Search Results (267)

Background/Objectives: Understanding the impact of dietary habits in terms of obesity, health outcomes, and functional decline is critical in Europe’s growing elderly population. This study analyzed trends in Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence, obesity prevalence, and grip strength among middle-aged and elderly Europeans using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Methods: Data from four SHARE waves (2015–2022) across 28 countries were analyzed. Dietary patterns were assessed through food frequency questionnaires classifying participants as MD-adherent or non-adherent where adherent implies daily consumption of fruits and vegetables and occasional (3–6 times/week) intake of eggs, beans, legumes, meat, fish, or poultry (an unvalidated definition of the MD pattern). Handgrip strength, a biomarker of functional capacity, was categorized into low, medium, and high groups. Body mass index (BMI), self-perceived health (SPHUS), chronic disease prevalence, and CASP-12 scores (control, autonomy, self-realization, and pleasure evaluated on the 12-item version) were also evaluated. Statistical analyses included descriptive methods, logistic regressions, and multiple imputations to address missing data. Results: A significant majority (74–77%) consumed fruits and vegetables daily, which is consistent with MD principles; however, the high daily intake of dairy products (>50%) indicates limited adherence to the MD, which advocates for moderate consumption of dairy products. Logistic regression indicated that individuals with two or more chronic diseases were more likely to follow the MD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.21, confidence interval [CI] = 1.11–1.32), as were those individuals who rated their SPHUS as very good/excellent ([OR] = 1.42, [CI] = 1.20–1.69). Medium and high maximal handgrip were also strongly and consistently associated with higher odds of MD adherence (Medium: [OR] = 1.44, [CI] = 1.18–1.74; High: [OR] = 1.27, [CI] = 1.10–1.48). Conclusions: The findings suggest that middle-aged and older adults are more likely to adhere to the MD dietary pattern if they have more than two chronic diseases, are physically active, and have a medium or high handgrip. Although an unvalidated definition of the MD dietary pattern was used, the results highlight the importance of implementing targeted dietary strategies for middle-aged and elderly adults. Full article

Healthy food service guidelines (HFSG) comprise food, nutrition, behavioral design, and other standards to guide the purchasing, preparation, and offering of foods and beverages in worksites and institutional food service. To date, there have been few attempts to synthesize evidence for HFSG effectiveness in non-K-12 or early childhood education sectors, particularly at worksites and institutional food services. We conducted a scoping review to achieve the following: (1) characterize the existing literature on the effectiveness of HFSG for improving the institution’s food environment, financial outcomes, and consumers’ diet quality and health, and (2) identify gaps in the literature. The initial search in PubMed and Web of Science retrieved 10,358 articles; after screening and snowball searching, 68 articles were included for analysis. Studies varied in terms of HFSG implementation settings, venues, and outcomes in both U.S. (n = 34) and non-U.S. (n = 34) contexts. The majority of HFSG interventions occurred in venues where food is sold (e.g., worksite cafeterias, vending machines). A diversity of HFSG terminology and measurement tools demonstrates the literature’s breadth. Literature gaps include quasi-experimental study designs, as well as interventions in settings that serve dependent populations (e.g., universities, elderly feeding programs, and prisons). Full article

Cartilage degradation is a key feature of osteoarthritis (OA), a joint disease that significantly impacts the quality of life of the elderly population. While advanced age is recognized as one of the major risk factors for OA, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Research involving cartilage from aged animals has improved our understanding of the changes associated with aging. However, studies with aged animals can be time-consuming and costly. In this study, we investigate the use of human sera from older donors as a stressor to induce aging-like changes in cultured human chondrocytes. First, we assess the expression levels of markers related to chondrogenesis, hypertrophy, fibrosis, and inflammation in human chondrocytes treated with sera from younger or older human donors. Next, we evaluate the regenerative potential of these sera-treated chondrocytes by stimulating them with the anabolic factor transforming growth factor (TGF)-β3. The results show that treatment with sera from older donors induced an aging-like phenotype in chondrocytes and impaired their ability to generate new cartilage. These findings provide insight into the role of systemic factors (serum) in cartilage aging and offer a novel in vitro model for studying age-related changes in chondrocytes. Full article

The rapid growth of mobile financial services provides significant opportunities for enhancing digital financial inclusion among older adults. However, elderly consumers often lag in adoption and sustained usage due to psychological barriers (e.g., technology anxiety) and factors related to prior experience and comfort with technology (e.g., technology familiarity). This study investigates how technology anxiety and technology familiarity influence elderly consumers’ continuance intention toward mobile banking, while examining age as a moderator by comparing younger older adults (aged 60–69) and older adults (aged 70+). Using data from an online survey of 488 elderly mobile banking users in South Korea, we conducted hierarchical regression analyses. The results show that technology anxiety negatively affects continuance intention, whereas technology familiarity positively enhances sustained usage. Moreover, age significantly moderated these relationships: adults aged 70+ were notably more sensitive to both technology anxiety and familiarity, highlighting distinct age-related psychological differences. These findings underscore the importance of targeted digital literacy initiatives, age-friendly fintech interfaces, and personalized support strategies. This study contributes to the fintech literature by integrating psychological dimensions into traditional technology adoption frameworks and emphasizing age-specific differences. Practically, fintech providers and policymakers should adopt tailored strategies to effectively address elderly consumers’ unique psychological needs, promoting sustained adoption and narrowing the digital divide in financial technology engagement. Full article

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), is the leading cause of death worldwide, driven by factors like oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid metabolism disorders. Although phenolic compounds such as Tyrosol (Tyr) and Hydroxytyrosol (HTyr) found in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) have shown promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, their specific roles in modulating oxidative stress biomarkers and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) functionality in elderly populations, especially in those with prior myocardial infarction, are not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of EVOO phenolic compounds on oxidative stress biomarkers and HDL functionality, and related metabolic outcomes in both healthy and post-myocardial infarction (post-MI) elderly individuals. This pilot randomized clinical trial study included healthy and post-MI participants aged 65–85 years. Participants in each group were randomly assigned to consume 25 mL per day of one of three types of olive oils: high phenolic (HTyr/Tyr) extra virgin olive oil (HP-EVOO), extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), or refined olive oil (ROO) for a period of 26 weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline and post-intervention to assess key biomarkers. Plasma levels of (poly)phenols, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (FRAP), lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity (LCAT), and serum paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity were measured. A total of 34 individuals completed the study (mean age: 74 years). Baseline characteristics, including sex, age, body mass index (BMI), weight, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, did not differ significantly between the two groups. A significant increase in both FRAP levels and PON-1 activity was observed in post-MI participants following HP-EVOO consumption compared to baseline (p = 0.014). No significant changes were observed in MDA levels, LCAT activity, or plasma (poly)phenols. These results indicate that HP-EVOO may enhance antioxidant capacity, particularly FRAP and PON-1 activity, in elderly post-MI individuals. The observed differences between groups suggest that underlying cardiometabolic status may influence the response to olive oil phenolic compounds. Further studies are needed to explore the long-term cardiovascular effects. Full article

In this study, the frequency of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) occurrence in raw milk was investigated across different seasons over a three-year period from 2022 to 2024 in Croatia. Risk assessment was conducted using estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard index (HI), and margin of exposure (MOE) for various age groups and both genders. The frequency of AFM1 detection above the maximum level (ML) ranged from 1.60% to 15.1%. The average incidence of AFM1 exceeding the ML was 5.67%, with the highest incidence recorded in autumn 2024. AFM1 levels within the limit of detection (LOD) and ML were found in 13% of the samples. The average mean value of AFM1 over the three-year period was 19.2 ng/kg. The highest mean AFM1 EDI values were determined for toddlers (0.61–0.67 ng/kg bw/day) and children (0.41–0.43 ng/kg bw/day). The lowest EDI values were observed in elderly females and males (0.058–0.074 ng/kg bw/day). The EDI values for females and males were slightly different. The risk assessment, based on the HI and MOE, indicated that toddlers and children are at the highest risk of exposure to AFM1, which raises significant health concerns. Additionally, consumers of large quantities of milk face a high risk of exposure, particularly during the spring and autumn seasons. For adults and the elderly, milk consumption does not pose a serious health risk. Full article

Background/Objectives: Diffuse idiopathic skeleton hyperostosis (DISH) is also known as Forestier–Rotes-Querol syndrome. The etiology of DISH is unknown. DISH is characterized by ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligaments of the spine. The area most frequently involved in the disease is the thoracic region of the spine. DISH in most cases is asymptomatic. If the cervical spine is involved, the most common symptoms are dysphagia and dyspnea. The ossifications in the cervical region of the spine are localized most frequently in its lower segments. Case presentation: The authors present the case of a 92-year-old cachectic female patient (body mass index (BMI) of 17; lost 13% of her body weight within the last 6 months). The patient underwent resection of the anterior osteophytes C2-T1. Results: At one-year follow up, the patient had gained weight (BMI—20) and regained her ability to consume solid products. To our knowledge, this is the oldest patient treated surgically for DISH. Conclusions: If dysphagia or dyspnea appears among elderly patients, cervical spine inspection should be conducted. If DISH is diagnosed safe, effective surgical treatment should be considered. Full article

Many meals are consumed in public settings such as schools, hospitals, and elderly care. These meals have the potential to impact public health as well as promote sustainable lifestyles. However, gastronomic values can be important for loading the meals with other dimensions. The aim of this article is to explore how the concept of gastronomy is understood, used, and described in the scientific literature in the context of public meals. For this scoping review, a systematic approach was adopted, including articles that use the concept of gastronomy in the context of public meals, as defined in this paper. A total of 3676 articles were initially identified, of which eight were finally included for assessment in this review. Three main themes emerged in the analysis, illustrating how the concept of gastronomy was used: gastronomy as local food and national cuisine; gastronomy as ideas of ‘the good’; and gastronomy as a framework. The concept of gastronomy is seldom clearly defined but is often used to emphasize ideas of ‘the good’, local food, and culinary traditions. Through gastronomy, healthy and sustainable public meals can be loaded with additional value, creativity, and innovation, enhancing the overall meal experience. Full article

The blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) is an invasive alien species in the Mediterranean Sea, posing threats to biodiversity, fisheries, and aquaculture. Climate change has worsened these challenges, influencing the distribution of bacterial species, including Shewanella species, which are sensitive to changes in temperature and salinity. In this study, 300 blue crabs were sampled between June and October 2024 from the Sacca di Goro (Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy) to investigate the prevalence of Shewanella species in their haemolymph. The prevalence was found to be 7% (21/300), with species such as S. mesophila, S. algae, S. cowelliana, and S. baltica identified, particularly in the months of September and October. Molecular techniques, including MALDI-TOF MS and rpoB gene amplification, were used to identify isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) revealed a trend of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. A network analysis was also conducted to examine the global trends of Shewanella research in relation to humans, animals, and the marine environment. While proper cooking eliminates the risk to consumers, handling without personal protective equipment can increase exposure, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as those who are elderly or immunocompromised. Mild symptoms are observed in children. Further studies, particularly with a One Health approach, are crucial to better understand the transmission dynamics and evolving antibiotic resistance of Shewanella species. Full article

Listeriosis, the disease caused by the bacterium L. monocytogenes, can take invasive forms, with severe complications such as septicemia or meningitis, mainly affecting vulnerable people, such as pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised people. The main transmission is through the consumption of contaminated food, and unpasteurized dairy products are common sources of infection. Due to the high mortality and the difficulty in eliminating the bacterium from the production environment, rigorous hygiene and control measures are essential to prevent the spread of Listeria in the food chain, and research on biofilm formation and bacterial resistance is vital to improve food safety. Dairy products, raw milk, and soft cheeses are among the most vulnerable to contamination with L. monocytogenes, especially due to pH values and low-temperature storage conditions. This paper presents a synthesis of the specialized literature on methods to reduce the incidence of L. monocytogenes in milk and dairy products. Conventional strategies, such as pasteurization and the use of chemical disinfectants, are effective but can affect food quality. Specialists have turned their attention to innovative and safer approaches, such as biocontrol and the use of nonthermal methods, such as pulsed electric fields, irradiation, and nanotechnology. Barrier technology, which combines several methods, has demonstrated superior efficiency in combating the bacterium without compromising product quality. Additionally, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bacteriocins are examples of biopreservation techniques that provide a future option while preserving food safety. Natural preservatives, especially those derived from plants and fruits, are promising alternatives to synthetic compounds. Future solutions should focus on developing commercial formulations that optimize these properties and meet consumer demands for healthy, environmentally friendly, and clean-label products. Full article

The function of the immune system is not only dependent on factors like genetics, age, the environment, and exposure to infectious agents and allergens but also on our microbiota and our diet. It has been known for centuries that food can influence health and vulnerability to infection. This is especially true for infants, young children, and the elderly. This review focuses on how nutrition can support immune function from gestation to school-aged children. Immune support begins during pregnancy by the mother’s diet and transfer of nutritional components as well as antibodies to her fetus. After birth, breastfeeding is of crucial importance for immune development as well as for the development of the intestinal microbiota of an infant. If breastfeeding is not possible, early-life formulas are an alternative. These can provide several of the functionalities of breastmilk, as well as the key nutrients a child needs. New foods are introduced during and after weaning, and after this period, children switch to consuming a normal diet. However, due to circumstances, children can be malnourished. This can range from severe protein/energy malnutrition to micronutrient deficiencies and obesity, all of which can affect the function of the immune system. This narrative review describes the immune challenges in early life, explores breastfeeding and early life nutrition, and provides mechanistic insight into the relative contribution of macronutrients, micronutrients and other immunomodulatory food components that can support immune function in early life. Full article

Balance assessment is crucial for health monitoring and rehabilitation evaluation of neurological diseases like Parkinson’s disease (PD) and stroke. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a widely used clinical tool for balance evaluation. However, its dependence on trained therapists for subjective, time-consuming assessments limits its scalability. Current researchers have proposed several automated assessment systems. However, they suffer from difficulty in use in clinical settings and the need for feature engineering. The rapid advancement of wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) provides an objective tool for motion analysis that is suitable for use in clinical environments. Thus, to address the limitations of manual scoring and complexities of capturing gait features, we proposed an automated BBS assessment system using an attention-based deep learning algorithm with IMU data, integrating convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for spatial feature extraction, bidirectional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) networks for temporal modeling, and attention mechanisms to emphasize informative features. Validated with 20 healthy subjects (young and elderly) and 20 patients (PD and stroke), the system achieved a mean absolute error (MAE) of 1.1627 and root mean squared error (RMSE) of 1.5333. Requiring only 5 min of walking data, this approach provided an efficient, objective solution for balance assessment to assist healthcare physicians as well as patients in their own health monitoring. The key limitations included: a limited generalizability to severely impaired patients who were unable to walk independently, and the inability to predict the score of individual tasks. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the global food supply chain, concurrently eroding consumer trust in imported food products. We conducted multi-round tracking surveys of Chinese consumers nationwide in December 2020 and January, March, April, May, July, and October 2021 to examine the stigmas induced by COVID-19 on imported cold-chain food. Results revealed that COVID-19 has induced a long-lasting stigma of imported cold-chain food among Chinese consumers. The mean willingness to pay for beef steak from the U.S., Australia, and Brazil decreased by about 4 yuan, 3 yuan, and 3 yuan, respectively, compared to that for the corresponding product before the pandemic. The results also showed that respondents’ risk perception of imported cold-chain food decreased slightly in the short term and then stayed at a high level. Elderly consumers and those with children were more likely to perceive a high risk of imported cold-chain food associated with COVID-19. Our results indicated that the stigmas of imported cold-chain food caused by COVID-19 persistently impacted consumer food behavior. Identifying ways to recover consumer trust in imported food is essential to boost consumer demand with the recovery of the global food supply chain. Full article

This study conducted a total acrylamide exposure assessment through the daily diet in two Spanish senior centers using the duplicate diet method. Among foods regulated in Europe, only instant coffee provided at senior center 1 (2831 µg/kg) exceeded the benchmark value of 850 µg/kg. The primary contributors to acrylamide intake were French fries (27.3 µg/serving) and Spanish omelet (21.6 µg/serving), followed by stews, soups, and creams (16.1–5.8 µg/serving). Total acrylamide exposure was estimated under lower bound (LB) and upper bound (UB) scenarios, being 0.36–0.40 and 0.48–0.54 µg/kg bw/day, respectively. In the LB scenario, cereal-based products were the largest contributors (≤90.4%), whereas in the UB scenario, other foods/meals, including stews and vegetal dishes, became the main contributors (≤83.4%). The margin of exposure (MOE) for neoplastic effects ranged between 314 and 474, indicating a potential health risk for consumers. These findings emphasize the need to integrate nutritional and food safety considerations when designing diets for elderly populations. Full article

Meat is a major source of dietary protein and fat across the globe. Red and white meat are the major terms consumers use to refer to types of meat; however, these terms do not fully encompass the range of nutrients provided by meat sources. Red meat refers to meat from mammalian skeletal muscle, while white meat refers to poultry. Red and white meat both provide a wide range of nutritional components in the context of fatty acids, amino acids and micronutrients. Importantly, it has been demonstrated that amino acid profiles differ between red meat and white meat as well as between different sources of red meat. Red meat is a complete source of dietary amino acids, meaning it contains all essential amino acids (EAAs), and in addition, it contains all the non-essential amino acids (NEAAs). Red meat is also the most abundant source of bioavailable heme-iron essential for muscle growth and cardiovascular health. Red meat has been indicated as a major contributor to the rising incidence of metabolic disorders and even colorectal cancer. However, it is important to note that while red meat consumption is linked to these conditions, it is typically the overconsumption of red meat that is associated with obesity and other metabolic symptoms. Similarly, the preparation of red meat is a key factor in its link to colorectal cancer as some methods of preparation produce carcinogens while others do not. Finally, red meat may also be situationally more beneficial to some groups than others, particularly in the cases of sex and aging. For pregnant women, increases in red meat consumption may be beneficial to increase the intake of semi-essential amino acids, while in the elderly, increases in red meat consumption may better preserve muscle mass compared with other dietary protein sources. Full article