Healthy, Safe and Active Aging, 2nd Edition

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The aging of the population on a global scale is a complex demographic process involving social, cultural and economic aspects. While the increase in longevity in recent decades is undoubtedly a great success, on the other hand, it is necessary to ensure and maintain psychophysical and relational wellbeing in older persons in order to monitor and manage the progressive loss of functional abilities as well as the onset of age-related diseases. In addressing the challenge of the aging population, policies aimed at prevention, rehabilitation, environmental facilitation and economic, social and motivational support of the elderly and their family were developed. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines healthy aging as “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age”. The core concept of maintaining vitality capacity is increasingly important. The interaction between the intrinsic capacity of an individual (mental and physical capacities) and the relevant environmental characteristics (home, community and broader society, the built environment, people and their relationships, attitudes and values in addition to health and social policies) is a requirement for healthy aging. Moreover, in order to turn aging into a positive experience, the WHO has adopted the term active aging to define “the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age”. During the entire course of their life, people should act in favor of their physical, social and mental wellbeing, according to their needs, desires and capacities. In addition, the progressive loss of functional abilities as well as the onset of age-related diseases creates major health and safety problems for workers if their tasks are always designed for young people. This Topic is devoted to providing a contribution regarding the determinants of healthy, safe and active aging, embracing the biopsychosocial model, by considering biological, psychological and social factors as well as their complex interactions in understanding health, illness and healthcare delivery in aging. Demographic and cultural characteristics, social and economic determinants, physical environments and personal and behavioral determinants, from medical, psychological, sociological and technological points of view, will be considered. We welcome manuscripts related to the following: (a) mental health, the promotion of the decrease in risk factors associated with major diseases and the increase in factors protecting health; (b) psychological factors (cognition, emotion and personality) in normal and pathological aging; (c) biological factors (genetic, molecular and cellular); (d) quality of life, assessment, prevention, effective treatments and interventions, holistic medicine, age-friendly and safe environments and social support; and (e) available and emerging technologies for interfacing with the human brain and of their application to support elderly individuals (assistive technologies, neuroengineering, biomedical engineering, information technology and sensor technology).

Dr. Antonella Lopez
Prof. Dr. Andrea Bosco
Prof. Dr. Giuseppina Spano
Dr. Luigi Tinella
Dr. Elisabetta Ricciardi
Dr. Alessandro Oronzo Caffò
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Brain Sciences brainsci	2.8	5.6	2011	17.6 Days	CHF 2200	Submit
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ijerph	-	8.5	2004	29.5 Days	CHF 2500	Submit
Journal of Ageing and Longevity jal	-	-	2021	28.2 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Nursing Reports nursrep	2.0	2.8	2011	22.6 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Nutrients nutrients	5.0	9.1	2009	15 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Healthcare healthcare	2.7	4.7	2013	22.4 Days	CHF 2700	Submit

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Open AccessSystematic Review

A Review of Dementia Caregiver Interventions: Valuing Psychological Well-Being and Economic Impact Through the State-Preference Method

by Anna Consiglio, Antonella Lopez and Andrea Bosco

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(1), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23010104 - 12 Jan 2026

Viewed by 584

Abstract

Objectives. To integrate clinical and economic evidence on the main non-pharmacological interventions aimed to reduce the burden of caregivers of people with dementia, with specific attention to stated preference measures (SPM), Willingness-to-Pay (WTP) and Willingness-to-Accept (WTA), alongside other cost-effectiveness indicators (ICER, QALY). Methods. [...] Read more.

Objectives. To integrate clinical and economic evidence on the main non-pharmacological interventions aimed to reduce the burden of caregivers of people with dementia, with specific attention to stated preference measures (SPM), Willingness-to-Pay (WTP) and Willingness-to-Accept (WTA), alongside other cost-effectiveness indicators (ICER, QALY). Methods. A systematic review was conducted on randomized and quasi-experimental evaluations, economic models, and preference studies concerning psychoeducational/coping interventions, activity-centered/occupational programs (TAP), technological solutions and tele-support, and goal-oriented cognitive rehabilitation (CR). For each study, the following indexes were extracted: design, sample size, psychological outcomes (anxiety/depression, burden, engagement), utility per QALY, costs per perspective (the health–social and the broader societal perspectives), ICER, WTP/WTA, and sensitivity results. Results. Psychoeducational programs and CR show consistent benefits on distress, anxiety/depression, and caregiver quality of life; TAP reduces caregiver burden and patient behavioral problems, with favorable signs of cost–effectiveness; results on the effects of technologies are heterogeneous, but online modules with telephone support improve psychological morbidity. QALY improvement is generally modest, but the probability of cost-effectiveness remains high when costs do not differ significantly from treatment as usual, or when, from a societal perspective, the unpaid caregiving time of the caregiver is valued. Preference studies indicate positive WTP for additional hours of home care, health–social integration, and facilitated groups; evidence on WTA is scarcer and methodologically variable. Conclusions. Short, structured interventions with a human support component offer good value-for-money; the adoption of societal perspectives and the systematic use of WTP/WTA can better capture the value perceived by caregivers. Heterogeneity issues persist. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Healthy, Safe and Active Aging, 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 830 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Ability to Detect Digital Risks: Effects of an Educational Intervention and Dementia Risk Level

by Ricardo de Oliveira Ferreira, Isabella Gomes de Oliveira Karnikowski, Emmanuely Nunes Costa, Aline Gomes de Oliveira, Mariana Sodário Cruz, Iolanda Bezerra dos Santos Brandão and Margô Gomes de Oliveira Karnikowski

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23010058 - 31 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Introduction: Several studies have been conducted in the field of education for older adults, with an emphasis on teaching and learning processes related to the use of digital technologies. Among the relevant aspects to be considered in this context is the cognitive vulnerability [...] Read more.

Introduction: Several studies have been conducted in the field of education for older adults, with an emphasis on teaching and learning processes related to the use of digital technologies. Among the relevant aspects to be considered in this context is the cognitive vulnerability of this age group in terms of digital security. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between cognitive aspects of older adults and their ability to identify digital risks, before and after participating in an educational intervention, as well as the effect of the intervention on cognition in this age group. Methodology: Analyses were conducted according to the educational intervention and control groups, further stratified by digital risk (SJT) and dementia risk, according to the ACE-R test. The Mann–Whitney test was used to identify possible differences in the likelihood of falling for digital scams, considering the dimensions generated by the simulations (SJT). Results: Overall, the educational intervention was effective for the media education dimension (delta −0.5), regardless of dementia risk. More specifically, a particular effect was observed in the post-intervention stage. Conclusions: The educational intervention was able to promote cognitive gains and reduce digital risks among older adults, particularly in the identification of misinformation, underscoring the importance of continuous and adapted programs to promote digital security in this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Healthy, Safe and Active Aging, 2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 625 KB  

Open AccessReview

Pathways, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Strategies of Neurotoxicity Induced by Micro- and Nanoplastics

by Min Yan, Yanfeng Chen, Ying Tao, Hui Wang, Xuewen Tian and Xiuxiu Wang

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(12), 1345; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15121345 - 18 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Plastic pollution now represents a global environmental crisis, as micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) infiltrate organisms via multiple routes such as the digestive system and respiratory system, ultimately accumulating in tissues and endangering human health. The central nervous system exhibits particular vulnerability to MNPs [...] Read more.

Plastic pollution now represents a global environmental crisis, as micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) infiltrate organisms via multiple routes such as the digestive system and respiratory system, ultimately accumulating in tissues and endangering human health. The central nervous system exhibits particular vulnerability to MNPs toxicity, which can trigger neurotoxic effects and disrupt brain function, potentially contributing to neurological disorders. Understanding the precise mechanisms and biological pathways underlying MNP-induced neurotoxicity has therefore emerged as a critical step toward identifying therapeutic targets. This review synthesizes current knowledge on MNPs’ entry routes into the brain, examines proposed neurotoxic mechanisms, and evaluates existing and prospective treatment approaches. These insights may inform both the risk assessment of MNPs exposure and the development of targeted interventions for neurological protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Healthy, Safe and Active Aging, 2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 308 KB  

Open AccessArticle

The Contingency of Frailty Level with the Perception of Risks of Falls in Various Living and Public Environments of Older Adults

by Snježana Brući and David Bogataj

Healthcare 2025, 13(24), 3234; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13243234 - 10 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Aim: This study investigated the association between frailty levels as determined by the Edmonton Frail Scale and the prevalence of perception of the risk of adverse falls in the domestic and outdoor environment among those older adults who fell so hard that [...] Read more.

Aim: This study investigated the association between frailty levels as determined by the Edmonton Frail Scale and the prevalence of perception of the risk of adverse falls in the domestic and outdoor environment among those older adults who fell so hard that they required hospital treatment (H.) and those older adults who had never encountered such a problem related to falls (C.). Predisposing and triggering factors for falls can be controlled, which is of interest from a public health perspective and, therefore, studied here. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 400 pensioners over 65 years of age from Zagreb region (1.2 million inhabitants, and more than 20% are aged 65+), which involved dividing the population into two subgroups: those who had fallen so hard that they had required hospital treatment (here marked “from Hospital”, or H.) and those who had never encountered such a problem related to falls and are registered as a pensioners in the region (here marked “from Community” or C.). The Edmonton Frail Scale and an additional questionnaire were used to assess the impact of frailty on perceptions of the risk of adverse falls in specific areas of their living environment. Data were collected by nurses using a structured questionnaire face-to-face, and a Chi-square test was used to analyze the dependency, while the z + 4 test evaluated the differences in percentage of those who are aware of a fall risk in case of moderate frailty or severe frailty among these two subgroups. Results: A statistically significant dependency was found between the degree of frailty and the prevalence of the perception of fall risk at least in one of the subgroups H. or C., especially in their homes, moving around their home, climbing up and down stairs, and in the kitchen. Comparing the prevalence of perception of the risk between C. and H., the difference in recognition of risk hazard has been significant for climbing up and down stairs. Among the major problems of non-adapted buildings are slippery floors (for C.), poorly installed or no fence at all (for H.), and inadequate or poor lighting (for H.). The perception of external obstacles (sidewalks, distance from institutions, public lighting) also increases with the deterioration of the functional state. Conclusions: The results confirm the importance of individualized adaptation of residential and public spaces in accordance with the degree of frailty. It is necessary to warn older adults about the risks of falling, both those who have not yet had this experience, as well as those who have suffered the consequences that have led to hospitalization, to reduce the frequency and consequences of falls. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Healthy, Safe and Active Aging, 2nd Edition)

14 pages, 1113 KB  

Open AccessArticle

The Development of a Care Model for Sarcopenic Obesity in Older Adults: Participatory Action Research

by Nuchthida Samaisong, Chomchuen Somprasert and Lisa Pawloski

Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(10), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15100357 - 5 Oct 2025

Viewed by 822

Abstract

Background/Problem: Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is characterized by significant muscle loss combined with obesity, and it is mostly prevalent among older adults. Consequences include a heightened incidence of falls and a greater susceptibility to non-communicable diseases. Thailand currently lacks a care model for SO [...] Read more.

Background/Problem: Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is characterized by significant muscle loss combined with obesity, and it is mostly prevalent among older adults. Consequences include a heightened incidence of falls and a greater susceptibility to non-communicable diseases. Thailand currently lacks a care model for SO in older adults. Objective/Purpose: This study utilizes participatory-action research (PAR) to develop a care model for sarcopenic obesity in Thailand. Design and Methodology: In-depth interviews with 25 older adults with SO and focus group discussions with 12 stakeholders were conducted to develop a preliminary care model. An action research spiral process was utilized with 15 older adults with SO over 16 weeks. Findings: We developed a culturally sensitive care model for SO in older adults. This study demonstrates that a participatory-action research (PAR) method for behavior transformation, highlighting health awareness and SO literacy, is crucial for behavior change. Conclusions and Implications: The behavior change process using transformative behaviors facilitated internal changes. This approach helps individuals to understand interconnected factors through personal experiences, leading to profound understanding and readiness for deep, continuous, and meaningful behavioral changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Healthy, Safe and Active Aging, 2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 1638 KB  

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Social Isolation on the Subjective Well-Being of Older People in China: An Empirical Analysis Based on the 2021 China General Social Survey

by Keikoh Ryu and Zaiqing Chen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(4), 501; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22040501 - 26 Mar 2025

Viewed by 1446

Abstract

This study focuses on the psychological state and economic preparedness of socially isolated older individuals in China’s rapidly aging society. Both a simple model and an extended model were developed and tested to explore the impact of social isolation on the subjective well-being [...] Read more.

This study focuses on the psychological state and economic preparedness of socially isolated older individuals in China’s rapidly aging society. Both a simple model and an extended model were developed and tested to explore the impact of social isolation on the subjective well-being of older adults by analyzing how social isolation, self-assessment of health, and anxiety about old age affect subjective well-being. The results indicated that both social isolation and self-assessment of health have a strong influence on subjective well-being, and that social isolation significantly alters older individuals’ perception of caregiving responsibility. While private insurance participation had a significant impact on the well-being of younger individuals, its effect on older adults was limited. These findings provide valuable insights for improving support systems for older people. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Healthy, Safe and Active Aging, 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 975 KB  

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms and Self-Neglect in Chinese Older Adults Living Alone: A Latent Profile Analysis

by Yali Hu, Miaomiao Wu, Yan Zhang and Lunfang Xie

Healthcare 2025, 13(6), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13060676 - 20 Mar 2025

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Abstract

Objectives: To clarify the latent profile of depressive symptoms in Chinese older adults living alone and to explore the relationship between this profile and self-neglect. Methods: Data from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) were utilized to conduct a [...] Read more.

Objectives: To clarify the latent profile of depressive symptoms in Chinese older adults living alone and to explore the relationship between this profile and self-neglect. Methods: Data from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) were utilized to conduct a latent profile analysis for the identification of depressive symptoms. Logistic regression was employed to analyze the related factors. Generalized linear modeling was used to assess the impact of different profiles of depressive symptoms on self-neglect. Results: A total of 1822 older adults living alone, with a mean age of (83.60 ± 9.15) years, were included in the study. Three categories of depression were identified: the C1 mild depression–sleep disturbance group (29.36%), the C2 moderate depression–forcefulness group (55.22%), and the C3 major depression–loneliness loss group (15.42%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that gender, place of residence, annual household income, educational level, reason for living alone, self-rated health status, cognitive function, and emotional support were significant influencing factors (p < 0.05). The risk of experiencing higher levels of self-neglect in the C2 was 1.264 times greater than in the C1. Furthermore, the risk of higher levels of self-neglect in the C3 was 2.040 times greater than in the C1. Conclusions: Heterogeneity in depressive symptoms is evident among Chinese older adults living alone, with variations in self-neglect across different potential categories of these individuals. The focus should be on older adults in the C2 and C3 profiles. This study proposes targeted intervention strategies from family, community, and policy development perspectives to help improve self-neglect in older adults. Full article

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21 pages, 3404 KB  

Open AccessReview

Evaluating Smart Home Usability and Accessibility in Early Detection and Intervention of Mental Health Challenges Among Older Adults: A Narrative Review and Framework

by Mohammad Mahdi Fakhimi, Adriana Hughes and Allison M. Gustavson

J. Ageing Longev. 2025, 5(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal5010003 - 24 Jan 2025

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 8632

Abstract

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Healthy, Safe and Active Aging, 2nd Edition)

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12 pages, 737 KB  

Open AccessArticle

The Mediating Effect of Social Networks on the Impact of Health Perceptions on the Quality of Life in Older Adults

by Selma Durmuş Sarıkahya, Amine Terzi, Yalçın Kanbay and Sevil Çınar Özbay

Healthcare 2025, 13(2), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13020122 - 9 Jan 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objective: Social networks help improve psychosocial and quality-of-life outcomes among older adults. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of social networks in the effect of health perception on the quality of life of the elderly. Methods: The sample of the study [...] Read more.

Background/Objective: Social networks help improve psychosocial and quality-of-life outcomes among older adults. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of social networks in the effect of health perception on the quality of life of the elderly. Methods: The sample of the study consisted of 327 people over the age of 65 who applied to a family health center. The study data were collected using the “Personal Information Form”, “Perception of Health Scale”, “World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module”, and “Lubben Social Network Scale”. Multivariate regression analyses and mediation effect examinations were conducted to explore the relationships between social networks, health perception, and quality-of-life outcomes. Results: According to the findings, social networks mediate the relationship between health perception and quality of life. Individuals with a high level of health perception and a high level of social networks have higher quality-of-life levels than others. Conclusions: The results of the study confirm the significant correlation between health perception and the quality of life, as well as any potential links between these factors and social networks that affect older people’s quality of life. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

The Association Between Dietary Iron, the SNP of the JAZF1 rs864745, and Glucose Metabolism in a Chinese Population

by Zihan Hu, Hongwei Liu, Baozhang Luo, Chunfeng Wu, Changyi Guo, Zhengyuan Wang, Jiajie Zang, Fan Wu and Zhenni Zhu

Nutrients 2024, 16(22), 3831; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223831 - 8 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1549

Abstract

Objectives: Dysglycemia is prevalent in China; previous studies had shown that dietary iron was associated with glucose metabolism, and rs864745 was also related to it. The objective of this study is to investigate the association between dietary iron, the SNP of the JAZF1 [...] Read more.

Objectives: Dysglycemia is prevalent in China; previous studies had shown that dietary iron was associated with glucose metabolism, and rs864745 was also related to it. The objective of this study is to investigate the association between dietary iron, the SNP of the JAZF1 rs864745, and glucose metabolism among Chinese adults. Methods: 3298 participants (1584 males and 1714 females) were recruited and underwent physical measurements, laboratory tests, and genotyping. All surveys were conducted by qualified public health professionals. Dietary iron was assessed using the 3-day 24 h dietary recall method and condiment weight records. Genotyping for rs864745 was performed using the SNaPshot Multiplex System. Results: After adjusting for covariates, a significant trend was found between the dietary iron and elevated fasting glucose (p = 0.012), whereas no such trend was observed for the rs864745 (p = 0.932). Among the male participants, the risk of elevated fasting glucose was associated with both dietary iron (compared to the lowest quartile, the ORs with 95% CIs for elevated fasting glucose in Q2,Q3, and Q4 were 1.52 (1.01, 2.45), 1.73 (1.05, 3.00), and 2.49 (1.33, 4.74), respectively) and the rs864745 (OR = 2.15 (1.02, 4.51)), and an interaction effect between them was observed (p = 0.041), which was absent in females (p = 0.999 and p = 0.131, respectively). Stratified by the SNP rs864745, the males without the C allele had a linear risk increase with iron (p = 0.018), while the C allele carriers did not. Additionally, ferritin and the rs864745 were associated with the AST-to-ALT ratio (p = 0.005 and p = 0.048, respectively). Conclusions: Our study found that dietary iron and the SNP rs864745 interacted and were associated with elevated fasting glucose in Chinese males and absent in females. In addition, the presence of a C allele on rs864745 showed higher risks of elevated fasting glucose regardless of the consumption of dietary iron among the males. Full article

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20 pages, 301 KB  

Open AccessStudy Protocol

Stress and Coping Behavior Exhibited by Family Members Toward Long-Term Care Facility Residents While Hospitalized

by Han-Lin Kuo and Yi-Wen Chiu

Healthcare 2024, 12(20), 2022; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12202022 - 11 Oct 2024

Viewed by 2984

Abstract

Background: With the increase in the elderly population, institution-based care has become another option for elderly people. In Changhua, Taiwan, the number of long-term institutions has doubled in the past decade, and more families are choosing to send their elders to institutions for [...] Read more.

Background: With the increase in the elderly population, institution-based care has become another option for elderly people. In Changhua, Taiwan, the number of long-term institutions has doubled in the past decade, and more families are choosing to send their elders to institutions for care. However, there is stress induced by having to care for these elders when they come back to their family members when hospitalized. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the stress and coping behaviors of family members in regard to hospitalized long-term care facility residents and identify relevant factors that affect and predict the stress and coping behaviors exhibited by these family members. Method: In this study, a quantitative and cross-sectional survey was conducted using the convenience-sampling method; family members of long-term care facility residents hospitalized in a regional hospital in central Taiwan were selected as the research participants and a total of 162 family members were admitted. The data were collected in the form of questionnaires including basic information and data on the stress and coping behaviors of the family members. The data were collected and coded by using SPSS 22.0 to perform descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Results: The standard average score of total stress for family members was 57.03 points, which corresponds to a moderate level. The four perceptions of stress by family members were, in order, physiological, life, psychological, and economic. Furthermore, family income, work status, and the relationship between residents of the family members and physiological, psychological, and economic factors had predictive power for their problem-oriented coping behaviors, with an explanatory power of 59.6%. Life aspects, gender, marital status, and the number of hospitalizations in half a year had significant predictive power for the family members’ emotion-oriented coping behaviors, with an explanatory power of 19.0%. Conclusions: The family members had high levels of stress, especially physical stress, and the total scores of stress perception were higher for those who were younger than 39 years old and had no rotating family members. Additionally, the coping behavior of the main caregiver was mainly problem-oriented. The results of this study may serve as a reference that can help nursing staff in clinical or long-term care facilities to provide or develop effective and individualized services for family members of facility residents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Healthy, Safe and Active Aging, 2nd Edition)

25 pages, 427 KB  

Open AccessReview

Promoting Geropsychology: A Memorandum for Research, Policies, Education Programs, and Practices for Healthy Aging

by Andrea Bosco, Anna Consiglio, Manuela Nicoletta Di Masi and Antonella Lopez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(9), 1172; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21091172 - 3 Sep 2024

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4009

Abstract

Background: This viewpoint paper reports the state of the art at a global level on research, practice and assessment, policies, and training in the clinical psychology of aging and, more specifically, in geropsychology. The main sources of information were as follows: (1) the [...] Read more.

Background: This viewpoint paper reports the state of the art at a global level on research, practice and assessment, policies, and training in the clinical psychology of aging and, more specifically, in geropsychology. The main sources of information were as follows: (1) the most recent reviews of the literature available in the scientific literature; (2) the resources on the internet referable to professional and academic associations dealing with the topic; and (3) the laws, policy initiatives, and funded programs that are aimed at the diffusion and applications of mental health in aging. Methods: The present study aims to provide an updated and comprehensive memorandum highlighting the importance of prioritizing mental health in older adults. It seeks to promote health in general and disease prevention strategies, ensuring equitable access to mental health services integrated into primary care and designed for aging. This paper also aims to shed light on the slow development process and lack of consolidation in the adaptation of academic training at master’s and doctoral levels in most developed countries, despite the long-declared importance of enhancing resources for the promotion of geropsychology. Results: The results of the present study are patchy. Although the importance of enhancing resources for the promotion of geropsychology has long been declared, the development process seems very slow, and the adaptation of academic training at master’s and doctoral levels in most developed countries—those that, for demographic reasons and attitudes, should be more sensitive to the issue, does not yet seem to have consolidated. Conclusions: Collaboration among diverse professionals is crucial for providing integrated and comprehensive care to older adults that addresses their physical, psychological, and social needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Healthy, Safe and Active Aging, 2nd Edition)

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