Search Results (122)

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide and constitute a substantial economic burden. Despite population aging, recent years have witnessed an increasing prevalence of conditions such as heart failure (HF), including among young adults. In this context, coronary artery disease (CAD) has also become an increasingly discussed issue. It has long been recognized that control of risk factors is crucial for prevention. Researchers stress the need to monitor these factors from the earliest stages of life, and detailed analyses indicate an influence of the prenatal period on the development of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disorders. Transgenerational and intergenerational epigenetic mechanisms are also taken into account. This review aims to systematically evaluate the existing literature and summarize the mechanisms that may link these factors. We consider epigenetic, metabolic, immunological, and inflammatory influences. We describe examples of environmental exposures, such as air pollution, maternal diet, toxins, and infections, and analyze data derived from clinical studies. We discuss gaps in the literature and identify limitations, outlining directions for future research and emphasizing the need for CVD prevention initiated at the earliest stages of life. Full article

Demographic trends over the last decades and future projections clearly indicate a steady increase in the proportion of older adults (65+) relative to both the working-age (15–64) and child populations (0–15) across Europe. This demographic shift—driven by rising life expectancy and declining fertility—raises pressing challenges for intergenerational equity and questions the sustainability of the implicit formal and informal “social contract” that links generations through the distribution of rights, responsibilities, and resources. In particular, the two fundamental pillars of European post-industrial societies, namely an extensive welfare state and a liberal–democratic institutional framework, appear to be at risk. To address this issue, the notion of “intergenerational fairness”, recently adopted by social policies in both USA and Europe, appears flexible and fundamentally ambiguous. As a substantial variant of neoliberal austerity policies, it is simply used as a justification for further austerity measures, the withdrawal of entitlements to social and economic rights by citizens and the dismantling of welfare states. A second meaning of “intergenerational fairness” is possible starting from the concept of ambivalence used to describe the mix of conflict and solidarity that characterizes intergenerational relations in contemporary post-industrial societies. In this respect, the two concepts of “successful ageing” and “active ageing”, often considered as overlapping, actually involve very different perspectives: successful ageing adopts a substantially reductionist, individualistic, and static approach to the process of ageing, whereas active ageing is a more comprehensive and dynamic strategy that seeks to overcome all these limitations by a life-course perspective. This recognizes that a person’s path to old age is not predetermined but depends primarily on earlier life experiences and their influence: the ageing process affects people of all ages, not just the elderly. And since the subjectivization of ageing in contemporary societies has challenged the conventional notion of “natural life stages”, the new theoretical concept advanced in the article of “ageing styles” becomes central to understanding the ageing process today. Ageing styles are the outcome of the interplay between the objective and subjective dimensions of the life course, represented, respectively, by life chances (social structure) and life choices (agency). A theoretical framework is proposed for analyzing ageing styles that can be used from a life-course perspective to highlight their complex and dynamic nature. An evidence-based European political strategy aimed at promoting active ageing from a perspective of intergenerational fairness, based on the eight principles indicated, can be flexible enough to ensure that everyone can adopt their preferred ageing style without top-down imposition and contribute to the maintenance of the intergenerational social contract. Full article

People’s conceptions of the future influence their willingness to engage in sustainability-oriented actions today. A sense of moral responsibility toward both past and future generations may also be linked to greater interest in sustainability. This study explores how members of Generation Z (Gen Z) and their parents conceptualize the future, including their views on intergenerational justice and sustainability. Using semi-structured interviews with 11 Gen Z–parent pairs, we examined how ideas about the future are formed, transmitted, and expressed. Thematic analysis revealed that Gen Z participants most frequently framed the future in terms of economics, technology, and social dynamics, with environmental concerns mentioned occasionally but not as a dominant theme. Compared to their parents, Gen Z expressed distinct priorities—including creating opportunities for future generations—and used different language to describe future possibilities. We develop the concept of the lexicon of futures thinking—the specific terms, metaphors, and conceptual categories used to articulate visions of the future—as a tool for understanding and engaging youth perspectives. These findings offer insights into how educators and advocates can more effectively connect with Gen Z on sustainability issues by aligning with their values and linguistic framing. Full article

Family businesses play a central role in the ongoing growth and development of the Vietnamese economy. Economic, social, and demographic changes are undermining the transition of family business to succeeding generations. This study examines the challenges of intergenerational succession in Vietnamese family businesses through the lens of social capital theory. The article examines how the next generation of family business leaders in Vietnam is addressing social capital deficiencies that hinder effective business transition. The study employed a constructionist ontology and an interpretivist epistemology, utilising semi-structured interviews with family business owners and managers. The research draws from participants’ perceptions of social, political, and competitive contexts and the subsequent behaviour that is predicated by those contexts. Findings: Economic transformation, driven by disruptions to the business environment through central planning, coupled with demographic shifts and changes in educational attainment, has impacted family structures, complicating intergenerational business transfers. This is compounded by social transformation weakening familial relationships and connections critical to family cooperation and business continuity. The preservation and renewal of social capital are critical issues for succession planning in Vietnamese family businesses. This research addresses gaps in understanding the interplay between the generational divide, social capital, and family business succession in Vietnam. Full article

This paper examines the pervasive yet underrecognized phenomenon of consumer racial profiling (CRP) against Indigenous peoples in Canada. Drawing on sociolegal analysis, public health research, and empirical data, the authors demonstrate how CRP—manifested in routine acts of surveillance, exclusion, and humiliation in retail and service spaces—functions as a contemporary expression of colonialism and systemic racism. The work identifies both individual and collective harms, including racial trauma, internalized inferiority, and civic alienation, while framing CRP as a neglected but critical human rights issue. The authors argue that CRP exacerbates intergenerational trauma and undermines reconciliation efforts, calling for Indigenous-specific remedies such as healing ceremonies, cultural safety training, and systemic data collection reforms. By situating CRP within broader patterns of legal consciousness, systemic discrimination, and access to justice, this report is a much-needed foundational resource for advancing anti-racist practices in commercial settings and fulfilling Canada’s private-sector obligations under the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Full article

Structure of the study: Aims: The primary aim is to explore intergenerational clinical issues caused by the underdiagnosis of female autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) in mental illness (MI) patients by calculating the proportion of patients with mental health conditions who are autistic. Secondary aims are to derive further values for the true prevalence of female ASD and to derive a mathematical model to estimate the improved efficiency of management based on the correct diagnostic formulation. Context: Review diagnosis problems and background issues relating to female autism which affect the diagnosis and management of ASD and associated MIs. Methodology: An inductive process using Bayes’ theorem including a novel form akin to a medical test with secondary data from peer-reviewed sources, and the key variable of the unbiased value for the prevalence of ASD in females. Derivation of a model for management efficiency based on the Pareto Principle. Results: Prevalence values for ASD in various mental illnesses and conditions consequent on or associated with ASD and MI. Further data for the prevalence of female ASD with a range of 19 values. Estimation of the efficiency gains as advocacy for the revision of methods of treatment. Discussion: The centrality of diagnosing ASD in mothers with mental illness, in particular perinatal depression, to break a common intergenerational cycle. Problems to overcome and aspects of effective management including environmental and therapeutic interventions. Summary: This paper will, for the first time, calculate the proportions of children and young women with a mental illness (MI) who are autistic, and consider the consequences. Recent information suggests female autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is much more common than previously thought, with a likely prevalence of 6% and with 80% undiagnosed at the age of 18. ASD then becomes a common comorbidity of female mental illness with nearly one in five women who develop a mental illness being autistic. ASD has heretofore been regarded as a pediatric condition and, though now thought to be lifelong, it is still not well recognized by adult health services. Most mental illness first presents in the teens and early twenties, although anxiety can begin even earlier. Comorbid ASD is more difficult to diagnose due to diagnostic overshadowing, and ASD comorbidity makes the mental illness more severe and more difficult to treat. The consequences of perinatal depression are particularly concerning due to their intergenerational effects. Recognized ASD is readily treatable with an approach empathetic to neurodiversity. Improving the transition from adolescence to young adulthood by increasing knowledge of autism in adult health services would dramatically improve female mental health at surprisingly little effort or extra cost. Full article

Gray divorce, defined as the dissolution of marriages among individuals aged 50 and above, has become an increasingly significant issue in Türkiye. Official statistics in Türkiye show that between 2001 and 2024, divorces among individuals aged 50 and above increased both in absolute numbers and as a proportion of total divorces, rising nearly threefold during this period. These increases reflect broader demographic and social changes, such as population ageing, longer life expectancy, changing expectations of marriage, and shifting gender norms. Using sociological literature on modernization and family change, as well as official statistical data, this review synthesises existing knowledge and situates gray divorce within global debates on family transformation. Findings from gray divorce studies indicate that women’s increasing autonomy, life cycle transitions such as retirement or empty nest experiences, and greater societal acceptance of divorce contribute to this trend. Furthermore, gray divorces have broad implications for intergenerational relationships, care responsibilities, and social policies. Specifically in Türkiye, regional differences show that divorce among the elderly is more prevalent in western urbanized provinces, where individualism and secular values prevail, and significantly less common in eastern regions, where traditional and religious norms are stronger. The increasing prevalence of this phenomenon highlights the need for more empirical research and policy responses that are appropriate to Türkiye’s demographic, regional, and cultural transformations. Full article

This systematic review examines how recent scientific literature addresses place attachment among rural youth, emphasizing the central role of emotional bonds with place in decisions to stay, leave, or return to rural areas. Based on an analysis of studies published between 2019 and 2023, it considers factors such as country of publication, study participants, methodology, research approach, theoretical framework, and main findings. A systematic search was conducted in Scopus and Web of Science, applying inclusion criteria based on type of research, year of publication, language, and article relevance. The review includes 19 peer-reviewed articles. Methodologically, the reviewed articles employ both quantitative and qualitative approaches, with questionnaires and semi-structured interviews as the primary data collection techniques. Key themes include urban migration and the relationship between place attachment and environmental awareness. Despite limitations such as regional disparities in study coverage, the findings highlight the challenges faced by rural youth under urbanormative cultural pressures. The review underscores the need for nuanced approaches that are sensitive to gender and other axes of oppression in addressing rural issues, and it advocates for a holistic understanding of rural youth experiences that takes into account intergenerational dynamics shaping their aspirations and decision-making. Full article

The issue of work sustainability is a crucial component in the advancement of sustainable development in Chinese society. The present study integrates the theories of sociology and psychology in order to construct a new analytical framework for work sustainability. The present study utilised the 2022 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) to investigate the impact of social status (SS) on the sustainable development of work (SDW). A total of 23,665 data points from 25 provinces were analysed, with the mediating effect of media use and intergenerational and regional heterogeneity also analysed. The study found the following: Firstly, social status significantly and positively affects the degree of SDW, with individuals in high social status positions enhancing their sense of occupational control through the accumulation of resources. Secondly, media use partially mediates the relationship between social status and SDW, with social comparison and access to information as the core transmission paths. And thirdly, there is significant intergenerational and regional heterogeneity, with the middle-aged and the elderly, and individuals from the eastern region, more significantly affected by social status. This study offers novel insight into the mechanism of the sustainable development of work and psychological well-being in the digital age, providing a theoretical foundation and practical inspiration for the sustainable development of society. Full article

Background: China is confronted with the dual challenges of deeply interwoven population aging and the digitalization process. The digital integration and mental health issues of the elderly group are becoming increasingly prominent. Objectives: The present study aimed to analyze the pathways through which individual, family, and social factors influence Internet use in the elderly through a multi-level analysis framework, to examine the association between Internet use and mental health with a view to providing empirical evidence for digital technology-based mental health intervention programs for the elderly, and to promote the scientific practice of the goal of healthy aging. Methods: Based on the data of the 2021 China General Social Survey (CGSS) and provincial Internet development indicators, a mixed cross-sectional dataset was constructed. Logistic hierarchical regression and OLS regression methods were adopted to systematically investigate the multi-level factors associated with Internet use among the elderly group and its association with mental health. Results: The results indicate that individual resources (younger age, higher education level, and good health status) and family technical support (family members’ Internet access) are strongly associated with Internet usage among the elderly, while regional Internet penetration rate appears to operate indirectly through micro-mechanisms. Analysis of the association with mental health showed that Internet use was related to a lower score of depressive tendency (p < 0.05), and this association remained robust after controlling for variables at the individual, family, and social levels. Conclusions: The research results provide empirical evidence for the health promotion policies for the elderly, advocating the construction of a collaborative intervention framework of “individual ability improvement–intergenerational family support–social adaptation for the elderly” to bridge the digital divide and promote the digital integration of the elderly population in China. Full article

Maternal mental illness significantly impacts caregiving, influencing both mothers and their children. This narrative review examines the challenges faced by mothers with conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, which often disrupt caregiving routines, emotional stability, and social integration. These difficulties can hinder secure attachments and contribute to adverse developmental outcomes in children, including heightened risks of anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, and cognitive impairments. Children of mothers with mental illnesses are 1.8 times more likely to develop emotional or behavioral problems and face a 2.7 times higher risk of suicidal ideation during adolescence. Intergenerational transmission of mental illness is also prevalent, with affected children showing a 2.5 times greater likelihood of developing mental illnesses in adulthood. Effective interventions include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family-based approaches, and community programs integrating parenting education and mental health resources. These strategies have demonstrated improvements in maternal well-being and child resilience. The review highlights the need for comprehensive policies addressing maternal mental health, early intervention for children, and culturally sensitive support systems to break cycles of intergenerational mental illness. Future research should prioritize evaluating long-term intervention effectiveness and exploring innovative tools like digital mental illnesses solutions to support affected families. Full article

Child and adolescent health plays a critical role in shaping future public health and intergenerational outcomes. In China, rising rates of myopia, obesity, mental health issues, and other common conditions highlight the need for continuous monitoring. Since 2016, the Chinese National Surveillance on Students’ Common Diseases and Risk Factors (CNSSCDRF) has provided comprehensive, nationwide data on student health. By 2022, the system had expanded to nearly all counties, tracking key indicators such as vision problems, overweight/obesity, dental caries, and health-risk behaviors across multiple administrative levels. This review outlines the surveillance methodology, including sampling, data collection, and analysis. Findings have directly informed school health policies and technical guidelines, supporting national goals such as those in the Healthy China 2030 Plan. Full article

Background: Significant factors impact the wellbeing of South Sudanese youth who settle in Australia. This article proposes a community empowerment framework based on outcomes from research and community feedback undertaken in Melbourne, with South Sudanese youth and elders to improve social connection and community engagement of the youth. Methods: Twenty-three semi-structured interviews, four focus groups and two community forums were conducted using qualitative, case study methodology. Data were collected from South Sudanese youth aged 14 to 21 years, social workers, elders and parents from the South Sudanese community. Inductive thematic analysis was used to gain an understanding of the social issues facing South Sudanese youth, Results: Four themes—health and wellbeing, the experience of racism, sports and intergenerational conflict—were identified during analysis. These themes were then used to develop and propose a Community Empowerment Framework (CEF), that outlines strategies to empower South Sudanese youth to improve their wellbeing at different levels: personal empowerment, career empowerment and community empowerment (both internal and external). Conclusions: The CEF provides a community-informed model for service providers and policy makers to promote positive community engagement and social connection to improve the lives of South Sudanese youth living in Australia. Full article

The sustainable protection of cultural heritage is essential for the intergenerational transmission of cultural diversity and represents a central theme in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on “heritage resilience governance”. To address the policy sustainability challenges of large-scale linear heritage governance, this study examines the characteristics and shortcomings of Great Wall Cultural Preservation (GWCP) policies during its steady implementation. To analyze how policy instruments are distributed, whether policy objectives are synergistic, and whether stakeholders’ participation is reasonable, this study uses GWCP policy texts issued by China from 2006 to 2024 as research objects and establishes a three-dimensional analytical framework (“instrument–objective–stakeholder”). With the help of the NVivo 20 tool, the study analyzes the policy texts in one dimension and multiple dimensions, and finds that China’s GWCP policy has shortcomings in sustainability governance, such as the imbalance in the use of policy instruments, the overflow of contextual policy instruments, the government’s over-exertion of force, the need to release the functional space of stakeholders, and the lack of attention to the synergy between the goals of conserving architectural heritage and safeguarding the Great Wall ethos. Based on these findings, the study proposes three targeted optimization recommendations. This GWCP case study offers developing nations insights into balancing heritage protection objectives under SDG 11.4 with local development needs. Full article

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing have fostered physical, social, and emotional wellbeing for millenia, forming a foundation of strength and resilience. However, colonisation, systemic violence and discrimination—including the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, which continues today—have disrupted this foundation, leading to compounding cycles of intergenerational and complex trauma. The enduring impact of intergenerational and complex trauma is exemplified in increasing proportions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children being removed from their families and involved in the child protection and youth justice system—which represents a national crisis. Despite this crisis, the national response remains insufficient. To address these urgent issues, over 200 predominantly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, participated in Gathering the Seeds Symposium, the inaugural meeting for the Replanting the Birthing Trees project held in Perth in April 2023. This meeting marked the beginning of a public dialogue aimed at Closing the Gap by advancing community-led strategies to break cycles of trauma and foster cycles of nurturing, recovery, and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and children across the first 2000 days. We outline critical shortcomings in the current child protection and youth justice systems, and the urgent need for child wellbeing reform. Importantly we highlight recommendations made in submissions in 2023 to two key Australian inquiries—the National Early Years Strategy and the Human Rights Commission inquiry into out of home care and youth justice systems. We argue that structural reforms and culturally safe and skillful care for parents experiencing trauma and violence is a serious gap, and a national priority. The first 2000 days represents a critical window of opportunity to transform cycles of trauma into cycles of healing. It is time to ‘replant the birthing trees’ and ensure that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies and families can have the best possible start to life through comprehensive models of care grounded in recognition of the right to self-determination and culture. Full article