherogenic risk—measured through TC/HDL-c, LDL-c/HDL-c, TG/HDL-c ratios, and atherogenic dyslipidemia (AD)—and sociodemographic variables, health behaviors, and alcohol consumption in a large cohort of Spanish workers. Methods: A dual-phase study was conducted. The first phase was a cross-sectional analysis of 139,634 workers (83,282 men; 56,352 women) from multiple employment sectors undergoing routine occupational health assessments. The second phase was a longitudinal study of a subsample (n = 40,431) with complete data from 2009 and 2019. Clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical data were collected using standardized protocols. Lifestyle factors (smoking, physical activity, Mediterranean diet adherence, alcohol intake) and socioeconomic indicators (education, occupational class) were recorded. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine independent associations with high-risk atherogenic profiles. Results: Higher atherogenic indices and prevalence of AD were associated with advancing age, lower educational level, lower social class, smoking, physical inactivity, poor diet quality, and alcohol consumption. Men exhibited higher TG/HDL-c and AD values, whereas women had higher TC/HDL-c and LDL-c/HDL-c. Physical inactivity showed the strongest association with TG/HDL-c (OR: 36.23; 95% CI: 32.12–40.35) and AD (OR: 16.86; 95% CI: 14.80–18.93). Alcohol intake also independently predicted higher TG/HDL-c (OR: 1.60) and AD (OR: 1.79). Over the decade, a general increase in atherogenic risk was observed, especially among older adults, socially disadvantaged groups, and those with unhealthy behaviors. Conclusions: Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, particularly physical inactivity and alcohol consumption, are strongly associated with adverse atherogenic profiles in the working population. The observed rise in lipid-related cardiovascular risk over the past decade emphasizes the urgent need for workplace-based health promotion strategies targeting modifiable behaviors and structural health inequalities. Full article

Although the relationship between grandparent and grandchild is often unique due to the supportive and foundational roles grandparents can have in the lives of young or youthful grandchildren, the extent of grandparent–grandchild coresidence globally is under-researched. We harmonized household roster survey data on grandchild coresidence using population-based data on adults 55+ years across 24 countries. Grandchild coresidence rates ranged from 41.1% in Mexico to 0.1% in Sweden. Across contexts, grandchild coresidence was more common among women (compared to men), non-partnered individuals (compared to partnered individuals), those who reported difficulty with activities of daily living (compared to those without such difficulties), and those with education levels below the median (compared to those above the median). Logit regressions indicated gaps in rates of grandchild coresidence by partner status, ADL status, and education were generally not driven by income or other socio-demographic variables. Coresidence with adult grandchildren was not uncommon in most countries with non-negligible rates of grandchild coresidence. In about 25% of households of middle-aged and older adults coresiding with grandchildren, grandchildren ages 0–5 years were present. Future research should consider the meaning of grandparent–grandchild coresidence for the health outcomes of middle-aged and older adults globally, particularly when grandparents are not caregivers of grandchildren. Full article

Palmitic acid (PA) and oleic acid (OA) are, respectively, the most prevalent saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (SFAs, MUFAs) in the human diet. The objective of this brief review is to explore how this ratio affects brain function. In two double-masked crossover trials in young adults, physical activity was greater and systemic inflammatory tone was diminished under a diet with a lower dietary PA/OA ratio compared to that of the typical North American Diet, and anger and total mood disturbance were diminished under the low- compared to the higher-PA/OA diet. In another diet trial in young women, functional magnetic resonance imaging showed that lowering the dietary PA/OA ratio decreased brain activation in regions of the basal ganglia, suggesting that brain function was reversibly altered by the dietary PA/OA ratio. Recently, a crossover trial in older adults showed that a lower dietary PA/OA ratio decreased systemic inflammatory tone and caused the greater activation of a working memory network. As people age, there are declines in cognition that impact functional abilities and independence, but the preservation of structural aspects of the brain in normal aging implies that there is the possibility of slowing, stopping, or reversing cognitive changes that impact daily life. Reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion by lowering habitual PA intake for even brief periods of time may be one modality to improve cognitive function in older adults, not only in those with typical cognitive aging but in those with dementia as well. Full article

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of severe respiratory illness in infants, young children, as well as elderly and immunocompromised patients worldwide. RSV is classified into two major subtypes, RSV-A and RSV-B, and remains the most frequently detected pathogen in infants hospitalized with acute respiratory infections. Recent advances have brought both passive and active immunization strategies, including FDA-approved vaccines for older adults and pregnant women and new monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for infant protection. Although significant progress has been made, the need remains for improved antiviral treatments, particularly for vulnerable infants and immunocompromised patients. Recent studies have identified multiple RSV mutations that confer resistance to current treatments. These mutations, detected in both in vitro studies and clinical isolates, often complicate therapeutic outcomes, underscoring the need for updated and effective management strategies. In this context, evaluating protein flexibility through tools like DisoMine provides insight into how specific mutations impact structural dynamics at binding sites, thus affecting ligand affinity. This review aims to synthesize these aspects, offering a comprehensive insight into ongoing efforts to counteract RSV and address the evolving challenge of drug resistance. Full article

Background: This study examines how social and geographical factors shape life satisfaction among older adults in South Korea, which became a super-aged society in 2024. As Korea moves toward implementing a nationwide integrated eldercare system by 2026, understanding the contextual determinants of wellbeing among older populations is critical for effective policy design. Methods: We use nationally representative survey data and apply a two-stage instrumental variable regression approach to address potential endogeneity in estimating the effects of key predictors on life satisfaction. Results: Subjective health and social connectedness are positively associated with life satisfaction. Physical activity shows context-specific effects, with notable differences between urban and rural areas. Surprisingly, greater accessibility to government services is linked to lower levels of physical activity, indicating a possible unintended consequence of well-intentioned policy measures. Gender differences are also evident: in urban areas, women report higher life satisfaction than men, whereas in rural areas, men report higher satisfaction than women. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for aging policies that are context-sensitive and socially inclusive. Policymakers should consider regional and gender-specific dynamics when designing programs to improve life satisfaction among older adults in a rapidly aging society. Full article