Salmand: Iranian Journal of Ageing
Year:2019 | Volume:13 | Issue:4 |Papers Count:12

Objectives In consistent with the growing rate of elderly population, the burden of chronic diseases has dramatically increased, and subsequently, the need for long-term care has increased, too. The population rate of elderly women is higher than men, and their admission rate to nursing homes is more than men. The present study explained different reasons for the admission of the elderly women to nursing homes. Methods & Materials In total, 13 participants were recruited through purposive sampling method. Semistructured face-to-face interviews were applied in this qualitative research. Content analysis was used for data analysis. Results Two key factors were the causes of elderly women living in nursing homes. These factors included ‘ underlying reasons’ and ‘ situational reasons’ . The obtained results indicate that the situational reasons played a dominant role in choosing nursing home care. Older women noted several barriers for the lack of participation in the community and at home. Such factors included financial problems, unwanted marriage, abuse, and neglect. Moreover, falls, accidents, loneliness, and emotional problems were classified as major situational reasons. Conclusion In consistent with the growing rate of elderly women, their burden of care continues to rise. Moreover, elderly abuse will increase in this population due to declining financial resources. This could lead to the sending the elderly people to nursing homes. To prevent these factors and facilitate conditions for families and elderly people to live in their desired place, providing community-based services can be useful.

Objectives The associated factors with job satisfaction can predict the personal and professional progress of middle-aged and elderly people, as well as their future success. The present study aimed to predict job satisfaction based on personality traits and psychological empowerment among middle-aged and elderly working people. Methods & Materials Of all middle-aged and elderly employed people in Kermanshah City, Iran, a sample of 240 people were selected by the convenience sampling method. The study data were collected using NEO five-factor inventory, short form, psychological empowerment questionnaire and job satisfaction survey. For data analysis, the Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analysis methods were used. Results The results revealed that personality characteristics of extrovertism, accountability and flexibility were positively associated with job satisfaction with correlation coefficients of 0. 42, 0. 34, and 0. 07, respectively. In addition, there was a positive and significant relationship between psychological empowerment and job satisfaction with correlation coefficient of 0. 43. However, no significant relationship was found between mental health and pleasure with job satisfaction. Conclusion According to the findings of this study, personality traits and psychological empowerment can predict job satisfaction in middle-aged and elderly people.

Objectives Physical activity is effective in improving cognitive function in older adults. Such function may be mediated by the upregulation of neurotrophic growth factors like Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1). The present study aimed to assess and compare the effect of 1 session of circuit training on the serum levels of BDNF and IGF-1 in elderly males and females. Methods & Materials This quasi-experimental study was carried out in Khorramabad City, Iran in 2017. Five men (Mean± SD age=64. 40± 6. 69 years, Mean± SD weight=74. 8± 5. 63 kg, Mean± SD height=174. 4± 4. 16 cm), and 5 women (Mean± SD age=64. 5± 60. 55 years, Mean± SD weight=65± 5. 43 kg, Mean± SD height=167± 5. Micipated voluntarily in this study. Three days before performing the training protocol, all subjects became familiarized with the methods of performing exercises at their homes. On the training day, at first, their blood samples were obtained; then, the subjects performed circuit training for approximately 1 hour. Second blood samples were obtained 3 minutes after the training session. The Paired sample t test and analysis of covariance were used to identify any significant differences. The statistical significance level was set at P<0. 05. Results This study was carried out on 10 elderly males and females. Results suggested that the serum concentration of BDNF (P<0. 05) significantly increased and IGF-1 (P<0. 05) significantly decreased. However, the differences between males and females in BDNF (P>0. 05) and IGF-1 (P>0. 05) were not significant. However, the percent changes of BDNF (22. 78 vs. 27. 91) and IGF-1 (-10. 55 vs.-12. 37) were lower in males than females. Conclusion Circuit training for approximately 1 hour increases the serum concentration of BDNF and decreases IGF-1 in elderly males and females. Therefore, it is recommended that a body weight circuit training be performed in elderly males and females to improve their cognitive status.

Objectives Like the global population, the Iranian population is aging rapidly. Measures should be taken to maintain aging population healthy and happy. The present study evaluated the effects of active education of healthy lifestyle on happiness and life satisfaction of the elderly people. Methods & Materials In this randomized controlled trial, 96 elderly people aged 60-70 were conveniently recruited from a health center in Isfahan Province, Iran. The subjects were randomly allocated to an intervention and a control group. Participants in the intervention group were provided with lifestyle educations in 4 two-hour sessions. Happiness and life satisfaction were assessed before and 2 months after the intervention. Study data were analyzed by SPSS using the Independent samples t-test and Paired t-test, Mann Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Chi-squared test and Pearson correlation analysis. Results The lifestyle education program significantly improved happiness scores from 36. 80 to 43. 11 and life satisfaction scores from 12. 96 to 16. 02 (P<0. 001). Happiness was positively correlated with life satisfaction (r=0. 719; P<0. 001). Conclusion Active participation in healthy lifestyle education programs can improve happiness and life satisfaction among elderly people.

Objectives The current study aimed to determine the relationship between oral health and demographic characteristics of retired elderly people. Methods & Materials This cross-sectional study was conducted on 158 older adults aged ≥ 60 years. The subjects were selected using random sampling method and personnel codes. All the elderly participants were retired members of the Tehran Municipality Administration. The study data were collected by direct visit to the subjects’ place of residence and conducting interviews. The data collection tool was a questionnaire that included 2 sections. The first section consisted of demographic, socioeconomic, and health profiles, while the second section consisted of Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Results We collected data from 158 participants (90 men, 68 women). The mean age of the participants was 68. 78 years. The obtained data suggested that 38 (24. 05%) participants had a poor state of oral health. About 50% of the participants mentioned high dental care costs as a reason for not referring to the dentist. According to the findings of this study, there is a direct relationship between educational level and oral health status in the elderly (P<0. 05). Conclusion Oral and dental health increase the quality of life in the elderly and reduce the high prevalence of dental problems among them. Therefore, designing and implementing practical policies to reduce oral and dental infections in the elderly and promote their health is necessary.

Objectives The present study investigated the effect of kyphosis correction exercise program on physical function, balance, and the quality of life in older men with hyperkyphosis. Methods & Materials Twenty-four men with kyphosis of ≥ 50° were randomly assigned into an intervention group (n=12, with Mean± SD age=68. 75± 2. 67 years, Mean± SD height=173. 66± 3. 75 cm, Mean± SD weight=73. 5± 4. 75 kg), and a control group (n=12, with Mean± SD age=69. 5± 2. 64 years, Mean± SD height=174. 4± 7. 78 cm, Mean± SD weight= 75. 41± 5. 21 kg). The intervention group attended the corrective exercises program, consisting of 6 exercises that were conducted in 3 sessions per week for 12 weeks. Thoracic kyphosis was assessed using flexible ruler and measuring distance between T2-T12 vertebras. Quality of life, static balance on both the eyes open and eyes closed and physical performance were assessed using 36-item Short Form Health Survey, sharpened Romberg test, and 6-minute walk test, respectively. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze the obtained data, at the significance level of P<0. 05. Results The obtained results suggest that kyphosis corrective exercises program have significant positive effects on physical function, balance, and movement confidence in the elderly people (P<0. 05). In addition, after implementing 12 weeks of kyphosis corrective exercises, physical pain, physical function/ limitations, public and mental health were significantly improved (P<0. 05). While other dimensions of the quality of life, showed no significant changes (P>0. 05). Conclusion Based on the study results, kyphosis corrective protocol can improve physical function, balance and the quality of life. It could also reduce the economic burden of the disease, and complications related to aging in older men with kyphosis ≤ 50° . Therefore, we can recommended this corrective exercise program to improve the quality of life and their satisfaction in the elderly.

Objectives The present study compared executive functions and creative thinking in older monolingual and bilingual adults. Methods & Materials This was a descriptive study with a causal-comparative design. Study population consisted of all elderly people enjoying parks in Tehran City, Iran to spend their leisure time. Of whom, 100 elderlies, including 50 monolinguals (Persian), and 50 bilinguals (Azeri-Persian) aged 60-80 years were selected using convenience sampling method and based on the inclusion criteria. The subjects were fully conscious, able to answer the questions, and accessible. The data collection tools were digit span memory test, Wechsler adult intelligence scale, D2 test of attention, continuous performance test, and Torrance tests of creative thinking. For analyzing the obtained data, multivariate analysis of variance and pairwise comparison tests were used. Results There was a significant difference between bilinguals and monolinguals in terms of forward span memory, backward span memory, and total working memory. Also, bilinguals reported a higher performance in the dimensions of selective attention and the dimensions of cognitive inhibition. Conclusion Bilingualism can improve cognitive function in the elderly. It is suggested that in future studies, while assessing the effect of bilingualism on the prevention of dementia, people be encouraged to learn a second language.

Objectives Ghrelin is a peptide hormone secreted from the endocrine cells of stomach, affecting feeding behavior, appetite, energy consumption, and body weight. The present study compared the effect of 8 weeks of aerobic training on plasma ghrelin and lymphocyte ghrelin gene expression in elderly men. Methods & Materials In this quasi-experimental study, 30 subjects were selected by convenience sampling method. They were randomly divided into 2 equal groups of aerobic training (n=15) and control (n=15). Aerobic training program included aerobic trainings up to 50-60 minutes at 60-85% of the maximum heart rate, 4 sessions per week which lasted for 8 weeks. After initial assessments (body composition and ghrelin gene expression), followed by 8 weeks of exercise training, post-intervention assessments were completed 48 hours after the last training session. To make intra-and between-group comparisons, repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used. For all statistical comparisons, the level of significance was set at P<0. 05. Results The Mean± SD age ranges of the study participants were 69. 13± 3. 68 years in the training group and 69. 20± 4. 31 in the control group. Eight weeks of aerobic training significantly reduced BMI from 27. 57 to 26. 90 kg/m2 (P=0. 001), and body fat percentage from 24. 31% to 21. 43% (P=0. 001) in the training group. In addition, lymphocyte ghrelin gene expression significantly increased from 16. 87% to 24. 92% in the aerobic training group. There was no significant changes in plasma ghrelin levels. Conclusion Aerobic training through increasing the lymphocyte ghrelin gene expression level and decreasing the values of BMI in middle-aged men, can prevent the incidence of obesity and overweight. It is reasonable to support the role of physical activity as a non-prescriptive therapy in regulating balance and effective peptide hormones in the prevalence of obesity. Therefore, aerobic exercises can be used as a preventive method for the reduction of obesity and the incidence of related diseases.

Objectives Oxidative stress has an important role in the pathogenesis of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and aging. The present study investigated the effects of 8 weeks of aerobic training on 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine and body composition in elderly women. Methods & Materials This was a quasi-experimental study. The study participants were selected by convenience sampling method. In total, 21 subjects with the age range of 60-70 years were assigned into 2 groups (experimental [n=11] and control [n=10]). The 8-week aerobic training program were demonstrated 3 sessions a week, for 45-60 minutes per session, with the intensity of 50% to 70% of maximum heart rate. The blood samples were obtained 24 hours after the intervention to measure the serum levels of 8-OHdG. For comparison of within and between group mean scores, Paired t test and Independent samples t test were used, respectively. Results Eight weeks aerobic training significantly reduced the weight, BMI and body fat percentage in elderly women. Moreover, the levels of serum 8-OHdG after an 8 weeks aerobic training significantly reduced. However, the levels of 8-OHdG urine reduced at the end of the training, but it was non-significant. There were significant differences between active and inactive elderly woman in terms of weight and serum 8-OHdG variables. Conclusion This study suggests that aerobic training decreases serum 8-OHdG. Regular aerobic physical activity with moderate intensity improves the body anti-oxidative capacity and can prevent the incidence of atherosclerosis disease.

Objectives In developed countries, daycare services have started to replace institutional care services since 3 decades ago, and played a major role in community-based care. The present study aimed to compare the daycare centers around the world and explore these centers in Iran. Methods & Materials The study was conducted using library research method on daycare centers in 2015. These centers were selected from the USA, the UK, China, Japan, Bahrain and Iran, using purposeful sampling method. Then, they were compared with each other. The data collection tool was a researcherdesigned checklist assessing the provided services before reviewing daycare centers and completed after the review. The researcher evaluated the online registered centers which provided daycare services to the elderly. Results Most of the elderly daycare centers in the USA are privately owned, while in countries like Bahrain and the UK, they are governmental centers. On the other hand, centers in the UK have integrated care systems that use charity and voluntary supports from NGOs as their financial resources. Financially, elderly care centers in Bahrain are completely dependent on the government. In Iran, the hybrid model is more frequently used with the private-public source of financing. Governmental organizations such as the Welfare Organization support these centers. One of the most important problems of these centers in Iran is their transportation system. Conclusion Because of the rapid aging process in Iran and transformation from a joint family to nuclear family, Iranian elderly are exposed to loneliness, isolation, and social exclusion. In this regard, community-based programs, such as daycare centers, by focusing on families and supporting them, seem appropriate programs to help prevent social isolation and exclusion of elderly people.