Elderly Health Journal

Dental Care Innovations for Geriatric Populations: Enhancing Quality of Life through Oral Health

2025-07-12T09:41:05+00:00

The Article Abstract is not available.

Relationships Between Neuroticism and Health Anxiety with Psychosomatic Disorders in the Elderly: Examining the Mediating Role of Rumination

2025-07-09T10:21:45+00:00

Introduction: The present study aimed to model the structural relationships between neuroticism and health anxiety with psychosomatic symptoms in the elderly with psychosomatic disorders, considering the mediating role of rumination.

Methods: This descriptive-correlational research was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population included elderly individuals visiting medical clinics in Khoy City, Iran. Due to the unavailability of accurate statistics on the elderly population, a convenience sampling method was employed. The sample consisted of 200 elderly individuals who had visited two clinics— Social Security Clinic and the Farhangian Clinic —due to somatic complaints. Data were collected using the Psychosomatic Symptoms Questionnaire, the Health Anxiety Inventory, the Rumination Scale, and the Neuroticism Scale. To investigate the direct and indirect effects among the research variables, Smart PLS software was used for analysis through SEM.

Results: Neuroticism (β = 0.31, t = 6.31) and health anxiety (β = 0.29, t = 5.91) directly predicted psychosomatic disorders in the elderly. Both also significantly predicted rumination (neuroticism β = 0.31, t = 8.70; health anxiety β = 0.59, t = 15.98), which in turn affected psychosomatic disorders (β = 0.37, t = 7.33). Rumination mediated the effects of neuroticism (indirect β = 0.11, t = 5.57) and health anxiety (indirect β = 0.22, t = 6.77). The model showed good fit (SRMR = 0.065, NFI = 0.910).

Conclusion: addressing the psychological aspects of elderly individuals, particularly neuroticism and health anxiety, can significantly improve their physical and mental well-being. Psychological interventions aimed at reducing rumination and enhancing health-related attitudes can effectively prevent and treat psychosomatic disorders. These findings underscore the importance of designing comprehensive intervention programs for the elderly, considering both their psychological and physical dimensions.

Elderly's Poverty in Interaction with Social Security Systems in Iran: A Grounded Theory Study in Tehran

2025-07-12T09:41:04+00:00

Introduction: Begging, as a deeply rooted social issue, has been experienced by human societies since ancient times. Over different historical periods, it has altered along the economic, social, and cultural conditions of its time, taking on various forms and dimensions. In recent years, with the significant increase in the elderly population in Iran, particularly in metropolitan Tehran, the phenomenon of begging among this age group has also witnessed a notable rise. Beyond its human and ethical dimensions, this issue has critical economic and social consequences that demand serious attention.

Methods: This study focuses on the economic dimensions of elderly begging in Tehran. Employing a grounded theory approach, the research aims to identify and explain the economic factors contributing to elderly begging. A theoretical and purposive sampling method was employed to collecte data from 16 elderly beggars via in-depth semi-structured interviews.

Results: The results led to 15 primary categories and one core category titled "Poverty and Distrust in Support Systems", which were thoroughly presented along with a paradigmatic model. According to the findings, economic damages resulting from blood money (diyah) and dowry payments, economic shocks caused by bereavement, lack of financial resources, deprivation of inheritance support, experiences of financial failure, and fraud have significantly weakened the economic capital of elderly beggars.

Conclusion: Economic insecurity among the elderly has led to their dependence on government and charitable support. However, due to inappropriate treatment and stringent conditions imposed by these institutions, some elderly are deprived of the aids they need. Consequently, begging has emerged as an adaptive behavior in response to unfavorable economic and social conditions.

Effect of Sleep Health Education on the Sleep Quality of Elderly Individuals with Diabetes

2025-07-12T09:41:03+00:00

Introduction: Sleep disorders significantly impact the daily functioning and overall well-being of elderly individuals. Given that non-pharmacological treatments generally yield more sustainable results than medications, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of sleep health education in improving the sleep quality of elderly individuals with diabetes attending a diabetes clinic in Gorgan, Iran.

Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in 2022. A total of 64 eligible elderly patients with diabetes who visited the Gorgan diabetes clinic were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The intervention group received a one-week sleep health education program. Data were collected using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, administered to both groups at baseline and again one and two months after the intervention. Chi-square and Friedman tests were used to analyze the data using SPSS 21, with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: At baseline, the total sleep quality score was 9.66 in the control group and 8.78 in the intervention group. A statistically significant difference in the total sleep quality score was observed only in the intervention group across the three assessment points (baseline, one month, and two months post-intervention) (p < 0.001). In the intervention group, all components of sleep quality, except for sleep adequacy and use of sleep medications, showed a statistically significant difference across the three stages (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Considering the demonstrated effectiveness of sleep health education on the sleep quality of elderly individuals with diabetes, it is recommended that healthcare personnel prioritize and integrate sleep health education for this population.

The Relationship of Life Experiences with Social Health in Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Positive Feelings Towards Spouse

2025-07-12T09:41:02+00:00

Introduction: As the elderly population grows, addressing the challenges of aging, including social health, becomes increasingly important. This study aimed to examine the relationship between life experiences, positive feelings toward a spouse, and social health in older adults.

Methods: This descriptive-correlational study involved 298 older adults referred to welfare centers in Tehran, Iran, in 2020. Participants completed the Social Well-Being Questionnaire, the Life Experience Survey, and the Positive Feelings Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with AMOS software.

Results: The results indicated a significant negative direct effect of life experiences on social health dimensions (social acceptance, integration, contribution, coherence, and cohesion) (p < 0.05). Additionally, positive feelings toward a spouse (kissing, cuddling, reduced loneliness, and touch) significantly mediated the relationship between life experiences and social health (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that older adults can enhance their social health by acquiring knowledge about life experiences and cultivating positive feelings toward their spouses. The implications of this research can inform interventions aimed at improving the social health of older adults.

The Effect of Physical Activity on Motor Memory in Older Adults: A Comparative Study of Active and Inactive Groups

2025-07-12T09:41:01+00:00

Introduction: Cognitive decline is a common consequence of aging, often affecting motor memory, which plays a critical role in performing daily activities. Impaired motor memory may reduce independence and quality of life among older adults. This study aimed to compare motor memory performance in physically active and inactive elderly individuals and to examine the potential role of physical activity in enhancing motor-related cognitive functions.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Sabzevar city, Iran, in 2022. A total of 110 elderly individuals aged over 60 years were selected using convenience sampling based on specific inclusion criteria. Participants were divided into two groups—active and inactive—according to their responses to the Sherki Standard Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data collection tools included the Edinburgh Handedness Questionnaire (to assess dominant hand), the Sherki Standard Physical Activity Questionnaire (to determine physical activity levels), the Linear Movement Device (LM-01) (to measure motor performance), and a Motor Memory Test, in which participants were asked to perform linear hand movements over short and long distances. The number of movement errors was recorded as an indicator of motor memory performance.

Results: The analysis revealed statistically significant differences in motor memory performance between the physically active and inactive elderly groups. Specifically, for the short-distance movement task, participants in the active group demonstrated significantly fewer errors than their inactive counterparts (Z = -6.129, p < 0.001). The long-distance movement task, the active elderly group again outperformed the inactive group, showing fewer errors (Z = -8.186, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The results suggest that regular physical activity is associated with improved motor memory performance in older adults. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating physical activity programs into geriatric care to help maintain cognitive and motor function, promote independence, and enhance overall quality of life in aging populations.

Factors Associated with Weight Loss in a National Longitudinal Study among Community-Dwelling Individuals 45 Years and Older in Thailand in 2015-2022

2025-07-12T09:40:59+00:00

Introduction: : Only a small number of research has evaluated the determinants of weight loss among ageing adults in poorly resourced countries. Thus, using longitudinal and nationally representative community-dwelling data from 2015 to 2022 in Thailand, also stratified by sex, this study sought to examine the factors associated with weight loss among those 45 and older.

Methods: Four waves of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Thailand (HART) investigations were analyzed in 2015, 2017, 2020, and 2022 (analytical baseline sample N=2775). Weight loss (>5kg in the past 12 months) was assessed by self-report. The time-variant factors and outcomes were evaluated using conditional fixed-effects logistic regression.

Results: Regressions found that increasing age (AOR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03-1.07, p < 0.001), transitioning to not working (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.10-1.96, p = 0.009), decreasing economic status (AOR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89-0.99, p = 0.035), an increase in hospitalisation (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.22-2.04, p < 0.001), an increase in multimorbidity (AOR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.01-2.00, p = 0.043), an increase in functional disability (AOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.28-1.81, p < 0.001), an increase in wearing dentures (AOR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.07-2.58, p = 0.025), increasing depressive symptoms (AOR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02-1.10, p < 0.001), and increasing social participation (AOR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.01-1.71, p = 0.041) were significantly associated with weight loss. In addition, among men, transitioning to living alone (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.23-3.66, p = 0.009) was associated with increased weight loss.

Conclusion: This long-term study improves our knowledge of the factors that contribute to weight loss in people 45 years of age and older. We found that health and psychosocial factors were associated with weight loss. The early detection and management of these identified associated factors may be important for preventing weight loss, especially among underweight older adults in Thailand.

Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Thai Internalized Stigma Scale among Elderly Nursing Home Residents

2025-07-12T09:40:58+00:00

Introduction: The Thai version of the Internalized Stigma of Living in a Care Home Scale (TIS-LCH) was developed to assess internalized stigma among older adults. This study aimed to validate the Persian translation of the TIS-LCH for use among elderly residents in Iranian nursing homes.

Methods: A forward–backward translation process was conducted to ensure the accuracy of the English-to-Persian adaptation. A total of 260 elderly individuals from nursing homes in Tabriz, Iran, were selected via convenience sampling in 2024. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. Content validity was evaluated by a panel of ten multidisciplinary experts. Face validity was examined both qualitatively and quantitatively by ten literate elderly individuals. Construct validity was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Discriminant validity was evaluated through known group comparisons (men vs. women) using independent t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: The scale demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.94), with acceptable content validity (CVI = 0.95; CVR = 0.91). Five items were revised based on qualitative face validity, and all items surpassed the impact score threshold (> 1.5) in the quantitative assessment. CFA results supported a 21-item version of the scale after removing five items with low factor loadings. Model fit indices were acceptable (CMIN/df = 2.81, GFI = 0.85, CFI = 0.82, RMSEA = 0.084). Discriminant validity indicated higher internalized stigma scores in women (mean difference = 2.60).

Conclusion: The Persian version of the TIS-LCH is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring internalized stigma among elderly individuals in nursing homes. While the scale shows promising psychometric properties, further validation across different populations and settings is recommended to ensure its broader applicability and cultural relevance

The Role of Nutrition in Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Elderly Patients

2025-07-12T09:40:57+00:00

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects older adults, leading to joint inflammation and systemic complications. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of dietary interventions in managing this disease. Existing literatures indicate a significant prevalence of malnutrition within this population, which is often exacerbated by factors such as sarcopenia, frailty, and comorbidities. This review discusses the anti-inflammatory effects of specific diets, notably the Mediterranean and plant-based dietary patterns, which are rich in monounsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. These diets have shown promise in reducing inflammation and improving joint function. However, barriers such as food insecurity and limited nutritional knowledge complicate their implementation. Emerging strategies, including personalized nutrition on the basis of individual health profiles, offer potential pathways for enhancing RA management. Addressing these nutritional barriers and improving assessment tools are essential for integrating effective dietary strategies into comprehensive care plans for older adults with RA. Future research should focus on tailored interventions that consider the unique needs of this population.