Elderly Health Journal

The Effect of Baduanjin Qigong on Impact of Disease and Sleep Quality in Elderly Fibromyalgia Patients

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 10:46:11 +0000

Introduction: Fibromyalgia is marked by widespread chronic pain, fatigue, and disrupted sleep, significantly impacting quality of life. This study aimed to explore the effect of Baduanjin Qigong (BQ) on impact of the disease and quality of sleep in elderly patients with fibromyalgia.

Methods: The study employed a semi-experimental design. A total of thirty-four elderly female patients with fibromyalgia were recruited through convenience sampling and allocated into two intervention groups: BQ group (n = 17) and a walking group (n = 17). The BQ protocol was conducted for 12 weeks, with sessions held three times a week. The walking group participated in a 12 week fitness walking program. Impact of the disease and quality of sleep were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks using The Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data were analyzed using paired t-test and independent t-test.

Results: The significant improvements were observed in PSQI total (t (16) = 3.65, p = 0.002), FIQR (t (16) = 3.76, p = 0.002), FIQR function (t (16) = 2.16, p = 0.04), FIQR symptoms (t (16) = 2.957, p = 0.009) in BQ group. There was a significant difference between the average post-test data of the walking group and BQ group in daytime dysfunction, with the BQ group performing better than the walking group (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion: BQ significantly improves fibromyalgia impact and sleep quality in elderly patients and reduces daytime dysfunction more effectively than walking. However, it is not superior to walking in other aspects of disease impact and sleep quality enhancement.

Effects of Self-Care Education on Self-Neglect Among Older Adults

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 10:46:20 +0000

Introduction: Self-neglect, a form of abuse, significantly impacts the physical, mental, and social health of older adults, leading to a diminished quality of life and, in severe cases, death. For older adults experiencing self-neglect, attention to self-care is crucial for preventing or managing health issues. This study aimed to investigate the effect of self-care education on self-neglect among older adults.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2021 with 100 eligible individuals selected from older adults receiving services at comprehensive health service centers in Qazvin, Iran. Participants were chosen using a non-randomized method and were divided into two groups: the self-care education group and the control group. The intervention comprised six outdoor sessions lasting 45-60 minutes each, held twice weekly at a health center. These sessions addressed five dimensions of self-care for older adults, which were validated by experts. Participants in the control group received only routine care. Post-tests were administered six weeks later.

Results: Before the intervention, the mean self-neglect scores were 1.345 ± 0.89 in the control group and 1.453 ± 0.43 in the self-care education group (p = 0.034). After the intervention, mean scores improved significantly to -0.760 ± 0.43 in the self-care education group and -7.056 ± 2.31 in the control group (p = 0.001).

Conclusion: Self-care education addressing various dimensions—physical, psychological-emotional, social, and spiritual—can serve as an effective, accessible, and cost-effective strategy for preventing and reducing self-neglect among older adults in care centers and hospitals. Future studies should consider larger populations and diverse cultural contexts to develop comprehensive clinical guidelines for preventing self-neglect

The Effect of Music on the Happiness of Turkmen Elderly Turkman in Day Care Centers

Zahra Sabzi , Razieh Saffar , Fatemeh Mehravar , Hamideh Mancheri — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 10:46:30 +0000

Introduction: Happiness is essential for all age groups, particularly the elderly. This study aimed to investigate the impact of music on the happiness levels of elderly Turkman individuals residing in Day Care Centers in Bandar Turkman and Gomishan cities, Golestan province, Iran, in 2023.

Methods: A quasi-experimental, before-and-after design was employed, involving 74 elderly participants from two day care centers in Golestan province. Of the total elderly population in day care centers in Bandar Turkman and Gomishan cities (95 people), 37 people from Bandar Turkman (intervention group) and 37 people from Gomishan (control group) were selected and entered into the study based on the inclusion criteria using convenience sampling. Group matching was conducted based on gender. Happiness was assessed using the Oxford Happiness Inventory at the beginning and end of the intervention for both groups. The intervention consisted of 12 group music therapy sessions, each lasting 45-50 minutes, three times a week, involving the playing of happy Turkman music. Data analysis were performed using SPSS version 26, including Chi-square, Pearson correlation, and independent t-tests.

Results: The mean happiness score post-intervention was significantly higher in the intervention group (70.51 ± 8.17) compared to the control group (28.43 ± 6.93) (p < 0.05). Additionally, a significant increase in mean happiness scores was observed within the intervention group before and after the intervention (p < 0.05). The impact of music intervention on happiness varied based on factors such as marital status (p < 0.05), employment status (p < 0.05), education level (p < 0.05), and gender (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Given the positive influence of music on the happiness of elderly individuals, music therapy can be a valuable tool to enhance their mental health. To promote active and joyful aging, it is recommended that elderly care center administrators incorporate authorized and local music into their programs.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Gender Differences in Elderly People: a Cross-Sectional Study

Pegah Bahrami , Ehsan Mosa Farkhani , Sima Nourbakhsh , Maryam Sarkhosh — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 10:46:39 +0000

Introduction: As the population is aging, concerns are raised regarding the quality of life of elderly people. Men and women tend to experience aging differently due to socioeconomic differences. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the state of health-related quality of life and its gender-related discrepancies in the elderly population in Mashhad, Iran.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 elderly population in Mashhad, Iran. Following a multi-staged stratified sampling, participants were selected, and in order to complete the questionaries interviewed at their homes or the Health Center according to the participants’ priorities using the RAND 36-Item Health Survey (RAND-36). The survey consists of 8 scales of physical functioning (PF), role limitations caused by physical health problems (RP), role limitations caused by emotional problems (RE), social functioning (SF), emotional well-being (EW), energy/fatigue (EF), pain (P), and general health (GH). Data were analyzed using Chi-Square test.

Results: Men exhibited significantly higher scores on PF (71.38 ( ± 24.13) vs 57.63 ( ± 24.75), p =0.00), SF (74.22 ( ± 17.99) vs 67.27 ( ± 18.61), p =0.01), and p (77.38 ( ± 23.76) vs 64.79 ( ± 27.77), p =0.00) dimensions compared to women. Post-hoc analyses revealed that the main factors influencing the differences were variations between ages (60-65) with (70-75) and over 80 regarding PF, ages (60-65) with over 80 in RP, and finally, the difference attributed to ages (60-65) with (65-70) in GH. The comparison between the states of employment revealed that the employed individuals ranked higher in all dimensions except pain.

Conclusion: This study provides an overall description of the state of the health-related quality of life of the elderly in Mashhad underscoring the differences that genders exhibit in each dimension which calls for a broader gender-based assessment of quality of life in this population in Mashhad and Iran.

Comparing Personality Traits and Resilience Among Treatment-Seeking and Treatment-avoidant Elderly with Health Anxiety Disorder

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 10:46:48 +0000

Introduction: Treatment-seeking behaviors in elderly patients can facilitate timely diagnosis and effective intervention for health issues, whereas treatment-avoidant behaviors may contribute to the progression of diseases and an increased burden of chronic conditions. Understanding the psychological factors influencing these behaviors is crucial for improving health outcomes in this population. This study aimed to compare personality traits and resilience among elderly patients with health anxiety who exhibit treatment-seeking versus treatment-avoidant behaviors.

Methods: This fundamental research employed a causal-comparative design. The statistical population consisted of elderly patients with health anxiety who referred to Healthcare Centers in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran, in 2023. A sample of 60 patients was selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Salkowski Health Anxiety Inventory. Hypotheses were tested using MANOVA.

Results: Significant differences were observed between treatment-seeking and treatment-avoidant patients in terms of personality traits and resilience (F (2, 57) = 11.28, p < 0.05). The findings highlighted that individuals with certain personality traits and higher levels of resilience were more inclined to seek treatment.

Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of considering personality traits and resilience as key factors when developing strategies for encouraging appropriate healthcare-seeking behaviors among elderly patients with health anxiety. Understanding these factors can inform tailored interventions to reduce treatment avoidance and improve overall health management.

Comparison of the Effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy on Mental Vitality in Caregivers of Elderly Parents

Zahra Noorali , Reza Khakpour , Pante'a Jahangir — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 10:46:57 +0000

Introduction: Caregiving burden for older adults can impose significant physical and emotional demands, leading to a reduction in mental vitality among caregiver children. Effective psychological interventions are crucial to enhance their well-being.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study included two psychological interventions: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), with baseline, post-test, and follow-up phases, along with a control group for comparison. The research population comprised female caregivers who accompanied their older adults to health centers in Tehran. From a total of 169 individuals, 45 participants were selected through convenience sampling and were randomly assigned to three groups of 15 participants each, forming two experimental groups and one control group. Data were collected using the Ryan and Frederick Mental Vitality Questionnaire, and multivariate covariance analysis was applied for data analysis to assess the effectiveness of the interventions.

Results: The analysis showed that both ACT and EFT interventions significantly improved the mental vitality of caregiver children in the post-test and follow-up stages compared to the control group (p = 0.001). Additionally, EFT demonstrated a greater impact on enhancing mental vitality compared to ACT.

Conclusion: Emotion-focused interventions, such as EFT, can be considered a more effective approach for improving the mental vitality of caregiver children of older adults. This highlights the importance of incorporating tailored emotional support strategies in caregiver assistance programs.

The Effects of Multimodal Exercise Program on Functional Capacity and Quality of Life in Elderly Patients with Parkinson's Disease

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 10:47:08 +0000

Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative neurological illness characterized by various motor and non-motor symptoms that can lead to varying degrees of functional impairment. This study aims to investigate the effects of a multimodal exercise program (MEP) on functional capacity and quality of life in elderly patients with PD.

Methods: Thirty elderly patients with PD were randomly divided into two equal groups of MEP and control, with no significant differences in age, weight, and height. The variables of Functional Factors and Quality of Life were assessed in pre- and post-tests. MEP was performed five days a week for twelve weeks. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA at a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: The study observed significant differences in quality of life, static balance, dynamic balance, wrist strength, and walking performance between the two groups of PD patients (p <0.001). The mean scores of quality of life, static balance, dynamic balance, and wrist strength in the MEP group were significantly higher compared to the control group (p <0.001). Additionally, after the intervention, the walking speed in the MEP group showed a significant improvement, with a lower completion time compared to the control group (p <0.001).

Conclusion: MEP can be used as a useful and effective method to improve quality of life, static balance, dynamic balance, wrist strength and walking performance of PD patients. Therefore, MEP (resistance, aerobic, and balance) is recommended as the most effective complementary therapeutic strategy for PD.

A Comparative Study of the Effects of Aerobic and Resistance Training on Physical and Cognitive Health in Older Adults

Alireza Babaei Mazreno , Farzaneh Taghian — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

As the global population ages, maintaining health and functionality in older adults has become a key public health priority. Exercise is widely recognized as a powerful intervention to enhance physical and mental health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and improve the quality of life in older adults. Among the various types of physical activity, aerobic and resistance exercises are two of the most frequently recommended for elderly populations. This article provides a detailed comparison of these two forms of exercise, examining their effects on cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal integrity, cognitive function, metabolic health, psychological well-being, and overall quality of life in older adults.