In older adults with disabilities, muscle weakness reduces mobility and causes postural issues. Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) training is effective for increasing strength by inducing involuntary skeletal muscle contractions. Thus, this study aimed to examine changes in lumbar movement, muscle activity during walking, and maximum muscle strength of lower-limb joints based on an 8-week EMS exercise program for older adults with physical disabilities. Sixteen older adults (aged 56–78 years) with physical disabilities were selected and randomly assigned to either the exercise group (EG, n = 8) or the control group (CG, n = 8). EG participants were instructed to wear EMS suits and participate in an elastic band and bare-body exercise program, whereas CG participants performed the exercise program without the EMS suits. Lumbar range of motion (ROM), body circumference, partial volume, maximum muscle strength, and muscle activity were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 28.0 for Windows, with the critical value of α = 0.05. Compared to CG participants, EG participants had a superior ROM, body volume, partial volume, maximum muscle strength (knee joints), and muscle activity while walking. These positive outcomes highlight the efficacy of combining EMS with an exercise program for strength and rehabilitation training in older adults with physical disabilities.
Art studies and activities for older adults have received significantly less attention as a result of prohibitively expensive materials that are unfit for commercial use, and research utilizing digital technology to investigate artistic activities for older adults is extremely limited. The purpose of this article is to analyze and review recent research in these fields to summarize the current trends. The literature review comprised 108 articles from databases that included Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The papers were subjected to a thorough examination by the VOSviewer program and researchers, who utilized content analysis to classify them into four themes: 1) inclusive design; 2) accessibility; 3) digital art therapy and 4) digital technology environments. Further investigation and development are necessary to propose a novel approach to instructing senior-level art utilizing cutting-edge technologies, which could be enhanced by the findings of this review article.
The proportion of elderly people is growing steadily in many countries, and this trend is expected to continue. As a result, ageism—negative discrimination often tied to perceptions of the elderly—becomes especially harmful. Ageism prevents older generations from being fully accepted by society and, in turn, hinders their ability to adapt to today’s technological changes. In this article, we present the results of our survey mapping the extent of ageism among youth in Uzbekistan, known for its cultural tolerance in Central Asia, and in Hungary, a more individualistic society in Central Europe. To interpret the survey results accurately, we included specific questions to measure social desirability bias, enabling a realistic comparison of ageism levels between the two countries. Data was collected through a survey translated into multiple languages, with a final sample of nearly 400 respondents, each either currently pursuing or already holding a college-level diploma. Our methodological approach was twofold. First, we conducted simple chi-square tests to compare levels of negative and positive ageism between the two countries under study. Upon finding significant differences, we used multivariable OLS regression to explain the variance in types of ageism in Uzbekistan and Hungary, accounting for the possible effects of social desirability bias. Uzbek youth demonstrated higher levels of positive ageism and lower levels of negative ageism compared to Hungarian youth. This finding confirms that the cultural tolerance in Uzbek society remains strong and, in many ways, could serve as a model for Hungary. Additionally, our literature review highlights that adequate infrastructure is essential for a society to treat older adults equitably alongside other citizens.
The effectiveness of frailty intervention programs for older adults in Korean communities has been inconsistent, posing challenges for public health nurses (PHNs). This study aims to develop an evidence-based intervention using the Intervention Mapping (IM) Protocol. The program followed the IM Protocol’s six steps, which provide a systematic method for developing and implementing theory-based health promotion programs. In Step 1, the needs of the subjects were identified through systematic review and interviews. In Step 3, the theme of the program was established as ‘health promotion for frail older adults’, and the components and scope were confirmed. The contents of the program included concepts of social support and social networks. In Step 4, after conducting a pilot test, the results were reflected and modifications were made. In Step 6, the evaluation tool was revised, and an effective evaluation plan was established. The final program was designed based on the program and interview results. The pilot test in Step 4 involved a one-group pretest-posttest and focus group interview with 15 pre-frail older adults. The IM Protocol-based health promotion program effectively addressed the needs of the subjects and improved frailty issues.
A The meaning of life is the purpose that defines a person’s existence based on a set of fundamental objectives that give meaning to life or not. Furthermore, not all individuals have a meaning in life, and it may be absent at some point or stage of life. Objective: To analyze Peruvian older adults’ socioeconomic factors and the meaning of life. Method: A descriptive, comparative, quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted. One thousand older adults were intentionally selected through quotas of 100 older adults in 10 localities in Arequipa, Peru. They were administered a survey validated with high levels of reliability on the meaning of life and socioeconomic factors. Results: A moderate level of meaning in life was found. Most older adults believe that increasing age decreases the purpose of living, and existential emptiness grows. Conclusions: Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between the meaning of life and the following socioeconomic factors: retirement, religion, educational level, cohabitation, marital status, income, and occupation. It is understood that older adults who scored higher on these factors indicate having meaning in life because they still fulfill the role of providers for the family economy, being util to their families compared to the majority who scored low, which indicates an absence of meaning of life leading to an increase existential void.
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